{"id":272,"date":"2026-06-08T17:39:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T08:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiyori-world.com\/?p=272"},"modified":"2026-06-08T17:39:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T08:39:49","slug":"a-trip-to-bali-with-my-mother-the-beach-club-dream-postponed-but-mom-floored-the-jet-ski","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiyori-world.com\/?p=272","title":{"rendered":"A Trip to Bali with My Mother | The Beach Club Dream Postponed, but Mom Floored the Jet Ski"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bali is a paradise where travelers from Asia and Oceania gather. Close to Australia, it draws surfers and resort lovers from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partying with friends at a beach club. That was the dream I carried with me to Bali. But this time, for some reason, I was traveling with my mother. The nightlife I’d dreamed of was put on hold, but in its place I witnessed something unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bali, the Crossroads of Asia and Oceania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bali draws a huge number of travelers from Asia and Oceania, partly thanks to its proximity to Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resort hotels, diving, surfing, and a vibrant club scene. Every way of traveling is here. The Kuta area in particular has a huge concentration of clubs and a thriving nightlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s interesting is that, unlike mainland Indonesia, Bali is predominantly Hindu. Perhaps that’s why the island feels relatively relaxed about alcohol. Within a country where Islam is the majority, Bali holds onto its own distinct “Balinese Hinduism,” deeply rooted in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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photo by Guillaume Marques<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do Before You Leave (2026 Update)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before getting carried away, Bali now requires a few things to be arranged before arrival. To avoid airport queues, it’s best to complete everything online in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to prepare in advance\n\u2514 Bali Tourist Tax\n  About USD 10 per person\n  Pay by credit card in advance via the\n  official \"Love Bali\" app or site, get a QR code\n\u2514 Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)\n  About USD 35, 30-day stay (extendable once)\n  Getting it in advance lets you use\n  the airport e-gates\n\u2514 All Indonesia e-Arrival Card\n  Register online from 72 hours before arrival<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
The rules are more developed than when I went, so check the latest information and prepare ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Access: 2.5 Hours from Singapore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From Singapore\n\u2514 Direct flights from Changi Airport\n\u2514 About 2.5 hours\n\u2514 Popular as a weekend short trip\n\nFrom other Asian cities\n\u2514 Direct flights or budget carriers\n\u2514 Around 7 hours<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
If you’re touring Southeast Asia, it’s easy to slot in as a detour from Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Beach Club Dream, Postponed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you think of Bali, you think of beach clubs. To gather with friends, a whole group of us, and party to our hearts’ content. I’d held onto that dream for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But this time, for some reason, I was on a two-person trip with my mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I obviously couldn’t dance until dawn at a beach club with my mom, so the nightlife I’d dreamed of was postponed. That’s homework for next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Places like Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and FINNS Beach Club in Canggu are famous worldwide. Sipping drinks on a poolside daybed while a DJ plays and the sun sets is apparently the classic style. Someday I will let loose at one of those beach clubs with my friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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photo by Cassie Gallegos<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mom Floored the Jet Ski and Left Me Stunned<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I gave up on the nightlife, but I could enjoy water sports with my mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We each rented a jet ski, and this is where the incident happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I sped up, the jet ski bounced over the water and scared me, so I couldn’t really open the throttle. But when I glanced over, my mother was tearing across the water at incredible speed, bouncing wildly the whole way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was genuinely stunned. My normally gentle mother had transformed into a different person, racing across the sea. Seeing an unexpected side of a parent might just be one of the great joys of travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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My Surfing Ended with Just Paddling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bali is a world-famous surf destination. Since I was there, I rented a board and gave surfing a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ll be honest. I’ve tried surfing a few times before. But I have never once managed to stand up when a wave came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This day was no different. I spent the whole time just paddling, bobbing around on top of the water. There was zero sign of me ever standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So in the end, I laid the surfboard down on the beach and settled for just looking the part of a surfer. I think I pulled it off reasonably well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, as a world-class surf spot, Bali has plenty of beginner-friendly waves, and there were many people enjoying surfing. I think even beginners like me can have fun here. There are lots of surf schools too, so with proper lessons, you’d surely manage to stand up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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An Island with Completely Different Faces by Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bali shows a completely different character depending on the area. The key is choosing where to stay based on your purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Main area characteristics\n\u2514 Kuta\n  Lively surfer town near the airport\n\u2514 Seminyak\n  Stylish cafes and upscale beach clubs\n\u2514 Ubud\n  Inland village of art and culture,\n  rice terraces and yoga\n\u2514 Canggu\n  The hottest surf-and-cafe town right now\n\u2514 Sanur\n  Calm east coast, family-friendly\n\u2514 Nusa Dua\n  Government-developed luxury resort area<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
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photo by Geio Tischler<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Luxury Resorts at Surprisingly Good Prices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bali has a wealth of luxury resort hotels. They’re concentrated mostly along the coast, but high-end villas are also scattered in quiet spots like Ubud where you can see rice terraces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time I stayed at a coastal resort hotel. What surprised me was how reasonable the prices were for a luxury resort. For the same quality, Bali is clearly cheaper than other resort destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation guide (USD)\n\u2514 Budget: USD 10-30\/night\n\u2514 Mid-range: USD 50-150\/night\n\u2514 Luxury: from USD 250\/night<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to that, I could indulge in a relaxed, luxurious resort experience. Bali is an excellent resort destination in terms of value for money too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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photo by Ern Gan<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Diving with Manta Rays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I skipped it this time, but Bali is also famous for diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are even spots where you can encounter manta rays. Nusa Penida (where you can meet mantas) and Tulamben in the east (with a famous shipwreck dive) are especially renowned. As a diving enthusiast, I really wanted to, but since this was a trip with my mother, I passed this time. That’s more homework for next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Plenty of Delicious Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The food in Bali is wonderfully varied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended dishes\n\u2514 Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice)\n\u2514 Babi Guling (roast suckling pig,\n  a festive dish)\n\u2514 Sate (grilled skewers with peanut sauce)\n\u2514 Ubud and Canggu are packed with\n  world-class vegan cafes<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
From the classic nasi goreng to fresh seafood, you can find anything. As a resort destination, there are also many restaurants serving international cuisine, so I never struggled to find something to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Culture and Cautions Worth Knowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bali's unique culture\n\u2514 Canang\n  Small palm-leaf offerings placed on\n  roadsides and shopfronts; take care not\n  to step on them\n\u2514 Nyepi (Balinese New Year, around March)\n  Fire, electricity and going outside are\n  banned, even the airport closes\n  The whole island falls silent\n\nCautions\n\u2514 Use Grab or Gojek for safe transport\n\u2514 Many accidents happen renting bikes\n  without an international license; ride carefully\n\u2514 Tap water is not drinkable\n\u2514 Using your phone while walking in busy\n  areas makes you a target for bag snatchers<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
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Best Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dry season (April-October)\n\u2514 Best season\n\u2514 Low humidity, crisp air\n\u2514 Ideal for surfing and sightseeing\n\nRainy season (November-March)\n\u2514 Mostly short squalls\n\u2514 Fruit is delicious\n\u2514 Flights and hotels are cheaper<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
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photo by Tom Bixler<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My trip to Bali, which turned into a two-person journey with my mother, may have postponed the beach club dream, but it became an unforgettable trip all the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My mother flooring the jet ski, settling for just looking like a surfer on the beach, the reasonably priced luxury resort. All of it is a good memory now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bali is a deep, versatile island where you can enjoy resorts, surfing, diving, and nightlife alike. Next time I’ll definitely party with friends at a beach club and swim with manta rays. This trip gave me those goals too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solo, with friends, or as a trip to treat a parent. The fact that it works in any style is, I think, the real charm of Bali.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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