The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It’s more than a place; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind.
WELCOME TO BALI
One Bali, Many Destinations On Bali you can lose yourself in the chaos of Kuta or the sybaritic pleasures of Seminyak, surf wild beaches in the south or just hang out on Nusa Lembongan. You can go family-friendly in Sanur or savour a lavish getaway on the Bukit Peninsula. Ubud is the heart of Bali, a place where the culture of the island is most accessible, and it shares the island’s most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments with east and west Bali. North and west Bali are thinly populated but have the kind of diving and surfing that make any journey worthwhile.
Bali’s Essence Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, and resorts great and small, but it’s the essence of Bali – the Balinese, that makes it so much more than just a fun-in-the-sun retreat. It is possible to take the cliché of the smiling Balinese too far, but in reality, the inhabitants of this small island are indeed a generous, genuinely warm people.
WELCOME TO BALI
Bali’s Fun At the end of the day, Bali’s rich culture, many amazing sights and truly lovely people are what takes Bali’s sheer delight to another level. Because Bali is fun, no matter what you want or who you are. Seminyak has shops, Kerobokan has luxe beachside resorts and superb eating, Kuta have the nightlife and Canggu wraps it all into one irresistible package. Plunge deep into Bali’s spirit while renewing your own in Ubud or catching the perfect wave in Bingin. You name it, it’s here.
When to go & Weather Bali has two seasons – a wet and a dry. The dry season runs April – September and is the best time to visit weather wise. The wet season is October – March. In the wet season, there is generally just a huge downpour every day. There are far more bugs around in the wet season. The busiest times in Bali are during school holidays, especially December - January and the July August holiday period in the Northern hemisphere. This means the absolute best time to visit is around April – June and September. However even at busy times, there is plenty of room for everyone and there is plenty to do in Bali for families at any time of year.
WHEN TO GO
Low Season (Jan–Apr, Oct & Nov) Deals everywhere, good airfares. Rainy season – though rainfall is never excessive. Can do most activities except volcano treks.
Shoulder (May, Jun & Sep) Coincides with the best weather. You may find a good room deal, and last-minute bookings are possible. Best time for many activities including diving.
High Season (Jul, Aug & Dec) Accommodation rates increase by 50% or more. Many hotels are booked far ahead; the best and popular restaurants need to be booked in advance. Christmas and New Year are equally crowded and expensive.
Bali with kids Travelling with children in Bali is an enriching experience. Locals consider kids part of the community, they are very welcoming of kids and everyone has a responsibility towards them. There is a crazy amount of Bali family accommodation which can make stays very easy. Children of all ages will enjoy both the attention and the many diversions that will make their holiday as special as that of the adults. The other big plus is that Bali is incredibly good value. For a few dollars you can easily find something to eat.
Huge supermarkets in Bali stock almost everything you’d find at similar shops at home, including many Western foods. Nappies, Baby food, packaged UHT milk, infant formula milk and other supplies are easily purchased.
Babies & Toddlers • A baby carrier: Bali’s barely walkable streets and paths are not suited to prams and pushchairs. • Portable changing pads, hand-wash gel (baby changing facilities are a rarity). • Kids’ car seats: cars, whether rented or chartered with a driver, are unlikely to come with these.
Six to 12 Years • Binoculars for young explorers to zoom in on wildlife, rice terraces, temples, dancers and so on. • A camera or phone that shoots video to inject newfound fun into ‘boring’ grown-up sights and walks.
WHAT TO PACK
What to pack?
Emergencies The new main emergency number is 112. Make sure you use the country and area code depending on what SIM card or phone you are using. Most times it will be faster to get a cab and drive to the nearest hospital or medical centre than calling an ambulance. Balinese are always ready to help so if you are in an emergency don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!
Medical Indonesian Red Cross (0)361 465 Siloam Hospital KUTA (24h) (0)361 779 911 Kasih Ibu Hospital DENPASAR (0)361 227911 BIMC Hospital NUSA DUA (0)361 3000911 Prima Medika Medical, UBUD (0)361 972374 International Tourist Medical Services (0)361 751 981
Assistance Tourist Assistance Centre (0)361 224111 Taxi (Blue Bird) (0)361 70 1111 Rescue Coordination Office (0)361 115 Marine Rescue, Coast Guard (0)361 3000 911 Beach Guard Baliwisata (0)361 755660 TOURIST Police KUTA (0)361 7845988 TOURIST Police AIPORT (0)361 9351023
EMERGENCIES
Graha Asi Hospital (Near Airport) (0)361 764 860
What to eat? Eating out as a family is one of the joys of visiting Bali. Kids are treated like deities by doting staff who will clamour to grab yours (especially young babies) while parents enjoy some quiet time together. Bali, especially, is so relaxed that kids can just be kids. There are plenty of top-end eateries in Seminyak and elsewhere where kids romp nearby while their parents enjoy a fine meal. If your children don’t like spicy food, show caution in offering them the local cuisine. For older babies, bananas, eggs, fruit and bubur (porridge) are all generally available. Many warungs (food stalls) will serve food without sauces upon request, such as white rice, fried tempeh / tofu, chicken, vegetables and egg. Otherwise, kid-pleasers like burgers, pizza and pasta are widespread, as are fast-food chains in south Bali.
7 Family Friendly Restaurant in Bali We combed Bali to find the top best places to eat in Bali with kids that have a unique and relaxed atmosphere, family friendly spaces, play areas, kid friendly menus and welcoming service. It’s not all kids themes, there are perfect places to eat in Bali with kids or without where you can enjoy cool vibes. Here are 7 of the very best family friendly restaurants in Bali with kids.
The Cashew Tree, Pecatu Bali Buda, Ubud Biku, Petitenget Sundays Beach Club Sea Circus, Seminyak Sisterfields, Seminyak
WHAT TO EAT
The Lawn, Canggu
1. The Lawn - Relaxing picnic by the beach Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu 80361
The Lawn is a restaurant located right smack on the shores of Batu Bolong. If you’re here, all you need to do is enjoy the breeze, the sound of the waves and of course, the ever gorgeous sunsets. Your children will spend a delightful day frolicking in the grassy areas – as you enjoy a variety of snacks, while lounging on soft beanbag chairs, hammocks, and cushy cushions. When children start getting tired from all that running and playing, invite them to come back to your large mat to fall back on cushions – to enjoy some delicious treats. snacks. And if they’re too hungry for light nibbles, feel free to order hearty meals off the varied menu. A day at The Lawn basically means : A day of utter relaxation for the family by the beach with gorgeous sunset views too!
International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
10am to 10pm
0361-473 1701
From $1.80
WHAT TO EAT
These include juices, popcorn, and a wide selection of
2. The Cashew Tree : Yoga & Healthy food Jl. Pantai Bingin No.9, Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia
Hidden away at the southern tip of Bali near Bingin Beach awaits a little family paradise, The Cashew Tree. This cafe serves mouthwatering colourful food to thrill any food lover. Even the cakes are a dream come true for parents as they are not only delicious, but also playground, you can practise yoga. The kids might even want to join in!
Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
8am to 10pm
0859-5378-9675
Approx. $2.25 for food
WHAT TO EAT
healthy! While the kids slide and swing happily at the
3. Bali Buda Ubud : Treehouse family haven Jl. Jembawan 1 No.1, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
Bali Buda is the place to go for healthy, organic food and drinks. Treat yourself and your kids to a raw chocolate treat with healthy goji berries and nuts to go with your cappuccino or a healthy homemade lemonade for the kids. How about a raw chocolate heart to share with your loved ones? You can come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their menu is extensive, portions are generous and everything is delicious! Their Ubud branch comes books, crayons and wooden toys, making it a perfect family cafe where you can spend more than just a bit of time. Both kids and parents will love the treehouse mezzanine where you can lounge on comfy colorful beanbags, enjoying fresh air and yummy treats.
European, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
7am to 10pm
0361-976324
Approx. $ 2.05 for food
WHAT TO EAT
with an enclosed playground for the kids, complete with
4. High Tea Party : Biku Jl. Petitenget No.888, Seminyak Kerobokan, Kuta
High tea is no longer only for the adults at Biku, where your children can try out the real thing for themselves. The kids’ high tea set is presented on a classy threetiered plate, just like the adult version. The only difference – they get cute miniature versions of the snacks, with delicious cakes and scones stacked up high. request for games and colouring books to keep the little ones occupied, while you scour Biku’s well-stocked bookshop for a good read to bring home.
British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten and Vegan Free Options
8am to 11pm
0851-0057-0888
$11 – $21
WHAT TO EAT
And when they’re tired of stuffing themselves, you can
5. Sundays Beach Club : For the sporty teens Jl. Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan
If your children are much too old to be entertained by playpens and dartboards, why not take them to Sundays Beach Club? While you relax and bask in the sun’s warm glow, the kids can run havoc for once – watch them as they zoom down the cliff on the inclinator ride, or cheer them on as they try out snorkelling, kayaking you can even try out the activities together with them, play some beach volleyball on the beach, and try out amazing dishes like the pizza, meatball spaghetti and fish & chips.
Bar, International, European, Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options
8am to 10pm
0361-8482111
US$9 – $27
WHAT TO EAT
and paddleboarding for the first time. If you’re game,
6. Sea Circus : Good at Everything Jl. Kayu Aya no 2, Seminyak
Good at everything. They serve proper coffee not the local Bali drop, epic breakfast meals and even cater for those of you with a hang-over, kicking cocktails if you would rather keep going and finally yummy tapas with a cool style and relaxed music. Come in at lunchtime and you’ll see this place packed. Our tip is to visit not during to 10.30pm. The breakfast menu runs from 8am until 12.30pm. The lunch menu runs from 11am-4pm and the dinner menu runs 7 days a week from 4pm to 10:30pm.
Mexican, Australian, Asian, Cafe, Vegan Free Options
7am to 10pm
0361-738667
Approx. $15 for 2 people
WHAT TO EAT
the peak times to guarantee a seat. Open from 8am
7. Boutique Cafe : Sisterfields Jl. Kayu Cendana 7, Seminyak
Sisterfields, located in the foodie area of Seminyak, is the kind of place that transports you right to the iconic cafe culture of Australia. This boutique cafe with their bright and bold sunlit interiors is picturesque and at the top of my must try list when visiting Bali. With coffee that could power a rocket, classic breakfast with a tasty twist and lunch options with something for everyone, it’s not hard to believe that this chilled out eatery is always their food very seriously and ensures that all dishes are constructed with homemade ingredients, cooked from scratch everyday. If your looking for the perfect place to fuel up before hitting the beach or the pool, then look no further!
Contemporary, Cafe, European, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly
7am to 10pm
0361-738454
Approx. $15 for 2 people
WHAT TO EAT
busy. Sisterfields, although a playful looking cafe, takes
Where to Stay? The following are our pick for the best family hotels in Bali from our personal experiences, online reviews and from people we know. I have split them up into the different areas in Bali to help you break down where to stay in Bali that will best suit your needs. Bali is a big place and traffic can make movement slow so it’s a good idea to pick a base where you will want to spend the majority of your time. Below are all the major areas as WHERE TO STAY
well as the best place to stay in Bali for each.
Legian / Kuta Kuta is infamous in Australia as the party capital of Bali and that is what you will find here. This is where most of the action takes part in Bali. It is also where much of the budget accommodation choices live as well as some of the biggest hotels. If you want something a little bit quieter but still close to the action, neighbouring Legian can be a good choice.
Hard Rock Hotel Jalan Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, 80361 Kuta
The Hard Rock Hotel is located in the centre of everything Kuta has to offer with the beach just across the road. It is easy to access shops, restaurants, bars everything. This is a great pick of the Bali family hotels. It has everything you need in Bali with children including multiple pools, a water playground and water slides, a kids club. There are also a range of room types.
Facilities
Airport Shuttle
Laundry
Secured Parking
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Family Rooms
House Keeping
Bar
Coffee Shop
WHERE TO STAY
Free WiFi
Seminyak Seminyak is an increasingly popular beach area to stay just up the road from Legian. It is known for being a bit fancier (and pricier) and is a great option if you are looking for the best family villas in Bali – many of these are here. It’s a nice area. We found everything a fair bit nicer than in Legian with less hassle. Food is generally more expensive but we found it better quality and better value too.
W Retreat and Spa Bali Jl. Petitenget, 80361 Seminyak
W Bali - Seminyak is centrally located in Seminyak amongst hip restaurants and bars. Kuta is a 20-minute drive away while Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 30-minute ride away. Spacious rooms offer a balcony with garden or sea views. Villas feature a private entrance and private pool. Guests can enjoy a workout session in the fitness centre or request for a yoga session. Fire Restaurant serves a great selection of BBQ, while Starfish Bloo Restaurant offers a selection of PanAsian dishes. Drinks over sunset and late night party can be enjoyed at Woo Bar.
Facilities
Airport Shuttle
Laundry
Secured Parking
Outdoor Pool
Restaurant
Kids Meal
Beauty Salon
Bar
Spa
WHERE TO STAY
Free WiFi
Nusa Dua This area is to the south of the airport and a good choice for people who want a nice beach and want to be away from the craziness of Kuta and the surrounding areas. There are two separate parts – the gated resort area and Tanjung Benoa. If you want to be away from it all pick the former. If you like to still have local shops and restaurants around you, pick the latter.
The Ritz Carlton Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III, Sawangan
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is at the top of the list of the best family accommodation in Bali. This 5 star option is luxurious and has some great options for families. There are stunning villas and suites available for up to 6 adults and some include private pools. Guestrooms can be child proofed on request. There is an extensive “Ritz Kids” activity program which includes involvement in their sea turtle preservation program, a night safari (which involves a tent being set up in your room for the kids) and a mermain program! There is an extra cost for many of these activities. There’s also a variety of facilities like a pool, a day spa and 6 dining outlets.
Facilities
Airport Shuttle
Laundry
Secured Parking
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Family Rooms
Beauty Salon
Bar
Massage
WHERE TO STAY
Free WiFi
Ubud Ubud is located inland and known for being the cultural heart of Bali. It’s a beautiful town with fabulous food, attractions and is surrounded by rice terraces. It’s a great place to chill and just hang out as a family with a completely different vibe to the beach towns. It is our favourite place for a family holiday in Bali.
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah Jl. Goa Gajah, Tengkulak Kaja, 80571 Ubud
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah is one of the best resorts in Bali. There are only 20 villas spread out over beautiful gardens. All villas feature outdoor terraces and rates include such extras as breakfasts, afternoon tea, some laundry, minibar and sunset cocktails. Some villas also feature private pools – perfect for people looking for the best family villas in Bali. Additionally, the resort features a 28 metre pool. There are private butlers as well as a top restaurant.
Facilities
Airport Shuttle
Laundry
Car Rental
Pool with views
Restaurant
Family Rooms
Body Scrub
Bar
Massage
WHERE TO STAY
Free WiFi
HIGHLIGHT OF BALI
that will bring out everyone’s inner child Do you remember how easy it was travelling alone or before you had kids? No plans, just a rucksack and a longing for adventure! Now look at you, all responsible and grown up with little ones in tow – how did that happen? We love that people travel with their kids and we searched high and low for some awesome fun family activities that will keep your sense of adventure alive. No need to stay by the pool, get out and enjoy the best that Bali has to offer. Your children are the tickets to some of the best spots in Bali – the ones that the solo travelers have no idea about. Cancel the babysitter – this one is for the whole family!
HIGHLIGHT
Best Beaches
1. Kuta Tourism in Bali began here and is there any question why? Low-key hawkers will sell you soft drinks and beer, snacks and other treats, and you can rent surfboards, lounge chairs and umbrellas or just crash on the sand. The sunsets are legendary.
2. Sanur Sanur Beach curves in a southwesterly direction and stretches for more than 5km. It is mostly clean and overall quite serene. Offshore reefs mean that the surf is reduced to tiny waves lapping the shore. With a couple of unfortunate exceptions, the resorts along the sand are low-key, leaving the beach uncrowded.
3. Batu Bolong The beach at Batu Bolong is the most popular in the Canggu area. There’s almost always a good mix of locals, expats and visitors hanging out in the cafes, surfing the breaks or watching it all from the sand. There are rental loungers, umbrellas and drink vendors. You can also rent surfboards and take lessons. Overlooking it all is the centuries-old Pura Batumejan complex. HIGHLIGHT
Batu Bolong Beach
Great Lovely area yet simple with the most typical of balinese culture well worth a visit and
Kuta Beach
Incredible! When the sun sets it’s indescribable, remember to
get an idea of the true Bali.
take your camera.
Kevin M (Creswick, Australia)
Dave (Melbourne,
via Trip Advisor
Australia) via Trip Advisor
Sanur Beach Clean! Great fun at sanur beach. Stunning sunset moments. Clean beach area with lots to see as you walk along. The views were lovely and along the way there was cheap enough but still lovely food and drinks. Jonto (Blackpool, United Kingdom) via Trip Advisor
Best Water Fun
1. Waterbom Bali This watery amusement park covers 3.5 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens. It has assorted water slides (22 in total including the ‘Climax’), swimming pools, a FlowRider surf machine and a ‘lazy river’ ride. Other indulgences include a food court, a bar and a spa. Jl. Kartika, Tuban, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
9am to 6pm
Child 370,000
0361-755676
Adult 520,000
2. Pulau Menjangan A dozen miles off the coast of Pemuteran, only accessible by sea on guided tours, Pulau Menjangan (“Deer Island”) contains well-preserved sea beds in a paradisical setting. On the reef drop-off you will find angelfish, clownfish and thick shoals of chromis moving above an exceptional coral cover. Pulau Menjangan is a snorkeling spot not to be missed in Bali, and probably one of the most beautiful spots in Indonesia.
HIGHLIGHT
Waterbom Bali
A great day was had by all I was part of a group of 26 that went to Waterbom looking for a great day out. We found this in spades. The rides range from gentle to hair-raising. It is possible to do as much adrenalin inducing activities or as little as you wish in relative comfort due to the relaxing rental gazebo’s. A visit is recommended. Simon O (Smithfield, Australia) via Trip Advisor
Pulau Menjangan
Amazing! I have never seen so many beautifully coloured fish in my life. It was like swimming in a tropical aquarium. The water was crystal clear with very little current to make snorkeling very easy. Leighton P (Brisbane, Australia) via Trip Advisor
Best for animal
1. Bali Bird Park More than 1000 birds from 250 species flit about here, including rare cendrawasih (birds of paradise) from West Papua and the all-but-vanished Bali starlings. Many are housed in special walk-through aviaries; in one of the aviaries you follow a walk at tree-level, or what some with feathers might say is bird-level.
2. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary This cool and dense swath of jungle, officially called Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, houses three holy temples. The sanctuary is inhabited by a band of over 600 grey-haired and greedy long-tailed Balinese macaques who are nothing like the innocent-looking doe-eyed monkeys on the brochures. Nestled in the forest is the interesting Pura Dalem Agung.
Notes : Note that the monkeys keep a keen eye on passing tourists in hope of handouts. Irritating recorded warnings list of all the ways monkeys can cause trouble: avoid eye contact and showing your teeth, including smiling, which is deemed a sign of aggression. Also, don’t try to take bananas from the moneys or feed them. Despite this, you will be harangued to buy HIGHLIGHT
bananas to feed the monkeys;
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Interesting and fun Must visit. Fun experience in a natural sanctuary where monkeys walk all around you and jumping here and there. Just keep your personal belongings hidden cause monkeys may get their hands to your glasses, wallets or scarfs. Jovana J (Skopje, Republic of Macedonia) via Trip Advisor
Bali Bird Park
Enjoyed the Bird Park Very nicely set out - a lot of the birds are free to wander around the park the shows are very informative the highlight for us was the chance to hold the beautiful macaws - a lot of walking but a lovely stroll in beautiful gardens to see all the native birds. Debayne (Sydney, Australia) via Trip Advisor
Best cool old things
1. Pura Luhur Ulu Watu Ulu Watu is one of several important temples to the spirits of the sea along the south coast of Bali. In the 11th century the Javanese priest Empu Kuturan first established a temple here. This important temple is perched precipitously on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the ceaseless surf. You enter through an unusual arched gateway flanked by statues of Ganesha. Inside, the walls of coral bricks are covered with intricate carvings of Bali’s mythological menagerie.
2. Tirta Empul Discovered in AD 962 and believed to have magical powers, the holy springs here bubble up into a large, crystal-clear pool within the temple and gush out through waterspouts into a bathing pool. A wellsignposted fork in the road north of Tampaksiring leads to these very popular springs. The waters here are the main source of Sungai Pakerisan (Pakerisan River), the river that rushes by Gunung Kawi only 1km or so away. Next to the springs, Pura Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most important temples. You can also use the clean, HIGHLIGHT
segregated and free public baths here.
Pura Luhur Ulu Watu Worth the view Uluwatu temple is located in the southern tip of Bali , just few km from the city but sadly terrific was just terrible and took 2 hours to get there. That temple is one of the famous temples in Bali with its aggressive monkeys at the area but there are a lot staff to protect visitor from any monkey attack. Natnats (Sweden, Maine) via Trip Advisor
Best Activities
1. Cooking Class In Canggu, The Canggu Club hosts an exclusive “Kids Kitchen”. If your child is craving for some new and exciting activities, this is the place to get them along. They offer creative cooking classes for children aged 4-12 years. The cooking classes are aimed at encouraging discovery and creativity while learning lifelong culinary skills. Whether it’s decorating cupcakes to designing their very own pizza, or indulging in some exotic cuisine, your kids will love every minute of this fun, interactive class. At the end of the class, every child will receive a Chef’s Certificate & Recipe.
Notes : The class is conducted every Saturday from 10 to 11 in the morning. Fee per child is IDR 120,000.
2. Yoga Class The Shala Bali is a spa, yoga and retreat center located in Ubud. The facility is best for families with children ages 12 years and above. With the beautiful Balinese countryside as a backdrop. After all, the center is a place of peace and wellness. The staff offers world-class service while the facility is set up as a tranquil refuge for HIGHLIGHT
the stressed and weary.
3. Balinese Dance Class a Balinese dance workshop is also available at Ganesha Cultural Centre of the Four Seasons Jimbaran every Monday and Wednesday from 3PM to 4PM. Your little ones can get traditional dance lessons almost as soon as they can walk. At first, they can observe the impressive skills of the children from the nearby Jimbaran village, and if they fancy trying it, they can join in. This class is free of charge for staying guests, and a small fee will apply for the public. At Ganesha Cultural Centre, your kids will get the opportunity to personally meet and learn from Bali’s talented artists, who are hand-picked and invited to share their knowledge and skills. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
www.fourseasons.com
0361-755676