Bali is making no idle boast when it calls itself the jewel of Indonesia – it’s one of the most popular resort destinations in the world.

A recent survey of tourism throughout Indonesia found that a whopping 80% of Indonesian tourists visit Bali and Bali alone!

For those of you who prefer a vacation with a more relaxed pace, here’s some tips on getting the most out of your Bali experience:

• July and August are the peak of tourist season. Pick any other month and enjoy fewer crowds as well as huge discounts for the off-season.
• Stay at a Bali luxury villa instead of a hotel. Hotels tend to charge jacked-up rates compared to what you get, and are naturally more crowded too.
• Avoid major holidays for any major country. Christmas and New Year’s bring crowds. School holiday weeks in April, June, and September draw large amounts of Australian visitors.
• Aim for a quieter destination. Candidasa, Sanur, Amed, and Nusa Dua all tend to be quiet coastal towns that cater to the older travelers. Slower pace and more casual atmosphere.