Experience Pure Bali: 5 unique experiences with kids

Rafting in Ubud

"When I say 'boom, boom, boom,' you all quickly sit down on the bottom of the boat." We listen to the instructions of our boatman, Wayan. Because we have children in the raft, it's important that we stay low in the boat when going through rapida. We practice a few times, which leads to a lot of hilarity as the boat feels like a bouncy castle. Then we're ready to depart. The raft glides smoothly through the water, and we paddle eagerly along. The fast-flowing river cuts through the jungle.

We pass by Buddhist statues carved into the rock walls. It feels mystical; I feel like Indiana Jones. "Boom, boom, boom," we hear. Quickly, we plop down to the bottom of the boat. Wayan skillfully navigates through. The rapids, in particular, provide a lot of fun, and the children experience it like a giant water slide in the middle of nature. Then, when Wayan steers us past a rock beneath a waterfall and we feel the cold water on our heads, the fun reaches new heights. This journey is the perfect start to our adventurous and culinary trip through Bali.

^{Photo: Sandra Roodenburg}

Campuan Ridge Walk

With their heads between the green stalks, the children watch with fascination as rice grows from a rice plant. We show them where the rice grains are and explain how they are harvested from the plant by hitting it hard against the ground. We're walking the Campuan Ridge route, which starts at the edge of Ubud.
 
The green rice fields, the offerings, the incense, and the quiet during our walk provides us with an immensely serene and calm feeling. What a contrast with Ubud, which is lively and colorful. We enjoy the walk and experience rural life in Bali.

^{Photo: Sandra Roodenburg}

Cooking Class at Sarinbuana Ecolodge

From Ubud, we drive inland to the mountains of Bali. It's hilly and green here. As is typical in the jungle, it's pouring rain when we arrive at the Sarinbuana Ecolodge. Fortunately, they are prepared for this. Five large straw hats are waiting for us at our beautiful hut, serving as umbrellas.

^{Photo: Sandra Roodenburg}

Since we need to be in the restaurant kitchen for our cooking class, we immediately test them out. The rain is pounding hard on the headgear, and we don't exactly stay dry. But we're having lots of fun. We start our cooking class in good spirits. Bowls filled with a multitude of colors and scents await us in the kitchen. Crispy spring rolls and a spicy curry are on the menu.
 
After a brief and clear explanation from the chef, we get to work. With enthusiasm and great care, the children chop potatoes, eggplants, and onions. In a large mortar, Daan grinds a lightly spicy paste. Bean sprouts, carrots, and cabbage are rolled in spring roll wrappers. My husband and I also pitch in. All five of us are a little sad when it's over, but we've worked up an appetite. When we finally get to enjoy our homemade dishes a little later, it's an absolute feast.

^{Photo: Sandra Roodenburg}

Batukaru Temple

Wrapped in a sarong, I walk with my daughter Sophie through the entrance gate of Batukaru Temple. The men had to stay behind at the entrance. My sons, Bram and Daan, haven't lost their baby teeth yet. Officially, they are too young to enter. Sophie and I are the only two tourists among dozens of Balinese. This temple, dating back to the eleventh century, is a very important and sacred place for the Balinese. However, it has hardly been discovered by tourists yet.

^{Photos: Sandra Roodenburg}

The temple is actively visited by local residents, and we notice that during our visit. Men and women with large baskets walk to and from offering places. Soft chants fill the air, and we see wisps of incense smoke rising from various places. We walk around calmly and enjoy all the scenes before us. Sophie is most impressed by all the small offerings lying everywhere. Colorful flowers, small pieces of food, and fragrant incense sticks.

North Bali for Daredevils

Our last stop in Bali is in the North, about half an hour above Lovina. Here, too, it's quiet and green, and we see few other tourists. We stay here for two nights with one goal: to get an adrenaline rush. We are taken by scooter to the Aling Aling waterfalls. The last stretch we walk with a guide who is already there. We make our way through a little paradise; various waterfalls cascade down, the water is deep turquoise in color, and we are surrounded by tropical plants and trees. After taking the necessary photos, it's time for the adventurous part: cliff jumping and waterfall sliding.

^{Photo: Sandra Roodenburg}

There's something for everyone here. Fifteen-meter tall waterfalls where you can slide, eight-meter high rocks for an exciting jump into the water, but also lower rocks and waterfalls for all ages. Courageously, I walk to the edge of a large stone. Eight meters below, I see the cooling water. "I'm going to jump!" I shout. But I don't. Of course, I have to hear about this for the rest of the trip. We head to lower waters. For two hours, we slide down the small waterfalls and jump from rocks—where mom dares to jump.

Curious about even more family adventures? Visit our collection page and get inspired!