Laughing, Swinging, and Jetting through Bali: Shantala’s Family Trip Review
“A Family that Chases Adventures Together, Stays Together.”
There’s something magical about family vacations, and for Shantala, her husband, and their two boys, Bali was more than just a trip—it was a thrilling adventure that brought them closer with every laugh and scream.
From soaring above the lush valleys on the famous Bali Jungle Swing to racing jet skis across the sparkling waters of Tanjung Benoa, their Balinese journey was a whirlwind of heart-pounding excitement and definitely a memorable one.
The Edge of the World
The family’s Balinese saga kicked off with the kind of adrenaline rush that would make any heart skip a beat—the legendary Bali Jungle Swing.
“I didn’t sign up for flying lessons!” laughed her husband as he took a seat on the massive swing that sends you above the lush green valleys of Ubud.
“I bet you won’t scream louder than Mom!” her elder son teased, eyes glinting with the thrill of mischief. Shantala, not one to back down, smirked and took her place on the swing next.
With one swift push, she was soaring above the breathtaking landscape of rice paddies and palm trees, her laughter echoing across the valley.
“I felt like a bird,” she would later exclaim, “but the kind that’s absolutely terrified of heights!” Yet, that laughter—that pure, belly-clutching joy—was the soundtrack to their experience.
Not far behind, the boys screamed as if they were in a roller coaster loop, swinging high above the earth, their whoops of joy blending with the wind.
It was the perfect beginning to their Bali journey, filled with a sense of freedom and a bit of daring.
Splash of Thrills
It was Day Two of their Balinese escape, and, the family had moved from the skies to the sea adventures.
The boys couldn't contain their excitement as they eagerly hopped onto the jet skis, and once they hit the water, they went wild on the water.
Racing across the waves, they zigzagged around each other, testing their skills, and pushing the throttle to the max.
The boys were unstoppable, each one determined to outdo the other, daring to go faster and ride higher on the waves.
Her son shouted, “I’m winning, Dad!” only to have his younger brother zoom past with a grin that said, challenge accepted.
Then, they embarked on a sea walk adventure which offered them a peaceful yet surreal adventure, like stepping into a dream. Donned in helmets, they sank beneath the surface, where colourful fish darted around them in vibrant flurries.
Shantala, taking in the serenity of the sea floor, couldn’t help but feel connected—not just to the ocean, but to her family, who were having the time of their lives, miles away from home.
Some Sacred Moments
Bali’s adventure isn’t complete without a brush with its divine side, and the family’s visit to the Lempuyang Temple was nothing short of spiritual magic. The iconic Gates of Heaven—a majestic frame that opens up to Mount Agung—felt like stepping into another world.
As the clouds swirled around the mountain, Shantala stood there, in awe of the beauty, and muttered, “It’s as if heaven’s doors are waiting for us to step through.”
“Or waiting for the boys to run through it first,” quipped her husband, laughing as his sons rushed forward to strike goofy poses in front of the gates. The view was breathtaking, with Mount Agung standing tall in the distance, the mist adding an ethereal touch.
It was more than just a photo op; it was a moment of quiet reflection amid the chaos of their adventures.
At Tirta Gangga, the water palace, the family experienced a more serene side of Bali. Feeding the koi fish at the sacred pools became an unexpected highlight. The boys had a blast tossing handfuls of fish food into the water, watching the vibrant creatures swarm in a colourful frenzy.
“Who knew fish could be this competitive?” her son joked as he flung another piece of food into the pool, laughing at the frenzy of fins and tails.
Shantala, watching from the side, smiled at how even the calmest of activities somehow became an adventure with her boys around.
The temple visits were a testament to Bali’s ability to blend thrill with tranquillity. One moment they were swinging through jungles and racing across the sea, and the next, they found themselves standing before ancient temples, soaking in the spiritual energy that seemed to pulse through the island.
The Unseen, The Unexpected, and The Unforgettable
The beauty of family trips, Shantala realized, is that it’s not just about the big moments. Sure, the Bali Swing and jet skiing made for great stories, but it was the in-between moments that stitched everything together.
The laughter over shared meals, the mock fights about who got to sit in the front seat during road trips, and the quieter moments where they simply soaked in the beauty of Bali together.
There was a moment on the way to Nusa Penida—one of Bali’s most stunning islands—when the boat ride turned into an unexpected thrill. What started as a smooth sail quickly turned bumpy as the waves picked up.
The adventure didn’t stop when their feet touched the shore. Kelingking Beach, with its famous T-Rex-shaped cliff, was the perfect backdrop for another one of their playful family competitions—this time, a race down the steep pathway to the beach.
While the boys sprinted ahead, Shantala and her husband took their time, holding hands and admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Their family trip to Bali was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, laughter, and memories that would keep them warm for years to come.
As Shantala put it on the last day of their trip, “Bali wasn’t just a destination for us—it became our playground, our spiritual retreat, and the place where our family grew closer, one thrill at a time.”
And that, right there, is the beauty of travelling as a family.
Read more: Thrillophilia Bali Reviews