If you’ve been debating whether Bali with kids is a good idea or not for some time now, take it from us this tropical paradise isn’t just for honeymooners or thrill-seeking surfers. Bali has something for everyone, including families with kids of all ages, from babies to teens.
We recently took a family trip to Bali with our little one, and it turned out to be a magical adventure. It was complete with sandy beaches, lush jungles, cultural experiences, and, of course, a few hiccups (the good kind!) that made it all the more memorable. Here’s our laid-back guide on how to experience Bali with kids.
The first thing we were nervous about was all the baby gear. How do we bring it all on a plane? And if we didn’t, would it even be available in Bali? But here’s the best news you don’t need to haul a cot, high chair, or even your baby’s floaties across the world. Bali has it all covered! We used G’Day Mate Bali Tours & Baby Hire, a lifesaver of a service that rents out pretty much anything a traveling family might need.
They’ve got cribs, high chairs, strollers, swimming floaties, toys and anything you may need for Bali family travel you just name it. They even provide basics like bottles of water, which they’ll bring straight to your hotel. Trust us, all this delivered and set up before we arrived was a game-changer.
Let’s take a look at where to stay in Bali with kids!
- Sanur – Very Family-Friendly
Sanur is a laid-back town on the southeast coast of Bali. This is the perfect spot to start your adventure because it’s quieter and slower-paced than some of the more popular spots. The calm beaches are ideal for younger kids who just want to play in the sand and splash around.
The Sanur Beach Walkway is a long path that stretches along the coast. That makes it easy to stroll with a stroller or let the kids run around without worrying about cars. With a variety of beach cafes and local food stalls, you will never ran out of snacks or fresh juices for your kids.
- Ubud – Nature And Culture For All Ages
From Sanur, you can ventured to Ubud – Bali’s cultural heart nestled in the jungle. Ubud is great if you want your Bali with kids journey to be a cultural experience. You’ve got Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is a massive hit. Just a heads up these monkeys are friendly but curious. Keep an eye on any snacks or shiny things!
Another exciting thing to do in Bali with kids is walking the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. It is fun for older kids, but we carried our Kaimani there too. If you have a baby carrier, definitely bring it here! And for some family-friendly art, you can stop by the ARMA Museum. Here the kids can enjoy colorful paintings, traditional gamelan music, and even some dance performances.
- Nusa Dua – Luxurious Relaxation
For a bit of luxury and downtime, you can spend a few days of Bali with kids adventure in Nusa Dua. This is where Bali’s high-end resorts are located. Enjoy pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that feel like a slice of paradise. Most of the resorts here have amazing kids’ clubs with all sorts of activities, from arts and crafts to water play. Your kids will have a blast while you get a little chance to relax (let’s say no doubt it will be much-needed).
One fun family activity in Nusa Dua is a visit to Pirates Bay Bali. This is a pirate-themed beachside restaurant complete with treehouses, a replica pirate ship, and scavenger hunts. It is such a hit with for your little adventurers!
- Waterbom Bali in Kuta
You can‘t skip Waterbom Bali. This is a fantastic waterpark located in Kuta. With slides for all ages, a lazy river, and splash zones, it’s the ideal thing to do in Bali with kids. For the tots, there’s the Funtastic area with little slides, splash pools, and shallow areas to play safely. Even your youngest will have a blast floating in the kiddie areas. Waterbom Bali it is the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.
- Bali Safari And Marine Park
Another great day trip is the Bali Safari and Marine Park, located in Gianyar. Here, you can go on a safari through enclosures with zebras, lions, and elephants. This can give the kids a taste of a real safari adventure. They will love the animal encounters, and getting up close to elephants will be unforgettable.
- Beaches With Calm Waters
If your looking for a more slower pace, Bali’s calm beaches are our go-to. We loved Jimbaran Beach for its gentle waves, perfect for paddling with young kids, and Padang Padang Beach near Uluwatu. This one was a hidden gem nestled between cliffs with a natural lagoon that’s great for snorkelling with older kids.
It’s all about knowing how to overcome any curveball. Here are a few tips that will surely come in handy when traveling to Bali with kids:
- Stay Hydrated – Bali’s heat can sneak up on you. Make sure you and the kids are drinking plenty of water.
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen is a must for everyone, and hats and sunglasses make the intense sun much more bearable.
- Pack Light On Gear – Thanks to services like GDay mate Bali tours and baby hire there’s no need to bring heavy baby gear. Renting a stroller, cot, or even floaties.
- Take Break – Bali’s sensory-rich environment can be overwhelming – especially for little ones. We made sure to have plenty of downtime. Recharge before your next adventure.
- Be Flexible – With kids, things rarely go exactly as planned. A laid-back approach allowed us to go with the flow. No need to have the pressure of a strict itinerary.
Our Bali family travel turned out to be one of the best vacations we’ve had as a family. Full of adventure, we bonded and learned a lot.
Traveling with a baby, especially to experience a new culture, taught us to slow down and appreciate each moment. Thankfully, Bali with kids was a fantastic experience, even better than the one we initially hoped for!
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