We slipped off the main street and into the paddy fields near the palace, and the noise dropped away like someone turned the volume down. The path ran thin and green between the paddies, water whispering along the edges. The best bit was the paved strips you can pay to personalise. Little messages set in concrete. We had fun reading them out as we walked. “Get off your phone while on a scooter.” “The Johnson family was ’ere 2021, Australia.” Some were sweet, some cheeky, all of them a reminder that other families had passed the same way with the same slow morning.
From there we wandered to the water palace. Lotus pads crowded the ponds and the statues watched on like old friends who had seen everything and said nothing. We walked across the pond and watched the koi nudge the surface. Peaceful and easy.
The palace itself was cool and calm, a run of courtyards and carved gates that nudged you to slow down. We followed the shade, touched old wood and stone, and wondered who gets to close those heavy doors at night. No plan Just drift and look and it’s free to enter!
By late morning we were ready for food, so we ducked into a wellness place for lunch. No soft drinks on the menu, which earned a pair of raised eyebrows, but the hot chocolate fixed that fast. My latte hit the spot. Plates came out bright and fresh. Good choices without trying.
Back at the villa the day folded in two. Curtains drawn, fans on, a mid afternoon nap that reset everyone. Then the pool Georgia and Ali did exercise classes while dotty just wanted to jump in the pool. We got out before that end-of-day light, No big headline moment. Just a string of small ones.
Planning a slow day in Bali with kids? Save this post, share it with your travel buddy, or drop a comment with your children’s ages and I will send an easy route and lunch ideas to match your pace.
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