Curator’s statement
Bali is a wonderful destination for families due to its unique blend of cultural experiences and active adventures, that can be tailored to any budget, offering both incredible value and ultimate luxury. The Balinese people are known for being warm and welcoming. The landscape is diverse, ranging from beautiful beaches with great waves for surfing, rice terraces, volcanoes, and awe-inspiring temples.
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Where to stay in Bali
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Things to do in Bali
Hire a private boat charter to the nearby Nusa Islands, like Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida, for a personalized surfing and exploration experience. Your experienced local boat captain can take you to hidden surf breaks like Shipwreck and Lacerations, and can also find secluded spots for swimming or snorkeling away from the crowds. This allows for you to make your own itinerary with activities planned around your family.
Take a Balinese cooking class with your kids. This offers a fun, hands-on experience in the island’s rich culinary traditions, often beginning with a tour of a local fish market to source fresh ingredients. Led by a local chef, your family will learn the secrets behind flavorful dishes before enjoying a delicious, communal meal together. It’s a fun and interactive way to bond over food while gaining insight into Balinese culture.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a wonderful family activity because it combines the fun of seeing playful animals with a deeper cultural experience. It is not a zoo, but a naturally lush, and semi-wild environment, making it a memorable adventure for the entire family. Beyond the monkeys, the sanctuary features ancient Hindu temples and beautiful forest trails.
Hiring a private driver for a day to tour Bali’s ancient temples and rice paddies provides a deeply personal and immersive family experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a dedicated guide. Your family can discover the beauty of UNESCO-listed rice terraces, learn about the Subak irrigation system, and visit sacred Hindu temples, all while enjoying the comfort of a private vehicle. It’s an unforgettable journey that combines culture, history, and stunning natural landscapes.
Taking the kids to see the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple is a stunning and memorable experience, combining dramatic cultural performance with an unforgettable ocean sunset. The visual spectacle is captivating, with rhythmic chanting and an energetic cast telling an ancient Hindu epic, making it a thrilling and immersive story that transcends language barriers. The grand finale of the fire dance, where a performer dances through flames, is a climactic and exciting moment for everyone.
Places to eat & drink in Bali
The lunch at New Bayang Cafe on the beach in Jimbaran Bay can't be beat!
Kubu at Manapa: Celebrated for its unique combination of an extraordinary setting, a romantic atmosphere, and a refined culinary approach. You are seated in a hand-made bamboo cocoon-like structure overlooking the Ayung river while dining on Mediterranean-European cuisine, with Balinese influences. It’s a truly unique and special experience.
Pasir, Ubud is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Balinese cuisine. A stylish and cozy ambiance, and consistently excellent food and cocktails. It is both authentic and inventive
Ketut’s Warung, Ubub is a truly “hidden gem”. The restaurant is intentionally off the beaten path, located about 100 meters behind a Bintang Supermarket, and accessible via a small alleyway. Finding it adds to the sense of discovery, and the quieter, intimate atmosphere is a welcome contrast to more touristy places. Go there for a genuinely authentic, affordable, and home-cooked Indonesian dining experience.
Jala, Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay—this will allow you a calm family dinner within the resort, where you can expect an array of flavorful Balinese dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Showcasing the kind of traditional home-style cooking that can be hard to find in more commercial restaurants.
New Bayang Café, Jimbaran Bay is an wonderful choice right on the beach for a family dinner. It offers a classic, authentic beachfront seafood experience in a lively but comfortable setting. It is known for its fresh seafood, beautiful sunset views, and particularly attentive service.
Need to know
Traveling to Bali is an incredible experience. Some tips and advice that could be helpful:
Before you go
Visas: Most nationalities (including US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.) need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for stays up to 30 days. You can apply for the e-VoA online in advance to save time upon arrival or purchase it at the airport. You’ll also need a valid passport (at least six months’ validity) and a return ticket.
Flights: Direct flights are rare from outside Asia/Australia. Expect layovers, often in major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Dubai. Consider a layover to break up the journey, especially with younger children.
Travel insurance: A good idea and strongly encouraged. This ensures it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any activities you plan (like surfing or trekking).
Areas to stay
Seminyak/Canggu: Trendier, good for beaches, surf, restaurants, and beach clubs. Many villas and resorts.
Sanur: Mellow, family-friendly beach area with a boardwalk.
Uluwatu: Dramatic cliffs, amazing beaches, world-class surfing (don’t be surprised if you run into professional surfers here).
Ubud: The cultural heart, known for its spiritual atmosphere, lush rice paddies, traditional crafts, and vibrant arts scene
Jimbaran Bay: A tranquil stretch of golden sand on the southwestern coast, famous for its romantic seafood dinners on the beach and spectacular sunsets.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Akin
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bali page.