Bali Life Unfiltered
Bali Life Unfiltered is a podcast about life in Bali — as it actually is. Hosted by Michelle and Hannah, two long-term expats living on the island, the show shares real conversations and practical insight on travel, moving, raising kids, and building a life abroad. Personal. Practical. Honest.
Episode
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
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sit down with Anya from Legal Legends Indonesia to break down what’s actually going on, without the confusing jargon or outdated advice.We talk through the main visa options people are using right now, what’s changed in recent years, and why so many people get it wrong.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 cov
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
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 conv
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 & infra
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
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 th
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
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
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 sc
Bali Travel Tips We Wish We Knew Earlier
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, he
Bali's Wild Headlines on this month's Bali Buzz
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
Leaving Bali for the Summer - and How It Felt
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 s
How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Bali?
Is living in Bali actually cheaper—or just different? In this episode, we take you through the full breakdown: housing, food, transport, schooling, healthcare, and lifestyle costs. We talk personal bills, surprising expenses, and the hidden fees no one warns you about. Whether you're a digital nomad, family, or retiree, you'll find out if Bali really is the budget dream everyone thinks it is.You c
The Side of Bali Most People Never See
There’s more to Bali than beachclubs, bintangs and Canggu - and in this episode, we prove it. We’re diving deep into Ubud, Lovina, Bedugul, and Munduk to show you the more soulful, scenic side of the island.From jungle wellness retreats and spiritual ceremonies to sleepy coastal towns and cool-climate villages in the clouds—this is the Bali you should be visiting.We chat pool clubs vs waterfalls,
Bali vs. The West: Daily Life, Culture Shocks & Expat Truths
From scooters and saunas to WhatsApp bookings and island time, life in Bali is nothing like the 9-to-5 grind in the West. In this episode, we break down the biggest differences between our lives in Bali and what we left behind in Australia and the UK. We’re talking scooters, slow mornings, nanny life, community, wellness, and how it all shapes parenting, work, and what success really means. If you
The Truth About Bali’s Wellness Obsession
From Padel to red light therapy, Bali’s wellness scene is next level — and a little bit wild. In this episode, we talk all things health and fitness: the gyms we love, the saunas we sweat in, and the questionable treatments we’ve tried in the name of self-care. Whether you're here to lift, stretch, or biohack your way to bliss, we’ve got the lowdown on doing health, Bali-style.Some of the places w
Bali Buzz May - Trending News, Island Gossip and what everyone's talking about
This month's Bali Buzz — we survived the island-wide blackout (just), and we’re breaking down what really caused it. Plus: an Aussie couple gets deported after 7 months in Bali jail (yes, that Pink Palace one), an epic fail at Cretya and updates on illegal villas being built way too close to the edge. We’ve also got wet weather updates, new speed limits in Pererenan, an update on that Ferris w
Bali Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning your first trip to Bali? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before you arrive. In this episode, we cover 2025 visa options, travel insurance, Bali packing tips (especially with kids), customs forms, airport arrivals, SIM cards, and must-have apps. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a family, or as a digital nomad—this is the ultimate Bali travel checklist you didn’t know
Finding Your People in Bali - The Story Behind ‘Moms in Bali’
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Veruschka Grandison — fashion designer and founder of Moms in Bali, a community that started as a Facebook group and is now a thriving app supporting thousands of women. From navigating life as a mother and entrepreneur to creating her stunning boutique, Agua De Alma, Veruschka shares how she built a life of purpose and style on the Island of the Gods. I
What’s Actually Worth It? Beauty Treatments in Bali
From $10 massages 💆♀️ to luxe facials ✨ that leave your skin glowing for days, Bali is the unexpected beauty capital of dreams 🌴 — but not without the occasional facial disaster.In this episode, we dive into our favorite spas 🧖♀️, aesthetic treatments 💉, and beauty rituals 💅 that make Bali so addictive.Whether you’re into botox, lymphatic drainage, vampire facials, or Russian manis 💅, we’re spil
Only in Bali: The Chaos & Charm of Island Life
Get ready for a wild ride through the charming and funniest “Only in Bali” moments! From motorbikes falling in slow motion into rice fields to failed yacht adventures, we’re sharing the hilarious moments of living in Bali. Join us as we talk about everything from customer service differences to Monkey mayhem! Tune in for the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that make Bali life unforgettable. You
The Reality of Renting and Buying in Bali
In Episode 7 of Bali Life Unfiltered, we dive deep into the real estate world of Bali! We’re talking about everything from finding your dream rental and dodging scams, to understanding leasehold vs freehold. We’ll also share hilarious (and painful) personal stories about mold, pests, and construction noise you don’t think about until it’s too late. If you’re planning a move to Bali — or just love
The Reality of Being a Working Mum in Bali
In this special episode, we welcome our very first guest to Bali Life Unfiltered - Caitlin, a music teacher and single mum who swapped life in the US and Abu Dhabi for the beaches and rice fields of Bali.We chat about her life teaching at an international school, the differences in global education, and what it’s really like raising a child as an expat on the island.She opens up about parenting, b
Bali Buzz - April: Trending News, Island Gossip & What Everyone’s Talking About
What’s really happening in Bali right now? In this week's episode of Bali Life Unfiltered, we unpack everything trending on the island — from the spiritual (Nyepi & Galungan) to the wild (great white shark sightings, lawsuits, and mega development projects). We cover our ideas behind the trash issue and Bali’s ambitious cleanup goals, the underground tunnel plans, Finn’s rumored shutdown,
Raising Kids in Bali: What It’s Really Like
In this episode, we dive into the wild and wonderful world of raising kids in Bali. We chat about school choices, after-school activities, crazy kids parties, making new friends, and why Bali is one of the most family-friendly places on earth. You’ll also hear some hilarious parenting fails, like lost kids at Waterbom and full-volume tantrums outside school gates. Whether you're planning a move or
Our Ultimate Bali Guide – Restaurants, Cafés & Beach Clubs
Looking for the best restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs in Bali? We’ve got you! This week, we break down our absolute favorite places to eat, drink, and party—old classics, new openings, and hidden gems. We also chat about how the Bali social scene has evolved, the types of people who live and visit here, and whether Bali nightlife played a part in our move. Plus, we play another fun round of Thi
Three Years in Bali – The Reality of Island Life
What’s life really like after three years in Bali? In this episode, we take you through our journey — We talk about the work we’ve done, the communities we’ve built, the crazy experiences we’ve had (hello Energy healing & Breathwork!), and how Bali has shaped us as people. If you’re curious about what long-term life in Bali is like, this episode is for you.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us
Why We Moved to Bali – The Real Story
In our very first episode of Bali Life Unfiltered, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our big move to Bali! We share why we took the leap, the biggest challenges we faced, and what it was really like settling into island life. From housing struggles to riding scooters for the first time, we cover it all—including the unexpected joys that made it all worth it. If you’ve ever dreamed about living
