Bali has waterfalls, temples, rice terraces, and surf beaches, but nothing compares to spending time inside a real Balinese family home. We stayed at the homestay of Herry and Dwi, about one hour north of Canggu. We’ve known them since 2017 and have come back many times (over the years, they’ve become like family to us). And if you visit, we think you’ll feel that too!
What to Expect from a Homestay in Bali
We’ve been arranging homestays through Adi (Herry’s brother and our close friend) for almost a decade! On our first visit in 2017, we stayed with their uncle, Nyoman, and Aunt Era. We were all shy, and to break the ice, we shared a pack of Dutch cookies we had brought. That small gesture turned into the beginning of a long friendship.
Fun fact: In this article, you’ll see a mix of old and new photos from all of our visits.
Nowadays, Herry and Dwi are the hosts, and when you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with huge smiles and meet the whole family: Herry and Dwi, their four kids (ages 4 to 18), Herry’s parents, and the affectionate family dog.
The rooms are arranged around the lush tropical garden, including the kitchen. And there’s a bale bengong at the center (a raised, open platform with a roof), where we would sit with the family to chat, play cards, or just watch the rain. Close to the house are endless rice paddies that are beautiful at sunset – just like the famous Tegalalang in Ubud.
Waterfall Trip
A 15–20 minute motorbike ride away is a powerful, quiet waterfall. You can drive yourself or hop on the back of a motorbike. Often, some of the children come along as well, and the journey through rice fields or forest paths is part of the adventure.
Tip: We swam at the base of the falls and in a calmer river nearby. It’s safe for children, too!
Help on the Farm
Uncle Nyoman owns a farm and a nearby rice factory, which you can walk to through the rice fields. They grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables here! After cutting some rice, a fresh coconut, just plucked from the tree, was waiting for us as a refreshing reward. We also learned how to make virgin coconut oil.
Cooking Class
With Dwi and Herry’s background in hospitality, this is a highlight. If you like, you can cook together in the kitchen, learning how to prepare some of the incredible dishes they serve.
Balinese Offering Ritual
Each day, the family creates small offerings and places them at their home temple. Dwi showed us how to make one and explained the symbolism and ritual behind it. He also explained how Hinduism in Bali differs from countries like India.
Also read: 3-week Bali Route
Bike Around the Village
There are bikes you can borrow to explore the surroundings. The villagers are incredibly open and friendly; they’ll wave, smile, and often want to chat, so bring Google Translate.
Thermal Pools
A relaxing outing to nearby natural hot springs can also be arranged. Quiet, warm, and perfect for a slow afternoon.
Join a Ceremony
If there’s a local ceremony, such as a baby blessing, a wedding, or a funeral, you may be invited to attend. Herry and Diwi will provide traditional clothing so you can fully participate. We’ve been lucky to join one of these for the birth of a baby boy in the family, and it’s a memory we’ll never forget.
Help Around the House
When we were there, it was time to plant new palm trees, so we helped out. Nothing is expected, but you’re always welcome to lend a hand with small things that are going on.
Some of the best moments came from doing nothing special at all:
- Coloring with the kids
- Cooking with the family
- Chatting under the stars
- We even used schoolbooks and Google Translate to teach each other Bahasa Indonesia and English!
The Delicious Food
We honestly can’t rave enough about the food here. Dwi was formerly a restaurant hostess, and Herry is a head chef at a five-star resort. Every meal was delicious, colorful, balanced, flavorful, and varied each time. We often sat at the long table in the garden, eating dinner with the kids running around and the sun setting over the rice paddies.
Note: They’re happy to cater to your diet if you let them know in advance. We’re vegetarians, and they put so much care into our meals.
How to Book
To book your stay, contact Adi (Herry’s brother) via WhatsApp or phone. When he’s in Bali, he’ll pick you up personally. If not, he’ll arrange for a trusted local to take you there safely.
Price: 2,000,000 IDR per person for 2 nights (approx. 100 EUR / 120 USD)
What’s Included?
- Minimum of two nights in a private room with a bathroom
- Three delicious meals a day
- Waterfall trip
- Rice field walk
- Cooking class
- Balinese offering ritual
- Bracelet-making
- Village bike rides
- Ceremony experience (if available)
- Transport to and from your hotel
- Child-friendly activities and a welcoming atmosphere for families
This is not a tour or a curated “local experience.” It’s real life, and you’re invited to be part of it.“Terima kasih Pakman dan Bukman. Sampai jumpa lain waktu”: Thank you, and see you next time.
Our video from our very first visit in 2017 😉
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We are 4 seniors interested in a 2 day homestay Bali in Sep 2024 – hopefully a farm in country side. Do you homestays providing 2 double rooms – could be start from Ubud, but we would prefer really countryside, so willing to arrange transport also to other areas.
Hi Steen, you have to contact Adi directly. His WhatsApp phone number is mentioned in the article.