Bali is Indonesia’s most famous island and a popular tourist hotspot for all types of travelers. Families have been coming here for years, and Bali has a lot to offer for those with kids. 

However, there are some things you should know before visiting the Island of the Gods as a family. This complete guide has all you need to know before you come to Bali with your kids.

Where to Stay in Bali with Kids

Bali is a very popular tourist destination and a great place for families to visit. However, there are some challenges that you should be aware of before you go. Look into staying in a villa in a family-friendly area like Sanur or Nusa Dua.

 

Canggu can also be a good choice, especially for the great selection of restaurants and the many villas that are available for rent in the area. The traffic can be heavy, though, and you’ll be stuck in a car for quite a while if you don’t ride a scooter.

 

Ubud can also be great for families, especially because of the many activities in the area, which are especially good for older children. This part of Bali is also quite busy, though, so expect similar traffic to Canggu, especially during the high season.

 

Uluwatu has fantastic beaches, and many are great for swimming during low tide. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, you should come here or to the nearby Nusa Dua, which has the best selection of resorts in Bali. 

 

However, many beaches in Uluwatu are located at the bottom of steep cliffs with a lot of steps, so expect to climb up and down quite a lot, which can be challenging with younger kids.

 

Is Bali a good place for families to visit?

Walking anywhere in Bali isn’t easy or convenient, so you’ll have to get around by scooter or car for the majority of the time. Strollers are often not a viable option since there are very few sidewalks, and the ground is uneven. Taking kids around on a scooter is common in Bali, but unless you’re a very experienced and confident driver, you might want to avoid this for safety reasons. If you do get around by scooter, make sure everyone is wearing a helmet, and avoid putting more than two people plus a small child on one bike.

 

Be aware that car seats are not very common in Bali, and if you want to have one at and in taxis or grabs, you’ll need to rent one yourself. There are quite a few companies that offer rental services for this, and you can also ask at your accommodation for assistance.

 

Things to do in Bali with Kids

Depending on the kids’ age, of course, there are many things families can do in Bali. Here are some I recommend for kids of all ages and abilities. 

 

Try the water slides at Waterbom

Waterbom is one of Asia’s best waterparks. It’s located in Kuta, not very far from Bali’s airport. The park spans over 5 hectares and has dozens of slides, a lazy river, and plenty of other pools. 

 

Waterbom is a great place for families with kids of all ages, and it’s a fantastic compromise if you’re looking for a fun day for everyone. 

 

You can rent cabanas for a more comfortable experience or just get the basic entry tickets and grab one of the free seats available.

 

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and a favorite among families. Located right in Ubud, it’s easy to get to, and tickets only cost around US $5 per person, so you won’t have to spend a fortune if you’re visiting with a lot of people.

 

The Monkey Forest is not a zoo, and the thousands of monkeys who live here are free to come and go, making this one of the few ethical animal attractions in Bali. The site is considered sacred in the local Balinese faith, and there are several temples located within the forest, which is another reason to come visit.

 

Just make sure to keep your children close to you, and do not feed the monkeys or touch them. They can bite or scratch if provoked, so don’t get too close.

Release a Baby Sea Turtle

There are several native sea turtle species in Bali, all of which are currently endangered. To help the hatching baby turtles, many conservation NGOs gather eggs and let the turtles grow strong for a few months before releasing them into the ocean. This drastically improves the chances of survival for baby turtles and gives tourists the opportunity to meet a turtle.

 

There are plenty of organizations to choose from, but not all are reputable, so it’s important to do your research on the ethics and animal welfare of each charity. We always recommend the Turtle Hatchery Project in West Bali, which allows you to release a baby turtle for a small donation.

Visit Tegenungan Waterfall

Bali has plenty of waterfalls, and Tegenungan is one of the largest and most popular. While it can be touristy, it also has a lot of facilities like restaurants, shops, bathrooms and changing rooms, so you’ll be well-prepared as a family.

 

You can swim in the waterfall, and it’s very shallow, so suitable for children, although the water is pretty cold. There is a short hike down, but it’s manageable, and you can stop at the beautiful Omma Day Club along the way for a drink or lunch and some time in their pool, which overlooks the waterfall.

Learn how to surf

Families with older kids should definitely look into learning how to surf in Bali. It’s a fun sport suitable for kids as young as ten, and Bali’s South is the perfect place to learn. Head to the coast of Kuta, Canggu, or Uluwatu (for more advanced surfers) and get in the water. 

 

You can either join a full-on surf camp, which usually also includes accommodation, or just book single lessons, which is probably best for beginners.

 

There are quite a few reputable surf schools in Bali, or you can go to one of the surfboard rental shacks on the beach and hire a teacher for an hour or so to start.

Spend an afternoon at a child-friendly cafe

Finding activities suitable for younger children or babies can be a bit of a challenge in Bali. Luckily, more and more child-friendly cafes and restaurants are appearing across Bali, especially in Canggu and Seminyak.

 

These cafes usually have a small playground area and plenty of space with a crowd of fellow parents who won’t mind if the kids get loud. Some even have a pool, so you can swim and enjoy a relaxed day with the entire family. Machinery Cafe, Joon, or Tiny are recommended. 

Go to a trampoline park

Bounce Bali is a trampoline park located in the Berawa neighborhood in Canggu. It is a great place for the entire family to spend an afternoon. The entire park is indoors, so you can come here on a rainy day and make sure everyone still has fun. 

Upstairs, you’ll find an entire bowling alley, so you can even make an entire day of it and take the kids bowling afterward.

Guest Post Author
Victoria is a travel blogger and travel expert from Germany and her blog www.GuideYourTravel.com is focused on providing helpful and accurate information on the best places to visit in South East Asia and especially Bali in Indonesia.