Bali: A place to unwind, relax and reconnect

We began with five nights in Singapore, which was the perfect way to kick off our adventure. Singapore is incredibly family‑friendly and very easy to navigate, even with younger children.

Our days were full of theme parks and attractions.  We packed a lot into those five days, which was brilliant fun but also quite full‑on.  Read more about our time in Singapore here.

After all that excitement, we were both ready for a change of pace. That is where Bali came in and it could not have been a better contrast.

Stop 1 in Bali: Laidback beach vibes at Sanur

We flew from Singapore to Bali and headed straight to the coast for some much‑needed downtime by the beach. The atmosphere here was the complete opposite of the city: calm, barefoot and beautifully relaxed.

Our first stay in Bali was all about long, lazy hours by the sea, and time to put our feet up and really unwind. A gentle, friendly atmosphere that felt ideal after busy days in Singapore.  It was exactly what we needed: space to breathe, reconnect and just enjoy being together without rushing from one attraction to the next.

A Day of Volunteering: Turtle Conservation & Education

One of the most meaningful days of the whole trip was our visit to the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre in Serangan. 

I can highly recommend this experience for families, especially if you want to weave in something educational and important:

• Children learn about the black market for turtle eggs and turtle products in Bali
• They see first‑hand how conservation projects work and why they matter
• It opens up gentle but powerful conversations about protecting nature and our planet

For my daughter, it was eye‑opening and incredibly engaging. It was not just another day out: it was a chance to show her that travel can make a positive difference.

 

Day Trip to Nusa Penida: Iconic Views & Hidden Paradise

From our base in Sanur, we also did a day trip to Nusa Penida, which quickly became one of our favourite parts of the entire holiday.

Of course, we could not resist the iconic, highly Instagrammable viewpoint at Kelingking.  This is where everyone goes for that famous cliff shot selfie.  Yes, we did the photos and yes, it is a great shot.  However, the crowds are huge, so be prepared for a lot of waiting around in the hot sun.

But the real highlight for me was somewhere very different...Tembeling Beach: Off the Beaten Track & Utterly Magical.  It felt like a secret slice of paradise.

Getting there is an adventure in itself.  First a car ride, then a fairly scary scooter journey down a tiny gravel mountain path, followed by a hike down the mountain to reach the shore.  At the bottom you are rewarded with:

• A stunning natural pool set by a gorgeous, unspoilt beach
• Crystal‑clear waters ideal for swimming and simply soaking in the beauty
• Beach swings where you can relax, enjoy the view and capture some truly amazing photos

What made it extra special was how quiet it was. Unlike many well‑known Bali beaches, this felt almost untouched. We shared this incredible spot with only a handful of people. I could honestly have stayed there all day.  If you want to visit Nusa Penida, but are looking for something a little different, this is a gem!

Stop 2: Ubud, the jungle retreat of dreams

After our relaxing coastal stay, we moved inland to Ubud, in the heart of Bali. This is where the island shows you its cultural and spiritual side, framed by lush forests and river valleys.

In Ubud we stayed at the Hanging Gardens of Bali and I almost struggle to put into words how beautiful it is.  Imagine a villa with a private infinity pool, looking straight out across a deep green valley with a temple on the opposite side, lit up at night so it glows through the trees.  The views are simply breath-taking and the whole resort feels like a peaceful sanctuary. It was one of those places where you wake up, step outside and have to remind yourself it is real.

This was the perfect setting for:

• Quiet family time in our own pool
• Listening to the sounds of the forest
• Enjoying the slower rhythm of Bali away from the coast

Exploring Ubud: Sacred Monkey Forest

One of the classic Ubud experiences is the monkey forest, and it genuinely is worth visiting.

My top practical tips:

• Go early: arrive for opening time in the morning. At that time it is calmer and you can really enjoy the atmosphere. By the time we were leaving, the crowds were pouring in.
• Watch your belongings: the monkeys love anything shiny or loose. Keep a firm hold of your sunglasses and do not dangle bags or accessories.

Despite being one of the main tourist spots, going early turned it into a far more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

 

Mount Batur: Black Sands, Lava Flows & Local Life

Another highlight from our time in Ubud was an excursion to Mount Batur.  We chose a Jeep experience around the volcano area which was a brilliant way to explore as a family:

• We drove through dramatic landscapes shaped by lava flows
• Walked on black volcanic sand, learning how the eruptions shaped the region
• Stopped at local villages, waterfalls and lesser‑visited temples

What I particularly loved was that this experience also supports the local community and takes you beyond the most typical tourist path. It gave us a deeper insight into Balinese culture and everyday life, while still being very accessible with a child.

Stop 3: Seminyak sunsets

After Ubud, we moved on to Seminyak for our final stop in Bali, and I highly recommend building in two or three nights here at the end of your trip.  There are two big reasons for this:

• It gives you a beautiful, beachy finale to your holiday.
• It puts you much closer to the airport for your flight home, which makes your departure day far less stressful.

Seminyak sits on the west side of Bali, which means it is perfectly placed for those golden, glowing sunsets the island is so famous for.  Evenings here have a wonderfully relaxed, bohemian feel.  You can sit in one of the many beachside bars or restaurants, sink into a colourful bean bag under a bright umbrella and listen to live bands playing music as the sky turns shades of pink, orange and gold.

Once it gets dark, the atmosphere becomes even more magical. We watched fireworks on the beach, which was such a fun and memorable way to end our days. Seminyak had a really lovely vibe and felt like the ideal final chapter to our Bali adventure.

 

A Practical Tip: Avoid Long Drives To The Airport

One thing that often surprises visitors is just how bad the traffic in Bali can be. On a busy day, a drive that should take an hour can turn into two or three hours, especially if you are coming from further away.  That is the last thing you want on the day you are flying home.

By spending the last couple of nights in Seminyak:

• You are much closer to the airport
• You dramatically reduce the risk of long, stressful transfers on departure day
• You can enjoy your final hours on the beach rather than sitting in traffic

It really is a case of two birds with one stone: a gorgeous beach base and a much smoother journey home.

Seminyak was absolutely lovely, with a great mix of style, atmosphere and convenience. I would strongly recommend including it as part of your stay in Bali.

Why This Twin-Centre Holiday Works So Well

We have done Bali as a twin centre with Singapore, and I can genuinely recommend this combination.  Singapore delivers the excitement: theme parks, attractions and a dazzling, modern city that keeps children endlessly entertained.  Bali brings the balance: a place to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature, culture and each other.

Bali is ideal if you are looking for a destination where you can:

• Slow down and de‑stress
• Enjoy meaningful wildlife and cultural experiences
• Mix beach, jungle, villages and volcanic landscapes
• Create special memories, whether you are a couple, a family or travelling with friends

It is a beautiful island and a truly unique experience, and for us it was the perfect backdrop to some very precious mother‑daughter time.

 

If this sounds like the kind of holiday you would love, message me today to start planning your own adventure.