Family Travel

[Bali Family 8-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide] Exploring Most of Bali in Eight Days

By 小傑爸 Bali travel blogger · Go Bali Go founder

2025年11月10日 · 更新於 2026年7月21日 ✏️ 編輯文章

[Bali Family 8-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide] Exploring Most of Bali in Eight Days

💡 Quick Answer

A family travelogue of eight days and seven nights in Bali, covering Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, Ubud, Mount Batur sunrise, Tanah Lot, Seminyak...

Facebook group member Mei Chen and her family share their eight-day, seven-night Bali travelogue, specially provided for us to edit and republish:

Key Highlights: This is a real-life travelogue of a family of 6 adults and 1 child (2 years old) over eight days and seven nights, covering Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, Ubud, Mount Batur sunrise, Tanah Lot, and Seminyak. Two practical lessons: ① Visa on arrival is safer than e-visa (worried about data entry errors and fines; on-site queue took about 10 minutes, but credit card payments incur an extra 2% fee); ② Baggage claim may take longer than getting the visa (they waited nearly 2 hours, missing the Jimbaran sunset), so plan your itinerary with buffer time.

Thanks to the “Go Bali Go Facebook Group” for the pre-trip help; I hope my info can also assist others.

Travel Info & Pre-Trip Preparation

Trip Dates: May 18 - May 25

This Bali trip was a family vacation with 6 adults and 1 child (a two-year-old boy).

Flights

We chose China Airlines’ direct flight, with round-trip tickets costing about USD$419 per person. Since we booked more than three months in advance, we got a good deal.

Visa

We opted for the visa on arrival, but paying by card incurs an extra 2% fee. We initially considered the e-visa, but it required filling out a lot of information, and we saw reports before departure of people being fined for writing ‘TAIWAN,’ so we worried about mistakes and decided to go with the visa on arrival instead. The visa-on-arrival process in Bali is relatively straightforward, with many queue counters, each line holding about five people. We were lucky and completed the visa process in about ten minutes. However, our luck ran out at baggage claim—we waited nearly two hours for our luggage, missing the chance to watch the sunset in Jimbaran.

1-Minute Guide: Latest Process from Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim

SIM Card

We pre-ordered two XL SIM cards from a highly-rated seller on Shopee. But since XL’s signal is reportedly poor, we set aside some budget to buy another SIM card locally. As it turned out, XL’s signal was indeed terrible, with almost no internet access. We later bought a Telkomsel SIM card locally—24GB for about USD$12—and finally got a stable connection.

Currency Exchange

We exchanged some US dollars in Taiwan first, then converted to Indonesian rupiah upon arriving in Bali. We chose exchange counters that provided receipts and were certified. In practice, rates at all legitimate exchange places were similar; only shops without receipts offered slightly better rates, but we worried about scams and stuck with official ones. We noticed that rates were best from noon to around 3 PM, sometimes worsening later in the afternoon.

How to choose a legitimate exchange counter? Check out: Indonesia/Bali Travel Currency Exchange Guide

Airport to Jimbaran Hotel

We booked two cars via Grab, with a wait time of about 20 minutes. On-the-spot pricing showed Grab was cheaper than Gojek and also cheaper than pre-booking airport transfers on Klook (a HiAce-style car was about USD$23). Given potential delays with the visa on arrival, we opted to book on-site. The cost for two Grab cars was around USD$13, but you have to wait on-site—so weigh your options. In comparison, airport transfer via private car is the priciest choice, as the driver only makes one trip and rents the vehicle, with no other itinerary possible. Unless you have other destinations to visit that day, a private car is not recommended.

Itinerary

Since we wanted to visit all the famous spots, we planned our itinerary in advance and then found a private driver to match our schedule.

Saturday, May 18 — Day 1: Exploring Jimbaran

We took off from Taiwan at 9:10 AM, and after a five-hour flight, arrived in Bali at 2:40 PM.

FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach

Upon arrival, we headed straight to FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach to drop off our luggage. The hotel is within walking distance of Jimbaran Beach. It features a rooftop infinity pool and a children’s splash area, making it a great choice for families.

Jimbaran Beach

We originally planned to watch the sunset at Jimbaran Beach, but a long wait for luggage at the airport made us miss the beautiful sunset. Still, the beach scenery was delightful, and we got to try the local specialty: grilled corn. The corn was sweet and buttery, absolutely delicious and memorable.

Dinner — Lia Cafe

For dinner, we chose Lia Cafe, which charges an additional 10% service fee and accepts credit cards. While waiting for our food, a local band came by and sang songs based on our nationality. However, they aggressively demanded tips and seemed unhappy when we didn’t give enough, which soured the dining experience a bit. (Editor’s note: This band is not affiliated with the restaurant. A tip of around 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah for your group would have been more than enough to keep everyone happy!)

Read more: 11 Seafood Restaurant Recommendations in Jimbaran, Bali

Unfinished Itinerary - Cuca Restaurant

We originally planned to visit Cuca Restaurant for dessert, but due to schedule delays, we ultimately couldn’t make it. I’ve heard the desserts here are absolutely delicious, so we’ll save it for next time.

Cuca Restaurant Dining Experience Voucher in Jimbaran

Coco Supermarket Jimbaran

After dinner, we headed to the nearby Coco Supermarket Jimbaran to pick up some snacks and fruit. On the way to the supermarket, we spotted many shops selling SIM cards. We found the cheapest one and bought a card, and also exchanged some money at a currency exchange booth.

Accommodation - FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach

We stayed at FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach, which boasts a very convenient location within walking distance of Jimbaran Beach. The hotel has an infinity pool on the rooftop and a children’s splash area, adding plenty of fun to our trip.

Accommodation - FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach

▶FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach Booking Link Trip

More Jimbaran Dining and Entertainment Guide

Jimbaran is a coastal paradise on Bali renowned for its romantic ambiance and culinary delights, featuring stunning golden beaches and breathtaking sunset views. The seafood restaurants here are a must-try culinary experience, while luxurious resorts and tranquil fishing village vibes allow visitors to enjoy both indulgence and local life. Whether for family trips or romantic dates, Jimbaran will exceed your expectations! Want to learn more about Jimbaran? Click here

Jimbaran Accommodation Themes

Sunday, May 19 — DAY 2: Uluwatu Adventure

Breakfast – Bull’s Coffee Jimbaran

Our first stop was Bull’s Coffee Jimbaran, where we hoped to try their famous avocado sandwich, but unfortunately it wasn’t available that day. The café accepts card payments and has a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to kick off the day.

Breakfast – Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki

Afterward, we grabbed another breakfast—Bali’s iconic chicken rice at Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki. The dish was delicious and authentic, leaving a lasting impression on us.

Mei Chen提供，左至右：Pantai Batu Barak/Pandawa Beach/Oneeighty

Mei Chen provided, from left to right: Pantai Batu Barak / Pandawa Beach / Oneeighty

Pantai Batu Barak

After breakfast, we headed to Pantai Batu Barak, a fantastic spot for photos. The natural scenery here is stunning and perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy shots.

Pandawa Beach

Next, we made our way to Pandawa Beach. While the beach itself isn’t particularly breathtaking, we had fun trying out kayaking, which added a playful touch to the visit.

One Eighty Bali Cliff Bar

For lunch, we chose the One Eighty Bali Cliff Bar. The food here is relatively affordable, and we ordered quite a few dishes to meet the minimum spend. Besides the delicious food, there’s also an infinity pool where you can enjoy the stunning views while eating. It’s recommended to book in advance, and credit cards are accepted here.

Read more: Oneeighty Day Club Review: Bali’s Cliffside Pool with Breathtaking Views

Uluwatu Temple / Fire Dance Show

Mei Chen提供：烏魯瓦圖廟和卡洽火舞表演

Provided by Mei Chen: Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance

In the afternoon, we headed to Uluwatu Temple to watch the sunset and the fire dance show. It’s best to buy tickets in advance on Klook or KKday, otherwise you might not get a spot for the 6 PM show due to long queues. The monkeys here are very active, so be extra careful with your hat and glasses to prevent them from being snatched away.

💰 Want to know more about ticket prices for attractions? Check out the Bali Ticket Price Guide which compiles real-time reference prices for 49 popular spots, along with comparison links to Klook and Trip.com.

Read more: Kecak Fire Dance: A Must-See Spectacular Performance in Bali (with Ticket Info)

Editor’s Pick

Uluwatu VW Convertible Tour

編輯推薦

Explore South Bali in a VW convertible! Stop at Padang-Padang and Pandawa beaches to soak in the scenery, then head to Uluwatu Temple for sunset, followed by a seafood dinner in Jimbaran. The package includes pickup, driver, and fuel, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali!

Uluwatu VW Convertible Safari Tour

Uluwatu Dining and Entertainment Recommendations

Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, charming beaches, and excellent surfing spots. Filled with a romantic tropical vacation atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments. If you're also considering staying in Uluwatu, you can refer to the following carefully curated dining and entertainment guide to make your trip even more enriching and fun: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions and Dining Recommendations

Uluwatu Accommodation Themes

Accommodation - Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur

住宿 - Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur

In the evening, we checked into Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur - Bali. This hotel is perfect for those planning an island hop the next day, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Sanur’s new harbor. The pool has a children’s splash area, making it suitable for families with kids. However, we left our swim ring in the room upon checkout, and when we asked about it three hours later, we were told it wasn’t found—this was a bit disappointing, and the hotel’s service in this regard could use improvement.

▶ Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur Booking Link Trip Booking

Monday, May 20 - DAY 3: Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling / Sanur

Breakfast - Prime Plaza Hotel

In the morning, we enjoyed a buffet breakfast at Prime Plaza Hotel, with a variety of dishes that energized our day.

Group Activities

We split into two groups today:

Mei Chen提供：藍夢島浮潛

Provided by Mei Chen: Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling

Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Trip The first group heads out for a snorkeling trip to Nusa Lembongan, walking to the harbor in the morning. Snorkeling runs from 08:45 to 15:15. We booked this tour on KKday because it was cheaper than Klook, plus we had a discount coupon from their May anniversary sale, and it includes free photos and videos.
Hotel Relaxation The second group, who aren’t joining the snorkeling, stays at the hotel to sleep in and enjoy the water. After checking out at noon, they leave their luggage and head to Sanur Beach for a stroll.

▶Book the Nusa Lembongan tour on KKday

▶Book the Nusa Lembongan tour on Klook

Lunch - Warung Mak Beng

We had lunch at Warung Mak Beng in Sanur. Their fish dishes are absolutely delicious, and it’s just a short walk from the hotel—a great choice.

More Sanur Dining and Entertainment Guide

Sanur is a tranquil seaside town on Bali, renowned for its calm beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunrise views. It offers family-friendly resorts, traditional markets, and a wealth of local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for enjoying a slow-paced life and exploring culture. Whether strolling along the coastline or soaking in the local vibe, Sanur promises an incredibly relaxing holiday experience! Want to learn more about Sanur? Click here

Sanur Accommodation Themes

Meeting Up

After snorkeling, we all gathered and took a Grab to our next accommodation.

Accommodation - RV Hotel Kutus Kutus

住宿 - RV Hotel Kutus Kutus

Tonight we’re staying at RV Hotel Kutus Kutus in Ubud. Each room costs about USD$13, and breakfast isn’t included—adding it would actually cost more than the room itself, which gave us a good laugh. The rooms are brand new, and there’s an infinity pool on the rooftop, plus a kids’ splash area. The only downside is poor soundproofing, but for this price, it’s still a fantastic deal. Light sleepers might want to take note.

▶ Book RV Hotel Kutus Kutus

Dinner - Pasar Senggol Gianyar Night Market

In the evening, we headed to Pasar Senggol Gianyar Night Market, a popular local spot with a lively atmosphere and impressive size. We took a six-seater Gojek there, costing about USD$1. At the market, we sampled a variety of local dishes and experienced the true “Bali nightlife.”

Xiao Jie has visited another of Bali’s largest night markets:

Tuesday, May 21 - DAY 4: Exploring Ubud

Mei Chen提供。由左至右：Tegenungan瀑布/Penglipuran村/百沙基母廟

Courtesy of Mei Chen. From left to right: Tegenungan Waterfall / Penglipuran Village / Besakih Mother Temple

Tegenungan Waterfall

Our first stop was Tegenungan Waterfall, one of Bali’s most famous waterfalls. Standing before it, surrounded by the roar of the water and the mist in the air, was truly refreshing.

Lunch - Babi Guling Pande Bangli

For lunch, we chose Babi Guling Pande Bangli, which serves Bali’s signature suckling pig rice. The food tasted good, but unfortunately, we also spotted a rat, which really dampened our dining experience.

Penglipuran Village

Next, we arrived at Penglipuran Village, where the prices for bags were the lowest we found—perfect for shopping. Although the prices were already affordable, you can still haggle a bit.

Read more: A Timeless Journey to Penglipuran Village: Experience Bali’s Ancient Charm

Besakih Mother Temple

We visited Besakih Mother Temple, and the entrance fee was quite steep at around USD$10 (since it includes a mandatory guide fee). After the tour, the guide asked for a tip, even though the entrance fee already covers it. Here, we also saw various stalls selling mangosteen at very cheap prices—outside supermarkets sell it for about 35k IDR per kilogram, but when the vendors saw we weren’t buying, they dropped the price to 10k IDR per kilogram!

Dinner - AKASA Specialty Coffee

For dinner, we went to AKASA Specialty Coffee in Kintamani, a restaurant with stunning views. The food prices were relatively affordable, and they accept card payments. Here, we could enjoy delicious food while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Top 13 Volcano View Cafés & Restaurants in Kintamani, Bali 🌄☕

Accommodation - Batur View Homestay

住宿 - Batur view Homestay

▶Book Batur View Homestay

Tonight we’re staying at Batur View Homestay. The balcony in our room offers front-row mountain views, absolutely stunning. Since it’s a homestay, the amenities are fairly basic, with each room costing around USD$32. If you have higher expectations for hotel facilities, consider Oculus Bali, though I’ve heard the balcony views there aren’t as impressive—you’d need to go up to the rooftop to see the scenery.

Oculus Bali 的 view 也不錯啊！

Oculus Bali’s view is great too!

▶Book Oculus Bali Trip Booking

Wednesday, May 22 - DAY 5 Around Ubud

Mount Batur Sunrise

Mei Chen提供：民宿的雲海

Mei Chen shares: The sea of clouds from the homestay

Early in the morning, we admired Mount Batur from our accommodation’s balcony, witnessing a magnificent sunrise and a beautiful sea of clouds. This is one of the most recommended highlights of the entire trip—absolutely worth seeing.

You can also join:

▶Book the Batur Volcano Tour on KKday

▶Book the Batur Volcano Tour on Klook

Batur View Homestay Restaurant

After watching the sunrise from our room’s balcony, we had breakfast at the Batur View Homestay restaurant. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu—one main course plus a drink—and the view of the mountains and sea of clouds is simply breathtaking.

Mei Chen提供

Photo by Mei Chen

Tirta Empul Temple

Next, we headed to Tirta Empul Temple, a famous attraction in Bali. If you just want to take photos, you don’t need to go into the water, but if you do plan to enter, be prepared to queue for a while.

Complete Guide to Tirta Empul Temple in Bali: The Thousand-Year Purification Ritual, Taboos, and Must-See Highlights

Cantik

We visited Cantik, a civet coffee tour where you can also sample various teas, coffees, and cocoa for free. However, keep in mind that the products here are quite expensive—for example, mangosteen tea costs three times as much as at the supermarket. Credit cards are accepted.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

While it may not be a huge surprise for Taiwanese visitors, it’s still worth a visit as a cultural heritage site. We made a special trip there to take some photos.

【Bali Rice Terrace Guide】Tegallalang vs. Jatiluwih: Tickets, Best Seasons, and Photo Spots Fully Explained (with Itinerary Tips)

Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge

For lunch, we chose Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge. Their fried duck rice and pork ribs are quite famous, but the prices are on the high side, and the pork ribs have a flavor reminiscent of Taiwanese tomato sauce—worth a try.

You might also want to try the dirty duck rice at Bebek Tebasari Resto, another restaurant under the same group:

Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge

▶Klook’s Tebasari Resto Dining Offer

▶KKday’s Tebasari Resto Meal Deal

Hotel Check-in, Splash Around & Afternoon Tea

After returning to the hotel, we checked in and enjoyed the facilities, including the pool and afternoon tea. We stayed at one of the best-value hotels of the trip, which offered many complimentary services and amenities—definitely worth recommending.

Dinner - Warung Makan Bu Rus

For dinner, we went to Warung Makan Bu Rus. The prices here are very affordable, and the food tastes great. However, the grilled dishes tend to be a bit salty, so keep that in mind.

Accommodation - Dwaraka The Royal Villas

Tonight we checked into Dwaraka The Royal Villas. The rate includes breakfast, afternoon tea, complimentary foot massage, hourly shuttle to town, plus cookies, fruit, and free drinks in the room. It’s an incredible value—offering so many facilities and services that it feels like staying in a royal palace right in Ubud! Without a doubt, this is the most recommended accommodation of the trip. The room rate is around USD$65, or about USD$130 for a two-story four-person villa with a private pool. There are also two communal pools, a kids’ splash area, and a kids’ club—making it a great choice for families.

▶Dwaraka The Royal Villas Booking Link Trip Booking

More to Explore in Ubud

更多烏布吃喝玩樂介紹

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

Thursday, May 23 - DAY 6: Ubud Town Center

Breakfast at Dwaraka The Royal Villas

We enjoyed breakfast at Dwaraka The Royal Villas—a hearty à la carte meal with coffee/tea, juice, appetizer, main course, and dessert. We ate so much that we didn’t feel hungry until lunchtime.

Ubud Royal Palace

Next, we headed to the Ubud Royal Palace, a historic ancient palace well worth a visit.

【Must-Visit in Ubud】Ubud Royal Palace: A Gem of Balinese Culture and History｜Opening Hours, Tickets, Performance Times, Nearby Attractions, and Day Trip Recommendations

Tukies Coconut Shop

In Ubud, we also visited Tukies Coconut Shop, where they serve delicious coconut ice cream and accept credit card payments.

Ubud Traditional Market & Art Market

We explored Ubud’s traditional market and art market, where the initial prices are ridiculously high, but you can try bargaining—sometimes getting items for as low as 20-30% off.

Xiao Jie’s Guide to Ubud City Center:

Yeh Pulu Spa

In the afternoon, we went to Yeh Pulu Spa and chose a Balinese massage—90 minutes for about USD$13, payable by credit card. It’s not a luxury spa, but it has good reviews and is conveniently located near the town center. We booked the massage a day in advance.

Book Other Mid-Range Spas in Ubud:

Book Five-Star Spas in Ubud:

Spa Experience at Tanah Gajah
Radha Spa at The Sankara Suites & Villas
Serayu Spa at The Kayon Jungle Resort
Mekar Ubud Jungle Spa Experience

Accommodation Disaster - CLV Hotel and Villa

Tonight we checked into CLV Hotel and Villa. We booked three villas, each with three rooms. Originally, we reserved three villas, one room per villa. But oddly enough, they locked up the other two villas and only gave us one three-bedroom villa for the six of us to share—Villa C1. The condition of this villa was absolutely terrible: walls with efflorescence and black mold, damp sheets, two cockroaches spotted, and filthy furniture. The whole environment was unbearable. We reported the issues to the property and asked to see the other two villas, but they simply said there were no rooms available. This is the worst hotel we have ever stayed in—definitely not recommended.

Editor’s note: The 300+ Bali accommodations we’ve recommended are your first line of defense against bad stays!

No-Fail Accommodation List

Friday, May 24 - DAY 7: Leaving the Highlands / Seminyak Stay

CLV Hotel Breakfast

This morning’s breakfast at CLV Hotel was served buffet-style. It might be the only decent thing about this place…

Mei Chen提供。左：布拉坦水神廟；右：海神廟

Photo by Mei Chen. Left: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple; Right: Tanah Lot Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

We visited Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, an important temple in Bali that’s well worth a visit.

Eating Durian by the Roadside

Along the way, we stopped to try local durian by the roadside. It was the kind that doesn’t have an overpowering smell and went down quite smoothly. Although it wasn’t cheap (a three-kilogram one cost about USD$15), experiencing local food is part of the fun.

🥥 Bali Durian Season Guide: When Is It Most Fragrant and Cheapest?

Tanah Lot Temple

Leaving the highlands, we headed to Tanah Lot Temple in Canggu. Unfortunately, due to high tide, we couldn’t walk over to visit the temple—a bit of a shame.

Further Reading: Bali Travel Must-Visit: Tanah Lot Temple Detailed Guide with Tides and Nearby Attractions

Kurnia Seafood Bali

For lunch, we chose Kurnia Seafood Bali. Their fried rice and noodles were delicious, with a flavor reminiscent of Taiwanese cuisine, and they accept credit cards.

Bintang Super Market

In the afternoon, we visited Bintang Super Market in Seminyak to pick up some souvenirs and snacks. The prices for snacks here are relatively affordable, but the souvenirs are a bit more expensive.

Potato Head Suites & Studios

In the evening, we checked into Potato Head Suites & Studios, ranked as the 40th best hotel in the world, which we specifically chose to experience. The room size felt a bit small compared to luxury hotels, but that might be because the hotel is built with eco-friendly materials—one of the reasons for its fame. Upon check-in, we received a reusable water bottle, and at checkout, we were given a bracelet. This hotel is more suited for young people who enjoy the lively atmosphere of clubs, as the famous Potato Head Beach Club is nearby. For family trips, other options might be better, though it does feature an infinity pool and a kids’ play area, making it a decent choice for some families.

Potato Head Suites & Studios

▶Potato Head Suites & Studios Booking Link Booking

More Things to Eat, Drink and Do in Seminyak

Seminyak is a captivating area in Bali that seamlessly blends fashion with tradition, offering top-notch restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife, making it a paradise for vacationers! Want to discover more about its exciting entertainment and dining options? Click here for more details!

Seminyak Accommodation Theme Guide

May 25, Saturday DAY 8 Seminyak/Leaving Bali

Flight

Today is our last day leaving Bali. Our flight departs at 3:40 PM, heading to Taiwan, with an estimated arrival at 9:05 PM.

Mei Chen提供

Provided by Mei Chen

Breakfast at Potato Head

To wrap up our wonderful trip, we had breakfast at Potato Head. They offer an unlimited ordering system, allowing us to enjoy delicious food by the infinity pool while playing in the water. From 7 AM to 11 AM, we indulged in a feast—so abundant that we almost ate until we felt sick.

Check-out and Departure to the Airport

At noon, we checked out and headed to the airport, marking the end of our amazing journey in Bali.

From Seminyak Hotel to the Airport

On our last day in Bali, we chose to take a Grab to the airport. We booked two cars, each arriving in about 10 minutes. We departed around 12:30 PM and reached the airport at approximately 1:40 PM. Traffic wasn’t too heavy, and the total cost for both cars was less than USD$13. In comparison, Klook’s prices were similar to hiring a private car to Jimbaran.

Mei Chen提供，水明漾沙灘的父子倆

Provided by Mei Chen, father and son at Seminyak Beach

Private Driver

We hired a private driver multiple times during our trip, including on May 19 and from May 21 to May 24. Initially, we searched online for recommended drivers, but most offered only small vehicles. Since our group of seven plus luggage required a larger car, we posted our itinerary on an English-language Bali community forum. Eventually, we found a driver who provided 12-hour service at a price cheaper than others’ 8-hour rates. His fee covered everything: driver, fuel, tolls, and parking, and he even provided one bottle of water per person daily. The driver was very friendly, with 15 years of experience and excellent driving skills—even on very narrow roads, he handled the car masterfully. His English was good, and he answered our questions without being overly chatty, maintaining a professional demeanor. We were very satisfied with his service. On the last day, we asked for his contact information, and he gladly shared it. He even mentioned that if needed, he could recommend other drivers who speak Chinese. For Gdbokink driver, this was his first time driving guests who changed areas daily, but we were thoroughly pleased with his service.

More About Private Car Hire

Post-Trip Reflections & Takeaways

This trip was mainly planned for the adults, but we still made time each day for both kids and adults to enjoy the water. We didn’t choose to stay in high-end villas or resorts because our itinerary was packed tight, leaving little time to truly relax and enjoy them—so why spend the extra money? Instead, we opted for well-reviewed, high-value hotels. 😆

If you’re not particularly interested in temples, consider cutting some temple-related activities to free up more time for massages, water fun, and shopping. That said, we approached this trip with a ‘maybe once in a lifetime’ mindset, so we crammed in all the famous sights. Overall, it was a rich and unforgettable journey.

Family Feedback: Traffic in Bali is incredibly congested. While we managed to visit almost all the major attractions, the schedule can’t be too tight. Aside from staying in a ‘haunted house,’ everything else went well. In the future, we might cut some temple visits in favor of more relaxing activities. As for shopping, the experience of inflated prices followed by haggling wasn’t great.

Would We Visit Bali Again?: Although Bali’s beaches are beautiful, they fall slightly short compared to those on other islands. Still, Bali’s unique cultural landscape is well worth a visit! However, the world is vast, and we want to explore every corner of it—so we probably won’t return to Bali. But the memories we made there will stay with us forever.

Finally, here’s a map of all the places we visited:

Mei Chen 提供的景點地圖