Where to go in Bali: The best towns and regions for kids

Indonesia is world’s largest archipelagic state. It has more than 17,500 islands smattered between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. But the tiny island of Bali is not only the most popular in Indonesia, but one of the most welcoming tourist spots in the world.

From the vibrant beaches of ever-popular Kuta to the tranquil rice-terraced hills of Ubud, each region promises unique cultural experiences, landscapes, and traditions. Join us as we explore the best towns and regionsin Bali to visit with your family.

Southwest coast: Kuta, Legian & Seminyak

Kuta, Legian & Seminyak form a dynamic trio along Bali’s southwest coast. Each Bali town offers a unique experience but has beachfront delights from sunrise to sunset. 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. And on Sunday, check out Family Dayze at Ku De Ta. Here, great food, live music and drinks, a special children’s menu, a kids barbecue, and an activities tent brimming with arts and crafts ensures little ones are entertained.

Visitors can explore Bali’s cultural heritage with a visit to Pura Petitenget, a serene Hindu Sea Temple dedicated to protecting against malevolent forces. Or venture to Pura Masceti Temple, an agricultural sanctuary where farmers gather to offer their prayers, for a window into the spirituality that shapes the lives of Bali’s inhabitants.

Kuta

Kuta Beach is the poster child of Bali’s stunning coastline with a wide, vast stretch of golden sand and rolling waves. The vibrant beach culture here is infectious, making it a popular hub for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. If you’re into surfing, numerous surf instructors and schools in Kuta can help you learn how to master the surf. But Kuta is not just about its beaches – the bustling streets are lined with market stalls, surf shops, and boutiques. You’ll find everything from traditional Balinese crafts to trendy fashion.

Legian

Just north of Kuta, Legian’s soft, golden sands are popular with sun-seeking families because it has a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. Double Six Beach’s gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and beginner surfers. The sunsets here are legendary, providing the perfect backdrop for family picnics and beach games. As the day winds down, Legian transforms into a shopper’s haven. Explore bustling markets like Legian Art Market, where you’ll discover an array of Balinese crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Or stroll along Jalan Legian for modern boutiques and international brands.

Seminyak

Seminyak is a haven for luxury and style. Beaches feature ideal waves for both seasoned surfers and beginners. Its sunsets create a spectacle that draws people to the shoreline to watch the sky put on a mesmerising show.

While the lure of the sea is Seminyak’s main calling card, its sophisticated spas and high-end boutiques are equally tempting. Seminyak is a top shopping hub offering items from clothing and jewellery to souvenirs and homeware. Take a leisurely walk along Seminyak’s bustling shopping hub, Jalan Laksmana, and explore the Flea Market at Kayu Aya Square Oberoi. Shopping for the kids? You’ll find cool children’s fashion at stores like Coco & Ginger and Indigo Kids. And for contemporary designs and vibrant fabrics, check out Kidsagogo. There’s also a diverse culinary scene featuring a fusion of local and international flavours.

Canggu

Canggu is about 20 minutes north of Seminyak. Surrounded by rice paddies and stunning beaches, it’s no surprise that the village of Canggu is becoming a top Bali destination for families. Popular for surfing, each of the area’s beaches has its own special charm. Echo Beach has black-coloured sand, gentle waves and warungs (food stalls) and restaurants lining the beach. It is ideal for little ones. Tidal pools at Batu Bolong Beach offer a safe space for splashing and exploring marine life. Pererenan Beach is quieter and prettier with surf and swimming spots more suited to younger kids. For older kids and teens, Berawa Beach’s consistent waves are a surfer’s dream. Those new to surfing can learn with an expert instructor at one of the many surf schools.

Canggu beach clubs

Canggu’s beach clubs aren’t just for grown-ups. Places like Finn’s Beach Club and La Brisa Bali feature child-friendly pools, delicious kids’ menus, and fun activities. Canggu’s biggest attraction for families is Finns Recreation Club. It has a wide array of recreational facilities and activities, including tennis courts, the Splash Water Park Bali, and its Crazy Creek tube raft ride.

Family activities in Canggu

A horseback riding tour along the beach or through rice paddies and small villages with Bali Equestrian Centre offers a unique perspective of the island. And a sunset visit to Pura Tanah Lot, located just off the coast of Tabanan around 20 kilometres from Canggu, is a must. Perched on a rock formation amid crashing waves, the sea temple is an emblem of Balinese spirituality and a great place to enjoy traditional dance performances and breathtaking sunsets.

Markets

Canggu’s vibrant markets and boutique stores offer an array of treasures. Kids can pick out handmade souvenirs, colourful sarongs, and unique trinkets at Love Anchor Market. The Canggu Sunday Market is a must for delicious street food and handmade crafts. And be sure to check out Deus Ex Machina’s Temple of Enthusiasm, a cool café where you can enjoy your latte with a side of custom motorcycles, surfboards, skateboards and art. Families will find a variety of accommodation choices ranging from bespoke luxury villas to resorts with fantastic kids’ facilities.

Keep reading:

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Southern Bali/Bukit Peninsula: Uluwatu and Jimbaran

The Bukit Peninsula, tucked away in the southern reaches of Bali, is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. Its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and world-class surf breaks are a stark contrast to the buzzing scenes in other areas of the island.

Uluwatu

You’re spoiled for choice for great beaches. Uluwatu’s amazing surf is the place for the kids to get their grom on! Blue Point Beach is not suitable for swimming, but you can walk down the cliffside path to the cave where surfers enter the ocean. Dreamland Beach is a haven for both swimmers and surfers alike, and Padang Padang Beach, made famous in the movie, Eat Pray Love, beckons with its cosy cove. While Balangan Beach has lush cliffs, deckchairs to laze on and warungs serving delectable local dishes and, you guessed it, more surfing. Then, there’s Nyang Nyang Beach, a secluded paradise where you can hike down to discover a hidden shipwreck, adding a touch of piratical adventure to your Bukit Peninsula sojourn.

Beach clubs and temples

Sundays Beach Club, nestled in a private cove, beckons with kayaking, snorkelling, and tantalising sunset cocktails. There are even toys for the kids to dig in the sand. You can also explore Bali’s spiritual side with a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of Bali’s most iconic temples. The 11th-century temple is perched on a steep cliff that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It showcases ancient Balinese architecture and is the place to watch a traditional kecak dance at sunset. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda. It offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s heritage, with the towering 122-metre-tall statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana its stunning centrepiece.

Jimbaran Bay

A visit to Jimbaran Bay is a must. In the mornings, visit the northern tip to witness local fishermen bringing in their daily catch at the Jimbaran Fish Market. In the evenings, join the families who gather to enjoy spectacular sunset views over mouth-watering seafood at one of the many warungs with chairs and tables set up in the sand.

Jimbaran and Uluwatu are also home to a range of accommodation options, including excellent hotel-style stays and luxurious private villas.

East Coast: Nusa Dua & Sanur

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is on the east coast of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is Nusa Dua. The safe and luxurious enclave of pristine beaches is home to the majority of the sprawling family resorts. You’ll also find golfing, watersports, fine dining and a tranquil atmosphere.

Most of the beaches of Nusa Dua are far less crowded than other regions. One pretty exception is the popular Pandawa Beach, famed for its limestone cliffs, white sands and frothy surf. Nusa Dua is also home to Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre. The 90-minute journey explores Indonesia’s diverse cultures and features stunning choreography, dancing, state-of-the-art light, pyrotechnics and even artificial rain. You can immerse yourself further into Balinese culture at the striking Puja Mandala complex. The hilltop landmark combines religious harmony with a Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, Catholic church, Protestant church and a mosque.

Shopping

Nusa Dua is also home to the Bali Collection shopping complex. Stock up on souvenirs and dine at a variety of international and local restaurants.

Sanur

Sanur offers a more laid-back Bali experience. Starting from the southern end, Sanur’s beaches include Mertasari Beach, Semawang Beach, Pantai Karang (Reef Beach), Segara Ayu Beach, and Sindhu Beach. Tranquil and shallow, they are a haven for children. Padang Galak Beach is a must for families from July to August for the annual Bali Kites Festival.

Active families love the scenic beachfront cycling path. Or for something different, Bali Seawalker is a guided underwater walking tour where participants wear specially designed helmets that allow you to walk on the ocean floor while maintaining a continuous supply of air.

Off the beach, families will love exploring Sanur’s high street and its boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. The traditional markets are ideal for unique souvenirs and an immersion into local culture. The Le Mayeur Museum is another must-visit for art enthusiasts and cultural enthusiasts.

East Bali: Candidasa

Situated in beautiful East Bali, Candidasa offers a variety of exciting activities, stunning sights, and cultural experiences. Candidasa Beach is a serene haven where you can lounge on soft sands and watch the waves. If your family loves the water, there are abundant snorkelling and diving adventures to be had in the clear waters, which boast a world of kaleidoscopic coral reefs and marine life.

Discover the historical and architectural marvel of Taman Ujung Water Palace. This elegant palace features stunning gardens, ponds, and Balinese architecture, providing a glimpse into the island’s royal past. Another enchanting water palace awaits at Tirta Gangga. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, intricate fountains, and clear pools dotted with stepping stones. To further immerse yourself in Bali’s rich heritage, visit Tenganan Village, home to the Indigenous Bali Aga people who are known for their traditional weaving skills and unique customs.

For panoramic views, hike up Bukit Asah, a prime spot for capturing sunrise and sunset views over the coastline. Or simply pamper yourself with spa treatments or lounging by the pool at one of the stunning resorts along the coast.

North: Ubud & Gianyar

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and creative heart. It is located at the base of the mountains, about an hour’s drive northeast of Denpasar. This Bali town is surrounded by fields of rice paddies dramatically spilling down a mountainside. Ubud offers an array of outdoor and cultural experiences for kids. The town is known for its traditional Balinese dance performances, which are visually captivating and often include colourful costumes and lively music. Children can watch these performances at venues like the Ubud Palace or one of the many cultural centres. For more hands-on fun, families can visit art studios to try their hand at traditional Balinese art forms like painting, wood carving, or batik (hand-dyed fabrics). The Hindu water purification ceremony, known as Melukat, is one of the many spiritual and cultural practices carried out in the region. For visitors, it’s one of the most culturally immersive things to do in Bali. At Pura Tirta Empul, in Gianyar, guests don sarongs to walk into a pond-like pool to douse heads from spouting mountain spring water fountains.

Nature lovers will appreciate the lush landscapes surrounding Ubud. You can explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, take family-friendly treks through the lush jungles, or visit the nearby Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) with ancient carvings.

Animals

Visitors can enjoy a safari through Indonesia, India, and the African Savannah at Bali Safari and Marine Park. There are more than 1,000 animals, including rare and endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger and orangutan. There are options to explore the park by 4×4 Jeep or safari tram, dine with lions, enjoy the water park, or even stay the night at the on-site accommodation.

Just a 25-minute drive from Ubud is Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung) – a great day out for the family. The park provides sanctuary to almost 1,000 birds of 250 different species – including exotic toucans and colourful birds of paradise in walk-through landscaped aviaries. For fans of more ferocious fauna, the neighbouring Bali Reptile Park has all manner of cold-blooded critters on display including venomous snakes and giant lizards, plus kids can get up close and personal with tame iguanas, crocodile monitors, water monitors or maybe a tortoise.

Ubud boasts plenty of family-friendly accommodation options, from resorts with kid’s clubs to charming villas nestled in the rice fields. Many restaurants cater to children’s tastes, and you can easily find a variety of international and local dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Bali Highlands: Bedugul

Bedugul, nestled in the picturesque highlands of Bali, is a must for adventurous families to explore. Don’t miss the postcardperfect sight of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, seemingly floating on the serene Lake Beratan and the sublime Bedugul Botanical Gardens, which showcase Bali’s remarkable biodiversity. And be sure to visit the area’s lush strawberry farms, where you can pluck your own juicy red treasures during the harvest season.

Active families will love exploring Munduk Waterfall and Melanting Waterfall, each revealing its own unique cascading beauty amidst lush greenery. And the tranquil Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, nestled like twins in the highlands, are the place for boating and hiking. For bigger thrills, the Bali Treetop Adventure Park’s ziplines and aerial obstacles offer an exhilarating experience.

Or soar amongst the treetops at Bali Swing, where 21 sky-high activities await. The Insta-famous playground boasts 12 single swings (from 10 metres to 78 metres above the ground) an old-school tandem swing, five cute nests, as well as scenic swings with views over the canyon and waterfall that are best left to big kids.

Families with older kids will also love whitewater rafting down the Ayung River with Bali Rafting, passing isolated villages and lush jungle scenery.

Accommodation options in Bedugul range from small resorts to charming villas but don’t expect the bells and whistles of the kid-friendly beachside resorts.

Surrounding islands: The Gili Islands

Tucked away off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the Gili Islands have long been known a backpacker’s haven and a dream destination for beach lovers. Yet, these idyllic isles, fringed by soft white-sand beaches and coconut palms, aren’t just for the adventurous; they also provide a fantastic escape for families seeking a quieter and more authentic experience. Technically they’re not Bali, but with speedboats ferrying visitors direct from Candi Dasa they may as well be.

Renowned for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters families can enjoy leisurely beach days building sandcastles, swimming, and snorkelling. Beneath the waves, colourful coral reefs teem with marine life, providing fantastic opportunities for family snorkelling adventures.

Each of the three islands has its own personality, but all remain unspoiled. Trawangan Island has the most facilities, which is handy for families. But the smallest and quietest of the islands, Gili Meno, is our pick. Its pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters provide the perfect location for spending lazy days swimming and snorkelling with the kids while they can learn about the importance of protecting turtles at Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary.

The islands offer a range of accommodation to suit families but there are no cars or motorcycles allowed on the island, so be prepared to walk or cycle to get around.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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