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Bali Life Unfiltered
Bali Life Unfiltered
Author: Hannah Mardi and Michelle Woodham
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© Hannah Mardi and Michelle Woodham
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Welcome to Bali Life Unfiltered—the podcast that goes beyond the Instagram-perfect version of island life.
Join your hosts, Michelle & Hannah, two friends living in Bali, as they share the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Whether you're visiting, moving, or already here, we dive into the magic and challenges of life in paradise.
Plus, we’re joined by locals, expats, creatives, and travelers who share their unfiltered Bali stories.
Hit play, subscribe, and follow us on Instagram for further perks @balilifeunfiltered! 💜
Join your hosts, Michelle & Hannah, two friends living in Bali, as they share the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Whether you're visiting, moving, or already here, we dive into the magic and challenges of life in paradise.
Plus, we’re joined by locals, expats, creatives, and travelers who share their unfiltered Bali stories.
Hit play, subscribe, and follow us on Instagram for further perks @balilifeunfiltered! 💜
24 Episodes
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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 sunshine, laughs, and a Bali-style Christmas wrap-up. As Season 1 comes to an end, we wanted to say a huge thank-you to everyone who’s been listening, sending messages, and sharing the show. Season 2 drops in January - and keep an eye out for our new Travel & Moving Guides coming soon.Hit follow, subscribe, and have the best Christmas & New Year - see you in 2026 🎉
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 the salons, boutiques and routines that keep us feeling our best. Think pilates, facials, hair spa moments, and our go-to fashion and lifestyle finds.Plus a quick round of Bali “This or That.”Perfect if you want a refined, up-to-date guide on where to eat, drink, shop and live well in Bali. 👉 Tune in and listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Some of the places we mention in this episode:FaceDayLokoaStacked by CelesteMaria Curau
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 visit, how to get around, what to avoid, and why hiring a driver can make or break your trip.We share listener questions, funny travel stories, and real talk about how to make the most of your time - whether you’re coming for 10 days or planning to stay longer.If Bali’s been on your bucket list, this is your sign to start planning.Some of the places we mention in this episode:Rocky Fast Cruise - https://rockyfastcruise.comSetia Fast Ferry - https://setiafastferry.comPyramids of Chi - https://ubud.pyramidsofchi.comThe Yoga Barn - https://theyogabarn.com👉 Hit play, subscribe to Bali Life Unfiltered, and follow us on Instagram @balilifeunfiltered for more travel tips, expat stories, and Bali inspo.
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 plans in Ungasan, and solo parenting.But it’s not just about the highlights. We dive into how Bali has slowed us down, shifted our friendships, and shaped the way we parent and build a life far from home.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to trade city life for island living — the good, the hard, and the unfiltered — this episode is for you.👉 Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a few heartfelt moments — and share your own Bali lessons with us on Instagram @balilifeunfilteredSome of the businesses we mention in this episode:@ragamfoundation - non profit organisation supporting those in need@frankensteinslaboratorybali@merahputihbali@balibeercycle
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 schools, visas, jobs, and cultural must-knows — with a special discount for our listeners.Use discount code BLU10 to get 10% off:- The Bali School & Education Guide- Any of Simone's packages (Bronze, Silver or Gold) Add the code directly on checkout, or mention Bali Life Unfiltered on your FREE discovery call to claim the discount.This discount is valid up until 31st December 2025.IG: https://www.instagram.com/ouryearinbaliWebsite: https://ouryearinbali.com/?ref=BLU
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, health, culture, and getting around with kids. If you’re planning a trip, this is the guide you wish you had before you landed.Some of the things we mention in this episode:- Bali Kidz Hire, Use Discount Code BKHUF10 at checkout for 10% off: https://www.balikidzhire.shop/?fbclid- Go Nanny, Use Discount Code UNFILTERED10 at checkout via their App for 10% off. Head to https://www.go-nanny.id to download!- Brand New All-in-one Customs Form to Complete Before/On Arrival: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.idWatch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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, and plans for a shiny new theme park. Bali never sits still — and neither do we.Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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 stories to little cultural surprises, here’s what happened when we left Bali behind.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life 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 can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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, luwak coffee, dolphin tours, and why so many tourists need to visit these stunning places.🌺 Real stories. Real places. Real Bali.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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’ve ever wondered what expat life in Bali is really like—this one's for you.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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 we mention in this episode:Body Factory - https://www.bodyfactorybali.comRevive + Pilates - https://www.reviveandpilates.studioBSI Integrative Natural Health - https://bsi.internationalBali Healing - https://www.balihealing.comYou can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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 wheel and a bold new move to ban plastic bottles by 2027. Bali is buzzing — let’s get into it.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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 you needed.Some of the businesses we mention in this episode:Go-nanny (Use discount code UNFILTERED10 for 10% off): https://www.go-nanny.id Bali Kidz Hire (Use discount code BKHUF10 for 10% off day rate hire): https://www.balikidzhire.shopYou can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life 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. If you're curious about starting a business in Bali, building community, or just want a peek behind the scenes of Bali’s creative and expat life — this one’s for you.Here are some of the links mentioned in this episode:Moms in Bali FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/329055268277271Moms in Bali IG - https://www.instagram.com/momsinbali/Moms in Bali Website - https://www.momsinbali.comAgua de Alma Boutique - https://www.instagram.com/aguadealma/You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life 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 spilling where we go, what we love ❤️, and what we’d never do again.Some of the places we mention in this episode:Massage - Spring Spa - https://www.springspa.comGoldust - https://goldustspa.comKoya Spa - http://koyaspabali.comBeauty - Estetica Belle - https://www.esteticabelle.comTrove Artistry - https://www.troveartistry.comJet Black Ginger - https://jetblackginger.comMoii - https://moiiaesthetic.comJade Chen - https://jadechenclinic.comSkin Studio - https://www.skinstudio.idRejuvie - https://rejuvieclinic.comNails - The Rustic Sun - https://therusticsunbali.comMynx - https://mynxemporium.com/You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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 can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life 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 hearing the behind-the-scenes of expat life — this episode is your essential guide.You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life 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, building community, embracing culture, and the everyday highs and lows of Bali life.If you’re a teacher, a parent, or just curious about living in Bali - this one’s for you!Here are a couple of the places we chatted about in the episode: Canggu Community School - https://www.ccsbali.comHeart of Bahasa - https://www.instagram.com/heartofbahasa/Intensity Lagree - https://www.instagram.com/intensitylagree/You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!
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, and a sneak peek at what’s to come in Nusa Penida and beyond.It’s your island update — honest, unfiltered, and packed with things you actually want to know.We're constantly inspired by the individuals and organisations here in Bali working to reduce plastic waste and protect this beautiful island. If you want to learn more or get involved, check out these amazing initiatives:- Sungai Watch: https://sungai.watch- Gary Bencheghib: https://www.instagram.com/garybencheghib/- Trash Heroes: https://www.instagram.com/trashhero_canggu/- Eco Bali Recycling: https://eco-bali.comTogether, we can all be part of the solution 💚You can Watch us on YoutubeFind us on InstagramIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and help us spread the buzz about life in Bali!







