Bali – the island that welcomes its visitors with open arms and enchants with its unrivalled diversity. From chaotic traffic and bustling markets to dreamy sunsets and spiritual moments, Bali has something for everyone. We set out to discover this unique blend of culture, nature and serenity. We recorded our experiences in a travel diary that reflects the beauty and magic of this island.
Day 1: Hot arrival and spiritual dances
The journey began with a flight full of anticipation, and as we stepped off the plane we were greeted by a wave of tropical heat. Our driver was waiting for us – and we immediately got a taste of the notorious Balinese traffic. Without seatbelts and with a concert of honking horns all around us, we drove through the chaos. Chaotic but somehow fascinating.
Our accommodation was a dream: small bungalow villas surrounded by greenery, like something out of a picture book. In the evening, a driver took us into town on a scooter – the hotel was on a hill and the journey was a bit of an adventure in itself. Later, we immersed ourselves in Balinese culture at a Paradise Dance at the Ubud Palace. The dances, the music, the costumes – it all seemed to come from another world.
The first evening in Ubud had another surprise in store: a man happily bathing in a stream – a scene that made us laugh. We were already super impressed on the first day and were looking forward to the next few days here in Bali!
Day 2: Monkey alarm
The day started with a delicious breakfast brought directly to our bungalow – a real luxury. Then we plunged into the hustle and bustle of the Ubud market. Colourful stalls, exotic smells and a lively atmosphere made the market an experience.
The Monkey Forest was a highlight, but it also took our breath away – and not in a good way. The monkeys were wild and cheeky, pulling our hair, jumping on Carlo and stealing anything they could find. After this animal chaos, we treated ourselves to a quiet lunch in a restaurant. The afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool.
Even though the monkeys look super cute at first glance – which they kind of are – don’t underestimate them! One even peed on a boy! When I sat down on a bench for a moment, my lap became the scene of a monkey fight.
Day 3: High up at the Bali Swing
A shuttle bus took us to the Bali Swing, an attraction we were keen to experience. Giant swings towered over the jungle, offering breathtaking views – perfect for photos and unforgettable moments. The friendly staff greeted each new guest with a loud ‘Welcome to Bali Swing!
Although the place was busy, we really enjoyed the atmosphere. Before rushing to our shuttle, a lunch with cool drinks rounded off the visit.
Day 4: Pure relaxation
After these exciting days, we treated ourselves to some relaxation. Swimming in the pool, sipping coconuts and relaxing – the day was all about relaxation. In the evening we headed back to Ubud for dinner at a cosy restaurant, a perfect end to a relaxing day.
As we were currently in Australia on our road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane and were heading from Brisbane to Cairns next, we enjoyed a quiet day.
Day 5: Scooter to the rice terraces
A special kind of adventure began with renting a scooter to explore the area on your own. A real bargain at just 5 Australian dollars! Our first stop was Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah), a stunning place full of spiritual significance. Dressed in a traditional sarong, we were immersed in the history and culture of Bali.
We then travelled to the famous Tegallalang rice terraces. The view was simply breathtaking, with lush green terraces nestled into the landscape. Despite the heat, it was a great day full of new impressions.
Day 6: From art to sunset
We had booked a driver for today – Mel Gibson was a real character! We admired traditional Balinese ceramics and artwork in an art gallery. We then visited a plantation where the famous Kopi Luwak is produced. It was fascinating to see the luwaks (sneaky cats) up close and to taste different types of coffee and tea.
The highlight of the day was the evening at Tanah Lot Temple. As the sun slowly set, it turned the sky into warm shades of orange and gold, making the temple look like a work of art. The waves were breaking on the rocks and the whole scene was like a painting you want to hold on to forever.
Our favourite temple from now on!
Day 7: A quiet finale
After so much excitement, we decided to spend another relaxing day by the pool. In the evening we returned to Ubud for another evening of Balinese cuisine. Unfortunately, the day ended with a mild case of ‘Bali Belly’ – luckily it wasn’t too bad.
Day 8: Farewell and homecoming
Our last day started the way it should end – calm and relaxed. After a last hearty breakfast in our villa, we packed our bags. One last dip in the warm water, one last look at the greenery that had become so familiar to us over the past few days.
It was hard to say goodbye, but we were grateful for the memories we could take with us. At the airport we reminisced about the past few days as we waited for our flight. With a slight delay, we finally landed back in Brisbane – ‘home’ in our van.
At the airport we bought a bottle of water after the security check – only to have to give up all our drinks just before boarding. That was very interesting, well.
Our trip to Bali was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, chaos and idyll: we discovered a fascinating culture, fell in love with nature and experienced many unexpected moments. It was a trip we will never forget – and one that left us wanting more. Bali, we’ll be back!
