Simon St John
Editor, Baligram.me
Hi, I'm Simon St John. I am a writer and the editor of the Bali travel guide website called Baligram.me.
I've been visiting and immersing myself in Bali, Indonesia, and its surrounding islands for more than 25 years. In fact, I have made 49 separate visits to Bali over this time, from stays of a few weeks to stays of a year.
Baligram.me is my personal passion project, aimed at sharing my appreciation for Bali's cultural marvels and natural beauty.
My background is as a writer. I was the Author of several of the Beautiful Accommodation travel guidebooks about unique accommodations in Australia. A list of these published books is below.
I also support indie film production, and I am a producer of the forthcoming feature The Ballad of Lucy Sands.
I'm interested in sustainability in travel and minimalist living. I also have a soft spot for indulging in buffet breakfasts!
I really hope Baligram.me can help you craft your perfect adventure.
Contact me here or catch me on:
Simon St John on
Linkedin | Twitter/X | Medium
MuckRack | Crunchbase | IMDb | Amazon | Hardie Grant
Baligram.me on
Theorg.com | Pitchbook | Crunchbase
More About Simon St John
In his current role as the editor of Baligram.me, Simon leverages his extensive background in travel writing to explore the breathtaking beauty of Bali, Indonesia, and its surrounding islands. His deep-rooted connection to Bali, cultivated over years of exploration, is evident in his vivid narratives.
The transition from Australian travel destinations to the picturesque landscapes of Bali underscores his growth as a writer and his interest in diverse cultural settings. Simon’s journey in the travel world began in his youth, first as an adventurous 'ski bum' and then traversing Africa by truck during a time when reliable communication and guidebooks were rare commodities.
Simon's bond with Bali, fostered alongside his partner, has flourished over the past 25 years, spanning 49 visits. Each trip has further enhanced his intimate knowledge and appreciation of Bali's unique culture and stunning natural beauty.
Simon is also a recognised author in the Australian boutique accommodation travel writing field. He has garnered fans among both Australian and global audiences with his work as the author of a number of editions of the 'Beautiful Accommodation in Australia' travel guidebook series. This guidebook series was published by The Invermay Press, a division of Invermay Investments Pty Ltd, and Explore Australia, a division of Hardie Grant.
His detailed and passionate exploration of unique and luxurious accommodations helped position these guidebooks as essential resources for discerning travelers. Simon's ability to uncover hidden gems and provide in-depth insights into local experiences solidified his status as a leading authority in the Australian boutique travel niche.
Beyond just documenting travel locales, Simon’s writings embody a personal quest to reveal and celebrate the world's most mesmerizing destinations. His descriptive and engaging writing style transports readers directly into the heart of each location he explores.
Simon is also a producer on the film ‘The Ballad of Lucy Sands’ which is currently in production, by writer/director Steven Baldwin.
Whether it’s the diverse terrains of Australia or the tranquil shores of Bali and its adjacent islands, Simon’s narratives offer more than travel guidance; they extend an invitation to readers to immerse themselves fully in the essence of these spectacular places.
Simon’s Visits to Bali
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I was surprised when I added them up that so far I have made 49 separate trips to Bali - I admit I am a bit obsessive!
2000 - September, December
2001 - July
2002
2003 - July, December
2004 - June, November
2005 - August, December
2006 - January, March, July, December
2007 - March, June, November
2008 - January, March
2009 - March, July
2010 - January, July (twice), December
2011 - July, August, September
2012 - April, June, August, October
2013 - September
2014 - January, March, May, September
2015 - April, November
2016 - February, May, October, November
2017 - January, May
2018 - May
2019 - March
2020
2021
2022 - May, July
2023 - May
Published Books by Simon St John:
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St John, Simon. Beautiful Accommodation in Queensland, Australia. 2004. ISBN: 0975134418 Google Books
St John, Simon. Beautiful Accommodation in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory , Australia. 2006. ISBN: 0975134426 Google Books
St John, Simon. Beautiful Accommodation in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 2010. ISBN: 9780975134443
St John, Simon. Beautiful Accommodation : New South Wales & Queensland, Australia. 2011. ISBN: 9781742702131 Google Books
St John, Simon Beautiful Accommodation : South Australia, Western Australia & the Northern Territory, Australia. 2014. ISBN: 9780975134450 Google Books
Articles by Simon St John:
Is the sun setting on singles visiting Bali? We take a look at the controversial ‘Bali bonking ban’ that might spell the end of sex between unmarried couples in Indonesia.
Discover why Bali is #2 in the world and effectively 2023's Top Tropical, Asian, and Beach & Rainforest Destination as ranked by TripAdvisor travelers! Dive into our latest article where Simon St. John, the editor of Baligram.me, shares his insights on Bali's unique cultural charm, stunning natural beauty, and the island's exciting journey towards becoming a global symbol of sustainable and luxurious tourism.
Are you passionate about Bali? Share your love for Bali by joining in on our video project and telling us why you love Bali. Your insights and tips will inspire others to follow in your footsteps!
Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport boosts security with thermal scans for Monkeypox and the Nipah virus, ensuring safe travel for all passengers.
Bali's remarkable rice terraces draw numerous tourists. However, could tourism pose a threat that the age-old Subak system might struggle to overcome?
Critically ill Australian surfing legend Mark Richardson will be evacuated from a Bali hospital to Darwin by LifeFlight after being admitted with internal bleeding.
We list the 21 best museums in Bali and share our #1 pick—if you only visit one museum on your holiday, it should be this one!
What is the weather like in Bali? We take a look at Bali’s weather throughout the year to help you plan your Bali trip.
Planning a trip to Bali? You’ll love this free Bali travel tips cheat sheet that hooks you up with answers to all your questions about your trip to Bali.
What attracts tourists to Bali? Discover the factors that entice tourists to Bali to help you decide is Bali is the right destination for your next holiday.
Why is Bali so popular in Australia? Aussies love Bali for the fact that its on ’s on their doorstep, just a short flight away. But that’s just the start; let’s explore all the reasons Bali is Australia’s number one tropical island destination.
Why is Bali so popular for tourism? Think of Bali like a cocktail: it’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, icy and luxurious, earthy and authentic, warm and embracing. Bali is nature, nurture, indulgence, and reflection, all buzzed into one luscious package.
Why is Bali so popular compared to the rest of Indonesia? It’s a great question because Indonesia has over 18,000 islands. So, what makes Bali Indonesia’s most popular destination?
Why do people love Bali so much? There’s so much to love about Bali, but I think the most important thing is the outlook on life that the Balinese have. Let’s explore what that is….
Is Bali worth the hype? You betcha. It's worth the hype. But these days, you might have to explore further afield to find the ‘real’ Bali.
Why is Bali the best place to visit? Big question! To be the best, you have to combine all the bucket list items most people have for the ideal tropical destination. We think Bali does just that!
What is Bali best known for? Is it the nature, the indulgence, the bargains, or the beaches? I think it’s all of that, but one more thing is more important….
What makes Bali so special? We take a quick look at the question asked by many travelers who are considering their first visit to Bali. Why is Balo so special?
Everyone from David Bowie to Christina Aguilera, Richard Branson to David Suzuki, Jamie Cullum to the most cheerful Aussie bogan has visited Bali. So why is Bali so popular? We take a look - and get inspiration for your own trip.
Lots of people around the world have different words for their beliefs and traditions. Christians have a word called "religion" to talk about their beliefs. "Religion" means things like going to church, praying, and believing in God. People in India and Bali didn't always have a word like "religion." They talked about their traditions using words like “dharma” and “agama”. What do they mean?
Bali will implement a $10 tourist tax starting from 2024 to protect its culture and environment. Foreign visitors entering the island will be required to pay the levy, while domestic tourists are exempt.
An Australian traveller shares her harrowing experience of being scammed at Bali airport due to a passport detail, resulting in an extra $1500 fee. Learn about the shocking events that unfolded upon arrival and how she believes it was a set-up by officials.
Bali vs Maldives? Are you trying to decide? We compare these two destinations, with all the detail you need to make a choice. By the time you’ve finished reading, we’re confident you’ll know which one is right for your next trip.
Bali vs Thailand - Are you trying to choose between Bali and Thailand? It’s a tough decision because both have heaps to offer and are similar in many ways. But there are differences that can make or break your holiday, depending on your budget, preferences, and interests. We bust it all down in this MEGA article.
When evaluating travel destinations, the term "overrated" refers to something that doesn't meet the exaggerated praise or high expectations placed on it. Bali, recently voted the #2 destination globally by travellers, has a lot of hype. We ask, does Bali live up to the hype, or is it overrated?
Why is Bali so cheap? Low living costs, inexpensive labor, a wide range of accommodations, cultural customs, a vibrant tourism industry, few restrictions, and economic disparities are just some of the reasons Bali so cheap for tourists. Get the full story on how to travel cheaply to Bali.
In Bali, regardless of your nationality, you must carry an International Drivers License Permit (IDL/IDP) if you intend to drive any motorized vehicle, whether it's a scooter, car, or motorcycle. You also need to carry your home country's driver’s license. This article gives you all the info and how to get one online.
Is Bali worth visiting? We assess the pros and cons, allowing you to decide. No sugarcoating included. We tell you about the highlights, the downsides, and how to tailor your trip to ensure that if you take the long flight to Bali, you’ll have the most incredible time.
The different ceremonial days in the Balinese calendar hold significant cultural, religious, and spiritual importance for the Balinese people. These ceremonial days are deeply rooted in Balinese Hinduism and are observed to maintain harmony with the spiritual realm, seek blessings, and honor deities and ancestors.
Discover everything you need to know about Bali's new tourism tax before your next visit to this tropical paradise.