I’ll just go right ahead and say it: A Bali family vacation can be epic, epic stuff. This isle in the midst of the Indonesian Nusa Tenggara hasn’t established itself at the forefront of Southeast Asian tourism for nothing, you know? It’s got something for everyone; all ages. It’ll put a smile on the face of even the grumpiest teenager and stoke the wonder of even the youngest toddler. Big claims. But it’s true.
Just look at what’s on offer…Bali ranges from highland villages hemmed in by rice paddies down to shores washed by some of the world’s best surf (and yes, there are plenty of waves for beginners!). It’s speckled with stirring Hindu shrines, offers trekking beside spa hotels, Balinese BBQ next to international eats, and has arty towns like Ubud perched on its ridges. Tempting, eh?
There’s more. Bali also nails the practicalities for family travelers. It’s served by oodles of airlines, including low-cost Asian carriers that jet in from Bangkok, Hong Kong, KL – the list goes on. It’s crisscrossed by well-maintained highways and sees a whopping 6.5 million international travelers each year, so you’re in good company. Finally, it’s considered a relatively safe destination, with low rates of serious crime, especially.
This travel guide will run through all you need to know about planning a family vacation to Bali. It’s got the lowdown on the best parts of the island for those coming with the kids in tow, the best season for your vacay, and how much you can expect to spend.
How to Plan the Perfect Bali Family Vacation
TravelWeekly reported that 2024 was a bumper year for family travel in Bali – bookings were up a whopping 71%, no less. It’s easy to see why. There are few corners of Asia with the same diverse attractions as the fabled Isle of the Gods.
Where else can the teenagers head off for a surf lesson while mom and dad dip into the spa? Where else can adventure-hungry families climb an active volcano while those who prefer R&R chill beside chalk-white beaches?
As ever, planning is key. Get the right base, choose the right season, and budget accordingly and it’s likely your Bali escape will go off with a bang…
When to Visit Bali With Kids
If in doubt, travel in the dry season. It’s not only the best time to visit Bali with the family. It’s the best time to visit. Period.
The clue is in the name: It’s dry! In fact, there’s an average of just 14 days with rainfall in June, July and August combined. The upshot? Beach days, hiking, long sessions beside the hotel pool – you can do it all without worrying about getting wet.
I’d also add that the ocean is much cleaner at this time, and the surf is better. That’s important if the kiddos have their hearts set on surfing lessons, snorkeling, or diving with manta rays. See: They’re all better when it’s dry.
The dry season is also peak season in Bali. Government stats show spikes of 25-50% in visitor numbers and the cost of hotels soars to match. Yikes.
Due to the fixed nature of school holidays back in Europe or the US, some family travelers will have no choice but to join the crowds and fork out for prime-time rooms. Others might be more tempted by the shoulder seasons of April and May or September and October, which aren’t quite so reliable on the weather front, but do typically come cheaper.
You will probably want to avoid Nyepi Day in March since it involves a whole 24 hours of shutdown. You’re not allowed to go out, not allowed to grab a coffee, not even allowed to make too much noise. It’s a fascinating tradition unique to Bali, but not ideal for families with restless kids in tow.
Where to Base Yourself in Bali
Family travelers are in luck when it comes to Bali. The whole south shoreline of this island is given over to a series of resorts that offer all the creature comforts of home.
I’m talking about enough beach-side hotels with big pools and kid-friendly play areas to make the Costa del Sol blush, and plenty of conveniences, whether that’s on-demand taxi transport, good access to shops, or great gastronomy on the doorstep.
But it’s not cookie-cutter stuff. Each area has its own unique vibe and draw. Here’s a quick run-through of the best areas to stay in Bali with family so you can get a handle on where it might be best to situate yourself.
Nusa Dua
Luxury Bali at its finest, Nusa Dua is where all the big-name hotel brands have an outlet. If you like five-star service and walking access to sugar-white beaches, have a big budget, and don’t mind sacrificing a little authenticity, this is for you.
Sanur
Sanur is also big on chain resort hotels, but it’s more chill, less glitzy than Nusa Dua. Often called the chill brother of the south coast, it’s great for kicking back by the pool and doing nothing for a week, a month, or more.
Kuta
Gritty and alive, Kuta is like someone smashed a shopping mall together with an old wet market and strung it alongside the beach. The area used to be the home of Bali’s beginner surf scene, but that’s since migrated as Kuta becomes more of a party hub.
It’s loud and brash and doesn’t have the best sands, but it is – and here’s the kicker – super close to the airport.
Legian
A good balance between the high energy of Kuta and the sophistication of Seminyak, which lie on either side of Legian. Smaller Bali hotels meet some more honest, local warungs (local Indonesian cookhouses) along the shore, but there’s still plenty of shopping and easy access to the airport.
Seminyak
The stylo hub of the south coast, where you get boutique hotels beside beach clubs that pump with life all night long. Villas with pools take over as you head back from the beach and can be a great option for families.
Plus, Seminyak has some of the best transport links to the southern side of the island, so you can branch out to visit surf beaches, waterparks, and rice paddies with ease.
Canggu
Probably best left to the digital nomads, Canggu has become the stomping ground of Bali’s 20-something entrepreneurs. It’s got a buzzing café scene, uber-international food options, and great surf beaches. Certainly a better option if you’ve got teens, not toddlers.
What to Budget For a Family Trip
Bali costs more than it used to, and it’s no longer among the cheapest of the cheap places to holiday in Southeast Asia. Families after a hotel resort somewhere within striking distance of a south-coast beach should budget $100-250 per night, with the higher end representing the quality stays with bigger pools and more luxury design.
Daily spending will vary a lot. If you just want to soak up the sun and surf a little, then costs could be as low as $50 per person, per day. But that hardly does justice to the sheer variety of things there are to do on this island, from day trips to the cave temples of Ubud to sunrise hikes in the highlands.
To add in those sorts of things and eat in a wider variety of restaurants (both local and international), you’ll need something closer to $100 per person, per day.
What to Book in Advance
Everything – if you can.
In my humble experience, it’s always better to pre-book stuff in Bali. The reason? As I’ve already said, this is one darn popular island, and the south coast, where you’re most likely to be based as a family traveler, is very much the hub of tourism.
Stats show that flights to Bali from major global hubs like London are at their cheapest at least 82 days before departure, with peaks in airfare in the week or so leading up to travel. To put it simply: Bag your seats as early as you can.
I’d also say the same for hotels, but not so much because of price volatility. More because popular family stays can sell out like lightning in the dry season.
You might find that your hotel has you covered when it comes to daycare. That’s something you’ll need to check ahead of time with resort management. If not, there are public crèches and nurseries, but they almost universally recommend pre-booking.
Packing Tips For Families
I’ll leave you to pick out what Aloha shirts and summer dresses to bring along for the family, but there are a few things that you definitely should have in the bag when heading to Bali.
These are more practical items that are either hard to get or expensive to get (yes, I did spend over $20 on sunscreen last time I was in Canggu!) once you’re in Indo…
- SPF/Suncream – Pack face cream, sunblock (especially if you’re doing any surfing, but be sure it’s ocean safe), and good body SPF. This is even needed in the rainy season. It might be cloudy, but you can still burn!
- Bug repellent – Bali is a tropical isle and that means mozzies. They’re particularly prevalent in the rainy season (November-March) and in the higher jungled areas away from the coast – Ubud, Sidemen, Tegalalang.
- First aid pack – This essential piece of travel kit is even more essential when the kids are in tow. Make sure it’s got antiseptic wipes for any cuts picked up in the ocean, plasters, and something kid-friendly that can combat any unexpected bouts of Bali belly.
- Hand sanitizer – This can be a real lifesaver. After long days of walking the rice paddies, you’ll have something to clean off your hands, and – more importantly – the kiddos’ hands, before sitting down to eat.
- Plug converters – No parent wants to be caught without the ability to recharge that iPad or Kindle. Bali uses Type C and Type F plugs, so be sure to bring along the appropriate converter.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in Bali
Choosing the right hotel in Bali might just be the most important piece of planning you do. Exploring this humid and hot isle can be exhausting business, so at the very least, you’ll want somewhere relaxing, entertaining, and comfy to return to after a long day.
The good news is that Bali is brimming with hotels of all shapes and sizes. It’s got five-dollar-a-night surfer hostels next to spanking-new resorts with infinity pools, plus plenty in there that’s squarely aimed at the family crowd.
Let’s take a look at some of the best of them!
Club Med Bali, Nusa Dua
A beachfront hotel in the luxury enclave of Nusa Dua that has all the bells and whistles you’d expect of the Club Med brand. This is perfect for families who want an R&R holiday with access to paradise sands and a comprehensive program of entertainment for the little ones – they offer something different for all ages, from two to 17.
Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa, Legian
The Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa puts reliable surf on the doorstep without compromising on modern luxuries. Just a 25-minute drive from the airport, it’s a cinch to get to, plus there’s an on-site kids club – the Cening Kids Club – where the little ones can get stuck into little-chef pizza making and Balinese dress-up.
Padma Ubud, Ubud
Padma leads the way in the enthralling highland town of Ubud, the perfect stop for families interested in Bali’s rich Hindu heritage, ancient temples, and seeing wild monkeys. They regularly do a family offer on direct bookings that lets up to two kids of 12 and under stay totally free.
Combine that with in-house activities that are sure to entertain – think fish feeding, archery, and tours of the local villages on bicycles.
Bali Dynasty Resort, Kuta
The Bali Dynasty Resort has one of the most comprehensive family offerings on the island. They’ve an on-site daycare facility that costs just $5 per hour, run a kids club with water fun parties and origami sessions, and even have separate children’s menus in the restaurant.
Perhaps most of all, though, the legendary Waterbom aquapark is right next door!
The Best Things to Do on a Bali Family Holiday
This island packs in everything from high-octane waterparks to ancient Hindu shrines, easy wildlife encounters to gorgeous tropical beaches. It’s a doozy for pretty much any traveler, families included.
I’ve had days when I start with a dawn surf, spend the afternoon hiking along a ridge above the rice paddies, and then finish with a traditional Indonesian peanut satay in a local kitchen. Sounds great, eh?
Here’s a glimpse at the sheer variety of bucket-list draws on offer to families in Bali…
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Rise early and tackle the 2-hour trek to watch the day begin from the top of an active volcano. This one’s better for older children in their teens since the hike is a bit tricky.
Cycle Through the Rice Terraces of Ubud
See the green side of Bali by bicycle. There are a variety of routes that take you off the main, more-trafficked roads, and e-bikes can now be used to make it even easier.
For more inspiration, you can also find some of the best day trips from Ubud here.
Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Kids over four can hit the swinging rope bridges and ziplines of this playground in the jungle canopy.
Gembleng Waterfall
Again, this is a better one for older kids who don’t mind trickier hikes up steep slopes. Scale up to a natural infinity pool overlooking the sweeping jungles of Sidemen.
Cultural Experiences For Curious Kids
Kecak Fire Dance
One of Bali’s most quintessential cultural experiences is the fire dance that takes place in the Uluwatu Temple. It’s around an hour long, happens each evening, and tells the story of the Ramayana epic in a truly dramatic style.
Balinese Cooking Classes
Family-friendly cooking classes are perfect for kids who like to get stuck in. Prepare satay, nasi goreng, and traditional sweets, sometimes even in open-air kitchens surrounded by rice fields.
Water Fun — Beaches, Pools and Parks
Waterbom Bali
Waterbom is among the largest aquaparks in Asia. I stayed in the hotel right next door back in 2019 and can vouch for the fact that it’s MASSIVE. There are super-steep slides, lazy rivers, and adrenaline-pumping attractions with names like the Green Viper.
Surf Lessons
Bali has some of the most affordable surf lessons in the world. You can get a private session, including rentals, for around $30. Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are the best places to learn.
Be warned: The water can get dirty in the Bali wet season, so the dry season is peak for surfing with kids.
Nusa Dua Beach
Easy to access from the hotels right behind and protected by an outer ring of reefs, Nusa Dua has one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island for sure.
Animal Encounters in Bali
Dolphin Spotting in Lovina
Bali’s north coast is a haven for dolphins and the town of Lovina is the best place to plan a boat trip. Go early in the morning for the best chance of a sighting.
Ubud Monkey Forest
You’ll have to be vigilant against territorial monkeys in this incredible park in Ubud. It transports you and the fam into an Indiana Jones flick, with ancient, ruined temples covered in jungle vines and a resident troop of naughty macaques.
Family-Friendly Dining in Bali
On an island where the regional delicacy is a whole piglet doused in turmeric and chili before being spit-roasted over an open fire, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this wasn’t a paradise for family eating.
But the simple truth is that Bali is among the best places for dining out with the whole crew in Asia.
I could walk two blocks in Kuta and find everything from Middle Eastern mezze to Argentine empanadas. And you don’t have to do BBQ piglet to sample the local stuff. Indonesian food (and other Balinese cuisine) remains well represented, opening up a smorgasbord of gado gado salads and peanut satay that I’ve seen surprise even the pickiest of eaters.
Best Casual Eateries For Kids
- Bali Family Hangout – As the name implies, this is solely aimed at the travelers with little ones in tow. The menu of pastas, burgers, and all-day breakfasts is welcome, and so is the vast play area and Jungle Hub, a sort of playschool that helps kids learn through nature.
- Shotgun Social – There’s a whiff of the Parisian café about this spot in Sanur. It’s probably the arcaded outdoor space. That gives way to a lovely al fresco play area where the kids can run free. There’s a menu for the little ones, and a cracking array of cocktails, pizza and taco deals for the adults.
Dining With a View — Kid-Friendly Spots With a Scene
- Kelapa Muda – These guys have a nature-inspired playground with crawl-through tunnels, plus regular Sunday Funday parties for the kids. Oh, and a view of the emerald paddies around Ubud hardly hurts!
- Atlas Beach Club – This has been hailed as one of the most family-friendly and best beach clubs in Bali. I can see why. It’s not a hedonistic hotspot a la many of the Canggu all-nighter clubs. It’s got dedicated play spaces for kids with sunbeds neatly placed right beside them, along with a children’s pool with views right over the wave-washed sands of Berawa Beach.
A Practical 5-Day Bali Itinerary For Families
Here’s a quick sample 5-Day Bali itinerary of what a day-to-day plan for exploring the Isle of the Gods with the family might look like.
It’s not a minute-by-minute itinerary; more of a taster of how a week might pan out on beautiful Bali, encompassing some of the highlights of the island, from the jungles to the surf-bashed beaches to the incredible cultural hotspots.
Tweak it, change it, and add things as you see fit.
Day 1 – Arrival and Settling In
One of the real joys of picking Bali is that the airport here is now host to a plethora of long- and short-haul flights.
What’s more, if you choose to base yourself on the south side of the island, at least for the first day or two of your trip, you can often get from the arrivals hall to your hotel room in Legian or Kuta in as little as 20 minutes.
Pre-book yourself a transfer to ensure things roll smoothly and then kick it in the hotel. That’s the best way to soothe any lingering jet lag on the first night.
Day 2 – Hit the Beach
What better way to kickstart your family travels in Bali than with a beach visit? There are plenty of worthy coves and sands that could fit the bill, but I think Nusa Dua reigns supreme. It’s ultra-relaxed, very near to the hotel resorts (though the whole beach is open to the public), and has good swimming at high tide since the shoreline is protected by a run of coral gardens out at sea.
If the kids are keen to surf, then you’re probably better off in Kuta or Seminyak, or even in Padang Padang on the Bukit Peninsula. They’re home to the lion’s share of the surf schools and have waves that are often said to be better for groms (younger surfers).
Later this evening, head over to the Uluwatu Temple to walk the clifftop paths in the company of monkeys, watch the waves hitting the cliffs, and experience the unique Kecak Fire Dance. You’ll need to book that in advance as it often sells out.
Day 3 – Into the Jungles
Swap the sea for the steamy jungles on your second day by riding up to Ubud. Your hotel should be able to sort out an easy transfer, or check out Uber or Gojek for cheaper rates.
Start with a visit to the Monkey Jungle. It’s like something out of a Tomb Raider game – think centuries-old temples covered in moss deep in the forests. Just be very careful of the macaques that patrol the area!
Venture north of town to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces to survey the green heart of Bali. There are photo spots there that the kids will love, including a swing that hangs out over the paddies.
If you still have time, there’s even more adventure to be had on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is perfect for more active teens who are up for an hour’s trek.
Alternatively, choose a Balinese cooking lesson (Ubud is a bit of a hub for them) and try your hand at making peanut pastes and stir-fried rice.
Day 4 – Waterfalls and Waterparks
Hitch a ride from Ubud to Sidemen. It’s a chance to glimpse the more rural parts of the Isle of the Gods. There are some cracking spots for breakfast that have panoramas over wild jungles all the way to the summit of Mount Agung.
After that, get dropped off at the base of the Gembleng Waterfall, where a zigzag path goes up to an awesome pool where you can bathe while taking in the views.
From there, set your gaze to the eastern shore. The port of Padangbai beckons. It’s the gateway to the Blue Lagoon, which lives up to its name with aquamarine waters. I ventured here once after being told it was the finest snorkeling locale on the isle. Countless parrotfish and sea turtle sightings later, I’m inclined to agree.
You can rent snorkels on the shoreline, where there are also some fine spots for lunch or dinner.
Day 5 – Choose Your Next Island
Finding yourself in Padangbai on the east coast of Bali, come day five, is perfect for launching further explorations throughout the region.
It’s one of the main ports with ferries that link to other islands, all of which offer something unique to families.
Lombok
Venture to Bali’s brother across the strait for something a bit less developed, more authentically Indonesian. This is one of my all-time favorite isles.
It’s capped with 3,700-meter-high Mount Rinjani, an active volcano, and has a coastline of idyllic sands threaded with coconut palms.
You can learn more about it in our guide breaking down Bali vs Lombok.
The Gilis
Three islands that each have something different. Families will probably like Gili Air the most, because it’s chilled but not too chilled, and doesn’t have the party vibes of Gili T.
Nusa Penida
Bali 40 years ago. That’s Nusa Penida. There’s one famous beach that draws huge crowds, but a whole island that’s covered in jungles and caressed by coral gardens filled with manta rays beyond it.
Top 10 Tips For Families Visiting Bali
Keep these tips in mind when visiting Bali with family, and you’ll be on your way to ensuring your trip goes off without a hitch.
1. Match Experiences to Age
Bali is brimming with family-friendly activities, but it’s important to pair age groups with the right activity.
For example, you probably won’t want to drag a three-year-old up the steep scree slopes of a volcano before sunrise!
2. Remember, It’s Not Really Walkable
Bali is a nightmare to navigate on foot. Even if it looks like you’re close enough to get somewhere, there’s often no road that links up, or huge traffic jams blocking the way.
Do not rely on pavements to get about with the kids. It’s better to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or even rent your own car.
3. Time It Right
If you can avoid the main stem of the dry season – June, July, August – then you’ll likely find better deals on hotels and fewer people at the poolside. Truth is, the shoulder seasons are the sweet spot and the best time to visit Bali.
Travel in May or September offers a good balance between cost and climate.
4. Be Sensible With Food and Drink
Dodge any eatery that’s not got the best reviews, avoid drinking tap water and consuming ice (even in hotels), and tell the kiddos to keep their mouths shut while swimming. All these precautions can help stave off the dreaded Bali belly.
5. Book Airport Transfers With Your Hotel
Denpasar Airport can be chaotic. There are taxi hawks all over the entry area, so having something pre-booked can be a gift when you come off the flight with the family.
Doing that also means you can check that the driver will be happy to transport your strollers, extra luggage, child seat, and the rest.
6. Always Travel With Insurance
This should be non-negotiable, for Bali and everywhere else. Make sure your policies cover all the things you’ll want to do as a family, which could mean high-altitude trekking, surfing, and other watersports.
7. Pack the Essentials
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, first aid kits and the like are all better packed at home.
For one, you might need them from the get-go. For two, they can be pricey once you’re on the ground.
8. Pick Any Hired Gear Up Right Away
Companies like Bali Baby Hire can sort you out with everything from strollers to toys, but it’s best to pick them up the moment you get to the island because services are usually centered around the airport.
You’ll then be free to explore wherever you want.
9. Be Wary of the Ocean
Many of Bali’s beaches are highly exposed and have super strong currents or shallow reefs – this is one of the world’s biggest surf destinations, after all!
Do your homework on the beaches you visit with the kids and always be wary of the power of the ocean.
10. Be Cautious Around Wildlife
Some creatures can pose a threat. Snakebites are rare but do happen, so get to know the various species and never venture off marked trails. Street dogs can be an issue, especially in more rural parts of the island.
And then there are the monkeys – they’re notoriously aggressive and inhabit areas you’re likely to visit as a family, like the Monkey Jungle in Ubud or the Uluwatu Temple, for example.
Never carry food around monkey troops and keep your valuables well stashed.