We have travelled far and wide and after careful consideration, we’re ready to make it official: Bali is the perfect destination for families. The Island of the Gods offers so many fun things to do for the whole family and the tropical climate makes it that much easier to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. The Balinese people, who are renowned for their warm hospitality, absolutely love children so your kids will feel like the VIPs that they are.
Here, we’ll share our favourite family-friendly activities in Bali. We have also put together a few suggested itineraries to help get the whole family excited.
A Note on Logistics
The traffic in Bali can be pretty intense and the roads are generally quite narrow. This means travel times tend to be longer than you might expect by simply looking at a map. Also keep in mind that the tropical heat can really take it out of you. All of this to say: don’t try to cram too many activities into a single day, especially if you’re travelling with younger kids. Rather than sticking to a rigid itinerary, it’s best to slip into island time. As the locals say: santai aja – just take it easy!
Oh, and bring some snacks and lots of water when heading out. You can easily pick up these along the way, but all parents know that it’s no fun getting caught off guard when the kids get thirsty or snacky. Using reusable bottles is also an easy way to help keep Bali green.
Temples & Culture
From delicate offerings to colourful ceremonies, Balinese culture is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Introducing your family to the local culture is an experience you’ll all treasure for years to come. Here are a few of our favourite temples and cultural attractions to visit with kids.
Uluwatu Temple – One of Bali’s most iconic landmarks is guaranteed to wow kids and adults alike. Perched on a majestic clifftop, the temple offers stunning ocean views and features beautiful Balinese architecture, with plenty of cheeky monkeys for the kids to spot. For the most unforgettable experience, head to Uluwatu during sunset to catch the iconic kecak dance performance.
Tanah Lot – Tanah Lot is another Balinese icon. This stunning seaside temple is built on a rock formation surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The temple and its surroundings are beautiful, and the spot is particularly popular during sunset. If you’re bringing younger kids, make sure to keep a close eye on them at all times as the rocks surrounding the temple tend to be slippery.
Tirta Gangga – The Tirta Gangga water palace was originally built by the king of Karangasem in the 1940s. These beautiful landscaped gardens are dotted with ponds and fountains teeming with large koi fish – we guarantee the kids will be impressed! It’s a lot of fun exploring the beautiful grounds, crossing the bridges and stepping stones that are built over the ponds and maybe even feeding the fish.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – This beautiful lakeside temple is one of the most photographed spots in Bali. The temple and its surroundings are incredibly scenic and there’s a playground close by where the kids can blow off some steam after your visit to the temple.
Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre – The Indonesian archipelago is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and cultures, each with their own unique traditions. The Devdan Show showcases this amazing diversity through music, dance, acrobatics and dazzling costumes, all paying homage to Indonesian heritage. The show is about 90 minutes long and is particularly well suited for families. Details: devdanshow.com
Animals & Wildlife
Bali’s tropical climate and lush vegetation is the ideal setting for exotic animal encounters. The kids will have a blast getting up close and personal with the island’s wildlife at these top picks.
Monkey Forest – Located in central Ubud, this is one of Bali’s most unique landmarks. Exploring this lush forest with its ancient temples feels like an Indiana Jones (or Dora the Explorer) adventure. The main draw is obviously the community of 600 or so Macaques that call this forest their home. It’s an amazing opportunity to see monkeys up close in their natural environment.
Bali Bird Park – Bali Bird Park offers a fun day out with our feathered friends. The park is home to some 1,300 birds of 250 different species. Besides birds native to Indonesia, you can spot exotic birds from Australia, Africa and Latin America. There are fun activities you and the kids can participate in, or if you prefer, you can simply walk around and admire the birds and the lush scenery. Details: balibirdpark.com
Bali Butterfly Park – This small park makes for a fun outing in tranquil Tabanan. With colourful butterflies, orchids, bonsai trees, ponds and waterfalls, the park is a real feast for the eyes. Besides the winged creatures fluttering through the air, there’s also an exhibition where you can marvel at pinned down butterflies. Details: @balibutterflypark
Bali Zoo – At Bali Zoo, your kids can have breakfast with orangutans, feed the elephants – or simply tour the park and spot their favourite animals. Bali Zoo is home to over 600 animals of over 65 species, so there is plenty to see and do for the whole family. Details: bali-zoo.com
Bali Safari & Marine Park – This fabulous safari themed wildlife park is home to over 120 different species, including rare species native to Indonesia. These include orangutans, Bali starlings and Komodo dragons. The real draw is the Night Safari which allows you to tour the park after nightfall – a truly magical experience! Details: balisafarimarinepark.com
Nature
Bali is blessed with lush and beautiful nature. We highly recommend heading inland to experience Bali’s natural beauty beyond its famous beaches.
Tegallalang – Bali is famed for its beautiful paddy fields and Tegallalang is arguably the most famous of them all. Easily accessible from Ubud, these terraced rice paddies are just as pretty as the photos suggest. However, it can get quite busy so prepare for a fun day exploring the paddies and snapping some amazing photos… but don’t expect to have the place all to yourself!
Jatiluwih – The Jatiluwih rice fields are just as beautiful as those in Tegallalang but due to their more remote locale in northwest Bali, they draw far fewer crowds. This UNESCO endorsed site offers plenty of room to roam and a refreshing break from the hectic streets of south Bali. It’s also A-list approved: the Obamas famously visited Jatiluwih during their 2017 trip to Bali.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – If you’re looking for an easy hike with the kids, Campuhan Ridge Walk is perfect. Located just outside central Ubud, this is an easy, beginner level walk – but it can be bumpy so definitely don’t bring a stroller! The trail looks over rice fields and tropical trees. As it tends to get very hot during the day, it’s best to time your visit for the early morning or later in the afternoon.
Tegenungan Waterfall – Bali might be famed for its beaches, but the island’s lush waterfalls are just as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. Tegenungan is perhaps the most famous waterfall on the island. You can take a splash in the water and of course, take endless photos of this natural oasis. Due to its popularity, quite a few attractions have popped up around Tegenungan, including the Bali Glass Bridge which takes you over the Tukad Petanu River which feeds the waterfall.
Water Parks & Playgrounds
Nothing like a good old splash to freshen everyone up in the tropical weather! Bali has a few great water parks that the kids will love. If you prefer to keep on dry land, the island also has some fun playgrounds where the kids can run wild.
Waterbom Bali – You just can’t beat the classics! Waterbom is the biggest and arguably the best water park in Bali. This huge tropically themed park offers fun pools and slides for all ages, ranging from mellow rides to adrenaline inducing slides for the daredevils. The onsite restaurants are great too. Details: waterbomb-bali.com
Splash Water Park – Splash is another popular water park located a bit up the coast in Canggu. There are a few fun slides and pools for the kids to splash and play and an onsite restaurant to keep everyone fuelled up for the day. Details: splashbali.com
Park Life – Park Life makes for a great pitstop if you’re travelling with younger kids. Located in trendy Canggu, this kids club has great indoor and outdoor play areas and fun activities for kids aged 3 and up. If the parents need a little alone time, they have a drop off option too. Details: parklifebali.com
Finns Recreation Club – This Canggu complex is a real one-stop destination for families. Besides Splash Water Park, Finns is home to a bowling alley, trampoline centre, kids club, multiple restaurants and more. Drop in for an hour or two or stay the whole day – there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied! Details: finnsrecclub.com
Titi Batu Ubud Club – This Ubud hangout is very popular with families. Besides their large swimming pools, Titi Batu also has an outdoor playground, an air-conditioned playroom, a skate park, basketball court and ping-pong table. Their onsite restaurant also has an extensive kids’ menu. Details: titibatu.com
Bali with Kids – Suggested Itineraries
Ubud & Surroundings
With its lush nature and rich spirituality, Ubud is one of Bali’s undeniable highlights. Begin your tour by making a splash at Tegenungan Waterfall before heading for an adventure at Monkey Forest. Next, peruse the stalls and pick up souvenirs at Ubud Market. If you still have energy left, swing by Tegallalang before capping off the day at Titi Batu Ubud Club. Remember to bring your swimmers! Another great place to dine is Bali Funtastic which has great Indonesian food, beautiful rice paddy views and a fun playground for the kids.
Bukit
The Bukit peninsula is home to Bali’s most beautiful beaches and majestic clifftops. Start the day at one of the area’s best beach clubs. Sundays Beach Club, Palmilla and Roosterfish are all located in the island’s southern tip and offer poolside fun for the whole family. If you want more action, you can also check out Bali Wake Park. When it gets closer to sunset, head to Uluwatu Temple to catch the famous kecak fire dance or catch the Devdan Show in Nusa Dua. Whichever spectacle you choose, you’re bound to be famished afterwards so head for a seafood dinner at Jimbaran beach.
Tabanan
Explore Bali off the beaten path by heading up the coast to tranquil Tabanan. Start your tour by heading up to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Next, head to Jatiluwih to enjoy a ramble through the UNESCO-protected paddy fields followed by lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants – CataVaca Jatiluwih and Jatiluwih Resto are both incredibly scenic and the food is great too. Driving back down, stop at Bali Butterfly Park before catching a stunning sunset at Tanah Lot.
East Bali
East Bali is a beautiful, serene part of Bali. A trip to either Bali Zoo or Bali Safari can easily take a full day. If you have the stamina, we recommend visiting the beautiful Tirta Gangga water palace as well, before finishing the day at one of the island’s more under the radar beach clubs. Komune and Flamingo are both great and the latter also has a playground for the kids.
Need help planning your trip to Bali? Contact us, we’re happy to help!
