Destination Guide — Bali, Indonesia
If you're planning a Bali holiday and wondering whether to stay in Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu or an outer island — and anywhere in between — this itinerary may help. After recently spending a week exploring Bali with my family, I experienced two very different luxury resorts while visiting Uluwatu and Ubud on day trips with our private driver, who I now recommend to every one of my clients.
These day trips were big, busy days — but if you don't want to pack and unpack often, it's easy enough to grab your driver and go. Ubud was all about scooters through the jungle, chasing waterfalls, and long lunches at infinity pools overlooking the gorge, all within easy reach of town.
That feeling of the wind blowing through your hair — nothing beats that feeling of freedom. It's one of the main reasons Aussies, in particular, love Bali.
As someone who is a country girl through and through, sitting still is a struggle for me — riding on the back of a scooter is my favourite pastime, and I never once felt unsafe with the Balinese. The people are kind, non‑judgemental and endlessly friendly. Add to that one of the shortest international flights outside of Australia, and it's easy to see why Bali keeps calling us back.
As someone who books luxury holidays every day, I can honestly say The Regent Canggu is one of the most impressive family‑friendly luxury resorts I've experienced in Bali. The service felt genuine rather than scripted, and the spacious design made travelling with children surprisingly relaxing.
We stayed in a Two‑Bedroom Suite — two rooms connected through an internal door, so the kids were right there, yet had a room entirely their own — a mirror of ours, just with two beds. They don't yet understand how lucky they are to experience properties like this, that's for sure.
Between the Beach House, the all‑day breakfast, an abundance of pool options, and a beach and shopping right on the doorstep, it's the perfect resort escape for couples, solo travellers and families alike.
Good to Know
Is Bali good for families?
Absolutely. Bali is one of my favourite family destinations — it offers luxury resorts, private villas, beaches, waterfalls, cultural experiences and excellent value. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there's something for everyone.
Which mainland area is best to stay in?
For a first visit of five to seven nights, I usually recommend the Legian/Seminyak area. Seminyak has fantastic shopping, beach clubs and restaurants, while Canggu leans into health and wellness — think Pilates studios, boxing clubs and pickleball courts, and no shortage of influencers. Canggu also has incredible luxury resorts, cafés and surf beaches.
What's the best way to get around Bali?
For longer day trips, I always recommend hiring a private driver — affordable, knowledgeable, and they remove all the stress of navigating traffic. For shorter journeys around Seminyak and Canggu, Gojek scooters are fast, inexpensive and often quicker than travelling by car.
How many days do you need in Bali?
For a first visit, I recommend at least seven to ten nights. That gives you time to relax, explore other areas of the island, and enjoy the shopping, beach clubs and spa treatments — of course. For a higher‑end treatment, I recommend BodyWorks and Sundari Spa.
Is Bali expensive?
Bali suits almost every budget. There are affordable hotels, but also world‑class luxury resorts offering incredible value compared with destinations like the Maldives or Hawaii — you can spend $30 a night or $2,000 a night. There really is something for everyone.
Where should I stay in Bali?
It depends on your travel style.
Plan Your Journey
Thinking about a Bali holiday?
Whether you're after a luxury resort, a family‑friendly itinerary, a honeymoon or a multi‑centre Bali adventure, I can help you plan a trip based on real experience — not just online reviews.
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