Plan a Family Holiday to Bali | Dream by Luxury Escapes

With endless stretches of golden beaches, world-class resorts and family-friendly attractions, Bali is the ideal family holiday. But where do you start when it comes to planning – where should you stay, how do you choose the right accommodation and what do you need to consider before taking the entire family on an international adventure? Read on for your Bali family game plan. 

Choose the right location 

Trendy, beachfront areas like Kuta, Seminyak and Legian are firm family favourites, with easy access to sandy beaches, casual dining and family-friendly attractions: think Waterbom Bali waterpark and surf schools. Plus, with the airport just a short drive away, you can maximise your time on holiday.  

Inland, Ubud offers a more nature-led escape, perfect for curious kids and those seeking something more than the beach. Days here can be spent on scenic walks through emerald rice fields or meeting local wildlife at attractions like Bali Bird Park or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.  

For a quieter and more indulgent escape, Nusa Dua offers sprawling high-end resorts and pristine beaches. Set within a gated community, it’s a haven where kids can roam freely and parents can truly unwind. While the little ones spend hours enjoying resort-based amenities like treasure hunts and extensive kids’ clubs, adults can retreat to dreamy day spas or laze by oceanfront infinity pools.  

Select the right accommodation 

Bali is home to a range of family-friendly resorts, from self-contained private pool villas to interconnecting hotel rooms and lavish family suites. To choose the perfect stay, start by considering the facilities that best suit your needs. If you have active kids, resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Grand Hyatt Bali feature sprawling swimming pools, thrilling waterslides and exciting kids’ clubs to keep the little ones busy. 

If you’re travelling with toddlers or fussy eaters, consider a villa or apartment stay like the Two Bedroom Ocean View Residence at AYANA Segara Bali, which features a fully-equipped kitchen so you can prepare meals at your leisure – plus 11 onsite restaurants with kid-friendly menus. Additional family-friendly touches like babysitting services and thoughtful in-room amenities (like PlayStations and bunk beds) can further enhance your stay.  

Maximise your budget 

Whether you’re looking for an affordable hotel in a convenient location or a five-star beachfront retreat, Bali offers something for every family. To stretch your holiday budget even further, planning is key – for the school holidays, aim to book at least six months in advance (or nine to 12 months for the Christmas holidays). This applies not just to accommodation, but to flights, day tours, airport transfers and other transport as well.  

Another top budget tip? Take advantage of ‘kids eat free’ promotions. Popular resorts like The Samaya Seminyak Bali and The Trans Resort Bali regularly offer packages where children under 12 years old can stay and eat for free. 

Health and safety 

Bali’s tropical climate calls for extra care. Be sure to pack plenty of reef-safe, SPF 50+ sunscreen, mosquito repellent and light, breathable clothing for the whole family. Slip, slop, slap are words to live by – even on holiday. 

Comprehensive travel insurance is also a must, ensuring peace of mind in case of medical mishaps or travel disruptions. It’s also worth noting the location of the nearest international medical clinic to your hotel or resort. A few simple precautions can go a long way in the off chance something goes wrong. 

Figure out what activities you want to do in advance 

A little planning goes a long way in creating a memorable and stress-free escape. For fun-filled days, plan a visit to a theme park like Trans Studio. Adventure seekers will love quad biking and river rafting, while relaxed beach days, rice terrace walks and local market visits are a great way to add a dose of local culture. For an unforgettable family experience, a sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur shouldn’t be missed. No trip to Bali is complete without a water-based adventure – be it snorkelling alongside majestic sea turtles, kayaking across crystal-clear waters or spotting dolphins on a sunrise cruise. 

Do the groundwork before you travel 

A few months out from your escape, take a moment to check your family’s documents – especially child passports, which generally expire after five years. For smooth entry to Indonesia, you’ll need to have at least six months’ validity on your passport and obtain a visa either online or on arrival. As entry requirements can occasionally change, check the latest travel advice on Smart Traveller at least two months prior to your departure. 

Minimise travel time to maximise holiday time  

Travel days can be exhausting, and even more so for the little ones. Minimise time spent in transit by hiring a private driver or booking a private airport transfer. On arrival at Denpasar Airport, you’ll be greeted by a friendly face ready to assist with your luggage and whisk you off to your resort. If you’re hoping to explore the island’s natural wonders or world-class attractions, a private driver and guide are worth their weight in gold, adding context to your experiences and ensuring the day is tailored to suit your family’s needs.  

Feature image: The Samaya Seminyak Bali