Heading to Bali with anak-anak (children, in Balinese) provides an exciting chance to forge family memories that will last a lifetime. For families travelling Bali with kids, the island offers a plethora of things to do for all ages, plus plenty of activities and attractions that will keep mum and dad entertained, too. Thus, your journey to Bali with kids will be fun and joy for everyone. From the ice-white beaches of the south to the velvety emerald forests of the island’s interior, there’s an array of options ranging from intriguing cultural highlights to more active pursuits.
In terms of planning itinerary to Bali with kids, a lot depends on which region of the island you’re based in. For example, in the Ubud area, there’s a host of cultural attractions, including temples, traditional dance shows, and enchanted monkey forests. However, for families with active kids, a spot nearer the coast may be better suited – especially for those that want to pick up the basics in surfing or kite surfing. In the north, the laid-back area surrounding Lovina is also popular with families, where dolphin-watching and snorkeling are popular. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best things to do with kids in Bali.
Going Green
If you’re keen for sustainable travel to be a key theme on your family vacation, be sure to check out Bali’s Green Camp. In addition to an exhilarating array of kids’ camps, there are also programmes for whole families who want to take part, too. Each camp encompasses a selection of carefully-chosen activities aimed at increasing the family’s sense of connection with nature. Kids and adults will also have a golden opportunity to enhance their knowledge of sustainability through vibrant, fun activities. Check this infographic about sustainable tourism in Bali to learn more.
A host of team-building games forms the core of many of the family camp activities. Guests will also have the chance to explore the spectacular beauty of the surrounding jungle and rice paddies. On the longer five-day camps, there’s also the chance for off-site visits including trips to the Plaga Waterfall or the local Balinese art market.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.greencampbali.com/
Tel: +62 851 0009 3310
Address: Jalan Raya Sibang Kaja, Banjar Saren, 80352, Abiansemal, Bali, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greencampbali/
Chocoholics’ heaven
For adults and kids with an insatiable sweet tooth, a trip to one of Bali’s chocolate factories is a must. The island’s chocolate industry is booming, and there’s a selection of tempting chocolate farms for visitors to choose from. Plus, by visiting a local factory you can be confident that you’re supporting local farmers and others working within the chocolate industry.
Nestled amongst acres of glistening green rice paddies, Pod Chocolate Factory is one of our favorite chocolatey havens. Families travelling Bali with kids can choose from two types of tour – a chocolate tour and a plantation and factory tour. Your ticket will also include entry into the farm’s very own elephant camp, plus a welcome shot of chocolate and a closer look at how this marvelous sweet treat is made. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the work involved for farmers in taking care of growing cocoa plants. Kids will even get the chance to have a go at making their own chocolates in the boutique factory, finishing each one with their very own choice of sweet topping.
Essential info:
Web: http://podbali.com/
Tel: +62 361 8370888
Address: Jl. Tukad Ayung Desa Carangsari Petang, Badung Bali, 80353 Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podchocolate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podchocolate/
A day out for animal lovers
If you are a family of animal lovers and you are visiting Bali with kids, then the Bali Safari & Marine Park should be at the very top of your holiday itinerary plan. Stretching across an area of 40 acres, the park is home to over 60 different species. The inhabitants all roam free in large enclosures that have been designed to mimic their native habitats. Visitors will be able to hop on the safari bus and gaze out at an array of different landscapes, looking out for creatures ranging from baby orangutans to lions. Other intriguing residents include Indian white tigers, zebra, Himalayan bears, camels, baboons and ostriches.
As visitors ride through the park, looking out at the varied landscapes of India, Africa and Indonesia, a knowledgeable guide will be able to fill them in on all the interesting facts they want to know about the animals. The park also encompasses a Kampung Gajah, or Elephant Village, which provides a sanctuary for retired elephants.
Essential info:
Web: https://www.balisafarimarinepark.com/home
Tel: +62 361 950 000
Address: Bali Safari & Marine Park, Jalan Prof Ida Bagus Mantra Km, 19.8, Bali 80551, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaliSafari/
Instagram: balisafari
Under the sea
If your little ones are too young to dive, that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the opportunity to explore the vibrant colours of Bali’s rich underwater Kingdom. Snorkelling is a fun activity for all the family to enjoy, offering up a ripe chance for kids to learn a little more about the habitats and eco-systems that lie just beneath the waves.
If you’re visiting Bali with kids and are on the hunt for the perfect snorkeling spot for your family, look no further than Pulau Menjangan – one of the best snorkeling spots in Bali. Menjangan Island is located a five-mile boat ride to the northwest of Bali, and the destination takes its name from the endangered Menjangan deer that inhabit the island. There are plenty of agencies offering snorkeling tours to key spots off the coast of the island for the entire family, including Wonderful Menjangan (details below). Underwater treasures include multiple kinds of colorful coral, hundreds of different species of fish and turtles. Lucky visitors might even spot dolphins, too.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.wonderfulmenjangan.com/
Tel: +62 812 3210 0147
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulauMenjanganTrip/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/445189494/pulau-menjangan/
Let your imagination run wild
If you want your kids to experience a little more of Bali’s spiritual side, Tirta Empul is one of the best temple destinations on the island for the entire family. Discovered in 962AD, the holy springs here are believed to have magical powers and bubble up into a crystal-clear pool of water. The Hindu temple complex built on the site tells a tale of good versus evil, and kids will be fascinated by the Indiana-Jones-esque allure of the site. The imposing, ancient structures of the complex also provide a window into the old Balinese Kingdom, offering up a feast of excitement for kids with active imaginations. Visitors also have the chance to cool off in the free public baths. It’s worth bearing in mind that the temple tends to get busy during the day, so if you want to beat the crowds it’s worth coming early or close to the 5 pm closing time.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
Address: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksring, Kabupaten, Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pura-Tirta-Empul-Tampaksiring-Gianyar-Bali/328467693913221
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tirtaempul/
Don’t look down
If you are visiting Bali with kids and you are looking for an afternoon of exhilarating fun, things don’t get more exciting than a couple of hours spent at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park in Bedugul. The park is home to an array of tightrope courses, soaring zip lines, suspended wooden bridges and spider net drops, each of which offers an electric adrenaline rush – no matter what your age is! It is the perfect family destination. There are seven different courses in total, arranged into age and skill level. For example, the squirrel yellow and green loops are suitable for younger visitors and include ladders, monkey tracks, and elephant steps. Adults unafraid of a lofty challenge often head to the orange circuit, which features rolling swings, trapezes, spider nets and rocking steps.
The park is set within the lush green surroundings of the Eka Karya Botanic Garden, so once visitors have made the most of the adrenaline-pumping treetop courses, they can head back onto solid ground to wander around the maze of tropical blooms.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.balitreetop.com/
Tel: +62 361 934 0009
Address: Jalan Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali, Bali Botanic Garden 2258, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balitreetop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balitreetop/
Colourful creatures
If a trip to the Bali Safari & Marine Park isn’t enough for families of animal lovers, there’s always the Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park. Set within two hectares of gorgeous tropical gardens, visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped spaces as they gaze up at the vividly-coloured winged inhabitants. There are nearly one thousand different species of exotic feathered friends here, from eagles to peacocks. A visit to these exotic aviaries offers up a rare opportunity for families to get up close to a selection of magnificent creatures, and there’s even the chance to touch and feed some of the tamer species. Make sure you’re around for the interactive feeding time, during which park rangers recreate the birds’ natural feeding environment. The adjoining Reptile Park is also home to some intriguing residents, including pythons, toads, lizards, turtles and crocodiles that are sure to delight everyone in the family.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.balibirdpark.com
Tel: +62 361 299352
Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubalan, Kec, Gianyar, Bali
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balibirdparkofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balibirdparkofficial/
A relaxing afternoon
On the hunt for somewhere to enjoy a relaxing meal where kids won’t be bored five minutes after they bolt their food down? Alam De Ubud is the perfect place – particularly if you’re feeling a little worn out from several days of back-to-back sightseeing and physical activities.
Situated amongst the gleaming rice paddies of Ubud, this colourful café is a hit with families visiting Bali with kids. Adults can relax on one of the neon-coloured beanbags while little ones run around on the lawn or soar into the sky on one of the café’s swings. There’s even a swimming pool for when things get too hot and you and your kids fancy a dip to cool off. The menu comprises an eclectic array of Indonesian and Western dishes, so you can head to Alam De Ubud confident in the knowledge that there will be some grub to please everyone in the family.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.alamdeubud.com/
Tel: +62 361 9080 176
Address: Br. Bangkiangsidem, Desa Keliki, Tegallung – Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, 80561, Ubud
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alam-De-Ubud-1463125347351566/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamdeubud/
Horseplay
A trip to Bali Equestrian Centre (BEC) is perfect for a day when kids want to out and do an activity while mum and dad relax on the sidelines. Covering an area of 2.5 hectares, BEC is run by a team of international horse riding instructors. There are over 40 horses and ponies at the stable, including a mix of breeds and sizes. There are various programmes for kids, including full-day camps and individual riding lessons. Some packages even include riding tours through the local Balinese villages. There’s also a pool and a playground area for kids to enjoy once they’ve finished their day on horseback. The best part is, mums and dads can relax within the centre’s Aravina Restaurant with a glass of wine and a nice meal while their little ones are out and about exploring.
Essential info:
Web: https://www.baliequestriancentre.com/
Tel: +62 878 6294 9030
Address: Perumahan Canggu Asri, Jalan Karang Suwung, Banjar Pelambingan, Berawa-Canggu, 80316 Badung Bali Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaliEquestrianCentre/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baliequestriancentre/
Families with teens
If you’re traveling with older children – and teenagers in particular – a day spent at the pool or playground is unlikely to cut it. Instead, why not visit the recently-renovated Bali Paintball Arena to galvanize sibling rivalry in a positive way? This cliff-top site is the only place in Bali to experience this sport, and it’s a great way to get the adrenaline pumping as you talk tactics with your family.
There are three separate playing fields spread across two hectares of hilly ground. The space is peppered with an array of obstacles, bunkers and manmade wreckages, providing useful hideouts for all those moments when you need a timeout. Before the games begin, visitors have the chance to learn the ropes of paintball in a trial session and target practice. They’ll also how to use the semi-automatic paint rifles safely.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.balipaintballarena.com/
Tel: +62 877 6045 4222
Address: Jalan Bypass Alas Arum, Br. Jaba Pura, Ds 80361, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintballbali/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baliarena/
