Our First Time Trying Durian in Bali – A Bold Family Food Adventure

Our family travel adventures in Bali took a wild (and smelly) turn when our son Fox finally got his wish: to try durian—the infamous “King of Fruits.” He’d been asking for months, and despite my best efforts to dodge it (seriously, have you smelled it?! 😅), fate, and our fearless local friend @bobbyblackstar, had other plans.

One casual afternoon drive turned into a fruity detour when Bobby suddenly pulled over at a roadside durian stand, expertly picked out a spiky specimen, and said, “Let’s do this.” With no exit strategy, we embraced the moment.

Cracking open the thick shell released a cloud of... shall we say, unforgettable aroma. The kids wrinkled their noses, and I questioned all my life choices. Still, we each took a piece. Creamy, rich, and with a texture somewhere between custard and questionable mashed onions, it defied expectations. I won’t lie—it was weird. But Fox? He was all in, grinning like he’d just won Survivor: Bali Edition.

Trying durian isn’t just about tasting something new—it’s about diving into local culture, bonding over bold experiences, and collecting unforgettable memories. In the end, whether you love it or loathe it, food adventures like this are what make family travel in Bali so exciting!

Planning your trip with kids? Say yes to the unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, pack a mint 🍃

Have you dared to try durian? Let us know your brave tales below! 👇