Astungkara Way Wins National Geographic “Best of the World 2026” Readers’ Choice for Wellness
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We are honored to share that the Astungkara Trail in Bali has been selected as National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026: Wellness Experiences” Readers’ Choice winner.
This recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects what our pilgrims have been telling us for years: that true wellness is not just a spa day or a temporary escape. It is walking in Bali with intention, reconnecting with nature, culture, and community through movement, simplicity, and real human connection.
What is the National Geographic Best of the World Wellness award?
Every year, National Geographic highlights travel experiences designed to restore well-being and inspire deeper, more meaningful exploration. In 2026, their Wellness Experiences list included a dedicated Readers’ Choice campaign, and NatGeoTravel’s audience selected the Astungkara Trail in Bali as the winner.
Why the Astungkara Trail is a wellness retreat, not just a hike
When people search for hiking in Bali, they often find sunrise volcano climbs or short viewpoints. Beautiful, yes, but that is not what we built.
Our Trails are designed as a regenerative wellness retreat on foot: a slow, immersive journey that helps the body settle, the mind soften, and the heart reconnect. We created the first walking Trails across Bali that connect and support communities engaged in regenerative practices, from farming and cultural transmission to ecosystem care.
And the flagship version of our work, the Astungkara Trail, is a unique coast-to-coast, 10-day walking pilgrimage across Bali.
What makes this a unique experience in Bali
Wellness through walking, nature, and rhythm
Walking is the foundation. Our pilgrims walk through villages, rice terraces, forest paths, and mountain landscapes. On our long-format Trails, daily distances vary, and the journey becomes a steady, grounding rhythm (not a race).
Real cultural immersion, not performance
We do not “show” Bali to visitors. We walk through Bali with them, respectfully, guided by local hosts and community partners.
That means learning living traditions, visiting villages, sharing meals, and understanding the landscapes not just as scenery, but as home.
A journey designed to restore, not exhaust
These are not extreme treks. Our Trails are designed to be accessible, supportive, and paced with care. We include breaks, beautiful meals, and space to reflect.
You get the benefits of walking in Bali without the pressure of “pushing through.”
Why we call it regenerative travel
Astungkara Way exists to support a bigger vision for Bali: a future where tourism strengthens local communities and helps restore nature, rather than extracting from it.
When guests walk with us, the value flows back into local partnerships, community livelihoods, and the long-term regeneration of the landscapes we all depend on.
Your wellness becomes part of something bigger.
Final Thoughts on Exploring the Best Wellness Experience in the World
If you are planning a trip to Bali and want to experience something truly special, the Astungkara Trail is a perfect choice. It offers a balanced mix of physical activity, cultural discovery, and wellness practices that leave you reconnected and inspired.
Walking in Bali on this trail is more than a hike; it’s a journey toward well-being and connection with nature. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a traveler looking for a peaceful escape, the Astungkara Trail delivers an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.
I read your post about Astungkara Way and how it won the National Geographic Best of the World 2026 Readers’ Choice for wellness travel such a cool honor that shows how slow, mindful travel can help us reset and reconnect with nature and culture. It made me think of a week when I was so overwhelmed with my studies that I had online exam help just so I could finish early and take a quiet walk in nature to recharge before the next batch of deadlines hit.