TOP 8 ACTIVITIES IN BALI FOR FAMILIES

Even though the glorious beaches of Bali keep winning over the other appeals, there is much more for your offspring to discover: natural beauty as well as many purpose-built attractions and engaging cultural activities for all ages. Today, Bali provides a family-friendly environment to make the holidays much easier for both parents and children. Let’s find out how to enjoy the best of Bali with your family.

WHAT TO DO IN BALI WITH FAMILY1.SWIM & RELAX

Most of the hotels, resorts, guesthouses and private villas in Bali have their own swimming pool which makes a real difference. Lazying by the pool or on the beach is the favourite thing to do in Bali. Let the kids play fool around in the water while you are enjoying the ultimate peace.

If you like active holidays learn to surf – Bali beaches are ideal for catching a wave. Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are great for kids and beginners while the Bukit Peninsula is famous for the world`s class surf.

Private villa swimming pool, Ubud

2.FUN AT WATERBOM WATERPARK

Once you have had enough of the beach take the young ones to the Waterbom Park. With adrenaline-pumping rides like the Lazy River, Smashdown and Climax Ride, where the floor drops out underneath you, there is something for all tastes. Families can rent a gazebo to have some rest between the rides. The park has lovely tropical gardens and pools and great dining and leisure facilities.

Waterbom Water Park, Kuta

3.BALI SAFARI

Bali offers a good collection of wildlife parks perfect for families to visit. The little ones will certainly love a trip to the legendary Bali Zoo and the Pirates Bay interactive activities like Booty Hunt and check out for the butterflies in the Butterfly House.

The largest animal park on the island is the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Watch the baby orangutans swinging in the trees, ride elephants and camels, find the world`s last living dinosaur – Komodo Dragon or witness the white tiger feeding.

Another wildlife encounter is the Bird and Reptile Park. Come to meet the most fabulous tropical birds from all over the world and learn more about reptiles during your visit. This is a very educational but also an interactive attraction for the whole family.

Bali Safari Park

4.UBUD MONKEY FOREST

Monkeys here. Monkeys there. Monkeys everywhere. This is Ubud`s Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The forest is actually a sacred place to the local Hindu community and it has a small temple hidden in the thick jungles of the reserve. It is also home to hundreds of cheeky monkeys which often steal jewellery and accessories from the visitor. Let the kids feed the monkeys with some fruit or nuts to come as close as can be to these wild little rustlers – do not worry they might be cheeky but harmless.

The rain-forested Ubud provides awesome conditions for rafting. The Ayung River is suitable for children aged 7+ and adults of course. Gentle rapids offer as much adventure as the opportunity to appreciate the stunning jungle scenery.

Ubud Monkey Forest

5.TREE-TOP ADVENTURE PARK

Remember to stop by at the Bedugul Botanical Gardens/Eka Karya where you can enjoy spectacular views and somehow mysterious atmosphere of the Lake Bratan rainforest.

While the younger ones will be astonished by the actual flora the teens would likely appreciate more active pursuits like the zip-lining through the treetops of the jungle. Bali Treetop Adventure Park is the right place. There are various circuits available.  Let them swing through the air like Tarzan, trying the rope bridges, swings and flying foxes until they get tired.

Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Bedugul

6.FARMS AND PLANTATIONS

Bali blossoms with rice paddies, spice, tea, coffee and flower farms. Not only coffee lovers but also kiddies will surely enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation. It is not just any coffee that made Bali famous – it is the Civit Coffee.

Kopi Luwak has become very popular all over the world. The whole family can witness the bizarre preparation of such coffee and learn about the process. That includes collecting the droppings of civet cats – luwak (the animals eat cherries, digest them and excrete them in their faeces), drying the beans, roasting and grinding them.  Every coffee farm keeps these strange little possum-like looking creatures.

Civit cat

7.BOAT TRIP IN PADANGBEI/BLUE LAGOON

Take a trip to Padangbei and have a lazy snorkelling and fishing day on the beach. The Blue Lagoon is a perfect spot where to take your family.  The younger ones will enjoy the fishing boat tour in the calm waters of the bay, the teenager can do snorkelling and the parents try to catch some fish.

The nearby Amed has got great snorkelling and diving spots for the older ones, another great activity if you are In Bali with family.

Optionally, visit Lovina Beach and take a dolphin spotting boat tour – a very nice family activity.

Dolphin watching, Lovina

8.DREAM MUSEUM ZONE TRICK-EYE

Bali has recently introduced numerous theme parks and fun complexes for children and families. The most popular is the Dream Museum Zone Trick-Eye. This is an art interactive gallery featuring a broad collection of 3D life-sized murals for the visitors to pose at and take funny pictures.

Illusory effects create confusion but more importantly, loads of fun. This attraction will stimulate your children`s imagination and creativity and they will leave with unforgettable memories.

Dream Museum Zone Trick-Eye, Legian

WHEN TO GO

Bali is situated close to the equator and it has a tropical climate with an average temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius. High humidity can be expected during the wet season (Dec-Feb). Dry and sunny weather hits the island in May and goes on until September and that is also the best time to visit Bali.

NOTE that the peak season is between July and August when prices go up.

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly to the International airport Denpasar/Bali that is well-connected to most Asian and Australian airports. Most frequent flights operate between Singapore-Bali.

For all international flights check out www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com