Aussie mum loves Bali so much she has visited more than 30 times

An Aussie woman loves Bali so much she has visited the hotspot more than 30 times – and she’s not alone in her love for the destination as demand increases.

An Aussie woman loves Bali so much she has visited the hotspot more than 30 times in 20 years.

Sarah Neal, a mother-of-two from Darwin, vividly remembers her first time to the popular Indonesian island. She was 17 and her local community had raised funds for her family to visit after learning her mother was terminally ill with cancer.

“It holds a special place in my heart – and ever since then I have continued to go with my own family,” Ms Neal, 40, told news.com.au.

“The proximity from Darwin is an amazing drawcard. The local people, food and culture keep us going back.

“We have made amazing Balinese friends over the years through accommodation and visiting our favourite restaurants.”

Sarah Neal, 40, from Darwin, loves Bali so much she has been more than 30 times.

She and her husband David, 39, along with their two girls aged 12 and nine, made three trips in the last year alone amounting to roughly $25,000 including flights, accommodation and spending money.

“I spent a bit more money in October as I had my 40th [birthday] party and stayed in a very flash villa with my friends and family,” Ms Neal said.

Admittedly, she said she has had some “horror stories”, but it has never deterred her from returning to the island.

“Do your research, especially post-Covid. Unfortunately, accommodation is not always as it is pictured online,” she warned.

“Read reviews, speak to people who travel there for recommendations of tours and restaurants. “Word of mouth is our go-to.”

Sarah Neal with her husband David, 39, and their two daughters aged 12 and nine, in Bali.

She said when travelling with younger kids, use a local baby hire for items if you can.

“It has saved us travelling with prams, highchairs, and pool toys over the years. They can be delivered to accommodation ready for arrival. And definitely get travel insurance,” she said.

They love it so much they made three trips in one year alone.

For Ms Neal, one of the best parts is its proximity to Darwin – just a 2.5 hour flight. She usually travel with Jetstar, adding “you get what you pay for”.

“We have been doing beautiful morning time flights, leaving Darwin around 7.30am and getting there in the morning ready to start our day.”

The family tend to stay in Seminyak, the beachside town of Kuta, which she said isn’t as populated with tourists compared to Canggu on the south coast.

In the last year alone the family has spent roughly $25,000 on trips to Bali.

“It’s a pivot to the beach and surrounded by good coffee shops and great cafes.”

Given Bali has always been a go-to destination among Aussies, Jetstar predicts it will be even more popular this year, forecasting a 10 per cent increase in demand compared to its pre-Covid record levels.

“A lot has changed in the last 12 months, but one thing that hasn’t is Australians’ love of Bali and Jetstar’s commitment to offering great value low fares,” Jetstar Group CEO Steph Tully said.

Demand for Bali continues to grow with Jetstar forecasting a 10 per cent increase in demand compared to its pre-Covid record levels. Picture: iStock

“Demand for our flights to Bali is booming and we’re on track to carry 10 per cent more passengers between Australia and Bali in 2023 compared to 2019, as customers continue to prioritise travel post-Covid.

“This is great news for our customers, and also, importantly, for local tourism and hospitality businesses in Bali which were heavily impacted during the pandemic.”

Sarah’s husband David also plays in the Bali Masters.

According to new figures from online travel agency, Webjet.com.au, Bali is the most popular international destination for Easter travel.

It has accounted for almost one in every seven international trips (13.9 per cent) booked this year for travel in April 2023, in comparison to 2022 where it placed 8th on the list.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Tourism Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said strong demand has helped the local tourism industry rebound quickly.

“The demand to Indonesia has been rising rapidly, and we are working with airline partners, such as Jetstar, to increase their route and seat capacity at least to pre-pandemic levels,” Ms Marthini said.

Strong demand for Bali, combined with Jetstar’s $99 fares in the past year, has seen the island reclaim its crown as the airline’s most popular international destination.

Bali is also the most popular international destination for Easter travel this year, according to Webjet.com.au. Picture: iStock

Meanwhile, though most Aussies tend to be on their best behaviour in Bali, some continue to flout rules which has prompted a proposed crackdown on how tourists behave.

They’re also looking at a possible ban on foreigners from riding motorbikes after a spate of recent accidents.

Flight sale to Bali

In celebration of Jetstar’s one-year anniversary since resuming flights to Bali, it has launched sale fares to the destination starting from $135 one way, departing from Darwin.

The Air-mazing sale also includes $145 one-way fares from Perth and $209 one-way fares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Club Jetstar members can access the sale from midday Thursday, March 16 before it opens to the public at midday on, Friday, March 17. It ends at 11.59pm AEDT on March 23 unless sold out prior.