Things to Do in Bali with Kids - Bali Tours & Bali Travel Guide for Families

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Heading to Bali with kids? In need of a Bali travel guide for families? Here are the best things to do in Bali with kids…and without them, for that matter. There are so many amazing Bali activities that it can be hard to decide what to do when you’re there. That’s why we created this list of places to visit in Bali for people like you. We travel in Bali with kids so we come from a family travel perspective. Having said that, we don’t spend all of our time at playgrounds. The number of Bali tours and places to see in Bali is too vast and numerous to miss. So whether you’re a backpacker, a traveling family or luxury travelers, this list of things to do in Bali Indonesia has something for you.

Things to Do in Bali with Kids (or Without)

Whether you’re visiting Bali with teens or toddlers, you’ll find loads of family fun. Bali family holidays have changed in the past 20 years, but this amazing Indonesian island is still a great place to explore. We’ve been in and out of Bali with kids since 2011, and it’s easily one of our favorite places in Indonesia for family travel. Our kids have grown and their tastes in Bali activities have changed over the years, so in this post, I’ll tell you about some of the great things to do in Bali with children of all ages. Below are our top tips for what to do in Bali with kids. What’s missing?

Related Links: Beyond What to Do in Bali with Kids

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Table of Contents

Things to Do in Bali with Kids (or Without)
Things to Do in Bali with Kids by Age
What NOT to Do in Bali
What to Bring to Bali
Where to Stay in Bali
- Getting to Bali / Getting From Bali
  - Typical Flights to Bali
- Getting Around Bali
  - Scooters in Bali
  - Hire a Driver in Bali
Have You Been to Bali with Kids?

Where is Bali?

The country of Indonesia contains over 17,000 islands, and Bali is one of the larger and more fascinating ones in the archipelago. Situated between Java to the west and Lombok and the Gili Islands to the east, Bali is almost four hours north of Perth, Australia by airplane.

Why Visit Bali? Why Visit Bali With Kids?

Bali is packed with natural wonders, cultural marvels and culinary delights. Bali is safe, has beautiful nature, and there are incredible Bali activities involving art and culture. There are a dizzying array of Bali accommodation and dining options, as well. The food is fresh, delicious and varied.

Bali has been a holiday destination for decades and has the resources and infrastructure to meet the needs of tens of thousands of travelers every day. Yes, parts of Bali have been spoiled by the tourism machine, but the island still holds lots in store for curious and considerate travelers. You will never run out of things to do in Bali with kids or on your own.

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Bali Weather / Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali weather is hot and humid all year, but there are high and low seasons. Basically, all your typical Western holidays — Easter, Christmas, and July through August (summer holidays in the northern hemisphere) are all part of the high season in Bali.

April through June would be a recommended shoulder season that’s still relatively dry, as is September and early October. After that, it becomes the wet season in Bali and there’s a lot more rain between November and March. That also means muggier weather and more mosquitoes.

Visit in shoulder seasons and Bali accommodation can become much cheaper. Visit in the wet season and many places to stay in Bali will be cheaper still, but your options for things to do in Bali with children will be limited. Trails get slippery, there’s lower visibility in the water and it’s more dangerous to drive around. That said, we kind of like the rainy season — most of it usually comes in huge squalls that end suddenly and the sun comes back out. If you come in the rainy season, bring a decent pair of sandals, as any shoes will be soaked and might stay that way.

Things to Do in Bali with Kids by Age

So here I’ll give you a rough generalization of things to do in Bali with kids — from Bali with a baby to Bali with teens. Of course, you know your child and their interests/abilities best. So if I list some Bali activities in the teen section but you think it would be a perfect fit your 7-year old, then go for it. And vice versa. There are so many fun things to do in Bali with kids that I thought dividing them this way may help, but use my places to visit in Bali as mere suggestions with plenty of wiggle room.

Bali with Teens and Pre-teens

If your kids are like mine, then adding a little adventure to the Bali family holidays is always a good idea. There are plenty of thrills to be had in Bali with teens and younger kids, but also lots of great opportunities to learn and grow, as well.

Rafting in Bali with Kids

Love the outdoors and a little adventure? Then some of the best things to do in Bali can be found in the island’s rivers. Most Bali rafting companies have an age restriction, but they vary. This is one of our favorite activities anywhere, and whitewater rafting in Bali could be just the type of thrill your kids would enjoy.

Book Your Bali Rafting Tour

Tubing in Bali with Kids

If you prefer something a little less intense than rafting in Bali, then consider a Bali tubing tour. Yes, tubing in Bali is more relaxing than rafting in Bali, but still contains a few thrills along the way. You’ll still need to wear a helmet and life jacket, of course, but kids as young as five are allowed to join. Most of the tubing in Bali isn’t in an inner-tube at all. Instead, it’s in small tube-like boats that have handles and a more comfortable sitting space. Some even give you oars to steer, so it looks more like rafting in Bali to little ones.

Ready to Try a Bali Tubing Tour?

Bike Tours in Bali with Kids

One of the best way to see the Bali countryside is on two wheels. Sure we’ll endorse a scooter ride later, but if you want to exercise with your teen or tween then bike tours in Bali are one of the best ways to do it. Some Bali bike tours are easy downhill routes, while other bike tours in Bali are more rigorous. There are even some electric bike tours in Bali as well. Most Bali bike tours are in the Ubud region, which is where we recommend.

Book a Bike Tour for Your Bali Family Holiday

Surfing Lessons in Bali for Kids

Catching some waves is one of the most famous things to do in Bali with kids or without. Surfing lessons in Bali are all over, but Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are the most well-known spots. Our kids have been surfing in Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, the Canary Islands and on Bali’s neighboring island of Lombok. We’ll surf in Bali next time we visit.

Book Surfing Lessons in Bali with Kids

Diving in Bali with Teens

Indonesia’s underwater world is remarkably diverse, so it’s no wonder Bali diving is quite popular. A lot of the coral has been damaged over the years, but diving in Bali with kids old enough to learn is still a great experience. There is still much to see under the surface. Our kids got their Junior PADI licenses in nearby Gili Air.

Plan Your Bali Diving Experience!

Hiking in Bali with Teens

Whether it’s in Northern Spain or in Northern Sumatra, we love a good hike. Hiking in Bali is a lot of fun, too. An easy hike is the Campuhan Ridge in Ubud. This is a semi-paved path that has some beautiful views and plenty of places to stop and eat or drink along the way. If you’d prefer to ride rather than walk, then maybe check out a bike tour through the countryside like our friends at Two Wandering Soles.

Some of the best hiking in Bali is on Mount Batur. Many people like to hike to the top for sunrise. It’s a pretty stunning view, but consider your children and their needs/capabilities. The sunrise hike requires a 2 am wake up call (ie. you’re hiking in the dark), and the path has some steep parts that can be slippery if it rained earlier. On top of that, it’s cold up there, despite the temperature at sea level, so bring a jacket.

This could be an immensely rewarding experience (like it was for us in Sumatra). On the other hand, it could leave you cold, cold, tired and grumpy. You probably already know which kind of person/people you’d be on an early morning Bali hiking tour like this. That’s not the only Bali hiking available. For example, there are Bali hiking tours to waterfalls and through rice fields, which we’ll get to in another section.

Fancy Some Hiking in Bali?

Paragliding in Bali with Kids

Sailing through the air, your legs dangling hundreds of meters above the ground…it’s not for everyone, but we think paragliding in Bali would be amazing. After all, the bird’s eye view of the jungle, the same and the azure sea would be a sight to behold, don’t you think? We haven’t been paragliding in Bali yet, but it’s on our list. After we tried it Lima, Peru, and Cartagena, Colombia, we’ve been looking for our next paragliding destination. Most of the paragliding in Bali happens in the far south of the island where the winds are strong.

Want to Try Paragliding in Bali?

Canyoning in Bali with Teens

For the real adventure junkies in your family, let me suggest a Bali tour that involves canyoning. What’s canyoning? Well, I usually explain canyoning as “whitewater rafting without the raft,” but it’s more complicated than that. Canyoning also involves ziplining, rock climbing and occasionally abseiling (or jumping off) a waterfall or two. It’s awesome.

Got the Guts to Try Canyoning in Bali?

Bali Spas & a Massage in Bali

After all this surfing, trekking and paragliding in Bali, you may really enjoy a massage. A massage in Bali should be a no-brainer. One of the most relaxing things to do in Bali is to get a massage or a spa treatment. You’ll find nimble hands in nearly every town in Bali, and they do a great job. Lots of the best hotels in Bali and most of the best resorts in Bali have a spa and masseuse on staff. Convenience and quality like this cost more, naturally. Shop around, as the prices are often much lower if you walk down the street to a smaller shop. Once our kids hit double digits, we’ve allowed them to get massages too, when the price was right. They would sleep so well that night, and sometimes many nights after! Sam with us. A good Bali massage will do that to you.

Need a Bali Massage? Of Course, You Do.

Ride Scooters in Bali with Kids

One of our favorite things to do in Bali with kids is to just ride around. Riding bicycles on the road work well in Ubud and Sanur, but I wouldn’t recommend it in busy places like Kuta. And really: renting a scooter in Bali and simply riding through the countryside is such a fun and relaxing thing to do in Bali.

We love renting scooters in Bali, but we understand that we’re taking a risk doing this. Remember that most travel insurance will not cover accidents involving scooters in Bali if you don’t have a license in your home country. Also, if you plan on renting scooters in Bali, make sure to snap pics of every scratch and dent before you ride off.

Thinking About Renting Scooters in Bali?

Cooking Classes in Bali with Kids

Taking a Bali cooking class is a great way to experience the food and culture of the island. You’ll find Bali cooking classes in high-traffic areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Expect fewer classes in less populated areas but still ask around. Ask your hotel or guesthouse and they may know a place or possibly set one up for you themselves. Most cooking classes in Bali accept teens but vary on the minimum age, so check first.

Choose From Highly-Ranked Cooking Classes in Bali

Pondok Pekak Library

Pondok Pekak is more than a library in Ubud. It’s also a place to take dance classes, painting classes, and wood carving class. It’s a place to check what events are happening in town and relax in. Oh, and they have a lot of English-language books, too (and German, and French, etc).

Pondok Pekak Library Facebook Page

Wood Carving Lessons

There are a number of places to try wood carving in Bali. Our kids took lessons at the Pondok Pekak Library in Ubud, but this is one class of many available island-wide. If you ask around you should be able to find wood carving classes in many parts of the island. Bali has a long and revered history with wood carving. You’ll see it in furniture, picture frames, and sculptures everywhere you go.

Read More: Art Classes in Ubud with Kids – Wood Carving, Traditional Painting

More Wood Carving Classes in Bali with Kids

Painting Classes in Bali

Another creative thing to do in Bali is to take painting lessons. We took our painting lessons in Ubud, but you can find Balinese painting lessons in many parts of the island. You can go deep into the philosophy of Balinese painting if you have time. For us, we just did a one-day lesson for a few hours and the boy loved the results.

Read More: Art Classes in Ubud with Kids: Wood Carving, Traditional Painting

More Painting Classes in Bali

Ceramics Lessons in Bali for Kids

One of our kids’ favorite things to do in Bali is playing with clay. At Sari Api in Ubud, there are ceramics classes every Saturday from 10:30-noon. You get to work on hand building projects and work one-on-one with an instructor for a brief throw on a potter’s wheel. And if you stay in Bali with kids long enough, then you can dry, glaze, and fire your work. There are other lessons at Sari Api for adults, as well as other pottery classes around the island.

TIP: Sign up for the potter’s wheel as soon as you arrive because the spaces fill up fast. These are ceramics lessons in Bali for kids 4-14 years old, and lessons include a glass of hibiscus lemonade.

Read More: Things to do in Ubud with Kids: Ceramics and Silversmithing
Sari Api website
Book a different class: Bali Pottery Making Workshop and Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

Silversmithing in Bali with Kids

Have you ever made a piece of jewelry? Our kids did, and they were the only children in the class. Everyone was amazed at the result after just a few hours. This is one of the best things to do in Bali with kids interested in design.

Read More: Things to do in Ubud with Kids: Ceramics and Silversmithing

More Silver Classes in Bali

Art Galleries & Museums in Bali with Kids

Bali is a dizzyingly creative place. Most Balinese people have at least one artisan skill, such as painting, carving, blacksmithing or music. You can see this creativity all over the island. Both local Balinese and foreigners living in Bali are at constant work creating. And the Bali museums and galleries are filled with their work. Some of our favorite art museums are in Ubud. Here are a few worth an afternoon in Bali with kids into art and crafts.

Bali Treetop Adventure Park

This airborne obstacle course is fun for all ages. Using zip lines and other gear, you complete different levels depending on your strength and aversion to heights. Like the ESCAPE adventure park in Penang, Malaysia, it’s all safe and professionally-run. Leave your fear of heights at home.

Reserve Your Tickets

The Bali Swing & Instagram Tours

For some kids on a Bali family holiday, getting the right picture to share with friends is their main goal. You can do that on your own, or you can hire a professional Bali tour guide to take to all the best Insta-worthy spots. One of them is the Bali swing of course, but you can spend most of a day finding the most photogenic backgrounds. With a guide, you’ll get it done faster.

Ready to Snap Some Great Pics?

Things to Do in Bali with Kids Under 5

I don’t know about you, but traveling with preschoolers was one of the biggest challenge (and rewards) for us. It was tough keeping up with them, but it also made some important and formative memories for us all. In our case, they were big enough to walk away from us but didn’t have the judgment of older kids when it came to avoiding hazards. And boy were they willful! Whee! But don’t get me wrong: that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel in Bali with preschoolers. There are so many places to visit in Bali that are designed specifically for little kids. I’ll mention some of them below

Bali Rice Fields Walk

Going for a walk around Bali rice fields is one of the best things to do in Bali with kids of any age. But I think it can be particularly fun with younger kids because they tend to stop and discover things along the way that I would have never noticed: an interesting bug, a shiny decoration, or perhaps just a satisfying glob of mud. Yes, Bali rice fields are muddy and you should expect your kids to get a little dirty…maybe a lot dirty. However, the conversations you can have with them here — about water, about farming and animals, about the environment — can be immensely enjoyable.

Bali Butterfly Parks

By the same token, visiting Bali butterfly parks are also great things to do in Bali with kids who love nature. There are several butterfly parks in Bali, but some have additional exhibits with large mammals like deer and civet cats, so we try to avoid them.

Book the Butterflies Now

3D Art Museum DMZ (Seminyak)

My kids loved these types of museums when they were little. Essentially, each room is painted with optical illusions. From a certain angle, your eye is tricked into thinking you’re in a gondola in Venice or about to be eaten by a dinosaur or shark. They’re great for fun family selfies, as well.

3D Art Museum site

Pools, Playgrounds & Play Centers

Originally I planned to write about each of these Bali kids play spots. Instead, I’ll just list them with links and you can see them for yourself. Lots of places are designed for Bali family holidays and so if you’re in Bali with family and younger kids, you’ll find lots of safe and fun places to play. Some are just a little more than playgrounds or water play areas, while others are much more elaborate.

Cubby House Kids Club (Kuta/Canggu)
Finns Sporting Club (Kuta/Canggu)
Splash Bali Waterpark (Kuta/Canggu)
Circus Waterpark (South Kuta)
Pirates Bay Bali (Nusa Dua)
Big Garden Corner (Denpasar)
Parklife (North Kuta)

Things to Do in Bali with Kids of ALL AGES

Now that we’ve covered some of the major Bali activities for older and younger kids. Now let’s talk about places to visit in Bali that everyone will love. Whether it’s Bali day tours or special educational and cultural events, there is more than enough to do on your Bali family holiday.

Beaches & Snorkeling in Bali with Kids

One of the most amazing places for snorkeling in Bali is Lembongan Island, but there are a lot of options for snorkeling and diving in Bali and the nearby islands. You can bring your own masks with you or buy them once you arrive. Or just join a tour and have them provided for you.

Want to Try Snorkeling in Bali?

Waterbom: Best Waterpark in Bali

This waterpark is on lots of lists of things to do in Bali with kids, but I would recommend it to just about anyone. Lots of slides, a beautiful “lazy river” and plenty of sun chairs and space. It’s clean, well-landscaped, and well-constructed.

Sure, Waterbom is expensive compared to many of our recommended things to do in Bali with kids, but it’s totally worth it. Especially if you’re in Bali with children. The food inside the park is decent and reasonably priced. Relatively speaking, of course — this is an amusement park after all. Unless your Bali family holiday is very short, we suggest that you make an entire day out of it. Some people rent a shaded gazebo for the day. We’ve never done that, but next time we go we probably would.

Get Your Waterbom Tickets Now

Spot Bali’s Dolphin in the North

Who wouldn’t want to see dolphins in the wild? The Bali day tours listed below give you that chance. Of course, there are other opportunities to see dolphins in Bali. However, unfortunately, most of them deal with captive dolphins. Instead, we recommend venturing to north Bali and seeing pods of wild dolphins of the coast from the side of a boat. Just keep in mind that many of these Bali dolphin tours leave very very early in the morning, depending on where you are leaving from.

Book Your Wild Bali Dolphin Spotting Tour

Go to Waterfalls in Bali

As much as we like the beach, we’re more a freshwater family, and visiting beautiful waterfalls is one of our favorite things to do in Bali with kids. That goes double is we can swim in them, too. Bali waterfalls are pretty amazing — Sukawati, Munduk, Gitgit, the list goes on and on. There are over a dozen beautiful waterfalls in Bali. Hire a driver or take a tour to take you to a few of them.

Some Bali Waterfall Tours

Fly Kites in Bali with Kids

That’s right: I’m telling you to go fly a kite. This may seem like a flippant tip but in truth, kites are a big deal in Bali. There’s even dozens of competitions and a Kite Festival every year. You can pick up a kite (large or small, cheap & simple or pricey and elaborate) in any town in Bali. At certain times of the year, you’ll also see HUGE kites in the sky. You might also see the teams that fly them in the back of trucks heading from one competition to the next. So yes, one of our recommended things to do in Bali with kids is fly a kite.

Visit Bali Woodworking Villages

Speaking of craftsmanship, take some time to visit the areas where lots of the island’s wood carving takes place. It can be fascinating to watch a true craftsman at work. In fact, it might inspire you or your young ones to pick up the tools and try it yourself.

See Balinese Temples

Bali is unique in many ways. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Bali is that it’s a predominantly Hindu island in one of the world’s most populous Muslim countries. This makes Balinese culture and religion interesting on many levels.

One of the most interesting things to do in Bali is to visit some Balinese temples. Famous ones like Ulun Danu, Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, Uluwatu are incredibly photogenic. In addition, locals often hold ceremonies there. If you can’t make it to the most famous Bali temples, don’t worry. You can find Balinese temples everywhere, including in people’s houses. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into someone’s home, make sure to see their family’s temple.

Go to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

This is one of the most famous religious and archaeological sites in Bali, and not far outside of Ubud. You’ll need only an hour or less to see it but we think it’s worth it. Avoid the shops at the entrance and bring a sarong to cover your legs (men too). Keep in mind that there are a lot of steps involved.

See Traditional Balinese Dance

This is definitely one of the top things to do in Bali. Balinese traditional dance is fascinating, mesmerizing and beautiful to watch. The best place to watch traditional Balinese dance is in Ubud. This is the cultural heart of the island, and there are more serious troupes training and performing here than anywhere else. That said, even resorts in places like Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua may have performances for guests.

There are a number of traditional Balinese dances. We have seen performances of the Legong, Barong and Kecak dances. I would say the Kecak is my favorite because the chanting and movement are like nothing I’ve ever see or heard before or since. There’s fire involved, too. That said, the costumes and stagecraft of the Barong and Legong dances at the Ubud Palace are amazing. They might appeal to kids more.

Either way. The dances are a must and one of my most recommended things to do in Bali with kids or on your own. Try to see performances after dark.

Marvel at the Devdan Show

Traditional Balinese dance isn’t flashy enough for you? Well, then there is the Devdan Show at the Nusa Dua Theater. This spectacle has Balinese history mixed in with Cirque du Soleil-style flash and acrobatics. It’s a true sensory overload in the best possible sense. Kids under four not allowed.

Book Your Devdan Tickets Now

Have Dinner at Jimbaran Beach

Walk along this stretch of beach in southwest Bali and you’ll find dozens and dozens of seafood restaurants with tables in the sand. Most of the restaurants serve the same dishes — fish, lobster and other shellfish by the kilo. Prices vary by quality and service.

We suggest getting there well before sunset — like 5 or 5:30 pm. You’ll have a better selection of tables and possibly some extra leverage in getting a better deal on your meal. It’s ok to bargain a bit between 2 or 3 nearby restaurants. Just keep it respectful.

In our opinion, you’re not coming here for the beach. The last time we at BBQ at Jimbaran, the beach looked terrible, with lots of trash on it. That said, the sunset and fantastic meal were a lovely experience.

Things to Do in Bali with Kids When it Rains

If you’re like us, then you don’t shy away from visiting somewhere during the rainy season. Prices are usually lower and there are fewer people. Besides, the Bali rainy season means a few hours of hard rain and then sunshine again, giving you the rest of the day to enjoy. That said, here are a few things to do in Bali while it’s raining.

Go to the Movies

No, this isn’t what you planned on your Bali family holidays, but if needed there are some decent movie theaters on the island. The Cinema XXI (“Twenty One”) is the biggest and flashiest in Bali, but they’re not the only ones.

Bounce Trampoline Park (Canggu/Kuta)

Like the movie theaters mentioned above, trampoline parks weren’t at the top of your list of Bali attractions I’m sure, but they’re a fun and familiar place for kids to burn some energy. The Bounce facilities are bice because they’re also near lots of other outdoor Bali activities in case the rains let up.

Bounce Bali Trampoline Park Website (Canggu/Kuta)

Strike Bowling (Canggu/Kuta)

Just next to the trampoline park mentioned above is the Strike bowling lanes. Another great thing to do in Bali with kids on a rainy day.

Strike Bowling Alley Website (Canggu/Kuta)

Get a Massage or Spa Treatment

We’ve already recommended getting a massage in Bali. Rainy days are even better. Relaxing like this with the sound of a storm in the background would be my favorite thing to do in Bali on a rainy day.

Take a Cooking Class

If you have to stay indoors, you may as well, eat something, right? Most cooking classes are indoors — or partially so, as some cooking is open-air with shelter from the rain.

Visit Museums & Galleries

Some of my daughter’s and my favorite activities are seeking out new art — in Tokyo, in Kuala Lumpur and wherever else we can find it. We once got trapped at the ATMA gallery in Ubud during a storm, in fact. There is some amazing art opportunities in Ubud and elsewhere on the island. If you’re looking for something to do on a Rainy day in Bali, seek out a museum.

Go Shopping

For some people, retail therapy is one of the best things to do in Bali on a rainy day. There is plenty to buy or browse in many parts of the island, but you’ll get soaked walking from shop to shop in Ubud. For the full-on indoor mall experience, you’ll need to be shopping in Seminyak, Kuta or elsewhere in the south.

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What NOT to Do in Bali

Okay, so this post has focused on what to do in Bali, but there are a few things we’d like to steer you away from, as well. Keep these in mind during your Bali holiday.

Animal Tourism in Bali with Kids

I’m not here to preach to you. I don’t claim to be an animal rights advocate. After all, I eat meat and own leather goods. But there are lots of attractions that don’t deserve your money. Most of these Bali activities involving animals are part of that. Before you consider taking your kids to one of them, do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

For example, this is fairly well-known now, but riding elephants is cruel and unnecessary. There are other ways to experience elephants up close. We rode them years ago in Thailand before we knew better. We won’t anymore, and we ask you not to. There are lots of Bali attractions involving animals, but try to be selective when recommending them. Why? Because I simply don’t know enough about them to know if I think they’re worth recommending.

Monkeys in Bali

Most of the monkeys you’ll see in Bali jungles aren’t exploited or abused, really, but they can be dangerous. You’re going to see people feeding the monkeys in Bali and letting them climb on them. Do what you like, but we highly suggest you refrain from this. The monkeys in Bali are not your friends. The gray macaques you see there are bold, smart and unafraid of you. They will rip something out of your hands (or your child’s hands) and then bare their teeth (or worse) if you resist. Observe them at a safe distance.

Many tourists fool around with them. One out of every 30 tourists regrets it. Okay, okay, so I made up that statistic, but you know what I mean. There are lots of fun things to do in Bali. Getting bitten or threatened by a monkey is not one of them.

Other Bali “Don’ts”

Don’t Touch Someone’s Head

Like in Thailand and elsewhere, it’s considered rude to touch someone’s head. That includes children.

Don’t Enter Holy Places Without Covering Yourself

You’ve brought a sarong, so use it. Both men and women should cover their legs when entering any sacred place in Bali. Many tourists don’t, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Respect the local customs.

Don’t Make the Wrong Hand/Feet Gestures

There are a few cultural taboos to be aware of. Foreigners are often given a pass in heavily tourist areas, but you never know who you’re dealing with so be aware.

Pointing with the index finger: instead, use your entire hand to indicate something
Touching/Giving/Shaking with your left hand: Like in India and Malaysia, the left hand traditionally used for the bathroom and considered unclean. Try using the right hand.
Us both hands when giving/receiving: Considering the taboo above, this seems counter-intuitive. Yet it’s considered respectful to hand something to someone with both hands.
Pointing/Touching with your feet: The feet are considered unclean (well, duh). Therefore, don’t point at someone or touch someone with your feet. That means no footsie under the table with locals, even if you’re fresh from the shower.

Don’t Wear Shoes Indoors

Like in Japan and many other Asian countries, Bali is shoes-off before entering homes and holy places. One of the many reasons I love flip-flops and slip-on/off shoes.

Don’t Step on the Offerings

You may see some of these beautiful hand-made offerings strewn on the street. Try to step around them.

Don’t Haggle Too Hard

Sure, you know you’re getting the tourist price at first, and many places expect you to bargain some. Just don’t go overboard. Remain respectful, and if you can’t get the price you want, either pay or walk away.

Don’t Go Without Travel Insurance

I hope you never need your insurance. But before you visit Bali or anywhere else, get travel insurance for you and your travel companions. Don’t leave without travel insurance. You need it. We’ve explained why and offered some tips on finding the best insurance.

What to Bring to Bali

Bali is hot and humid year-round, so you’ll want everything you need for the tropics:

Sunscreen
Mosquito repellant
Rash Guards (for those prone to sunburn)
Sun Hats (or anything to protect the head)
Sunglasses
Goggles & Snorkels (you can rent them, but it’s nice having your own)
Sarongs for everyone (bring them with you or buy them once you get there)

Sarongs are essential for a Bali holiday. They’re great for the beach and they’re needed to cover your legs when you go to Bali sacred sites (men and women must cover their legs). They also work as substitute beach towels, scarves, skirts and more.

We’d also recommend bringing sandals and/or flip-flops, as we think it’s a much better way to walk around in this weather. That goes double if you visit during the rainy season — no one enjoys soaking wet socks and sneakers! Having said all this, keep in mind that almost everything you’ll need is available in Bali. However, they may not have your favorite brand or make you pay a premium for it.

Where to Stay in Bali

There are lots of fantastic hotels and resorts in Bali. We’ve listed some of the best hotels in Bali in a separate post. But if you have a specific area of Bali in mind, follow the links below:

Getting to Bali / Getting From Bali

Most people fly into Denpasar airport from all over the world. You can also reach Bali by boat from Flores, Lombok and other destinations. Unless you’re already in the area, we recommend looking for flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (DPS).

If you’re already in Southeast Asia, you may able to find a cheap flight with Air Asia out of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo or one of their many other regional hubs.

Typical Flights to Bali

Bali to Lombok / Lombok to Bali: Direct flights can be as low as USD $100, but taking a ferry from Bangsal harbor would be less than half of that.
Bali to Gili Trawangan and the other Gilis/ Gili Trawangan to Bali: Ferries from Bali’s Amed harbor take you to Gili Trawangan in half an hour. Longer if you take a cheaper/slower local boat.
Bali to Kuala Lumpur / Kuala Lumpur to Bali: Direct flights to/from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bali (DPS) take around 3 hours in the air. Prices vary.
Bali to Bangkok / Bangkok to Bali: Direct flights to/from Bangkok (BKK) require about 4-5 hours in the air.
Bali to Singapore / Singapore to Bali: Direct flights to/from Singapore (SIN) take about 2-3 hours. You can actually take ferries and overland routes from Singapore to Bali, but you’d need several days to do it.
Bali to LA / LA to Bali: Flights transfer in places like Taipei, Tokyo, Manilla, Shanghai, and Brisbane. Most flights are well over 20 hours.
Bali to New York / New York to Bali: Another very long flight. Many planes transfer in places like Guangzhou, Doha, Singapore, and Taipei.
Bali to Perth / Perth to Bali: Direct flights from Bali to Perth and from Perth to Bali are easy and frequent. Usually about 3-4 hours in the air.
Bali to Sydney / Sydney to Bali: Direct flights from Sydney to Bali and from Bali to Sydney are common and frequent. Usual time in the air is 6-7 hours.

Getting Around Bali

Bali is not a big place, but traffic can make short distances take much longer. Unlike some other popular Asian destinations like Penang and Tokyo, Bali doesn’t have a large and organized mass transit system. Instead, plan on using taxis, hired drivers, and bemos. Bemos are open-door vans that serve as shared taxis. They’re very similar to collectivos in Mexico and songthaews in Thailand.

If taking a taxi, always make sure the meter is running or the price is fixed and agreed upon before getting in the car. We try to stick with Bluebird taxis in both Bali and Lombok. Why the Bluebird company? Because they are known for being more honest and equipped with a meter.

Scooters in Bali

Another option is to rent a bicycle, motorcycle or scooter. We love exploring Bali on two wheels but understand the risks. You can easily rent scooters in Bali even if you don’t have a license in your home country. Just keep in mind that most travel insurance providers do not cover scooter/motorcycle accidents if you don’t have a license.

Rent a Scooter in Bali

Related Read: Tips for Family Travel Insurance

Hire a Driver in Bali

You could rent a car in Bali but then deal with traffic jams. In addition, the same risks of scooters apply. We drive rental cars in many countries: Malaysia, Mexico, and Spain for example. Yet we have never driven a car in Bali, Lombok, Sumatra or any other part of Indonesia. Why? Traffic tends to be fairly lawless.

There are lots of large trucks to deal with: construction equipment in Bali & Lombok, and logging trucks in Sumatra. On top of that, the roads in many places are in poor condition, and at night most roads are poorly lit. Some vehicles don’t turn on their lights. With that in mind, we recommend hiring a driver for the day if you need one. We always hire a driver for the day we go to a waterpark or temple…any day trip, really.

Hire Bali Transport

Have You Been to Bali with Kids?

Have you visited Bali? Did you go to Bali with kids or on your own? In your opinion, what are the best things to do in Bali? What have we left out? Let us know so we can keep this Bali travel guide up to date!

Further Reading:

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, we might receive a small commission if you buy something or book a Bali hotel or Bali tour using one of our links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you find the best things to do in Bali Indonesia. Is this list of Bali activities missing anything? Tell us in the comments, or contact us directly!

Photo Credits via Creative Commons CC BY or other Royalty-free image sites. Some images may have been altered slightly via cropping or color enhancement: #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #16, #18, #19, #22, #32, #34

Comments

Kimi Soni says
September 24, 2018 at 2:19 am
Thank you so much for this informative post. Here you explained everything about this post. I really appreciate your writings. You have perfectly explained all the details of the topic.
- Jason Jenkins says
  September 26, 2018 at 11:57 am
  Thank you Kimi! Enjoy Bali and let us know if you discover something we should add to the post!
Ajay kumar says
August 17, 2018 at 3:34 am
Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! Bali is a nice place to visit for holidays and I will definitely do all these things with my friends.

Things to Do in Bali with Kids – Bali Tours & Bali Travel Guide for Families