17 Places Like Bali You Didn’t Know About !

If you love Bali’s relaxed vibes, digital nomad culture, stunning nature, and adventure activities, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many other places like Bali around the world. 

Bali is a dream travel destination for many, but getting to this tropical island can be too expensive, and you may want Bali vibes closer to home.

I visited Bali in the high season when the weather was great. However, like many other tropical destinations, Bali has a rainy monsoon season that runs during most people’s winter holidays.

Here are the best Bali alternatives, with the same energy, digital nomad vibes, stunning nature, and endless activities!

Places Like Bali In Asia

1. Lombok, Indonesia

Starting with another destination in Indonesia, we have Lombok. This tropical island is often called Bali’s quieter cousin, as it is less-visited and retains more local vibes.

Lombok has sandy beaches, great surf spots, and a more relaxed vibe than Bali. In fact, some say that Lombok is what Bali was 15 years ago.

Like Bali, it attracts digital nomads and adventure seekers but with fewer tourists. 

Lombok is a great base to explore the neighboring Gili Islands, including Gili Air – one of my favorite places in Indonesia, hike Mount Rinjani, or enjoy the world-class waves at Kuta Lombok.

2. Koh Phangan, Thailand

I didn’t know what to expect when I first visited Koh Phangan. I knew it was famous for its Full Moon Party, and I was surprised to learn it is so much more!

Koh Phangan offers yoga retreats, lush jungle landscapes, and stunning beaches, much like Ubud and Uluwatu. 

It’s a haven for digital nomads looking for a tranquil yet social environment. Haad Yuan and Bottle Beach are must-visits for white sand beaches and clear waters.

The island is surprisingly big, and it is easy to avoid the crowds. 

I visited after the Full Moon party, and it was actually quite calm! If I didn’t know it was a party island, I would never have guessed!

3. Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is a paradise for divers and beach lovers. Its laid-back atmosphere is similar to that of the North of Bali and Gili Islands. 

The island is best known as the place to get your diving certificate, so many diving schools and travelers come to the island to learn to dive.

Funnily enough, I never tried diving, even though I visited Koh Tao several times!

It also offers fantastic snorkeling, affordable living, and a small expat community. I joined several yoga classes while on the island and spent evenings enjoying the sunset at Sairee Beach.

One downside of Koh Tao is there is no Grab, and the best way to get around the island is by scooter. I tried walking everywhere, but the island was bigger than it seemed!

4. Koh Rong, Cambodia

Moving on to Cambodia, if you’re looking for places like Bali but cheaper and less developed, Koh Rong is the place for you. 

Cambodia might not be known for its islands, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as beautiful as Thai islands!

Koh Rong has white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back beach shack scene popular among Cambodia backpackers. 

It’s also a great spot for diving, bioluminescent plankton tours, and jungle trekking.

5. Pai, Thailand

If you like the vibes of Ubud, you’ll love Pai in Northern Thailand! It is one of my favorite places in Thailand, and I spent a week there without even noticing how quickly time passed!

Pai has a Ubud-like charm with its spiritual retreats, yoga centers, and artistic community. 

There are also so many things to explore around the city like hot springs, waterfalls, and the stunning Pai Canyon, making it a dream for nature lovers. 

The relaxed café culture also makes it ideal for remote workers and it’s one of the most popular hubs for those backpacking Southeast Asia.

6. Sri Lanka

I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard that Sri Lanka is ‘the new Bali’!

Sri Lanka offers Bali’s mix of surfing, nature, and cultural richness. It is also a popular yoga destination, with yoga schools throughout the island.

Hiriketiya Beach and Arugam Bay are top surfing destinations, while Ella and Kandy offer lush landscapes reminiscent of Ubud. 

With a growing digital nomad community and an affordable cost of living, it’s a fantastic alternative to Bali.

7. Philippines

The Philippines offers countless Bali-like islands, so I can’t even pick just one to suggest to you!

From Siargao’s surf scene to Palawan’s idyllic beaches, you’re in for a treat!

Siargao, in particular, has a laid-back surfer vibe with coworking spaces and beachside cafes. El Nido and Coron boast stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons.

8. Goa, India

Goa has been a haven for spiritual seekers and beach lovers for decades. 

It combines a bohemian vibe with beautiful beaches, yoga retreats, and vibrant nightlife—similar to Canggu or Uluwatu. 

Of course, as yoga originated in India, it is a fantastic destination for those who prefer a more spiritual vibe.

North Goa is more party-centric, while South Goa is peaceful and serene.

Places Like Bali In Europe

9. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is also known as the Hawaii of Europe, but I’d say it’s also a very good Bali alternative!

This remote island might not be on most people’s Portugal itinerary, but it makes for a fantastic stand-alone destination. 

It offers lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, and warm weather year-round. It’s great for digital nomads, with a growing remote work community. 

Like Bali, it’s perfect for surfing, hiking, and breathtaking sunsets.

10. Ibiza, Spain

I was surprised to learn that the Spanish island of Ibiza isn’t just about partying!

The island has a big reputation as one of the best party destinations in Europe, yet it also has a strong wellness and yoga culture.

Ibiza has stunning beaches, charming villages to explore, and a creative community—similar to Bali’s blend of relaxation and adventures.

The island’s laid-back north side is perfect for nature lovers and digital nomads.

11. Paros, Greece

Island hopping the Cyclades is a dream summer holiday, and some of the islands have a similar vibe to Bali!

For example, Paros offers white-washed villages, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere similar to Bali’s island charm. 

While you can’t surf in Paros, the island has excellent windsurfing spots, stunning beaches, and a lively yet low-key nightlife scene.

12. Tenerife, Spain

I spent a week living and working in Tenerife as a digital nomad, and I must say that it almost felt like being in Bali but more modernized and without much spirituality.

Tenerife’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic mountains to golden sand beaches, make it a great alternative to Bali. 

Unlike Bali, the best way to get around Tenerife is by renting a car, and the roads are surprisingly good!

With an increasing digital nomad presence, the island offers fantastic surfing, hiking, and a warm climate all year long.

Places Like Bali In America

13. Hawaii, USA

When it comes to places like Bali in the USA, I must warn you—they aren’t cheap! 

Hawaii, especially Maui and Oahu, offers Bali’s combination of stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and a laid-back lifestyle. 

It’s a paradise for outdoor lovers with breathtaking waterfalls, lush jungles, and vibrant cultural traditions.

14. Costa Rica

While the entire region of Central America has Bali’s tropical climate, Costa Rica has the strongest “Bali vibes”.

Costa Rica’s beach towns like Santa Teresa and Nosara have a great surf culture, yoga retreats, and an eco-conscious lifestyle. 

You’ll never run out of things to do, with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife making it a dream destination for adventure seekers.

Costa Rica is not a cheap alternative to Bali, but it is certainly worth the trip.

Places Like Bali In Africa

15. Dahab, Egypt

Now, before I tell you why Dahab is similar to Bali, I have to clarify that it’s not because of the landscapes.

This Egyptian surf town is an underrated gem with a mix of bohemian vibes, diving culture, and desert landscapes.

Like Bali, it attracts digital nomads, adventure travelers, and spiritual seekers. It is a place where people come for a week and stay for a month (if they don’t have to go back to the office, that is!).

The Blue Hole is a world-famous dive site, and the relaxed cafés along the waterfront make it perfect for slow living.

16. Mauritius 

The island of Mauritius has Bali’s tropical beauty, with turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, and a multicultural vibe. 

Just like Bali, Mauritius is a popular honeymoon destination, with a romantic beach atmosphere and couples activities.

It’s also a popular choice for surfers, and nature lovers. Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earths, Le Morne Mountain, and stunning waterfalls are must-sees.

17. Réunion 

Another hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, Réunion Island offers a stunning mix of volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. 

Like Bali, it attracts surfers, hikers, and adventure lovers. The island’s diverse culture, influenced by French, African, and Indian heritage, adds to its charm. 

Don’t miss hiking the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, exploring the breathtaking Cirque de Mafate, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Saint-Gilles.

Final Thoughts: Places Like Bali To Visit

Bali is a one-of-a-kind destination, but if you can’t make it there—or simply want to explore more places with a similar vibe—there are plenty of incredible alternatives to Bali around the world. 

No matter where you are, you can find destinations that offer Bali’s unique mix of adventure, culture, and laid-back energy.