First Impressions of Bali: Touched by Incense and Fire

The air was thick, hot, and heavy with incense and engine smoke. Still, something about it felt calm beneath the chaos. I had just arrived, and Kuta was my first stop — while most people rush north.
I chose to stay. And I’m glad I did.

From the start, Bali’s sacred presence was impossible to miss.

On my first walk, I kept stopping—not for selfies, but for shrines. Temples popped up between shops and motorbikes. Some looked ancient. Others were small and hidden. Almost everywhere, they had offerings—bright flowers, crackers, and curling incense smoke. They are called canang sari, and are deeply woven into Balinese life.

Even in the noise, the spirit of Bali stood strong.

My First Balinese Feast

Soon enough, food became the focus.

I started with Cumi Suna Cekuh — squid cooked with chili, garlic, and torch ginger. It was tender and spicy, with a deep, earthy flavor. Then I tried Sate Lilit, a kind of fish satay wrapped around lemongrass sticks. It was smoky, citrusy, and full of umami. These two dishes will definitely make my list in the upcoming post, Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Bali.

With each dish, I felt more drawn in.

Tastes Beyond Bali

Naturally, I was curious about flavors from other islands too.

I found an East Javanese Nasi Campur — rice surrounded by sweet tempeh, spicy sambal, and crisp vegetables. After that, I discovered Nasi Padang, now my favorite. Beef rendang, jackfruit curry, and a green chili sambal that made my eyes water in the best way.

Without a doubt, this was comfort food with power.

As I tasted my way through Java and Sumatra on a plate, I couldn’t help but compare them to the bold, rich flavors of Southern Thailand. Like Phuket’s coconut curries and chili pastes, Nasi Padang delivers heat and depth—but with more turmeric, coconut milk, and dry spice rubs. Meanwhile, East Javanese Nasi Campur felt gentler—less fiery, more sweet-savory, with subtle notes of palm sugar and galangal.

In both countries, the food speaks of humidity, ritual, and resilience. But the differences make each bite worth exploring.

Of course, Kuta isn’t for everyone. It’s noisy, crowded, and touristy in parts. Yet, it surprised me.
The temples gave it soul. The food gave it fire.

And best of all, this was only day one.

Kuta might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, it was the perfect introduction. The temples spoke of quiet traditions. The food, meanwhile, shouted—bold, spicy, and alive.

And this was just the beginning.