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Semicuratedlife

Bali, Travel
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March 16, 2023

You’re Doing Bali Wrong

Something I hear from a lot of people who come to Bali for the first time is that it wasn’t what they expected. It is too congested, too polluted and overrun with tourists. They’re not wrong. 

However, I think if you come to Bali armed with the knowledge of where to go (and not go!) you’ll have a much better experience. 

Here are five places that are underrated and should definitely be added to your Bali itinerary.

  1. Nusa Lembongan. A short 30 minute boat ride from Bali, Lembongan is crystal blue waters, no cars allowed, barefoot paradise. There is amazing snorkeling, great surfing, gorgeous beaches and a laid back vibe. There are mangroves to kayak in. Roads to explore via motorbike. You can even ride over a narrow yellow bridge to Nusa Cenigan, which is also fun to explore. It is the Bali experience most people are looking for.

2. Sidemen. Located in East Bali, Sidemen seems to be on everyone’s lips when talking about nature. Think gorgeous rice terraces, traditional villages, quiet roads and stunning views. This part of Bali seems to have embraced low-key cultural tourism, with most lodging including guests in ceremonies, teaching them traditional crafts and encouraging slow walks through the rice fields and countryside. In my opinion, it is a can’t miss.

3. Lovina. Way up in North Bali, Lovina is famous for its dolphins. And for good reason – seeing hundreds of dolphins around your boat is a once in a lifetime experience. I’m already planning a trip back. Just do be sure to book with a tour operator who doesn’t crowd the other boats and chase the dolphins – we went with Eli from Popeye Lovina and would highly recommend him. This area is much quieter than other areas of Bali, and is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls on the island. Nearby Menjangan Island is honestly the best snorkeling in Bali and a must do if you’re in this part Bali. I still dream about the boat ride going from the mainland to Menjangan with the volcanoes of Java looming in the distance – pure magic.

4. Tabanan. Located just off the well worn tourist path, Tabanan has a lot to offer. We of course love to stay at our beloved Bali Eco Stay, where you can stroll the rice fields, take a dip in the private waterfall or join in on a local ceremony if one is happening. This place is where I’ve felt closest to nature, and helped me to appreciate eco tourism and what is possible if you take the time to work with locals to build something sustainable and beautiful.

5. Sanur. I have to say the secret might be out about Sanur… it is definitely becoming a part of many Bali itineraries. Most of the beach spots tourists visit on Bali are on the west side (Kuta, Seminyak, Canngu), but Sanur is on the east. The water is calm and clean, the beach features a lovely pathway that hugs the beach for 8 kilometers, making it perfect for long walks or bike rides. It is close to the airport, traffic is not as bad as other parts of Bali and it is much more walkable than other spots I’ve been. 

Have you been to any of these spots? Any other underrated spots I should add to my list? 

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Family Travel Guides & Tips to Keep Parents Sane Bali Guides in Link Below👇👇👇 💌 alison@semicuratedlife.com
  • After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again:

📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 

1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 

2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 

3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 

4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 

5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
  • Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅

It’s cultural, right?! 😂
  • When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… 

But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend.

Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
  • Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨
I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived.

This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌).

✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities
✔️ Where to stay by region + budget
✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more
✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island

Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛

The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼

#balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
  • Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
  • And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
View on Instagram
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again: 📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
3 days ago
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@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅 It’s cultural, right?! 😂
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend. Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨ I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived. This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌). ✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities ✔️ Where to stay by region + budget ✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more ✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛 The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼 #balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
1 week ago
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@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
2 weeks ago
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