From Singapore to Bali: An Epic Trip to Repay a Debt of Love
As you all know, when our son Ari was born, my parents basically saved us. They were the calm in our newborn storm, cooking for us and taking care of the kids for months on end without ever asking for a thing. So, when their 25th wedding anniversary rolled around, a milestone they had never properly celebrated, I knew I had to do something big to thank them. The plan? Spoil them rotten on an epic adventure to Singapore and Bali. I secretly messaged every hotel and restaurant ahead of time, hoping to surprise them (and maybe embarrass them just a little bit, in the best way).
Singapore: A City of Memories, Revisited
Our adventure began with a flight that only parents can truly understand—a blur of iPads, snack negotiations, and giving in to all screen-time limits. Our first stop was a layover in Singapore, a city that holds a special place in my heart. It's where Paolo and I found out we were pregnant with Axel back in 2020, but if I'm honest, that first trip is a hazy memory, lost in a fog of first-trimester nausea.
This time was different. We checked into the Shangri-La on Orchard Road, a true oasis. The kids found their paradise in the hotel's water play area, and their shrieks of joy were the real highlight. We revisited our favorite spots, but this time at a toddler's pace. We weren't rushing to tick boxes; we were just being. Watching the kids' eyes light up at the futuristic glow of the Gardens by the Bay or seeing them point at everything in the vibrant chaos of Chinatown and Little Indiafelt like seeing the city for the first time all over again.
Bali: A Journey of Incredible Surprises
Our flight to Bali was a bit dramatic. We hit some serious turbulence, and for a solid minute, I was gripping Paolo’s hand, terrified. Landing felt like a genuine miracle, and stepping out into the warm, frangipani-scented air was the perfect antidote.
Bali was a journey of incredible surprises, especially for my parents. We planned a multi-stop trip to give them a taste of everything, starting in Ubud. I booked them into the breathtaking Padma Hotel as a special treat. The infinity pool melts into a view of the lush jungle valley below, and seeing my mum’s face as she took it all in was worth every penny.
Ubud was a true adventure. We quickly realized the narrow, chaotic roads weren't meant for bikes, so we had an amazing driver who became our guide. He took us to a smaller, local monkey forest where the monkeys were extra cheeky. The kids were a mix of thrilled and terrified, but the best part was watching my parents laugh like teenagers, snapping goofy selfies.
From there, we took on a rice field hike in the midday sun. I couldn't get Sting’s "Fields of Gold" out of my head as we walked through the endless, shimmering green. We also decided to try the famous Bali swing. It might be a bit of a tourist trap, but the feeling of soaring out over the jungle was pure, unadulterated fun. Meanwhile, Axel was perfectly content just chilling with a fresh coconut, a little seasoned traveler in the making.
We then shifted to the electric vibe of Seminyak at Potato Head. This place is a whole mood. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a creative masterpiece. The food is phenomenal, and the beachfront infinity pool seems to bleed into the ocean. I was so obsessed with the music that I found their playlist and had it on repeat for weeks after we got home.
For our last two days, we found pure relaxation at Sunday’s Beach Club in Ungasan. Tucked away below a dramatic cliff, it's a private slice of paradise with soft white sand. A little hiccup in our plans came when Ari got a fever, but it was a quiet reminder to slow down. We canceled our big plans and just soaked in the final moments together, listening to the waves and building sandcastles.
Final Thoughts
This trip was pure magic. It wasn’t just about the beautiful places; it was about spending uninterrupted time with the people who mean the most to me. Growing up, we didn’t travel much, so my perspective has completely shifted. Now, more than seeing every landmark, I want to learn from the cultures we visit. And the people of Bali... they are some of the kindest, most genuinely polite, and coolest souls I have ever met. Their beauty truly radiates from the inside out.
This wasn't just a vacation; it was a thank you, a celebration, and a reminder of what travel is really about: making memories that you'll hold onto forever.
