When many Australians think of Bali, the famous tourist hub of Kuta will come to mind.
But in the days since the Indonesian island reopened after the two-year COVID-19 shutdown, returning tourists have reported some changes.
Watch the video above to see how you can get the best deal on your next getaway
For more Travel related news and videos check out 7Travel >>
What were once vibrant and bustling streets and lanes now resemble ghost towns.
Buildings sit in disrepair and overgrown with weeds, and people are scarce.
All but a handful of the bars, restaurants and shops that were once major tourist drawcards are yet to reopen.
Melbourne woman Cara Buchanan, who’s holidaying in Kuta with her husband and three kids, says approximately 90 per cent of businesses in the district are closed.
But she’s not complaining, revealing the changes appear to have turned Bali from a hedonistic party island into a family-friendly relaxation destination.
“There are no backpackers, so as a family with young children we are enjoying the space and freedom from drunk people being stupid,” she told 7NEWS.com.au.
“It’s actually a really nice time to go as a family. The beach is clean and not crowded. The traffic is minimal.
“We spend our days, between the hotel pool, the beach, eating out and a little shopping.
“We have had no problems getting some yummy food.”
In an area once dominated by international tourists, Ms Buchanan said most of the other holidaymakers she’s seen are Indonesian.
“People are very, very happy to see us – and friendly,” she said.
“The children are going to do some surf lessons. It’s prime time as there is no one else.
“But compared to before the pandemic it’s very different.”
She also believes hers is the only Australian family at her hotel, speculating others had shacked up in Canggu and Seminyak which she’s been told are “more open and vibrant”.
Still in the early stages of her holiday, the family will explore the island beyond Kuta in coming days.
But Ms Buchanan is happy soaking up the family-friendly atmosphere for now.
“In some ways, it’s definitely better, and each day we see more open up,” she said.
“However I do miss and feel sad to see some old favourite restaurants closed.
“But I look forward to seeing what else is open as we explore. People are so grateful and happy to see us, and just love our children, always spoiling them with little treats.
“Whereas before the pandemic, I felt some poor behaviour from tourists, especially Aussies, had worn the welcome thin.
“We had no idea what to expect but we love Bali and wanted to come back and take advantage of the lack of drinking culture, crowds and traffic to enjoy the true Bali with our children.”
Local tourism operators on the Indonesian island are keen to spruik a rich and meaningful travel experience under the current circumstances.
But they’re also confident the tourist scene will bounce back.
Bali tour guide Agung Mahendra told 7NEWS.com.au he believes the island has about a quarter of the tourists it had prior to the pandemic.
He hopes that number will grow significantly from May, when the Australian winter begins.
“We are confident Bali will be busy again,” he said.
“Tourists, they could feel something different while they are here because of the warm cultures, friendly peoples and warm smiles around with great and green natures on the island.
“That’s the first reasons they will choose Bali again.”
By Benoit Arsenault and Émilie Gobeil / Public Health
By Scott Collie / Motoring
Cindy Tran / Beauty
Rhiannon Lewin / Personal Finance
By Ameila Saw / Sales
By James Wong / Motoring
Ailish Delaney / On The Show
Rhiannon Lewin / TikTok
By Benoit Arsenault and Émilie Gobeil / Public Health
By Scott Collie / Motoring
Cindy Tran / Beauty
Rhiannon Lewin / Personal Finance
By Ameila Saw / Sales
By James Wong / Motoring
Ailish Delaney / On The Show
Rhiannon Lewin / TikTok