I’ve been planning my Bali trip for months now, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, YouTube, and travel blogs, saving cafés, beaches, and villas like everyone else does. Bali is one of those places where even the “standard” spots look unreal, so I thought I had a pretty solid plan. Beach clubs, sunrise hikes, temples, and of course the classic tours that everyone books. But the more I researched, the more I felt something was missing. I didn’t just want a beautiful trip — I wanted a story I could tell.
That’s when I stumbled upon a short video late at night. It wasn’t flashy. No drone shots, no luxury hotel, no influencer posing in a flowing dress. It was just a massive tree, standing quietly in the middle of nature. The scale of it didn’t even look real. I replayed the video over and over, trying to figure out where it was, because I had never seen it mentioned in any bali tour guide before. That alone made my heart race.
Most people think a bali tour is all about convenience. You get picked up, you visit three or four famous spots, take photos, eat lunch, and go back to your hotel. There’s nothing wrong with that — especially if it’s your first time. But when you’re like me, someone who loves finding places that make you feel small in the best way, those hidden spots are everything. This tree felt like one of those places that locals know, but tourists usually pass by without noticing.
As I started digging deeper, I realized this tree isn’t advertised because it doesn’t fit neatly into a package. It’s not next to a souvenir shop, and there’s no big sign saying “Instagram spot.” You have to want to go there. You have to be curious. And honestly, that’s what made it even more special. In the middle of planning cafés and beaches, I added this to my list right alongside a regular bali tour, because I wanted both sides of Bali — the famous and the forgotten.
What I love about Bali is that it rewards curiosity. Yes, the island is famous, but it’s also deeply spiritual and quietly powerful. Standing in front of a huge, ancient tree that’s been there long before tourism existed feels completely different from standing in line for a photo spot. I can already imagine the sound — wind in the leaves, distant birds, no music, no crowd. Just nature doing its thing.
As an influencer, I think it’s important to show not just the polished version of travel, but the moments that actually move you. Anyone can post a beach sunset. But finding a place like this, planning a route to get there, and feeling that sense of discovery — that’s what makes a trip unforgettable. This tree has completely changed how I’m approaching my Bali itinerary. It reminded me that travel isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about connection.
So yes, I’ll still enjoy the beaches, the food, and the classic spots. But somewhere between those plans, I’ll be standing in front of a mysterious, huge tree that most people don’t even know exists. And honestly, that moment alone already makes this Bali trip feel special, even before I’ve packed my bags.