Families in Bali
The beautiful island of Bali is renowned for its stunning volcanic vistas, rolling rice terraces, temple studded landscapes and golden beaches. It is utterly gorgeous and has so much to offer and yet it is often overlooked as a family destination, perhaps due to the perceived challenge of the long journey. We have been reviewing the flight times and would love to dispel this preconception.
SINGAPORE STOPOVER
Firstly, we’d highly recommend stopping off in Singapore on the way. This suggestion is not only to break up the journey, but also because Singapore is an exhilarating city for families. One of our product managers, Suzy Higgs, recently stopped over with her family, and they loved it – read about their experiences in her blog. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia offers perfect family-friendly suites with breathtaking views of Marina Bay and is in walking distance of attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, China Town, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
HOW LONG IS THE JOURNEY?
The flight to Singapore typically takes around twelve and a half hours. Continuing from Singapore, the flight to Bali is just two hours and 35 minutes. Considering Phuket from Singapore is one and a half hours, Borneo two hours and 45 minutes and Vietnam two hours and 10 minutes, it is about the same as other popular family destinations.
WHY BALI?
Bali is an extraordinary island with myriad of activities for families, and once you arrive, everything is conveniently close, allowing you to create a wonderful twin centre holiday filled with a diverse range of experiences without the need to take any additional flights. In addition to this, the weather is perfect between May and October, making it an ideal destination for May or October half term, or a longer summer holiday. We’d suggest a two-centre holiday, combining the vibrant jungle town of Ubud and one of Bali’s beach resorts.
UBUD
Ubud is a quaint, buzzy town with markets, temples and plenty of cafes and restaurants. However, it is the beautiful surrounding landscapes that offer so many activities – perfect for families.
- Trek along the ridges and valleys and visit the monkey forest.
- Zipwire or swing over the awe-inspiring Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
- White water raft down the mighty Ayung River.
- Cycle through the picture-perfect landscapes of UNESCO World Heritage Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
- Kayak across pristine lakes and trek through the jungle, stopping off for a swim in beautiful waterfalls.
- Visit local villages and learn the spiritual side of Balinese life.
- Visit the spiritual water temple of Tirta Empul.
- Hike to a volcano at sunrise.
- Authentic Balinese cooking classes.
- Indulge in spa and wellness. Many hotels offer kids’ spa and yoga sessions.
BEST UBUD HOTELS FOR FAMILIES
Ubud is full of gorgeous retreats, either perched on the edge of a steep valley with sublime views across to jungle clad hills or on the edge of rice fields with views of the enchanting countryside. We’ve handpicked our family favourites, which include:
Mandapa Reserve – A spectacular resort inspired by an indigenous Balinese village, with suites hugging the hillside, leading to the open space at the bottom of the valley where the villas and pools are surrounded by jungle and framed by the Ayung River. Guests can learn about rice cultivation on the resort’s own rice fields and Mini Explorers can enjoy the Mandapa Camp, featuring a kids’ hut and an educational farm where little ones can take care of the resort’s cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits and learn local crafts.
Kappa Senses – At a slightly more affordable level, Kappa Senses is a secluded retreat overlooking unspoilt jungle and across verdant rice paddies. With two pools and some two-bedroom villas or a Tropical Suite that allows a family of four to share, Kappa Senses offers family a relaxed base from which to explore the area. Their kids’ activity schedule includes cultivating your own plantation, animal feeding, stone painting, and Balinese dance.
BALI’S BEACH RESORTS
There is so much to do, you could spend your entire holiday in the Ubud area, however if your family is anything like mine, then the beach beckons. Bali has a number of different areas you can stay and whilst Bali’s beaches may not be powder white (this is a volcanic island after all), they do have a wonderful vibe, with fabulous beach clubs, cafés and restaurants on offer and some gorgeous resorts.
Nusa Dua – For those seeking the palest of sands and water that laps the shore with a gentle gradient for safe swimming, then this is the region for you. The area does lend itself to larger international resorts which have many kids’ facilities so is particularly family friendly but possibly less Balinese in feel. This is for guests who are seeking a calmer holiday away from the busier resorts. Bali Collection Shopping Centre is a local area guests can walk to for a choice of restaurants outside of the hotels and just beyond this there are a few streets with local stalls and cafés to meander around.
BEST NUSA DUA HOTELS FOR FAMILIES
St Regis, Nusa Dua – This resort stands out for its ideal location on a safe swimming beach, its luxurious suites spacious enough for a family of four and its fantastic array of activities that cater to the entire family. From paddleboarding and sailing to kids’ yoga, cooking classes, and immersive Balinese craft experiences.
The Laguna, Nusa Dua – The recently renovated Laguna is perfectly positioned in the heart of the golden sand beach, conveniently close to local restaurants. The resort features interconnecting rooms and spacious suites perfect for families of four, allowing them to stay together. The highlight is the impressive network of lagoon pools that wind through the resort. Additionally, the resort provides a daily activity schedule for children over seven years old, featuring activities such as yoga, table tennis, batik painting, paper mask crafting and kite making.
Jimbaran Bay – Located just south of the airport on the southwest coast of the island, Jimbaran boasts a glorious golden sand beach with a charming fishing village vibe. Renowned for its wide variety of seafood restaurants and sublime Bali sunsets, daily life in Jimbaran is notably calm. The area exudes a lovely local feel where families can be seen enjoying freshly barbecued seafood on the beach during sunset. While there are a few boutique shops nearby, Jimbaran remains relatively undeveloped compared to its neighbouring areas.
BEST JIMBIRAN BAY HOTELS FOR FAMILIES
Four Seasons Jimbaran
Located at the end of the gorgeous Jimbaran Bay Beach, Four Seasons has beautiful villas cascading down the hillside, with impressive gardens, two pools, fabulous restaurants, and an array of activities for both parents and kids alike. Rooms are ideally configured for families with one, two and three bedroom villas, each with generous pools and glorious views. For us, the highlight is the Sundara Beach Club, located right on the beach, leading to the water sports and activity centre. Parents can chill by the pool, cool drink in hand, whilst kids play volleyball, table tennis or enjoy many of the water sports on offer, all under the watchful supervision of the friendly kids’ club staff.
Belmond Jimbiran Puri
This hotel doesn’t have a kids’ club so to speak, but the huge pool and glorious beachfront setting is so perfect for older families to enjoy. Cottage Rooms are huge, but it is the Private Pool Villas (some two bedroomed) that stand out for us. Resembling a traditional Balinese compound, separate bedroom and outdoor salas offer plenty of spaces for families to enjoy. The resort oozes Balinese style, which is emphasized with local immersive experiences, many designed for children, from egg painting, kite making, cooking classes, traditional dance displays and tailored kids’ spa treatments.
Beyond Ubud and the beaches, Bali has plenty more awe-inspiring locations for those looking to travel further. Head to Sideman and cycle through remote beaches or stay amongst the rice fields at Sanak Retreat. These options just scratch the surface of Bali. You could also consider adding a side trip to Lombok for its unspoilt laid-back beaches, the Komodo Islands for some of the world’s best snorkelling and of course the elusive Komodo Dragons or head to Sumba for untouched culture, magnificent beaches, and wild landscapes.
A SUGGESTED 10 DAY FAMILY HOLIDAY TO BALI
Our team can create a perfect, tailor-made holiday for your requirements but if you are looking for inspiration, here is a suggested two week itinerary, combining four nights at Kappa Senses in Ubud with six nights at The Laguna, Nusa Dua.
