So here we are — Vishma, Shila, and our little superstar Shanvi — fresh off a family trip to Bali, and honestly still processing everything. From visa dramas before we even left Melbourne, to monkeys stealing toys, to clinging to each other for dear life on the cliffs of Nusa Penida — this trip had it ALL. Buckle up, because this one’s a story.
Before We Even Left: The Airport Panic
Every good holiday starts with a minor heart attack, right? We were at the airport, bags checked, excitement levels through the roof, when we discovered that Shila’s Australian Permanent Residency had expired. Right there. At the airport. No warning, no time to prepare — just that sinking feeling of the floor dropping out from under you while everyone around you is cheerfully heading off on their holidays.
We boarded the flight anyway, but the mood had shifted. The entire journey we were quietly planning worst-case scenarios — what happens at immigration, how long a resident return visa takes, whether this was going to derail the whole trip. Not exactly the relaxed pre-holiday vibe we had imagined.
But here is where the story turns around. We applied for the Resident Return Visa — and it came through automatically, the very same day we arrived at the hotel. Just like that, the worry dissolved, the bags hit the floor, and we looked at each other and said — right, we are on holiday now. Let’s go.
Day 2: Kuta, Chaos, and the Great Doll Heist
We based ourselves in Kuta, which is the perfect home base for first-time Bali visitors — busy, vibrant, and never boring. After settling in and fuelling up on the most amazing hotel breakfast (seriously, do not underestimate a good Balinese breakfast spread — tropical fruit, fresh juices, nasi goreng — we were obsessed), we headed out to explore.
First stop: a casual walk around Kuta, where Shanvi immediately spotted a puppy and declared it her new best friend. Then came the food — we tried local chicken dishes including some very adventurous chicken that had us all raising our eyebrows and then going back for seconds.
Then came the Monkey Forest. Oh, the Monkey Forest.
Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of those places that sounds lovely in theory — lush jungle, ancient temples, cute monkeys — and it genuinely is magical. The young monkeys, some only a few months old, were absolutely tiny and adorable, and hand-feeding them was one of those experiences that makes you feel like you are living in a nature documentary.
And then a monkey grabbed Shanvi’s doll.
Just like that. One second the doll was there, the next a cheeky little creature had decided it was his now, thank you very much. Shanvi’s face was an absolute picture. But thankfully a kind bystander came to the rescue with the most Bali solution imaginable — a banana. One banana exchange later, the doll was returned, the monkey was satisfied, and Shanvi had the best story to tell her friends back in Melbourne. Lesson learned: zip everything up before entering the Monkey Forest. Everything.
To finish a truly eventful day, we visited the breathtaking Ulun Danu Beratan Temple — a stunning water temple sitting on the edge of Lake Beratan and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake. As a Hindu family, standing at this temple was something else entirely. The misty lake surrounding the pagodas, the sound of offerings being made, locals gathering at the water channel spring to worship — it was humbling and beautiful in equal measure. Being Hindu ourselves, we felt a genuine connection to the spirituality woven into absolutely everything here. Bali does not just practise Hinduism — it breathes it.
Days 3–5: Heat, Rain, Statues, and Our Amazing Guide
Let us talk about the heat. Melbourne had not prepared us. At all. Bali’s tropical humidity hits you the moment you step outside and it does not let go. By day three, tempers were fraying slightly — we will not name names — and we were going through bottled water like it was our full-time job. Speaking of which: do not drink the tap water. Stick strictly to sealed bottled water. We cannot stress this enough.
But even the heat could not dampen the fun for long, because we had the most incredible local guide who was determined to make every single moment count. Directions like “jump — now hold the dress — lean back — next pose!” had us laughing constantly, and the photos and videos he captured were honestly better than anything a professional shoot could have produced. Shanvi in her purple dress, brave and beaming despite the heat, looked absolutely beautiful.
We explored more of the area, including a striking monkey statue — a towering and atmospheric piece of local artistry — Lush, colourful, and full of character.
It rained after lunch one afternoon, as it tends to do in tropical Bali. We got a bit damp. Shanvi thought it was hilarious. We carried on.
Days 6–9: Nusa Penida — The Most Beautiful Scary Place We Have Ever Been
If Kuta is Bali’s heartbeat, Nusa Penida is its wild, untamed soul. This rugged island just off the southeast coast of Bali has become one of Indonesia’s most talked-about destinations, and once you see it, you understand why. Towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise water, and landscapes so dramatic they barely look real.
We also visited the site of the World’s Largest Garuda — a genuinely awe-inspiring monument to the mythical eagle that carries Lord Vishnu in Hindu tradition. Standing in front of it as a Hindu family felt significant. It is the kind of landmark that stops you in your tracks.
But here is the honest truth about Nusa Penida that the glossy travel photos do not always show you: it is raw. The roads are rough, the terrain is steep and uneven, and some of the viewpoints require walking paths that will have your heart in your mouth. We found ourselves constantly saying “be careful” and “go slowly” — and we meant it. If you have young children or anyone with mobility concerns, take it very seriously and plan ahead.
That said — it is worth every single nervous step. The views from the cliffs are among the most spectacular any of us have ever seen. And of course, even on the most dramatic clifftops, there was still time for jumping photos with both hands in the air. Because that is just who we are as a family.
The Bit Nobody Warns You About: Money Exchange Scams
We nearly got scammed and want to save you from the same experience. In busy tourist areas, you will find small money exchange kiosks advertising exchange rates that look significantly better than everyone else’s. Do not be tempted. These operators use sleight of hand — they will count the notes out in front of you, then quietly swap or remove bills before handing the money over. You end up with less than you paid for and often do not realise until you are back at the hotel.
Stick to official, reputable money changers — look for the ones with clear signage, a proper office setup, and a receipt. If a rate looks too good to be true in Bali, it is a scam. Full stop.
Our Top Tips for Families Travelling to Bali from Melbourne
Sort your documents early. Check every passport, visa, and residency expiry date well before you travel. Learn from us.
Use reputable money changers only. If the rate looks suspiciously good, walk away.
Bottled water always. Do not risk it with tap water — a stomach bug will ruin your holiday fast.
Respect the culture. Bali’s Hindu traditions are living and active, not a tourist attraction. Dress modestly at temples, be respectful during ceremonies, and take a moment to appreciate what you are witnessing. It is genuinely one of the most spiritually rich places in the world.
Pack for the heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing. Hats. Sunscreen. Lots and lots of water. The humidity is real and it is relentless.
Protect your belongings in the Monkey Forest. Sunglasses, jewellery, hats, phones, and especially beloved dolls — keep them zipped away or held tightly. Monkeys are fast, clever, and completely shameless.
Take Nusa Penida slowly. It is stunning but it is not a place to rush. Wear good shoes, hold the handrails, and savour every view rather than racing to the next one.
Final Thoughts
Bali is one of those places that gets under your skin. The spirituality, the warmth of the people, the sheer beauty of the landscapes, the food, the chaos, the laughter — it all blends into something you genuinely cannot find anywhere else. As a Hindu family from Melbourne, there was something profoundly moving about being in a place where our faith is not just understood but celebrated in every corner of daily life.
Would we go back? Shanvi is already asking when we can return. And honestly — so are we.
— Vishma, Shila & Shanvi 🌺