The following content was provided by group member Fish Lee:
Taking from the group, giving back to the group. Just returned from Bali, sharing our travel experience with everyone. During this trip, we experienced everything from immigration, transportation, weather to various activities and cuisine. We hope these insights will help with your travel planning.
Smooth Immigration
We opted for a visa on arrival and flew to Bali with China Airlines. After landing, the immigration process was very smooth with almost no waiting time. The immigration officers were highly efficient and friendly. We paid the visa fee in USD and received change in Indonesian Rupiah, making the process simple and straightforward.
Bali’s Traffic Situation
Bali’s traffic is notoriously bad, with congestion almost all day. Therefore, it’s advisable not to pack your itinerary too tightly, as it can be exhausting. We prepared thoroughly before our trip but still needed to flexibly adjust our schedule to avoid travel delays affecting our experience.
Comfortable Weather
Bali’s weather is very comfortable. Although the sun is intense, it doesn’t feel as harsh on the skin as Taiwan’s heat. Nevertheless, sunburn is still a risk, so it’s essential to take sun protection measures, including applying sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and hats.
Resort Pool Depth
Resort pools in Bali are typically deeper compared to those in Taiwan, which is a noticeable difference. Therefore, if traveling with children, parents need to pay extra attention to their safety. It’s recommended to bring arm floaties or other flotation devices to ensure the safety of kids while they play in the water.
Editor’s Note: You might also consider Pool Float Rental in Bali!
Westin Hotel’s Baby Turtle Release Activity
Nusa Dua Westing Resort: A chance encounter with a baby turtle release activity (provided by Fish Lee)
Quick Reference: 🐢 Complete Guide to Seeing Turtles in Bali: From Kuta to Sanur, Must-Visit Turtle Conservation Sites for Families 🌴
During our stay at the Westin Hotel in Nusa Dua, we woke up one morning and coincidentally encountered a baby turtle release activity, which was incredibly meaningful. We had originally planned to visit the turtle center in Kuta, but this experience fulfilled our wish ahead of time, leaving us feeling very satisfied.
Book The Westin Resort Nusa Dua: Agoda Special Offer
Hard Rock Hotel’s Kids Club
The Hard Rock Hotel is truly ideal for families with children. One day, we enrolled our kids in the all-day Kids Club activities while we adults went shopping at nearby malls and enjoyed spa treatments. This not only gave us a peaceful day but also ensured the kids had a blast. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta for the last three days. The Kids Club at Hard Rock is very popular, so I recommend making reservations in advance. The hotel provides WhatsApp contact details, and you can also email to book ahead. If your plans are set, booking early is safer as cancellations are allowed before 10 AM. I booked upon arrival and was lucky to secure the last available spot.
Hard Rock is perfect for families with kids (provided by Fish Lee)
It’s worth mentioning that Hard Rock’s Kids Club offers different activities each day. While photography isn’t allowed inside, the best part is that lunch is provided, allowing kids to happily spend the whole day (daily fee: 250K IDR). This gives us adults time to relax.
Book Hard Rock Bali: Agoda Special Offer
More Resorts with Kids Club Recommendations:
Delicious Food
The food in Bali is incredibly delicious, and we didn’t encounter any disappointments this time. However, since kids are sensitive to spicy food, it’s advisable to ask the staff about the spiciness of dishes to ensure a pleasant dining experience for them. There are many restaurants near the Hard Rock Hotel, and we randomly chose one without any issues. Within walking distance, there are two malls and numerous dining options, including Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, KFC, and McDonald’s at the back entrance. I genuinely think the fries at Bali’s KFC are exceptionally good.
(Editor’s Note: Jamie Oliver Kitchen in Kuta is a chain Italian restaurant opened by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in Indonesia, renowned for its fresh ingredients and friendly service, having won Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelors’ Choice’ award in 2023. Here’s a dining discount coupon)
Exciting Rafting Experience
Whitewater Rafting, OMMA Day Club (provided by Fish Lee)
Quick Reference: Bali Whitewater Rafting Guide (FAQ)
This time, we also experienced whitewater rafting in Ubud, which was incredibly fun. Since there are many options, we asked our private driver to book it for us, and he found a reputable operator. I recommend choosing the full 2-hour experience rather than the 1-hour one for a more complete adventure. We have two younger kids, one just over 5 years old and the other 7, and they both had a great time. The rafting activity lasted about 2 hours. We left our villa in Ubud at 9 AM, and a simple lunch was included. We finished around 1 PM. Getting to the rafting spot requires walking down a long set of stairs, but even our kids managed it slowly without difficulty.
Highly Rated Rafting Booking on Klook:
Further Reading: Omma Dayclub Introduction & Official Website
Diverse Travel Destinations
This trip, we explored three areas. Nusa Dua was the most relaxing and perfect for unwinding. Ubud, on the other hand, is famous for its waterfalls, volcanoes, jungles, palaces, and temples, making it ideal for photography and experiencing Bali’s culture.
Further Reading: Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Resorts, Food, and Activities in Bali Complete Ubud Guide: 100 Ways to Explore Ubud’s Charm
We visited quite a few places (provided by Fish Lee)
Although Kuta Beach was crowded, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. The layers of waves were quite soothing.
Further Reading: Kuta Travel Guide: 50 Must-Visit Spots, Vibrant Nightlife, Food, Recommended Spas All Collected
Fun Braiding Experience
The braiding experience in Bali is incredibly fun and really adds to the vacation vibe. I noticed many foreign children with colorful braids, so I decided to take my kids to try it out too—it was quite special.
We got our braids done on the street by Jamie Oliver’s restaurant near Kuta Beach. This street is lined with many Spa shops that offer braiding services, and they display samples of braids at their entrances. I initially thought they would use a lot of hair gel to secure the braids, but they actually didn’t. When removing the braids, you just need to cut off the fake hair part, which is quite convenient.
Braiding two braids takes about half an hour (provided by Fish Lee)
Must-See for Family Travel:
- The Temple of Heaven Show for All Ages
- 🎮 ZONE OUT Bali: Kuta's Coolest Virtual Reality Adventure Hub!
- Ubud Jungle Mario Kart
- AeroXSpace Adventure: Sanur's Mega Indoor Playground
- Bali Family Travel: Tips for Vacationing with Babies, Toddlers, and School-Age Children
- Interactive Alpaca Picnic: A Nature Classroom for Kids
- Taking Your Baby to Bali: Notes on Bringing Pork and Chicken Baby Food
- Magical Bali Journey: Experience the Underwater Magic of Varuna Show at Bali Marine Park
- Bali Family Travel Guide - Nusa Dua Edition
- Bali Family Attraction: Ultimate Guide to Waterbom Bali Water Park in Kuta 🌊
- Bali Family Travel Guide - Seminyak Edition
- Nuanu Creative City's Magic Garden
Convenient Private Car Service
This time, we opted for a private car service (driver + Chinese-speaking guide). We hired a Chinese-speaking guide who not only helped us overcome language barriers but also made our trip more enjoyable and relaxing. For instance, we adults enjoyed three Spa sessions—once while the guide looked after our kids at the Villa, and another time when he took the kids out for a meal, allowing us to fully relax during our Spa time.
Recommended Private Car Driver and Guide
Driver Edy, the minibus we used these days (provided by Fish Lee)
Our private car driver Edy and his team, along with our Chinese-speaking guide Ani, are highly recommended. The driver’s skills are steady, and the guide speaks fluent Chinese, answering many of our questions and taking great care of the kids and photos. If you’re unsure where to eat, they can also provide excellent recommendations.
Check out the reviews of driver Edy and Chinese-speaking guide Ani here
Our trip to Bali was incredibly enjoyable - the scenery, food, and service all left a deep impression on us. We hope these insights will be helpful for your travel planning.
Did you find Fish Lee’s itinerary exciting? Start planning your own Bali free-and-easy trip now! We also welcome everyone to share your itineraries in our community!
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Bali Area Guides
- Kuta Guide: 50 Places to Eat, Drink & Play
- Sanur Guide Map: 50 Things to See, Eat & Do
- Jimbaran Guide: 30 Recommended Attractions
- Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa: 40 Activities Guide
- Ubud Complete Guide: 100 Ways to Experience Ubud
- Seminyak Guide: 100 Things to Eat, Drink & Explore
- Amed & Tulamben Dive & Snorkel Guide
- Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Complete Guide
- Nuanu Creative City Guide
- Canggu Ultimate Map: 100 Must-Visit Spots
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