TRAVEL – Bali Getaway for a Single Parent Family: A Perfect Blend of Adventure, Fun and Relaxation

Posted by Editor on April 25, 2025 in Hotels, Travel | Leave a comment

Bali has long been a sought-after destination for families seeking an unforgettable holiday, and for single parents, it offers the perfect mix of tranquility, adventure, and cultural immersion. We recently embarked on a holiday to Bali, with a base in the heart of Ubud, followed by some downtime in Seminyak, and it turned out to be an incredible experience.

Where to Stay: The Hava Ubud A Pramana Experience

Our stay at The Hava Ubud A Pramana Experience was nothing short of magical. As a single parent traveling with my son, the hotel exceeded our expectations in every way. The property offers a serene escape with lush greenery, and although it only has one pool, we were fortunate to book a room with a private pool for just over £100 a night. This made for the perfect setup, allowing us to enjoy some much-needed downtime together without the hustle and bustle of shared spaces.

The service was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond, remembering both our names and ensuring we felt at home from the moment we arrived. The location is ideal – nestled in Ubud, it’s close enough to all the exciting activities Bali has to offer, yet tucked away enough for a peaceful retreat. The lush surroundings and impeccable service truly made it a memorable stay.

What to Do: Adventure and Exploration

Bali is a paradise for explorers, and Ubud is the heart of it all. Here’s a list of the top activities that are perfect for single-parent families like ours:

Rice Fields

A trip to the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces is an absolute must. It’s fascinating to learn about the traditional farming methods used in Bali – grain by grain – while being surrounded by the stunning landscape. The walk through the terraces is refreshing and perfect for both adults and children. My son was captivated by the lush green vistas, while I appreciated the peaceful vibe that Bali’s countryside offers.

Jungle Swing

For the thrill-seeker, Bali’s Jungle Swing offers an exhilarating experience. I took the leap while my son stood by safely, watching from a distance. The views of the jungle from the swing are absolutely breathtaking, and I felt a rush of excitement (as well as a little motion sickness) that I’ll remember for years to come. If you’re traveling with children, the staff are very cautious and ensure safety is a top priority.

Fruit Teas and Coffee

After our swing adventure, we indulged in some of Bali’s finest fruit teas and local coffee. The fruit teas were refreshing and bursting with flavor, while I couldn’t resist a cup of Bali’s renowned coffee. It’s the little things that make a trip memorable, and this moment of calm amidst our adventures was one of the highlights.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud was another highlight of our trip. We loved seeing the playful monkeys up close, though it’s important to be cautious as they can jump onto you unexpectedly (especially if you have food). One of the monkey’s jumped on me and grabbed my skirt. The humid jungle atmosphere adds to the exotic feel, but the monkeys are fascinating, making it a great family-friendly experience.

Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

One of our favorite spots was the Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah), a historic temple that offers a peek into Bali’s ancient culture. Despite its name, it’s not a cave at all but a beautifully designed temple that’s worth the visit. The serene environment and spiritual significance made it a meaningful stop on our journey.

Moving on to Seminyak: Montigo Resorts Seminyak

After our action-packed days in Ubud, we headed to Seminyak for a bit of relaxation, and for this, we stayed at Montigo Resorts Seminyak. At £125 a night, we had high hopes for this luxury resort. We had booked our room just a day before our arrival to secure a spot, as we didn’t want to wait. However, upon checking in, we were given a cheaper room than we had paid for, and had to wait a few hours for the correct room (only after I voiced my concerns). That being said, the staff were incredibly apologetic and did their best to make it right, offering us a complimentary lunch and a free taxi ride back to the airport. While this wasn’t ideal, their effort to make amends showed their commitment to guest satisfaction.

The resort had three pools, which my son loved – especially the main pool, where he could splash around and have fun. Unfortunately, the kids’ club didn’t quite meet our expectations. It mainly offered activities like colouring and gaming, which didn’t appeal much to my 8-year-old. I’ve experienced more dynamic kids’ clubs at other hotels in the past, with activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and cooking classes, so I was a bit disappointed by the lack of engaging options.

The staff at Montigo Resorts were lovely, and the resort itself was very clean and comfortable, but the overall food quality didn’t match up to the incredible dining experiences we had in Ubud. Still, it provided the relaxation we needed to recharge after our adventurous time in Ubud.

What to Avoid: The Mason Elephant Sanctuary

While Bali is home to many wonderful wildlife sanctuaries, not all of them are ethical. We visited the Mason Elephant Sanctuary only to find as you can see the elephants were chained in the heat on tarmac! Though they promote themselves as Bali’s “only dedicated elephant rescue facility,” we discovered that their last rescue took place in 2004, and captive breeding has been ongoing since then.

Sadly, the elephants are kept in captivity, often forced to perform tricks and carry tourists on rides in the intense heat. We were deeply saddened to learn that these magnificent creatures are chained for hours each day, and none of their elephants are ever released into the wild. As a family, we felt it was important to share this discovery so others can avoid supporting places that do not prioritise the well-being of the animals in their care.

A Memorable Experience with Gusmank Photography

To make the most of our time in Bali, we decided to book a photography session with Gusmank Photography, and it was truly worth it. Gusmank and his team were not only incredibly professional but also made the entire experience enjoyable. The photos they took turned out beautifully and will serve as a lasting memory of our Bali adventure. It’s something I highly recommend if you’re looking to capture the essence of your family vacation in Bali.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Here are a few practical tips to help make your Bali vacation as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Don’t Drink the Tap Water – While Bali is a beautiful destination, the tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled water to avoid any stomach issues, and always ensure your child is drinking safely to stay hydrated throughout your adventures.

Book Through Get Your Guide – We found that Get Your Guide was a fantastic platform for booking tours and activities. We had private guides for most of our excursions, and they were absolutely fantastic. Not only did they provide great insights into Bali’s culture and history, but the air-conditioned cars between sites were a welcome respite from the heat and humidity, especially with an 8-year-old in tow.

Use Grab for Transport – Bali’s version of Uber is Grab, and it’s incredibly convenient for getting around. However, make sure you understand the pricing beforehand. Some drivers may try to charge you more than the app indicates, so be clear about the fare before you start the ride to avoid any misunderstandings.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Heat – Bali can get quite hot and humid, so always keep water with you and wear sunscreen. It’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade, especially when exploring the temples and outdoor attractions.

Patience is Key – As with any holiday destination, things might not always go as planned (like our experience with the room at Montigo Resorts), but the key is patience. The Balinese people are incredibly warm and helpful, and any inconvenience is usually made up for with their excellent hospitality.

Don’t Forget to Haggle at the Markets – When visiting the local markets, always remember to haggle! Bargaining is a part of the culture in Bali, and you can often secure great deals on everything from souvenirs to clothing. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price to get the best value for your money.

Bring Mosquito Spray – Bali’s tropical climate means mosquitoes can be quite prevalent, especially in the evenings. Be sure to bring a good mosquito repellent to protect yourself and your children from bites, especially when visiting more rural areas or outdoor attractions like the rice fields and jungle.

Don’t Just Look for the Huge Airlines – We booked a fantastic deal with China Eastern for business class, and I highly recommend considering airlines beyond the big names. The experience was excellent, and we were able to travel in comfort for a fraction of the price compared to more well-known carriers.

Final Thoughts

Bali is a wonderful destination for single-parent families looking to balance adventure and relaxation. From the unforgettable rice terraces and thrilling jungle swing to the peaceful moments at the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud offers a perfect blend of fun and tranquility. We had an amazing time, and The Hava Ubud A Pramana Experience was the perfect home base for our stay.

Seminyak was a great place to relax, and despite some minor hiccups at Montigo Resorts, it still provided a nice ending to our trip. Just remember to do your research and choose ethically-conscious experiences, like avoiding places that exploit animals for entertainment. With a bit of careful planning, your Bali holiday will be an experience filled with unforgettable memories.

Bali – you were a dream!