BALI - the beautiful, colourful and very happy place!

It was the first journey for three of us as a family. On the 3rd of March 2019 a little boy joined our little family who now will be a little adventure seeker together with us. We will try to show him as much as we can and there will be lots of precious memories made!

I must say, I was rather anxious before the journey. Everything was originally planned while I was still pregnant. I didn´t think that becoming a mum will make me so sensitive. I was really worried about everything possible. People that know me can clearly tell how organised, meticulously attentive to detail and sometimes even a little OTT I can be, but since becoming a mum everything seems to have turned into double.

So what can I say... Now when I am sitting at home after this wonderful adventure and I can truly say - this trip was one of the best decisions ever. We had an amazing time. It was so good to our little baby boy too. As for me - everything now is much easier and without major stress.

There were 3 families travelling, everybody with kids so we didn´t plan very active days but still wanted to see as much as we could and combine it with a little bit of rest too.

First destination was Ubud. We have chosen to stay in Sari Bamboo villas where we have stayed for 6 nights. This wasn’t a typical hotel, we had all villa to ourselves which was nicer and calmer to all families to chill and relax, hang out together with kiddies. We’ve arrived very late on the first day so basically that was a write off. The time difference was 6 hours so was afraid that our little gonna have a jet-lag, but.. everything was easier than I thought. One day and we were living in Bali timezone. The staff here was amazing and we will remember them for a long time, really funny, kind and nice guys.

Next morning we had a very pleasant breakfast. The night we came was my birthday so friends surprised me with celebrations and gifts which was lovely. After this we were planning what are we going do here in Ubud. We have organise 2 cars with drivers to have while in Ubud and, like most Asian places, people drive like crazy here.

We have visited the most popular place - The Monkey Forest. If you haven´t seen monkeys- it is the best place to see them from very close. Next destination was Tegenungan Waterfall. It was so amazing! Beautiful nature, spectacular waterfall with nice surroundings, so green and lots of flowers. Definitely worth visiting and so easy to reach with even 4 months old baby.

After that we have visited Kemenuh Butterfly Park which was very interesting and colourful experience like absolutely different world. Our trip on the day have ended with yummy dinner at Cafe Wayan and Bakery. The food was delicious like everywhere in Asia, you just want to taste the whole menu all at once.

​The next day we have visited one more waterfall which looked absolutely wild that I have never seen anything like it. Tukad Cepung Waterfall should be a must on your to do list while exploring Bali. Next destination that day was Butuan Temple. All these temples are so magical to me, it seems that there are so many secrets and spirits. All of us needed to wear a special scarf, it was very interesting. We had rather tiring day so majority of us have decided to grab some lunchsomewhere nice and cozy which we have chosen Lazy Cat Cafe = a non-standard place with very unique/interesting menu. Can I just must mention that all the dining places we’ve been made me fall in love with Asian food. Bali definitely can be added to the list of my favourites places.

As we were with kids, we didn´t planned to travel every day, we wanted to have rest, so one day we with girls explored the Ubud. Actually we couldn´t find taxi to the city, so we walked, was rather extreme when there is no sidewalk. On the way back we wanted to come back fast, but everybody suggested so expensive service. It ended up that we needed to hurry up, as my baby needed to eat :D

One day we spent in the Jungle Fish Pool Bar - for my birthday celebration. Very nice and cozy place, with infinity pool, perfect view and great music. And for the last dinner in Ubud we have visited absolutely extraordinary place named Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. There even was separate little garden with vegetables and spices, just by the table where we were sitting. Fantastic food, service and nature around.

After Ubud we have spent 3 days in Nusa Penida Island. What can I say… this place is not very tourist ready as but that just makes everything more interesting and wild.

10 km by car took us 1 hour so you can imagine what kind of driving ways are there. Not many hotels there, rather isolated in a way, you cant just go and buy stuff plus to reach this island we had to go by boat, a fast boat that takes you from Bali island within approx. an hour. But... the story doesn’t end here. It was a challenge to get to the boat first as there was no a slipway or any boat ramp. We needed to get into water were waves were massive, the awaiting boat was moving like in the movies, it was puzzling but fun :). I think all of us found it hilarious and easy in a way but seeing others carrying our luggage on their heads was rather scary and frightening in away. So many people, so many different lives, so many unforgettable adventures. The whole trip was very exploratory and I will remember it with a smile on my face. What can I say… that what makes travelling so interesting: remarkable memories and experience for life.

​​You can not leave Nusa Penida without seeing Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay Beach, Broken Beach. Such nature miracles! By the way, if you want to see those miracles in it’s best glory you need to drive there very early in the morning because it gets very crowded later on. Crystal Bay Beach in the evening is mesmerizing, the sunset is beautiful. Don’t forget to go on a boat tour to see Raya fish. I was the lucky one to experience it although was unable to take anyphotos. Raya was so close to me but due the boat moving, big waves, lots of people, camera settings etc I missed the opportunity to take a good shot. Well… At the time I was thinking `Yes, I did it` but it was a tummy of my friend instead haha. So the extraordinary view of Raya will be just a memory for me. Thanks to my hubby for being with our little one on a boat while I was having fun in the water attempting to take picture of huge fish.

It would have been easier to travel on motorbikes while in Nusa Penida as we could have seen more but with children it was not possible. Anyway, I will never forget this island and the memories made. I am so happy to have been here.

Our last days of holidays we have spent in Tabanan, in the Villa Keong by the black sand beach.There was another “first time” in my life - I have never seen black sand before, what a strange feeling. It seemed that sand was full of tiny diamonds, sparkling everywhere and the waves in the ocean were enormous. It was a brilliant place to finish our eventful vacation.

Villa Keong was a very good choice: with exclusive interior and bizzare plantation of watermelons nearby. The owners were Russian, very funny Balinese manager Putu and very helpful Russian lady Jane, superb masseuse Wayan. Interesting fact: majority of boys in Bali have name Putu and girls have name Wayan. In this case it means they are the first/oldest child in the family. Putu was getting married while we stayed at the villa. There were about 1000 guests, absolutely crazy. I thought he was joking at first but later on there were picture in the city announcing the big day with pictures etc.

We have also visited city where we could see the sunset by the temple (Luhur Tanah Lot) in the water. Sad that we came in the evening, way too many peoplethere to be able to see everything properly although was still very beautiful and breath-taking. Would definitely advise to visit this place early morning rather than evening. After the sunset we have chosen to have dinner at the interesting restaurant called Warung Bamboo with rice plantation panorama and pleasant interior details,it seemed a bit like a museum.

So thats it, that was a short touch to our trip. Days flew like seconds. Of course there are so many small details, jokes, smiles and other things that are going tojust stay in our memories, in our hearts. Those who think that travel with kids is hard, it is a proof that is not. It made a big mark in our life, thank you ("suksma" - thank you in Balinese) Bali for this experience !!!

The more I see,the more I smile,the more I feel !

>

P.P.