The island that pretends to be relaxing… then casually changes your personality.
Bali is that friend who says, “Come for a quick getaway,” and then convinces you to stay for sunsets, smoothies, scooter rides, and a mild spiritual awakening you didn’t plan for. It’s equal parts chaos and calm — where temple bells compete with motorbikes, and your biggest daily dilemma is nasi goreng or smoothie bowl (again).
One minute you’re bargaining for fridge magnets in Kuta, the next you’re standing ankle-deep in rice fields in Ubud wondering if this is what inner peace feels like — or if you’re just dehydrated. Bali does that to you. It slows you down, feeds you well, wraps you in warm smiles… and then throws in a spontaneous rainstorm just to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re here with kids, a partner, friends, or your slightly overwhelmed mum-self looking for a reset, Bali meets you where you are — with open arms, affordable luxury, and a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated.
Welcome to Bali.
Bring your flip-flops, an open heart… and maybe an extra suitcase for all the things you definitely didn’t plan to buy.
New to Bali? Start here.
Before you book activities or choose where to stay, read my
Bali Airport Arrival Tips & Before You Go Guide
— covering visas, arrival forms, money, internet, transfers, and what to expect when you land.
Bali is paradise wrapped in chaos — equal parts zen yoga chants and scooters whizzing past with entire families balanced on one bike.
After a long, heat-filled day in Ubud, Bebek Teba Sari offered exactly what we needed — a floating gazebo, rice fields glowing at dusk, comforting food, and the rare luxury of not having to decide anything. This wasn’t about spectacle or trends. It was about space, softness, and letting the day settle.
A family-friendly ATV ride through Bali’s jungle that delivered mud, laughter, and unforgettable memories — from toddlers to grandparents.
On our final night in Ubud, we wandered with no plan and found Pasir — a calm, flavour-driven restaurant blending Balinese ingredients with Mediterranean technique. Thoughtful dishes, a warm upstairs space, and one unforgettable dessert made this an unplanned meal we still talk about. A quiet standout in Ubud’s dining scene.
Truntum Kuta was our gentle landing in Bali — a beachfront stay that made travelling with kids feel easy. With multiple pools, cultural activities, reliable dining, and a walkable location, it offered comfort, convenience, and space to simply be together.
From visas and arrival forms to money tips, internet, and packing smart for landing day — this Bali arrival guide covers the small things that make a big difference. A calm, mum-approved checklist to help you land relaxed and ready to enjoy your holiday.
Kuta was our soft landing into Bali. With two young kids and tired bodies fresh from Melbourne, we kept things slow — pool days, rainy swims, easy meals, and moments that didn’t ask us to rush. This is how Kuta gave us the gentlest beginning to our Bali story.
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Ubud — but with kids, access is only half the story. This is our honest experience visiting Tegenungan with children, navigating the heat, the steps, and why pairing it with Omma Dayclub turned a potentially exhausting stop into one of our most balanced Ubud days.
Travelling to Ubud with kids? Sangeh Monkey Forest offers a calmer alternative to the busy Ubud Monkey Forest — with gentler monkeys, shaded paths, included water and food, and room to explore at your own pace. A monkey experience that feels balanced, respectful, and genuinely enjoyable for families.
Ubud with kids isn’t all calm yoga mornings and jungle serenity — it’s waterfalls that demand effort, swings that test patience, monkeys that surprise you, and moments of quiet relief when you least expect them. This is our honest, lived-in guide to doing Ubud as a family — what worked, what didn’t, and how we found joy in the in-between.
Hi, I’m Sid
Mum | Foodie | Explorer | Writer
Somewhere between lunchboxes, laundry, and toddler tantrums at airport security, I lost “Sid” and became just “Ma.” Eat Play Travel with Sid is my journey back, through food that feeds the soul, laughter that fills the room, and adventures that remind me who I am (and how much chocolate counts as self-care).
- Sid
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