Just a 3-hour flight from Singapore, Bali is one of the hottest holiday destinations for good reason. With serene beaches and lush landscapes, its modern infrastructure and amenities ensure a wonderful time for you and your little ones. When looking for a place to stay in Bali, you will be surprised to find an array of options available. Whether you’re after a luxurious retreat or an affordable stay, villas are a great option for space, privacy, and comfort – perfect for families with kids. Explore the unique traits of Bali’s top areas to find the perfect spot for your next family trip.
Is Bali a Good Place for Families?
Bali is a popular place for families, thanks to the diverse vibe and activities across the island: the north and east are known for their rainforests and authentic Balinese culture, while the south boasts beaches, top tourist attractions and activities. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly spots, including Waterbom waterpark, Bali Wake Park, Monkey Forest, plus beach clubs and water sport centres.
When it comes to accommodation, Bali offers a lot of family-friendly villas with spacious rooms for any family size, private swimming pools, fully equipped kitchens, stunning ocean or rice field views, and most importantly, a ‘home away from home’ vibe that beats cramped hotel rooms. The best time to visit? June or September, when it’s dry, less humid, and less crowded, though rainy months like January to April bring lower prices and fewer tourists.
Canggu — Best for Surf & Villa Getaway
Canggu is a lively resort village on Bali’s south coast, popular among digital nomads and families who love action. Surrounded by terraced rice paddies and famous for surf spots like Canggu and Echo beaches, it’s just a hop from Seminyak’s kid-friendly shops, cafés, and eateries.
Enjoy villa life – relax by the pool, hit the beach, or join yoga sessions while kids catch waves at surf school. Even when it’s raining, there are indoor playrooms and a trampoline park to keep the little ones entertained. With a thriving expat community, this westernised area offers medical clinics and hospitals in case of any emergencies, plus top international schools if you’re planning a longer stay.
Sanur — Best for Calm Coastal Living
If a peaceful family retreat is your priority, Sanur’s your spot. A quick 20-30 minute drive from Denpasar Airport on the east coast, this area lures many expat families with its calm beaches and laid-back vibe. Unlike the busy, cluttered shores in Kuta, here, the beautiful sand beaches and shallow waters are safe for kids to play, while the 4km promenade calls for leisurely bike rides or strolls under shady trees.
On top of that, visit the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre or shop at Hardy’s, an expansive department store that comes with a supermarket, bookshops, beachwear, and souvenirs, including local arts and crafts. For longer visits, international schools are situated close by. It’s a tranquil escape from party-packed corners like Kuta, serving as a cleaner, quieter home base for the little ones to roam freely and parents to unwind.
Seminyak — Best for Central Location
Seminyak in Bali is perhaps comparable to Orchard Road in Singapore, since both areas are renowned for their shopping, dining, and vivid nightlife. Here, visit top tourist attractions such as Waterbom Bali, a water park paradise with fun slides and pools, as well as Seminyak Village, a modern shopping centre for a shopping spree. Home to premier beach clubs, including Finns Recreation Club, Potato Head Beach Club, and Ku De Ta, you can keep your kids busy for hours.
Besides, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants with play zones, so parents can sit back and relax. Its central location also makes it convenient for day trips to other parts of Bali, like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu. If you’re used to the conveniences of a big city, you’ll appreciate the presence of international schools, medical clinics, and shopping centres all within reach in Seminyak.
Ubud — Best for Nature and Culture
For families who adore the beauty of mountains, Ubud is a true gem. Nestled among rice terraces and jungle hills, this cultural hub of Bali offers a slower, relaxed pace that allows kids to fully connect with nature. There’s so much to explore: wander around the Sacred Monkey Forest to watch playful monkeys, visit the waterfalls, stroll through local markets, join arts and crafts workshops, or take a family cooking class. Yogis will love the yoga classes available at wellness centres, and don’t miss the opportunity to snap a picture at the Jungle Swing.
Interested in the island’s cultural heritage? Don’t miss the ancient temples and shrines such as Tirta Empul, highly praised for its holy mountain springs. You can also take scenic walks at the Subak Juwuk Manis rice field or Campuhan Ridge, or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance in the evening.
Your Bali Adventure Awaits!
I still remember watching my kids giggle as they splashed in our private villa pool in Canggu, their faces lit with pure joy as the Balinese sun kissed their cheeks. That’s the magic of this island – whether you’re riding waves at Canggu’s beaches, strolling along Sanur’s peaceful shore at sunset, shopping your heart out in buzzing Seminyak, or watching your little ones’ eyes widen at Ubud’s monkey forest, Bali wraps you in its warm embrace.
Trust me, each corner of this island has its own special flavour, but they all share that incredible Balinese warmth that makes travelling with kids so effortless here. Our villa felt like our second home within days – spacious enough for impromptu living room dance parties and those precious quiet moments on the terrace watching fireflies dance above the rice fields.
Bali isn’t just a place to visit – it’s where family stories are written, where “remember whens” are born, and where even the smallest travellers find adventure. So throw those swimsuits in a suitcase, grab the sunscreen, and bring those kiddos to experience the island that stole my family’s heart. I promise, long after the sand is shaken from your shoes, Bali’s magic will stay with you. Your family adventure is waiting – what are you waiting for?