Clubmates Travel
What Bali Taught Me About Accessibility
Posted on July 15, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 8 minutes
As the daughter of Peter Negri, the Managing Director of ClubMates Travel, I’ve grown up surrounded by conversations about accessible travel and holidays for disabled travellers. I’ve watched my dad build a company that creates life-changing inclusive tours for people with disabilities, and I’ve learned how much planning, care, and thought goes into every single trip. But until recently, I had never looked at travel through an accessibility lens myself.
In June 2025, I went to Bali with a group of friends. We’re all young, able-bodied, and independent. It was my first real overseas trip without family, and while it was full of laughter, beaches, and late-night dancing, it also opened my eyes. I started seeing the world differently—not just as a young tourist, but as someone who cares deeply about inclusion and support.
Let's Start With the Good
Bali is beautiful. The people are warm, welcoming, and incredibly friendly—especially toward Australians. There’s a deep, visible culture in everything from food to ceremony, and the energy in places like Canggu and Seminyak is exciting. If you like sunshine, surfing, music, and colour, there’s so much to soak in.
I loved the freedom of walking down a street and stumbling across a local market. I felt safe even late at night, and the food (once I figured out what was dairy-free!) was delicious. Even the nightlife is relaxed and tourist-friendly—venues like Motel Mexicola or Old Man’s are full of good vibes, and there’s a real sense of community in the air.
The Challenges People Don't Think About
But once I looked at Bali from an accessibility point of view, the cracks started to show:
- Most footpaths are narrow, broken, or blocked by scooters.
- There are very few ramps, and most villas and restaurants have stairs.
- Bathrooms vary a lot—some are squat toilets, others have large steps or awkward layouts.
- Tap water isn’t safe to drink, which adds a challenge for people with health concerns.
- Public transport is rare and not accessible. Taxis aren’t usually equipped for mobility aids.
- Bali belly is real—and for someone with a disability, a stomach bug overseas could be a lot more than just inconvenient.
- It’s a noisy, chaotic place. For someone with sensory sensitivities, the constant buzz could be overwhelming.
These are all things I had never noticed before—because I didn’t have to. But our ClubMates passengers would. And that’s why the destination needs to be approached carefully when planning holidays for disabled travellers.
So Who is Bali For?
Bali could be a great option for someone with an intellectual disability or psychosocial disability who doesn’t rely on mobility aids. It’s affordable, nearby, and truly different—without requiring a long-haul flight. For the right person, Bali could offer an incredible cultural experience, new friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.
But it’s not suitable for everyone. If someone uses a wheelchair, walker, or needs full physical support, Bali isn’t set up for that. Not without serious pre-planning, a high support ratio, and a lot of compromise.
Even I found it tricky sometimes. Navigating traffic, managing my dietary needs, adjusting to the heat—it took effort. And I’m someone who can walk unaided and communicate my needs clearly.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me that accessibility isn’t just about ramps or bathrooms. It’s about safety, comfort, and dignity. It’s about being able to enjoy a place without constant barriers.
I think Bali could work for ClubMates in the future—if we hand-pick the group, pre-screen support needs, and choose resorts or quieter towns that offer more structure and peace. We’d need our full travel-trained support crew, and we’d need to manage expectations.
For me, Bali was a learning experience. It was fun, freeing, and full of eye-opening moments. But what I’ll remember most is not just the sunsets or smoothies—it’s how much I noticed. And how much I now want to make holidays for disabled travellers more possible for everyone.
Dreaming of exploring places like Bali, but worried about accessibility?
Our international trips are designed with full support so you can travel with confidence.
Click below to see our upcoming supported international adventures and start planning your next journey today!
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
