The following original content is provided by Jean Chen
I had 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–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 we left, I also referred to many experiences shared by seasoned travelers in various forums. Now that our trip is over, I want to compile my practical insights into a travelogue, hoping to offer some useful references for those planning a Bali independent trip, especially for families with kids.
Day 1–2｜Stay in Kuta First, No Rush to Hit the Road
After arriving in Bali, we checked into Kuta for two consecutive nights. On the second day, we spent the whole day at Waterbom Water Park.
Considering the fatigue from flying and traveling with a child, I deliberately kept the first two days light. Choosing accommodation near the airport made transportation easy and allowed us to gradually adjust to the travel rhythm without having to endure a long drive right after landing. This made the trip feel relaxed from the very start.
Looking back now, this arrangement was truly perfect for a family trip. The kids had plenty of rest time, and we adults didn’t have to scramble from the start—instead, we could enjoy each day even more.
More to Eat, Drink, and Explore in Kuta
Kuta is the most vibrant hotspot in Bali, drawing travelers from around the world with its lively nightlife, bustling streets, and beginner-friendly surf beach. It's packed with countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a top destination for thrill-seekers and shoppers alike. Whether you're diving into the party scene or soaking up a stunning sunset, Kuta promises a vacation full of unforgettable memories!
Want more Kuta tips? Click here
Kuta Accommodation Highlights
- 18 Handpicked Hotels Near Kuta Beach
- 12 Best City Hotels in Kuta
- Bali Group Travel: Recommended Private Villas in Kuta for Families (3-Bedroom, 4-Bedroom, 5-Bedroom, 6-Bedroom and Up)
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 community recommendation, 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 now, this was truly one of the best decisions of the entire trip.
Not only did it save us the hassle of transferring between transport, but we could also set our own pace without worrying about time. Traveling with kids, being able to stop and rest whenever needed made things so much easier.
Along the way, Ani shared a lot about Bali’s history, religious beliefs, culture, and local stories, turning the journey into more than just visiting sights—it became a way to slowly get to know the island during every drive.
Day 4｜Dolphin Watching in Lovina and Alas Harum—Scenery More Stunning Than Imagined
On June 30, we set out before dawn to watch dolphins at sea.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
Luckily, we not only saw pods of dolphins leaping across the surface but also enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. As the first rays of light rose from the horizon, painting the sky in golden hues, that moment made every early wake-up call feel completely worth it.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
But that day, a little hiccup happened.
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 was honestly a bit panicked.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Ani found out, he immediately helped me look for shops along the way and even took the initiative to communicate with the owners. In the end, I managed to buy a reasonably priced power bank that also met airline regulations. This seemingly small gesture made me truly appreciate his attentiveness and kindness.
After leaving Lovina, we headed south all the way to Ubud.
Along the way, my daughter specifically wanted to visit the Alas Harum rice terraces. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations at first—I just thought, since the kids wanted to go, we might as well check it out.
Unexpectedly, the weather was absolutely perfect that day. Sunlight spilled over the layered terraces, turning the entire valley a lush green that looked like a painting—every snapshot looked like a postcard.
(Photo by Jean Chen)
I also have to praise Ani’s photography skills. He didn’t just press the shutter; he really knew how to find the right angles and capture the light, and even guided my daughter on how to pose. Thanks to him, we ended up with many family photos that we’d normally struggle to take on our own.
Also, the Alas Harum estate is bigger than I imagined—it’s not just the rice terraces; the entire environment is beautifully maintained. After walking through the whole place, only one thought remained in my mind:
“I’m so glad I included this place.”
One more tip: the complimentary 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 offered alternatives without any hard sell—all decisions were ours to make, which felt very relaxed.
(Provided by Jean Chen. The photo on the right shows 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 trip flowed seamlessly.
Family Travel Must-Sees:
- Bali Family Water Parks: Top 15 Family Resorts with Water Slides and Pools
- Ubud Jungle Mario Kart Adventure
- Bali Family Attraction: Ultimate Guide to Waterbom Bali Water Park in Kuta 🌊
- 20 Essential Tips for a Family Trip to Bali with Kids
- Jungle Kids Bali | Nuanu's Kids Club: The Best Play & Learning Space for Children
- How to Enjoy Bali Safari & Marine Park: A Night Stay Guide
- Magic Garden at Nuanu Creative City
- Guide to Hiring a Nanny in Bali: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview
- Titi Batu Ubud Club: A Day of Fitness, Fun, and Relaxation for Families
- Bali's Largest Kids' Playground: Mookiland Park Bali – A Family Paradise
- 🎮 ZONE OUT Bali: Kuta's Coolest Virtual Reality Adventure Base!
- 2025 New Opening: Marine Safari Bali Guide
Day 5｜Checking into Ubud, Watching the Most Classic Legong Dance
For our last two nights, we stayed in Ubud, a town brimming with art, culture, and spirituality.
If you’re in Ubud, I highly recommend spending one evening at the Ubud Palace to watch the Legong Dance.
(Provided by Jean Chen)
Book tickets for the grand fire dance at Ubud Palace every Thursday: Klook
Want to compare more attraction ticket prices? Check out the Bali Ticket Price List , which includes booking links for 49 popular spots via Klook, Agoda, and Trip.com.
During peak season, performances usually start at 7:30 PM and end around 9:00 PM, with tickets priced at 100K Indonesian Rupiah per person. I bought my ticket directly at the palace entrance this time.
The daily Legong dance performance at Ubud Palace during peak season: Trip
The ticket price is 100K… What does the ‘K’ mean? Check here
Accompanied by the Gamelan orchestra, the dancers’ delicate eye movements, graceful gestures, and ornate costumes together showcase the profound cultural heritage of Bali. Even without understanding the storyline, you can immerse yourself in the rich performance atmosphere—it’s truly worth experiencing.
More to Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here
Ubud Accommodation Themes
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Mindful Relaxation
- 18 Bali Kids Club Family Resorts: Best Family-Friendly Options in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu & Ubud
- 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 tours, we not only covered distant spots like Lovina and Ubud, but more importantly, it allowed my daughter and me to go beyond just ‘visiting 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 itinerary planning, taking photos, sharing stories along the way, or helping out when unexpected situations arose, we could feel 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 kids, I’d be happy to recommend Ani.
(Chinese-speaking Guide) Ani Si Febri 安妮
👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 1 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 2 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 3 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 4 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 5 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 6 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 7 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 8 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 9 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 10 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 11 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 12 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 13 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 14 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 15 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 16 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 17 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 18 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 19 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 20 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 21 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 22 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 23 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 24 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 25 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 26 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 27 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 28 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 29 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 30 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 31 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 32 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 33 👍🏼Netizen Recommendation 34
But I should also remind everyone that Ani’s schedule is really packed—it’s best to book at least six months in advance. I was really lucky this time to snag her only two remaining free days; I originally wanted to book an extra day, but unfortunately, there was 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 isn’t just the countless photos on my phone—it’s every 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 and solving little hiccups along the way—these seemingly ordinary moments are the most precious memories to look back on.
The meaning of travel, perhaps, has never been about how many sights you visit, but about seeing a bigger world together while accompanying each other and leaving behind your own stories.
Finally, I also want to thank every friend in the group who was willing to share their experiences. Thanks to the selfless information you all 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 planning a family trip, I wish you the best in creating your own beautiful memories in Bali.
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