A Snake in the Bathroom? Our Unexpected Wildlife Wake-Up Call in Bali

June 9, 2025

"Mum… Dad… don’t panic… but there’s a snake in my bathroom." 🐍😳 Not quite the text you expect to wake up to at 2am — but that’s exactly what pinged onto our phones from our teenage son, calm enough but clearly hoping we’d come running. By the time we stumbled in, bleary-eyed, he’d followed up with: "Now it’s gone behind the toilet. I think it came from the wall." Well, that was definitely not in the parenting manual 😂 Now, having grown up in Australia, we’re pretty well-versed in what’s venomous, what’s not, and what you absolutely shouldn’t try to wrangle. But Bali? Whole different ball game. And if I’m being honest, it made us realise how little we actually know about the local wildlife — especially when it comes to snakes. Thankfully, this little guy was tiny and very likely non-venomous. After a mildly frantic (but mostly hilarious) bathroom stakeout, Chad managed to safely catch and relocate him. And yes, this all happened before dawn. So, we’re making it a bit of a family mission now — to learn more about the local flora and fauna. What’s common, what’s curious, what’s best left alone, and what to do in a surprise snake moment… because let’s be honest, it’s bound to happen again in Bali! 🐍🌿 And to our son — mate, you handled it like a champ. #BaliLife #BaliWithKids #SnakeInTheBathroom #OnlyInBali #ChadAndMia #ExpatLife #BaliWildlife #TropicalLiving #LearningAsWeGo #BaliFamilyFinds

“Mum… Dad… don’t panic… but there’s a snake in my bathroom.” Not exactly the kind of 2am message you expect from your teenage son — especially when it’s pinging in from just down the hall. In our sleepy Bali villa, that late-night alert instantly turned into a wildlife rescue mission we’ll never forget. Bleary-eyed, we crept over, only to find he’d already posted a follow-up: “Now it’s gone behind the toilet. I think it came from the wall.” Classic parenting curveball… and absolutely not in the holiday manual. As Aussie natives, we’re not total strangers to reptiles, but Bali’s creatures? That’s a whole new jungle. And honestly, the surprise slither made us realize just how much we still have to learn about our tropical home away from home. Luckily, our surprise visitor was small — and likely non-venomous. Chad, armed with calm nerves and a broom (don’t ask), managed to guide our little intruder safely back outdoors. Crisis averted. No bites, just one very wide-awake family and a newfound respect for nature’s midnight guests. Now, we’re turning this scaly saga into a teachable moment. We’re diving into Bali’s wildlife guidebooks, connecting with local experts, and brushing up on what to do when the bathroom becomes a jungle. For families heading to Bali, here’s our tip: know before you go. Learn what species are common in your area, especially if your accommodations are surrounded by nature. Screens on windows, good lighting, and a bit of local knowledge go a long way. And to our son — calm under pressure, even with a snake in the loo — you’ve definitely earned bragging rights (and maybe a sleep-in). #TropicalLiving done right — one unexpected visitor at a time. 🐍🌴