The Way Aussies Are Traveling Bali Is Changing: A Food-Centered Adventure
Bali has long been a favorite destination for Australian travelers, renowned for its ancient temples, stunning natural landscapes, and affordable Bintang beer. However, a new trend is reshaping the way Aussies explore this tropical paradise—one that places food at the very heart of their travel plans.
‘Nom-Tourism’: Planning a Trip Around Food
Increasingly, Australian tourists are planning their Bali holidays around culinary experiences, a trend playfully dubbed ‘nom-tourism.’ Research from accommodation platform Booking.com reveals that over 80 percent of Australian travelers have chosen a destination specifically to dine at a particular restaurant or visit local food markets. This marks a shift from simply visiting Bali for its sights and beaches to prioritizing authentic, local food experiences.
One standout destination for food lovers is Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi, located in Nusa Dua, Bali’s southern region. This small, casual eatery, known as a warung, serves Babi Guling—or roast suckling pig—a dish deeply rooted in Balinese culture and ceremonial tradition. With a typical meal and a bottle of Coke costing approximately AUD 4.60, the warung draws both tourists and locals alike. As Bogi, a Balinese taxi driver who frequents the spot, notes, it is “very popular, lots of locals and tourists from all over the world…and it’s cheap.”
The experience here contrasts traditional Balinese dining with modern social media culture, as local regulars sit nearby while Japanese influencers capture photos of their meals, highlighting the intersection of authentic culture and global tourism.
Food Influences Accommodation Choices
The newfound focus on culinary exploration extends beyond dining out. Australians are not only eating more local fare but are also eager to try their hand at cooking traditional dishes themselves. This curiosity is influencing where they choose to stay during their trips.
Booking.com has reported a sharp increase in Australians booking “alternative accommodation” — places that offer kitchens or dining areas, allowing guests to cook, dine, and truly “live like a local.” Simon Clark, Head of Communications for Oceania at Booking.com, explains that this style of accommodation has been popular in Europe for some time and is now gaining traction across the Asia Pacific region.
Post-COVID travel preferences have also contributed to this shift. Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director for Booking.com in Asia Pacific, emphasizes that travelers no longer just seek to relax on beaches; they crave immersive experiences that give them a deeper connection to local culture, with food serving as a central link.
Discovering Bali Through Its Markets and Local Produce
An integral part of this culinary travel trend is visiting traditional food markets. Nearly 90 percent of Australian travelers enjoy exploring local food markets or supermarkets while on vacation, according to Booking.com’s research.
One such market is the Kedonganan Fish Market in Jimbaran Bay, a bustling wet market popular for its fresh catches sourced from southern Bali. Visitors here can buy a variety of seafood, including snapper, lobster, prawns, and the local favorite Mahi Mahi. Adventurous travelers often buy fresh fish and have local warungs clean and grill their catch on the spot, adding an interactive and authentic touch to their holiday meals.
Simon Clark points out that experiences like these are driving the demand for flexible accommodations. “You can’t go to the fish market and take a big tuna back to the hotel coffee table, can you? But you could take it back here and cook it, if you were bold enough,” he says, referring to luxury villas like Sohamsa Ocean Estate in Nusa Dua that provide guests with full kitchens and hosting spaces.
Ideal Accommodation for the Food-Focused Traveler
For those seeking to embrace this culinary travel trend in Bali, properties such as Taman Dharmawangsa Suites in Nusa Dua offer the perfect blend of comfort and practicality. These modern villas come equipped with private pools and kitchenettes, allowing guests to prepare traditional Balinese meals, such as grilled tuna with rice and sambal, in the privacy of their own space.
A Culinary Journey Awaits
As the way Australians travel evolves, the gastronomic experience is becoming a deciding factor in vacation planning. Whether dining at authentic warungs, exploring vibrant markets, or cooking in well-appointed villas, travelers are seeking to immerse themselves in Bali’s rich food culture. So, next time you visit the island, consider crafting your trip around its flavors—you might find that the tastes of Bali become the most memorable part of your journey.
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