Dear Steemit Friends
Looking for a destination for your next family trip? Bali is an excellent choice. We loved our family holiday in Bali – so much so that we just returned for the fourth time. From beautiful beaches to the lush rice terraces around Ubud to the culture to the purpose built attractions in Bali for kids, there is plenty here to entertain the whole family.
Bali family holidays are so easy. There is a crazy amount of Bali family accommodation which can make stays very easy. The Balinese are very welcoming of kids, and there is plenty of western style food for fussier palates. There is also plenty of Bali information for kids – such as this guide – to help make your visit a success.
The other big plus is that Bali is incredibly good value. For a few dollars you can easily find something to eat, have a beer or a foot massage. The Bali family resorts are also great value. If you need any more reasons why you should take a Bali holiday with kids, check out my article which will give you 4 more reasons.
Below, you will find our complete guide to Bali family holidays from our Bali holiday blog including everything you need to know to make your Bali family vacation a success!
When to go
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. The first time we visited in the wet season, we generally saw this at night time. The second time, most afternoons and many evenings were wet, so the amount of rain and how much it can affect your plans is variable. There are far more bugs around in the wet season and this can be annoying.
The busiest times in Bali are during the Australian school holidays, especially December and 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.
Getting to Bali
Bali is a popular destination and as such there are plenty of flights into Bali, particularly from Australia and the rest of South East Asia. People coming from further afield may need to connect somewhere else in Asia, such as in Singapore or Malaysia.
If you are on a budget, there are some great budget airline choices from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore or the rest of Indonesia. Check out Air Asia or Jetstar to get started.
On departure you will need to pay a departure tax which is currently 200,000 rupiah (about AUD$20) for all passengers on all international flights. This means kids as well. There are ATMs at the airport if you are running low on rupiah.
Visas
At the moment, most nationalities no longer need a visa to visit Indonesia – and this now includes Australians! Yay!
Bali family accommodation – Finding the best family accommodation
Family accommodation in Bali is plentiful. You will have no problems finding something perfect for your needs. There are three main options you will probably look at – Bali family resorts, family hotels in Bali and family villas.
Hotels tend to be the cheaper option with rooms and not much else (although resorts do sometimes call themselves hotels). Family resorts in Bali tend to have multiple pools and restaurants, kids club, gym and many other facilities and may include activities and the option of an all inclusive stay (which means that meals, drinks and other items may be included).
Family villas in Bali can be an excellent option for bali holidays with kids. This generally means an entire house with a private yard which often includes a private pool. Some even come with staff.
These are an excellent option but keep in mind that the pools are rarely fenced and many of the villas are open air meaning there may be no wall between your living area and your pool. This may not be a concern with older kids but can cause headaches for those of us with younger kids. Thankfully, you can hire a pool fence – check out services such as this. Or you can just do what we did and hire a villa that is fully enclosed so that the kids can’t accidentally end up in the pool.
For bookings, we recommend using Booking.com. It has great prices and gives the option to pay later or free cancellation at many hotels.
Where to stay in Bali
The following are our pick for the best family hotels in Bali along with resorts and villas 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 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
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 kids’ water playground, water slides, a kids club and kids activities. There are also a range of room types.
The Jayakarta Bali Residence and Spa
This resort in Legian is a top choice if you want something budget friendly in a prime location by the beach. It has all the facilities of top Bali accommodation for families with multiple pools, restaurants, bars, a playground, kids playroom and many other facilities.
The location is fabulous as the beach is right in front and there are many restaurants, massage places, shops etc nearby. The location and facilities have been so good that we have chosen to stay here twice.
There are hotel rooms and apartments on offer making this a good family accommodation in Bali choice especially at these cheap prices. However, the rooms are old and in need of refurbishment. They are fine, but do not expect the snazzy rooms you will find in the other options mentioned here.
Bali Dynasty Resort
The Bali Dynasty Resort is one of the top Bali family hotels. This is because it has just amazing facilities for kids.
On top of multiple pools, there is a 56 metre water slide. Even more exciting for little ones is the water playground and water fun zone. There is also a kids club with an outdoor playground. There are lots of room types including ones made especially for families.
The Flora Kuta
The Flora Kuta is a best place to stay in Bali with kids for people looking for a budget option. The Flora is in a handy location in Kuta and only a 15 minute walk to the beach and not far from Waterbom. It has everything you need for your Bali holiday.
The hotel is home to a pool, kids’ pool, pool bar, restaurant and a cafe. Everything is on the simple side and is aged, but it is a great value option as it’s usually very cheap.
The rooms are simple but nice and connecting rooms are available for families as well as triple room options.
W Retreat and Spa Bali
This fabulous beach front Bali family accommodation offers a range of options from massive suites to pool villas.
For a family, it is hard to look past the beautiful one or two bedroom pool villas. With one of these, you will have your own oasis in Seminyak with a private pool.
The resort also has other amazing pools, including a kids pool, very cool restaurants and bars and organised kids activities.
The Samaya Seminyak Villas
This is another great choice for families looking for private pool villas by the beach.
The beautiful one bedroom pool villas are perfect for a small family. The villas are spacious and include extras such as jacuzzi bath tubs.
Additionally the resort has other pools, restaurants and bars. The rates include breakfast and an afternoon tea that you can eat from the comfort of your villa.
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.
Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali
We had a fabulous time at this beach front resort located in Tanjung Benoa, the more local part of Nusa Dua. This resort has it all with a huge lagoon pool including kids pool, a great kids club with kids program, water sports, daily activities, tennis courts, an amazing spa and many restaurants and bars. You can be as active or inactive as you like.
One of the best parts about this resort is the all inclusive option – you can choose whether to include all your drinks (including alcohol), food and activities in your room price. This also includes room service which made things so easy for us with our kids.
The other reason why this is one of the best family resorts in Bali is because kids under 5 are free! At the majority of places we needed to pay 50% extra to have our 4 year old in the room with us, but this is not the case here.
If you don’t want the all inclusive option, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, cheap massage parlours and cheap laundry places on the road outside of the resort. It is easy to get to other parts of Bali, especially to places like the great seafood in Jimbaran or Pirates Bay.
Samabe Bali Suites and Villas
If luxury is important to you when looking at Bali resorts for kids then you can’t go wrong with the Samabe Bali Suites and Villas. This top class resort is located in Nusa Dua at the top of a cliff with a private beach.
Everything at the resort is just stunning and made for relaxation and recreation. The grounds are beautiful. The infinity pool is fantastic and the kids club, which starts for kids from 2 years old, is great.
The suites and villas are incredibly spacious with views and everything you need for a great stay. The staff are unbelievable and with a butler who will unpack your bags and do your laundry, Bali family holidays do not come easier than this.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
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.
Sanur
Sanur is a great pick for people who want a slower paced version of the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak while being closer to the rest of Bali than when in Nusa Dua. The other reason why Sanur is a popular destination in Bali for families is because the beach is protected by a reef meaning that the water is calm and shallow – making it the perfect spot in Bali for kids.
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Griya Santrian Beach Resort
Griya Santrian Beach Resort is a popular choice for family holidays in Bali thanks to its beachfront location and three beautiful pools including a kids pool.
There are a few different room types all immaculate which are big enough for small families.
There is a restaurant with a kids menu and room service is available. The location is great and you can easily walk to many other eating options as well as shops, bars, etc.
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. You can read more about our time in Ubud
Sri Bungalows Ubud
Sri Bungalows Ubud is a fantastic place to stay in Ubud if you are looking for something budget friendly that is centrally located within an easy walk of shops and restaurants.
The location is also picturesque as it is neighbouring rice terraces. The gardens at this hotel are beautiful as is the pool which is right beside the terraces.
There are a range of room types. For families, there is also the option of a two storey room with enough room for 6 people.
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah
If you are looking for luxury and something special for your family holidays to Bali, this could be it!
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.
Lovina
Lovina is a beach area on the North coast of Bali and a great choice if you want a more low key destination that has less tourists, is less busy but there are still some nice things to do. The beaches are nice here but they are black sand beaches, and unfortunately there is some trash (although nowhere near as bad as we saw in the Kuta/Legian area). Lovina is better value than the southern beach areas.
From here, diving and snorkeling trips are popular as well as dolphin viewing. It’s also very close to the mountains in Bali with many nice places to visit. It takes about 3 hours from the airport/southern beach areas to get to Lovina.
The Lovina
This is the best resort in Lovina and comes at a bargain price.
It is located right by Lovina Beach and full of facilities. There is a big pool, kids pool, day spa, water activities and many other options here. There are also restaurants and a free bicycle and buggy service.
The best part, however, is the massive range of suites and villas available which are perfect for families. These range up to 4 bedrooms big and come with kitchens, living areas etc. You can also stay in a villa with your own pool.
Tailor Made Holidays to Bali
If you are nervous about the idea of exploring Bali by yourself or wish to make everything super easy, then a tailor made holiday to Bali could be for you. Shanti Travel can organise a trip perfect for your family with many Bali experts that can customise a holiday to your needs. It can be as active or relaxing as you like. Bali experts will plan your trip and you will have 24/7 assistance available so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you want to explore more of Indonesia, they can also help you with that.
Eating in Bali
It is not hard to find food in Bali. In all the main tourist areas (including those mentioned above), you will have no problem finding a variety of food including Western types. In fact, I have found it harder to find a decent range of Indonesian food than I have to eat food similar to home. This means that if you have children who are fussy eaters then there is no need to worry. You will be able to find something for them.
If you are eating locally, nasi goreng (fried rice) and mee goreng (fried noodle), can be the best option for fussy kids. These are usually quite inoffensive, just be sure to ask for them not spicey if your kids can not handle heat. Sate sticks can be a good option too.
As you might imagine, seafood is a very popular option and found on most menus. Being vegetarian can be tough in the beach areas, although in my experience restaurants are happy for you to order something without the meat (although you are still going to have things like fish sauce in many Indonesian dishes). As a general rule, the food is very good and at a great price.
Ubud is a fabulous area for food, especially for healthy choices as well as vegan and vegetarians. Many restaurants cater to vegans and vegetarians and there is a raw food push here as well. The food we ate here was well and truly above what we ate on the rest of the island.
If you like seafood, head to Jimbaran. The seafood shacks that line the beach here are unbelievable. They will bbq your selections in special sauces (you can chose non spicey). I recommend getting a set meal with a whole lot of options included.
Family friendly restaurants
Here are some personal recommendations:
Kuta – TJ’s Mexican Bar and Restaurant – A range of food and great atmosphere.
Legian – Zanzibar – right by the beach. Seafood options especially good.
Seminyak – Warung Italia – great spot for an Italian fix.
Seminyak – Pantarei Bali – Great Greek food with highchairs and fish ponds. The staff are great with kids and our kids were given bread to feed to the fish on arrival.
Nusa Dua – Crystal Blue Ocean Grill at the Samabe – Great food and service as well as being ocean front and sitting on platforms above a big fish pond.
Jimbaran – Pandan Sari – delicious seafood right on the beach. Get the set meal.
Sanur – Beach Cafe – right on the beach
Ubud – Lemonade – Mexican dishes with some Asian ones thrown in. Super fresh and great for vegetarians.
Lovina – Spice Beach Club – A variety of food options in a prime spot right on the beach. There is also a pool that patrons can use and they have pool and beach towels. There are toys for the kids and lounge chairs by the water. This is a great spot for a meal or just to hang out.
Thank you for reading
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Thank you for such a comprehensive article.
Looking into going to Bali with my partner & 3 boys (3, 8 & 10) next year, and finding the information/places to stay process quite overwhelming. The boys learn Indonesian at school and I think they will be quite inspired and intrigued by Bali. I know I will – especially seeing it through their eyes with them.
Thank-you again, and others that have commented & added places & information.
Thanks Keex and that’s very exciting. I’m sure your kids will find it very inspiring and intruguing. It’s so great you want to expose them to other cultures. Have a great trip!