Bali vs Madeira: my island notes

I’m going back to London in a month. And the closer that date gets, the more I notice how comfortable I am in Bali.

Adapted from my travel notes dated 11 August 2023.

There are plenty of reasons I like this island. For a start, everyday life here feels easy.

I love Madeira an unreasonable amount, but getting around was one thing I found easier in Bali. There were scooters everywhere: I could rent one or order a ride. That convenience made a difference to my day.

In general, I could find pretty much whatever I needed, or whatever I was in the mood for.

The white teapot

I also love how the people looking after me don’t seem remotely bothered by my very specific requests. I keep asking for a white teapot. They’ve remembered, and now they look for that particular white teapot for me.

Am I being ridiculous? No. The white one is bigger, so my tea doesn’t get as strong. There is a method to this madness.

Madeira has its own lovely version of this: the people you meet become your friends, and before long you’re all hanging out together.

Island time

I’d quite like to hold a competition between the two islands for the slowest pace of life. I honestly can’t decide which wins: “Bali time” or “It’s Madeira, Katerina. Just chill.”

It doesn’t bother me. I’m perfectly capable of finding something to do while I wait. It’s just funny noticing these little similarities between islands.

And the cafés. They make me very happy. Slightly worried, too.

People complain about the food here, and meanwhile I cannot stop eating. It’s so good. Has London really still not sorted out its food situation?

For the practical side of a visit, start with my five-day Madeira plan or Bali arrival guide.