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Bali Civet Coffee Experience: A Unique Treat or a Tourist Trap? Honest Thoughts on Transport, Food, and Accommodation

2025年2月13日 · 更新於 2026年7月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

💡 Quick Answer

This time, I traveled to Bali with my 70+ year-old mother—a journey filled with warmth and challenges.

The following content is adapted from a travelogue shared by group member I-Hsuan Chang:

Sharing my experience traveling to Bali with my 70+ year-old mother from January 13 to 17

Bottom line first: For traveling with elderly parents in Bali, I highly recommend using Grab for rides (more transparent and reliable than taxis). However, at the airport exit, there are often taxi drivers pretending to be Grab drivers who will intercept you, haggle, and confuse you. Make sure to verify the license plate and driver information before getting in the car to avoid unnecessary hassles and arguments while accompanying an elderly parent.

This time, I traveled to Bali with my 70+ year-old mother—a journey filled with warmth and challenges. From transportation and accommodation to food, every experience gave me a deep appreciation for Bali’s unique charm, while also teaching me valuable lessons. I hope this travelogue can offer practical tips for those planning a trip to Bali with elderly parents or family, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable!

Transportation

For this trip to Bali with my mom, transportation was one of my biggest concerns. Since everyone says taxi drivers in Bali tend to scam tourists, I decided to use Grab before we left. I had a great experience with Grab in Thailand, and Bali was no exception. However, the traffic situation at Bali’s airport is a bit chaotic. As soon as you step out, you’ll be swarmed by taxi drivers who will constantly pitch you, even claiming they’re Grab drivers, asking how much you paid for your ride and offering a cheaper price. This can be annoying, especially when you’re with an elderly parent.

I recommend heading straight to the left after exiting the airport. You’ll see a small parking lot where Grab drivers usually wait for passengers. This helps you avoid being bothered by other taxi drivers and find your car faster. However, some drivers may still approach you while you wait—just firmly tell them you’ve already booked a ride.

During our days in Bali, we used Grab for almost all our transportation. The advantage of Grab is that there are plenty of cars available—you can get one within 3 minutes at almost any attraction or restaurant, which is very convenient. Most drivers speak decent English and are friendly, and the fare is always as shown on the app, so there’s no worry about being overcharged. The only minor issue is that small change is scarce in Bali. Sometimes, when we didn’t have enough small bills, we’d just tell the driver to keep the change—the difference was only a few NT dollars, and the drivers were usually very grateful.

However, Bali’s traffic is truly a headache 🤣. There’s no separation between fast and slow lanes, and scooters weave in and out randomly. Sometimes, watching them dart between cars, you feel like they’re about to crash any second. If you’re brave enough, you can try Grab’s motorcycle service, especially during peak hours when cars get stuck in traffic that’s maddening. Once, we traveled just 20 kilometers from one spot to another, and it took a full two hours—it was both frustrating and laughable.

Overall, Grab is a very reliable mode of transportation in Bali, especially for travelers with elderly family members—it’s both convenient and safe. Just a heads up: traffic in Bali can be chaotic, so be extra careful when crossing the street, especially watching out for motorbikes and cars (it’s the opposite of Taiwan).

Private Car Hire

For this Bali trip, hiring a private car was one of the most hassle-free and convenient transportation options. I found our driver through online forums, and he had great reviews. After the experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend him. Here are the detailed insights for your reference.

Booking and Communication:

We contacted the driver via Line, and communication was very smooth. First, we told him our desired itinerary and the hours we needed the car. He offered suggestions based on our needs and provided a detailed breakdown of the total price and the order of stops. After we confirmed, he reached out again the day before to ensure no changes. The best part? Payment was made only after the day’s trip ended, so there was no need to worry about prepayment.

Itinerary and Costs:

Our main goal for the private car was to explore the Ubud area, and we asked the driver to drop us off at a hotel in another area after the tour. The total car hire was 10 hours, costing around USD$39, which I found very reasonable. We also asked the driver to arrange activities like ATV, river tubing, and swings. He included the costs for these activities in a single total price, which we confirmed. At the end of the day, after all activities were done, we paid everything at once—super convenient.

行程安排與費用：

🏎️ Bali ATV Activity ▶Klook Offer
🚣 Bali Rafting Activity ▶Klook Offer
🚣 Ubud River Tubing Activity ▶Klook Offer

The Driver’s Thoughtful Service:

Our driver was very experienced, having hosted many Taiwanese guests, and knew all the spots and activities in Bali inside out. He was especially considerate of my mother’s age, so when arranging the ATV and river tubing, he chose newer companies and gentler routes. For the river tubing, my mom and I were assigned a personal guide who not only looked after our safety the whole time but also took plenty of photos and videos, leaving us with wonderful memories.

The driver’s English was excellent. Although he didn’t speak Chinese, communication was absolutely no problem 🤣. He was incredibly attentive, accompanying us throughout every part of the itinerary, always ready to help with luggage or take photos. Even more thoughtful, he prepared cheat sheets to remind us how much tip to give the instructors or staff, so we didn’t have to worry about those details at all.

Flexible Itinerary Adjustments:

The driver was very considerate—during the trip, he would proactively ask if we were hungry and take us to restaurants. The whole process was relaxed and effortless, with no need to worry about timing or routes. If your Bali itinerary involves switching hotels, I highly recommend this private car service. You can ask the driver to arrange a full day of activities and then drop you off directly at your next accommodation, saving both time and energy.

行程中的彈性調整：

More Excellent Reviews of Karuna:

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Contact Karuna Now

Overall Experience:

I was thoroughly satisfied with this private car experience. The driver’s professionalism and thoughtfulness made the entire trip much smoother. If you’re planning a trip to Bali with elderly family members or relatives, I highly recommend this private car service. Not only can you tailor the itinerary to your needs, but you also get to enjoy the driver’s attentive service. With Bali’s attractions scattered and transportation not very convenient, private car hire is definitely the most relaxing option!

Quick Reference:

Luwak Coffee

During this Bali trip, our private car driver took us to a civet coffee plantation, which is one of those ‘classic itineraries’ many tourists encounter in Bali. Although the experience was a bit commercialized, I still wanted to share my thoughts so you can have an extra reference when planning your own itinerary.

Driver’s Recommendation:

During our private car tour, the driver casually asked if we wanted to try civet coffee (Kopi Luwak), emphasizing it’s a Balinese specialty at just USD$3 per cup—a real bargain. Curious and tempted by the low price, we agreed. The driver then took us to a dedicated civet coffee plantation.

Plantation Tour and Tasting:

Upon arrival, the staff enthusiastically explained the production process, highlighting how natural and organic their coffee is, and how it’s ‘naturally processed’ by civets. They guided us through the plantation, showing the relationship between the civets (actually Asian palm civets) and the coffee beans, before leading us to the tasting area.

The tasting was quite fun—besides civet coffee, they offered a variety of other coffees and fruit teas to sample. Each drink came with a detailed explanation, covering flavor profiles and health benefits. After a full round of tastings, it was hard not to feel a little obligated to buy something.

園區的介紹與試喝：

The Controversy Around Civet Coffee:

However, during the tasting, I recalled the controversies surrounding civet coffee. Many reports suggest that these coffees aren’t from truly free-roaming animals; instead, many civets are kept in cages and force-fed coffee beans—a practice that’s far from animal-friendly. Moreover, civet coffee is extremely expensive. While the tasting cup was only USD$3, the actual purchase price can be quite prohibitive.

Purchase Pressure and Real Experience:

Throughout the tasting, the staff’s enthusiastic sales pitch created a somewhat pressured atmosphere. We ended up buying a small pack of mangosteen tea for about USD$13—not too expensive, but not cheap either. As for the civet coffee, it had a subtle sweetness and a smooth texture, but it didn’t feel like a ‘must-buy.’ If you’re not a coffee enthusiast or aren’t interested in this kind of commercialized stop, you can simply tell your driver to skip it, saving yourself a lot of time.

Experience Notes:

The civet coffee experience is a signature activity in Bali, but the hidden animal welfare issues and commercialized approach make it a bit off-putting. If you’re not particularly interested in coffee or don’t want to spend too much time on this kind of shopping-oriented stop, it’s best to communicate with your driver in advance and skip it. After all, Bali has so many more worthwhile attractions and activities—time is precious, so save it for better memories!

Food

This Bali trip, the food was definitely one of the highlights that left a lasting impression! Bali’s culinary culture is incredibly diverse, especially the local specialties, which are truly unforgettable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my dining experiences, hoping to give you some insights.

Dirty Duck Rice and Pork Ribs:

First off, I highly recommend Bali’s ‘Dirty Duck Rice’ and ‘Pork Ribs.’ Dirty Duck Rice is a traditional Balinese dish—the duck is marinated and slow-cooked with spices until tender, served with fragrant spiced rice, creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. The pork ribs are crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a sweet and savory glaze that’s never greasy—perfect for meat lovers.

Interestingly, our private driver told us that while most of Indonesia is Muslim and doesn’t eat pork, over 85% of Bali’s population is Hindu, so you can find plenty of pork dishes here—something rare in other parts of Indonesia. Plus, Bali has a more relaxed vibe, without the strict dress codes or dietary restrictions found in Islamic regions, making our trip feel even more carefree. The driver also mentioned that schools in Bali let out at noon, which made me think the pace of life here is really laid-back—sounds awesome, right? 😂

Traditional Indonesian Cuisine:

While Dirty Duck Rice and Pork Ribs blew us away, traditional Indonesian dishes didn’t quite hit the mark for us. We even signed up for a cooking class, spending a whole morning learning to make six or seven Indonesian dishes. A few Korean tourists joined us, and after tasting, everyone agreed the food was too salty and oily—we only had a bite or two before giving up. Still, the cooking class itself was a lot of fun; getting hands-on with local cuisine is a unique travel experience in itself.

傳統印尼料理：

Quick Reference:

Snacks

Beyond the main meals, Bali’s snacks were a delightful surprise! My absolute favorite was the coconut chips—hands down one of the best treats of the trip. Made from fresh coconut that’s dried to a crisp, these chips are crunchy, naturally sweet, and completely non-greasy, making them incredibly refreshing. We bought several packs at the local supermarket to bring home, but I ended up devouring them all before we even left Bali 🤣. If you’re a fan of coconut-flavored snacks, don’t miss out on these!

Check out this guide: 【Recommended by Travelers】6 Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Ideas: Perfect Choices to Cherish Your Memories

Currency Exchange

When traveling in Bali, exchanging money requires extra attention, especially since the local currency involves large denominations that can easily cause confusion. Here are my tips from this trip to help you handle money matters smoothly.

Best to Bring US Dollars:

I recommend exchanging your money to US dollars in Taiwan first, then converting to Indonesian Rupiah in Bali. This is because the exchange rate for US dollars in Bali is relatively stable, and all money changers accept USD. We brought USD to Bali, used it to pay for the visa on arrival at the airport, and asked for change in Indonesian Rupiah—so we had some local currency right after landing.

Airport vs. City Money Changers:

Although the airport has money changers, their rates are usually less favorable than those in the city. So we only exchanged a small amount of Rupiah for transportation from the airport to our accommodation, and waited until we reached the city to exchange the rest at a reputable money changer.

How Amounts Are Displayed and Conversion Tips:

Indonesian rupiah denominations are very large, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. Locals commonly drop the last three zeros and use ‘K’ instead—for example, 50,000 rupiah is written as 50K. The simplest way to convert to New Taiwan Dollars is to multiply the number before ‘K’ by 2 and add a little extra. For instance, 50K rupiah is roughly a bit over 100 TWD. This method makes calculations easy and helps avoid mistakes when shopping or paying.

Important Notes:

When exchanging money, always choose a reputable exchange counter and avoid roadside stalls to prevent counterfeit bills or unfair rates. Also, count your money on the spot and confirm the amount before leaving. Some exchange counters charge a fee, so it’s best to ask beforehand.

Bali Currency Exchange Guide

Accommodation

This stay in Bali gave me a deep appreciation for how important the choice of accommodation and its surroundings can be. Below are some insights from my experience, hoping to help you make better decisions when planning your trip.

Mosquito Issue:

First, a heads-up: mosquitoes in Bali are incredibly abundant and especially large! This is likely due to the humid climate, plus hotels and villas love planting lots of tropical greenery to create a lush atmosphere—which also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even in the upscale villa we stayed in, mosquitoes still found their way inside. So, mosquito repellent is an absolute must—carry it with you at all times, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Quick Reference:

What essential medicines should you bring for a Bali trip? How to buy mosquito repellent and sunscreen?

Breakfast Service:

Despite the mosquito issue being a bit bothersome, the breakfast at both the hotel and guesthouse we stayed at was excellent. There was a wide variety of options, from local specialties to Western-style dishes, all of high quality. I believe breakfast is crucial for accommodations in Bali because the areas we stayed in had almost no convenience stores or food stalls nearby. If you don’t have a hearty breakfast, you might have to wait until lunch to find something to eat. So, when choosing where to stay, pay special attention to whether breakfast is included—it will make your trip much smoother.

Choosing Your Accommodation Location:

The biggest mistake we made on this trip was staying too far from the main area, with almost no shops or restaurants nearby. Every time we wanted to go out, we had to call a ride, which was extremely inconvenient. Bali’s attractions are scattered and transportation isn’t very convenient. If your accommodation isn’t in a bustling area, daily transportation costs alone can add up significantly. Each time we called a ride, it cost around USD$39, and once we left, there was no way to come back for anything or take a break, which made our itinerary feel quite restrictive.

Therefore, I highly recommend considering the convenience of the surrounding area when choosing accommodation. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, consider staying in bustling areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud. These places have plenty of restaurants and shops, as well as various evening entertainment options. If you choose to stay in a more remote villa or resort, be mentally prepared to rely on Grab delivery or car-hire services for daily needs.

住宿地點的選擇：

Accommodation Insights:

Although Bali’s accommodation settings are beautiful, mosquito issues and location choices are key points to pay special attention to. I recommend bringing plenty of mosquito repellent and considering the convenience of the surrounding area when selecting your stay. If your accommodation isn’t in a busy area, it may increase transportation costs and inconvenience—something to keep in mind when planning your itinerary. I hope these tips help you find the perfect place to stay in Bali and make your trip even more wonderful!

No-Fail Accommodation List

Bali’s sunshine, sea breeze, and cultural charm left us with countless beautiful memories on this mother-daughter trip. Although there were a few hiccups along the way—like inconvenient transportation, mosquito troubles, or not quite adjusting to certain foods—they all became unique highlights of our journey. If you’re also planning a family trip to Bali, remember to prepare in advance, choose suitable accommodation and transportation, and keep an open mind. I believe this tropical paradise will bring you an unforgettable experience!

Do you think I-Hsuan Chang’s itinerary is amazing? Go ahead and plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip! Feel free to share your itinerary in the community group as well!

住宿的心得：

Click here to see more amazing Bali travelogues

Want to write a travelogue but don’t know where to start? Check out “How to Write a Stunning Bali Travelogue” to make your story shine!

Bali Civet Coffee Experience: A Unique Treat or a Tourist Trap? Honest Thoughts on Transport, Food, and Accommodation

Transportation