The following original content is provided by Jean Chen
I’ve always wanted to take my daughter on a trip, just the two of us. This summer, right before she turned 8, we finally made that little wish come true.
We spent 6 days and 5 nights in Bali (June 27 to July 2), without cramming in too many ‘must-see’ spots. Instead, we aimed for a relaxed, unhurried pace, savoring the time exploring the world together as mother and daughter. We played at Waterbom water park, went dolphin watching in Lovina, strolled through the Ubud rice terraces, and enjoyed the culturally rich Legong dance—each day brought its own surprises and memories.
Before the trip, I also referred to many experiences shared by seasoned travelers in various forums. Now that our trip is over, I want to compile my real experiences into a travelogue, hoping to offer some useful references for those planning a free-and-easy trip to Bali, especially for family travel.
Day 1–2｜Stay in Kuta First, No Rush to Hit the Road
After arriving in Bali, we checked into Kuta for two nights. On the second day, we spent the whole day at Waterbom water park.
Knowing that flying can be tiring, especially with a child in tow, I deliberately kept the first two days relaxed by staying near the airport. This made transfers easy and let us slowly adjust to the travel pace without having to endure a long drive right after landing—making the trip feel easy from the very start.
Looking back now, this arrangement was truly perfect for a family trip. The kids got plenty of rest, and we adults didn’t have to scramble from the get-go, which made it easier to enjoy every day that followed.
More Things to Do in Kuta
Kuta is Bali's most vibrant tourist hotspot, attracting travelers from around the world with its lively nightlife, bustling streets, and beginner-friendly surfing beaches. The area is packed with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it an excellent destination for thrill-seekers and shoppers alike. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the energetic party scene or enjoy stunning sunset views, Kuta promises to fill your vacation with unforgettable memories!
Want to learn more about Kuta? Click here
Kuta Accommodation Themes
- 18 Selected Hotels Near Kuta Beach
- 12 Top City Hotels in Kuta
- Bali Group Free Travel: Recommended Family Villas in Kuta with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms
Day 3｜From Kuta to Lovina by Private Car—The Best Decision We Made
On June 29, we officially began our northward journey, heading from Kuta to Lovina.
Since the drive was quite long, we decided to hire a private car. Through a recommendation in a travel group, we found Ani and booked the car for two days, traveling from Lovina in the north all the way down to Ubud in the central region. Looking back, this was truly one of the best decisions of the entire trip.
Not only did it save us the hassle of switching transport, but it also let us set our own pace without worrying about time. Traveling with a child, being able to stop and rest whenever needed made everything so much easier.
Along the way, Ani shared a wealth of stories about Bali’s history, religious beliefs, daily life, and local culture, turning every drive into a chance to slowly get to know the island—not just visit its sights.
Day 4｜Dolphin Watching in Lovina and Alas Harum—Scenery Even More Stunning Than Imagined
On the early morning of June 30, we set out to sea before dawn to chase dolphins.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
Luckily, we not only spotted pods of dolphins leaping across the surface but also enjoyed a stunning sunrise at sea. When the first rays of sunlight rose from the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold, that moment truly made every early wake-up call worth it.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
However, a little mishap happened that day.
While out at sea, I accidentally broke my power bank. With several more days of travel ahead and my phone needed for navigation, photos, and communication, I felt a bit panicked at that moment.
Unexpectedly, when Ani found out, she immediately helped me look for shops along the way and proactively communicated with the shop owner. In the end, I managed to buy a reasonably priced power bank that also met airline carry-on regulations. This seemingly small gesture made me deeply appreciate her thoughtfulness and kindness.
After leaving Lovina, we headed south all the way to Ubud.
Along the way, my daughter specifically requested to visit the Alas Harum rice terraces. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations at first, but since she wanted to go, I figured we’d give it a try.
Unexpectedly, the weather was perfect that day. Sunlight spilled over the layered rice terraces, turning the entire valley a lush green that looked like a painting—every casual shot looked like a postcard.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
I also have to praise Ani’s photography skills. She didn’t just press the shutter; she really knew how to find the right angles and capture the light, and even guided my daughter on how to pose. Thanks to her, we got many family photos that we’d rarely be able to take on our own.
Plus, the Alas Harum complex was much larger than I expected. It wasn’t just the rice terraces—the whole environment was beautifully maintained. After walking through the entire area, only one thought remained in my mind:
“I’m so glad we included this place.”
One more tip: tea tasting at Alas Harum used to be free, but it’s now a paid experience. Ani proactively informed us about the updated pricing before we arrived and also offered alternatives. There was no hard selling at all—every decision was ours to make, which made the experience very comfortable.
(Photo by Jean Chen. On the right is the famous ‘civet coffee’)
And after each stop, he was already waiting for us at the exit right on time. No need to find a car, no waiting—the entire itinerary flowed seamlessly.
Update: 2026/06/10
Must-See for Family Travel:
- 55 Kid-Friendly Activities in Ubud: The Ultimate Family Guide
- Varuna Show at Bali Safari: Underwater Magic & Aquatic Fantasy
- Bali Family-Friendly Attractions Guide | Over 100 Activities for Families
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Sanur Edition
- Marine Safari Bali Guide: Newly Opened Ocean Wildlife Park
- 20 Essential Tips for Traveling to Bali with Kids
- Top 15 Bali Family Resorts with Water Slides & Kids' Pools
- Baby-Friendly River Tubing: Safe & Easy Floating Adventure
- Bali with Kids: Travel Tips for Babies, Toddlers & School-Age Children
- Traveling to Bali with a Baby: Tips for Bringing Pork & Chicken Baby Food
- Bali Nanny Hiring Guide: How to Find a Babysitter & What It Costs
- Clip 'n Climb Sanur: Bali's Hottest Indoor Climbing Adventure with 25 Walls
Day 5｜Checking into Ubud, Enjoying the Most Classic Legong Dance
For the last two nights of our trip, we checked into Ubud, a town brimming with art, culture, and spiritual vibes.
If you’re in Ubud, I highly recommend spending an evening at the Ubud Palace to watch the Legong Dance.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
Book tickets for the grand fire dance show at Ubud Palace every Thursday: Klook
During peak season, performances usually start at 7:30 PM and end around 9:00 PM, with tickets priced at 100K IDR per person. I bought my ticket directly at the palace entrance this time.
Daily Legong Dance performances at Ubud Palace during peak season: Trip
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to secure a front-row seat or a spot with a good view.
Accompanied by the gamelan orchestra, the dancers’ delicate eye movements, graceful gestures, and ornate costumes together showcase Bali’s profound cultural heritage. Even if you don’t understand the story, you’ll be immersed in the rich atmosphere of the performance—it’s truly an experience worth having.
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
The Luckiest Part of This Trip: Meeting a Trustworthy Guide
Looking back on these two days of private car travel, we not only covered distant spots like Lovina and Ubud, but more importantly, it allowed my daughter and me to do more than just ‘visit Bali’—we truly began to understand this island.
The scenery along the way, the cultural stories, and the people we met all added so much warmth to this journey.
(Provided by Jean Chen)
I’m also very grateful to Ani and the driver for their care throughout the trip. Whether it was arranging the itinerary, taking photos, sharing stories along the way, or helping us when unexpected situations arose, we felt their attentiveness and professionalism.
If you’re planning a Bali independent trip, especially if you want to arrange cross-region itineraries like Lovina and Ubud, or if you’re traveling with children, I would be happy to recommend Ani.
(Chinese-speaking Guide) Ani Si Febri
👍🏼Recommendation 1 👍🏼Recommendation 2 👍🏼Recommendation 3 👍🏼Recommendation 4 👍🏼Recommendation 5 👍🏼Recommendation 6 👍🏼Recommendation 7 👍🏼Recommendation 8 👍🏼Recommendation 9 👍🏼Recommendation 10 👍🏼Recommendation 11 👍🏼Recommendation 12 👍🏼Recommendation 13 👍🏼Recommendation 14 👍🏼Recommendation 15 👍🏼Recommendation 16 👍🏼Recommendation 17 👍🏼Recommendation 18 👍🏼Recommendation 19 👍🏼Recommendation 20 👍🏼Recommendation 21 👍🏼Recommendation 22 👍🏼Recommendation 23 👍🏼Recommendation 24 👍🏼Recommendation 25 👍🏼Recommendation 26 👍🏼Recommendation 27 👍🏼Recommendation 28 👍🏼Recommendation 29 👍🏼Recommendation 30 👍🏼Recommendation 31 👍🏼Recommendation 32 👍🏼Recommendation 33 👍🏼Recommendation 34
But I should also remind you that Ani’s schedule is incredibly full — I’d recommend booking at least six months in advance. I was really lucky this time to snag her last two available days. I originally wanted to book one more day, but unfortunately, she had no time left. 😊
The trip is over, but the memories are just beginning
The six-day, five-night journey ended quickly, but what I truly brought home wasn’t just the countless photos on my phone — it was every single moment we shared together.
From chasing dolphins at sea for the first time, playing at Waterbom until we didn’t want to go back to the hotel, strolling through lush green rice terraces, watching the Legong dance, to taking care of each other along the way and solving little hiccups together — these seemingly ordinary moments are the most precious memories we’ll cherish in the future.
Perhaps the meaning of travel has never been about how many attractions you visit, but about seeing a bigger world together while accompanying one another, and leaving behind your own story.
Finally, I want to thank every friend in the community who was willing to share their experiences. Thanks to the information you all generously provided, we avoided many detours and made this mother-daughter trip much smoother.
I hope this travelogue can also offer some practical references for the next traveler heading to Bali. If you’re also planning a family trip, I wish you the best in creating your own beautiful memories in Bali.
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