Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular to paradise, knowing where to stay in Bali when you’re travelling as a family can make or break your vacation to Indonesia’s Island of the Gods. While the island is relatively small, its neighbourhoods are well-defined, meaning some are far more family-friendly than others.
In fact, Bali is actually among Asia’s most family-friendly destinations, thanks to its sublime beaches, luxury resorts and villas, and a culture that prizes children.
If you’re already planning your next vacation, we break down the best areas to stay in Bali with a family and why each will appeal for your next family escape.
Sanur
In fact, Bali is actually among Asia’s most family-friendly destinations, thanks to its sublime beaches, luxury resorts and villas, and a culture that prizes children.
Sleepy yet welcoming, Sanur is one of Bali’s most established family-friendly destinations, in part because of its proximity to the airport. In fact, it’s not uncommon to come across travellers who have been visiting Sanur as a family for generations – they brought their kids and now they bring their grandkids.
Most popular with multi-generational groups from Europe (many European countries have consulates here), Sanur’s serene beaches, calm waters, well-organised roads, a wide range of restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly coastal trails continue to seduce travellers with young families looking to spend time together without having to brave the traffic further west.
Sanur’s acclaimed coastal promenade, great for walking and cycling, and punctuated with local cafes and restaurants, is a major drawcard, as are its simple family-owned restaurants and boutiques, its affordable markets, and more recently, its buzzing new Icon mall.
Safe, quiet, low-stress (and perhaps a little dated in a welcoming vintage-esque kind of way), with swimmable beaches, plenty of green spaces, and proximity to the port at Benoa (from which the ferries to the Nusa Islands depart), Sanur makes up in convenience and tranquility what it might lack in trendiness, making it a better fit for younger families without teenagers.
Pros:
- Close to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and ferry terminals for easy arrival and island-hopping.
- Calm waters and swimmable beaches, ideal for young children.
- Easily walkable and traffic-free compared to other areas on the island.
- No shortage of family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
- Laid-back atmosphere geared to multigenerational travel.
Cons:
- Fewer options for teens or travelers seeking nightlife and trendiness.
- May feel sleepier and more dated than in areas like Uluwatu and Canggu.
- Fewer luxury dining and entertainment options than Seminyak and Ubud.
What to Do
While it lacks the high-energy activities of Canggu and Seminyak, there’s still plenty for families to do in Sanur, from grabbing hotel bikes and exploring the neighbourhood’s coastal trails on two wheels, to catching a cultural show or visiting some of the island’s safest swimming beaches.
You’ll also be able to tempt your tastebuds at elegant spots like Byrd House through to local open-air warungs famed for dishes like nasi campur. Families can spend an afternoon at the fascinating Bali Zoo, take a glass-bottomed boat cruise across one of Bali’s best reefs, try their hands at paddleboarding or snorkelling, or look out for reef sharks on a shark conservation excursion.
There are also regular festivals and events held in Sanur and the Nusa Islands are only an hour’s ferry ride away, with ferries departing in nearby Benoa.
Where to Stay
The Meru Bali
One of Sanur’s best family-friendly beachfront resorts, The Meru is an all-suite retreat wreathed by tropical gardens and steps from the white sands of Sanur Beach.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
Elegant and modern, with spacious family-friendly suites and plenty of amenities to keep the little ones busy, the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa has long been one of Sanur’s most popular design-driven retreats.
Nusa Dua
Manicured, well-planned, and immensely family-friendly, Nusa Dua is centred around a tourism development project where luxury hotels line white sandy beaches and are accessed by broad, well-maintained roads, making it ideal for families who want to stay put and enjoy their time in the sun.
Nusa Dua is probably Bali’s most attractive and popular family-friendly destination, appealing to both parents and kids of all ages with its many facilities, sublime beaches, watersports activities, and cultural attractions.
Many of the resorts in Nusa Dua feature multiple pools, direct beach access, and modern kids clubs, allowing families to skip the traffic, reach their hotel from the airport in minutes, and enjoy all that Bali has to offer without having to travel far.
Mums will also love the countless luxury resort wellness centres (including the great hydrotherapy pools at the St. Regis), while dads will enjoy the island’s best golf courses at Bali National and New Kuta, and teens can tackle watersports ranging from stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling to parasailing.
Pros:
- Manicured, well-managed, safe, clean and tranquil.
- There are plenty of family-friendly amenities including kids’ clubs and. family-dedicated suites and villas.
- Calm, pristine beaches are always popular.
- Excellent for first-time travellers or those with young children.
Cons:
- It’s easy to not feel like you’re not in Bali but that might appeal to some families.
- You’re a little sheltered from local culture and cuisine in this resort-focused enclave.
- Nusa Dua can be a little boring if you’re the kind of family that likes to explore.
What to Do
With all the resorts that line the beaches of Nusa Dua, there’s plenty to do on and off the sand. You can take a surf lesson or a guided snorkelling tour, sunbathe on Bali’s best strips of sand, take a banana boat, try parasailing, or dine in the many beachfront restaurants.
There are cultural theatre performances at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, and golf courses and temples that are easily accessible. Families will find kid-friendly day clubs, swimming pools, and water parks while parents can find respite at the many resort spas, and little ones are looked after at kids’ clubs.
Families can even get a sense of place at the Museum Pasifika or catch the Devdan Show for circus-style entertainment.
Where to Stay
St. Regis Bali
A luxurious and very family-friendly resort, the St. Regis is best known for its lagoon pool, which winds through the resort all the way to the beach.
Also, look out for the nightly fire dance!
Club Med Bali
Club Med Bali is an all-inclusive resort that is among the most popular with families on Bali thanks to its heavenly beach, spacious guest rooms, and comprehensive programme of kid-friendly activities, which range from archery and trapeze lessons to snorkelling, tennis, and arts and crafts.
Seminyak
Probably the most popular destination in all of Bali, Seminyak strikes a balance between the hedonistic party scene of Canggu and the sedate resort enclave of Nusa Dua. While there’s not much in the way of culture in Seminyak, it’s undeniably “Bali”, with popular beaches and beachfront restaurants, beach and pool clubs, shopping districts, and easy access to other parts of the island.
There is everything from international five-star hotels to small boutique pool villa properties, ensuring families can mix and match to meet their holiday needs, while Seminyak’s warm, welcoming vibe and a plethora of little corners and micro-hoods encourage families to explore.
Pros:
- There are accommodation options that meet the needs of every family.
- Seminyak has Bali’s most varied dining scene, with everything from fine dining to cheap local warungs.
- Seminyak is centrally located making it easy to reach destinations like Canggu, Ubud, and the airport.
- The beaches are great during the dry season.
- The district has a great ambiance that’s a little more vibrant than Ubud or Sanur but without being overbearing.
Cons:
- Traffic can get congested, especially during school holidays and after sunset.
- Poor infrastructure in some parts can make it hard to navigate on foot.
- The beaches can be treacherous during the rainy season.
What to Do
There is always something going on in Seminyak; grab a game of paddle at Liga Seminyak – the whole family can play – or take a surf lesson down at Double Six, followed by a pony ride along the beach and lunch at one of the beachfront warungs (La Plancha is always popular).
Teens will enjoy Seminyak Square’s shopping or a visit to Ku Da Ta beach club (one of the top beach clubs in Bali), or jumping from the dive platform at Mrs Sippy while the little ones will love the family-friendly resort pools and kids clubs and parents can enjoy couples spa treatments and a night on the town thanks to resort babysitting services.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
A stylish and affordable option right on the beach, families will love Hotel Indigo’s interconnecting rooms, beachfront location, and proximity to beach clubs and family-friendly pools.
The Legian Seminyak
Refined and luxurious, The Legian Seminyak is an iconic resort perched right on the beautiful beach at Petitenget and has an expansive infinity-edged pool and an elegant pool bar.
Jimbaran
Chic Jimbaran is ideally suited for families looking for the quintessential Bali beach vacation without the crowds of Canggu or the traffic to reach Ubud. One of the original tourism hotspots on the island, Jimbaran has been carefully developed so that its luxury resorts all have great ocean views, while most have direct access to the sea and the beach, making them perfect retreats for families.
Beyond some of the best hotels on the island, Jimbaran has a distinctly tranquil Balinese vibe – while you don’t have all the big beach clubs of Seminyak and Canggu, you do have everything from sublime coastal destinations like the iconic Rock Bar at Ayana Bali, and elegant beachfront restaurants like Jimbaran Beach Club, through to rustic beachfront warungs, timeless temples, a frantic fish market, and easy access to Kuta and Uluwatu.
Some of Bali’s most iconic sunset dining moments happen on Jimbaran Beach, where calm waters are great for the little ones, while malls, cultural attractions, and even the airport are only minutes away.
Pros:
- Jimbaran is famed for its calm beach, which offers safe swimming year-round.
- There are great seafood restaurants on the beach – just expect to pay tourist prices.
- Jimbaran’s accommodation offering covers the spectrum from affordable to super luxury, and resorts to private villas.
- Jimbaran is quiet and peaceful.
- The neighbourhood is close to the airport and only minutes from Kuta and the Bukit Peninsula.
Cons:
- Jimbaran is less walkable than Sanur and Nusa Dua.
- It’s not really a shopping destination.
- The neighbourhood is more of a hub to base yourself rather than a destination filled with interesting attractions to explore.
What to Do
Like many spots in Bali, life in Jimbaran is centred around the beach so start your day off with a swim and perhaps a spot of stand-up paddle boarding (there really isn’t any surf nearby) followed by breakfast at one of the beachfront restaurants.
From there you can work on your tan on the beach, explore Uluwatu’s hidden corners (and hidden beaches), including the expansive Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, or go shopping in Kuta before returning to Jimbaran for a well-deserved treatment at the spas of the nearby Four Seasons or Raffles Bali.
Finish your day with a seafood dinner on the beach, which takes on a carnival atmosphere at night, complete with fireworks. Or the local prawns and fresh fish, cooked just the way you like them.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
One of the most iconic resorts in Bali, and one with an enviable location overlooking Jimbaran Bay, the Four Seasons (one of two in Bali) offers spacious family-friendly villas, beautiful swimming pools, and a restaurant literally perched on the sand.
InterContinental Bali Resort
Another sprawling, family-friendly option, the InterContinental Bali Resort boasts multiple swimming pools, beachfront access, and a modern kids’ cub.
Ubud
Ubud might not be the first destination that comes to mind for families visiting Bali but it’s definitely worth considering. While it lacks a beach, Ubud, located in the lush interior of the island, is a unique cultural destination that offers families the chance to discover the real Bali together, from its ancient temples, forest walking trails, and vibrant markets to its hidden valley resorts and family-friendly activities.
Parents looking to educate their kids on Balinese culture will find plenty of inspiration in Ubud, a calm, earthy neighbourhood famed for its cultural and religious events, healthy restaurants, and arts scene, while parents can be seduced by Ubud’s many affordable and modern-day spas and wellness retreats.
Ubud is also known for its luxurious but more intimate family-friendly resorts, many of which are perched on the steep banks of the Agung River, offering access to verdant rice terraces, dense jungle, and towering volcanic peaks as well as a deeper connection to Balinese culture and the island’s pristine natural environment.
Pros:
- Ubud is a little cooler and exponentially greener than the coast.
- There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages as well as parents looking for a little pampering.
- Ubud is all about slowing down and appreciating each other.
- It’s an easy addition to a week-long Bali itinerary.
Cons:
- Ubud is inland so don’t expect beaches.
- Poor infrastructure means you’ll need a car or taxi to get around (if you’re not a family that likes taking scooters).
- Traffic can get pretty terrible during religious ceremonies.
What to Do
Ubud has a little something for everyone. The littlest members of the family will love the monkeys of the Sacred Monkey Forest and can do a kids cooking class or batik workshop or learn traditional dance while older kids can hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk, go ziplining, or try their hand at white water rafting or mountain biking before retreating to one of the cooler pool clubs.
Parents can dine on a wide range of global cuisines before surrendering to a sublime Balinese massage, or explore the vibrant Ubud markets for unique homewares.
Resorts in Ubud also offer great cultural programming, from visits to rice farms and luwak coffee plantations to jungle treks and waterfall visits.
Where to Stay
Cicada Ubud
Perched high on a river valley outside Ubud’s downtown area, this Autograph Collection retreat offers a wide range of cultural and artistic activities for kids of all ages, freeing parents up to make the most of their Bali family vacation.
Abisena Ubud
The Abisena Ubud is a beautiful little resort located just outside Ubud offers family-friendly villas with private pools, and access to local rice fields, museums, temples, and jungle trails. It’s also home to a spectacular spa.
Canggu
A hugely popular spot for visitors to Bali, Canggu has an energy that makes it not only one of the best areas to stay in Bali for couples and friends but also families thanks to its expansive beach clubs, including Finns and Atlas, both of which know exactly what kids love to do under the Bali sun.
Canggu is a vibrant southern Bali coast destination famed for its eclectic cafe culture, innovative restaurants, and dynamic boutique shopping as well as its world-class surf breaks and beachfront restaurants.
However, it’s the major beach clubs that really draw families in – think music, expansive swimming pools, water slides, regular cultural events, great dining, and even evening fireworks and you’ll quickly see why families flock here during the day.
Canngu’s diverse accommodation offering also makes the neighbourhood family-friendly. There’s everything from major resorts like the Como and the new Regent Bali to boutique hideaways like Hotel Sages, and plenty of private pool villas that can be snapped up on Airbnb and offer great value for money for travelling families.
Pros:
- Great for families with teens or older kids thanks to those world-class beach clubs and the many popular beachfront venues.
- Many parts of Canggu are pedestrian-friendly (but perhaps not stroller-friendly).
- Venues like The Lawn and La Brisa regularly welcome international musical groups.
Cons:
- Canggu is the hub of Bali’s traffic woes so expect congestion and long travel times.
- While they’re OK for older kids, Canggu’s surf beaches feature strong waves that aren’t suitable for younger children.
- Poor infrastructure, including a lack of sidewalks in some parts, can make navigating Canggu tricky.
- As Canggu is made up of micro-neighbourhoods, you’ll need to take ride-hailing services or hire a daily driver to get anywhere.
What to Do
Kick the morning off right with a surf lesson on Berawa or Canggu beaches followed by breakfast at one of the family-friendly restaurants – Milk & Madu Beach Road is always a popular choice.
From here it’s an easy walk up Jalan Batu Bolong to some of Canggu’s best market and boutique shopping as well as the G Swing, which is always a popular heart-thumping option for older kids.
Alternatively, sign the kids up for puppy yoga! Then head to Finns Beach Club or to Atlas, Asia’s largest beach club, for infinity pools overlooking the beach, resident DJs, and a great range of restaurants (each also has decided kids’ pools and play areas).
Stop in at Deus Ex Machina’s Temple of Enthusiasm to see its selection of custom motorbikes before making for Bali Paddle Academy for a kid’s beginner lesson.
Cool off with a gelato and sunset at pirate-themed La Brisa (they also do a great weekend market) before walking up to Luigi’s, home to some of Bali’s best pizza.
Where to Stay
Hotel Sages
An intimate, boutique hotel in nearby Padonan, Hotel Sages is great for couples travelling with one or two little ones and offers tranquility only minutes from the vibrant centre of Canggu.
Regent Bali
The island’s most anticipated opening this year, the new Regent Bali is located right on the beach and boasts 150 suites and villas, numerous restaurants, a spa, and a dedicated kids’ club.
Lovina
A sleepy town on the north Bali coast, Lovina is great for families looking to escape the crowds, enjoy safe, swimmable beaches, and explore the island a little wider.
A three-hour drive from the airport, Lovina is a great base from which to explore the less touristy northern Bali coast, which includes lush villages perched on the mountains that divide the north of Bali from the south; the protected national marine park in the island’s northwest, deserted beaches, and ancient temples.
It’s also a convenient spot from which to visit Singaraja, Mount Agung, and Kintamani.
Most families will come to Lovina to see the pods of dolphins that visit the bay outside Lovina each morning but the whole coast is punctuated by small, affordable family-friendly, and family-owned resorts where parents and kids will be able to soak up the sun and sea, try snorkelling or even certify as scuba divers.
Pros:
- Lovina is laid back and quieter than the south coast neighbourhoods.
- It tends to be more cost-effective than more popular destinations.
- The town is a great base from which to explore West Bali National Park or Kintamani.
- Lovina is the base from which dolphin discovery excursions depart daily at 6 am.
Cons:
- Lovina is a sleepy, sedate alternative to Seminyak or Canggu.
- The north Bali coast is a three-hour drive from the airport and traffic can be terrible.
- Few transport options on the north coast mean a car and driver are a must.
What to Do
If you love dolphins, take one of the local boats out at dawn and you’ll be able to swim with the bay’s friendly spinner dolphins for an hour or two before going snorkelling on shallower coral reefs.
Return to dry land for breakfast at a local warung before taking a dive excursion to West Bali National Park with local operator D&D Dive (or do an introduction to scuba diving session with them off the beach at Pemuteran).
When you return, take a drive up to 11th-century Lempuyang Temple and climb the stairs up to the iconic Gates of Heaven.
Finish your day with fresh seafood on Singaraja’s waterfront.
Where to Stay
TRIJAYA Guest House
The TRIJAYA Guest House is a boutique Balinese hotel of intimate little suites owned by the same family that operates D&D Dive and offers proximity to the beach.
Taman Sari Bali Resort
This beautiful mid-scale resort is very family-friendly thanks to its spacious luxury villas, family suites, a children’s pool, and its coveted location right on the beach.
What Families Need to Know Before Booking a Bali Trip
Is Bali Family-Friendly For Toddlers?
Like any destination in Asia, Bali has its appeal for families with toddlers, although there are things to be aware of.
Snakes do live in Bali’s jungle and undergrowth, and the roads are very busy, with few sidewalks available.
However, resort settings are safe and welcoming and kids will love all that time on the beach or in the kids’ pool. Sanur and Nusa Dua are (probably) the safest bets for families with toddlers while major considerations are handling the heat, a lack of car seats in taxis, and intense traffic.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Bali With Kids Under 5?
Flat and walkable, with safe beaches, Sanur and Nusa Dua are still the most friendly for families with kids under 5, are the easiest to navigate, and boast the most kid-friendly amenities.
Where Can We Stay With Grandparents and Young Kids?
Areas with a slower pace are great for Grandma and Grandad as well as little kids so think Jimbaran, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
However, Nusa Dua has the best pedestrian infrastructure followed by Sanur, while Ubud could be harder to navigate.
What Should I Know About Traveling to Bali With a Stroller?
Although the government is trying to change roads across major tourism hubs, most neighbourhoods in Bali have either no sidewalks or don’t maintain those that they do.
Sanur still has the best sidewalks, as well as Nusa Dua and parts of Kuta.
What Area in Bali Should Families Avoid?
After dark, Kuta (and Kuta Beach) appeals to a very adult crowd, so it is best to avoid its narrow streets and bar precincts after sundown due to crowds and traffic.
The same goes for beach clubs after dark (although many have curfews for children).
Much like Kuta, Legian tends to be quite different after dark and appeals to heavy-drinking crowds.
What Area in Bali is Best For Families?
There’s no one answer as to the best area to stay in Bali with family as no two families are alike.
But for the most part, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran offer the most family-friendly environments, while Nusa Dua and Seminyak offer some of the best facilities for family travellers and Ubud offers the most unique experience for travellers with children.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what appeals – beach or jungle, busy or quiet, active or sedate? – the time families have to explore Bali, and their past personal experiences will really affect how travellers with kids enjoy their time on the Island of the Gods.