Bali packs beaches, temples, forests and a volcano into one small island. That makes it an easy family trip from India.
This list gives ten things we would pick for a family. Each one says how long it takes and who it suits best. Where we checked a ticket price on the official page, we give it. Where we could not, we say so.
Before you pick
Bali has two halves for a family trip. The south has the beaches, the water park and the cliff temples. The middle has Ubud, the rice terraces and the forests.
Our packages use two bases. A few nights in Kuta, then a few in Ubud. You change hotels only once.
Temples need a sarong and a sash, for adults and children alike. Big temples provide them at the gate.
Space out the long days. Nusa Penida and the Batur sunrise each take about 11 hours. In our packages they sit three days apart, with shorter days in between.
Wherever we can, we follow a long day with a shorter one. It keeps the whole family in good spirits for the last days.
1. Uluwatu at sunset, with the fire dance
Uluwatu Temple sits on a cliff about 70 metres above the sea. At 6 pm every day, the Kecak dance starts on the cliff edge, with the sunset behind it. The gates open at 4 pm.
Kecak tells a story from the Ramayana. A large circle of dancers chants instead of music.
The temple's own site lists entry for international visitors at IDR 50,000 for an adult and IDR 30,000 for a child. The Kecak ticket is separate: IDR 150,000 for an adult and IDR 75,000 for a child.
2. The Monkey Forest in Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques. Paths run through the forest and past its temples. Visitors may not enter some of the sacred temples.
It is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, and the last entry is at 5 pm. The official site lists IDR 130,000 for an adult and IDR 100,000 for a child.
The rules matter here. No food or drink inside. No plastic bags; there are lockers in the lobby. Do not touch the monkeys or pick them up. Keep toys and jewellery out of sight, and keep a close eye on children.
3. Waterbom Bali in Kuta
Waterbom is a water park in Kuta, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. It has a Kids Area with no height limit.
Some of the bigger slides need a child to be over 100 cm tall. The child ticket covers ages 2 to 11.
It is ticketed. Check the current price on the park's own site before you go.
4. A day on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is an island off Bali, reached by fast boat. Our day trip covers the cliff above Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and a swim at Crystal Beach.
Snorkelling is included when the tide allows. Carry a change of clothes for everyone.
The island's drivers speak little English. They may change the order of stops to suit the tides and the traffic.
This is the longest day of the trip. It suits families with older children who can manage a boat and a lot of time in the car.
5. Rice terraces and a waterfall
The Tegalalang rice terraces are about 10 km north of Ubud. The green steps of rice fill the valley.
Tegenungan Waterfall is a wide fall on the way back to Ubud. Both fit into one easy half day.
6. The lake temple and Tanah Lot
Ulun Danu Beratan stands on Lake Bratan, in the cool hills near Bedugul. Its offerings are made to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake. The Handara Gate is close by and makes a good photo.
The day ends on the coast at Tanah Lot. This temple sits on a rock in the sea. You can only walk out to it at low tide.
7. The giant statue at GWK
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula. Its statue shows Vishnu riding Garuda. The statue is 75 metres tall, and 121 metres with its base. It was finished in 2018.
The park holds cultural shows every day. It is ticketed, so check the current price on the park's own site.
8. Taman Safari Bali
This is the park many people still call the Bali Safari and Marine Park. It has more than 120 species, including Komodo dragons, orangutans and the Bali starling.
A tram takes you through the animal areas. There is also a water play zone and a stage show called Bali Agung.
It is ticketed. Check the current price and show times on the park's own site.
9. Sunrise over Mount Batur
Batur is an active volcano. It last erupted in 2000. On our trips you go up by 4x4 jeep, not on foot, and watch the sunrise over the crater with a warm breakfast.
The pickup is around 2 am, and it is cold at the top. Pack warm jackets for everyone.
This one suits teenagers best. With small children, you can swap it for a slow morning.
10. Rafting and the jungle swing
The Ayung River runs through a jungle gorge near Ubud. Rafting with a guide takes you past small waterfalls.
After lunch comes the Bali Jungle Swing, out over the treetops.
Rafting operators set their own minimum age. Tell us your children's ages and we will check before we book.
Temple manners for children
Every temple asks visitors to wear a sarong and a sash. That goes for children too. At Uluwatu they are handed out at the entrance.
Uluwatu also asks you to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees. Pack a T-shirt and long shorts or trousers for temple days.
Talk to children about the monkeys before you go. At Uluwatu and in Ubud, they will grab what they can reach. Hats, glasses and phones go in a zipped bag.
One day to avoid: Nyepi
Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence. For 24 hours, from 6 am to 6 am, the island shuts down. The airport and ports close.
Nobody may go outside, and hotels ask guests to stay quiet indoors. You cannot check in or out that day. Our tours do not run on it.
In 2027, Nyepi falls on Monday 8 March. If your dates touch it, plan a pool day and move the trips around it.
Easier days for small children
Our 6-day version swaps a few stops for water sports at Tanjung Benoa and an ATV ride through rice fields. The water sports are a banana boat, a jet ski and a fly fish ride.
Leave at least one day free. A pool, a beach and an early night will save the rest of the trip.
For the full route, see our Bali itinerary for 6 and 7 days. For the budget, read Bali trip cost from India.
Food, visas and timing
If your family eats only vegetarian food, read our vegetarian food guide to Bali. It has the dishes and the phrases.
Check the entry rules in Bali visa for Indians. For the weather month by month, read the best time to visit Bali.
The Bali travel guide covers the rest.
Plan a family trip
Our Bali 6N/7D package covers most of this list. We adjust it for children's ages, and we can swap long days for easy ones.
See the Bali destination page for the shorter version, or tell us your dates on Plan My Trip. We reply within 48 hours.
