When we escaped to Ubud, I was pregnant with baby #2, slightly glowing, slightly swollen, and very ready for a break from expat jungle life.
Bali delivered.
Our Jungle Hideaway
We stayed at Tejaprana Resort & Spa, and it was everything you picture when you think “Ubud.”
Private villas.
Infinity pool overlooking jungle.
Morning mist floating through the trees.
It felt worlds away from everyday life.
A Colorado Reunion… in Bali
Somehow, in the middle of Indonesia, we met up with friends from Colorado.
Because expat life is weird like that.
We hung by the pool, swapped stories, let the kids splash, and laughed about how far from home we all were. No overplanning. Just connection.
Café Hopping in Ubud
Ubud cafés deserve their own section.
We spent time at Lazy Cats Cafe, eclectic, artsy, and perfect for long conversations and fresh juices.
We also had lunch at Suka Espresso, which was worth every bite. (Fun fact: they now have a location about 8 minutes from Tejaprana Resort , which makes it dangerously convenient.)
Café culture in Ubud is unmatched — tucked into greenery, slow-paced, never rushed.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Of course we visited The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
The monkeys were:
- Adorable
- Brazen
- Slightly chaotic
Secure your sunglasses. Hide your snacks. Maintain eye contact at your own risk.
And ladies — important note:
Make sure “Aunt Flo” isn’t in town.
In Balinese Hindu tradition, menstruation is considered impure for temple entry, and you will not be allowed inside if you’re on your cycle.
Don’t worry, there are signs. Very clear signs. You will be reminded.
Cultural awareness moment? Absolutely.
A Day Trip to Uluwatu
We did a day trip to Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on seaside cliffs.
It was about a two-hour drive from Ubud, but Bali traffic really wasn’t terrible overall, just a lot of motorbikes (which is standard Indonesia).
The views were unreal. Ocean crashing against cliffs. Wind in your hair. Toddler trying to run in the opposite direction.
Classic.
Traveling With a One-Year-Old
Our daughter was just one at the time.
She still napped.
She came everywhere with us.
She adapted beautifully.
We’d let her nap, then take turns swimming or exploring.
It was surprisingly chill.
Sometimes traveling with littles is easier than we expect, especially when you stop trying to control everything.
The Massages (With One Exception)
It’s Bali. Of course I booked massages.
But when I asked about a foot massage, they politely declined.
Apparently certain pressure points can stimulate labor — and since I was pregnant, they weren’t taking chances.
These women know their craft.
Kilometers with Kids 
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