Bali in Indonesia, the beautiful “Island of the Gods,” evokes adventure and discovery for travelers from around the world. However, when traveling to Bali with your family, it’s crucial to know where to stay in Bali with kids to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Bali is significantly larger than you might think, and travel times between different destinations can be long (traffic can be exceptionally heavy at times). Therefore, it’s wise to consider in advance which locations are most suitable for you and your children. In this article, we will guide you through the beautiful island destinations and help you find the perfect spot for an unforgettable holiday in Bali with kids.
Please also read our practical tips for a vacation to Bali with children.
Share & pin this blog!
Most travelers choose to stay in South Bali, particularly in places like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Denpasar, the capital of Bali and the location of the airport, is also in the south of the island. However, you might want to skip Denpasar as a place to stay in Bali with kids. It’s a labyrinth of busy streets, and there isn’t much to do for tourists.
We would also not recommend Kuta, which is located in the south. Kuta is notorious for its vibrant nightlife and primarily attracts party-goers and vacationers who enjoy a good party. If you’re going to Bali with kids, it’s better to choose Sanur. Sanur also has good facilities, but the area is much quieter, allowing you to experience more of the local life.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere, you might also consider Canggu, which is only about 20 kilometers from the airport. Here, you’ll find trendy restaurants that often have play areas for children. Adjacent to Canggu is Seminyak, where you can find good dining options and shopping opportunities. Further south in Bali, in Uluwatu, you can discover the most beautiful beaches on the island and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Ubud is known as the cultural center of Bali and offers countless art galleries. The street with small art shops seems to stretch on endlessly! Moreover, just like in Canggu, there are many trendy dining options here where you can enjoy delicious meals.
One of the most beloved places to stay in Bali (with or without kids) is Ubud for good reason. It may be the most beautiful part of Bali, with its lush green surroundings, stunning rice fields, and waterfalls. We do recommend staying just outside the center, so you can enjoy the beautiful greenery and avoid the traffic congestion in the town center.
In the north of Bali, you’ll find Lovina, a quiet coastal town with a beautiful black sand beach. From here, you have many opportunities to explore the most stunning waterfalls in Bali. Lovina is also the place in Bali to spot dolphins. However, be very selective when choosing your excursion, as sometimes over a hundred boats are on the water at the same time, which can be dangerous for the dolphins. Read here for more about animal-friendly getaways in Bali.
In the east of Bali, you’ll find quiet coastal towns where you can enjoy the authentic Balinese life. Additionally, the highest volcano in Bali, Mount Agung, is located here. If you have older children, climbing this volcano at sunrise is a unique experience. Amed is a great base for exploring East Bali.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive our favorite preset for FREE to make your vacation memories even more beautiful.
There are still countless quiet spots to discover in Bali. You’re likely to encounter hardly any other tourists in remote gems like Balangan and Blayu. Far from the hustle and bustle of tourism, you can enjoy pristine white beaches, a mesmerizing underwater world, and relaxing walks and bike rides through lush rice fields and picturesque local villages.
In Pemuteran, you will encounter a few more fellow travelers, but this has its advantages. Here, you’ll discover one of the highlights of your trip—the underwater world around the enchanting Menjangan Island.
Right next to Bali are the Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These hidden gems are tranquil and not yet overrun by tourists. Here, you can enjoy nature, the beaches, and the delicious food in peace. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Bali in the past, before it became so busy.
Each of the Nusa Islands has its own unique charm. Nusa Penida offers stunning cliffs and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Nusa Lembongan has a mangrove forest and cliffs you can jump from. Nusa Ceningan, with its striking narrow bridge to Nusa Lembongan, features white beaches and crystal-clear water.
On the west coast of Lombok, there are three beautiful Gili Islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. With a short boat ride from Bali, you can be here in just a few hours.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most vibrant island. Although there are many hotels and nightlife options, you can easily explore the entire island on foot or by bike. The west side is quieter and offers beautiful beaches. Gili Meno, the calmest of the three, is a true paradise. It features stunning beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming, and you can snorkel to discover the colorful underwater life. Gili Air, the smallest island, is close to Lombok and is perfect for families. Here, you can enjoy nature, delicious food, and activities like snorkeling and cycling.
Tip: Also consider the neighboring island Java with kids.
When planning your trip to Bali, there are several ways to book your accommodations and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs on Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Would you rather have everything arranged at once? Then TUI offers complete packages for a worry-free vacation. Looking for more flexibility and want to customize your trip? Check out Riksjawhere you can build your ideal journey with modular components.
What are the best activities in Bali and the most family-friendly hotels? You can read about this and more in all our blogs about Indonesia.
Did you find this blog about where to stay in Bali with kids helpful? Then support me by buying me a tea! That way you’ll make sure I can continue to collect and share great tips and inspiration ♥♥♥♥.
Share pin this blog!
Sign up for our newsletter and receive our favorite preset for FREE to make your vacation memories even more beautiful.
This post contains affiliate links.
Welcome to my blog!!! I’m Marlyn, and along with my husband and our two children (born in 2018 and 2020), we are a traveling family from the Rotterdam area
Let us inspire you to travel with us to beautiful destinations around the world. We will show you that you can create wonderful experiences, even when traveling with kids.
Discover how you, as a travel blogger with a small following, can establish collaborations with hotels and secure free stays around the world!
Sign up for our newsletter and receive our favorite preset for FREE to make your vacation memories even more beautiful.