Bali Bliss: A Family Adventure - 9 Days of Indonesian Magic (Personal Review)
Planning a trip to Bali? Let me tell you, the more detailed your plan, the smoother (and more rewarding!) your experience will be. Before our family trip (2 adults, 2 kids aged 8 & 10), I spent hours researching online to craft the perfect Bali itinerary. Here's my personal take on our 9-day, 8-night Bali adventure!
1. Define Your Bali Vibe: Relaxation or Exploration?
First-timers can be surprised by Bali. "The beaches aren't as beautiful as Vietnam!" or "Bali is boring!" are common gripes. This often stems from not defining your travel goals. Bali is vast, nearly three times the size of Ho Chi Minh City and ten times the size of Phu Quoc. Travel times can be long, traffic is a challenge, and the weather can be hot or rainy. Don't get stuck waiting around feeling bored!
Bali's beaches are beautiful in certain spots, and the island is famous for its ocean activities, lakes, waterfalls, and nightlife. It's a unique blend of beaches, forests, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and mountains. If you're after quick check-ins and photos, Bali has tons of spots, but you might get exhausted. If you're seeking relaxation, indulge a little – it's surprisingly affordable!
2. Location, Location, Location! Choosing Your Bali Base
Bali is HUGE. Know where you are and where you want to go. Traveling from point A to B can take 1-3 hours (excluding traffic!). Bali's roads are narrow and crowded, making traffic jams common. Before you go, create a "Bali map" with your top 20 destinations (after a week of research, of course!). I divided Bali into four key areas:
- Ubud: Think of it as Bali's "Da Lat" – a lush, cool, and relaxing highland area with rice terraces, waterfalls, and spas.
- Kuta & Canggu: The vibrant, bustling, and sometimes chaotic heart of Bali's beach scene. Party central!
- Uluwatu & Nusa Dua: South of Kuta, these areas offer beautiful beaches but with a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Nusa Penida: An island paradise off Bali's coast.
With 9 days and 8 nights, we split our time 45%-45%-10%: 4 nights in Ubud, 3 nights in Kuta, and 1 night in Nusa Penida. (The extra night in Ubud was lost to a late arrival after a transit flight from Singapore). If you crave beach time, Kuta-Canggu is your spot. For exploration, Ubud is the place to be. Don't make Nusa Penida a day trip – it's exhausting. One night is enough; two might be pushing it!
3. Driver vs. DIY: Getting Around Bali
Initially, we considered renting a car, but dismissed it. Driving 4-5 hours in Bali's traffic? No thanks! Renting a motorbike in the heat, rain, and traffic? Even worse! Hiring a local driver is the BEST option. They're drivers, guides, restaurant finders, advisors, and even luggage carriers and photographers! 200% satisfaction guaranteed!
Imagine sleeping for 2 hours in the car, arriving refreshed. Plus, you can bring all the luggage you want! It's affordable too, around 800K-1.5M IDR (approx. $50-$100 USD) per day, depending on distance. Split between 4 people, that's just 200-300K IDR per person. Great for groups! If you're solo, find a group to share costs.
There are many great and cheap driver services in Bali. I highly recommend Wira + Bungsil Bali + Kadekmurah Nusapenidatour. We were extremely happy with their services.
4. Internet Woes: Bali's Connectivity
Bali's internet can be slow, even 4G and hotel Wi-Fi. Stick to Telkomsel or XL for your SIM card. Others are often slow and unreliable, draining your battery as your phone constantly searches for a signal.
5. Cash is King: Currency Exchange in Bali
Bali prefers cash, except in restaurants. Find a currency exchange with the best rate in central areas. Easy!
6. Beat the Crowds: Popular Bali Spots
For popular, faraway attractions like Lempuyang Temple or Handara Gate, arrive EARLY (6-7 am!). Skip breakfast at the hotel. Arrive by 8-9 am for shorter waits. Otherwise, expect to wait 3-4 hours just to take a photo at Lempuyang's "Gates of Heaven."
7. Diamond Beach Daredevil: Nusa Penida Adventure
If you're young and fit (12-50), climb down to Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida. It's stunning! Don't just take photos from above. Bring swimwear, water, and snacks – there's nothing down there! The path is steep and somewhat dangerous.
Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) is for PRO hikers only. It's twice as difficult as Diamond Beach.
8. Embrace the Activities: Bali Thrills
Try Bali's activities. They're cheaper than in Vietnam. Go white water rafting on the Ayung River, try water sports, surfing 🏄, ATV riding, or other adventures. Don't just chase Instagram photos; experience Bali! Enjoy the free stuff too, like swimming in waterfalls. Don't be afraid to haggle; prices are often inflated.
9. Immigration Tip: Online Declaration
Complete your online customs declaration 1-2 days before arrival to save time. Show the QR code, and you're done!
A. Ubud: 4 Nights of Cultural Immersion
We based ourselves in central Ubud for easy access to local attractions:
- Day 1: Late arrival due to a transit flight from Singapore. Bedtime!
- Day 2: Handara Gate (photos!), Banyumala Twin Waterfall (swimming!), Monkey Forest, Ubud Market (shopping!).
- Day 3: Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven), Tirta Gangga (water palace), Tengenungan Waterfall (swimming and dinner at Omma Bali – stunning views!).
- Day 4: Ayung River rafting (2 hours, lunch included – worth every penny!). Empul Temple (holy water purification), Alas Harum (rice terrace swing – kids under 18 couldn't swim). We opted for Cretya Sunset instead (same owner as Cretya Ubud) for swimming and sunset views over the rice terraces.
B. Nusa Penida: 1 Night of Island Escape
- Day 5: Early checkout from Ubud (7:30 am), transfer to Sanur harbor, and a 9:00 am ferry to Nusa Penida. We left some luggage with our driver in Bali. Headed straight to Diamond Beach for swimming and relaxing.
- Day 6: Explored the west side of Nusa Penida: Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay), Crystal Bay (snorkeling). Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong. 4:00 pm ferry back to Bali. Check-in to our Kuta hotel.
C. Kuta & South Bali: 3 Nights of Beach Vibes
- Day 7: Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak (shopping, massage). Kuta Beach (swimming and surfing lessons).
- Day 8: Nusa Dua (parasailing, turtle island), Pantai Barak (photos), Uluwatu Temple, Suluban Beach (swimming).
- Day 9: Check-out and departure back to Vietnam.
I'll include photos and videos of some attractions and activities below. Check TikTok/Instagram/Google/Youtube/Facebook for more detailed reviews.
Wishing you a fantastic trip to Bali!
```