Easter Joy for Every Bunny: Padma Golden Egg Hunt

“Spring has sprung,” as they like to say in the West when April rolls around. While the season doesn’t quite make it to tropical Bali, Easter is still a big deal on the island. Hotels go all out with Easter brunches, the kind that might just have you unbuttoning your jeans from all the deliciousness.

But beyond the brunches, there’s one fun tradition that Padma Hotels brings back every Easter weekend – not just in Bali, but across all their properties in West and Central Java too; Padma Golden Egg Hunt.

This activity brings back all the nostalgic feels – remember the good old days of egg hunting? Well, Padma Hotels is keeping the tradition alive at all their properties: Padma Resort Legian, Padma Resort Ubud, Padma Hotel Bandung, Padma Hotel Semarang, and Resinda Hotel Karawang. Last year, guests absolutely loved it, with families and friends joining in the fun, racing to find the hidden eggs and sharing laughs along the way. It was such a hit that it’s making a much-anticipated return!

There’s one golden egg to find each day, and it’s got the main prize inside!

Newsflash: if you’re thinking of a staycation at Padma Hotel Bandung, better book it soon – they’ll be closing temporarily for a mega transformation starting 20 April 2025!

Clues for the egg hunt will be shared on each hotel’s Instagram account (so keep those notifications on or someone else might beat you to it!). Every egg has a fun little treat inside – think ice cream, dessert, or milkshakes, but there’s ONE Golden Egg per day, and that one holds the grand prize.

And hey, big kids! Don’t worry, this hunt is open to all ages! No guarantee the adults will win though…because the little ones have way too much energy to keep up with! hehe.

It’s such a fun and thoughtful tradition from Padma Hotels, a brand already known for being super family-friendly. It’s not really about the prizes, it’s the joy of the game that makes it so special.

So, get ready to channel your inner detective from Friday, 18 April to Sunday, 20 April 2025 at your favourite Padma Hotels destination! Stay tuned to their official Instagram accounts:

@padmalegian, @padmaubud, @padmabandung, @padmasemarang, @resindahotel

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18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday!

10 Jan 2025 by Bella in Info

Getting Married in Lovely Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 2)

So you’re here because you’re either a mixed-nationality or mixed-religion couple looking for a way to get married without the endless paperwork headache, or you’ve already read my previous article, “Getting Married in Lovely Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 1)” and you’re now ready for the next steps. Either way, welcome! The Next Steps After Document Submission Once the big admin work is done, the good news is that things get a lot simpler. All you need to do is wait patiently while the agent (Getting Married in Denmark) submits your application and receives your approval from the Danish government. When the approval comes in, you’ll be asked to choose the city hall for your ceremony. Here’s a friendly heads-up: popular venues like Copenhagen City Hall tend to be fully booked unless you secure a date months in advance. Our agent sent us several options; many of them incredibly charming, including a castle-like city hall in the countryside! We loved it, but since my in-laws were joining us, we chose Copenhagen for convenience. Once you’ve agreed on an available date, your agent will take care of the booking. Copenhagen City Hall, where I got married :) And Then What’s Next? After securing your date and venue, it basically turns into a mini wedding planning session (if you’re also hosting a reception). But if, like us, you’re simply going to sign papers and enjoy the moment, it feels more like planning a holiday with a sprinkle of romance hehe. Even though we only had a civil ceremony, I still prepared a dress and bouquet. If you don’t want the hassle of ordering flowers, Copenhagen City Hall rents bouquets - practical and stress-free! The agent can also recommend florists, photographers, and other vendors if you want extra help. They truly are a wedding one-stop-shop. Other Article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience Before Your Civil Ceremony You’ve made it to Copenhagen… now what? One day before your ceremony, you need to register you and your partner at the same city hall where the ceremony will take place. If you’re in Copenhagen, you’ll find the registration counter inside the little gift shop to the left of the main entrance. That’s where you check in and leave your passports. Don’t worry, they won’t keep them for long. They have a rule about not holding passports for more than a certain number of hours or something. While waiting, you’re free to wander around, grab an oh-so-good smørrebrød with fresh Scandi salmon, and treat yourself to a Danish pastry (or three! You go, friend!). By the time you’re done snacking, your passports will be ready, woot woot! :) Me and my best friend Deisha (husband is too shy to be on Kata Bella hehe) On Your Wedding Day “Follow the hearts!” That’s what the lady at the registration desk told us - and she meant it, literally. Heart stickers on the floor guide you to your room. Once you reach the end of the trail, wait there until someone comes down and calls your names. Then it’s time to say “I do!” I had a quick peek online at what the room looked like, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful it was. The murals felt straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen storybook, the kind I grew up reading. We were told they represent the journey of love from the first meeting to a shared life together. Speaking of Hans Christian Andersen, our celebrant ended our ceremony with a quote that has stayed with me ever since: “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” A Little Closing Note If you’re considering Denmark for your civil ceremony, take this as a sign: it’s worth it! The process is straightforward, the atmosphere feels magical without being stiff or formal, and the experience becomes a beautiful memory rather than a bureaucratic nightmare. If you love simple, meaningful moments (with the bonus of pastries and fairy-tale murals), Denmark might just be the perfect place to start your forever. Oh and by the way, congratulations on your engagement! And good luck!

22 May 2025 by Bella in Info

What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life

If you're new to Kata Bella, you're probably wondering what this website is all about. So hi! I'm Bella. I started this page as a blog to share fun and interesting things about life in Bali - the place I've called home for the past 12 years, as well as bits and pieces from my journeys outside Bali too. I first moved here completely unplanned - I “accidentally” got a job while travelling. Yep, accidentally. I left my big city life behind and landed on this island with nothing but a small suitcase. Wait…where is Bali again? Bali might sound familiar - people talk about it all the time. But I’m no longer surprised that a lot of people still don’t know where it is (It’s okay, though. No judgement here). So here's a quick geography check: Bali is a small island in Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia made up of over 17,000 islands. Despite all that competition, Bali has consistently been in the spotlight as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. You might also like this article: Things to do in Bali - Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit The magic of Bali: what keeps people coming back There are plenty of reasons! Surfing is a big one. Not for me, but a lot of the friends I’ve met here came for the waves and ended up never leaving. Bali’s got some legendary surf spots, especially for seasoned surfers, like the world-famous Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin. Another major perk is the tropical weather. Bali has only two seasons: the wet season, usually from November to March, and the dry season for the rest of the year. Simple, sunny, and warm pretty much all year round - no winter coats needed! Beyond the beaches, there are some lush green rice terraces. You might recognise some of them from Eat Pray Love. Two of the most iconic ones are Tegalalang and Jatiluwih. Jatiluwih rice fields - known for producing good quality organic rice If you’re more into hiking, Bali’s got that covered too. The island is home to several volcanic mountains, with options for everyone - from casual hikers to hardcore trail runners. Mount Batur is a popular sunrise hike that’s beginner-friendly, while Mount Abang or Mount Agung offer a more challenging climb. Ok next, chances are, you’ve heard that many people come to Bali to find healing, with plenty of spots offering spiritual journeys and wellness retreats. Honestly, the list is endless. Bali really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re into silent retreats and meditation or the party scene (I’ve been through all kinds of phases during my 20s here, hehe). The highland areas of Bali, like Kintamani and Bedugul has cooler temperatures But for me, it’s the local Balinese people who make Bali truly special. While they’re open-minded and influenced by Western culture, there’s still a deep-rooted sense of tradition, spirituality, and ceremony. It’s not unusual for your Monday morning commute to be paused by a temple procession right in the middle of the road - and that’s part of the charm. I often get invited to odalan (ceremonies), and I still remember getting my first Balinese attire. Next thing I knew, I had a whole collection in different colours for all kinds of occasions! What to expect when you live in Bali Living in Bali definitely has its perks - especially if you’re into that laid-back, but not too slow, kind of slow living. It’s not as fast-paced or hectic as Jakarta or other big cities, so if you’re all about climbing the corporate ladder, Bali might not be the best fit. But it’s not super quiet either - definitely not like a sleepy village. Bali strikes a nice balance between work and play, hustle and chill. It's a real perk to still have time for yourself after work I said yes to my first job here because I was drawn to the work-life balance, the quality of life, and the lifestyle I wanted. Sure, work is still work - busy days happen just like anywhere else, but it’s the little things that make a big difference. Like riding your scooter to work and stopping by a nice little coffee shop (many open crazy early, like 6 or 7am - Thank you to the early-rising surfer crowd!). Or clocking out right on time at 5pm when the sun’s still shining, and having enough time to catch up with friends, go to my jiu jitsu class, or general errands. It’s all about having the time and space to do more than just work - and being reminded every day that life’s meant to be enjoyed, not spent glued to a screen. You may also like this article: Brunch in Bali - Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter Living cost in Bali: what you need to know There’s really no right or wrong answer to this - it all depends on your lifestyle. Since Bali’s in Southeast Asia, things are generallypretty affordable. If you live like the locals do; eat at warungs (local eateries), rent in residential neighbourhoods, shop at traditional markets, and ride a scooter to get around - then yes, living in Bali can be really cheap. You could comfortably get by on a modest budget. But if you’re chasing that dreamy Instagram lifestyle; private villas with pools, daily brunches at photogenic cafés, shopping at boutiques, and regular spa treatments, then Bali can get expensive quickly. Many of those things are priced for tourists and expats, not locals. And let’s talk about extras: gyms, yoga studios, pilates, martial arts, CrossFit, dance classes, imported groceries, international schools if you have kids, all those things that have been brought into Bali from the outside are still considered “luxuries” here. So they’re priced accordingly. So yeah, Bali can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. It’s all about what kind of life you want to live. Let me break down the math for you. Getting around Bali: scooters, taxis, and more One of the first things you’ll notice when living in Bali is just how popular scooters are. Renting or buying a scooter is by far the easiest and most affordable way to get around the island. Just make sure you’re steady and confident enough to navigate Bali’s often chaotic streets - and always wear a helmet for safety! If you’re not comfortable driving, it’s probably safer to avoid it. There are plenty of taxis available, and apps like Gojek or Grab make getting around affordable and hassle-free. Personally, I’m not a fan of traveling by car here because, aside from the highways and main roads, Bali’s streets are narrow and prone to heavy traffic - especially during peak holiday seasons. So, if you want to survive and thrive in Bali, a scooter is definitely your best friend. Food scene in Bali: local flavours and international eats Don’t worry - I didn’t forget to write about the food. Bali’s food scene is just as diverse as the island itself. You can eat like a local with nasi campur (rice with various side dishes), satay skewers, babi guling (suckling pig), or ayam betutu (Balinese spiced grilled chicken) at any warung (local food stall). But does “Bali belly” exist? Well, it’s a valid concern - Balinese, or Indonesian spices can be a bit intense for first-timers, so go easy in the beginning and listen to your gut (literally). If you’re craving something more familiar, Bali is a total melting pot. You’ll find just about every type of cuisine here; from Japanese and Italian to Middle Eastern, Indian, and more. There are also loads of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so no one gets left out at the table. You might also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations Okay, so that’s a rough idea about Bali and what living in Bali is like - at least through the eyes of a girl who came for one year and somehow ended up staying for twelve (still here!). In short, I genuinely love living here. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, of course, especially when high season traffic hits - but hey, I am totally aware that I live in a holiday destination ;) If you’re thinking about making the move or just curious about what it’s really like to call Bali home, stick around. I’ll be sharing more stories, tips, and guides to help you navigate island life with a little more ease and a lot more fun. Matur Suksema for reading!