Bali Vs. Maldives Vs. Mauritius: A Three-Way Vacation Face-Off

We're challenging some of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world to a three-way face-off... but which one will come out on top?

Tropical showdowns are interesting but sometimes the contest becomes too tight to even declare the winner. Islands typically offer beaches so to get the upper hand, these contenders need to offer more than just the regular beaches. The Maldives sure looks like it's got the upper hand in this three-way tropical vacation face-off but Bali and Mauritius certainly hold their own when it comes to unique experiences as well.

Here's what we think about all three.

An Exotic Vacation To Bali

Bali is an island region located in Indonesia. The island features a huge list of amazing beaches, mountains, and forests for an enjoyable tropical vacation. Besides the tropical offerings, Bali is also a place of art and exceptional spirituality. The people are devoted Hindus and Yoga is an essential part of the lifestyle here. This is due to the strong influence of the Chinese and Indian Hindu cultures on the Island.

Bali consists of amazing coral reefs and crystal clear waters making it a mecca for all diving activities. When it comes to food, the island’s cuisine possesses some elements of similarities to Indonesian cuisine. Meals here often consist of vegetables which are often served with seafood, chicken, pork, or meat. Expect lots of rice as it is the most popular food across the country and fruits as well.

Things To Enjoy In Bali

In Bali, there are heaps of things to enjoy but these are perhaps the most popular ones to expect there:

A Spiritual atmosphere: Bali is a highly spiritual island. Hinduism is the most common religion on the island and this makes it stand out from the rest of the Muslim-majority countries of Indonesia. The people here are devoted Hindus and there are temples and sacred sites all over the island. Healing, yoga, meditation, and other spiritual-related exercises are popular here. Needless to say, it is a place for those seeking healing and a connection to their inner selves. On the island, there are lakes, forests, temples, and even volcanoes considered to be highly spiritual places as well. Amazing Scenery: The landscape of Bali is characterized by dense forests, palm trees, beautiful beaches, and waterfalls and these natural elements combine to give the island stunning scenery. Even rice fields here are designed so beautifully that one will be forced to take pictures. Exciting Adventures: Thrilling activities such as white water rafting, surfing, scuba diving, and sunbathing are popular activities to do in Bali.

Cons

Pieces of trash everywhere from the beaches to many parts of the streets and even underwater. Overcrowded beaches, hotels, and jam-packed roads.

Related: 10 Top Tourists Attractions In Bali For 2022

A Breathtaking Vacation To The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. The Island is famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches and rich culture. More than a thousand small islands make up the Maldives and they are located in the Indian Ocean. Among these islands are some of the best spots for an unforgettable tropical vacation.

Due to its abundance of coral reefs, its waters are made up of a wide variety of marine creatures such as fish and sea turtles. Swimming with sharks and stingrays is a popular thing here as the creatures tend to thrive in the waters of the archipelago.

Things To Enjoy In The Maldives

Amazing Beaches: Beaches in the Maldives are characterized by white pristine sands, crystal clear waters, and the pure stretch of blue skies. The abundance of sunlight and the conducive water temperature make diving, sunbathing and other water-related activities more appealing. Some beaches are in remote places where they can only be reached by boat making them perfect for those who want some seclusion. Friendly Locals: The locals in the Maldives are incredibly respectful and will try to help tourists however they can. Language can be a barrier in some parts but regardless, one can never be stranded. Just make sure to dress properly and not to go nude on the beach as the people frown at that. This is because the Maldives is a Muslim majority nation. Exciting Stages For Surfing: The constant winds overwhelming the Maldives makes it a great stage for surfing. The consistent waves cater to the needs of both professional and amateur surfers.

Cons

Expensive. Strict dressing culture. People are often required to cover up entirely. Dirt at almost every corner.

An Nature-Loving Vacation In Mauritius

Mauritius is an isolated archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. The island is considered part of Africa and is located east of Madagascar. Mauritius is most unique for its isolated location but besides that, the island presents an unforgettable tropical experience with its sheer scenery and amazing experiences. Beaches lie in abundance across Mauritius to get travelers started on the amazing beach experience. Many of the beaches are characterized by soft sands and crystal clear waters which are warm and conducive for enjoyable seaside relaxation. The coral reefs surrounding the Island create a nice stage for an exciting underwater experience.

The wildlife of the island is also noteworthy as the island is famous for being the home of Dodo - a flightless bird that went extinct in 1681. Today there are still depictions of this unique bird all over the island. Paintings and carvings can be seen in the museums across the country depicting what this supposedly 10kg+, 1 meter-tall bird used to look like.

Things To Enjoy In Mauritius

Beautiful Beaches: Most beautiful white-sand beaches are located on the northern side of Mauritius while the southern and western parts offer amazing scenery along with a great atmosphere for some water activities. Cultural Diversity: Mauritius consists of different cultures and people who have come together to create a unique island settlement. The people on the island originate of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European descent. This amazing diversity can be seen in the dishes on the Island as they combine flavors from all these cultures. Rice is a popular food here but expect the dishes to be filled with vegetables and lots of spices. Rougaille is one of the island’s most popular dishes on the island. It is a tomato dish endowed with lots of spices, and often eaten with rice.

Cons

Its Remoteness: Mauritius is a remote island and getting there might be challenging. Besides the difficulty in reaching the Island, many things within its borders are still operated manually making life on the Island a little slow. Mosquitoes: As expected from an Island country. Vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

Related: Everything You Can Do In Mauritius On A 10-Day Itinerary

Conclusion: Bali, Maldives, Or Mauritius?

There is a huge difference between these tropical destinations due to the different cultures and their distance from each other. The Maldives is one of the most visited tropical destinations in the world but the experience may be regular for many.

Mauritius offers an appealing island experience as well and its remoteness makes the Island a unique place to visit as it feels like an entirely different world made up of lots of different cultures. Bali on the other hand combines a spiritual atmosphere to the island experience and this makes it unique and stands out among the rest.

Next: Barbados Vs. Bahamas Vs. Aruba: A Three-Way Face-Off

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