5 reasons Bali is one of the hottest destinations for families right now
Bali appealed to our traveller spirits – we wanted diverse culture, to get off the beaten track and some much needed down time. However, with a young child we also wanted somewhere that wasn’t too long a flight (Bali is 7 hours from Sydney), felt safe, was easy to get around and child friendly. Bali is one of Expedia’s most searched destinations for people travelling with children, so here’s why I think Bali makes a good family holiday, and the best things to do while you’re there:
The People
The Balinese are some of the friendliest people I have ever met and they just adore children. Children are welcome everywhere and they’ll love the extra attention being showered on them by the warm Balinese.
Value for Money
Bali offers good value for money and is a very affordable destination. Obviously attractions, restaurants and facilities aimed at tourists will cost more than local options, but there really is something for every budget. For example, a 1 hour Balinese Massage in a Day Spa (rather than on the beach) will cost anything between $12AUD and $50AUD depending on where you go. Most hotels in Bali provide nanny / babysitting services and many have kids clubs (For 4 hours service expect to pay around $18AUD)*. Eating out can cost under $1AUD at a street stall, as little as $3 – $7AUD for a main in a simple restaurant or $20 – $25AUD somewhere more upmarket.
Family Friendly Activities
- Waterbom is a huge water park in the heart of Kuta.
- Great Beaches – obviously kids will love simply playing and swimming but they can also snorkel or learn to surf for half the price you’ll pay at home.
- Bali Safari & Marine Park – Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, white tiger, leopard, komodo dragon and cheetah are just some of the fascinating animals that can be seen here.
Locations to Suit Everyone
- Hit the Beaches – Seminyak and Sanur are popular beach destinations for families. Both offer a wide range of accommodation, great food and shopping.
- Head for the Hills – Ubud is a very popular village set in the hills 35km from Denpasar. Highlights include the Ubud Monkey Forest, exploring rice paddy fields on foot and experiencing local farm life and culture.
- Day trip to an Island – Nusa Lembongan is off the southwest coast of Bali and offers a beach holiday without the hustle and bustle of the main island.
Eating Out
In Bali you can find everything from local Warungs to fine dining; Nasi Goreng (delicious local fried rice) to Pizza; and everything in between. The main tourist centres have become quite cosmopolitan. Get a nanny and have a date night at la Lucciola or Ku De Ta. Don’t be surprised if someone offers to take your baby or young child for a walk while you are trying to finish a meal in peace, this is customary and something you can decide if you feel comfortable with. Eating at a beachfront restaurant/café is a great way to keep kids happy during the meal. There is generally a range of meal options that will appeal to children even if no kids menu is on offer.
More Articles With Adventure
When was the last time you went skiing? Were there heated walkways, free bubbles, hot toddies, hot tubs, and roaring fireplaces? We didn’t think so. If you haven’t been to Northstar California Resort, in North Lake Tahoe, you haven’t done skiing right. Here’s 10 reasons why this North American ski resort will take your winter… Continue reading 10 reasons Northstar shines bright in snow season
This article is a joint partnership between Expedia and Air Vanuatu. Being a mere three-hour flight from Sydney, two-and-a-half hours from Brisbane, and from June 2019, just over four hours from Melbourne, Vanuatu is the South Pacific neighbour where your family can have an active holiday and experience real island life. Immerse in the cultural… Continue reading 5 reasons to go to Vanuatu in 2019
More than four million people have climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and for International Women’s Day, BridgeClimb celebrated with a very special Power Climb made up of inspiring Australian women. The three hour BridgeClimb celebrates women working together, ‘rising above’ to achieve their dreams and marks the first of many series… Continue reading BridgeClimb takes International Women’s Day to new heights
It’s dark outside the four-wheel drive, Mexico’s highways are quiet at 4am, there’s just us and a few passing cars on the road for the two and a bit hour drive. The sky hasn’t started to lighten as we hop out of the car, stretch our legs and slowly walk into the park. Passing through… Continue reading How to take the best photographs of Chichen Itza
What’s roughly the same size as Singapore, had its own Ice Age and is just a few hours away from Australia? Trust us, you won’t guess because we’re talking about Lake Taupo. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, four hours drive south east of Auckland, Lake Taupo is in fact the same size as Singapore.… Continue reading Why Taupo needs to be on your to do list