As a new mother, I always thought traveling with a toddler would be a wild mix of chaos and wonder—and I wasn’t wrong. Between the extra luggage, nap schedules, and snack emergencies, the idea of taking our first family trip abroad felt both thrilling and terrifying. But deep down, my husband and I knew that it was time to create our first set of family memories beyond our comfort zone. So, with our little one in tow, we boarded a Philippine Airlines flight bound for the Island of the Gods—Bali, Indonesia.

First Stop: Warm Welcomes at Hilton Garden Hotel

After a smooth flight and a curious toddler tugging at every airport sign, we finally landed in Denpasar. Our Indonesian tour guide greeted us with the kindest smile and recommended the Hilton Garden Hotel, one of the most accessible hotels near the airport.

It turned out to be the perfect choice for our first night. The check-in was seamless (a blessing when your toddler is half asleep), and the staff’s genuine warmth made us feel instantly at home. The convenience of being near the airport gave us the breathing room to adjust and rest after the flight before diving into our island adventure.

Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa: Where Paradise Meets Parenthood

The next morning, we moved to the Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa, a beachfront haven that easily became one of our favorite places in the world. The staff greeted our toddler like a tiny VIP—offering smiles, waves, and even a small toy at breakfast.

Our room was a dream: spacious, sunlit, and designed for both relaxation and family comfort. The gentle ocean breeze from the balcony, the sound of waves, and the aroma of tropical flowers set the perfect backdrop for our first full day in Bali.

And the food—oh, the food! From fresh tropical fruits to Balinese specialties, every bite felt like a celebration. Even our little one, who’s usually a picky eater, enjoyed the local rice dishes.

Exploring Bali’s Cultural Treasures

Our next day was devoted to exploring Bali’s natural and cultural wonders. With our tour guide’s help, we followed a scenic route through lush greenery and historic sites.

We began at the Handara Gate, where the famous split gates framed the misty mountains in the background. It was surreal—almost like stepping into a postcard. Our toddler clapped with excitement as the wind blew through the towering stone gates.

Next, we visited the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, gracefully floating on a serene lake. It was peaceful, spiritual, and surprisingly toddler-friendly—there was plenty of space to walk and explore.

Our adventure continued with the Ubud Swing, where my heart raced as I soared above rice terraces, holding tightly to the thought that motherhood, like that swing, is both thrilling and freeing.

Finally, we stopped at Tanah Lot Temple, where the crashing waves and golden sunset painted an unforgettable scene. We ended the day at a small neighborhood eatery where we tasted babi guling—crispy roast pork served with rice and sambal. It was a simple, local experience that made us feel connected to the heart of Bali.

The Villa Life: Quiet Luxury at Rumah Bagus Saba

For the last leg of our journey, we stayed in Rumah Bagus Saba, a charming private villa surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil silence. After days of exploring, it felt like our own little paradise—a place where we could slow down and truly absorb the beauty around us.

Our villa had a private pool, where our toddler spent most of his time splashing joyfully under the Bali sun. The staff were incredibly attentive yet gave us the privacy every family needs.

To top it all off, we experienced a cruise ship dinner along the Bali coastline on our final night. As we watched the sunset over the sea, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. The gentle waves, the soft laughter of our child, and the glow of the evening made it the perfect ending to our first family adventure abroad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a parent hesitating to travel with a young child, let me assure you—it’s worth it. There will be diaper changes in airports and unpredictable nap times, but there will also be smiles that stretch across oceans.

Our tiny toes in paradise walked through temples, beaches, and memories that will last a lifetime. And as I looked at my husband and our little one bathed in Bali’s golden light, I realized—this wasn’t just our first trip as a family. It was the start of our greatest adventure yet.