Bali Life Unfiltered

Bali Life Unfiltered

By Hannah Mardi and Michelle WoodhamSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Bali Life Unfiltered episodes

  • Beyond Bali: The Islands You NEED to Visit (+ Our 1 Year Giveaway 🎁)

    In this episode, we’re going beyond Bali and breaking down the islands everyone talks about and whether they’re actually worth it.

    From the Nusa Islands to the Gilis, Lombok, Komodo and beyond… we’re sharing the real truth: what’s overrated, what we’d go back to, and what you need to know before you book.

    If you’re coming to Bali (or already here), this is your guide to deciding where to go next.


    AND to celebrate 1 year of Bali Life Unfiltered… we’re doing a HUGE giveaway 🎁

    🎁 GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

    – Skin Studio: Fire & Ice Glow Facial (worth 900k)

    – Lokoa: 3M voucher

    – Beam & Bare Laser Hair Removal: 1M voucher

    – Clubhouse Pererenan: 1M voucher

    – Bali Life Unfiltered: Our Travel & Moving Guides


    HOW TO ENTER:

    – Find our giveaway post on Instagram: @balilifeunfiltered

    – Follow all accounts

    – Like the post

    – Tag a friend (1 tag = 1 entry, more tags = more chances)

    – Share to your story + tag us for a bonus entry


    ⏰ Giveaway closes midnight April 22nd (Bali time)

    🏆 Winner announced April 23 via IG stories + DM


    You must be in Bali or travelling here soon to use the prizes.

    34 min
  • Bali Visas Explained: Which Visa Do You Really Need?

    In this episode, we sit down with Anya from Legal Legends Indonesia to break down what’s actually going on, without the confusing jargon or outdated advice.

    We talk through the main visa options people are using right now, what’s changed in recent years, and why so many people get it wrong. From short stays to moving with kids, working remotely, starting a business or investing in property - we cover the real scenarios our listeners are facing.

    We also get into business setup in Bali, including PT PMA structures, and what people need to know before registering a company here. Plus, we touch on something not often talked about - what it’s like navigating visas and logistics if you’re having a baby in Bali.

    Anya shares the biggest mistakes she sees, common myths that won’t go away, and the things that used to work in Bali… but don’t anymore.

    If you’re planning a move, already here, or just trying to make sense of it all - this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.


    Hannah has personally used Legal Legends for both KITAS & PT PMA set-up. You can find more info at:

    https://legallegendsindonesia.com

    https://www.instagram.com/legallegendsindonesia/


    32 min
  • Luxury Bali: Honeymoons & Milestone Birthdays

    This week we’re diving into the Bali most people only see on Pinterest - private villas, cliff-top dinners, yacht days and once-in-a-lifetime celebration moments.

    If you had unlimited budget for 4 days in Bali… what would you book first?

    We break down why Bali works so well for honeymoons, milestone birthdays, hens & bucks, luxury group trips and even wellness retreats - and the real differences between jungle romance in Ubud, cliff-top icons in Uluwatu, private yachts vs beach clubs, and party weekends vs sober luxury escapes.

    We’re also answering the big questions:
    - Is Bali still the ultimate hens destination?
    - What budget do you actually need in 2026?


    And if we were planning our own 40ths… where would we book?

    If you’re planning something big in Bali, this is your curated guide.

    🎧 Hit play. And if you’re overwhelmed… DM us. We’ll tell you where to actually book.


    We’ve partnered with Beam & Bare — use code BLU30 for 30% off your first laser hair removal treatment. WhatsApp them directly to book. You’re welcome 😉


    44 min
  • Life in Bali: The Honest Truth

    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

    49 min
  • Season 2 Starts Now: The Real Bali in 2026

    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

    31 min
  • Christmas in Bali: The Heat, The Chaos & The Magic

    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 🎉

    32 min
  • Our Bali Hot List: Where to Eat, Drink & Shop Right Now

    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


    57 min
  • 10-Day Bali Itinerary: Ubud to Uluwatu – Adventure, Culture & Relaxation

    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.

    44 min
  • Life in Bali Lately: The Highs, the Lows & How It’s Shaping Us

    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

    47 min
  • The Reality of Relocating to Bali | with Our Year in Bali

    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

    41 min

About Bali Life Unfiltered

From the publisher's feed

Bali Life Unfiltered is a podcast about life in Bali — as it actually is.

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