(The following content and images were provided by group member Chuang Ling Chun and authorized for rearrangement)
Photo: Provided by Chuang Ling Chun
Trip Overview
- Travel Dates: April 12 to April 17, 2023
- Travelers: 2 people (Mom + her boyfriend). I arranged everything for them and they traveled independently.
Pre-Trip Preparation
I gathered valuable Bali travel information from Facebook groups. Now back in Taiwan, I hope to share my mom’s travel experience to help others plan enjoyable trips.
Introduction:
Since my mom has a busy work schedule, I arranged this trip for her. She’s an avid photographer and not picky about food, but being vegetarian, I needed to find vegetarian-friendly restaurants in advance (Mom is quite easygoing when traveling - as long as she can eat her fill without meat, she’s happy).
Visa + Customs + Tourist Tax: I handled all their pre-trip procedures online, and they walked out of the airport in just about 30 minutes.
Additionally, when paying the tourist tax online, I noticed that the first payment attempt always failed. I had to wait a moment and try again for it to go through successfully.
Private Car Guide: I arranged for my mom and her group to have Ani and her husband as their private car guides. In online communities, someone recommended a service format where the guide also acts as the driver, which I thought was a great idea. Fortunately, I was able to book Ani, and she and her husband served as our guide and driver.
Ani is on the far left, and her husband is on the far right. Photo provided by Chuang Ling Chun.
Further Reading: Complete Guide to Private Car Rentals in Bali - Costs, Booking Methods, and Advantages
My mom said Ani always had a smile on her face, was very easygoing, and very accommodating to their free itinerary. Both Ani and her husband had worked in Taiwan for many years, so communication with her was very smooth. Their prices were very reasonable, even with the guide-plus-driver format, the car rental cost was within the average range. If you want to contact Ani, her Line ID is agussolihin72.
Day 1: Uluwatu Temple Adventure
My mom’s Bali adventure started at Uluwatu Temple. Although the weather wasn’t ideal and they missed the sunset, they still felt the mystical charm of this sacred temple. They had hoped to buy tickets for the fire dance on-site, but unfortunately, they were all sold out, so they missed Bali’s most stunning fire dance performance.
Illustration of the Uluwatu Fire Dance
Further Reading: Kecak Fire Dance: Bali’s Must-See Spectacular Performance (Includes Ticket Information)
On the first day, I arranged for them to stay at PinkCoco Uluwatu. Although the hotel’s exterior was a bit tacky, it was perfect for snapping pink-themed photos at every turn.
PinkCoco Uluwatu
▶PinkCoco Uluwatu Booking Link
Day 2: A Fairyland Journey in Ubud
Photo provided by Chuang Ling Chun
Knowing that my mom loves taking photos, Ani recommended a swing experience for 400k per person, plus an additional 200k for renting a dress — truly great value. The photographer’s skills were top-notch, and for just $20 (600k) per person, we got stunning photos like the ones shown here. A tip for those wanting to capture ethereal flying shots: definitely rent a dress. Their specially designed dresses have long, flowing skirts that create the perfect floating effect in the air.
Ubud Swing Discount Here:
Ubud Swing: Bali’s Most Beautiful Swing Spots｜Ubud Swing/Dress Rental Guide
Photo provided by Chuang Ling Chun + Screenshot
In the evening, we stayed at Mason Elephant Lodge, where the close-up elephant encounters were unforgettable. I had stayed here ten years ago, and those wonderful memories are still deeply etched in my heart. This time, we were fortunate to get up close with the elephants. My mom said one of the most memorable experiences was being transported from our room to the restaurant by an elephant during dinner. We were also lucky to encounter the owner’s birthday celebration during our stay and were invited to join the dinner feast for free.
For travelers who love elephants, this is an exceptional experience. The elephant park seems to treat the elephants well, not just as money-making tools, and the park’s income is used for Sumatran elephant conservation. Apart from elephant rides and bathing, there are no other animal performances, so even cautious travelers can feel at ease. Additionally, visitors can spend $3 to buy fruits and feed the elephants themselves. If you want to experience being transported by an elephant to dinner, you’ll need to dine at the park (you can choose a meal-inclusive package when booking or purchase separately). For those who don’t want to spend extra, you can still get close to the elephants and feel their gentleness and charm. (PS. Elephant riding activities will be completely banned across Bali by 2026).
Mason Elephant Park Discounted Tickets
Day 3: Climbing Mount Batur
Photo: Provided by Chuang Ling Chun + Screenshot from the internet
I arranged for them to take a jeep ride up Mount Batur, a unique experience not offered in any Taiwan itineraries I’ve seen. Highly recommended for friends to try.
In the evening, we stayed at Oculus Bali Hotel, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of the volcanic lake from our window, truly refreshing the soul.
Oculus Bali
Day 4: Exploring Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Photos of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces from the internet
We visited Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Although the drive was quite long, the scenery was absolutely stunning. If you’re short on time or not fond of long drives, you might consider visiting this place another time.
Top Activities in the Rice Terrace Area:
Central Bali Day Tour: Tegallalang Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest & Elephant Cave
Further Reading:
2026 Complete Ubud, Bali Guide: 100 Ways to Deeply Explore Ubud｜Discover the Charm of Ubud
In the evening, I arranged for them to stay at Grün Canggu Garden. When I first saw the unique design of this place while booking, I was immediately captivated. It gives off a treehouse vibe, with stairs on the first floor, a bathroom and shower halfway up, a small platform on the second floor, and the room on the third floor. The room design is very open, with only the bathroom and shower being enclosed, while the rest of the areas are open spaces. Surrounded by trees, with the sounds of insects and birds, it feels like being immersed in nature, allowing you to fully enjoy the leisurely pace of the holiday.
Grün Canggu Garden
This hotel offers a variety of different room types. If you like this three-story room type, make sure to select it when booking.
▶Grün Canggu Garden Booking Link
Day 5: A Luxurious Stay for the Last Night
For the last night, I arranged for them to stay in a villa, and we hoped to check in early. That day, I asked our guide Ani to take them on a brief visit to Tanah Lot Temple and buy some local specialties.
Tanah Lot Temple Photo: Provided by Chuang Ling Chun
I chose New Pondok Sara Villas in Seminyak as my accommodation mainly because it was affordable, and the room’s table and chair designs were very stylish, making for great photos. Despite the low price, the environment didn’t compromise on quality. Additionally, my mom discovered a small massage shop nearby with very reasonable prices—just 100k for a one-hour full-body massage.
New Pondok Sara Villas
▶New Pondok Sara Villas Booking Link
Day 6: Farewell to Bali
Since they had a flight back that afternoon, my mom and her group went to the massage shop from the previous day again at 10 AM for one last session. Afterward, they returned to the villa and checked out at noon.
I had pre-booked airport transfer service online, and the driver arrived early at an affordable price.
▶Highly rated on Klook: Bali Airport Transfer
The advantage of booking online in advance is that you can know the exact fare by paying with a card, so you don’t need to reserve cash. On the last day, it’s best to spend all your Indonesian Rupiah! I will definitely use this service again on my next trip to Bali.
Postscript
- If you like mangosteens, you must try them. At the supermarket, 12 mangosteens cost only USD$3—cheap and delicious. My mom also asked the guide to take them to a roadside stall to buy durian, where one durian cost only USD$10. (Extended reading: Mangosteen Season in Indonesia/Bali)
- When traveling in Bali, it’s easy to encounter traffic congestion, and the road conditions aren’t great, so Google Maps’ estimated times are only for reference. (Extended reading: Don’t Trust Google Maps in Bali!)
- My mom and her group were very satisfied with Ani’s service, so they gave her and her husband a little extra tip on the last day. We also tipped the luggage porter and massage therapists as a gesture of gratitude. (Extended reading: Do You Need to Tip in Bali? How Much to Tip in Various Situations?)
- When getting into the car, ask the driver/guide to take you to a trusted money exchange shop. (Extended reading: Currency Exchange Guide for Independent Travelers)
- Locally, a SIM card costs USD$19 and offers 18GB of data, while roaming with 5GB costs USD$16. I recommend using roaming services because my mom didn’t need to look up information during her trip, and most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so 5GB was more than enough. (Extended reading: Essential Bali Travel Guide: How to Get a Bali SIM Card?)
Mom thoroughly enjoyed this trip and loved the fun of taking photos. She particularly praised the hotels I chose, each with its unique charm, allowing her to capture many beautiful pictures. For her, as long as she could take more photos, it was a wonderful journey.
She felt that not seeing the sunset at Uluwatu Temple was a big regret! After experiencing the swings in Ubud, her friends all complimented her beautiful photos.
The private car tour in Bali made her feel free and convenient, and the price was very affordable. The only downside was the food; she didn’t quite enjoy the strong flavors of Bali and wished there were more options with less oil and salt.
This trip to Bali was filled with surprises and wonderful memories. Whether it was visiting temples, climbing volcanoes, or getting up close with elephants, every moment was unforgettable. We hope Mom’s travelogue can provide some references and help for those planning to visit Bali, and we look forward to setting foot on this island paradise again.
Guide to Traveling to Bali with Seniors:
- Part 1: Bali Travel Guide for Seniors - Safety, Comfort, and Precautions
- Part 2: Complete Guide to Bali Destinations Suitable for Seniors
- Part 3: How Quirky Can Elderly Behavior Be? Be Careful When Traveling Abroad with Seniors
Do you think Ling Chun arranged a fantastic itinerary for Mom? Hurry up and plan your own Bali free and easy trip! We also welcome everyone to share your itineraries in the community!
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