The following content is adapted from a travelogue shared by fellow traveler I-Hsuan Chang:
Sharing My Experience Traveling to Bali with My 70+ Mother from January 13th to 17th
Traveling to Bali with my 70-year-old mother was a journey filled with warmth and challenges. From transportation and accommodation to food, every experience deepened my appreciation for Bali’s unique charm while also teaching me valuable lessons. Through this travelogue, I hope to provide practical advice for those planning to travel to Bali with elderly family members, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable!
Transportation
Transportation was one of my biggest concerns when traveling to Bali with my mother. Since many say Bali taxi drivers tend to take advantage of tourists, I decided to use Grab for rides before the trip. My previous experience with Grab in Thailand was excellent, and it was no different in Bali. However, the situation at Bali Airport was chaotic—as soon as we stepped out, we were approached by a group of taxi drivers who persistently tried to sell their services, even claiming to be Grab drivers and offering cheaper rates. This was particularly frustrating, especially when traveling with an elderly parent.
My advice is to head left immediately after exiting the airport, where you’ll find a small parking lot where Grab drivers usually wait for passengers. This helps avoid being hassled by other taxi drivers and allows you to find your ride quickly. However, some drivers may still approach you during the wait—simply tell them firmly that you’ve already booked a ride.
During our stay in Bali, we relied almost entirely on Grab for transportation. The app’s advantage is the abundance of available cars; you can usually get a ride within three minutes, whether at a tourist spot or a restaurant. Most drivers speak decent English and are friendly, and the fares are strictly based on the app’s pricing, so there’s no risk of being overcharged. The only minor issue is the scarcity of small change in Bali. Sometimes, when we didn’t have enough small bills, we’d tell the driver to keep the change, which was usually just a few dollars, and they were always grateful.
That said, Bali’s traffic can be a headache 🤣. There’s no clear distinction between fast and slow lanes, and motorcycles weave through traffic unpredictably. Watching them dart between cars can make you feel like a collision is imminent. If you’re brave, you might want to try Grab’s motorcycle service, especially during peak hours when car traffic can be unbearable. Once, we traveled just 20 kilometers between two locations, but it took a full two hours—truly a mix of laughter and frustration.
Overall, Grab is a reliable transportation option in Bali, especially for travelers with elderly companions—it’s both convenient and safe. Just remember that Bali’s traffic can be chaotic, so exercise extra caution, particularly when crossing the street, as motorcycles and cars move unpredictably (unlike in Taiwan).
Private Car Hire
During our Bali trip, hiring a private car was one of the most convenient and worry-free transportation options we chose. We found our driver through recommendations in online forums, and the reviews were excellent. After experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say it was worth every penny. Here are the details of our private car hire experience for your reference.
Booking and Communication:
We communicated with the driver via Line, and the process was smooth and efficient. First, we informed him about the itinerary we wanted and the duration of the car hire. Based on our needs, he provided suggestions, listed the total cost, and outlined the sequence of activities. The day before, he contacted us again to confirm that there were no changes to the plan. The best part was that payment was only made at the end of the day, so there was no need to worry about prepayment.
Itinerary and Cost:
The main purpose of our private car hire was to explore the Ubud area and have the driver drop us off at our next hotel afterward. The total hire time was 10 hours, and the cost was approximately USD$39, which I found very reasonable. Additionally, we asked the driver to arrange activities like ATV rides, river tubing, and swings. He included the costs of these activities in the total price, and once confirmed, everything was set. We paid the full amount at the end of the day, which was incredibly convenient.
- 🏎️ Bali ATV Activity ▶Klook Discount
- 🚣 Bali Rafting Activity ▶Klook Discount
- 🚣 Ubud River Tubing Activity ▶Klook Discount
Driver’s Thoughtful Service:
Our driver was highly experienced, having worked with many Taiwanese tourists, and was very knowledgeable about Bali’s attractions and activities. He was particularly considerate of my elderly mother, choosing newer companies and gentler routes for the ATV and river tubing activities. For the river tubing, my mother and I were assigned a dedicated coach who ensured our safety throughout the experience and took many photos and videos, creating wonderful memories.
The driver’s English was excellent, and although he didn’t speak Chinese, communication was never an issue 🤣. He was very attentive, accompanying us throughout each activity, helping with luggage, and taking photos. What’s more, he even prepared notes reminding us how much to tip the coaches or staff, so we didn’t have to worry about these details.
Flexibility During the Trip:
The driver was incredibly thoughtful, even asking if we were hungry during the trip and taking us to a restaurant. The entire experience was relaxed and carefree, with no need to worry about timing or route planning. If you need to switch hotels during your Bali trip, I highly recommend this private car service. You can ask the driver to arrange a full-day itinerary and drop you off at your next accommodation, saving both time and effort.
More Excellent Reviews of Karuna:
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Overall Experience:
This private car experience left me very satisfied. The driver’s professionalism and thoughtfulness made the journey smoother. If you’re planning to bring elderly family members or loved ones to Bali, I highly recommend this private car service. It allows you to customize your itinerary according to your needs while enjoying the driver’s attentive service. With Bali’s scattered attractions and less-than-convenient public transport, private car service is undoubtedly the most hassle-free option!
Quick Reference:
- Bali Private Car Guide - Costs, Booking Methods, and Advantages
- 【Bali Private Car Driver Recommendations】Find the Right Driver Through Real Netizen Reviews
- Arriving in Bali: Transportation Options for Airport Pickup and Practical Tips for the First Day
- Bali Travel: Chinese-Speaking Drivers, Guides, and Private Car Itineraries
- Bali Motorcycle Rental Guide! Should You Rent a Motorcycle or Opt for a Private Car?
- When to Choose Private Car? When to Call a Ride? Private Car vs. Ride-Hailing: How to Choose the Best Travel Option for You?
- Essential Apps for Traveling in Indonesia/Bali: A Complete Guide to Gojek
- How to Use Ride-Hailing App Gojek?
- Comprehensive Guide to Registering, Using, and Topping Up Gojek and GoPay in Indonesia/Bali
- Bali Ride-Hailing App Driver Tricks: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps?
Civet Coffee
During this Bali trip, the private car driver took us to a civet coffee plantation, which is one of the “classic itineraries” many tourists encounter in Bali. Although the experience felt a bit commercialized, I still wanted to share my thoughts to give you another reference when planning your trip.
Driver’s Recommendation:
During our private car tour, the driver casually asked if we wanted to try Kopi Luwak, emphasizing that it’s a specialty of Bali and only costs USD$3 per cup, making it well worth a try. Intrigued by the affordable price and driven by curiosity, we agreed. The driver then took us to a dedicated Kopi Luwak plantation.
Plantation Tour and Tasting:
As soon as we entered the plantation, the staff enthusiastically explained the process of making Kopi Luwak, highlighting how natural and organic their coffee is, and how it undergoes ‘natural processing’ by civet cats. They guided us through the plantation, showing us the relationship between the civet cats (actually palm civets) and the coffee beans, before leading us to the tasting area.
The tasting experience was quite enjoyable. In addition to Kopi Luwak, they prepared a variety of other coffees and floral teas for us to sample. Each drink was accompanied by a detailed explanation, such as the flavor profile of the coffee or the benefits of the floral teas. After the tasting session, it did feel a bit awkward not to buy something.
Controversy Surrounding Kopi Luwak:
However, while tasting, I recalled the controversies surrounding Kopi Luwak that I had read about online. Many reports indicate that these coffee beans are not entirely naturally sourced; many civet cats are kept in cages and force-fed coffee beans, which is not animal-friendly. Additionally, Kopi Luwak is extremely expensive. Although the tasting cup only cost USD$3, the actual purchase price might be prohibitive.
Purchase Pressure and Actual Experience:
During the tasting, the staff enthusiastically promoted their products right in front of us, which created a bit of pressure. We ended up buying a small pack of mangosteen tea for around USD$13, which wasn’t too expensive but also not cheap. As for the Kopi Luwak, it did have a subtle sweetness and a smooth texture, but it didn’t strike me as a ‘must-buy.’ If you’re not particularly passionate about coffee or uninterested in such commercialized tours, you can simply tell the driver to skip this stop, saving you a lot of time.
Experience Summary:
The civet coffee experience is considered a signature activity in Bali, but the underlying animal welfare issues and commercialized approach can be off-putting. If you’re not particularly interested in coffee or don’t want to spend too much time on shopping-oriented activities, it’s recommended to communicate with your driver beforehand to skip this part. After all, Bali has many more worthwhile sights and activities to explore. Time is precious, so why not dedicate it to creating even more beautiful memories!
Food
Food was definitely one of the highlights that left a lasting impression on me during this Bali trip! Bali’s culinary culture is incredibly diverse, especially its local specialties, which are truly unforgettable. Below is my detailed sharing of this dining experience, hoping to provide some references for everyone.
Dirty Duck Rice and Pork Ribs:
First and foremost, I highly recommend Bali’s ‘Dirty Duck Rice’ and ‘Pork Ribs’. Dirty Duck Rice is a traditional Balinese dish where the duck is marinated and cooked with spices for a long time, resulting in a very tender texture. Paired with the local spiced rice, it offers a rich flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. As for the pork ribs, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet sauce that’s not greasy at all, making it perfect for meat lovers.
Interestingly, our driver told us that although the majority of Indonesia’s population is Muslim and doesn’t eat pork, over 85% of Bali’s population practices Hinduism, so you can find many pork dishes here, which is quite rare in other parts of Indonesia. Additionally, Bali’s lifestyle is relatively free, unlike Islamic regions where there are many dress and dietary restrictions, making our trip more relaxed and comfortable. The driver also mentioned that schools in Bali finish at noon, which made me feel that the pace of life here is really leisurely, and it sounds super chill 🤣.
Traditional Indonesian Cuisine:
While Dirty Duck Rice and Pork Ribs amazed us, traditional Indonesian cuisine didn’t quite suit our taste buds. We even signed up for a cooking class, spending a morning learning to make six or seven Indonesian dishes. There were also a few Korean tourists in the class, and after tasting, everyone found the dishes too salty and oily, so we only took a couple of bites and didn’t touch them again. However, the process of participating in the cooking class was still very fun, as it was a unique travel experience to personally engage in the making of local dishes.
Quick Reference:
Snacks
Apart from main meals, Bali’s snacks also pleasantly surprised me! Especially the ‘Coconut Chips’, which were definitely one of my favorite snacks during this trip. Coconut chips are made by drying fresh coconuts, resulting in a crispy texture with a natural coconut sweetness, and they’re not greasy at all, making them very refreshing to eat. We bought several packs at a local supermarket to bring home, but I finished them all before we even returned to Taiwan 🤣. If you also enjoy coconut-flavored snacks, don’t miss out on this one!
Here’s an introduction: 【Netizen Recommended】Six Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Recommendations: Perfect Choices to Preserve Precious Memories
Currency Exchange
When traveling in Bali, currency exchange is an aspect that requires special attention, especially since the local currency amounts are very large, and it’s easy to get confused. Below are my currency exchange experiences from this trip, hoping to help everyone handle money matters more smoothly.
Bringing USD is Most Convenient:
It’s recommended to exchange USD in Taiwan first, then convert to Indonesian Rupiah in Bali. This is because the exchange rate for USD in Bali is relatively stable, and all currency exchange offices accept USD. This time, we brought USD to Bali and paid for the visa on arrival directly with USD at the airport, receiving change in Indonesian Rupiah from the staff, so we had some local currency right after landing.
Airport Exchange vs. City Exchange:
Although there are currency exchange offices at the airport, the rates are usually not as favorable as those in the city. Therefore, we only exchanged a small amount of Indonesian Rupiah for transportation from the airport to the city, and waited to exchange the rest at reputable currency exchange offices in the city.
Amount Representation and Conversion Tips:
The denominations of Indonesian Rupiah are very large, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions, which might be confusing for first-time visitors. Locals commonly represent the last three zeros with a ‘K’, for example, 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah is written as 50K. The simplest way to convert between Indonesian Rupiah and USD is to multiply the number before ‘K’ by 2, then add a little more, to get an approximate amount in USD. For example, 50K Indonesian Rupiah is about a little over USD$3, making calculations very convenient and helping to avoid mistakes when shopping or paying.
Precautions:
When exchanging money, always choose reputable currency exchange offices to avoid encountering counterfeit bills or unfair exchange rates at roadside stalls. Additionally, it’s best to count the money on the spot and confirm the amount before leaving. Some exchange offices may charge service fees, so it’s advisable to inquire about this before proceeding with the exchange.
Quick Reference:
- Indonesia/Bali Travel Currency Exchange Guide: What currency is used in Indonesia/Bali? How to get the best exchange rate? Where is the best place to exchange money?
- Bali Travel Budget Guide: Understanding the ‘K’ in Prices to Help You Manage Your Budget
Accommodation
This Bali accommodation experience made me deeply realize the importance of choosing the right location and surrounding environment. Below are some insights from my stay that I hope will help you make more suitable choices when planning your trip.
Mosquito Problem:
First, I must warn everyone that Bali has a lot of mosquitoes, and they are particularly large! This might be due to the humid climate and the fact that hotels and villas often plant a lot of flowers and trees to create a tropical ambiance, which unfortunately also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even though we stayed in a relatively high-end villa, mosquitoes still managed to fly into our room. Therefore, mosquito repellent is an absolute must-have item. I recommend carrying it with you at all times, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Quick Reference:
Breakfast Service:
Although the mosquito issue was somewhat bothersome, the hotels and guesthouses we stayed at performed exceptionally well in terms of breakfast. The breakfast options were diverse, ranging from local specialties to Western-style breakfasts, and the quality was consistently high. I believe breakfast is very important when staying in Bali because there were almost no convenience stores or food stalls around our accommodation. If we didn’t eat enough for breakfast, we would have to wait until lunchtime to find something to eat. Therefore, I suggest paying special attention to whether breakfast is provided when choosing accommodation, as it will make your journey much more comfortable.
Choosing the Right Accommodation Location:
The biggest mistake in our accommodation choice was staying in a place that was quite far from the bustling areas. There were almost no shops or restaurants nearby, and we had to call for a ride every time we went out, which was very inconvenient. Bali’s attractions are scattered, and transportation isn’t very convenient. If your accommodation isn’t in a bustling area, the daily transportation costs can add up significantly. Each time we called for a ride, it cost us around USD$40, and once we were out, it was impossible to come back to fetch something or rest, which somewhat limited our itinerary planning.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consider the convenience of the surrounding area when choosing accommodation. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, you might want to stay in bustling areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, where there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and evening entertainment options. However, if you opt for a more secluded villa or resort, be prepared to rely on Grab food delivery or private car services for your daily needs.
Accommodation Insights:
While Bali’s accommodations are beautiful, mosquito issues and location choices require special attention. It’s advisable to bring plenty of mosquito repellent and consider the convenience of the surrounding area when selecting your stay. Staying outside the main tourist areas might increase transportation costs and inconvenience, so keep this in mind when planning your itinerary. We hope these tips help you find the perfect accommodation in Bali, making your trip even more enjoyable!
Quick Reference:
- 【Ubud Accommodation Recommendations】Private Pool Villas: 18 Stunning Bali Villas in Ubud
- Explore 9 Breathtaking Tree House/Bamboo Villas in Ubud
- 【Bali Accommodation Recommendations】Private Pool Villas: 21 Secret Gardens in Seminyak
- Family Villas with 3+ Bedrooms Recommendations
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu You Can’t Miss
- 【Seminyak】Affordable Bali Villas Under $100
The sunshine, sea breeze, and cultural charm of Bali left us with countless beautiful memories during our mother-daughter trip. Although there were minor hiccups like transportation inconveniences, mosquito troubles, or some food adjustments, these became unique highlights of our journey. If you’re planning to bring your family to Bali, remember to prepare in advance, choose suitable accommodations and transportation methods, and keep an open mind. We’re sure this tropical paradise will offer you an unforgettable experience!
Do you find I-Hsuan Chang’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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