I have back packed around Bali twice and would love to visit the Island of Gods again. People have different perceptions about Bali. As a whole people think about back packers and romantic vacation’s but not a family holiday. However, Bali with kids can be truly magical.
Going to Bali with the children can be educational and a lot of fun. Here are a few things that your children would enjoy in Bali
Ubud Rice Terraces in Bali with kids
Though not a specifically a kids activity. Ubud is a serene place with plenty of things to explore. I would suggest hiring a driver which wont cost you a lot. They can show you some sights. There are some lovely restaurants that overlook the terraces near by.
The people work very hard in the rice fields, if you have any spare change do offer some. a little goes a long way. They are all very friendly too.
While the rice terraces serve as a highlight photo-opportunity in the Tegallalang area, souvenir shopping options are available on road sides and the trip to Pakudui village is worth the time. Pakudui is reachable after a right turn up from the famed rice paddy outlook. Find magnificent carvings and wooden art forms lined up along the small and winding village road. Get your haggling head on for some stunning souvenirs.
Sacred Monkey Forest
Located near Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is definitely a place to visit. Monkeys are very sacred in Bali and you will come across them everywhere. The sacred monkey forest is home to hundreds of monkeys and a variety of species. There are also some wonderful areas to walk around. Children are bound to love seeing all the monkeys.
The village’s residents view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual place and their is also a temple in the forest. Tourists are reminded to be respectful in what they wear. Cover up. You can even purchase a sarong out there, which wouldn’t cost a lot.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a 40 minute drive from Seminyak (a great place to stay with children) and an easy place to stop with kids for a quick visit. It’s super touristy with tacky souvenirs and beach vendors selling everything from kites to instant digital prints. It’s worth a quick trip to introduce the kids to a little Balinese culture without getting complete vacant stares. There is plenty to keep kids engaged and entertained from holy sea snakes in a cave, rock pools to discover and neat little trinkets to barter for.
There’s a reason why Tanah Lot is such a visited hotspot. The temple sits on top of it’s own rocky island like a floating Bonsai Garden, only accessible in the low tide. The sunsets are amazing, capturing the silhouette of the temple island with the sun setting out at sea. Its breathtaking. Some temples can be boring for kids so make this a quick stop, let them explore and enjoy a cultural experience.
Bali Safari and Marine Park
You can pet tigers, go on a safari to see African animals, feed zebras and watch “educational shows” with animals.
There is also a water park and a “fun zone” complete with roller coaster. I think with this Zoo attraction, you either do Bali Zoo or Bali Safari and Marine Park.
There are over 40 hectares of land and home to an extensive list of animals. Komodo dragons, exotic and local species of fresh water fish, all the African animals you expect to see on safari, Asian elephants, orangutan, Sumatran tigers, Indian white tigers, exotic and endangered birds to name a few. There are also hands on experiences and educational talks.
There is also an impressive water park and fun zone with amusement rides, there is a lot to do in one day at Bali Safari and Marine Park with kids. Make sure you take a look at the aquarium, its pretty awesome.
Bali Waterbom Park
Located in Kuta it is the largest water park in Asia. The park has a variety of slides and pools to play in. There is a constant entertainment program so children and adults can get involved with different events. There are food venues available on site, but i recommend taking some snacks with you also. It’s hungry work having fun. Children will have so much fun at Waterbom.
Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo isn’t up to the same standards of Zoo’s in the UK, however Bali Zoo has some great animals and there are so many hands on experiences that you wont find in Zoo’s in the UK.
The main attraction at Bali Zoo is the elephant rides. It almost feels as if the zoo and the elephants are two separate attractions where you can experience one or both. There also some very affordable hands on experiences. For a small fee you can get up close to and personal to lions, tigers, crocodiles and elephants. There are also animal encounter shows twice a day.
Bali Zoo has some great attractions and hands on experiences, you can even dine in a restaurant come lion enclosure, set up for an unobstructed view of the resident lion pride. I am sure children will have a great time if they love seeing animals.
Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Bali Treetop Adventure Park is a fun activity set in an open air environment for grown ups and children alike. The treetop park is suitable for all from the age of 4 to over 70 with a maximum weight of 120kg. There are seven different circuits for mixed ability or dependent on what thrills you want. The children circuits are the Squirrels yellow circuit – designed for younger children and then the Squirrel green circuit which is for when children want to face new challenges.
The Treetop adventure park can be found in the Bali Botanic Gardens in Bedugu. Its quite a distance away from touristy areas. It is however worth a visit if you are fairly near by.
Elephant Safari Park
The Elephant Safari park is located in Taro, Ubud. The Safari Park has a hotel on site with a lovely view of all the elephants.
You can have an elephant ride her if you so wish. However if you don’t wish to ride an elephant there are plenty of other things to do. You can feed the elephants. Surprisingly Elephants like pineapples. You can also help clean an elephant, the chances are you will get cleaned if the elephant gets hold of the water! The Elephants are extremely well looked after. The safari park is a nice attraction that you can spend a couple of hours at.
Be a pirate for the day at Pirates Bay
Pirates Bay is a Restaurant / cafe with a difference. Food is served in tree houses which is pretty cool in itself. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. You can get into the spirit and dress up as a pirate, there are costumes to rent. The children will love dressing up and being a pirate on an open beach. Other activities your children can do include a treasure hunt, there is also a large play park. The perfect location to go out for a meal. The Prate Bay is in Nusa Dua.
Have fun on the beach
Bali is home to some amazing beaches. Clear ocean blue seas and beautiful sand. Some of the beaches are quieter than others which would be great for children. Kuta is great for water sports for all ages however you will encounter a few people trying to sell you things. Sanur is one of my favorites, just up the road from Kuta. More peaceful and less busy. Sanur is nice to look around too. There is a fantastic beach in Legian, great for children to have some fun in the waves, there are many beach front cafes and locals rent out chairs and umbrellas. Which ever beach you go to your children are bound to have fun.
There are many other attractions and places to visit with children. It all depends on the age of your children. There are attractions for babies and toddlers right up to older children and the adults of course. One of the best and free thing’s about Bali i found ,was taking in the culture, it is pretty much where ever you go. You don’t have to pay out all the time to enjoy the magic of Bali. It is naturally beautiful. Flights to Bali are reasonably priced or you can opt for a flight and hotel combination and the Bali weather is amazing.