After several days spent on the idyllic islands of Karimun Jawa, it's time to hit the road again. Our next destination is a dream for travelers worldwide: Bali, the Island of the Gods.
But before we enjoy Bali's rice paddies and temples, a long day of travel awaits us…
Back to Java
This time, we board the fast boat, seated in third class.
The journey is much faster than the slow boat we took on the way there. The sea is calm, the boat moves at good speed… but it's so hot! Without air conditioning, the crossing quickly turns into a real floating sauna. Nevertheless, the few hours pass quickly, and we finally reach Java's coast.
Upon our arrival, Roy, our driver from a few days earlier, is already waiting for us with his eternal smile.
Before heading to Semarang, he takes us to discover the salt marshes of Jepara and then the famous workshops where the magnificent teak furniture of the region is made.
It's impossible not to stop and admire these immense tables, wardrobes, and sculptures, all entirely handcrafted.
Anaïs is immediately captivated.
For a few minutes, she imagines filling an entire container with Balinese furniture for our home. Roy bursts out laughing before reminding us that transport to Europe would likely cost almost as much as the furniture itself.
The dream will have to wait a little longer…
A memorable night... in Semarang
We finally arrive in Semarang, a huge port city where the hustle and bustle quickly reminds us of Jakarta.
Our hotel for the night, the DS Covine, instantly transports us back to the ambiance of an old 80s American motel.
Well… with a local touch.
As soon as we get out of the car, we spot a lifeless cockroach the size of my big toe in front of the entrance while a man sleeps peacefully on an old straw mat.
The welcome sets the tone.
The icing on the cake: we discover that we will be sleeping in two separate rooms. The girls on one side, the boys on the other.
Fortunately, this unusual interlude will be largely compensated for a few hours later.
Our first favorite: L'Ascara
While looking for a place to eat, we discover L'Ascara.
And what a surprise.
The restaurant is entirely decorated with bamboo, right down to the light fixtures and musical instruments, creating a soft and soothing atmosphere.
The cuisine blends Indonesian and Vietnamese specialties with great finesse.
Every dish is delicious.
The best part is the bill:
Just €20 for four people, mocktails included.
An excellent reminder that it is still possible to eat very well in Indonesia without breaking the bank.
Off to Bali
The night is short.
The alarm rings at 5 AM to head to the airport.
We fly with Lion Air, an airline that pleasantly surprises us with its punctuality and excellent value for money.
In less than two hours, we finally land in Denpasar.
We're here.
Bali.
Or almost…
Bali is earned
On the map, Ubud seems very close.
In reality, it will take us almost three hours to cover only 38 kilometers.
The traffic is impressive.
Scooters appear from everywhere, cars move slowly, and each intersection seems to operate according to its own rules.
But the further we go, the more the atmosphere changes.
The first rice paddies appear.
The small offerings placed in front of each house perfume the air with incense.
Temples gradually replace buildings.
We immediately feel that Bali has a very different atmosphere from Java.
Welcome to Ubud!
Our welcome is… original.
Barely out of the car, a monkey decides that Marion's ice cream will be its snack.
Without any hesitation.
Welcome to Ubud!
Very quickly, we fall under the charm of this vibrant city.
Restaurants from all over the world, artisan shops, jewelry, linen clothes, woven bags, rattan objects, and magnificent teak utensils…
Anaïs doesn't resist for long before buying salad tongs and a wooden spatula.
Meanwhile, Marion marvels at each shop as if she were discovering a huge open-air market.
Our little piece of paradise
After this busy first day, we finally reach our hotel.
And what a change.
The pool overlooks the rice paddies with the famous Monkey Forest in the background.
At dusk, the sounds of the jungle slowly take over.
Insects sing.
Frogs respond.
A few scooters still echo in the distance.
We remain silent for a few moments.
After several weeks of travel, we all share the same feeling.
We have truly arrived in Bali.
Meeting Ubud's monkeys
The next morning, after breakfast overlooking the rice paddies, we head to visit the famous Monkey Forest.
For about €18 for our family, it's a must-see.
But unexpectedly, it's not the monkeys that impress us first.
It's the trees.
The immense strangler figs, their gigantic roots, and long lianas give the place an almost surreal atmosphere.
At times, we really feel like we're walking through a Jurassic Park set.
Then the monkeys finally decide to make an appearance.
The visit goes perfectly…
Until a young macaque rushes straight at Martin.
By reflex, I grab him in my arms just before the monkey reaches him.
More fright than harm.
We then think the adventures are over.
Wrong.
A few hours later, as we return from some shopping, another monkey jumps directly onto Anaïs to steal her packet of biscuits.
I then hear the famous:
— "Juliennnn… help me!"
The battle lasts a few seconds.
But the verdict is clear.
The macaque proudly walks away with Marion's biscuits.
Monkey victory: 1 — Clément Family: 0.
Our favorites
L'Ascara – Semarang
A real favorite.
Refined Indonesian and Vietnamese cuisine, entirely bamboo decor, soothing atmosphere, and excellent value for money.
Monkey Forest
Much more than just a monkey park.
The ancient trees and lush vegetation alone are worth the visit.
Our tips
- Always allow several hours to get to Ubud from the airport, even if the distance seems short.
- Keep all food safely stored in your bag before entering the Monkey Forest.
- Take the time to wander through Ubud's streets: the best discoveries are often made around a small shop.
Traveling with children
Despite the overly curious monkeys, Ubud is a very pleasant destination for families.
Children love observing the macaques, discovering the rice paddies, and enjoying the many hotel pools.
One simple rule applies: never leave food visible.
Budget
- Fast Boat Karimun Jawa → Java: variable rate depending on the season
- L'Ascara Restaurant: ≈ €20 for 4 people
- Monkey Forest: ≈ €18 for 4 people
- Lion Air Flight: excellent value for money
Thanks Juju!
Before concluding, we would like to thank Juju, who shared valuable advice with us before our departure for Indonesia.
If you are planning a trip to Asia or a round-the-world trip, we strongly recommend discovering her work on VeryBagTrip. You will find many itinerary ideas, practical tips, and beautiful sources of inspiration there.
The rest of the adventure…
Our first day in Bali has already shown us that this island is unlike any other. Between Ubud's rice paddies, unexpected encounters with monkeys, the gentle landscapes, and the very special atmosphere that reigns here, we feel that the adventure has only just begun.
And this is just the beginning…
See you very soon to discover the temples, waterfalls, and hidden treasures of the Island of the Gods.