This post is part of our “Bali” focus of the month at Kids Yoga Stories. Each month, we alternate between a country and a yoga principle (yama/niyama). I’m honored to introduce you to Katy Paterson, who is a travel and lifestyle writer currently living in Singapore with her Australian husband. Read about her travels on her blog ChamorroChica. In this article, she describes why she loves Bali. It’s a great country to take your children on a family trip or to explore through Family Yoga (click here for a Bali-inspired kids yoga sequence) right in your living room.
A Trip to Bali, the “Island of the Gods”
Are you long overdue for a tropical escape?
Do you find yourself daydreaming of days filled with nothing but ultimate relaxation, massages on the beach and evenings of watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand?
Or maybe you’re looking for a family-friendly destination where the adults and little ones can all enjoy themselves.
I have the perfect place for you – Bali, Indonesia “Island of the Gods.”
Bali is at the top of my list for a vacation destination. Quite simply put, it is my happiest place on earth. There are critics out there who are vocal particularly about how Bali has become quite touristy over the years but I choose not to obsess over that one point. There are far too many things I love about Bali that outweigh that one detail. As with most places you travel if you don’t want crowds and tourist traps then just find your way off the beaten path.
What is it about Bali that makes it my favorite? Personally I find everything about Bali to be very relaxing. The feelings and constraints we’re accustomed to in our society of rushing around and the “must” dos just don’t exist. Everything moves at a slower pace so you naturally find yourself surrendering to the chilled out vibe.
The Balinese people are very friendly. I love the fact you can stay at a private villa with your own pool and have as much privacy as you want or opt for one of the picturesque beachfront resorts with the best service you’ll experience in Southeast Asia. There are amazing restaurants that offer all types of cuisine and some prime spots to enjoy a cocktail watching the gorgeous sunset. You can get an $8 body massage, a foot massage or even a little manicure and pedicure while lying on the beach. There is plenty of opportunity to learn more about the culture in Bali also. It is known for painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts.
If this is a trip for the whole family there are a number of things to keep the little ones entertained also. Bali can be very hot and humid so if you’re looking for a fun way to cool off everyone head to Waterbom Bali. This is a huge water park with plenty of fun for the little kids and big kids alike. It is located in Kuta so expect crowds and tourists galore. The Bali Safari and Marine Park offers a more unique option. Enjoy a safari experience or ride a camel or elephant. The Bali Bird Park and Bali Treetop Adventure Park are a couple more alternatives. Keep in mind most of the luxury villas and resorts have professional babysitting services available so parents can enjoy a candlelight dinner or romantic walk on the beach knowing the kids are in good hands.
Since I love Bali so much I wanted to share some of my personal favorites. They just may come in handy when you decide to venture to blissful Bali.
Ubud is a town in the central part of the island known primarily for its culture and arts. Ubud is around 1-2 hours from the Denpasar airport depending on traffic. It has an artisan, funky feel to it, which is quite different from the beach areas around the island. You’ll get a different taste of Bali here. It has become quite popular especially since the book “Eat, Pray, Love” so prepare for tourists during peak season. Hire a driver and head south from Ubud to Seminyak stopping along the way to see beautiful silver jewelry and Balinese art. Your accommodation should be able to arrange a private driver for you.
Seminyak. This is the trendier spot on the island at the moment. Seminyak has beautiful resorts, private villas, restaurants, boutique shops, bars and more. Just be prepared for more people as well.
If you feel like spoiling yourself with an amazing five-star resort experience head to The Legian luxury beachfront resort in Seminyak. This gorgeous property is right on the beach and yet still just a walk from the main area of Seminyak. The service is absolutely outstanding and it is one of the more beautiful resorts I have seen in Seminyak. The Royal Beach Seminyak just down the beach is also a very nice property. Both resorts have villas or suites for families.
Potato Head is a nice place to spend the afternoon and evening watching a breath-taking Bali sunset sipping on a cocktail of your choice. Camp out on one of the big daybeds, grab a table or a front-row seat on the deck and chill out to mellow tunes. They serve some great food also. If you’re taking the little ones it’s probably best to go earlier in the afternoon as it does become more of a beach club bar scene into the late evening.
Nusa Dua is a less busy area in Bali with large resorts and beaches. There are a plethora of family-friendly resorts to choose from in the area. You can still pop over to Seminyak for day trips too. It has a calmer vibe to it than Seminyak but not quite as chilled out as Jimbaran Bay and Uluwatu further south.
Jimbaran Bay is approximately a 30-minute drive south of Seminyak and is THE place to go for a seafood feast on the beach. A number of casual seafood restaurants line the beach. Ask your hotel or villa for their recommendation. It’s easy to do one evening even if you’re staying in Seminyak or Nusa Dua. You literally pick your dinner choice out yourself then it is served at tables on the beach. Live music serenades you while you enjoy your scrumptious seafood dinner. Kick off your shoes, bury your feet in the sand and indulge! There are also a number of resorts and villas in the Jimbaran Bay area.
Uluwatu. Last but not least serene Uluwatu is located roughly 30 minutes from Seminyak. If you’re looking for something away from the hustle and bustle, this is it. There are a number of luxury resorts and private villas as well in different price ranges. Some of these are cliff top properties that boast magnificent ocean views like the spectacular Ayana Resort, a personal favorite. Uluwatu is also a haven for surfers.
No matter where you’re at in the world a trip to Bali is worth the journey in my opinion. I see it as the ideal mix of blissful relaxation, culture and adventure in a truly beautiful place.
Visit Bali through Kids Yoga
Thank you for sharing your Bali experiences, Katy!
A Kids Yoga Stories Bali-inspired “5 For 5”: Five Poses in Five Minutes
Sun – Sun Salute
Surfers – Warrior 2 Pose
Balinese Dancers – Dancer’s Pose
Monkeys – Squat Pose
Volcano Agung – Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Villagers Praying at the Temple – Hero’s Pose
I hope you are inspired to travel to or learn more about Bali. It’s a country that’s special to me as well. I flew there on my first solo trip in my late 20s and have been back a few times since. It’s magical. Stay tuned for a Bali-inspired Kids Yoga Stories book to be published in the future.
Giselle
Kids Yoga Stories
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