Bali Family Hotels & Resorts

Bali Hotels › Best Family Hotels
Updated: February 10, 2024

Bali Family Resorts – Where to Stay With Kids

The best months to visit Bali are April to October. But Bali is a great year-round destination. Hotels often get busier, and flights are usually more expensive during the Australian school holidays (mid-December to late January) and during summer from mid-July to August.

Booking.com – The best website for finding family hotels in Bali.

Best Luxury Hotels in Bali for Families: Westin (Nusa Dua) • The Oberoi (Seminyak) • Grand Mirage (Tanjung Benoa) • Hard Rock (Kuta) • Hyatt Regency (Sanur) • Four Seasons Sayan (Ubud)

Best Mid-Priced Hotels in Bali for Families: Febri’s (Kuta) • Klumpu (Sanur) • Dream Beach Huts (Nusa Lembongan Island) • Grand Whiz (Nusa Dua) • Calmtree Bungalows (Canggu) • Dasa Warna (Candidasa)

Best Hotels in Bali with Kids Clubs: Mövenpick (Jimbaran) • Hyatt Regency (Sanur) • Grand Hyatt (Nusa Dua) • Conrad (Tanjung Benoa) • Grand Mirage (Tanjung Benoa) • Westin (Nusa Dua) • Hard Rock (Kuta)

Best Hotels in Bali with Children’s Pools: Grand Hyatt (Nusa Dua) • Conrad (Tanjung Benoa) • Bali Dynasty (Kuta) • Sofitel (Nusa Dua) • Andaz (Sanur)

Best Bali Hotels with Water Slides: Holiday Inn (Tanjung Benoa) • Hard Rock (Kuta) • Padma (Legian) • Bali Dynasty (Kuta) • Grand Hyatt (Nusa Dua)

Best Bali Hotels with Special Family Rooms: Padma (Legian) • Hyatt Regency (Sanur) • Novotel (Nusa Dua) • Hard Rock (Kuta) • Grand Mirage (Tanjung Benoa) • Westin (Nusa Dua) • Mövenpick (Jimbaran)

Best Bali Hotels with Family Activities: Westin (Nusa Dua) • Conrad (Tanjung Benoa) • Padma (Legian) • InterContinental (Jimbaran) • Holiday Inn (Tanjung Benoa) • Mövenpick (Jimbaran)

Best Hotels in Nusa Dua for Families: Westin • Grand Hyatt • Novotel • Sofitel

Best Hotels in Tanjung Benoa for Families: Grand Mirage • Conrad • Holiday Inn

Best Hotels in Kuta for Families: Hard Rock • Bali Dynasty • Bali Garden

Best Hotel in Legian for Families: Padma • Legian Beach Hotel

Best Hotel in Seminyak for Families: Avani • The Oberoi

Best Hotel in Jimbaran for Families: Mövenpick • Four Seasons • InterContinental

Best Hotel in Sanur for Families: Hyatt Regency • Andaz • Prama

Best Hotel in Ubud for Families: Four Seasons Sayan • Alaya • Kamandalu

Best Hotel in Candidasa for Families: Puri Bagus • Ramayana

Best Hotel on Nusa Lembongan for Families: Hai Tide

Best Hotel in Bukit Peninsula for Families: The Ritz-Carlton

Best Hotel in Southern Bali for Families: Anantara Vacation Club

The beach towns of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak form one long strip of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and cafes. It’s a fun and entertaining area but can be too busy and chaotic for some. This is where you’ll find the best shopping on Bali. And it’s also a great place for kids and adults to take beginner surfing lessons. The farther north you go (from Kuta to Seminyak) the more upscale and quieter it gets.

Nusa Dua has a large variety of kid-friendly resorts in the 4-star and 5-star categories. This is the place to go for a relaxing vacation with great beaches and huge pools – but it can feel a little isolated from the main cultural attractions of central Bali.

Sanur is a good mix of tourist-friendly amenities, great food, and relaxed vibe. The location is great for exploring Bali’s cultural highlights. The beach here is not the best on Bali but it’s great for kids as its calm shallow waters are protected by an offshore reef.

Jimbaran is a beautiful beach town with fantastic restaurants spread along the sand. Great seafood is the highlight here. The town has a wide mix of hotels in all price brackets. It’s quieter than Sanur but close to Kuta’s shopping and nightlife, and minutes from the airport making it a perfect first stop after a long flight.

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Surrounded by small villages, rice paddies, and enchanting green forests it makes a great base for really digging into the history and traditions of the island. It’s also the best place to shop for art and local crafts.

The 26 Best Family Resorts in Bali

Bali Hotel Maps

Our first trip to Bali with our young kids. (Many years ago.)

For decades, Bali has been a favorite destination for families. Balinese people adore children. They believe they are gifts from the gods. Bali offers adventure parks, water palaces, beaches, water sports, and opportunities to learn about Balinese music, dance, and cooking. Most resorts have swimming pools designed for children, often with a waterslide or playground in the pool. Many resorts have rooms with bunk beds, and almost all provide adjoining rooms. Larger resorts usually have a secure and supervised kids club offering fun-filled activities. For parents, there are tennis courts, game rooms, and discounts for children’s accommodations and meals.

1. Four Seasons Sayan – Ubud

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 977577

2. Padma – Legian

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 752111

3. Andaz – Sanur

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 3201234

4. Conrad – Tanjung Benoa

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 778788

5. Mövenpick – Jimbaran

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 4725777

6. Westin – Nusa Dua

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 771906

7. Grand Mirage – Tanjung Benoa

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 771888

8. Hyatt Regency – Sanur

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 281234

9. Four Seasons – Jimbaran

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 701010

10. Grand Hyatt – Nusa Dua

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 771234

11. The Oberoi – Seminyak

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 730361

12. InterContinental – Jimbaran

• My review • Phone: +62 001 800 656888

13. Hard Rock – Kuta

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 761869

14. Sofitel – Nusa Dua

• My review • Phone: +62 (0)361 8492888

15. Bali Dynasty – Kuta

Phone: +62 (0)361 752403

16. Hai Tide – Nusa Lembongan

Phone: +62 361 720331

17. Holiday Inn – Tanjung Benoa

Phone: +62 361 8947888

18. Legian Beach Hotel – Legian

Phone: +62 361 751711

19. Kamandalu – Ubud

Phone: +62 361 975825

20. Bali Garden – Kuta

Phone: +62 361 752725

21. Alaya – Ubud

Phone: +62 361 972200

22. Avani – Seminyak

Phone: +66 2 365 9110

23. Ramayana – Candidasa

Phone: +62 363 41974

24. Puri Bagus – Candidasa

Phone: +62 363 41131

25. Novotel – Nusa Dua

Phone: Telephone: +62 361 8480555

26. Prama – Sanur

Phone: Telephone: +62 361 288011

Family Hotels in Bali – Where To Stay

Nusa Dua

For many reasons, Nusa Dua is the perfect place for a family holiday. Unlike most of Bali, the streets are flat, wide, clean, and almost traffic-free, so walking and cycling are enjoyable and safe. Numerous luxury resorts offer excellent facilities for the family, including kids clubs with engaging activities. Booking adjoining rooms is easy to arrange. Many resorts have suites and villas with two bedrooms and a living room. Some even come with bunk beds and toys. Pools are large and shady, and the clean beach with shallow calm water is just outside or within a short walk. There is a delightful outdoor mall in Nusa Dua, which is also convenient to attractions throughout southern Bali, including water sports at Tanjung Benoa (see below).

Westin – Nusa Dua

Smaller and more personal than some rival resorts nearby, The Westin offers 19 types of rooms and suites. All are comfortable, functional, and warmly decorated. Each offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens, pools, or ocean (at a distance). Some rooms have two double beds. All accommodations can add on a single fold-up bed. Many rooms are adjoining. And for larger groups, the Family Suites with two bedrooms, bathrooms, and TVs can easily accommodate five.

The Westin faces a scenic and sheltered bay with immaculate sand and calm, shallow water for swimming. There are five pools shaped like lagoons, and some have a “waterfall” and a “beach.” The kids club accepts children aged from a few months to 12 years in separate secure indoor and outdoor areas. A shady playground, trampoline, and special spa are part of the club. Family activities include tennis, water sports, snorkeling, and traditional games. Children can enjoy lessons in fruit carving and Balinese dance. The Westin is centrally located, so everything that Nusa Dua has to offer is within walking and cycling distance.

Grand Hyatt – Nusa Dua

The lobby of this expansive resort sets the tone with its lotus ponds, thatched roof, and friendly staff. Most accommodations are in traditionally designed buildings that form “villages” across expansive lawns and gardens. Rooms and suites feature wide balconies or patios overlooking the sea or gardens, while villas offer additional luxury and privacy, complete with a beachfront setting and large private pool. Families can book adjoining rooms or opt for a villa with two or three bedrooms, a private pool, and a separate living area. Guests appreciate the five shaded pools and curved beach, where the sand is pristine and white, and the water is calm and shallow.

The resort offers many family activities, including squash, tennis, and water sports. The games room is well-stocked for a rainy day. The vibrant Camp Hyatt kids’ club features indoor and shaded outdoor areas, a trampoline, mini-golf, and activities like beach soccer, traditional art, and kite-making. Young ones will also enjoy the beach playground, two children’s pools (for different age groups), and an extra-long waterslide. The Grand Hyatt is centrally located, just a short stroll away from everything Nusa Dua has to offer.

Sofitel – Nusa Dua

The Sofitel is exceptionally accommodating for families. All rooms and suites at the Sofitel have modern decor, complete with a corner sofa, marble bathroom, and a balcony or patio that overlooks the gardens and/or pools. Accommodations can fit an extra single bed, and it’s easy to book adjoining rooms. Alternatively, families can opt for a villa with two bedrooms and a private pool. Many ground-level rooms provide direct access to the main pool from the patio. The expansive pools feature a unique design, some with sandy “beaches.” The impeccably maintained gardens are comparatively modest, with shady lawns extending up to the beachside path that winds through Nusa Dua and beyond.

The kids club is fully supervised and uniquely divided into three separate age groups. There are indoor and outdoor areas near the beach, and it offers activities like puppet-making, treasure hunts, yoga, gymnastics, and dance classes specifically for children. Additional family-friendly features include a children’s pool with a waterslide, a special reading room, and bicycle and water sports rentals. The beach out front is pristine and protected by a reef, making the water calm and shallow for swimming. The Sofitel is also close to the neighboring area of Tanjung Benoa, within walking and cycling distance to shops, cafes, and water sports.

Novotel – Nusa Dua

The Novotel exudes a quintessential Bali vacation atmosphere with its traditional gates, ponds, statues, and abundant palm trees. Its comfortable and spacious rooms boast wide balconies or patios with views of the gardens and/or pool. The suites, ideal for families, can have up to four bedrooms and a large lounge/kitchen/dining area, with some featuring a private pool or Jacuzzi. The resort has no beachfront but has an expansive, two-tiered lagoon-style pool and shuttle buses to the private beach club (just 500 meters away), offering white sand and water sports.

The Novotel is highly family-oriented: it has a substantial kids’ club with imaginative activities, and the spa offers “funny massages for kids” and “beautiful Barbie packages.” Young ones enjoy the special children’s pool, playground, and bicycle rental, while parents appreciate the discounts on children’s accommodations and meals. Additionally, many affordable shops and cafes (just outside Nusa Dua’s gates) are within easy walking distance of the resort.

Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa extends along a thumb-shaped peninsula just north of Nusa Dua. This laid-back area has more of a small-town feel than most tourist spots in Bali and is famous for its wide variety of water sports. Almost everything is located along one main road, which is excellent for walking and cycling. Many resorts here are as family-friendly as those in Nusa Dua but have a more affordable price tag. Tanjung Benoa is also conveniently located near all the attractions of southern Bali, including Nusa Dua’s immaculate beaches and charming outdoor mall.

Grand Mirage – Tanjung Benoa

This resort is split into two sections, about 100 meters apart, connected by a charming beachside path and accessible by golf cart. One section boasts expansive grounds with seemingly endless lawns and lagoon-shaped ponds. All accommodations in this section are spacious and feature an elegant design, most with genuine ocean views. The other section, aptly named Family Paradise, is uniquely designed for those with children. Everything in this area is vibrant, cheerful, and packed with amenities for young ones. There are five types of rooms for families, including the Family Studio Bunk (which accommodates a family of five in one room) and Girls Suites (two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a lot of pink).

For those traveling with children, there’s the excellent kids’ club (divided into three separate age groups), a family pool with a children’s section, a water park, a playground, and a games room. The whole family can enjoy tennis, yoga, “sea walking,” and Balinese cooking. Attractive “all-inclusive” packages include meals/drinks, water sports, activities, and traditional performances at the resort’s amphitheater. The beach is clean and pleasantly distant from noisy water sports.

Conrad – Tanjung Benoa

The Conrad is spread over a vast area and features three large wings: one housing suites and villas (some with a private pool) and two filled with rooms. Almost all types of accommodations can comfortably hold a family of four. Even better are the special Deluxe Family Rooms, which sleep six people in two adjoining rooms with connecting doors. The gardens are expansive, the main lagoon pool features “islands,” and another has a toddler-friendly “beach.” The beachfront sand is wide and impeccably groomed, with thatched umbrellas providing plenty of shade. The water is calm and shallow.

Children enjoy the extensive playground and the excellent Kura Kura Kids Club, which offers a range of engaging activities such as puppet-making, origami, and Balinese dance. The family can also participate in tennis, ping pong, and other activities like Balinese cooking. The Conrad offers attractive rates for families, which may include complimentary meals for children and free access to the kids club. Additional attractions include cribs and other amenities for babies, spa treatments for children, special kids menus, and bicycle rentals. There are enough shops and cafes nearby. Water sports kiosks are within easy reach but sufficiently distant to ensure that jet skis won’t harm swimmers or disturb sunbathers.

Holiday Inn Resort Benoa – Tanjung Benoa

This comfortable and relatively low-key resort is conveniently close to Nusa Dua, providing access to a broader range of cafes, shops, and water sports. Some of the 14 types of rooms and suites offer ocean views or direct pool access from a patio. Families can easily request extra beds or adjoining rooms with connecting doors. Alternatively, the spacious Family Adventure Suites (with four beds) and Kids Adventure Suites (with bunk beds) feature two bedrooms and kid-friendly amenities like a PlayStation.

The vibrant, colorful, and supervised kids club boasts a climbing wall, computer games, and a plethora of toys. The impressive activities include face painting, treasure hunts, and Indonesian language and Balinese culture lessons. The special children’s pool has an enticing waterslide and those tipping buckets that elicit delighted screams from kids. Families can also enjoy a bike ride along the lengthy beachside path, cooking classes, beach games, snorkeling, and the extensive Games Zone room. Moreover, the competitive rates often allow kids under 12 to stay and eat for free.

Kuta

Kuta is bustling and consistently crowded, famous for its sunsets and surf, conveniently close to the airport, and home to the world-class Beachwalk Shopping Center. Kuta’s facilities are among the island’s finest, ranging from affordable and cheerful cafes to reliable, friendly taxi drivers. However, those traveling with children should be aware of the constant traffic, potholed winding lanes, and aggressive street-side sellers. A better option might be the family-friendly resorts in Tuban, sometimes called South Kuta. Tuban is home to the fantastic Waterbom water park and features quieter streets with a more small-town feel. While the beach may be less appealing, Kuta is just a few minutes walk away.

Hard Rock – Kuta

This impressive large resort is located on Kuta’s busiest corner but shielded from the crowds. As part of the renowned international Hard Rock chain, the walls have autographed guitars, and gold records adorn a massive cocktail bar. The seemingly endless pools feature “islands,” a “beach'” with volleyball courts, lifeguards, and large gazebos where families often spend the entire day.

All rooms are luxurious and are about 200 meters from the road noise. Deluxe Rooms comfortably accommodate a family of four, while the suites can also house two children in a separate living room. The best options are the Roxity Family Suites and Luxury Kids Suites, both include a separate bedroom with a twin bunk bed, a PlayStation area, and a second bathroom.

There are even more reasons why Hard Rock Bali is likely the finest resort on the island for families: it boasts an extensive playground (and another inside the children’s pool), a rock-climbing wall, and two thrilling waterslides. The supervised children’s centers are divided into ages 4-12 and 13-18. The Roxity Kids Club offers many activities and facilities, such as a Beach Party and a dedicated painting room. The TABU Teens Club features a games room and mini-cinema. The whole family can enjoy aqua aerobics, a giant outdoor chessboard, and something called Giant Ball. Incredibly, the resort’s main gate is only 50 meters from Kuta Beach, renowned for its legendary sand, surf, and sunsets, and just a few minutes stroll from the world-class Beachwalk Shopping Center.

Bali Dynasty Resort – Tuban

The resort’s main pool, complete with “waterfalls,” volleyball nets, and a swim-up bar, is truly expansive. A separate children’s pool features a 56-meter waterslide, an in-water playground, and those giant tipping buckets that make kids squeal with delight. The beach, just 100 meters away, has grayish sand (typical for this area), but the water is always calm and clean for swimming. All rooms are very comfortable, and many have connecting doors. Most offer views of the gardens or pools (though some face the parking lot and road, so choose wisely). The special Family Rooms are incredibly spacious, while the Kids Suites accommodate two adults and three children with a separate bedroom containing bunk beds and a second TV with a PlayStation.

There’s free access to the Gardens Kid’s Club and a separate area for teenagers. Both are vibrant and inviting, substantial and supervised, and offer a range of engaging games, movies, and activities. For the family, daily activities range from aqua aerobics to cooking lessons and bicycle rentals to towel origami. Moreover, all rates include a buffet breakfast. Packaged deals often include complimentary meals for children under 12, and babysitting services are available. The location in Tuban (South Kuta) is ideal and less hectic than Kuta. It’s an easy walk to the Discovery and Lippo malls (with familiar fast-food outlets) and the award-winning Waterbom water park.

Bali Garden Beach Resort – Kuta

All rooms at the resort are stylishly designed with contemporary Balinese decor and offer views of the sea and/or tropical gardens. Each room is spacious enough to accommodate an extra single bed without feeling cramped. The special Family Rooms have a twin bunk bed in the same space and can house two adults and three children, while the villas feature two or three bedrooms and a kitchenette. Adults will appreciate the hotel’s traditional design, abundant lotus-filled ponds and trickling fountains, and can relax in a beautiful gazebo next to the adults-only pool. Young ones will enjoy the children’s pool and the shady beachfront infinity pool.

The beach in front of the resort is part of scenic Kuta Bay, one of the most appealing stretches of sand in Tuban (also known as South Kuta). The resort offers “family packages” but does not have a kids’ club. However, it’s a great option for families with teenagers due to its excellent beach, pools, and location. It’s adjacent to the Discovery Mall (with familiar fast-food outlets), opposite the world-class Waterbom water park, and next to a lovely beachside path perfect for cycling. Moreover, the Bali Garden is a 500 meter walk to Kuta but far enough to avoid the relative chaos.

Legian

As Kuta grew in popularity and became more crowded, resorts emerged north in Legian. They are generally larger, quieter, and more appealing than most in Kuta, and some offer sea views and direct access to the delightful traffic-free beachside path, perfect for walking and cycling. Legian shares the same surf, sunsets, and white sands as the more renowned Kuta Beach, just a few minutes walk to the south. Legian is also near Seminyak (north), known for its trendy boutiques and charming restaurants, although there are plenty of amenities in the backstreets of Legian too.

Padma Resort – Legian

The five-star Padma Resort is one of the first resorts built in Legian, boasting endless lawns and tropical gardens. The grounds are so expansive that guests need maps (and are also shielded from traffic noise). The bungalows (chalets) feature modern Balinese decor, a wide balcony or porch, and an extra single bed in the lounge area. Some suites have two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four children. Perhaps even better are the Family Rooms with two bathrooms and two bedrooms (one with twin bunk beds). They’re housed in a special Family Block with an attached Family Pool featuring three waterslides.

A wooden deck surrounds the shaded beachfront pool, and beautiful Legian Beach is just across a delightful beachside path perfect for walking and cycling. In addition to the tennis court and extensive playground, younger guests will also enjoy the Wolly Kids Club. Quiet, safe, and fully supervised, it offers fun and engaging activities like towel origami, turtle feeding, and Balinese cooking. The Games Center next door is home to all the latest electronic games, table soccer, and mini-billiards. There’s Balinese cooking, water aerobics, and yoga for the whole family.

Legian Beach Hotel – Legian

Ideally situated where bustling Kuta transitions into laid-back Legian, one side of the resort faces a quiet pathway alongside the wide, shady beach. The numerous amenities include tennis courts, a surf shop, and two attractive pools – one with a special section for younger guests. Families have several options: a villa with two bedrooms (and even a private pool), a standard room that can add a single bed, or book two adjoining rooms with connecting doors. Alternatively, the Deluxe Family Rooms are ideal – they’re split-level, providing space between adults and children – and the Superior Family Rooms have separate bedrooms on one level.

The vibrant Little Starfish Kids Club (for those aged three to 11) offers more exciting activities (like Balinese dance and squirrel feeding) than most competing resorts. Additionally, a games room is open for those over 11, the quiet beachside path is excellent for cycling, and the whole family can enjoy activities such as movies, fruit carving, and tai chi.

Seminyak

As Kuta and Legian overdeveloped, entrepreneurs began building resorts (and all the amenities tourists would need) further north in Seminyak. Generally, everything in Seminyak is classier – and often more expensive – than Kuta and Legian to the south. The advantages include an excellent array of shops and eateries along comparatively quieter streets; the downside is that the sand becomes increasingly gray and less appealing. However, the sunsets and surf are just as fabulous as in Kuta and Legian. Many resorts in Seminyak cater more to couples than families, although some offer villas with two or three bedrooms and apartments with a kitchen and living area.

The Oberoi – Seminyak

The Oberoi proudly states that 70% of its 15-acre property in downtown Seminyak is dedicated to vibrant green lawns and tropical gardens, providing ample space for children to run around. Villas have traditional-style stone walls and thatched roofs, offering luxury and beautiful furnishings. Some even feature a private pool – and, importantly, it’s large enough for an entire family. All villas have room for two extra fold-up beds, and many standard rooms have connecting doors, so they can easily accommodate a family of four. The wide beach is lovely, with a few lounge chairs and umbrellas available for rent, but the waves can be a bit rough, so caution is advised.

However, The Oberoi is more suitable for families with older children. While there’s no kids club, there are activities for younger guests, such as swimming and tennis lessons. Older children (and families) may enjoy other activities like adventure cycling, surf lessons, and watching turtles lay eggs. Additional attractions include the beautiful beachside pool, tennis court, and an amphitheater for traditional Balinese music and dance. Also, it’s surrounded by dining and shopping options in a quiet area that’s safe and distant from traffic.

Avani – Seminyak

This resort offers a range of accommodations perfect for families who prefer a quieter environment without the distractions of malls and other attractions – and it’s well-designed, ensuring distance and safety from traffic. The secluded villas feature a sizable private pool. Those with one bedroom can accommodate a family of four, and the others with two bedrooms can comfortably house six people. The spacious “apartment suites” feature a lounge area, dining table, well-equipped kitchenette, and a charming balcony with a daybed in a separate building at the back. One bedroom suites can fit a small family. Others have two or three bedrooms and even a plunge pool.

The kids club is vibrant (though small) but offers engaging activities. For teenagers, there’s a pool (with a shallow end) and colorful cabanas. Other attractions include ample parking spaces and a charming poolside restaurant. A few restaurants and boutiques are starting to appear along the nearby street, but the Avani is a bit isolated, which suits some guests perfectly. Otherwise, grab a taxi or use the resort’s complimentary shuttle service to the lovely beach, known for its famous surf and sunsets, and nearby shopping malls.

Jimbaran

Despite its outstanding beach and proximity to the airport, Jimbaran has remained relatively underdeveloped, but that’s starting to change. There are enough amenities along quieter streets for most travelers but fewer than in more popular tourist regions like Kuta. Most resorts in Jimbaran are large and cater well to couples and families who appreciate the safety of the area and the powder-white beach without the potentially dangerous surf of Kuta. Dining at a table on the sand at sunset will likely be a highlight of any trip to Bali.

Mövenpick – Jimbaran

This relatively new and extremely large resort is now the premier destination in Jimbaran for families. The four pools are so expansive that there’s a “pool directory” map in the shady gardens, a Jacuzzi, a sunken pool bar, “beaches,” and a terrific playground in the special children’s pool. The spacious rooms and suites feature a contemporary design and decor. Add a fold-up bed to a standard room or arrange adjoining rooms with connecting doors to accommodate more people. Alternatively, book the special Family Duplex rooms with a second bedroom and attached bathroom on another level. The top-tier option is the Jimbaran Pool Suites: four times larger than standard rooms, with a private pool and (distant) ocean views.

With a lovable pirate theme, the Meera Kids Club is on two levels for different age groups. The interactive and fun programs include aerobics and yoga classes and Balinese culture. Young ones will also love the adventure playground and special “children’s dining zone” at the main restaurant. Conveniently located next door is the Samasta Lifestyle Village, a pleasant outdoor mall that also features a Timezone games arcade. And about 1km away is the glorious stretch of white sands at Jimbaran Beach, where cafes set up tables for dinner at sunset.

Four Seasons Resort – Jimbaran

This resort is quietly positioned away from the main road and cascades down an extensive hillside facing the sea. It’s only a five-minute walk from Jimbaran, with its powdery-white sand and beachside cafes. Ornate tropical gardens surround the villas just a few meters from the cliffs with the constant sounds of crashing waves below. With up to four bedrooms, every villa also has a private pool – often large enough for a whole family. Villas are spacious and feature a stunning bathroom, large sofa (which can convert to a single bed), and abundant windows, maximizing views of Jimbaran Bay.

For those aged four to 12, the supervised and welcoming Jimba Kids Club provides an impressive range of ever-changing culturally-focused daily activities. The whole family can take lessons in Balinese cooking and dancing. There are also children’s menus with special prices, complimentary babysitting, portable safety fences for private pools, and attractive family rates. The access road and paths around the resort are steep, so golf carts are available. These can also whisk guests to the immaculate, private beach club and the seafood cafes set up for yet another magical sunset.

InterContinental Resort – Jimbaran

The grounds are so colossal that guests need a map, yet rooms are close together. However, they are spacious inside – easily large enough for two double beds – and some offer connecting doors. The decor combines modern and traditional Balinese furniture, and the sizable balcony or patio provides pleasant garden views. The resort fronts an immaculate stretch of bleached-white sand and calm water, nicely distant from fishing boats and noisy water sports. Most guests, however, prefer to relax at any of the six magnificent pools, including one specifically for children.

The impressive Planet Trekkers kids club claims to be a “mini-resort” in its own right and offers plenty of engaging activities. Lessons in wood carving, surfing, and gamelan playing are available for the whole family. There’s also a tennis court. The resort is a few minutes stroll from the tourist facilities along the main road, including the cafes on the glorious beach for watching Jimbaran’s renowned sunsets. Note: extensive renovations were underway in the older wing as of mid-2022.

Sanur

Sanur is becoming increasingly popular for families who enjoy a more relaxed vibe without the malls and nightclubs of Kuta and Seminyak. (This will change dramatically, however, when the four-level mall and “entertainment complex” called Icon Bali is completed by late 2023 in northern Sanur.) Sanur can’t offer any sunsets or surf, and the beach is unattractive at low tide, but the water is calm and shallow, and the beachside path stretching the length of Sanur (about 6km) is ideal for walking and cycling. Larger and more family-friendly resorts are in quieter southern Sanur, only a 30-minute taxi ride from all Kuta, Seminyak, and Jimbaran facilities.

Hyatt Regency – Sanur

After major renovations, the Hyatt has firmly reestablished itself as one of Bali’s premier resorts. The grounds are expansive enough to need maps, and with all the ponds, plants, trees, and lawns, it truly resembles a city botanical garden. The rooms and suites feature a sizable balcony or patio, and many are large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed easily. There’s also an excellent selection for families, including adjoining rooms with connecting doors or using fold-away beds for one or two children. Alternatively, the Family Suites have a living room, the Regency Suites feature living and dining rooms, and the Executive Suites contain living, dining, and kitchen areas. (Note: only children under 12 can be in the same room as adults.)

There’s a children’s pool, playground, and Camp Hyatt kids club offering abundant activities – some for the whole family. Parents appreciate the superb facilities of this renovated five-star resort. Everyone will enjoy the beach with clean sand with calm water, a magnificent beachside pool, and a range of water sports. Remarkably, all of this is in downtown Sanur, with enough places to eat, drink, and shop along the main road and beachside path, perfect for walking and cycling. (Rent bikes at the resort.)

Andaz – Sanur

Built on a massive property that lay remarkably undeveloped in central Sanur for decades, the Andaz has thankfully resisted the urge to overbuild. As a result, probably half the grounds are lawns and gardens as fine as any city botanical garden. The overall design and layout of the buildings and the three lovely pools are modern but with delightful Balinese touches. All types of accommodation feature a substantial balcony or patio overlooking the lush gardens, while some suites provide ocean views and others have direct access to the Lagoon Pool. Villas are secluded and contain some of the finest furnishings in any Bali resort. For families, many rooms and villas have connecting doors, and some villas have two bedrooms, a living area, a private pool, and a kitchen.

The Andaz also offers some of the finest facilities for families outside Nusa Dua. The kids club is bright, airy, and spacious, catering to all ages. The children’s pool is huge (and not just an addition to the main pool), and there are numerous activities for pre-teens, teenagers, and the whole family. Other attractions for families include special rates, children’s menus, and the enchanting Village Square offering regular live music. The wide clean beach has calm water for swimming – and water sports are not far away. And, incredibly, all of this is in downtown Sanur, with plenty of facilities within a short walk.

Prama – Sanur

Undergoing significant renovations during mid-2022, the Prama may not be as flashy as rival resorts, but it still offers fantastic facilities. The elegantly designed gardens are larger than expected, and swaying palms pepper the expansive lawns. The beach is wide, immaculately groomed, packed with cabanas, and virtually private because it’s more remote. The main Lagoon Pool is gigantic and sparkling blue. Most rooms and suites have been tastefully renovated but are still spacious and functional. Many have connecting doors so families can book adjoining rooms. Fold-up beds are available for a single child, and the resort restaurants offer children’s menus.

The kids club is cheery and well-supervised, offering numerous activities. The children’s pool has tipping buckets, a playground in the water, and three waterslides. The whole family can play tennis, arrange water sports, and walk or cycle along the lovely beachside path. (Rent bikes at the resort.) The Prama is in a quiet location with far less traffic than elsewhere in Sanur, but there are still enough great places to eat, drink, and shop nearby.

Ubud

The undisputed cultural heart of Bali is Ubud, a disorganized collection of villages about an hour’s taxi ride north from Kuta. Ubud is understandably popular for its abundant cultural attractions, ancient temples, traditional dancing, and the eerie Monkey Forest sanctuary. The area has crowded streets, gridlocked traffic, and extensive walking, so it may be more suitable for families with teenagers. Ubud is an ideal base for visiting “must-sees” like the Gunung Kawi rock sculptures, volcanic lakes of Bratan and Batur, and more modern attractions such as the Bali Zoo and Bali Bird Park. Outdoor activities like rafting, mountain biking, and trekking are easily arranged. Very few hotels in Ubud are focused on families and lack facilities like kids clubs and children’s pools.

Four Seasons Resort at Sayan – Ubud

A footbridge spanning a deep valley leads to the lobby shaped like a spaceship, which seems to hover in mid-air. Split-level suites with separate living and dining areas overlook the river and ravine, and villas with private pools hide behind tall walls. All accommodations are spacious, luxurious, and immaculately furnished, featuring a wide balcony or patio and abundant windows to maximize views. For families, suites can accommodate an additional fold-up single bed, and villas can fit in one or two extra single beds. With a separate bathroom and children’s bedroom (with a second TV), the special Family Suites easily accommodate two adults and two children under 12.

These suites are conveniently close to the Pici Pici (‘Little Snail’) Kids Club, one of the finest in Ubud. For ages four to 12, it offers diverse and imaginative activities such as lessons in Balinese cooking, dance, and culture. Families can also enjoy most of these activities together. Alongside the river (used for rafting), the massive infinity pool blends into the forest. Additional extras like babysitting, discounted meals for those under 12, and special children’s menus add further to the appeal. Located in Sayan, the resort is 20 minutes by resort shuttle bus from central Ubud.

Kamandalu – Ubud

This refined and luxurious resort offers something unique: a collection of villas arranged like a traditional Balinese village in a rural setting. Palm trees, gazebos, fountains, and statues pepper the expansive landscaped gardens. Perched alongside a ravine is the heavenly infinity pool with a classic swim-up bar. The chalets and villas have a separate living area, can accommodate up to three bedrooms, and overlook rice fields, lagoons, gardens, or the valley. Each is traditionally designed and elegantly furnished, with some villas offering a private pool, personal butler service, and club lounge access.

While the Kamandalu actively promotes “romantic getaways,” it caters nicely to families. The range of activities for children includes classes in the Indonesian language and Balinese dance, arts, and crafts. The whole family can enjoy various activities (often free), such as cycling, bird-watching, yoga, and hiking, and tours can be arranged through the resort. Additional attractions include the sizable children’s pool, playroom, and extensive gardens, which are safely and quietly distant from traffic. The resort is somewhat isolated, but some facilities are opening up along the road 200 meters away, and free shuttle buses regularly transport guests to central Ubud.

Alaya – Ubud

This surprisingly large boutique resort offers spacious rooms with charming Balinese decor. Those further from the busy road feature a freestanding bathtub, elongated desk, and ample luggage space. The attractive bamboo-lined balconies/patios are wide enough to accommodate a table and chairs comfortably, and they overlook the long pool, lush gardens, or rice fields within the hotel grounds. Some rooms and suites have connecting doors and space for an extra single bed. The two peaceful lagoon-style pools are shaded, and the on-site restaurants are trendy.

Families, especially those with older children, would appreciate the expansive grounds, proximity to cafes and the adjacent supermarket, and activities such as cooking classes. Ubud hotels cater less to families than destinations like Nusa Dua or Legian. But remarkably, all this space, charm, and tranquility are located at the junction of Ubud’s major thoroughfares: Monkey Forest Road, packed with shops and bars, and the more upscale Jalan Hanoman street, lined with boutiques and restaurants.

Candidasa

Located in eastern Bali, about two hours by taxi from the airport, Candidasa is a beach resort that paradoxically has little beach. It also lacks malls and nightclubs, and all other tourist facilities are relatively modest compared to those in Seminyak and Sanur. However, these are precisely the reasons why some travelers prefer Candidasa. Mainly situated along one busy road, Candidasa is an ideal base for exploring eastern Bali and the magnificent water palace at Tirta Gangga, and the remote coastline collectively known as Amed. While only a few hotels cater well to families, most offer competitive prices and a variety of attractive deals.

Ramayana – Candidasa

Although large and relatively modern, the Ramayana (formally Rama) feels compact and personable. While a breakwater does offer some sheltered swimming, the lack of a beach is massively compensated by one of the most stunning pools anywhere in Bali. The gardens are also enormous, and the immaculate lawns, swaying palms, and trickling fountains are a haven for abundant birdlife. The facilities – especially the spa and gym in a glass-fronted building in the gardens – are among the finest in eastern Bali.

The Deluxe (standard) rooms are spacious, and feature Balinese photos and carvings, and the cottages are secluded; some have perfect sea views. Families can book adjoining rooms with connecting doors. Otherwise, the staff are pleased to help with a fold-up bed or two. Several activities are offered (some for free), such as snorkeling, cycling, yoga, and classes in traditional art and massage. The resort is a peaceful 200m from the main road, but walking to central Candidasa (1.5km) is not that pleasant, so take advantage of the resort’s shuttle bus.

Puri Bagus – Candidasa

Puri Bagus offers a different experience than the massive resorts in Kuta and the swanky apartments in Seminyak. While it could use some modernization, it thankfully lacks concrete and is not overcrowded. The cottages are spread out across the extensive gardens, providing some privacy, and many offer genuine ocean views. Families can fit an extra bed into a standard room or book two adjoining cottages. The staff is very accommodating towards families.

What sets Puri Bagus apart from its competitors is its yoga retreat and the on-site international-standard dive center, which can arrange diving/snorkeling trips and training. Other activities, such as cooking classes, cycling to a traditional village, mountain hiking, and boat trips to a “secret” beach, are also offered. Serenely located in eastern Candidasa, The hotel is a delightful 1.5km stroll from most facilities. (There’s also a free hotel shuttle bus.) While it doesn’t have kids clubs like those found in Nusa Dua and Legian, families with older children would appreciate the quiet location away from traffic, the interesting range of activities, the spacious accommodation, and the value for money.

Nusa Lembongan

The tranquil island of Nusa Lembongan, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Sanur, is rapidly becoming more popular. Villages are filled with coffee shops, and trendy beach clubs line the sandy shores. With only a few hotels catering to families, the island is more suitable for those traveling with teenagers. There are excellent beaches and a myriad of activities available both on the island and underwater. (However, be aware that speedboat boarding and disembarking often involves wading through the sea, frequently up to knee.)

Hai Tide – Nusa Lembongan

One of the first hotels on Nusa Lembongan, this resort spans a vast area, dominating Mushroom Bay, the island’s most beautiful (and safest) beach. The resort boasts the best location on the island, with entrances along the coast and access road. The accommodations include garden villas and two-level bungalows designed like lumbung rice barns. Some comfortably accommodate a family of four and are barely ten meters from the sea. The premium family option at the resort – and anywhere on Nusa Lembongan – are the Private Villas with a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a private pool. Furthermore, the gardens are lush, the three pools are gorgeous, and the restaurant is classy.

Hai Tide is easily the finest resort on the island for families. The kids club is modest (but free), and activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling, and banana boat rides are available at no cost. The bay out front offers white sand and calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and water sports, scuba diving, and boat trips are easy to arrange. Added attractions are the Beach Club, with even more lounge chairs, direct speedboats from Bali (30 minutes), and complimentary breakfast included in all rates.

Get All New Content

• My Travel Newsletter

Manager of the Hotel Orissa

Hello, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that you have a great site! Keep up the good work.
Seawalker in Bali

I m planning to come to Bali in June. We want to try the seawalker. Is it safe for kids 9 years old?? Which hotel closest to the seawalker adventure??
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The website says for 9 and up so I’m assuming those are the ages they feel good about joining in.
  
  For hotels, check Segara Village Hotel Bali which has a nice pool and is close to the Seawalker.
Luxury Family Hotel in Bali

Hi, we are looking to book a vacation in Bali for July, and would like to treat ourselves for no bars utter luxury on this trip.
Which of the top luxury Resorts do you think would be most enjoyable for a 5 year old ?
Thank you for this great website !

Frankie
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I love the Four Seasons in Jimbaran so would recommend that.
  
  Great beach, superb service, super fun kids club, near to the fantastic beach-seafood huts of Jimbaran. Quiet but close to Kuta if you want to do some shopping or touristy things.
  
  Hope that helps.
  
  Good luck.
Kid Friendly Hotels in Seminyak and Ubud

Hi David
Love ur website. We will be in Bali this August for 2 weeks with our kids (9 and 3). We are planning on splitting our time there between Seminyak and Ubud. I’ve booked rooms at the Dippan resort in Seminyak and Cendana in Ubud. Do you know anything about these places. Also, we will have a long flight from Washington DC to Singapore, staying there for a week before heading to Bali. I am concerned about water quality in Bali. Any advice for us?

Thanks!!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Both are good choices. We only drink bottled water in Bali (widely available) and have never had any problems.
Hotels in Kuta for Family of 3

Hi, looking at Bali for 7 days, Sept 12, Kuta about 2 days,
need accomm. 2 parent adults, one young adult, one teen 14 and one child 6yrs old. Budget $100 – $150 a night. Clean, nice, tidy with a hint of luxury.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Karla. 2 great places in Kuta are the Ramada Bintang Bali and the Villa Coco Bali.
  
  Both might be a little over your budget but those links will get you the best rates. Good luck.
Luxury Bali Hotel with Older Kids

Hi David, We would like to visit Bali in December… 22 to 29th. I know its high season and want to book in advance. My kids are 17 and 21 and like fun and adventure. We were thinking about staying at one o the Westin/Sheraton properties since we have points. What do you think of them. Is there any all inclusive properties that you may recommend?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Westin in Nusa Dua is super family-friendly and one of the most affordable luxury hotels in Bali.
Recommended Hotel for Family

hi there. me and my family of 2 adults and 3 children [ 15,14,8] are planning our frst trip to bali in february. we have no idea where to stay but i would like somewhere that the kids will enjoy. would you have any suggestions please? Jennifer
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Jennifer. Not sure if you’re looking for a hotel or a place? In either case the Four Seasons Jimbaran is awesome and Jimbaran itself is one of my favorite beaches in Bali. Great seafood is cooked and eaten right on the beach every night. It’s so much fun. The swimming is nice too (most of the time – the waves can be rough on occasion).
  
  Nusa Dua has many options too but are farther away from what makes Bali interesting.
Family Wedding in Seminyak

Hi. My family and I (2 and 6 yr old) will be going to Bali next April for a wedding in Seminyak. We will be staying for 11 nights and are trying to decide where to stay. We have a max of 6k for accommodation and would preferably like it cheaper but we do want it to be a holiday that combines luxury for us and fun for the kids, so being close to the beach is ideal. We are happy to stay a few days in Seminyak for the wedding and move to another hotel for the remainder of the trip as hotels outside Seminyak look better value. I am also wondering whether we would get a better deal if it was closer to to April? Any suggestions are welcome as i am drowning in a world of websites!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Oberoi Hotel and Legian Hotel are both awesome and I bet in April (low season) you should be able to find some great rates that fall well under your budget.
Bali Holiday for Family of 4

David, your site truly rocks. Thank you!

My best friend and I will be traveling with her 4 year old and an 8 year old. Seeking access to great food, spas, shopping, bars, lounges, etc. for the ladies and a kids club w/ activities for the kiddos. She is leaning towards staying in a 5 star in Seminyak, but we are flex. Any suggestions?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Seminyak is a great area – so can’t go wrong there. Definitely recommend getting away from the Kuta region to see the rest of the island though. Ubud makes a great base to see lots in central and northern Bali – and it’s a great spot in its own right. If you stay a little out of town it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet, but the towns close with lots of places to eat and explore. Most place have a pool too which is nice. I’d split my time between those 2 places. Hit Jimbaran at least one night to eat fresh seafood at restaurants spread along the beach.
  
  Good luck.
  1. Molly
    
    Thank you! We had a wonderful time in both Seminyak and Ubud. We got a lovely 2BR villa in Seminyak and day-tripped to Ubud. In hindsight, we should have spent at least 3 days in Ubud; it was paradise! And we took your advice and had a seafood dinner in Jimbaran following the Kecak fire dance in Uluwatu. Perfect. Thank you.
Family Holiday for Family of 5

We are travelling to Bali in September with 3 boys (2, 4, 7) their first overseas trip. I would like either a room that has 5 beds (ok with a rollaway) or apartment. No need for kids club. I’m getting a little overwhelmed with numbers of options am also contemplating splitting time between 2 places?
Where would you recommend?

Thanks in advance 🙂
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Sammy.
  
  Yes, it’s easier to find large suites at 5 star hotels – or by getting connecting rooms.
  
  Good luck.
Bali Family Holiday

Hi david,
We are really wanting to take our boys 6,8 & 9 yrs to bali but am unsure where to stay.
Mind you I’ve been 3 times and I’ve had all different stays (all of which were amazing) but I’m confused about accommodation with kids.
This family holiday is mainly for my sons to see bali but for me not to have to climb mountains to entertain them.
Do they need any shots?
Forgive my ignarance but its what I’ve heard.
Thanks david
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  What about a mix of places.
  
  Start with the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta. Super fun for boys that age. (Not “the real Bali” of course, but would make a fun start to your trip.) It’s perfect for 2 or 3 nights – but much more and some people might tire of the atmosphere.
  
  Then go to Jimbaran. Awesome seafood restaurants along the beach. Nice vibe. Quiet and you can epxlore the Bukit Peninsula easily from there without having to contend with Kuta traffic. Puri Bambu is a great mid-range hotel. Nice pool and good location. You save money by not being right on the beach (though it’s a short walk).
  
  Finish up in Ubud. The Four Seasons Sayan is awesome. Beautiful setting out in the rice paddies. This will get you exploring little villages and seeing rural Bali at work in the fields.
  
  Check the CDC (and your doctor) for what shots you need.
  
  Hope that helps.
Family Villa in Canggu

Hi

WE have a 18month old and looking at staying in Canggu – can you reccommend a reasonable villa please?

Lindy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Ametis Villas is great. Close to the beach. Quiet. Huge villas. (Villas are not cheap however – if that’s what you meant by reasonable.)
Bali with Toddler in February

Hello David,

We are traveling to Bali in Feb, we have been twice before but traveling with our 15 month old boy this time. We can’t decide where to stay?! Going for 9nights. We have been told Sanur is great for families but also really like Seminyak for food & shopping. We would prefer a villa within a resort so we still get that resort feel, cocktails, room service etc.

Can you suggest places in both areas please?

Cheers Rachel
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Rachel. I’d split my time between both places as they have a very different feel (especially the beach which is quite calm in Sanur).
Bali in May, which Hotel

Hello David,
I am taking my 9 and 6 year old to Bali in May and have been told to stay at Hard Rock, Dynasty, Jayakarta or Kartika…confused which do you think would be best? Actually thinking of splitting between 2 hotels to ‘test’ them,
Cheers Alison
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I would split your time between the Hard Rock (which the kids will love) and the Kartika (still kid-friendly but much more tranquil and relaxing).
Bali in Maya and June

Hello,

We are travelling to Bali in May/June with our two children, 4 and 2 years olds. We stayed at Padma Legian last time (without the kids). We loved the quality of the , but not sure that the pools are suitable for our young children (not really kids pools)

We are looking for somewhere around Legian/ Seminyak. Can you please suggest a few motels that have great kids pools?

Thanks very much.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Hotel Kumala Pantai has 2 great pools.
Ubud and Sanur for 2 weeks

Hi David
We are going to Bali in July with our 18mth old and 4 yr old. We were thinking of going to ubud and sanur for two weeks. Do you suggest a good resort that is not too big and has a kids club? In the past we have been in some amazing resorts but it’s been too isolated and sometimes not easy to meet others. So we wanted to stay somewhere that’s more quaint and great for our kids to meet other kids and where we would feel comfortable putting them in a kids club with good activities.
Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Hyatt in Sanur has a kids’ club and is very central to restaurants and the main strip of shops. The pool is pretty much right on the beach and a nice setting for interacting and meeting people.
Club Med in Bali for Kids

Dear David,

I have never been to Bali and I plan to go early May with my wife and 6 years old son. There seems to be so much choice for kids in Bali. What do you suggest for a 6 years old kid? He likes activities, pool and sea. I also saw that there is a club med there but it is not listed in your internet site. What do you think about? Thanks for your help. Alessandro
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  If your main interests are a beach holiday then base yourself in Nusa Dua (or nearby). Its hotels have more of a resort feel – with great pools, kids clubs, and beach activities. They are somewhat isolated from central Bali and the cultural attractions you’ll find there. The Club Med is good, but think there are better choices. Good luck.
Bali for Family of 3

Hi David,
Thanks for all your great hints for Bali holidays. Can I ask for some guidance. I will be travelling with my 3 1/2 year old son and my mum(a very fit 65 year old). My mum has never been so is interested in seeing a bit more of bali than just a resort. I would like a good kids club so we can have some down time from a very active 3 year old. We would probably not drive anywhere ourselves so would rely on local taxis etc. We are thinking of going at the start of June for about 10 days. Any ideas as I have now looked at Sanur/Nusa dua/Seminyak and Legian and have totally confused myself with all the choices.

Thanks
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Check out the Bali Dynasty or the Padma in the Kuta/Legian area or the Hyatt in Sanur. All have good kids club (though the quality of kids’ clubs is often dependent on the quantity and character of the other kids – and June is a quiet time so the clubs could be on the subdued side). Nusa Dua is great for family-friendly hotels but is not great for seeing the rest of the island (especially with kids) as it’s a long way from there to central Bali. Of those 3 hotels, the Hyatt in Sanur will have the best location for exploring the rest of the island. Hope that helps.
Nusa Dua, Jimbaran or Sanur for Family?

Dear David, thank you again for all your hints on Bali. Your blog is so helpful to travel with kids. While Nusa Dua looks wonderful, as you say the location is a bit far from the rest of Bali if we want to go a little bit north. What do you think about Jimbaran? Is it good for kids? Between Sanur and Jimbaran, what is the best beach between the two locations? My son likes to swim in the sea and Sanur’s sea looks a little bit….rocky. Maybe then Jimbaran can be a good option to travel north for some daily trip. What do you think about the intercontinental? I read that they have a good kids club. Thanks again for your help. Alessandro
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The beach in Jimbaran is nicer. The swimming in Sanur is more kid-friendly (calm and shallow water that is protected by a reef). The water in Jimbaran can be pretty rough at times. The food on the beach is way better in Jimbaran. But more food and shopping in the “town” of Sanur than in Jimbaran. Jimbaran is better for doing shopping at the big malls that are around Kuta. Sanur is better for seeing the sights of central and north Bali. So lots of trade-offs.
  
  The Intercontinental is great. Awesome pool. Nice location with some beach restaurants nearby that are wonderful.
  
  Good luck.
Less Touristy Place To Stay in Bali

Hi David,

Thanks for this great article.

I’m currently in Senur with my 2 very young children on my own and am finding it very touristy and expensive. Can you recommend a less touristy area and possibly hotel in the south near a nice beach and fruit market that might be good for us? We are here for over a month so I just need to keep accommodation costs down to a minimum.

Thank you so much in advance, really appreciate any ideas you may have.

Jay
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I really like Padangbai. The Padang Bai Beach Bungalows are nice and one of the few that has a pool. But walk along the beach-front road and there are several good-value hotels. Very quiet here but a beautiful spot with interesting stuff a short drive in just about any direction. Good beaches a short walk away – though the water is not as calm as Sanur.
Private Villa in Seminyak

Hi,
I would like to find a hotel/resort that would fit 2 adults, and 4 children aged 1,4,5 & 7. I really like the Bali Dynasty but they said they dont have rooms to fit 6 people in and we would need to hire two rooms which ends up quite costly.
This will be my 4th time to Bali and last time I took all the kids to a private villa in Seminyak but hoping a hotel with a kids club would be able to fit us in. hoping to go before xmas in their low season. What do you suggest as im getting no where with my researching online
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Kate.
  
  Legian has some good choices for families. Take a look at some of the hotels listed above as there’s lots of choice in the Kuta/Legian area.
  
  Good luck.
Bali in December

Hi, I would like some help. We are traveling to Bali in Dec. I have kids and want a hotel on a safe bathing beach. Would you recommend Nusa Dua and Jimbaran beaches for swimming at that time of year?. Would you have a preferred hotel at each if we were looking for moderate/luxury?.
Also how long would it take to drive between the two resorts. Thanks for any help you can give.
Vicky
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The water at Nusa Dua is definitely calm and very kid-friendly. The water at Jimbaran is less so but still lovely. The Four Seasons Resort is the nicest hotel at Jimbaran – really wonderful. Nusa Dua has many kid-friendly resorts.
  
  It’s about 15 minutes by taxi from Jimbaran to Nusa Dua. Hope that helps.
Bali with a 2 Year Old

Hi David,
I would like to know which part of Bali is more suitable for a 2 years old child.Kuta? Jimbaran or Nusa Dua.

Can you please recommend some child friendly hotel at this 3 places.

Thanks.

Cindy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I would probably say Nusa Dua – as long as you’re prepared to be a little isolated from the rest of Bali.
2 Families Going to Bali

Hello! Let me start by saying “great site!”
We are 2 families, one with a 1yr old and one with a 2.5yr old, looking for accommodation somewhere where: the dad’s can go for a surf, preferably 2 bedrooms in each booking OR a 4 bedroom for 1 booking, a great pool that the adultss can enjoy along with the kids.
Would love to hear your suggestions.
Cheers 🙂
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  It would depend when you’re visiting.
  
  The surfing is best on the west coast of the island from April to September (making Jimbaran a good base for the surf spots along the west coast of the Bukit).
  The surfing is best on the east coast from October to March (making Nusa Dua, Sanur, or Padangbai a good spot).
Bali with Child in November

Hi David.

We are 3 ladies (me, Mum and sister) and my little bubba who is 1 years old. we are travelling to Bali in November. I’m a bit worried about bub as I’ve never taken her to Bali before. Not sure where is best to stay. Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Ubud. We are only going for a week so prefer a less hectic trip but do want to go out a bit to eat out or shop. Not alot though. I am not keen on the madness of Kuta and i heard its not easy with prams.

Thinking a nice 3 bedroom villa in Seminyak could be good if it was baby friendly (pool fence, babysitters, cot etc) and close to Oberoi street which i heard was a good position.

We then changed our minds and though one of the big resorts in Nusa Dua could work better as its easier with bub. I will probably be spending quite a bit of time in the room when bub sleeps so I want a nice room!

I’ve been to Ubud and love it but not sure if it will be actually harder with a baby. Any recommendations of places to stay in Ubud?

Our budget is about $450 a night.

Help!!!!
I was looking at Hyatt in Nusa Dua, Ulin Villas in Seminyak but really not sure. Any recommendations of family friendly villas or hotels that have big room.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Hi Dina. I get what you’re saying and I think you’ve got a good understanding of the trade-offs. You just have to make a decision.
  
  Nusa Dua will be easier. Ubud will be the most interesting. Seminyak is somewhere in the middle.
  
  Good luck.
Birthday Party Place in Bali

Hi All!

You could also have your child’s birthday (or un-birthday) party while you are in Bali! My Balinese wife has a wonderful children’s party business and all you’d need to do is turn up and have maximum fun!

Please check out her website.

Thanks,
~Nick
Bali for Family of 6

Hello! We want to bring our 4 girls aged 10, 9, 6 and 6 to Bali for the first time this January. Target about 7-8 days total. Looking for both a great beach and easy access to authentic local cultural sites. Ready to pay extra for comfort. What would you advise? Thank you!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Sanur has a kid-friendly beach, a very relaxed vibe, good family-friendly hotels, and easy access to central and eastern Bali – where there’s lots to see and do.
Bali in January for Group of 5

Excellent Site. Made our Bali trip planning super efficient.

We will be visiting Bali in Jan. Traveling with a 4yr old and ageing parents. Planning to stay at two places – first few days at Courtyard by Marriott and then Pandawa Villas at Ubud. Any thoughts about these places ?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  These are both great properties and really compliment each other well. You’re getting both sides of Bali – the beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua and the rice paddies and rural feel of the Ubud area. Have fun!
Bali Accommodation for 4 Families

Hi there, I was wondering if there was any accommodation that would cater to 4 families (8 Adults & 6 Children) where each family could have separate rooms /villas (2 or 3 bedroom) yet there was a common area in between, ideally with a pool, which we could use as a place to gather & spend time together? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I can’t recommend anything specifically but search the villa rentals in Seminyak on Booking.com. Good luck.
2. Cam
  
  Try Villa Echo Padi, only villa I know that has a glass pool fence for kids and 8 hours of an included driver and car each day. 3 x 3-4 bedroom villas each with its own pool. One of the walls between 2 of the villas can be opened up so both pools are in the one space. We loved it there.
Best Place to Stay Close to Bali Beach

heya,
What’s your pick for area to stay thats close to a nice beach, close to shops and restaurants, but not crazy busy for 2 couples and their 2 x 1.5 year olds.
cheers!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Sanur has a good kid-friendly vibe without be too busy. The beach is protected by a reef and very calm – although not as idyllic as other beaches on Bali.
Bali Destination for 2 Families

Hi David
We are looking at heading to Bali in July for 10 days
2 families, 5 kids…..11,9,5,5,2 years.
Considering we have a 2 year old with us I am trying to work out the best area to stay in.
Don’t want a villa with private pool for obvious reasons!
Were thinking of Seminyak but wondering if there is a nicer place where we can still see the best of Bali and relax by the beach as well?
Also concerned about the kids getting Bali Belly, any tips on avoiding it?
Appreciate your time….thank you!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Seminyak is a great area with a family-friendly vibe. The beach is not as calm as Sanur but the area is more interesting. It’s still fairly easy to get to the rest of Bali for day trips. I’d highly recommend getting up to Ubud area to explore – maybe even do an “extended daytrip” where you leave your bags in Seminyak and pack a few small overnight bags and stay at a cool hotel or guesthouse in the rice paddies. Very cool. Avoiding stomach bugs has always been easy for us so not sure what to offer. Maybe my biggest tip is don’t worry. Stuff happens, you’ll be fine regardless what happens – enjoy your trip and don’t allow any meals to be spoiled by worrying and fretting. Cheers.
  1. Cheralee
    
    Thanks so much David, very helpful.
Which Area of Bali to Stay with Kids

Hi David, what an awesome guide that you’ve put together here. I’m planning a 5D4N trip for late March with my husband and our 28-month-old daughter, and 2 other adults. I’m thinking of splitting our home base into 2. Maybe 2 days at a private villa and 3 days at a family friendly resort, or the other way round. But there are too many choices! I’m having a hard time deciding even which part of Bali we should stay in. Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran? Which 2 areas would you recommend for a family with a toddler? Thanks!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I love Ubud and would recommend it – but of course there’s no beach. Sanur and Seminyak are both great (Sanur has the more kid-friendly beach, Seminyak has a more lively vibe). Do 2 of those depending on your tastes.
One Week in Bali with Young Child

Hello, I am staying in Sanur for 7 nights in May with my husband and a 2 year old. Can not decide between Paneeda View and Besakih beach resort. Can you recommend one over the other, both seem to be about the same price, on beach and close to shops and amenities.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Both are great mid-range hotels, near a nice stretch of beach, with restaurants and shops of Sanur within an easy walk. The Besakih has a nicer beach and pool. The Peneeda has larger rooms and more character.
Bali in August for Group of 6

Hi David,

We’ll be having our 1st Bali trip for 5 nights in August, 4 adults + 2 kids (1 and 3 y/o). Will stay 3D2N at Mara River Safari Lodge before we leave, but having problem to decide where to stay for the first 3 nights.

Our preference is having an affordable villa (moderate charges), hope to get a villa within walking distance to beach and busy streets with lots of shops/restaurants around (we’re not driving).

What’s the option would you recommend? Thanks alot! 🙂
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Check out the villa rentals in Sanur. A great town with a nice beach and lots of shops and restaurants.
Bali in December with 2 Teens

Hi there, I have enjoyed reading through all the info about Bali. We will be travelling to Bali in December with two 17 year old boys. I think the Hard Rock Hotel looks awesome for facilities for the boys, but probably a bit too expensive for a weeks stay, where else would you recommend for teens? Thanks
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Try Febri’s Hotel. It’s much cheaper, has some large rooms, and a great pool. It’s close to the Kuta water park, shopping, the beach, and things to do. Good luck.
Things To Do Near Canggu

Hi
I noticed you haven’t mentioned the Canggu area. There is so much to enjoy out that way. The Equestrian centre has a playground, sandpit & swimming pool. There is a new kids shop called Bermain near Canggu club with lots of unique toys and art classes. Plus Kaki Lima & Old mans on the beach have lovely grassed areas and yummy kids menus…just to name a few.
Cheers
🙂
1. Ciara
  
  Thanks so much for the tip on the Equestrian Centre!!! Sounds amazing for my 3 year old! Will definitely spend a day there while in Seminyak!! Thanks again!
Bali With 3 Year Old Child

Hi just wondering what you think is the best place to stay with a 3 year old. I’m very undecided as I want to have fun with our daughter with out getting bored my self if that makes sense?
Cheers.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Bali Dynasty Resort in Kuta is wonderful for young kids.
Hotel for New Year's Eve

Hi, I’m heading over with my husband and 2 kids 3 and 5 and at the moment I have booked to stay at the Ramada in Legian for 6 nights because it’s on the beach and I’ve heard there are lots of fireworks. Is this a good choice with the kids?
Also staying 5 nights at the Puri Dewa Bharata!
I’m hoping I’ve chosen the right places it was getting all too confusing with so much choice any help would be appreciated thanks heaps Nadene
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  They are very different hotels but good mid-range/budget choices. The Ramada has a great location in Legian and near the beach and places to eat but lacks character. The Puri Dewa in Seminyak has a more traditional Bali feel and much more character but is not as centrally located so you’ll be walking a bit to get to restaurants and the beach. Just don’t be expecting five star amenities and attention to detail and you’ll be happy with both.
monir hossain

The Balinese friendliness is legendary and it will make almost any hotel an attractive second-home to most families.
Kid-friendly Hotel with Pool/Close to Shopping

Great site – we are thinking of going to Bali in July. Have 3 girls, 14, 12 and 6 (special needs). The older girls like shopping and the pool and my youngest the pool. We like eating out. Don’t need kids clubs and our preference would be a nice pool over the beach. Don’t mind splitting our time in different places over 7 days. We don’t mind spending money for nice accommodation but as long as clean and comfortable with good pool okay too. What would you suggest without huge amount of travel? Thanks.
Sara Stythe
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Bali Dynasty in Kuta is super kid-friendly, great pool, on the beach, close to shopping and waterbom water slide park. Nearby Febri’s is also family friendly with large rooms and a nice pool. It’s not on the beach and is much less expensive.
Bali with Kid/Hard Rock Hotel

Hi David,

Our first time to go to Bali. Your site has truly been helpful.
Just booked in hard rock for May 26-30 with wife and two kids (9 and 7).

Few questions
1. We intend to go to Waterboom. How far is this from the hotel?
2. Any other recommended activities for kids those age? Zoo, sight seeing, zip line, cultural dance to experience bali somehow…(safari seemed overpriced is it?).
3. Been hearing food in hard rock is bad and overpriced, any restaurants within walking distance or short cab ride that is worth the experience.

Thank you

Vince Chua
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  1. Waterbom is a 10 minute walk from the Hard Rock Hotel.
  2. The cultural dance and theater shows in Ubud are wonderful and very kid-friendly. There are elephant rides close to Ubud too. There is zip lining at Bali Treetop. And Kuta is a great place to do surfing lessons. The Safari Park is expensive but worth the visit.
  3. You’re very close to Poppies Lane 1 which has a bunch of good places to eat (many of them cheap). Poppies and TJ’s are good places to seek out.
Alam Sari Location

Hi David,
We’re considering a trip to Bali in early October with our three kids (4, 2 and 4 months), thinking of a few days of fun in/around Kuta (best spot to access fun, but not be too mad for the little ones?) and then some down time in Ubud. I’m loving the look of Alam Sari in Ubud, but wondering if it’s too far out of town to be convenient with little kids. Would you recommend it, or something more suitable closer to town?
Cheers, and thanks for a great site – I feel like I’ve got holiday planning sorted for a while! 🙂
Asha Day
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Alam Sari is a good ways out of Ubud (about a 20 minute drive). There is a free shuttle 3 times per day. Stay here if you’re looking for a rural experience surrounded by the beauty of Bali, rice paddies, tours of the local tour. But if you want to really experience Ubud (the shopping, restaurants, shows) then stay within walking distance of the town.
  1. Asha Day
    
    Fantastic – thank you. That’s a fair way out, so maybe we’ll just have to split our time between two places! Thanks again.
Melasti with Kids

Hi David,

We are traveling to Bali with 2 kids (12 & 7) in November for 2 weeks. This is the first time my boys will be coming with us to Bali. I’ve booked the Melasti Beach resort in Legian I’d like your thoughts on this resort please as it’s been about 8 years since busting this resort.
I’ve stayed all over Bali over a number of years and although I loved Seminyak to be my fav I think Legian is a good place to stay!!

Cheers

Kris
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  They’ve been updating and refurbishing the Melasti over the previous few months. It’s nice but not a 5 star hotel – for some reason people’s expectation are quite high for the Melasti and they then feel disappointed. It’s a good value 3.5 star hotel. Great location for beach, restaurants, shopping.
Weather in Bali in September

Hi
Is it good time to visit Bali in the month of September? (Mid to late September) with 3 kids 5, 8, and 13 years.
We have 5 to 7 days of vacations.
Thanks
Rashid
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  September is one of the best months to visit Bali.
The Bali Westin with Kids

Hi David,

We are thinking of planning a vacation in this area in Bali, and looking into staying around this hotel next month in august
Westin Resort Nusa Dua Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua – travelling with a 7 year old and nearly 3 year.
Any help with info would be great.

Thanks a ton,
Cassy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I highly recommend the Westin in Nusa Dua if you’re traveling with kids, looking for a great resort, and want a calm beautiful beach. It is a long way from the cultural heart of Bali so if you’re looking for a more active, experience-oriented vacation then the Westin is not the best choice. But for luxury and relaxation it’s hard to beat.
Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua

Help, can’t make a decision – even after reading the reviews etc extensively on here we still can’t decide between Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua.

Travelling to Bali in August with our 9 year old twins, going to be looking for a bit of everything, nice beach, good resort, bit of a buzz in the evening for a wander, eat & drink – kids clubs are not important. Finding it difficult to choose although admittedly a nice problem to have. Seen it mentioned in various places that Sanur isn’t the best beach aesthetically, what is the issue if any?
Appreciate any words of wisdom.

Ian
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I would drop Nusa Dua from consideration as it does not have much of a buzz and very little to “wander” to. Sanur has more of a town (restaurants, shops, bars) than Jimbaran which has most of its activity along the beach. The Jimbaran beach is great at night when there are many places to eat but sort of dead through the day. Sanur has a narrow beach without the soft sand you’ll find at Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. Most hotels along the beach have pools just back from the beach so you tend to come out for a swim then return to the pool area for a drink or to lie out.
Which Town for Non-touristy Bali

I first have to thank you for your wonderful posts as it has given me a lot of reassuring information for the trips I plan to take and where to go with my 2 girls 9 and 6. I do have a question as I am stuck on where to stay. My husband and I plan to visit Bali for 4 days in December on a side trip. We do enjoy staying at the Westin and Hard Rock type of chains but want a Bali feel to our trip and not a typical beachfront all inclusive vacation with pool and beaches only. We plan to go to Treetop Adventures one day and also ride elephants another day. Which location would you recommend to really feel Bali that would be safe, still a 3-4 star hotel with pool but have a feel of the culture and have close proximity to local markets and restaurants. Thanks.
Michelle
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Ubud is a great place to stay when you want to get away from the beach and resort scene. It’s still touristy, of course, but it’s easy to take a short walk and wind up walking through small villages and working rice paddies. It’s also very central for seeing the “rest of Bali”. Unlike when you’re in the Kuta region where even when you want to get away you still have to drive through Denpasar and lots of traffic to get to the heart of Bali. In Ubud, you’re already there.
Dynasty Resort with Kids

Hi David, we are planning a trip to Bali in December with 2 kids aged 6 & 14 years, I’m having a hard time trying to figure out where to stay that will cater for both ages!! I’ve seen the Dynasty offers a great deal of what we are after but Ive also heard it’s quite noisy!! Is there a place similar to the Dynasty that’s close enough to restaurants with facilities to entertain parents & kids that’s not in Kuta & is affordable? Thankyou, Sophie
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I think the Dynasty Resort is a good choice. If you have kids and want them to be in a fun and kid-friendly environment then there are going to be lots of other kids and families (especially if it’s affordable). There’s just no way around that. The Dynasty is also close to Waterbom park (water slides) which is a great outing.
The Conrad Hotel in Bali with Kids

Hello David

First of all I want to congratulate you on such an informative site and for taking the time to answer so many questions on the same topics so patiently.

I am planning to take my two boys 10 and 7 yrs old to Bali mid December for a few days. I see you listed Conrad Hotel right at the beginning of this blog as example of Kids friendly hotels in Bali but then have not mentioned it since. What is your personal opinion of this hotel? My boys likes to spend some time in kids club (only if it’s not aimed at too young an age group) and also likes to spend time with me by the pool (preferably with a slide but if not then a nice pool to swim in). And then a little bit of site seeing.

Your thoughts on this most appreciated.
Denise
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Conrad is great for kids – the huge pools being the big draw, but no water slides. The beach is shallow here which is both good and bad. Good for it being safe but perhaps too shallow to really swim in. With the Conrad you’re staying in a location that is far from central Bali where much of the sightseeing is found – though there are some cool sights on the Bukit Peninsula that are easy to reach.
Mosquitoes in Bali

Hi David,

Thanks for a very helpful website. We are actively looking at going to Ubud on the basis of the information here. We have one question, though.

I suffer badly from mosquito bites. Are mosquitoes a significant problem in Ubud and are there some hotels or locations that are better or worse affected in that respect?

Grateful for any info that you might have

Thanks

Keith
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Mosquitoes are less common near the beach and in the dry season. You will find more in central Bali (Ubud) and between December and March. They’re never too bad but for people that really get bitten it can be a pain. Hotels in town might tend to have fewer mosquitoes than out near the rice paddies but it’s very hard to predict.
Canggu with Kids

Hi David,

Awesomely wicked site! thank you so much for the resource.

My husband and I will be travelling to Bali with our then 9 month old baby girl.

What are your thoughts on the area Canggu. Is it safe, what are the beaches like for kids, and is it in walking distance to good restaurants, shops etc.

Don’t want to be too far from the action and would like a good balance.

Thanks so much!

Zunilka
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Canggu is large and much more spread out than, say, Seminyak. There are good restaurants around the Batu Bolong and Echo Beach areas. The waves can be rough and generally I would not call the water kid-friendly. The town itself is great, friendly, and safe. It feels a bit like the area around Ubud – rural with rice paddies about – but with a nearby beach. I would not describe Canggu as being “near the action.”
Bali on a Budget

We will be travelling to Bali in February with a 3 year old and 18 month old.
Planning on 2 weeks – 1 week in Ubud and 1 week at the beach.
Where would you suggest
In terms of places to stay, were on a budget as its part of a round the world trip
thanks
Kate
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  There are great places to stay a short walk outside of Ubud – especially to the north. Sanur and Kuta both have cheap hotels that are back from the beach. I would book for the first night in each place then walk around to find something cheaper. For mid-range and luxury places you’ll find the best deals online but for budget hotels you’ll get the cheapest deals in person. Just don’t do this in July, August, or Christmas/New Years as you might not find a place.
Hotel Room for Family of 5 in Bali

Hi there. I would love some advice on hotels for a larger family (2 adults and 3 children) and which hotels accomodate this size family. A lot of hotels only allow 2 children which is such a pain and they expect you to book a whole second room for one small child. This totally over extends my budget. Any suggestions welcome…
Thanks
Eloise Scott
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  You’re right. Most hotel rooms (even larger ones) are for a group of 4. Hotels with larger rooms that will sleep a family of 5 are: the Family Studio Room at the Bali Dynasty (bunk beds and a king bed) and the Quintet Room at Febri’s Hotel (3 twin beds and a king) in Kuta, and the Family Room at Melia Bali (2 twin beds and 1 king on 2 levels) in Nusa Dua.
Club Med Bali with Kids

Hi David.

Great site thank you so much.

I am looking at travelling to Bali in Feb for 9 nights with my husband and two boys aged 1 & 3.
We are seriously considering Club Med as have heard great things from a few friends.
Do you have any comments/ thoughts?

Thank you,
Kate
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  It’s a nice hotel with a beautiful pool and lots to do for kids. But there’s not a lot nearby and it’s an all inclusive which means lots of average food – and makes you less likely to get out and explore local restaurants and food. I personally would not recommend it, but if you’re only looking to sit by the pool and don’t have a lot of interest in seeing the real Bali then it’s fine.
Grand Hyatt, Westin, or Conrad for Kids

Hi David,

Excellent Website!

planning on a getaway to Bali for 3.5days. Wife and Kids (11,9,6 <– 3 active boys!).

Question – Considering Rooms, Facilities, Activities, etc and the 3 boys…Any hints?…Grand Hyatt Suite (Middle), Westin Family Suite (Most Expensive) or Conrad Suites (Best Price with Most Included)?

Actually, the main question is…Would the 3 boys get bored at Conrad?

Thanks,
Mike
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  All 3 are great hotels. The Westin is the most kid-friendly with lots to do and (perhaps, most important) lots of other kids to play with. The Conrad is the most luxurious of the 3 (and there are suites with direct access to pool and beach which is nice). Grand Hyatt is somewhere in the middle on the luxury vs family-friendly scale (maybe a good compromise).
Bali with a Baby

Hello David,

I´ll travel to Bali next January and I´m not sure where to stay. I´m traveling with my husband, his parents and our baby (he will be 6 months at that time). We would like to stay in a resort with all the facilities for the baby with beautiful beaches too. Don´t want a crowded place full of drunk young people or party 24/7. Which area would you recommend me?
Thank you!
Verónica
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Look at the resorts in Nusa Dua. The beaches are calm and beautiful. Resorts are top notch. Very little nightlife in the area so partiers are not a problem.
Babysitters in Bali / Local Food

Thanks for a great resource. We’re taking our 6 yr old and 15 month old to Bali in a couple of weeks.Do you know if it’s common to be able to organise babysitters for toddlers? We’re hoping for kids club for the older one but a few evenings off too from the baby! Also, keen on being somewhere we can access local warungs for lunch and night eating. Where do you reckon is best? Mid range. Thanks heaps! Janelle
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, most hotels will be able to find a babysitter with a day’s notice. It might be someone on staff or a family friend that they can contact. Warungs are everywhere and consistently good, ask at your hotel for something nearby.
Nusa Dua or Legian

Hi. I am planning a family vacation in Bali near christmas. We will be 3 nights in Ubud but first three nights at a beach hotel. Right now we’re torn between Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua and Padma resort in Legian.

The biggest thing that’s stopping me from going ahead and booking the Padma is that I’ve heard a lot of negative comments about the beach being dirty, and the ocean not good for swimming due to undertow.

The wife and I were in Bali a few years ago and stayed in Nusa Dua and we loved wandering around the shallow waters and sandbars at low tide. Can that be done at Legian beach too?

The issue I have with Hyatt is that it’s more secluded and more difficult to find a lot of options for stuff to do outside of the hotel. I relize this shouldn’t be a huge concern for 3 days given the extensive facilities, etc at the Hyatt. The other thing is no sunsets since it’s an eastern-coast hotel.

I would love to hear your opinion.

William
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The beach at Legian is more active, busier, better (stronger) surf. I personally like the vibe around Legian more than Nusa Dua but if you’ve been down there and liked it then I would go with that – especially for such a short stay.
Bali Dynasty with Kids

Great info!
I’m planning to visit Bali next week, which is in early Dec with my husband and 3 girls (7y,4y and 10m). We’ve booked the Bali Dynasty Resort for 3 nights.
My girls love to spend time at the kids club, swimming pools and playing sand by the beach. We are planning to take them to play with dolphins and visit monkey forest. Do u think we made a good choice with the hotel? Your comment please?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Great choice. It’s a very kid-friendly resort with lots to do and good activities nearby (including Waterbom waterslides).
Nusa Lembongan with Kids

Hi we are thinking of staying at Coconut Beach in Nusa Lembongan. We have a 1 year old and 9 year old, is this a good idea? Could we leave from this island in time to catch an 1pm flight?? Thankyou,
Emma
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Nusa Lembongan is great for kids (good snorkeling for your 9 year old) but I’d recommend staying near Mushroom Bay which has better swimming. It’s certainly possible to leave Nusa Lembongan in the morning (there are early morning ferries at 8am and 9am) and get to the Bali airport but delays are common due to any number of reasons – rough seas, broken motor, getting stuck on the reef – that I personally would leave the day before. But if you’re willing to take some risk I’d say you’d make it with time to spare 95% of the time.
Gili or Lombok with Kids

Hi. we will travel to Bali in a few days (short notice) for approx. 16 days – over Christmas. Our kids are 6, 3, and 4 month and we are looking for a mixture of holiday: Beach (hotel or villa), mountain areas, and maybe the islands around. Do you recommend to go to Gili islands or Lombok?

Tanja
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I would recommend Nusa Lembongan for kids as it has a great vibe, wonderful beaches, good snorkeling, and most important, is easy to get to from Bali. Lombok and the Gilis require a long boat ride (though you can fly to Lombok). And during December, January, and February the seas can be rough. That can be a long miserable boat ride. Nusa Lembongan is much closer (just 30 minutes from Sanur) and the water is more protected so even on a day the sea is wavy it’s a better ride.
  1. Tanja
    
    Thanks David. If we stay on the main land – what areas do you recommend.
    
    Ubud, Saminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua – are these recommended with little kids.
    
    ideally we are looking for a beach villa (direct access from your villa to the beach) and with breakfast.
    
    Cheers Tanja
  2. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
    
    All are nice. Ubud is a town in central Bali (no beach) but lots of culture and good restaurants – well worth a visit. Nusa Dua is on the opposite end of the spectrum – great beach, large resorts, but not much culture. Seminyak has a good beach (though it’s far from calm and tranquil) and great food, trendy shopping. Sanur is quieter with a calmer beach but the sand isn’t quite as idyllic as Nusa Dua or Seminyak.
Good Hotel for Kids close to Shopping

Hello:)

Love your site! My husband and I are travelling to Bali next July for just over two weeks with my mum, and our 4 year old and 10 month old. We are thinking of staying at a couple of places, maybe a villa one week and a resort the next. We mostly enjoy just lazing around the pool and going out to eat and shop at night.

We have stayed at the W Resort before and really enjoyed that, so we are looking for something similar but with a kids club and really close to walk to restaurants? Any suggestions?

Sandy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Bali Dynasty would be great though it doesn’t have the trendy shops, night clubs, and restaurants nearby. But it is great for the kids and plenty of touristy shopping and eating within an easy walk. The beach is nice too.
What's Near Nusa Dua Resorts?

Hi! We have booked ourselves 2 adults and kids 4 and 5 at Westin Nusa Dua! We are in Bali for 4 days. Please recommend places close by Nusa Dua as there’s not much in Nusa Dua! Like should we hit Seminayak or Ubud or Jimbaran for a day trip and take our dinner and come back! Please recommend! I’m highly confused after reading your blog and am feeling as I have done a mistake by booking myself in Nusa Dua!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Nusa Dua is great for hanging by the pool and relaxing. So don’t worry. You’ll have a great time. If you did want to experience something a little different than typical then grab a taxi one night (say, around 6pm) and head for Jimbaran Beach. There are a bunch of seafood restaurants there and lots of locals. Walk along the beach until you see something you like. It’s a lot of fun and the food is great.
Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort

Hi

We are thinking of going to Bali in April for a week with a 4yr old & an 8 yr old. Any thoughts on the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali resort? We are hoping for a relaxing resort holiday with a few days of excursions.

Thank you,
Sam
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Great resort and very kid friendly with a water slide, nice pools, and play area. It’s close to the best golf course on Bali. The one caveat is there is very little around in the form of restaurants, nightlife, or shopping.
2. Cam
  
  Stayed here twice in two years we loved it so much. There’s a closeby village in Tanah Lot which has some places to eat and shop but mostly you’ll just stay in the resort or take the shuttle to Seminyak. Pools and kids club are awesome. And the breakfast is amazing, everything from sashimi, to waffles to noodles to fried eggs and bacon.
  
  Definitely recommend if you’re ok to stay at a resort not in the middle of tourist centers.
Dynasty, Nikko, or Holiday Inn for Kids

Hi David, lovely site and very informative.
How are the Nikko at Nusa Dua and Holiday Inn at Benoa. Are they as kid friendly as the Dynasty?
Your input please.
thanks
Rajesh
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Nikko and Holiday Inn are nicer (more luxurious) hotels but the Dynasty has a more kid-friendly vibe (or chaotic vibe, depending on your outlook). The Holiday Inn in Kuta is also great. All 4 hotels are good for families. The location is the biggest difference: Nusa Dua (quieter, calmer beach, lots of resorts, not much local culture) vs Kuta (busy, good surf, lots of shopping).
Nusa Lembongan with Kids

Hi there
Going to Bali in March this year and have a 6 yr old and 4 yr old and want to know somewhere good for snorkelling straight off the beach without too much travel time to get there! What do you think about Nusa Lembongan? Gili and Lombok a bit far to travel.
Patrice
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Nusa Lembongan is great for kids. Good snorkeling and a short boat trip from Sanur (take the earliest boat in the day for the calmest ride). Gili and Lombok are much farther (though you can fly to Lombok).
Sanur Hotel for a Family

Hi, I love this site. I plan to travel to Bali at the end of July with my husband, four year old and my 70 year old mother in law. (We do not plan to rent something for all of us. We would each have our own space. ) We are looking for a family friendly place that still keeps us connected to Bali. We have been to Ubud and Kuta a few years ago. We are going to see Bali more than that have a resort experience. I have heard Sanur is good for kids. We would like to find a place for him to play with other kids at a pool, etc part of the day. At this time we plan to start at a beach spot for a week and end our trip in Ubud. We are looking at hotels in the Moderate range.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is great, has a variety of room sizes, and lots of kids and families. (Only drawback is location as it’s not on the beach/beach road.)
Seminyak with Kids

Hi David,
Wanted to get your advice on things to do with kids. We will be staying at the Ramada Encore in Seminyak at the end of March. Hoping to do snorkelling not sure where would be best, visit a temple (which one?), a rice field, a monkey forest, & would love to visit a waterfall but all of the ones I’ve seen on the internet don’t look suitable for children. Any advise on these activities and where we can do them with children (aged 16, 8, & 3) that would be great.

Many thanks.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  There is nowhere good to snorkel at or near Seminyak. The beaches along that coast are strictly for swimming and, more so, surfing. Safe but unexciting snorkelling options are Sanur or Nusa Dua. Better still are Padangbai and Nusa Lembongan island, which are accessible on daytrips from Seminyak.
  
  Bali is choked with temples, some off-limits to tourists, many over-touristy. Recommended are: Goa Lawah (near Padangbai), Tanah Lot for the setting (but impossibly busy at sunset), and Ulu Watu (for location and surprisingly quiet). For rice-fields try Tegallalang (near Ubud) and the monkey forest at Ubud is convenient and home to plenty of pesky kleptomaniacs (the monkeys, not the people) – so, hang on to your sunglasses and hats!
  
  In short, your best idea is to hire a car with a driver (don’t drive yourself as the traffic is absurd in places and when you’re a passenger you get to enjoy the scenery). Tell your driver what you want to see and he’ll take you to all these places – and other rice-fields with no tourists, temples with ceremonies, and so on.
  
  Other adventurous but safe activities for the kids are the Bali Treetop Adventure Park in Candikuning; and Bali Hai – a massive boat that docks in the ocean at Nusa Lembongan.
Resort for Family of 6 in Bali

Can you please recommend resorts that cater for a family of six (2 adults/4 children) that are close to restaurants and budget friendly!

Bernadette
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  There are not a lot of places that will sleep a family of 6 that aren’t 4 or 5 star hotels (where you’d rent a villa). Try Febri’s Hotel in Kuta which has large family rooms (but usually for families of 5), a playground, nice pool, and good central location. Rates are reasonable.
Top Hotel with Kids in Bali

Thank you for all your information! I’m stuck with finding a kid friendly resort for the last two nights of our upcoming holiday in July. We are a family of 4 (2 adults + 2kids 8/6). We are spending first 5 nights in a villa in Seminyak, then staying in another villa in Canggu with friends and kids (20 people) for 4 nights, and then wanted to make the last two nights about the kids. Could you give me your top three resorts for kids – would like to stay in one room to reduce $$. We have active kids and will be staying with another family who have three kids 9/7/5. We are finding everything so pricey! Was thinking Padma, Mandira, Bali Dynasty. Your top three?

Melanie Sayer
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  I would go with the Dynasty. Very fun and kid friendly. Central location. But Padma and Mandira are great too. Febris is a good budget/moderate option for families.
Nusa Dua or Seminyak with Baby

Hi David, great site & love the responses to comments!
We are looking to travel with a 7 month old in June – initially thinking Nusa Dua so we can get around with a stroller but the food & atmosphere of Seminyak really appeals. Is there anywhere in particular you’d recommend for decent pram access? I read some villas will give you a driver to take you to restaurants so is that a good option for getting around with a baby instead? Penny
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  If you stick to the resort regions there are supermarkets with baby supplies and, perhaps best of all, the Balinese utterly adore children, believing they are gifts from the gods, so your child will be endlessly cuddled and stroked.
  
  Seminyak is an extension of the busy (some call it chaotic) and touristy beach region that includes Kuta and Legian. With lots of traffic, noise and crowds, the area is far from ideal for infants – and, to be honest, if you want good food and a fun atmosphere Ubud and Sanur are just as good. Also, the footpaths are very often uneven in Kuta/Legian/Seminyak and are almost always choked with tourists, locals and their stalls, parked motorbikes and even dogs.
  
  Nusa Dua is an enclave of upscale hotels where there are no hawkers, plenty of flat wide footpaths, and very little traffic. From Nusa Dua, it’s also very easy to visit Kuta/Legian/Seminyak if you want, and close for day-trips to glorious temples like Ulu Watu. (Any hotel can arrange a taxi or chartered car with driver to take you anywhere you want on the island.) Nusa Dua also boasts a long and charming beachside promenade and a pleasant outdoor shopping area (accessible by free shuttle bus from local hotels) – and both are fine for strollers.
Sanur and Ubud with Kids

Hi David,

Love your site. We are wanting to take our kids to Bali over Christmas holidays this coming year. We are flying from Canada so we really want a cultural experience. I was thinking Sanur for the first 3 days and then rent a place in Ubud for a week. Do you think that’s reasonable? Also, do you know how kid friendly the Fairmont is in Sanur? Our kids will be 2/5/7 at the time of travel.

Regards,
Jessica Sookram
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Many families come to Bali for holidays because the facilities are good and the Balinese just adore children, so expect yours to be cuddled, stroked and pinched (in a good way!). But don’t forget that the Christmas holidays are the busiest time in Bali, so book ahead and expect prices to rise.
  
  Sanur is the best beach resort region for youngsters of that age: there is plenty of space, the roads and traffic are far from most hotels and cafes, the sea is shallow and swimmable (with no surf), and there’s enough to keep the parents happy as well.
  
  The Fairmont is certainly a lovely and luxurious place, with such extras as your own butler! It features plenty of tropical gardens for the kids to roam around, and faces a secluded and safe beach. And, perhaps best of all, it offers a Kid’s Club and babysitting services, so it not only encourages families it clearly caters very well for youngsters.
  
  And if you’re seeking a ‘cultural experience’ then Ubud is the place to go. Some of the cultural activities and sights that may interest your young ones are a performance of traditional dance with music; a wayang kulit shadow puppet play; running around the Monkey Forest; bird-watching at Petulu; kid’s classes in art, music or dance at Pondok Pekak library; and chasing ducks around the rice-fields. Also nearby are the Taman Burung bird and reptile park, the Elephant Safari Park, and the Bali Zoo.
Ubud and Seminyak/Legian with Kids

Hi David. We are heading to Bali from 15-29 June. Planning on 9 days in Seminyak, Legian, or elsewhere. Then 5 days in Ubud. We have 2 active NZ kids 9 & 7yrs. I like the look of the Padma Resort but am unsure. A couple of questions:
– Is it possible for the 4 of us to be in one room, a lot of the booking templates are not clear on the ability to cater for 4.
– The kids are very competent in the NZ surf so is Legian/Seminyak ok, and would Sanur bore them?
– In Ubud, is the Padma Resort ok?
– Could you recommend other resorts in Legian/ Seminyak and Ubud for an active family who are keen to explore and stay in one room. 4 star.

Nice work on the simple but effective website. Thank you

Craig
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  In general, hotels on Bali are happy to put one fold-up bed for one child into a normal room, but reluctant to offer two fold-up beds mainly because of a lack of room and but also because the hotel wants you to book two rooms for two parents and two kids or book a family room or two-bedroom suite/bungalow.
  
  The Padma at Legian is certainly a massive, lovely and popular resort, with a perfect location facing the beach on the invisible border between Kuta and Legian. It also caters very well for families, with a Kid’s Centre, children’s pool and games centre. The Family Room has a king bed in one bedroom and bunk beds (which have 3 beds) in the Kids Room.
  
  The surf can be tricky at times along the continuous stretch of beach known as Kuta/Legian/Seminyak, but should be OK if your children are competent surfers and swimmers. Just beware of other surfers as some parts can be busy and ALWAYS swim and surf between the flags, which are covered by lifeguards. However, lifeguards, and places that rent boards and offer lessons, are less frequent as you head further north to Seminyak and beyond. Sanur is certainly not a surf beach, and the only possible waves there are some 200m off-shore and only accessible by boat.
  
  The Padma in Ubud is also luxurious, and like its sister resort in Legian has facilities for children. The 2-bedroom suite is wonderful and has a king bed in one room and two single beds in the other. The one caveat is that it’s not in central Ubud – it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride from the great restaurants and attractions in Ubud. Two central options in Ubud with family rooms and facilities for children include: Ubud Inn, which offers a family room in a central location; and Nick’s Pension, with an ideal location (central but overlooking rice-fields and a ravine), that allows 2 adults and 2 children in one room, or you could rent a detached two-storey bungalow there, with separate rooms on both floors.
Bali with Young Teens

Hi David
First thank you for all your information it’s fantastic. We are looking at coming to Bali in either late April or early May. We have 13 year old twins who would like to surf, sea walk, animal safari, swim with dolphins, see monkeys, elephant tracks and shop (the list is growing each day). We would like to visit temples and see some of the Bali culture.

We like to stay in a family resort that has things for teens to do as well as night time shows or entertainment and great food. We are looking at staying for ten nights, can you suggest a central place that is great for the kids to be able to do some of the wish list and that is great for us to just sit back and relax a bit for us. Also is it best to hire a driver for the time we are there to get us around?

After searching the web any advice would be greatly appreciated as trying to pick an area to stay is hard.
Thank you
Therese
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  You are right: there is so much to see and do on Bali, especially for families. And the island is compact, so it’s possible to base yourself in one place and day-trip each day, but you may spend several hours a day travelling. Arranging a car with a driver (never drive yourself) is easy to arrange through your hotel, but some activities listed below include travel to/from your hotel in the cost. And if you choose a central hotel, you can walk to cafés, shops and the beach.
  
  I understand you may be looking for only one base from which you can day-trip, but perhaps consider five days in two different bases to avoid too much travelling. Sanur is a quiet, relaxing beach region, ideal for families, and with plenty of shops, cafés and hotels, but no surf. From Sanur, you can do the dolphin swim and sea walk (which are both based in Sanur), and a quick taxi ride away is Kuta, with its surf beach, malls and the highly-recommended Waterbom Park with water slides etc. Ubud is the cultural heart of the island, with plenty of rice-field walks, traditional dances and temples, and the lovely Monkey Forest. Ubud is also the perfect base for easy trips to the Bali Zoo and Elephant Safari Park.
  
  Many resorts cater for families, with a Kids’ Club and Games Centre, but these are mostly for children perhaps younger than yours. But Sanur is ideal for other things like cycling along the beachside promenade and prodding around the produce market, while Ubud has many walks. Other great family activities include cycling tours down the volcano slopes and the Bali Treetop Adventure Park (both best from Ubud), and snorkeling and other sea-based activities with Bali Hai Cruises (best from Sanur).
Long Term Rental in Bali for Family of 4

Hello there,
Thanks very much for all the very useful info on this site – it’s a real gem to find it!
My family of 4 are planning an extended trip to Indonesia next January for hopefully 2 to 3 months. We will have a 3 year old and a 6 month old and ideally looking for cheaper long term rental options – in either Bali or Lombok. Do you have any insight/advice on finding cheaper longer term rentals please for a family?
Many thanks in advance if you can help!
Nicola Terry
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Many other people bring their children for extended holidays to Bali, where baby supplies and facilities are easily found. And the Balinese adore children, strongly believing they are gifts from the gods, so your offspring will be cuddled and kissed constantly by the locals.
  
  For many reasons, your best base is Ubud, the cultural heart of the island. More relaxed, quieter, and less humid than the beach resort regions, Ubud is also well set up with fully-equipped villas and homes with kitchens that can be rented for longer periods. There is also plenty to see and do in Ubud (e.g. temples and walks) and things to entertain the children (e.g. traditional dancing courses at Pondok Pekak library).
  
  Many expats live in Ubud permanently or for a few months at a time, and finding accommodation is not difficult as long as you book ahead. Other than the usual online booking sites, long-term rentals are often arranged directly with the owner (normally a westerner) through social media.
  
  Outside of Bali, Indonesia can be difficult for first-time visitors – especially so with children. The weather is always hot, long-distance public transport is often chaotic, and the crowds and noise can be overwhelming – even for adults. (Of course some people love this, just so long as you know what you’re getting into.) If you wish to explore more of Indonesia than Bali, I’d suggest Lake Toba in Sumatra (a delightful volcanic lake, cool and quiet), or the islands of Maluku, particularly the historic Banda Islands.
  
  Otherwise, in Lombok the best places to visit and perhaps base yourself for a while would be Gili Air or Gili Meno, two islands within a couple of hours by speedboat from Bali; or Kuta, a surprisingly relaxing beach region with nowhere near the crowds of its namesake on Bali. But outside of Bali, and particularly Ubud, finding long-term rentals is problematic.
  1. Nicola Terry
    
    Thanks so much for taking the time to send such a detailed and very useful reply. Really helpful!
Nusa Dua or Seminyak with 18 Month Old Child

Hi David,

I love this particular post as it provides sufficient information for someone who hasn’t been to Bali.

I will be travelling to Bali in June with my boy who will turn 18 months then. I am tied between staying at Nusa Dua and Seminyak. I am looking somewhere that is accessible for my husband and I to sneak out for a date night/ drink after my boy is asleep at night, not too far away from hotel in case my mother-in-law pulls a red alert and we have to rush back.

Would appreciate your recommendation & advice. Many thanks in advance！

Evelyn
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Many tourists come to Bali with their young ones, and find it an even more exhilarating experience as the Balinese utterly adore children – theirs, yours, anyone’s!
  
  The dozen or so resort regions across Bali have different attractions and benefits – and disadvantages – so choosing the right base for your trip is important, even more so with a young child. Nusa Dua is a gated complex of 4-5 star mega-resorts often large enough to need golf buggies to get from your room to the breakfast lounge. This region was built as an antithesis to the rampant, uncontrolled construction of Kuta and, to a lesser degree, Legian and Seminyak. Nusa Dua boasts plenty of space, spotless private beaches for guests, greenery everywhere and wide pathways, with no traffic, hawkers, surfers or noisy nightclubs. Guests are normally happy to eat, drink and shop in their own hotel or walk 5-10 minutes to a café, bar or boutique in a neighbouring hotel. Otherwise, a free shuttle bus picks up and drops off guests for the pleasant Bali Collection outdoor mall, with plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. And if you choose a hotel near the southern gate (i.e. at or near The Ayodya), or the western gate, you will also be within a 5-minute walk of cafés and bars lined just outside the gated complex.
  
  In contrast, Seminyak is always busy and often noisy (depending where you stay), and construction of more and more boutique hotels often seems to continue all day – and, sometimes, at night. If you are using a pram, then the narrow potholed paths around Seminyak would be problematic, while the traffic and crowds can still seem a little overwhelming at times to first-time visitors, especially those with very young children.
Bali with Kids and Adults

Hi David,
We are planning a trip to Bali coming June. We are a big group with 5 adults, 2 elderly & 2 girls (9&10 years old). Basically we wish to let the kids have fun (mainly outdoor activities) & the elderly to shop & dine. Do you have any recommendation on which part of Bali to visit? Saw your post that Sanur has calm & shallow beach, does it mean it will not have any waves? Thanks. Lucy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Bali is compact and has plenty to offer so your family, especially the young ones, will find lots to entertain and occupy themselves. Given your family situation and listed interests Sanur would be the best bet for a base. Kuta/Legian would probably be too frenetic for the young and old, while other resort regions such as Padangbai and Jimbaran would have little to offer in the way of shops and cafes.
  
  Yes, the beach at Sanur has no waves, but this means it also has no surfers, who at Kuta/Legian can dominate sections of the beach to the detriment of normal swimmers, and the waves in Kuta/Legian can be intense at times. The beach at Sanur is shallow, ideal for paddling about, but does get affected by low tides, which make it impossible to swim at times and the beach can look quite unattractive when the water is way out. Sanur has a 7km-long beachside pathway, which is ideal for cycling (no vehicle traffic), and is the centre for Seawalking, a new underwater phenomenon. Also near Sanur and of possible interest (though modest by international standards) is the boardwalk through the Mangrove Centre, and the turtle conversation centre on Serangan island.
  
  Otherwise, with the new tollway, Tanjung Benoa, the centre for all watersports (except surfing), is only 10-15 minutes by taxi from Sanur, and Kuta/Legian with its malls and waves is 20-25 minutes away. Two popular attractions for the kids may be the pools and waterslides at Waterbom in Kuta, and the Bali Adventure Park in the botanical gardens at Candikuning (which could also delight the older ones in your group).
Good Area of Bali for Family of 6

Hi we are planning a trip to Bali as a family of 6 with a 2yr old for 8 days in either July or August. I am just currently looking at accommodations.

We will like to near a beach where some of the adults can do water sports on 1 or 2 days. When i say water sports not surfing but the other water activities whilst the 2 yr old probably playing the sand. We will also like to probably explore other stuff that could be also interesting for the 2 yr old.

If so, where would you suggest for us to based? I saw a few nice villas in Canggu…..will that be a nice place to be for us to be based? What about Kerobokan?

Suba Sanderson
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  An increasingly popular choice for seclusion, privacy, and security on Bali is a villa, but it’s important to do some proper research so you get want you really want. A proper “villa” should be a self-contained building with 2-3 bedrooms, like a luxury home, with a self-contained kitchen (which you may not even use) which is usually attached to an outdoor but undercover lounge area with a TV. More upmarket villas will have private pools and all are serviced daily by maids. These are most commonly found in the area of Seminyak, Canggu and Kerobokan; on the three Gili Islands, off the coast of Lombok but easily accessible from Bali; and in Ubud.
  
  Other hotels/resorts, however, use the word ‘villa’ and/or ‘bungalow’ to describe one bedroom with an attached bathroom in an individual building and separate from others with its own balcony and, maybe, garden – but might not have a kitchen, lounge area, or private pool. And other hotels/resorts even use the words ‘villa’ and ‘bungalow’ in their names and descriptions because it sounds trendy but they offer nothing resembling a villa or bungalow.
  
  As tourism continues to explode and hotels spread beyond Kuta/Legian/Seminyak, more and more expats have been forced to move to places like Canggu and Kerobokan. Canggu is a broad area north of Seminyak/Petitenget, where the beaches are grey and unappealing, and sometimes dirty because there are few tourists and few reasons to keep the sand constantly clean. Access to the beaches in the Canggu area is not easy and it’s possible your villa may be 1-2kms from the beach – so check on Google maps before renting. Kerobokan is inland from Canggu and now virtually part of the chaotic capital of Denpasar, and about 4-5kms from the beaches around Canggu. In short, Canggu and Kerobokan have been mostly developed for expats with their own vehicles and, perhaps, drivers, so there may not be many cafes and shops within walking distance of your villa.
  
  Perhaps, check out villas in Seminyak, which is closer to everything (shops, taxis, cafes etc) and has a very nice beach. Otherwise, consider a quieter beach resort area like Sanur, which has a lovely promenade for strolling and cycling, and no nightclubs, malls or surfers to bother you. Sanur has no villas but many comfortable 1-2 star hotels offer rooms for US$30-40 per night, which may work out a lot cheaper than a villa anyway. And Sanur is only 10-15 mins by taxi along the new tollway to Tanjung Benoa, which is where every water sport imaginable (except surfing) is available. If booking 2-3 hotel rooms ask for a discount and certainly book as soon as possible because July and August are very busy.
  1. Bali Weather in October
    
    Hi David,
    
    Thank you so much for your detailed and prompt advice. It has definitely helped me to narrow down my search for accommodations. Will you recommend visiting Bali in October? Is it rainy/monsoon season?
    
    Many Thanks
    Suba Sanderson
    1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
      
      The weather in October is usually great. Rain gets more common as the month goes on but it usually doesn’t last long even when it does come.
Sanur, Ubud, and Jimbaran with Kids

Hi David

Thanks for your great informative website!

I was hoping to get some of your advice for my families first Bali trip. My husband, 3 year old dd and I are going to Bali for a 7 nights at the end of may/ early June. I’m torn between wanting to see as much as Bali as possible and wanting to be as relaxed as possible. I was considering staying in 3 different places (Sanur 3 nights, Ubud 2-3 nights, and Jimbaran 1 night) rather than doing a few long day trips from 1 location and we’d be ending our trip close to the airport so we don’t have lots of travel on the last day. Do you think this would work or would it be hectic? Also do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’m getting a bit overwhelmed by all the options. We’d like something as luxurious as possible but affordable and family friendly. My husband also loves a good buffet breakfast!

Also what do people do about carseats when travelling with little ones?

Hani
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, the number of great towns across Bali, and the myriad of choices of accommodation at each region, can be overwhelming. But it is vital to do some research and find somewhere that suits your needs, especially with a child.
  
  With only 7 nights, it’s best to base yourself in two places: eg Ubud, to experience the island’s unique culture and visit some amazing places; and Sanur, for relaxation, shopping and soaking up the sun. Sanur is only 30-35 minutes by taxi from the airport, while Jimbaran is 10-15 minutes. So, staying in Jimbaran just to be close to the airport won’t save you much taxi-time, and would involve wasting far more time packing/unpacking and moving hotels for that final night. Ubud is only an hour from the airport on a good day as well (though traffic can easily double these times).
  
  With a toddler in Sanur for 3-4 nights, spend time strolling along the lovely beachside promenade, with no traffic; paddle in the calm, shallow waters; explore the nearby Mangrove centre with its boardwalk; and go the Turtle conservation centre on nearby Serangan island. Hardy’s Supermarket half-way along the main street through Sanur has baby supplies. Sanur offers many family-friendly resorts, with paddle pools, a Kids’ Club centre and other families with kids to play with – including Griya Santrian, Besakih Beach, and Baruna Bali Holiday Inn.
  
  In Ubud, for 3-4 nights with a toddler, explore the monkey forest; take a walk among duck-filled rice-fields behind the Puri Lukisan museum; check out one-off lessons in dance, gamelan-playing, or vegetable-carving the Pondok Pekak library has to offer (behind the football field); and experience the light and music of a traditional dance at the Pura Saraswati temple. For a daytrip with a chartered car and driver visit the tranquil Gunung Kawi temple/gardens at Sebatu (not to be confused with the rock sculptures of Gunung Kawi at Tampaksiring with 250 steep steps); see the bizarre daily migration of white herons after 4pm at Petulu; explore the eerie Goa Gajah temple and shady gardens; and take a flat easy stroll to the rock carvings at Yeh Pulu. Ubud doesn’t really offer family-friendly resorts like the beach areas, such as Sanur, but worth trying are: Grand Sunti (which does offer an impressive buffet breakfast); the tranquil Oka Wati; and the ostentatious but spacious Mansion Baliwood.
  
  Carseats are tricky because even when you can find a vehicle with working seatbelts they’re often only in the front two seats and it’s not recommended to have a car seat in the front (if it even fits) – though perhaps a car seat in the front is better than no restraint at all (I certainly don’t know the answer to this, just a thought). I’ve had times where I made it clear that I wanted a car with working seat belts in the back and they say, “Yes, yes, yes. Of course, no problem”, and then the car or van shows up and there are no back seat belts and you’re faced with whether to say no and go hunt the streets looking for a vehicle with working seat belts, or just say, “screw it, let’s go” – usually we just go.
Bali with Toddler

Hi David,

What a gem of an article! Absolutely cracking.

We have a very active 20 month old toddler, she doesn’t like to sit in a buggy, rather she likes running & exploring. We are looking at June / July for a 1 week vacation in Bali.

After reading through a lot of your replies we are more inclined towards Sanur or Nusa Dua.

Primarily we are looking for a short break from Singapore cosmopolitan life and would like to eat at local cafes, shop a bit, and sit around on a nice & clean beach. However, would also like to stay in Ubud for a few days to explore the culture of Bali. Looks like a long wish list!

Would highly appreciate your expert guidance to fine tune our trip – any suggestions for itinerary & hotels? We are looking to spend 150usd per night for accommodation.

Varun Dev
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The good news is that your child will be adored and cherished by every Balinese and Indonesian person you will meet. The bad news is that many parts of Bali are not ideal for an active toddler, so you must be careful (as you obviously are) about where to base yourself and where to stay.
  
  Sanur is quiet, and if you stay by the beach there is very little traffic to worry about, but there are still crowds of people, lots of noise and very little space to wander about. So, Nusa Dua is probably your best option: it offers large resorts with plenty of space, grass and shade in a gated complex with very little traffic, wide footpaths, few crowds, and no hassles from hawkers. Each beachfront resort offers an expansive clean beach with flat calm water, ideal for paddling. Your resort and others nearby will have plenty of places to eat and drink, and a free shuttle bus takes guests from the resorts to the likeable outdoor mall, Bali Collection, with supermarkets with baby supplies.
  
  Nusa Dua is also a great place to charter a car with a driver (through your hotel) for a daytrip around the southern peninsula to the spectacular Ulu Watu temple, the sunset dinner with fireworks on Jimbaran beach, and the rather bizarre but very spacious Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park, with views and cultural shows for the parents and plenty of space to run around for the toddler.
  
  In Nusa Dua, look for a resort with a paddle pool, a Kids’ Centre, a children’s menu, supervised activities for children, and baby-sitting services, such as: Grand Nikko; Laguna Resort; Westin Resort; or Ayodya Resort. If you are staying for a week, ask for a discount.
  
  Ubud is a wonderful place to stay and experience Balinese culture, but it is still incredibly busy (especially during the middle of the day), the footpaths are narrow and potholed, and the roads steepish. And hotels offer little space for active kids and almost no activities, pools etc for children. So, you may want to consider staying in Nusa Dua for the whole 7 days and day-tripping to Ubud (about 60-75 minutes away) to avoid the hassles of packing/unpacking etc. In and around Ubud, you and your child may be interested in the monkey forest, markets, duck-filled rice-fields, temples (such as Goa Gajah), and the spacious temple/gardens at Gunung Kawi in Sebatu (not to be confused with the rock sculptures at Gunung Kawi with many steep steps not ideal for children).
Bali with 4 Kids in June

Hi David, thanks for helping. I’m a bit confused! We are coming to Bali for our first visit end of June for 11 nights (half is school holiday time) I have flights and I have the Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa on hold. It is quite expensive though (as we need 2 rooms) and wondering if our 4 children would get bored there. Children are 12, 11, 8, and 6. I am confused with all the options. We are wanting a holiday that is quite nice/luxury accommodation, activities for kids, yoga for me, day trips and a half day at golf. I was thinking of staying in Seminyak for 6 or 7 nights and then possibly Jimbaran for 4 or 5. I was looking at the intercontinental Jimbaran possibly. I also looked at The Legian, The Royal Seminyak, Anatara Seminak, and the Oberoi. The Padma looks good too (although possbily fullly booked) but I wasn’t so keen to stay in Legian. If you have any ideas that will be great. Thanks so much.

Margot
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  With 12 tourist regions across Bali, and with 100s of hotels and resorts in some of those regions, the choice is often confusing and overwhelming.
  
  The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is one of many luxurious and very comfortable resorts along a lovely stretch of beach. Seminyak is a quieter and more classy area than Kuta, but within a 10-minute taxi ride from Kuta with its familiar fast-food outlets, Waterbom Park (with water slides), and the world-class Beachwalk shopping centre (with games arcade). Seminyak has plenty of shops and a gorgeous beach, and a highlight is watching the sunset and listening to live music while lounging on a beanbag at a beachside café. And, of course, it is very easy to arrange a chartered car with driver from your hotel to visit attractions across the island, such as the Bali Zoo, Bali Safari & Marine Park, and Bali Bird & Reptile Park. So, it’s unlikely your children will get bored while staying at Seminyak.
  
  On the other hand Jimbaran has fewer attractions. It offers a more appealing beach than Seminyak and is close for daytrips to surfing/swimming beaches like Padang Padang and the Ulu Watu temple, but there is little for the young ones to do in and around Jimbaran. Other options are to stay for a few days at Tanjung Benoa, which is the epi-centre for watersports on the island, or Ubud from where it’s easy to day trip to the usual sights, organise countryside walks, visit the animal attractions listed above, and join a yoga class.
  
  There is little difference between Seminyak and Legian with regards to the beach and the range of beachside hotels, but in Seminyak the cafés, bars, and shops are dotted along several more alluring east-west lanes, while in Legian most cafés, bars, and shops are alongside the chaotic and traffic-clogged Jalan Legian road. All the other hotels and resorts you have mentioned are luxurious, face the beach, and offer all the mod-cons with massive pools etc, and, to be honest, there isn’t a huge difference between them. Your major requirements would be, of course, cost and the range of children’s facilities on offer, such as kid’s pool, baby-sitting services, and playground.
Which Hotel for a Family of 5 in Bali

Hello, I am wondering if you think the AYANA or the Four Seasons Jimbaran would be best for our family? We have my husband and I and four children three boys 12, 11, and 8 years and a girl 6 years.
They both look amazing.

Also, we are hoping to stay in Seminyak for the first 4,5 days and Jimbarran for 6,7 days.
We are looking at the Seminyak Resort and Spa, Royal Seminyak, The Legian, Padma (Legian), and the Maidera (Legian). I think Padma is fully booked. I think Padma and Maidera look best set up for kids however I was wanting to stay in Seminyak. Kind Regards. Thank you.

Margot
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  As Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua became more and more crowded, developers kept searching for new places on the small island to build more hotels. The Ayana is one of the most spectacular resorts along the clifftops around the southern Bukit peninsula. Like others it offers jaw-dropping views and all the luxuries you would expect for the price but there is no beach. The Ayana and other similar places are so isolated that you may need to order a taxi just to find the nearest café or shop. But isolation doesn’t necessarily mean privacy: some of these resorts have 100 villas and rooms all stacked on top of each other. In short, none of these resorts along the Bukit Peninsula are probably ideal for families with young children.
  
  In contrast, Jimbaran is a village with some life, plenty of shops, cafés, and bars within walking distance of your hotel, and arguably the nicest beach on the island. It is also home to the renowned sunset seafood dinners on the beach, and close to the airport and to Kuta with its shopping. The Four Seasons offers amazing views and a private beach and beach club for guests. But, again, it may not be as suitable for a family as there isn’t much to see or do around Jimbaran for the young ones (clearly it depends whether you’re looking for relaxation or activity).
  
  Legian is perhaps the best option for families. It is close to the action at Kuta, with its familiar restaurants, the extensive Beachwalk shopping centre, and slides at Waterbom Park (often as popular with parents as the kids). The resorts around Legian are spacious and family-friendly, and the general area is far quieter and more spacious than Kuta, but still has plenty of shops and a lovely beach.
Bali Resort for Family of 6

HI David,
Thank you for your help, again! You have wonderful ideas. We are a family of 6, 3 boys 8, 11, 12 and a girl 6 years. I have a few places on hold in Seminyak for 6 days- the Oberoi, (2 interconnecting rooms) good price as it’s last minute. The Royal Seminyak (2 deluxe rooms not guaranteed connecting! or the villa there which is more money) and The Seminyak Resort and Spa (2 x rooms beach wing). None of these have a kids club but we will be doing day trips, pool, beach, shopping, cafes etc. Oberoi has tennis court, pool, Royal Seminyak has table tennis, a couple of swimming pools and The Seminyak Resort and Spa is much newer but has a couple of pools. And then just received an email from The Legian in Seminyak and they have a 2 BR suite available which is a bit more expensive than the others but it is gorgeous too. I’m confused! Then I have booked the Westin at Nusa Dua for the last 5 days for relaxation, kids will love water slides and activities there. Any suggestions please on Seminyak? Thanks for your help, Margot.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  With so many wonderful places across the island the choice of accommodation can seem overwhelming at times. And you could spend a lot of time anxiously wondering which of the many luxurious places on offer is the best. But the reality is that the four places in Seminyak you mentioned are ALL fantastic, so you are (almost) guaranteed a memorable holiday staying at any of these places. They all have massive pools, boast spectacular beachside settings with those renowned sunsets, offer long private beaches and feature luxurious rooms.
  
  The Oberoi has a massive area of tropical gardens and an extensive private beach; The Royal Seminyak is renowned for its facilities and service, also with a magnificent beachside location; the Seminyak Resort & Spa is super-luxurious, modern and features distinctive Balinese architecture; and The Legian has an extensive gym and another perfect beachside setting. Other family-friendly resorts in Seminyak /Petitenget include: the Seminyak Resort, which isn’t quite on the beach but offers a kid’s pool; and the W Retreat & Spa, an extraordinary place with scheduled activities for children every day.
  
  You simply have to decide what factors are most important: price (eg can you get a good deal online?); facilities (eg do you need a kid’s club/centre?): and rooms (eg do you need adjoining rooms?)
Sanur or Seminyak for Family of 4

Sanur or Seminyak for family of 4 on a budget going in July/August? We’re taking your advice and spending half our time in Ubud but unsure where to spend the other half. Our kids are 6 and 8 years and we would like to be around other families for the kids to play with. Given we’re on a budget and where we might have to stay I’m thinking Sanur may be better for accommodation but worry it will be too quiet and not many restaurants and shops? What are your thoughts?

Megan Rees
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  A classier version of Kuta, Seminyak has endless hotels (sometimes called “boutique resorts”), restaurants (or “bistros”) and shops (more known as “boutiques”). Seminyak suits those who seek a little sophistication but still want to be close to Kuta with its malls and nightclubs. So, to be honest, Seminyak may not suit a family on a budget, while the waves and number of surfers along the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak stretch of beach could be daunting for youngsters.
  
  Sanur offers a wide range of hotels, from decent rooms with fan only and no pool for US$20 to resorts costing 10 times that, but mid-range 2-3 star hotels with a pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, hot water and cable TV can easily be found for about US$40-50 per night. But finding something in that range in Seminyak is becoming increasingly difficult.
  
  Sanur is popular with families because there are far less crowds, traffic and noise, no unruly drunken tourists roaming the streets, and the sea is safe for swimming. And there is certainly no shortage of shops and cafés along the lovely beachside promenade and the main street, while only 20 minutes by taxi is Kuta with its malls, sunsets, and surf beach.
  
  And please remember that July/August is very busy with Australian school holidays and Europeans flocking for their annual vacations, so expect hotel rates to rise and hotels to be busy. Book hotels well ahead.
Best Kid Friendly Resort in Nusa Dua for Family of 5

What would you recommend is the best kid friendly resort in Nusa Dua? Want a good kids club and facilities (pool, slides etc..?) Kids are aged 5,4,2 for travel in October. Is the Trans in Seminyak a kid friendly resort?

David
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Nusa Dua is a purpose-built complex of 4 and 5 star resorts, most of which face a glorious stretch of beach. It is deliberately quiet, with little more to do than relax by the sea or pool, while the hourly shuttle bus transports any hotel resident to the delightful outdoor mall, Bali Collection. In short, Nusa Dua may not excite the young ones (or the parents), unless they are happy to stay inside the hotel grounds, where there is always plenty to do, or charter a car with driver and take a few day-trips.
  
  The Grand Hyatt is next to Bali Collection, while the Westin also boasts a great location, but the Grand Nikko (soon to be part of the Hilton chain) is outside of Nusa Dua and may be a little too remote. All three are excellent options for children – each with a Kids’ Club, offering loads of supervised activities; a kid’s pool with water slides; children’s menu in the restaurants; and baby-sitting services. Differences are that Grand Nikko also offers a Jungle Camp for young ones (and a 30m water slide); the Westin has the best playground; and the Kid’s Club at the Grand Hyatt specializes in Balinese culture, arts and language (and has a 50m water slide!!)
  
  While the Trans Resort does feature a Kid’s Club and kid’s pool, this resort, like many in Seminyak, caters more to couples and friends on packaged trips. For family-friendly options in areas with more nearby action (i.e. shops and cafes) try The Padma or the Bali Mandira, both in Legian; or the stupendous Hard Rock Hotel in central Kuta, from which your kids may never want to leave!
Family of 4 Vacation over New Years

Hi David, thanks so much for the great information its very informative indeed. I am planning a 7 nights trip to Bali for my family over the New Year period. I am thinking of booking 4 nights at the Febris Hotel and Spa and 3 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel. Our kids are 3 and 8. My kids love swimming so I thought they would really enjoy a couple of nights at the Hard Rock Hotel. Would you recommend this itinerary and do you know if the Hard Rock Hotel has any form of kids club? As an alternative I was also contemplating booking an all-inclusive resort that is not overly pricey. Is there any great places that you recommend in this regard. Thanks very much.

Joseph Rock
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  First the bad news …. The period over Christmas/New Year is the official ‘peak season’, with prices up to double those at any other time of the year, except July and August (which is the ‘high season’), and the crowds in some places can be overwhelming. And you need to book now!
  
  The Febris is a low-key, budget-range but functional hotel with all the mod-cons in a terrific location, eg near the Waterbom water slides and the Discovery Mall. It doesn’t offer any specific kid’s activities or kid’s club, but you will enjoy the hotel’s proximity to all that Kuta has to offer.
  
  In contrast, the Hard Rock Hotel is an extraordinary place in the middle of Kuta with more kid’s playgrounds, water slides, and other activities to keep the young ones entertained than they could ever imagine. The swimming pools seem endless, and one even has a ‘beach’ (although Kuta beach is 50m away); and the poolside gazebos are large enough for entire families to relax in. The hotel organises all sorts of activities for guests, both young and old, while your two children will undoubtedly revel in the playgrounds (one of which is actually inside a pool), love the specialised kid’s pool with the two water slides, and enjoy the Kid’s Club, which is well supervised and offers many fun activities. In short, you may have problems dragging them back home!
  
  There are two other family-fun regions to consider staying. Firstly, Legian, which is within walking distance of Kuta but without most of the traffic, crowds and noise, has several family-friendly resorts such as The Padma, The Legian Beach and The Bali Mandira. And, secondly, Tanjung Benoa is a less-frantic region with lots of watersports on offer, and several resorts with activities to please the children, such as the Grand Mirage (which offers excellent packaged deals, inclusive of many activities and trips) and the Grand Aston.
Bali for Family of 3

Hi David, wonderful site and very informative. I am planning a trip to Bali around Christmas with my wife & kid for about 6 days. Needed your Advise on hotels & activities. Some of the hotels I have checked are Holiday Inn, Kuta Paradiso & Bali Rani. My son is 8 yrs old, some of the activities suggested are Monkey Forest, Kintamani Volcano tour, Batuan Temple, Ulundanu Temple / Baratan Lake, Tanah Lot Sunset, and Tanjung Beach. Since I have a kid I was also looking at the zoo & reptile park.

Needed your advise on the hotels and if you have any other recommendation. Also your suggestions on the activities planned.

Vivek Pandit
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  It’s great that you are planning your trip carefully, which is especially important as you have a young child and are traveling to Bali at the busiest time of year. So, book as much as possible online in advance, be prepared for large crowds, and allow time for traffic.
  
  There are several Holiday Inns in Bali, but with a young child at Christmastime, it’s best to avoid Kuta. Kuta will be very crowded and noisy, and perhaps overwhelming for first-time visitors. Just 1-2km further up the coast, Legian is a quieter option, with hotels facing the sea (and not the busy beach-side road, like in Kuta) and most catering very well for families. Try, the Bali Mandira, Padma Resort, or the Melasti Beach – which is cheaper but just as good as other family hotel resorts in the area.
  
  For your sightseeing ideas:
  1) the Monkey Forest in Ubud is worth visiting, but get there early (before 10am). While in Ubud, also do some short walks among duck-filled rice-fields explore the souvenir market and visit the remarkable rock sculptures at Gunung Kawi, nearby
  2) ‘Kintamani tour’ would probably involve a buffet lunch and views at the tip of the volcano at Kintamani/Penelokan. But make sure that your driver drives inside the volcano to the village of Toya Bungkah, where you can easily spend an amazing afternoon at the dramatic lakeside Toya Devasya hot springs and pool
  3) ‘Batuan temple’ – it’s unclear which temple this is as ‘batuan’ just means ‘rocky’. For some people, especially, younger ones, most temples look much like others, so perhaps just focus on a couple in Ubud, at Tanah Lot and the …..
  4) ‘Ulun danu temple’ at B(e)ratan lake is one of the most scenic temples/settings in Bali. It is therefore very busy, so get there before 10am or after 4pm. Make sure you also visit other places, also in Candikuning, such as the world-class Botanic Gardens, with the fantastic Bali Treetop Adventure Park, which your son would love; and the Bedugul Recreation Park, with water sports, boat trips and lakeside restaurants
  5) ‘Tanah Lot sunsets’ – this is understandably popular but the crowds can be intolerable. An alternative is to visit the temple during the day, when you may be there by yourselves in some places, and watch the (same!) sun set elsewhere, eg at Jimbaran while enjoying seafood at a cafe on the beach
  6) ‘Tanjung beach’ – probably refers to Tanjung Benoa, a resort area in the south, that is the centre for water sports. In fact, Tanjung Benoa is worth considering as a quieter alternative to Legian to stay – family-friendly hotels there include Holiday Inn Baruna, Sol Beach and Grand Aston.
  7) the ‘Zoo & reptile park’ are two different places, but both not far from Ubud. The ‘Bali Zoo’ is impressive, but not that much different to zoos elsewhere. Perhaps more interesting may be the Bali Elephant Safari Park, with rides. The ‘Bali Bird Park’ and ‘Reptile Park’ opposite are worth visiting, as they feature Asian and Indonesian species, perhaps not seen before, including the famous Komodo Dragons.
Family Hotels in Kuta and Nusa Dua

Hi David,
I am hoping you might be able to help. We are a family of four, with two kids aged 10 and 8 venturing to Bali for the first time in August next year for 10 nights. We were looking at splitting our time between Kuta and Nusa Dua but are getting a little lost with the overwhelming option of accommodation!
I was wondering if you might be able to recommend somewhere central to stay that has nice clean rooms and good kids facilities with a slide in the pool that wont break the bank! Also, what would be your pick of resorts on Nusa Dua?
Thanks,
Cass
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, the choice of places to stay is overwhelming, but it is particularly important to find the right place(s) with a family. And, don’t forget, that August is the peak season in Bali (when Europeans flock), so book ahead, be prepared for large crowds, and unpleasant traffic.
  
  Some resorts in some regions are wonderfully set up for families, with kids’ pools featuring 1-2 long water slides; a playground; supervised and secure Kids’ Club offering a range of activities for the young ones; child-minding services; children’s menus; and activities for the whole family. Your kids may never want to go on some ‘boring’ day-trip to visit temples!
  
  The term ‘Kuta’ is often used to describe the 8km+ continuous stretch of coastline that includes Tuban (also called South Kuta), Legian, Seminyak and Petitenget, as well as Kuta itself. The best place for families in Kuta – and probably anywhere in Bali – is the Hard Rock Hotel, with 2 water slides, several pools with ‘beaches’, a massive playground inside the kids’ pool, and a superb Kids’ Club. But it certainly does not come cheap.
  
  Only 1-2km north of Kuta is Legian, which offers several superb family-friendly resorts, all with plenty of lawns/gardens to run around, a lovely and quiet stretch of beach in front, a children’s pool, and a Kids’ Club. The best are Legian Beach (massive, with a tennis court, shady pools, kids’ gym and squirrel feeding!); and Padma Resort (also massive, with delightful gardens, Balinese design, daily activities and lifeguards on the beach). A cheaper and popular alternative in Legian is Melasti Beach, with a games area, tennis court and pools, but no water slide.
  
  Nusa Dua is a secure, quiet and spacious collection of 4-5 star resorts, so nothing is cheap. All resorts are huge and almost all face a gorgeous beach. A few cater very well for families, with the same facilities mentioned above. These include the Ayodya Resort (better value than others; walking distance to some cafes; with squash court and other activities; and massive pools); Clud Med (part of the upmarket international chain, with many activities and meals included in a set rate); Grand Hyatt (with traditional design; can walk to the Bali Collection mall; has a water sports centre; and playground on the beach); and, probably the best, the Westin Resort (can walk to the Mall; plenty of activities offered; huge Kids’ Club; a kids spa; and playground with rock climbing.)
  
  A popular alternative to Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa, only 2-3kms further north, the centre for water sports, and lined with more affordable 3-4 star resorts. The resorts listed cater well for families with a games area, kids’ club, lovely beach and kids’ pools, but don’t have water slides: Holiday Inn Bali Benoa (a very good mid-priced option); Grand Mirage (also very good, with a tennis court, excellent games area, and all-inclusive packages); and Grand Aston Bali Beach (understated with lovely traditional design and appealing Kids Club).
Laguna Hotel with Kids

David! Your post was extremely helpful to me in deciding on a hotel for my recent visit to Bali. I ended up staying at the Laguna and loved it. The breakfast was amazing!!!!!

The hotel was nice….property beautiful and service exceptional.

Kemoy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Awesome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback – nice to know it’s helping someone.
Padangbai in Bali

Hi David
Thanks for this amazing information resource! I am interested in your thoughts on Padangbai… We are travelling to Bali for 11 nights in late July/early August with two young kids who will be aged 3 years, and 18 months. We have booked the first 5 nights in Sanur, followed by 3 nights in Ubud, but struggling to choose where to spend the final 3 nights. We want somewhere away from the huge crowds/traffic, with a local feel, but not too remote. We thought Padangbai might fit the bill?
Many thanks
Carla, New Zealand
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, Padangbai fits your bill perfectly.
  
  Sanur is a good option to start with. The sea is calm (when the tide is in), without waves or surfers. The beach-side pathway is lovely and there is so much less traffic, noise and crowds than the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak stretch. And Ubud offers you a glimpse of the culture and landscapes that Bali is renowned for.
  
  Padangbai is about 90 minutes from Sanur by chartered car with a driver. It is a compact village with a lovely curved bay that the kids can paddle around safely, without any surfers, hawkers and jet skis. Parts of Padangbai can get busy when speedboats travel to/from The Gili Islands, but it’s generally very quiet, relaxed and traffic-free. Best of all, it boasts a genuine village vibe, with temples, a market and school dominating the streets, and an idyllic beach called Blue Lagoon, about 10 minutes on foot from the end of the main street. And there is also an acceptable selection of places to stay and eat, but minimal nightlife and shopping, which probably suits you just nicely.
  
  But, don’t forget, that the time you are travelling to Bali is very busy – peak season for Europeans – so book your accommodation as soon as possible.
Bali Beach with Toddler

Hi there, thanks for your great website and invaluable answers for us all. We are planning our first trip to Bali (for a week) in April with our baby who will be 7 months old. I am really confused as to where the best place to stay is?! We have been to Thailand many times and love the white sand beaches and calm blue seas, we also love having a drink watching the sunset and eating with our toes in the sand, but is there anywhere like this in Bali? I have read very unsettling reports of bad pollution on the beaches and this sounds far from idyllic. I was thinking Sanur might be best but now I’m not so sure. We don’t want a party place but also don’t want to be stuck in a resort the whole time. We are happy to split our week in two and stay in two different places. Any help or suggestions gratefully received.
Aoife
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Don’t worry: most first-time visitors to Bali, especially those with young children, can get overawed by the choices of places to base themselves.
  
  The good news is that your baby will be adored by every Indonesian you meet, and the beaches are no more polluted than those in Europe or the US. Hotels and resorts have an obvious incentive to keep their beach frontage very clean for guests, and most litter is caused by uncaring tourists.
  
  With only one week and a baby in tow it’s best to base yourself in just one place to avoid packing, organizing transport, traffic, maybe waiting for your room to become available and unpacking again. Bali is compact and you can easily see a few sights in day-trips from one base.
  
  Sanur is a good option: the beach is dead calm, and there are no malls or nightclubs, so less traffic and noise and considerably fewer tourists. The beach (especially at low tide) isn’t quite up to the standard found on some Thai islands, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. However, the sun sets on the other side of the island.
  
  Nusa Dua may be an alternative. It’s very quiet, with almost no traffic or hawkers, and almost every resort faces a superb, white-sand beach more reminiscent of Thailand. All resorts are 4-5 stars, but a more affordable option is Tanjung Benoa nearby, with lovely beaches – but, again, no sunset.
  
  A third – and probably the best – choice is Jimbaran, a world away (but only 20 minutes by taxi) from the relative chaos of Kuta. Most resorts/hotels face a curved bay of powdery-white sand reminiscent of the best that Thailand can offer. Traffic and noise is minimal, there are more than enough places to eat, drink and shop, and it’s an ideal base to explore sights like Ulu Watu temple. And Jimbaran is arguably the best place on Bali to enjoy the legendary sunsets, especially during a dinner (specializing in seafood) on the beach with wandering musicians and traditional dancers.
Bali in April with Young Child – Where To Go

Hi David.
Great site and loads of information! Having originally been put off visiting Bali due to the reputation of being filled with drunken Aussie tourists, have realised there is definitely more to it than that and, given that we live in Perth and it is so easy to get to, am thinking a short holiday there could be great. Looking to go for 7nights at end of April. Like many others have said, the choice of resorts/accommodation is overwhelming however! We have a 3.5 year old and, as we already live near the beach, are not too fussed about a beach holiday and would prefer to see some of the other elements Bali has to offer. To be honest, if it was just hubby and myself, we would probably head straight to Ubud and then go off the beaten track a bit. But not as easy with a little one! Have been put off the Ayana and Rimba resorts a little as seem so isolated; love the look of the Four Seasons Jimbaran but out of our budget for a weeks stay! Which others in Jimbaran Bay are nice? And what do you think or know of the Padma resorts? Seem a bit more reasonably priced and they have a package whereby you can stay at the Legian resort for 4 nights and the Ubud resort for 3 nights? Or just have a whole week at one or the other? Looking mainly to alternate relaxing days at the hotel with some sightseeing/maybe a visit to the bird park….really not fussed about shopping! Any advice welcome! Janine
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, some parts of Bali – mainly in Kuta/Legian region – are frequented by Australians who like to party, but, as you suggest, this does not remotely represent the ‘real Bali’ and the island offers so much more for visitors.
  
  With 7 nights, you have time to base yourself in two areas: perhaps, a beach resort region, and somewhere inland, such as Ubud, to experience the culture and see some of the amazing landscapes.
  
  But it would still be worth considering spending your entire 7-day holiday in Ubud. Within Ubud, you can easily visit the Monkey Forest, as well as the markets, temples and art museums, and stroll through rice-fields. Also, it’s easy to charter a comfortable car (with driver) to visit extraordinary places that are not ‘off the beaten track’ like the sacred springs/gardens at Tirta Empul and crater lake at Gunung Batur volcano. And your young ‘un would love the Bali Zoo, the Bali Elephant Safari Park and the Bali Bird & Reptile Park – all of which normally include minibus transfers to/from your hotel in Ubud in the ticket prices.
  
  Most hotels/resorts along the Bukit Peninsula in far southern Bali are isolated (except those in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa) – including the Ayana and Rimba. The Four Seasons is gorgeous, but more affordable options in Jimbaran include: Belmond Jimbaran Puri, a lovely boutique hotel designed like a Balinese village, facing a quiet beach lined with swaying palms; and the InterContinental Bali Resort, with a traditional design, superb beach and impressive kid’s club.
  
  The Padma resorts are massive, good value and well set up for families. However, the one in Legian is, to be honest, in the midst of the area of ‘drunken Aussie tourists’ you are trying to avoid. And the Padma resort in Ubud is remote, necessitating shuttle buses to visit any cafés or shops.
  
  Better options in Ubud that are central, family-friendly, in the 3- and 4-star range and ideal for your entire one-week stay include: KajaNe Mua – traditional, tranquil and backing onto rice-fields in the middle of town; Grand Sunti – a smallish boutique resort with several pools and so close to shops and cafés; and Alam Indah – ideal for gardens, jungle views and serenity alongside the Monkey Forest.
Non-Touristy Places in Bali

Hi My Little Nomads,

We are a family of 5 (kids are 4, 7 and 9 years old) travelling from South Africa for two weeks to Bali in July. We are not at all interested in staying in large, sterile hotels with hundreds of tourists all around us. We would prefer something a lot more authentic. We are interested in surfing (beginner to intermediate), snorkelling and the visiting local sites and culture. I wondered if you thought a few nights in Jimbaran, a few nights in Ubud, a night in Amed (en route to Gili Air), and then a few nights in Gili Air would give us what we need? I haven’t seen any comments about Amed on your site – is there a reason for this? Is Jimbaran the best non-hectic surf place? Would really appreciate your input.
thanks so much,
Kim Marr
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The good news is that there are plenty of towns and islands on Bali that offer all that you want – and you won’t have to stay in any massive resorts if you don’t want to.
  
  With a young family, including beginner surfers, it’s perhaps best to avoid Kuta/Legian. Some first-time visitors find this area overwhelmingly crowded and noisy, while the surf can be rough at times. Better is the southern sections of Jimbaran, where gentle waves are appreciated by novice surfers and the powdery-white sands are ideal for those staying onshore. Jimbaran is the ‘best non-hectic surf place’ on Bali, with beaches that are empty in places, remarkable sunsets, and plenty of shops and cafés. And it’s only a short trip by taxi to legendary surf spots for experts like Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang.
  
  Visiting and staying in Ubud is also perfect for experiencing the local culture, such as traditional dances, markets and temples, as well as the Monkey Forest. From Ubud, it’s also easy to day-trip by chartered car and driver to extraordinary sights, like the rock sculptures at Gunung Kawi and crater lake at Gunung Batur volcano, while your kids may also enjoy the Bali Zoo and Bali Elephant Safari Zoo.
  
  Amed is increasingly popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, and as somewhere quieter for tourists to get away from the tourist scene elsewhere on the island. Amed is, however, about 4 hours by shuttle bus or chartered car from Jimbaran or about 3 hours from Ubud. It is certainly not worth visiting for just one night and as a departure point for Gili Air. Far more convenient are speedboat services to Gili Air, via Gili Trawangan, from Sanur or Padangbai.
  
  While Gili Air is delightful, you may consider Nusa Lembongan island as an alternative. Getting there is far quicker and cheaper (surely, a consideration with a family of 5) than Gili Air. Lembongan also offers a slice of island village life, but with less tourists and far fewer resorts than Gili Air. The beaches and snorkeling on Lembongan, especially at Mushroom Bay, are wonderful and there’s even some surf 200m off-shore for intermediate surfers.
  
  So, perhaps slice up your 14-day holiday like this: Jimbaran (5 nights); Ubud (5); and Nusa Lembongan (4).
Kid-Friendly Hotel near Uluwatu

Hi. Your site is really wonderful. We are traveling to Bali at the end of June with our 4 year old daughter for a wedding in Uluwatu. I’m looking for a good hotel option where we won’t get bored while dad is out surfing. So a place that has spacious gardens/pool and a town that is walking distance for exploring. What do you recommend? Thank you! Karina
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Ulu Watu is renowned for its spectacular cliff-top temple; surfers also flock to the area in search of perfect waves. However, Ulu Watu is not a town, and has nowhere to stay except for a handful of homestays aimed at surfers, while some upmarket villas and resorts are dotted along the isolated coast to the east and north.
  
  Almost every one of the multitude of hotels 3 stars and above across Bali have spacious gardens and at least one pool, so your daughter won’t get too bored wherever you stay, especially as every Balinese person absolutely adores children.
  
  Assuming your husband wants to surf somewhere close to your hotel, the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak stretch of coast is very popular, but not recommended for those with very young children. The noise, traffic and crowds can be overwhelming – even for adults on their first visit. Other surf spots like Medewi are remote, with nothing to do for non-surfers.
  
  So, the best option is Jimbaran, within 30 minutes by car/taxi of Ulu Watu. Jimbaran is a stretch of long coastline with white-sand beaches – in parts, almost empty – and legendary sunsets, with minimal traffic, noise and crowds. There are enough shops and cafés to satisfy most, all along one main street, and a town centre with features rarely found in other Balinese resort regions, such as a remarkable temple and traditional market. The seas are calm for splashing about, except in the southern area, where some mild waves may entice your husband. Otherwise, he can easily take quick taxi trips to renowned surf spots such as Dreamland and Padang-Padang not far from Jimbaran.
  
  In Jimbaran, you may opt to stay at the Belmond Jimbaran, tranquil, spacious and facing a superb private beach; the budget-priced, convenient and friendly Open House; or the remarkable cliff-top Four Seasons, if your budget stretches that far.
Best Hotel for Active Kids and Close to Shopping

Hi Great Site.

We are travelling with our kids boy aged 10 Girl aged 14 to Bali in August.
Boy is a bundle of energy and needs lots of entertaining eg sports to keep him happy.

Girl is sporty too but also into shopping.

Wife likes sea views and shopping.

Any suggestions please for a suitable hotel that is within walking distance of amenities, shops.

Thanks
Bill
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta has tons of kid-activities and close to malls and shopping.
Bali All Inclusive or Hotel for Family of 5

Hi David,

Your post has been very helpful! We are traveling to Bali in June with kids ages 12, 9, and 7. We are debating between a fantastic all-inclusive package at Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali or going a la carte for half the price at Camakila. Grand Mirage is an option too. I want to really feel like I’m in Bali (Pan Pacific may be too remote?) but also be somewhere where the kids will be entertained and have a decent pool. At these ages, they don’t care for the kid clubs but would be thrilled with ping pong tables, a waterslide, outdoor chess – that sort of thing. Any advice or feedback?

Thanks in advance! Appreciate the help.
Rachel Stephens
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  While many hotels across Bali are similar regarding size, facilities and standard of rooms, it is vital to pick a region as a base that suits your needs, especially with children.
  
  You are right, the Pan Pacific Nirwana is remote. Controversially built overlooking (and, therefore, higher than) the much-revered Tanah Lot temple, it appeals to those interested in views, the attached golf course and proximity to the temple – none of which are likely to impress your children. And it has no beach to speak of.
  
  Far more convenient to shops, cafes, and the beach, the Camalika in Legian is luxurious but not particularly designed for families. Although not nearly as hectic as neighbouring Kuta, Legian can still seem too crowded and noisy for some first-time visitors and the waves at Legian beach are more suited to older surfers than younger swimmers.
  
  The Grand Mirage at Tanjung Benoa is a far better option – and it also offers all-inclusive packages, with meals, evening entertainment and sports/games (eg yoga, aerobics and kayaking) included in the rates. It offers massive gardens and an appealing traditional design, and is surrounded by shops and cafes. The kids will love the clean beach and calm sea, the games room (with table tennis and snooker), the huge pools (including one for kids), and the bright and airy kids’ club. Tanjung Benoa is also the major centre on Bali for all sorts of water sports, and there’s a charming village to wander about at the tip of the peninsula.
  
  Even bigger and better family-friendly resorts can be found at Nusa Dua, only a few kms from Tanjung Benoa, such as:
  Grand Hyatt Bali – fabulous water slide, awesome kids club with engaging activities, and trampoline
  Westin Resort – with many pools, curved water slides, kids’ club with loads of interesting activities, kids spa, rock climbing and trampoline
  
  Admittedly, some kids clubs in some hotels are glorified child-minding services, where the young ones are often dumped in front of a TV or computer screen. But others are wonderful, offering engaging activities to suit children up to 15 with adventurous games, classes in Indonesian language and cooking, and lessons in snorkeling, fishing and kite-flying, among others, as well as foosball tables, tennis courts, and ping pong.
First Time Family Trip to Bali

Hi David,

Absolutely love your article and the fact that you’ve patiently replied to just about every comment. A big thank you for that, and i really appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into the site.

We’re first time visitors to Bali – a family of 3 – the wife, our 7 year old daughter and myself. What we’re looking for is a nice resort that offers enough to keep our daughter busy (she’s a bundle of energy), isn’t over-run by drunken tourists but is in a place that offers enough to do – like go out for meals and shopping. One option for us is The Grand Mirage which is in our budget and seems to have enough and more for kids. Would you recommend this given that while we aren’t the party animal types, we don’t want to be secluded as well. While neither of us surf, we do love the beach and are looking for a place that offers nice views/access to the beach.

The Grand Mirage is about what our budget permits. We’re looking at a 6 night stay towards the end of June.
Do let me know what hotels we should be looking at given the above.
Thanks a ton,
Mark Mcdonald
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Kuta/Legian region has a reputation (justifiably at times) of being party central. The noise, crowds and behavior of some tourists can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, especially those with young children.
  
  The Grand Mirage is located in Tanjung Benoa. This region offers a long stretch of white sand and calm waters, plenty of shops and cafes easily accessible along the main road, all sorts of water sports, and a charming village to wander about at the top of the road. Tanjung Benoa is always popular with families, while being ignored by others because there are no waves or nightclubs.
  
  With massive tropical gardens and an authentic traditional design, The Grand Mirage is very appealing. It boasts genuine beach frontage, with gorgeous views, and is conveniently located half-way up the peninsula. The rooms are spacious, and almost all face the sea. For families, it offers packages including meals/drinks and nightly traditional entertainment, and the welcoming kids club organizes plenty of engaging activities for the young ones. There’s also a games room and children’s pool.
  
  Other recommended family-friendly options in Tanjung Benoa include The Conrad, with an extensive playground and interesting family activities, but this would be more expensive; and the more affordable Holiday Inn, with a range of family suites, impressive kids club and water slide.
Bali with Baby – Two Rooms

We are travelling to Bali in June for our friends wedding with our baby who will be 7 months at the time. We are struggling to find accommodation that offers two rooms so baby is in one and us in the other or at least a room that has a separate room rather than a studio. We have been looking but are so overwhelmed! We’re staying 11 nights and most of our friends are staying in Seminyak so ideally we’d like to stay close-ish too. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Kelsie
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Bali is very well set up for families, with most hotels in regions like Seminyak offering rooms for families. And the Balinese people absolutely adore children.
  
  With a child so young, perhaps you could arrange for your hotel to provide a single fold-up bed or cot, which could be easily placed inside your room. This offers you more security and saves you renting two rooms or a studio. Otherwise, many hotels offer rooms with connecting doors.
  
  Seminyak is a lot more sophisticated and stylish than the Kuta/Legian region just down the road. It offers legendary sunsets, a long stretch of sandy beach, and more than enough bars, cafés and shops (with minimarts selling most things needed for babies).
  
  There is no other region close to Seminyak that would suit your needs, so you should probably base yourself in Seminyak. But with 11 days, you may consider breaking up your trip into two: half in Seminyak, and the rest of the time in Ubud. This is the island’s cultural centre and the perfect place to explore Bali’s extraordinary sights in a comfortable chartered car (with a driver).
  
  Hotels in Seminyak that would suits your needs include
  1) Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort – quieter and less isolated than others, the suites feature a separate dressing room large enough for a single bed, and some rooms have connecting doors
  2) Breezes Bali Resort – more affordable than most and with a prime location. Many rooms have connecting doors.
  3) Royal Beach Seminyak – quiet and not too isolated, with deluxe rooms large enough for an extra bed or cot
  
  In Ubud, may be consider
  1) Alam Indah, a gorgeous and tranquil place with rooms large enough for an extra bed
  2) Chedi Club Tanah Gajah – a short drive from Ubud, the villas and rooms (large enough for extra beds) and setting are unique – almost like staying in an art museum. The grounds are spacious enough to contain rice-fields, vegetable gardens and ponds packed with swans
Bali with 2 Year Old

Hello, firstly, your site is very helpful so thank you for all the information.
We are thinking of going to Bali for our holidays this year in September, our son will be turning 2 in October so ideally looking for somewhere that’s family friendly.
We would love to stay in Ubud for a couple of days and then onto one of the beach resorts. I’ve been advised by a friend to avoid Kuta, Legian, and Sanur as it’s more loud, built up and not ideal for us with a little one. I’ve been recommended Seminyak, however, looking at some of the hotel they don’t seem to be so set up for children.

Can you recommend anywhere that would be suitable? Would you recommend going all inclusive? or is it cheap to eat out? and safe to walk to restaurants?

Also, what is the situation with travelling in the car with a little one? would we need to bring our car seat?

Thanks in advance
Sophie
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Don’t be concerned in any way about travelling to Bali with a toddler. Thousands of other families do it every day, and many hotels are very well set up for families. The Balinese also utterly adore all children, believing they are gifts from the gods.
  
  Ubud is a good option as a base. The weather is cooler, the crowds smaller (except at the main crossroads in the middle of the day), and there is so much to see in around the town. Kuta and Legian are built-up, crowded and noisy, and can be overwhelming for some children, and even for first-time adult visitors. Legian does have many great family-friendly hotels, with kid’s clubs, water slides etc, but these cater more for children older than yours. Seminyak is a quieter and more sophisticated version of Kuta/Legian, but still has lots of traffic, crowds and noise.
  
  Sanur is the best option. It’s far quieter than Kuta/Legian/Seminyak, with a lovely beachside walkway and calm shallow waters to splash about it. It’s easy to find a hotel that can offer an extra single bed in your room and has a kiddies’ splash pool. These include: Griya Santrian, Prama Sanur or Segara Village.
  
  All-inclusive packages are not that common, and perhaps suit families with older children who would eat more and take better advantage of the activities included. Meals are cheap in Bali, with plenty of cafes offering western and Indonesian meals. Many hotel restaurants also offer kids meals and high chairs. And it is certainly safe to walk around the streets; even more so in Sanur, which doesn’t attract tourists who prefer drinking and clubbing.
  
  Chartering a car with a driver is the best way to explore the magnificent sights of Bali. This is best organised through your hotel. But there is no guarantee that the driver will have a child’s car seat, so you should certainly bring your own, if needed.
Bali Hotel for Family of 3 with Toddler

Hi David,
Thanks for your in-depth informative article on hotels in Bali. Myself, wife and 2.5 year old are coming to Bali for 16 nights in Mid September.

After reading many articles online including yours I see that Hard Rock Hotel seems very family oriented. The wife wants a hotel that is close to all the shopping and restaurants so we don’t have to keep doing a long commute for dinner and lunch as I understand hotel dining can get expensive. We have been visiting Thailand now for the last 7 years and completely used to the hustle and bustle of the main towns, so is Kuta like Phuket? Bangkok?

We would not like to spend the full 16 nights just in a single hotel so thinking of maybe going to Lombok for maybe 5-7 nights, would you recommend this or would you think we would get just as a nice experience if we stayed in a lovely plush hotel in Ubud which i understand is in mainland Bali?

Finally, is there other hotels like Hard Rock that are slightly toned town with its surroundings? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I would like to book asap.

Thank you so much for all your time 🙂

Regards,

Andy
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta is probably the most impressive family-oriented hotel in Bali, and one of the very best in South East Asia. With endless pools, many water slides and even several artificial beaches, your children may never want to leave. It is also extremely convenient for everything that Kuta has to offer: it is directly opposite the renowned beach and within 200m of the world-class Beachwalk Shopping Centre. The lanes and roads all around Kuta are crammed with cafes, bars and shops, and 100s of places to eat and drink are within a 5-10 minute walk of the Hard Rock Hotel.
  
  Eating and drinking in Kuta, and all over Bali, is inexpensive: a western meal in a decent tourist restaurant costs about US$5, and beers about US$2. Of course, if you eat lobsters on the top floor of the Sheraton hotel nearby or dine in any of the trendy bistros in nearby Seminyak, your bill will be similar to that expected in Sydney, Seattle, or Stockholm.
  
  With regards to the types of resort regions available, Bali and Phuket are remarkably similar, with quiet areas (i.e. Sanur in Bali and Kamala in Phuket) and very busy, noisy and crowded regions like Patong (Phuket) and Kuta (Bali). Kuta is not nearly as sleazy as parts of Patong, but if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of Patong, you will cope very well with Kuta.
  
  Bali is compact and offers a wonderful variety of regions to base yourself, so with 16 days you should stay in two – or even three – different areas. Kuta offers fabulous beaches, sunsets, shopping and clubbing, while Ubud is the perfect place from which to explore the ‘real Bali’, with its unique culture and amazing landscapes. Lombok is considerably different to Bali as it’s vastly less developed, with the only tourist regions on Lombok being Kuta, Lombok; Senggigi; and the Gili Islands. Getting to the Lombok mainland involves 4-6 hours on a ferry; a 45-minute hop by plane; or about 2 hours on a speedboat via the Gili Islands.
  
  If you wanted to stay in a third place (after Kuta and Ubud), try Gili Air, a lovely laidback island close to Lombok but easily accessible by speedboat from Bali. There are no vehicles, the island is completely encircled by sandy beaches, and you can walk around it in 90 minutes. Otherwise in Bali, consider Padangbai, a traditional-style village and the ideal base for exploring the fascinating east coast; or Nusa Lembongan, a wonderful island, only 30 minutes by speedboat from Bali.
  
  The best family-oriented hotels that come close to the Hard Rock Hotel are in Nusa Dua, a safe, expansive and gated area of 4-5 star hotels facing superb beaches; and in Legian, the next beach region just north of Kuta. In Nusa Dua, try the Laguna; Novotel; or Club Med Bali. In Legian, consider the Melasti or Padma hotels.
Best Nusa Dua Resort for a Family

Hi David, love your website, thank you for the informative information.

I am traveling with my family, wife and three kids ages, 3, 12 and 14 and we are planning to spend 10 days in Nusa Dua. Which would you recommend of these three hotels, Ayodya, The Conrad, The Laguna?

Kind Regards
Adam Marcus
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Nusa Dua is a secure gated complex of luxury resorts. Most face a glorious stretch of golden sand, and many offer wonderful facilities for families: eg a supervised Kids’ Club, with fun, engaging activities; a games room; a playground; massive pools with ‘beaches’, ‘islands’ and water slides; and various things for the whole family to do. Just a few kilometres north, Tanjung Benoa is a less sterile and more vibrant area, with plenty of shops and cafes along the main road. The beach is also long and white, and home to a range of water sports.
  
  The three resorts you mention are all excellent. With an appealing Balinese layout and charm, The Ayodya is smaller and, therefore, more personal than many resorts, but still spacious. The rooms overlook probably the nicest tropical gardens in Nusa Dua. Unlike many others, it is also within walking distance of two clusters of affordable cafes and shops.
  
  Also in Nusa Dua, The Laguna is extraordinary: the grounds are filled with tropical gardens and lagoons, and vast enough for guests to need maps and golf carts to get around. It doesn’t have the Balinese ambience of The Ayodya, but is walkable to the outdoor Bali Collection Mall.
  
  In Tanjung Benoa and within a stroll of Nusa Dua, the secluded Conrad Bali has several wings of modern suites and hotel rooms, but no traditional design and décor. The pools don’t have a water slide, but plenty of fun activities for everyone in the family are offered. And unlike most resorts in Tanjung Benoa, no noisy jet skis are within earshot.
Solo Bali with a Toddler

Hi David

I’m travelling to Bali for 1 week in October with my 3 year old (it will just be the 2 of us). She loves having space to run around, sand and water to play in, and enjoys playing with other kids, so after a hotel that will have things for her to do, but won’t break the bank.

I’ve been so many times to Kuta/Legian/Seminyak on my own and I did Legian with her at 18 months old but would prefer somewhere quieter this time. Would you recommend Nusa Dua, Sanur, Benoa? Not fussed about shopping and nightlife but somewhere we can go for little walks each day to get out of the hotel for a bit would be great.

I’m also on a budget so many of the great resorts with kids clubs aren’t within reach (and/or have kids clubs starting at 4 yrs).

What would you recommend for us?

Many thanks,
Danielle
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  As you know, the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak stretch of coastline is crowded and not ideal for walks with a toddler.
  
  Nusa Dua is more relaxing: it’s a gated complex with oodles of space, plenty of greenery, and magnificent beaches, as well as minimal traffic and zero hawkers. However, Nusa Dua is completely dominated by top-end resorts that are probably out of your range if you’re on a budget. A few cheaper guesthouses can be found just outside the gates but they’re distant from the beaches.
  
  Just a few kms north, Tanjung Benoa is a more affordable version of Nusa Dua, with a similarly wonderful beach. The main road is a little busy (but not in the vein of Kuta/Legian), but the major drawback could be that Benoa is also the epicenter on Bali for water sports. So, parts of the beach are crowded with anxious parasailers, and the waters sometimes crisscrossed by noisy jet skis.
  
  The best option is Sanur. Without any surf or malls, it is significantly quieter, with a delightful and extended beachside path ideal for walks. And the waters are too calm and shallow for surfing or jet-skiing, so perfect for splashing about. Many hotels are away from the main street, which is fairly quiet anyway because so much traffic uses the bypass road.
  
  As you said, the kids clubs in resorts don’t generally accept children under about 5 years old, but most will happily allow children of your child’s age if you, the parent, are also present. Family-friendly hotels also have a playground, children’s pool, games room, and plenty of fun activities for both generations.
  
  Sanur offers a range of accommodation in all budgets, with many comfortable options in the 1 and 2 star class. Two affordable resorts in Sanur with excellent facilities for the young ones are:
  Besakih Beach Resort – more of a traditional design than most, it faces a shady beach and has spacious gardens
  Prama Sanur Beach – huge tropical gardens and facing a lovely wide beach, it’s in the quiet southern section, and the children’s pool and playground are better than most
Family Resort Bali

Hi David, what an amazing site! Thank you so much for the detailed information you have provided 🙂

Wondering if you could assist with some advice, my family of four ( with two boys – 7 and 5) are planning a trip to Bali in Jan. We’ve never been before but have decided we want to give it a try after many wonderful family holidays in Fiji. Our eldest child has some special needs therefore we need to select our accommodation with care. We’re planning on spending ten days and are thinking of Nusa Dua in one of the luxury resorts – as staying in one place with comprehensive amenities is often easiest. Both boys love swimming, water activities and outdoor sports – but my eldest cannot handle big crowds or a lot of noise. Any suggestions?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, in your circumstances, Nusa Dua is the ideal location for your holiday. For some, particularly first-time visitors, the noise, crowds, and hassles from streetside sellers in the most popular tourist regions of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak can be overwhelming. Without malls and surf, Sanur is a quieter option, but Nusa Dua is better (and quieter) still.
  
  Nusa Dua is a secure, gated complex of luxury resorts. All streets are wide, clean, and flanked by gardens, with no hawkers and almost no traffic. There isn’t a lot to do, however, but enjoy the facilities at your hotel and the beach. And the appealing Bali Collection outdoor mall offers a wide selection of shops and cafés and is accessible from all resorts by free, regular minibuses.
  
  From your hotel, it’s very easy to arrange a taxi for short trips around southern Bali or a chartered car with a driver for all-day trips, eg to the cultural heart at Ubud. Many hotels in Nusa Dua offer water sports, and your hotel would be within a 10- minute taxi ride of Tanjung Benoa, the epicenter on Bali for all sea-based activities.
  
  All resorts in Nusa Dua are very spacious, with vast stretches of tropical gardens and lawns, and most (but not all) face a glorious stretch of bleached-white sand along a bay of calm turquoise waters. This area is also ideal for families, because most resorts offer a Kids’ Club, games room, and lots of fun and engaging activities for the younger ones and their parents.
  
  Recommended family-friendly resorts in Nusa Dua within walking distance of shops and cafés not in resorts or the mall include:
  1) Ayodya Resort Bali – with some welcoming ambience and traditional design
  2) Novotel – better value than others, it makes up for lack of beach frontage with free access and transport to their Beach Club and numerous activities
  3) The Laguna – faultless luxury with seven pools large enough for ‘islands’ and ‘beaches’
  
  As you may be aware, January is peak season because of Australian school holidays, so book your accommodation as soon as possible.
Best All Inclusive with Kids Club in Bali

Hi, we are looking at going to Bali in January, with my huband and I and our 2.5yr old toddler as well as a 16, 21, 23, 25 year olds. We are thinking all inclusive at like Conrad or Grand Mirage or Club Med, mainly for the kids club as first priority, and then the all inclusive food option for teenage grazing, and the gym for the hubby, and activities for the 16 yr old when the others are drinking/relaxing. The kids club is key, and having enough activities on the resort to occupy the ‘older kids’
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  It’s important to explain that kids’ clubs in Balinese resorts are primarily for those aged between 5 and 15. Most kids’ clubs won’t accept any child under the age of 4 or 5, or only with the presence of a parent. Most do offer baby-sitting services, but this is primarily for a few hours, for example during dinner, and not for any longer. One of the few resorts that have a separate kids’ club for those under 4 is the Westin Resort in Nusa Dua. Teenagers over 15 may find the range of activities offered by the kids’ clubs, such as sand-castle making, kite-flying and origami, a little immature. However, some resorts like the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta offer more engaging activities for teenagers, such as beach football and volleyball in the pool. Most resorts also offer a range of activities for the family, which your older children may enjoy, such as aqua aerobics, yoga and cooking classes, and they have games rooms with snooker tables and ping pong. All-inclusive offers, including meals, may seem attractive, but Bali has an enormous choice of cafes and bars, and, for many, eating in different places each night is part of the holiday experience. Every resort has a well-equipped gym, and there will be plenty outside the resort to occupy the older ones, such as shopping, water sports, swimming and night clubbing – and day-tripping with a chartered car and driver to see the sights. Some places that may suit your needs, with baby-sitting services, a splash pool for the toddler, and engaging activities for the older children, include: Westin Resort Nusa Dua; The Laguna Resort in Nusa Dua; Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa at Tanjung Benoa; and the Padma Resort Legian. And, as you probably, know January is peak season so it’s advisable to book as soon as possible.
Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, or Seminyak

Hello we are planning to visit Bali on the 1st February of next year, we have a 3 year old. Was thinking of booking Intercontinental at Jimbaran Bay, we would like a relaxing holiday by the beach and nice surroundings and restaurants. Would you suggest Jimmbaran bay? Or Nusa Dua or Seminyak would be better?
Noella
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  With a young one it’s imperative to choose the right region in Bali as a base, and to book the best possible hotel(s).
  
  While considerably less crowded and noisy than Kuta (the most popular tourist region on Bali), Seminyak is still not ideal. The roads are clogged with cars, the footpaths are uneven, and the noise, crowds and persistent street-side sellers can be overwhelming at time for adults, let alone a three-year old.
  
  Without malls and surf, Jimbaran is much, much quieter. The curved bay boasts bleached-white sands and mostly calm waters, and there’s enough shops and cafes to delight the adults. The Intercontinental is wonderful: with a lovely traditional design and decor, and lush tropical gardens, it is also convenient to Jimbaran’s facilities. The kids’ club is excellent, and the hotel also offers a range of fun activities for the whole family. However, the minimum age for this (and most other) kids’ club is 4, although they will probably allow your three-year-old inside with the presence of a parent.
  
  Even quieter, Nusa Dua is a secure, gated complex of resorts, most facing a perfect bay for swimming and strolling. With almost no traffic, and even less hawkers, and so much greenery around the streets, it’s also ideal for the younger ones. Almost every resort in Nusa Dua has a baby-sitting service and a kids’ club , but most also have a minimum age of 4 or 5, or require a parent present if younger. One exception is the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, with a kids’ club catering for those under 4.
Best Bali Resorts for Family Holiday

Resort suggestions for holiday with two active kids (boy age 10 and girl 12) in November. Ideally somewhere with other kids their age to meet and ideally age appropriate sporting and other activities. Open to staying in Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, Legian or other suggestions. They are the type of kids that love Club Med but I prefer to not be restricted by an inclusive resort.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  The good news is that Bali is very well set up for family holidays, especially in the four areas you have mentioned. Nusa Dua is quiet, spacious and without the crowds, noise and street-side sellers of the main stretch of coast, Kuta/Legian/Seminyak. Without surf and malls, Sanur is also quiet, and the lovely 7km-long beach-side path is ideal for strolling and cycling. Seminyak is a more sophisticated and less frantic version of Kuta, but still with enough traffic, noise and crowds to affect some first-time visitors, especially younger ones. Legian also shares the same beach and sunsets as Seminyak, with several huge resorts facing the sea, but, again, the roads are clogged with people and vehicles.
  
  For many, a highlight of a trip to Bali is the extraordinary variety of eateries, from the cheap and cheerful to bistros with prices similar to Sydney and Seattle. For this reason, very few resorts offer packages that include meals (other than breakfast). But many resorts do offer family-friendly facilities, such as a kids’ club, often with engaging activities for ages 5 to 15; a games room; huge swimming pools (usually with water slides); a playground; and organised daily activities for the whole family.
  
  if you are a first-time visitor, perhaps stay clear of Legian and Seminyak, but, by all means, day trip by taxi for the malls and surf. If you did prefer Legian, however, resorts that cater well for families include: the Padma Resort, with an excellent kids’ club and games room; and the more affordable and low-key Melasti Beach hotel.
  
  Sanur has many hotels, but few genuine resorts, and even fewer cater well for families, However, most resorts in Nusa Dua are excellent for families, and this is where your younger ones are much more likely to meet others. All the recommendations listed below face a glorious beach (except one); have a wonderful kids clubs; are dotted with pools and water slides; and offer activities for the whole family.
  1) Ayodya Resort – with a traditional design, extensive tropical gardens and free live Balinese performances each night at the onsite ampitheatre
  2) Grand Hyatt – arguably the best beach frontage on Bali, and walking distance to the outdoor mall with all its shops and cafes
  3) Novotel – doesn’t face the beach, but has access to a private Beach Club, and also has a kids’ spa and is within walking distance of some affordable cafes and shops
  4) The Laguna – with seven pools, and more interesting activities for kids than other resorts, it’s also walking distance to the mall
  5) The Westin Resort – with trampolines and rock-climbing, it has the best Kids’ Club in Nusa Dua
Bali with Toddler - Where To Stay

Thanks for the brilliant information and advice. Myself, My wife and our 13 month old are off to Bali in a couple of weeks. My wife will be in a conference in East Timor for 5 days so looking for a hotel/area where it’ll be easiest to look after the 13 month old on my own. Looking at the comments, The Westin Resort may be best as it has one of the best kids clubs and activities for under fours. The baby loves walks in the stroller but I realise this may be not possible due to lack of pavements etc. although she also likes being carried around in the sling. May look at babysitting services for a couple of hours here or there. Any other advice?
Ben
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Almost all resorts in the secure and spacious area of Nusa Dua have kids’ clubs, but these cater almost exclusively for those aged from 4 or 5 upwards, primarily for safety and health reasons. Some resorts do allow children, however, from 2 to 4 years with supervision of a parent.
  
  Unfortunately, the Westin Resort in Nusa Dua has recently changed its rules: it no longer accepts children under the age of 4, even with the presence of a parent.
  
  The only resort in Nusa Dua that has a kids’ club designed for those aged under 4 is the Club Med. However, this resort only offers packages that also includes meals, activities and entertainment; perfect for a family of four, but perhaps less value for one adult with one very small child.
  
  The good news is that all resorts in Nusa Dua are still very family-friendly: spacious, with expansive gardens and lawns for children to run around; splash pools suitable for all ages; and baby-sitting/child-minding services available for an extra charge. Any of the major resorts in Nusa Dua would service your needs, such as the Sofitel, Novotel, and Laguna, as well as the Westin.
  
  Otherwise, Sanur is relatively quiet, and more affordable than Nusa Dua. More low-key resorts with plenty of gardens and lawns, a splash pool and baby-sitting services – but no kids’ clubs (which you wouldn’t be able to use anyway) – include Besakih Beach, Griya Santrian, and Segara Village. Also appealing, Sanur feels more like a Balinese town than a collection of tourist resorts (like Nusa Dua).
Where To Stay in Ubud with Kids

David your website is incredible!! I think the only answer I couldn’t find for myself is where to stay in Ubud. I’ll have a family (2 boys 9 & 11) and we are doing Ubud as part of this years trip for around 3 days. Plan to do a cycle tour on one of the days and otherwise just explore Ubud. I like the idea of being in walking distance to things in downtown Ubud so I can nip out for a shop or explore on my own, but husband wants scenery and not to be on a main road style of place. I would normally opt for kid friendly hotels so our boys can run about being kids but cannot find anything that fits the bill so am thinking a pool villa may work? I’m overwhelmed by choices and confused by our preferences and locations!! I welcome all your suggestions. Where possible I like the idea of seperate rooms only as we will have just spent a few nights all in a very small room at Hai Tide at Lembongan together and may need some ‘space’ haha.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, the choice of places to stay and things to do in Bali is overwhelming.
  
  Very few hotels in Ubud genuinely offer the sort of family-friendly facilities and activities often found in the southern beach regions of Legian and Nusa Dua. Two reasons are that many guests, like you, don’t stay more than a few days, and there is so much to see and do in and around Ubud. Pool villas are also uncommon because, again, many people don’t come to Ubud to laze about the pool and it’s not always swimmingly hot anyway.
  
  Many of the larger resorts in Ubud are in the remote hills, offering superb scenery (though not necessarily much seclusion from other guests), but most offer shuttle bus services into town.
  
  The good news is that some hotels offer this same sort of typically Balinese scenery and genuine seclusion but still be within a two-minute stroll of many shops, cafés and bars in downtown Ubud. These include
  
  1) Alam Indah Resort – adjoining the Monkey Forest, it is serene and inspirational
  2) ARMA Museum Resort – inside an art gallery compound of streams and gardens
  3) KajaNe Mua – modern, classy and tranquil
  4) Komaneka at Bisma – extraordinary luxury set in a ravine
  5) Tjampuhan Hotel – amazing history and ambience in a lovely setting
Bali Hotel with Kids Club

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your super informative site. Please can you see if you have any suggestions for me? We are thinking of travelling to Bali for the first time (we usually go to Fiji) with friends that stay at the Padma first and then getting a villa to share. We would like to then travel on somewhere that suits our needs but I am struggling to find somewhere. Our daughter is going to be 9 by July when we plan to go. She loves nature and ideally a kids club for her needs to be small and laid back, not too clinical and structured as she has attention issues. My hubby and I really love to snorkel so I was considering the Gili Islands, but I read there are no kids clubs (is that right?) and the surf is quite rough, so not ideal for a family holiday. Do you have any other ideas of places that would suit us?

Thanks

Celine
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Both Padma hotels are wonderful. The one in Legian directly faces the beach and has fantastic facilities for children, while the other in Ubud is more exclusive and luxurious.
  
  The Gili Islands are excellent for snorkeling, with plenty of marine life within swimming distance offshore. However, you are right, neither of the three Gili Islands is particularly family-friendly. Gili Trawangan is the ‘party island’, while Gili Meno is very laidback and Gili Air has a genuine village vibe. But there are very few large resorts and none have kids’ clubs like the Padma Legian.
  
  But it is possible to find excellent accommodation for families, especially self-contained villas on quiet beaches, such as Mala Garden (Gili Trawangan), Kai’s Beach (Gili Air) and Bamboo House (Gili Meno).
  
  The waters around the three Gili Islands are calm within swimming distance, with limited surf way offshore, but one consideration is that the speedboat trip (60-90 mins) from the Bali mainland can be rough at anytime because of the ocean swell, and seasickness is not uncommon.
  
  If your daughter likes nature, and all of you would like to experience the ‘real’ Bali, the ideal base is Ubud. The only hotel in Ubud with a kids’ club, however, is the excellent Four Seasons at Sayan, while other places recommended for family stays include Chedi Club, with a quaint rural but convenient setting and rooms like art museums; Nick’s Pension, with a sprawling jungle setting in downtown; and Alam Indah, which is quietly set on the edge of the Monkey Forest.
  
  Other options for a base that are different to Legian are:
  1) Jimbaran – which is far quieter than Kuta/Legian and the waves are less scary. The outstanding Four Seasons offers an impressive kids’ club, as does the InterContinental.
  2) Nusa Dua – most of the luxury hotels in this gated complex offer terrific kids’ clubs, as well as plenty of space, fresh air, greenery and a perfect beach, but the area lacks ambience.
  3) Tanjung Benoa – next to Nusa Dua, it provides more atmosphere and more affordable hotels with kids clubs, such as the Holiday Inn and Grand Aston
  4) Padangbai – on the east coast, it is a genuine Bali village with minimal traffic and excellent snorkeling offshore
  5) Nusa Lembongan – a lovely, laidback island with great snorkeling and almost no traffic, and the boat ride there is far quicker and more comfortable than to the Gilis
4 Month Trip to South Pacific

Fantastic website… thanks for taking the time to share all your excellent travel knowledge and experience. My wife, kids (ages 9 and 11) and I are planning a 4 month trip to the South Pacific from Feb til mid June. We left ourselves approximately 6 weeks (from mid April until the end of May) for exploring Bali, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. After already planning Cook Islands, New Zealand, Fiji and Australia I am feeling overwhelmed by the process and running out of time. Would you have any interest in building an itinerary for us? I would, of course, pay you a negotiated amount for your effort. If interested please email me and I will give more specifics about my family and our travel likes.
Jeff
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Wow! Your trip sounds amazing, and, yes, planning an itinerary can be daunting. However, try not to be too rigid, and allow some flexibility because you may want to stay longer in one place (and won’t know until you get there) and because of things out of your control (eg sudden monsoonal weather). Also, remember that flights around this part of the world are very cheap, so don’t waste too much time on buses, boats and trains. And don’t try to see too much in too little time.
  
  Three factors you should certainly consider when planning a trip to Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and, to a lesser degree, Cambodia:
  
  1) school holidays, especially those in Australia. Hotel rates and airfares rise, especially in Thailand and Bali, and crowds in places like Kuta (Bali) and Phuket can be unbearable – even overwhelming for first-time visitors and/or younger ones.
  
  2) local public holidays, but the only thing that may affect you is the Songkran Water Festival (13-16 April). It’s an amazing time to be in Thailand and your children will have a ball as everyone douses everyone else with water for 3 days, but pre-book your accommodation, stay in one place and don’t plan extensive travel at that time.
  
  3) the weather – ie the heat and monsoons in Thailand, typhoons in Vietnam, and heat and rain in Cambodia, but the weather will be fine in Bali
  
  Here are some ideas for 6 weeks:
  
  Bali (maybe 5 days) – this is somewhere to relax after some tough traveling elsewhere, so perhaps take a break there halfway through or at the end? The beaches are better in Thailand, prices cheaper in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the crowds in Kuta/Legian can be large at times, so maybe stay in only one place and daytrip from somewhere quieter like Ubud, Jimbaran or Sanur.
  
  Thailand (16 days) – perhaps avoid Bangkok, because of the crowds and pollution, and head inland to vibrant Chiang Mai for some hiking and outdoor activities. The best islands for families are Koh Lanta, Koh Chang, Koh Samet and Koh Tao. And other great beaches for kids include Ao Nang, near the lovely river town of Krabi; and Khao Lak, with grisly reminders of the 2004 tsunami. Places to avoid because of overcrowding and overpricing are Pattaya, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Phuket. But plan accordingly, because some islands almost close down during monsoons.
  
  Cambodia (7 days) – not nearly as developed for tourism as the other three countries. There are enough cafés selling western food, decent hotels and comfortable transport in the major tourist destinations: Siem Reap (for the jaw-dropping Angkor Wat); the pulsating capital, Phnom Penh; the sleazy beach area of Sihanoukville; and the gorgeous riverside town of Kampot. But transport elsewhere is maybe unsuitable for children – tiring, uncomfortable and long – but these are the four major destinations anyway. Throughout Cambodia, prices are low and tourists less common, which will make a welcome change after Thailand and Bali.
  
  Vietnam (14 days) – becoming increasingly developed for tourism, especially along the main tourist trail, which you should follow, because there is far less to see elsewhere and facilities (such as menus in English) are not common in less visited areas. Avoid Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and head into the exotic Mekong Delta. Then travel north to the country’s best beach region at Nha Trang, before heading inland to the adorable highland town of Dalat. A highlight will be the ancient city of Hoi An, and the nearby beaches at Danang. The ancient citadel and a cruise down the Perfume River at Hue are certainly worthwhile, before finishing up at Hanoi, a Vietnamese city worth hanging about, with a side-trip by boat for 1-2 days around the extraordinary Halong Bay.
Bali Resort with Kids Club and Calm Beach

Hi Dave,
We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids ages 6, 10 and 10). We are planning on visiting Bali on July.

We are thinking of staying at Ubud for 4 nights, and then at the beach for 7 nights.

I’ve read all your recommendations, but it’s hard to make a choice. For the beach we would like:

1) beachfront property, with wide beach and some shade; calm water
2) rooms with ocean view
3) kid’s club
4) waterslides

What do you think?
Thank you!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Yes, the number of places to stay can be overwhelming, and it is very important to chose wisely, even more so with a family. Staying in Ubud for a few days is always a good idea to enjoy the unique culture and amazing landscapes that Bali has to offer. Assuming you’re a first-time visitor, and with a family, it’s best to avoid the major regions of Kuta/Legian/Seminyak, which are always crowded and noisy. Other regions like Candidasa and Lovina are, perhaps, too far away and don’t offer much for children. And few hotels in the quieter area of Sanur offer family-friendly hotels.
  
  Thankfully, there is a great option: Nusa Dua. It’s a secure, quiet and spacious area of upmarket hotels in southern Bali, within a short daytrip of attractions such as Ulu Watu temple and Waterbom park, which is jam-packed with waterslides. Almost every hotel in Nusa Dua features vast tropical gardens and faces a glorious stretch of beach, with white sands, calm waters and plenty of shade.
  
  Recommended resorts in Nusa Dua that are great for families – with a kids club, playground, children’s pool, waterslides, and activities for the young ones and the whole family – include:
  
  1) Ayodya Resort – with a traditional design and magnificent gardens, but few rooms face the sea
  2) The Laguna – with massive gardens and convenient to local shops, it has 7 pools
  3) The Westin – faces a lovely curved bay, with plenty of children’s activities and excellent waterslides
  4) Ritz Carlton – just outside of Nusa Dua, the extraordinary cliff-side setting and outstanding facilities for children are worth a splurge
  
  A more affordable option is the neighbouring region of Tanjung Benoa. It also boasts a lovely long beach, and, unlike Nusa Dua, all hotels are within walking distance of shops and cafés. Tanjung Benoa is also the center for water-sports on Bali, which makes it exciting but noisy, and not that great for simply swimming and sunbathing.
  
  Excellent family-friendly hotels in Tanjung Benoa include:
  1) Conrad Bali
  2) Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa
  3) Sol Beach House Benoa
Kid-Friendly Resorts in Bali

Hello Dave, I am planning on travelling with my family of 4 from May 1st ~ May 6th (Myself, wife, and 2 kids age 7 and 5). We are planning the first half of the trip to be focused on relaxing but enough fun activities for the kids. The last 2~3days will be more focused on the kids and looking for a hotel/resort which has a great in-house swimming area for the kids with slides and such. Our flight arrives close to midnight on May1st so we’re looking for a resort/hotel close to the airport that’s not too far but won’t regret after we wake in the morning. I have read through your site but with so many hotels listed, it’s a bit to make a decision. Could you recommend a handful of places to stay that our family would all enjoy?
Thank you in advance
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  With only a very short amount of time, and a late arrival, it’s best to stay in one hotel for the length of your trip. This avoids the inconvenience of checking out of one hotel at, perhaps, 10am, and having to wait until 2pm to check into another. The good news is that there are plenty of places where parents can relax and children can have heaps of fun, too.
  
  Assuming you are a first timer visitor, it’s best to avoid Kuta or Legian, the most popular bases, which are far from ‘relaxing’. Your best base would be Nusa Dua, a secure, spacious enclave of 4- and 5-star hotels. All offer vast tropical gardens and almost all face a superb stretch of beach. Also, the streets and beaches in Nusa Dua are clean, there is very little traffic, and no annoying streetside hawkers. And given the time of your arrival (and using the new tollway), Nusa Dua is barely 20 minutes from the airport.
  
  Nusa Dua offers many superb resorts that would delight parents (eg sea views and tropical gardens), children (eg a kids’ club, playground and kids’ pool) and the family in general (eg fun activities for everyone). These three are also within walking distance of cafés and shops:
  
  1) Ayodya Resort – facing a wide beach, it features massive gardens and live Balinese music in its own ampitheatre, and is charmingly old-fashioned and tastefully designed
  2) Grand Hyatt Bali – traditionally designed, with vast gardens and arguably the best beach in Bali, as well as tennis courts, a putting green and watersports centre
  3) The Laguna Resort – has vast gardens, seven (!) pools, tennis courts and wonderful facilities for the young ones
Bali Hotels for Family of 3

Hi Dave. Many thanks for the website. I have done a heap of travel but my wife is more of a ‘gated hotel type’ and we now have a 5 year old so I certainly have to consider everyone’s point of view. I really want them to enjoy it so this is not our first and last trip. We are planning a 10 night stay and was wondering if that would give us time to stay in maybe Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa initially and also up to Ubud for a couple of nights. If so where do you recommend for both regions? Cheers mate and thanks again for the site.
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  If travelling with a child and someone who prefers the security of a ‘gated hotel’, then the best place to stay is, as you suggest. Nusa Dua. This area only contains 4- and 5-star resorts, and all have vast tropical gardens and almost all face a superb beach. And around the streets, there’s plenty of space, fresh air and greenery, and minimal traffic.
  
  A couple of kms to the north, Tanjung Benoa is more affordable and authentic than Nusa Dua, with a village at the tip and more cafés and shops within walking distance. It’s not a gated area although major hotels are secure, and always have guards. Tanjung Benoa is also the center for water sports, so the sand and sea are usually full of jet skis, boats and parasails – perhaps not ideal for a youngster. With 10 days, you certainly have time to break up your trip. Staying at Nusa Dua provides a relaxing beach holiday, with the chance to explore southern Bali by chartered car and driver. But then you should also spend time in Ubud, the cultural heart of the island to experience the uniqueness of Bali and visit some of the amazing sights.
  
  In Nusa Dua, you could try these hotels. All have great facilities for children, ie a kids’ club, playground and children’s pool:
  
  1) Ayodya Resort – wide beach, charmingly old-fashioned, and traditionally designed
  2) Club Med – part of the international chain, with all-inclusive packages, and walkable to facilities in Tanjung Benoa
  3) Nusa Dua Beach Hotel – more affordable than most, traditionally designed, and with an excellent pool
  
  In Ubud, hotels are less geared towards families, but these are recommended:
  
  1) Chedi Club Tanah Gajah – a little isolated, but vast gardens, and every room feels like an art museum
  2) Alam Indah – gorgeous, quaint and tranquil in a village that’s part of Ubud and on the edge of the renowned Monkey Forest
  3) Nicks’ Pension – mid-range villas and rooms among rice-fields, yet still in the midst of downtown Ubud
Discovery Karthika Plaza with Kids

Hi
We are considering Discovery Karthika Plaza in Kuta for our family holiday to Bali. We are a family with 2 kids, age 3 yrs and 1.5 yrs. Is it recommended? Any suggestions?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  As you may know, the Discovery Karthika Plaza hotel is in Tuban, often referred to as Southern Kuta. Less frenetic than Kuta or Legian (although only a 15-minute walk, or a short taxi trip away), Tuban can be better for first-time visitors.
  
  The hotel is vast enough for seven restaurants, with spacious landscaped grounds of tropical plants and lawns. It offers all the facilities needed for a family holiday, with no shortage of places to eat, drink and shop within a few minutes’ walk along the main road.
  
  The other advantage is its proximity to the Discovery Mall. Although overshadowed by the newer and more impressive Beachwalk Mall (along the beach road in Kuta), the Discovery remains an excellent place to shop and eat, with bakeries, cafés, and familiar fast-food outlets. The hotel is also across the road from Waterbom Park, a huge area of pools and water slides, although your youngsters may be too young. Also, your children are too young to enjoy the hotel’s Kids Club, with a minimum age of five years, like all other resorts. But the kids’ pool and playground will delight.
  
  The main disadvantage is the beach, which is rocky, grey and unsuitable for swimming. Better beaches are within a short walk to the north, but the large waves are often more suitable for surfing than swimming, and not ideal for children.
  
  If you would like the same sort of facilities as the Discovery Karthika, but with a lovely white-sand beach, try somewhere in Nusa Dua. This is a gated complex of four and five-star resorts in a suburb of manicured lawns with far less noise, traffic, and crowds than Tuban/Kuta.
  
  These places in Nusa Dua are worth considering:
  1) Ayodya Resort – traditional design, very spacious and excellent playground
  2) The Laguna – convenient to shops/cafés and massive grounds
  3) The Westin – wonderful gardens, especially lovely beach and lots of family activities
Bali All Inclusive Resort for Families

We are looking at heading to Bali in late October with our 2-year-old. Are the All Inclusive packages worth it in Bali? We are looking at the Grand Mirage Resort and Thalasso Bali. Would you recommend anywhere else?
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  Resorts offering packages including meals and activities are popular in some Pacific and Asian resorts that are remote, and where places to eat and drink outside the resort are rare or even non-existent. But all-inclusive packages are very uncommon in Bali because strolling to nearby cafés to try tasty food at very reasonable prices is part of the attraction of visiting the island. And packages at the Grand Mirage include access to things like non-motorized water-sports and themed buffet nights which you are unlikely to enjoy or attend with such a young child.
  
  The Grand Mirage is an excellent resort, and you could certainly stay there paying the normal hotel rates that don’t include meals and activities. But it is in Tanjung Benoa, a reasonably busy resort region and the epicenter for watersports on Bali. So, the road outside is busy and the beaches often noisy with jet skis.
  
  A far quieter alternative is the nearby resort region of Nusa Dua, where vast resorts with tropical gardens and calm beaches are nowhere near any main roads. These resorts in Nusa Dua are very family-friendly, with babysitting services, pools for toddlers, playgrounds and cots and other necessary equipment (as well as other facilities for older children):
  
  1) Ayodya Resort – wide beach, exceptionally spacious gardens, charmingly old-fashioned and walkable to local cafés
  2) Novotel – more affordable, Balinese-style setting, no beach frontage but private beach accessible by shuttlebus, and walkable to local shops and cafés
  3) The Laguna – staggering gardens, idyllic beach. seven pools and walkable to the Bali Collection mall.
Family Resorts in Nusa Dua and Ubud

Hi Dave,

Fabulous website and the comments sections is the icing on the cake! I am planning a 8 day trip to Bali in June with my wife and 5 year old daughter. I’m thinking of splitting it in 5 days at Nusa Dua (confused between Laguna, Westin, and Sofitel) and 3 days in Ubud. Any opinions? I am also struggling with a good fairly priced property in Ubud (US$150) – ideally a resort but open to suggestions. Can you recommend some places in Ubud? Or should I consider a day trip to Ubud from some other location which will have properties meeting my criteria?

Thanks again and keep up the good work!
1. Bali Dave The Bali Expert
  
  With 8 days, it’s certainly possible to divide your trip, as you suggest, because Nusa Dua and Ubud are only about 1.5 hours apart by chartered car with a driver.
  
  The 3 resorts you have mentioned are all ideal, and provide plenty for families. A few comments about these:
  1) The Laguna – massive, and easy to get disoriented, it offers 7 pools, vast Balinese-style gardens, and an immaculate beach. The kids’ club provides activities more interesting and engaging than most resorts in Nusa Dua. And it’s an easy walk to Bali Collection, a lovely outdoor mall with the only facilities in the area.
  2) Westin – smaller and more personable than many others in Nusa Dua. As well as many family-friendly activities, and a tremendous waterslide, it also offers the best kids’ club in Nusa Dua. And it’s also very easy to walk to the mall.
  3) Sofitel – the beach is more private, and the water calmer and more shallow, so ideal for the young ones. The facilities for children, including a slide, are also wonderful. While a free shuttle bus connects the resort and mall hourly, the Sofitel has the added advantage of being a few minutes walk from the neighboring region of Tanjung Benoa, therefore increasing your choice of places to eat, drink, and shop.
  
  It is easy to daytrip to Ubud, but far better to stay, because there is so much to do in the town (markets, temples, and art museums) and around Ubud (rock sculptures at Gunung Kawi, temple at Tirta Empul, and rice-terraces at Tegallalang). So, maybe split your trip with 4 days in each?
  
  Ubud is not a ‘resort town’ – and remember the weather may be a little too chilly for a pool, and your days will be spent exploring, not relaxing. Ubud is somewhere to experience something different to the beachside resorts.
  
  Each of these places has a pool and can easily fit in an extra single bed:
  1) Chedi Club Tanah Gajah – vast grounds, with each room/villa like an art museum. Rice-fields, swans, and total serenity, about 15 minutes’ drive from the town center.
  2) Alam Indah – gorgeous setting alongside the Monkey Forest and within a genuine village, yet very close to the town center. Balinese-style and so quiet.
  3) Nick’s Pension – in a tranquil spot facing a creek and ravine, and almost within a forest, yet in the middle of the town center. Rice-fields at the doorstep and amazingly good value.

BaliDave.com

See Also

Bali Family Resorts – Where to Stay With Kids

The 26 Best Family Resorts in Bali

1. Four Seasons Sayan – Ubud

2. Padma – Legian

3. Andaz – Sanur

4. Conrad – Tanjung Benoa

5. Mövenpick – Jimbaran

6. Westin – Nusa Dua

7. Grand Mirage – Tanjung Benoa

8. Hyatt Regency – Sanur

9. Four Seasons – Jimbaran

10. Grand Hyatt – Nusa Dua

11. The Oberoi – Seminyak

12. InterContinental – Jimbaran

13. Hard Rock – Kuta

14. Sofitel – Nusa Dua

15. Bali Dynasty – Kuta

16. Hai Tide – Nusa Lembongan

17. Holiday Inn – Tanjung Benoa

18. Legian Beach Hotel – Legian

19. Kamandalu – Ubud

20. Bali Garden – Kuta

21. Alaya – Ubud

22. Avani – Seminyak

23. Ramayana – Candidasa

24. Puri Bagus – Candidasa

25. Novotel – Nusa Dua

26. Prama – Sanur

Family Hotels in Bali – Where To Stay

Nusa Dua

Westin – Nusa Dua

Grand Hyatt – Nusa Dua

Sofitel – Nusa Dua

Novotel – Nusa Dua

Tanjung Benoa

Grand Mirage – Tanjung Benoa

Conrad – Tanjung Benoa

Holiday Inn Resort Benoa – Tanjung Benoa

Kuta

Hard Rock – Kuta

Bali Dynasty Resort – Tuban

Bali Garden Beach Resort – Kuta

Legian

Padma Resort – Legian

Legian Beach Hotel – Legian

Seminyak

The Oberoi – Seminyak

Avani – Seminyak

Jimbaran

Mövenpick – Jimbaran

Four Seasons Resort – Jimbaran

InterContinental Resort – Jimbaran

Sanur

Hyatt Regency – Sanur

Andaz – Sanur

Prama – Sanur

Ubud

Four Seasons Resort at Sayan – Ubud

Kamandalu – Ubud

Alaya – Ubud

Candidasa

Ramayana – Candidasa

Puri Bagus – Candidasa

Nusa Lembongan

Hai Tide – Nusa Lembongan

Read More

Get All New Content

Leave a Reply Cancel reply