Family Travel

【Bali 8-Day Family Trip Guide & Travel Diary】Exploring Most of Bali in Eight Days

2025年11月10日 · 更新於 2026年7月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

💡 Quick Answer

A family travel diary 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 shares her family’s eight-day, seven-night Bali travel diary, kindly provided for us to edit and republish:

Key Highlights: This is a real-life travel diary 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 (to avoid fines from incorrect data entry; on-site queue took about 10 minutes, but card payments incur an extra 2% fee); ② Baggage claim may take longer than getting your 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 be useful to everyone.

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 flights, with round-trip tickets costing around USD$419 per person. Since we booked more than three months in advance, we got a good deal.

Visa

We opted for a visa on arrival, and paying by card incurred an extra 2% fee. We initially considered an e-visa, but it required filling out a lot of information, and we saw reports before departure of someone being fined for writing ‘TAIWAN,’ so we worried about making a mistake and decided to go with the visa on arrival instead. The visa-on-arrival process in Bali was relatively straightforward, with many counters and about five people per line. 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 Axiata SIM cards from a highly rated seller on Shopee. But since XL’s signal is reportedly poor, we set aside a budget to buy another SIM card locally. As it turned out, XL’s signal was indeed terrible, and we could barely use the internet. We later bought a Telkomsel SIM card locally—24GB for about USD$12—and finally got a stable connection.

Currency Exchange

We exchanged New Taiwan Dollars for US Dollars in Taiwan, then converted to Indonesian Rupiah upon arrival in Bali. We chose exchange offices that provided receipts and were certified. In practice, rates at all legitimate exchange offices were similar; only unlicensed shops without receipts offered better rates, but we were wary of scams and stuck with reputable ones. We noticed that rates were best from noon to around 3 PM, and sometimes worsened in the afternoon.

How to choose a legitimate exchange office? 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 van was about USD$23). Given potential delays with the visa on arrival, we opted to book on the spot. The cost for two Grab cars was around USD$13, but you have to wait at the airport—so weigh the trade-off. In comparison, booking a private car for airport pickup is the priciest option, as the driver only makes one trip and rents the vehicle, and can’t take other jobs unless you have additional stops that day. Unless you have other destinations to visit, a private car is not recommended.

Itinerary

Since we wanted to visit all the major attractions, we planned our itinerary in advance and then hired a private driver to follow our schedule.

Saturday, May 18 – Day 1: Exploring Jimbaran

We departed 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 just a short walk from 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 enjoyed some local grilled corn. The corn was sweet and buttery, leaving a lasting impression.

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 performed songs based on our nationality, but they aggressively demanded tips and showed displeasure if we gave too little, which soured the dining experience. (Editor’s note: This band is not affiliated with the restaurant. A tip of 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah for the group is usually enough to keep everyone happy!)

Read more: 11 Seafood Restaurants in Jimbaran, Bali

Missed It - Cuca Restaurant

We originally planned to visit Cuca Restaurant for dessert, but due to schedule delays, we didn’t make it. I’ve heard their desserts are amazing—something to look forward to 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, we spotted plenty of shops selling SIM cards; we grabbed one from the cheapest place and also exchanged some money at a currency booth.

Accommodation - FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach

We stayed at FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach, which is super convenient—just a short walk to Jimbaran Beach. The hotel has an infinity pool on the rooftop and a kids’ splash area, adding plenty of fun to our trip.

Accommodation - FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach

▶Book FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach on Agoda Trip.com

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 at 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, perfect for starting the day’s itinerary.

Breakfast at Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki

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

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

Pantai Batu Barak

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

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

Pandawa Beach

Next, we headed to Pandawa Beach. While the beach itself isn’t particularly breathtaking, we enjoyed the fun of kayaking, which added a lot of excitement to the visit.

Pantai Batu Barak

早餐後，我們來到Pantai Batu Barak，這是一個拍照的好地方。這裡的自然風光非常美麗，適合拍照打卡。

Pandawa Beach

接著，我們前往Pandawa Beach。雖然這裡的海灘沒有特別美，但可以體驗划獨木舟的樂趣，增添了不少趣味。

One Eighty Bali Cliff Bar

We had lunch at the One Eighty Bali Cliff Bar, where the food is relatively affordable. We ordered quite a few dishes just to meet the minimum spend. Besides the delicious food, there’s also an infinity pool, so you can enjoy the stunning views while you eat. It’s best to book in advance, and they accept credit cards.

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

Uluwatu Temple / Kecak Fire Dance

Mei Chen提供：烏魯瓦圖廟和卡洽火舞表演

Mei Chen recommends: Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Fire Dance

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

Further Reading: Kecak Fire Dance: Bali’s Must-See Spectacular Show (with Booking 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 views, then arrive at 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 Bali’s beauty!

Uluwatu VW Convertible 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 to Sanur’s new harbor. The pool has a children’s play area, making it suitable for families with kids. However, we left our swim ring in the room when checking out, 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: Snorkeling at Nusa Lembongan / Sanur

Breakfast - Prime Plaza Hotel

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

Group Split

We split into two groups today:

Mei Chen提供：藍夢島浮潛

Nusa Lembongan Island Hopping Snorkeling – The first group headed to Nusa Lembongan for island hopping and snorkeling. We walked to the harbor in the morning, with snorkeling from 08:45 to 15:15. We booked this tour on KKday because it was cheaper than Klook, and the May anniversary promotion offered discount coupons plus free photos and videos.
Hotel Relaxation – The second group, who didn’t join the snorkeling, stayed at the hotel to relax, sleep in, and enjoy the water. After checking out at noon, they stored their luggage and headed to Sanur Beach for a stroll.
藍夢島跳島浮潛第一組前往藍夢島跳島浮潛，早上步行至港口，浮潛時間是08:45至15:15。我們在KKday預約了這個行程，因為價格比Klook便宜，且5月的週年慶有折價券，還有免費的拍攝照片和影片。
酒店休息不參加浮潛的第二組人則在酒店休息，享受懶覺和玩水的樂趣。中午十二點退房後，他們寄放行李，然後前往沙努爾沙灘散步。

▶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 were 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 gathered and took a Grab to our next accommodation.

Accommodation - RV Hotel Kutus Kutus

住宿 - RV Hotel Kutus Kutus

Tonight we checked into RV Hotel Kutus Kutus in Ubud. Each room cost about USD$13, and breakfast wasn’t included because adding it would have cost more than the room itself—we couldn’t help but laugh. The rooms are brand new, and the rooftop has an infinity pool along with a kids’ splash area. The only downside is poor soundproofing, but at 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 that’s quite large and very lively. We took a six-seater Gojek there, costing about USD$1. At the market, we sampled a variety of local foods 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

Photo by 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, feeling the roar of the water and the mist in the air, we felt utterly refreshed.

Lunch - Babi Guling Pande Bangli

For lunch, we chose Babi Guling Pande Bangli, known for its Balinese-style roast suckling pig rice. The food was decent, but unfortunately we spotted a rat, which really dampened our dining experience.

Penglipuran Village

Next, we arrived at Penglipuran Village, where the bag prices are the lowest around, making it a great spot for shopping. Even though the prices are already affordable, you can still haggle a bit.

Read More: A Journey Through Time in Penglipuran Village: Experience Bali’s Ancient Charm

Besakih Mother Temple

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

Dinner - AKASA Specialty Coffee

For dinner, we went to AKASA Specialty Coffee in Kintamani. It’s a restaurant with a view, and the food prices are still quite reasonable. They also accept card payments. Here, we could enjoy delicious food while taking in the beautiful scenery.

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

Accommodation - Batur View Homestay

住宿 - Batur view Homestay

▶Book Batur View Homestay

Tonight, we stayed at Batur View Homestay. The room’s balcony offers front-row mountain views, and the scenery is stunning. Since it’s a homestay, the room amenities are fairly basic, with each room costing around USD$32 per night. If you have higher expectations for hotel facilities, you might consider Oculus Bali, but 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！

The view from Oculus Bali is pretty great too!

▶Oculus Bali Booking Link Trip Booking

Wednesday, May 22 — DAY 5: Around Ubud

Mount Batur Sunrise

Mei Chen提供：民宿的雲海

Mei Chen’s tip: Sea of clouds from the homestay

We started the day early on our accommodation’s balcony, taking in the view of Mount Batur as we witnessed a stunning sunrise and a beautiful sea of clouds. This was one of the most recommended spots of the entire trip—absolutely worth seeing.

You can also join:

▶Book the Mount Batur tour on KKday

▶Book the Mount Batur tour on Klook

Batur View Homestay Restaurant

After watching the sunrise from the room’s balcony, we had breakfast at the Batur View Homestay restaurant. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, with a main course and a drink included, and you can enjoy the mountain views and sea of clouds—a truly refreshing sight.

Mei Chen提供

Provided by Mei Chen

Tirta Empul Temple

Next, we headed to Tirta Empul Temple, a well-known attraction in Bali. If you just want to take photos, you don’t need to go into the water, but if you do want to enter, you may have to queue for a while.

【Bali Tirta Empul Temple】Complete Guide: The Millennia-Old Purification Ritual, Taboos, and Must-See Highlights

Cantik

We visited Cantik, a civet coffee tour spot where you can also sample various teas, coffees, and cocoa for free. However, be aware that the products here are quite pricey—for example, mangosteen tea costs three times as much as in supermarkets. 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, so we made a special trip to take some photos.

[> 【Bali Rice Terrace Guide】Tegallalang vs. Jatiluwih: Tickets, Best Seasons, and Photo Spots Fully Explained (With Itinerary Suggestions)

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, which is under the same group:

Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge

▶Klook’s Tebasari Resto dining deal

▶KKday’s Tebasari Resto meal deal

Hotel Check-in, Pool Time & Afternoon Tea

Back at 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 items 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, a complimentary foot massage, and hourly shuttle service to town. The room also comes with cookies, fruit, and free drinks. This hotel offers incredible value, with facilities and service that make you feel like you’re staying in a royal palace in Ubud. It’s absolutely the most recommended accommodation of this trip. Room rates start around USD$65, while a two-story four-person villa with a private pool is about USD$129. 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 Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud

更多烏布吃喝玩樂介紹

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

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. It was so filling that we didn’t feel hungry until noon.

Ubud Royal Palace

Next, we visited the Ubud Royal Palace, a historic and 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, Day Trip Recommendations

Tukies Coconut Shop

In Ubud, we also visited Tukies Coconut Shop, which serves delicious coconut ice cream and accepts credit cards.

Ubud Traditional Market & Art Market

We explored Ubud’s traditional market and art market. The prices quoted are ridiculously high, but you can try haggling — sometimes you can get items for 20-30% of the asking price.

Xiao Jie’s Ubud City Guide:

Yeh Pulu Spa

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

Book other mid-range spas in Ubud:

Book a 5-Star SPA 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

A Stay to Avoid - 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 with one room per villa. But oddly enough, they locked 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 had efflorescence and black mold, the sheets were damp, we spotted two cockroaches, and the furniture was filthy. The whole environment was unbearable. We reported the situation to the property and asked to see the other two villas, but they simply said there were no rooms available. This was 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 we had breakfast at CLV Hotel, served buffet style. This might be the only decent thing about this hotel…

Mei Chen提供。左：布拉坦水神廟；右：海神廟

Photo by Mei Chen. Left: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan; Right: Tanah Lot

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

We visited Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, 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 (about USD$15 for a three-kilogram fruit), experiencing local food is part of the fun.

🥥Complete Guide to Bali’s Durian Season: When Is It Most Fragrant and Cheapest?

Tanah Lot

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

Read more: Must-Visit Bali Attractions: Detailed Guide to Tanah Lot Temple, Tides, and Nearby Sights

Kurnia Seafood Bali

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

Bintang Supermarket

In the afternoon, we went to Bintang Super Market in Seminyak to pick up some souvenirs and snacks. The snacks here are reasonably priced, but the souvenirs are relatively expensive.

Potato Head Suites & Studios

In the evening, we checked into Potato Head Suites & Studios, ranked the 40th best hotel in the world, and we specifically chose to experience it. The room size is a bit smaller compared to luxury hotels, but that might be because the hotel is built with eco-friendly materials—one of the reasons it earned its reputation. 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 a lively atmosphere and clubbing, as the famous Potato Head Beach Club is nearby. For family trips, you might want to consider other options, though it does have an infinity pool and a kids’ splash 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

Saturday, May 25 | DAY 8 | Seminyak / Leaving Bali

Flight

Today is our last day in Bali. Our flight departs at 3:40 PM, heading to Taiwan, and is scheduled to arrive at 9:05 PM.

Mei Chen提供

Mei Chen provided

Potato Head Breakfast

To wrap up this wonderful trip, we had breakfast at Potato Head. They offered an unlimited ordering system, so we could enjoy delicious food by the infinity pool while playing in the water. From 7 AM to 11 AM, we feasted—it was so abundant we almost ate until we were stuffed.

Check-out and Head to the Airport

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

From Seminyak Hotel to the Airport

On our last day leaving Bali, we chose to take 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 about 1:40 PM. Traffic wasn’t too heavy, and the total cost for both cars was less than USD$13. In comparison, Klook’s price was similar to hiring a car to Jimbaran.

Mei Chen提供，水明漾沙灘的父子倆

Photo by Mei Chen: Father and son at Seminyak Beach

Private Driver

We hired a private driver multiple times during the 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 we were a group of seven with luggage, we needed a larger car. After posting our itinerary in an English-language Bali community group, we found a driver who offered 12-hour service at a price cheaper than what others charged for 8 hours. His rate included everything: driver fee, fuel, tolls, and parking, plus one bottle of water per person daily. The driver was very friendly, with 15 years of experience, and his driving skills were excellent—even on very narrow roads, he handled it masterfully. His English was good, and he answered our questions without forcing conversation, remaining very professional. We were extremely satisfied with his service. On the last day, we asked for his contact info, and he gladly provided it. He even mentioned he could recommend other drivers who speak Chinese if needed. For Gdbokink driver, this was his first time taking guests who changed areas every day, but we were very happy with his service.

More About Private Car Hire

Post-Trip Reflections and Takeaways

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

If you’re not particularly interested in temples, consider trimming some temple-related activities to free up more time for massages, water fun, and shopping. That said, we approached this trip as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and packed in all the famous sights, making it a truly rich and unforgettable journey. 😆

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

Would We Visit Bali Again?: Bali’s beaches are beautiful, but they fall slightly short compared to those on other islands. However, Bali’s unique cultural landscape is definitely worth a visit! That said, the world is vast, and we want to explore every corner of it, so we probably won’t return to Bali. But the memories of Bali 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