In this episode of Bali Life Unfiltered, we talk honestly about how living on the island has changed from 2022 to now… and the parts no one really prepares you for.

From mindset shifts, raising kids without family nearby, and the emotional weight of living overseas, to traffic frustrations, admin chaos, and the mental load that comes with building a life far from home - this is our most honest conversation yet.

But despite the challenges, we also share why we’re still here and what Bali continues to give us that nowhere else quite does.

We chat about:

• What shocked us when we first moved vs what surprises us now

• Funny but painfully real Bali frustrations 😅

• What’s gotten better… and what’s definitely gotten harder

• Why Bali changed us, and why leaving isn’t as simple as it sounds

• Who Bali is actually for (and who it’s not)

This isn’t a “Bali is perfect” episode, it’s the balanced, honest version.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and follow along for real conversations about life in Bali.

💛 If you’re thinking about moving here or planning a trip, our Bali Guides were created from everything we share in episodes like this:

• Bali Moving Guide
• Bali Travel Guide

Follow us on IG @balilifeunfiltered

In our first episode of the year, we’re getting you up to speed on everything that’s coming in Bali Life Unfiltered, and what Bali itself looks like heading into 2026.

We cover:

• What’s new in Season 2 (and what’s changing)

• Why we created our Bali Travel & Moving Guides

• Christmas & New Year in Bali

• The biggest updates for 2026 — new schools, resorts, festivals, flights, roads & infrastructure

• What all of this actually means for families, expats and visitors

More practical. More local. More honest. Less vanilla Bali.

▶️ Prefer video? Full episodes are available on YouTube

📘 Our Bali guides and FREE checklists are linked below

GUIDES

The Travel Guide - $29usd

The Moving Guide - $69usd

FREE CHECKLISTS

Your Travel Checklist

Your Moving Checklist

It’s our final episode of Season 1, and we’re diving into what Christmas in Bali really looks like.

From beach-day vibes and resort brunches to expat Friendmas traditions, peak-season chaos, fireworks, and how it all compares to Christmas in the UK and Australia.

We share our own festive stories, what’s happening around the island, and tips for surviving (or escaping) Bali in December.

Tune in for sunshine, laughs, and a Bali-style Christmas wrap-up.

As Season 1 comes to an end, we wanted to say a huge thank-you to everyone who’s been listening, sending messages, and sharing the show.

Season 2 drops in January - and keep an eye out for our new Travel & Moving Guides coming soon.

Hit follow, subscribe, and have the best Christmas & New Year - see you in 2026 🎉

We’re sharing Our Bali Hot List - a curated mix of the places we’re eating, drinking and shopping around the island right now.

From chic new restaurant openings and hidden gems to the beauty spots and wellness rituals we’re loving, this episode is all about the Bali places that truly stand out.

We chat through favourites like Nude, Longtime, Ding Ding Hot Pot, Meimei and Muda by Suka, along with the salons, boutiques and routines that keep us feeling our best. Think pilates, facials, hair spa moments, and our go-to fashion and lifestyle finds.

Plus a quick round of Bali “This or That.”

Perfect if you want a refined, up-to-date guide on where to eat, drink, shop and live well in Bali.

👉 Tune in and listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Some of the places we mention in this episode:

• FaceDay
• Lokoa
• Stacked by Celeste
• Maria Curau

Dreaming of Bali but not sure where to start? In this episode, we break down the perfect 10-day Bali itinerary — a mix of adventure, culture, and total relaxation.

We take you from the lush rice terraces and temples of Ubud, to the peaceful black-sand beaches of Lovina, the lively cafés and surf scene of Canggu, and the cliffside sunsets of Uluwatu.

You’ll also hear our honest travel tips — when to visit, how to get around, what to avoid, and why hiring a driver can make or break your trip.

We share listener questions, funny travel stories, and real talk about how to make the most of your time - whether you’re coming for 10 days or planning to stay longer.

If Bali’s been on your bucket list, this is your sign to start planning.

Some of the places we mention in this episode:

Rocky Fast Cruise - https://rockyfastcruise.com

Setia Fast Ferry - https://setiafastferry.com

Pyramids of Chi - https://ubud.pyramidsofchi.com

The Yoga Barn - https://theyogabarn.com

👉 Hit play, subscribe to Bali Life Unfiltered, and follow us on Instagram @balilifeunfiltered for more travel tips, expat stories, and Bali inspo.

This week on Bali Life Unfiltered, we get real about what life in Bali looks like right now — from riding the beer cycle and braving Frankensteins, to helping our community through the devastating floods.

We chat about our latest adventures — the party bus, a cocktail-making class, Padel competitions, The Big Bounce, and even a wild Gojek scam — plus some quieter moments like date nights, building plans in Ungasan, and solo parenting.

But it’s not just about the highlights. We dive into how Bali has slowed us down, shifted our friendships, and shaped the way we parent and build a life far from home.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to trade city life for island living — the good, the hard, and the unfiltered — this episode is for you.

👉 Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a few heartfelt moments — and share your own Bali lessons with us on Instagram @balilifeunfiltered

Some of the businesses we mention in this episode:

@ragamfoundation - non profit organisation supporting those in need

@frankensteinslaboratorybali

@merahputihbali

@balibeercycle

Thinking of making the move to Bali? In this episode we sit down with Simone from Our Year in Bali, the go-to relocation service helping families, couples, and individuals make the transition with confidence.

We talk about what people always underestimate, the biggest misconceptions, how Bali has changed over the years, and what Simone’s clients really want to know before moving.

Plus, we cover schools, visas, jobs, and cultural must-knows — with a special discount for our listeners.

Use discount code BLU10 to get 10% off:

- The Bali School & Education Guide

- Any of Simone's packages (Bronze, Silver or Gold)

Add the code directly on checkout, or mention Bali Life Unfiltered on your FREE discovery call to claim the discount.

This discount is valid up until 31st December 2025.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ouryearinbali

Website: https://ouryearinbali.com/?ref=BLU

Our first Bali travel tips episode was a hit, so we’re back with even more insider advice for when you’re already on the island.

From the truth about “cheap Bali” and the reality behind Instagram illusions, to how to stay safe, avoid scams, and keep your family happy — we cover it all.

We answer your listener questions, bust myths, share must-try experiences, and give practical advice on money, health, culture, and getting around with kids.

If you’re planning a trip, this is the guide you wish you had before you landed.

Some of the things we mention in this episode:

- Bali Kidz Hire, Use Discount Code BKHUF10 at checkout for 10% off: https://www.balikidzhire.shop/?fbclid

- Go Nanny, Use Discount Code UNFILTERED10 at checkout via their App for 10% off. Head to https://www.go-nanny.id to download!

- Brand New All-in-one Customs Form to Complete Before/On Arrival: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

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If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!

This week on Bali Buzz we’ve got it all — theme parks, demolitions, shootings, and even a brand-new ferris wheel.

From the heartbreaking demolition of long-standing warungs under adat law, to the shocking shooting of an Australian man at Munggu beach, Bali is buzzing with stories you won’t believe.

We also cover volcano eruptions, immigration crackdowns, the new Berawa shortcut, gym staff scandals, and plans for a shiny new theme park.

Bali never sits still — and neither do we.

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Find us on Instagram

If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!

This week we’re swapping scooters and rice fields for planes, passports, and some very different adventures.

Hannah takes us through her whirlwind trip to Dubai, Turkey, and the UK for some long-overdue family time, while Michelle shares her European summer — exploring Turkey, Munich, Paris, Provence, Marrakech, and a month of life in Spain to see if it could be home one day.

From chaotic travel stories to little cultural surprises, here’s what happened when we left Bali behind.

You can Watch us on ⁠Youtube⁠

Find us on ⁠Instagram⁠

If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!