Bali family-friendly travel guide

Best time to go to Bali

Bali can be enjoyed any time of year, but the best time to hit the beaches is during the dry season from May to October, when you won’t need to worry about rain and humidity is low. The catch? Flights tend to be pricier, and booking hotels well in advance is essential. November to April is a cost-effective option if you don’t mind the odd brief rain shower.

Dry season

Dry season in Bali is from May to October. This is when Bali’s western side of the peninsula gets some of the world’s best waves.

Wet season

Wet season is from November to April. Although experiencing occasional downpours, this is Bali’s low season and it can be nice to beat the crowds. The days are still fairly warm.

Australians must purchase a 30-day holiday visa on arrival in Bali. If you’re entering Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), you can apply for an e-VOA online 14 days before your trip up to 48 hours before departure. VOA cost IDR 500,000 per person (approximately $50). Entry into Indonesia requires an undamaged passport with at least six months validity from your date of entry, a minimum of two blank pages, and a round-trip/exit aeroplane ticket. Book a Bali Fast Track airport meet and assist to avoid queues for a smooth arrival, departure, or connection.

You can obtain E-VOA online before your arrival through this official website molina.imigrasi.go.id or evisa.imigrasi.go.id up to 14 days before arrival and not less than 48 hours before your flight lands in Bali.

Custom Declaration can be completed online (e-CD) at ecd.beacukai.go.id up to 3 days before arriving in Bali. Save the QR code or print it out.

Ngurah Rai International Airport, located south of Kuta, is the only airport in Bali. The airport sometimes called Denpasar Airport.

There are multiple non-stop flights to Bali from Australia and Asia. Garuda Airlines offers daily flights from major Australian cities. Other major airlines include Jetstar, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Bali’s relatively small size and low cost of transport makes for lots of freedom in the development of your itinerary. Pick a home base anywhere on the island and make day trips out adventuring. Drivers can be hired hourly or for the whole day. Hiring a car and driver can be very cost-effective and most hotels will organise this for you.

Be aware that most of Bali doesn’t have footpaths, so you need to get a taxi or drive between places and traffic can often have you sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours during peak season.

The cuisine of Bali is based around rice, noodles, vegetables, meat and fish, plus a variety of aromatic spices. It is a combination of indigenous, Indonesian and Indian influences. The quintessential spice paste, known as bumbu, typically consists of garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and chilli peppers, pounded into a fragrant paste, and is the foundation for many dishes. Must-try dishes include satay sticks smothered in peanut sauce, juicy ayam goreng (fried chicken with rice), gado gado (steamed vegetables with peanut sauce), sambal udang (prawns in spicy sauce), and bebek betutu (slow-roasted duck).

Balinese food can pack a spicy punch, but for picky eaters there are plenty of options. Nasi goreng (fried rice topped with egg) and mie goreng (fried noodles topped with egg) are popular with kids. But if even these are too exotic for developing palates, resort areas are packed with pizza and burger shops to satisfy their hunger.

Looking for a sweet treat to finish your meal? Dadar gulung is a green pancake roll filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar, and klepon, sweet rice cake balls coated in grated coconut and filled with palm sugar.

Bali remains one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience, but don’t start negotiating unless you really want to buy. There is no bartering when it comes to buying food, or in restaurants, as these have a set price. Tips are not required but are always welcome. Supermarkets, specialty stores and shopping centres are generally open seven days a week between 9am and 9pm, with shorter hours on Sundays.

Spirituality and tradition shape the way of life of the Balinese people and the culture is profoundly influenced by Hinduism, making it a unique destination in predominantly Muslim Indonesia. Embracing the local customs is sure to enhance your experience.

Daily offerings

Known as canang sari (small palm-leaf baskets adorned with fragrant flowers and incense), offerings are crafted and placed around homes, temples, and streets as sacred offerings to gods, demons, and ancestral spirits. Pay attention to where you’re walking and show respect by not stepping on them.

Traditional dance

Integral to the island’s identity are ceremonial dances. These performances are a visual feast where gods, demons, and warriors come to life through elaborate choreography. Take your kids to witness a mesmerising Bedeyo, Barong or Legong dance, which tell stories of ancient folklore and mythology through elaborate choreography and costumes. The ultimate sensory treat for kids is the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, where chants reverberate in a cliff-top amphitheatre at sunset.

Ceremonial events

Ceremonial spectacles occur daily across the islands. One of the most intriguing is at Tirta Empul. People have been making the pilgrimage for more than 1,000 years to bathe in or collect the sacred water. Divided into three courtyards, visitors are invited to join the experience in the public pool.

Artistry

Balinese artistry, from intricate wood carvings to delicate batik textiles, is celebrated worldwide. Local artisans often draw inspiration from their spiritual beliefs and nature, infusing their creations with profound symbolism.

Modesty

Respect for local tradition extends to attire. The Balinese are known for their modesty, so it’s polite to cover up when you venture away from the beach. At temples, men and women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and upper arms. A sarong and scarf tied around the waist is mandatory, even for kids. Larger temples usually offer these items for visitors to borrow upon entry.

The official currency of Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and the bills contain so many zeroes you’ll feel like an instant millionaire.

ATM’s

There are plenty of ATMs in Bali’s main cities that dispense either IDR 50,000 or 100,000 notes (about $5 and $10 Australian). Taxis, small local restaurants (warungs), beach bars, and markets still only accept cash and if you plan to visit more remote locations bring extra cash as ATMs are less readily available.

Money saving tips

Bargaining is a skill worth learning and practising if you plan to do any shopping in Bali, and kids can try their hand and it too. Friendly bargaining is expected at market stalls and makes the shopping experience fun for both the buyer and the seller. When you want to negotiate a price with a seller, have the absolute maximum you’re willing to pay in your mind then ask the seller what the lowest price he’s willing to offer is. Offer considerably less than this (between about two-thirds and half the price is OK!) then keep haggling until you reach a happy medium.

Indonesia’s electricity is generally 220 volts ACV with a frequency of 50Hz, the same as Australia. However, sockets differ. They are two-pin round Type C and F, like those used in continental Europe. For a hassle-free experience, pack a universal adapter with built-in surge protection.

Internet access

If you are located in the southern part of the Island, for example in the capital of Denpasar, you are much more likely to find accessible internet connectivity than in central or northern Bali. These days, most hotels and cafes in Bali offer free Wi-Fi. Ngurah Rai Airport also has free Wi-Fi, which is surprisingly fast and available even outside of the terminal. A great option in case of emergency.

Although they’re adorable, it’s better to avoid contact with local animals such as dogs or monkeys as rabies is a health risk in Bali. See your doctor at least six weeks before leaving to check which shots you should have.

Drinking

There have been reports of poisoning from alcoholic drinks in Bali, so if you plan on enjoying a casual drink or two, we recommend only drinking at reputable, licensed places during your stay—and to stick to bottled water.

Bali Belly

Bali Belly can be caused by bacteria found in local drinking water and causes an upset stomach and, or traveller’s diarrhoea. Only drink bottled water and ensure ice is not made from tap water. Taking medication like Travelan can also help to prevent Bali Belly.

Although there has been a high-alert in much of the media since 2002 when it comes to Bali, overall most visitors report feeling very safe here. Mostly, hawkers & touts have been widely regarded as the biggest annoyance in Bali, particularly in tourist areas such as Lombok and Depansar. In these areas, we recommend that you keep your valuables close, and don’t ask questions of hawkers unless you are interested in purchasing the product.

The main languages of Bali are Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Bali, and English. However, learning some basic Bahasa phrases is enjoyable to learn and will be appreciated by the locals.

Hello – Hi/Slamat Datang
Goodbye – Selamat Tinggal
Thank you – Terima Kasih
How are you? – Apa Kabar?
I’m fine thanks – Bail Terima Kasih
What’s your name? – Siapa Nama anda?
My name is…  – Nama Saya…
I don’t understand – Saya Tidak Mengerti
How much is this? – Berapa harganya?

In Bali, festivals and ceremonies are frequent. Here are a few uniquely Balinese festivities that are not to be missed. f

February

Galungan

Celebrated twice yearly, this Balinese holiday sees Balinese Hindus commemorate the battle of good versus evil with offerings and prayers at family shrines and village temples.

March

Nyepi

The quietest day in Bali, Nyepi is a Day of Silence. Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud This inspiring yoga festival boasts a week-long schedule of activities, interactive workshops, a kid’s activity zone, yoga classes and more.

May

Vesak

A holiday observed by Buddhists to celebrate the birth of the Buddha.

June/July

Bali Arts Festival

Enjoy art exhibitions and performances every second Saturday in June to the second Saturday of July.

June to October

Makepung Buffalo Races

Held in West Bali annually, harvested paddy fields are turned into racecourses with heats occurring each month on a Sunday morning from June to October.

Lovina Festival

This three-day festival held in the northern part of the island boasts music and dance, exhibitions, offerings, bull racing and puppet performances.

Sanur Village Festival

Enjoy expos, music and art, and a cultural street parade. Ubud Village Jazz Festival This annual music event in Ubud features a global lineup of musicians.

August

Bali Kite Festival

Watch traditional kites as they are flown competitively by teams from the villages. september Tumpek Krulut Tumpek Krulut, or Compassion Day, is an event celebrated across the entire island every 210 days.

Kuta Karnival

This beachfront weekend festival features exhibitions, sand sculptures, food, bazaars and live music and plenty of entertainment for children.

Nusa Penida Festival

This three-day festival features artistic and cultural performances by local villagers, along with entertainment for all the family.

November

Pemuteran Bay Festival Date

This festival at Tanjung Budaya cultural centre celebrates the art and culture of North Bali.

Tumpek Wayang

Tumpek Wayang is a twice-yearly Balinese holiday and sacred festival of Hindus on the island which brings together puppeteers who perform purification rites.

Bali’s beach club culture

Kuta, Legian & Seminyak form a dynamic trio along Bali’s southwest coast, each offering a unique experience. This trio of top family holiday spots also boast some of the best beach clubs in Bali. Flop and drop at the famous Potato Head Beach Club, where families can lounge and enjoy the beachfront ambience, with entertainment for all ages. And on Sunday check out Family Dayze at Ku De Ta where great food, live music and drinks, plus a special children’s menu, kids barbecue and an activities tent brimming with arts and crafts ensure little ones are entertained.