Bali is one of the world’s best destinations for a family holiday. Most of the hotels and resorts recommended in the list below have kids’ clubs – or at least a range of activities for children. Even the humblest homestay on the island will have Balinese hosts with a natural talent (and seemingly inexhaustible patience) for looking after their littlest guests. The healthy outdoor lifestyle is part of a family holiday on any tropical island and in Bali the range of activities is endless. The sea breeze takes much of the punch out of the equatorial sun, but if heat is a problem consider basing yourself in cooler Ubud, or even ascending to the unexpectedly chilly highlands, where creature comforts often come in the form of log fires and hot tubs.
On an island where every local inhabitant learns the importance of art and handicrafts from an early age, there’s always something exciting to learn even in the quietest Balinese village.
Two decades ago I fell in love with the coconut groves, spice forests and empty beaches of West Bali. Since then, the island has become synonymous with overdevelopment, overcrowding and traffic jams. Yet, even now, it still takes just a little tenacity to break away from the tourist trail. I still breathe a sigh of relief when I cross the expanse of paddyfields that separates West Bali from so-called ‘civilisation’.
The best family-friendly hotels in Bali
At a glance
- Best luxury hotel: Amankila hotel
- Best hotel in Ubud: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan hotel
- Best hotel in Karangasem: Wapa di Ume Sidemen hotel
- Best hotel in Seminyak: Potato Head Suites and Studios hotel
- Best hotel in Badung: The St. Regis Bali Resort hotel
1. Potato Head Suites and Studios hotel
This Indonesian-owned property places immense importance on sustainability – even the Sweet Potato kids’ club organises a series of (sustainability-focused) activities, as well as children’s workouts and meditation. To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the property has a dedicated director of farming and an R&D chef focused exclusively on zero waste, and the Potato Head team works hard to insure that such innovations are as inspiring for kids as they are for parents. There are kids’ workshops every Sunday and irresistible menus and activities dedicated to young guests.
Address: 51 Petitenget St, Seminyak, Badung, Bali
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2. Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa hotel
Puri Dajuma’s two swimming pools have distinct appeal but the one with the waterslide and deep pool with a glass porthole looking into the underground bar is a firm favourite with the kids. Activities here include such things as kite-making, traditional dancing, surfing (and boogie boarding), and even walks along the neighbouring beach in the company of a small herd of (pink!) buffalo. There are also cooking classes and wood-carving lessons – and a chance to explore the rock pools and miles of empty beach that are prominent features of this part of West Bali.
Address: Pekutatan, Jembrana Regency, Bali 82262, Indonesia
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3. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel
Along with all the other facilities you’d expect from a five-star brand like Ritz-Carlton, you’ll find the beautifully designed bamboo Mandapa Camp kids’ club, complete with an educational farm, organic garden and a Mini Explorers programme. Buildings are laid out around terraced paddies which are still tended by local farmers who are happy to give guests an insight into the complexities (and sheer hard work) involved in getting rice from paddy to plate. Kids are well catered for at dinner time (especially in the Pool Bar) and at breakfast when Sawah Terrace serves one of the island’s finest buffets.
Address: Jalan Raya Kedewatan, Banjar, Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
Read more: The best Bali holiday destinations and where to stay for a tropical getaway
4. Monsoon Lodge at The Menjangan hotel
Many of Bali’s biggest resorts feature golf buggies but The Menjangan’s 382 hectares of wilderness (set inside West Bali National Park) is navigated by double-decker off-road open buses. It’s a uniquely unforgettable ‘safari’ experience for kids in an area where wild deer, giant monitor lizards and rare black monkeys are common. The property’s Monsoon Lodge is particularly appealing for families, thanks to its enclosed nature and large swimming pool (with hot tubs). Activities include jungle walks, birdwatching, kayaking and snorkelling (both in the on-site lagoon and across the bay on the reefs surrounding Menjangan Island).
Address: West Bali National Park, Pejarakan, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali
Read more: The best beaches in Bali
5. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan hotel
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Potentially the only resort on the planet that you can check into via a white water rafting trip! Most shuttling around the vast property from then on is by chauffeur-driven buggies – also invariably a highlight for kids. Then there’s the kids’ club, plus babysitting services and a range of activities for young guests. Children under five eat for free, while those up to 12 qualify for a 50 per cent discount. Julia Roberts got her Eat, Pray, Love yoga fix during a long sojourn here and Barack Obama and family enjoyed the Sacred Nap sleep therapy session in hammocks at the property’s Dharma Shanti Bale.
Address: Jalan Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
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6. Wapa di Ume Sidemen hotel
Sidemen (East Bali) is one of the new frontiers of tourism in Bali and remains a wonderful rural community from which to base active hiking, cycling and white water rafting holidays. The lovely Indonesian-owned resort features gorgeous villas with plunge pools and paddy views and the main swimming pools are a great place for younger guests to splash and play. There are kids’ menus, family-friendly activities and a range of easy and accessible short hikes to be done, without straying beyond Sidemen’s valley.
Address: Banjar Dinas, Jalan Raya Tebola, Telaga Tawang, Sidemen, Karangasem
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7. The St. Regis Bali Resort hotel
Along with the seemingly endless facilities (including several incredible pools) and activities, The St. Regis Bali Resort offers a whole range of special attractions aimed at the smallest guests. There’s the ‘tiny afternoon tea’ and a daily open-air cinema that invariably appeals to kids of all ages. Then there’s the Family Fun package – through which children under 12 can eat for free – and the Children’s Learning Centre where children can enjoy a range of experiences that are focused around art, dance and music.
Address: Kawasan, Nusa Dua, South Kuta, Badung, Bali
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8. Hilton Bali Resort hotel
Bali’s Nusa Dua resort zone is the ideal place for a beach holiday and Hilton Bali might be the best option on the entire island for family fun without even leaving the resort. The kids’ club with its Game Cave is one of Asia’s best – there are board games and a video gaming paradise for teens and pre-teens. The playground even features a climbing wall (with harnesses, helmets and trained, experienced supervision). One of the four pools even features a 30m waterslide, which is a huge winner with kids of all ages. There are kids’ menus and the incredible breakfast buffet features 320 choices (90 per cent locally produced).
Address: Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali
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9. Amankila hotel
With every sort of class from painting and dancing to kite-making, origami and Canang Sari (traditional offering) making, there’s never a dull moment at Amankila. Trekking, cycling, fishing, snorkelling and diving are other highlights – with kids (over eight) particularly enjoying the Bubble Maker classes. Babysitters can be arranged and there are children’s menus. Extensive lawns are often used for games, while the beach club is a focus for other kids’ activities. The property is located at Manggis (in peaceful East Bali), making this a great base for exploring without the traffic jams that are part of travel further south.
Price: From £1118
Read more: The country that has rebranded from backpacker destination to cultural escape
10. Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort hotel
Set in a colonial-era coffee plantation, near the highland hamlet of Munduk, this nature resort offers a breath of fresh air, courtesy of its 700m altitude. Family suites are available and kids will enjoy the swimming pools during the sunny days and warm plunge pools in the evenings. There’s a play area and regular kids’ movies. Best of all the resort offers an exhaustive schedule of experiences (with more than 15 being complimentary) that will appeal to kids, featuring everything from stargazing to yoga, birdwatching and free plantation buggy tours.
Address: Jalan Asah Gobleg, Gobleg, Buleleng
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Why trust us
The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Mark Eveleigh has written about Indonesia for some of the world’s most prestigious media, including BBC Wildlife, CNN Travel, National Geographic Traveller and, of course, The Independent. His 2022 travel book Kopi Dulu (which means ‘Coffee First’), describing a 15,000km journey across the archipelago, was first published by Penguin Random House. When picking which hotels to include, he considers his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluates location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to visit with kids?
Bali’s weather is best during the dry season, which is a similar time to the European summer and Australian winter. Yet visiting at this time also brings hordes of crowds. Shoulder seasons – April to May and September to October – are a better choice. If you are not used to high levels of humidity, avoid the wet season peak in January and February.
What currency do I need?
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
What are the best family things to do in Bali?
There are several popular waterparks in Bali, such as Waterbom Bali and CItraLand Waterpark Denpasar. Bali also has many beaches to enjoy, such as Jimbaran Bay, renowned for its sunset views, the remote Kelingking Beach, ideal for deep diving and Nusa Dua Beach, lined with luxury resorts.
Also popular with locals and tourists is Seminyak Beach, which offers watersports, and the black sands of Lovina Beach for bottlenose dolphin spotting.
How many days do I need in Bali?
If you are travelling to Bali, you may want to stay at least a week due to the long-haul flight times of around 16 to 19 hours in total with layovers.
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