The following content is shared by group member Fish Lee:
Key Takeaways: Four tested tips for a summer family trip to Bali with kids—① Visa on arrival was processed without long waits, and paying in USD will get you change in Indonesian Rupiah; ② Traffic jams all day are the norm, so don’t overpack your itinerary; ③ The weather is pleasant but UV rays are strong, so sun protection is a must; ④ Resort pools are quite deep, so be sure to bring floaties or other buoyancy aids for kids.
Taking from the group, giving back to the group. Just returned from Bali and want to share our travel experience. On this trip, we experienced everything from entry and transportation to weather, activities, and food. I hope these insights help with your travel planning.
Smooth Entry
We opted for a visa on arrival and flew to Bali with China Airlines. After landing, the entry process went very smoothly with almost no waiting time. The immigration officers were efficient and friendly. We paid the visa fee in USD, and they gave us change in Indonesian Rupiah—simple and straightforward.
Traffic in Bali
Traffic in Bali is terrible—it’s congested almost all day. So, it’s best not to pack your itinerary too tightly, or you’ll end up exhausted. We prepared well before the trip, but we still had to adjust our schedule flexibly to avoid travel delays affecting the experience.
Pleasant Weather
The weather in Bali is very comfortable. Although the sun is strong, it doesn’t feel as harsh on the skin as Taiwan’s heat. However, you can still get sunburned easily, so be sure to take sun protection measures, including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and a hat.
Resort Pool Depth
Resort pools in Bali are typically deeper than those in Taiwan, which is a noticeable difference. If you’re traveling with children, parents need to pay extra attention to their safety. It’s recommended to bring arm floats or other flotation devices to ensure kids can play safely in the water.
Editor’s note: You might also consider Bali pool float rentals!
Baby Sea Turtle Release at The Westin Resort
Encountering a baby sea turtle release at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua (Photo by Fish Lee)
Quick Reference: 🐢 Complete Guide to Seeing Sea Turtles in Bali: From Kuta to Sanur, Must-Visit Turtle Conservation Spots for Families 🌴
During our trip, we stayed one night at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. Waking up in the morning, we happened upon a baby sea turtle release activity, which felt incredibly meaningful. We had originally planned to visit the turtle center in Kuta, but this experience fulfilled that wish ahead of time, leaving us very satisfied.
Hard Rock Hotel’s Kids Club
Hard Rock Hotel is truly perfect for families with kids. One day, we let our children join the full-day Kids Club activities while we adults went shopping at the nearby department store and enjoyed a spa. Not only did we get a peaceful day to ourselves, but the kids also had a blast. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta for the last three days. The Kids Club is very popular, so I recommend booking in advance. The hotel provides a WhatsApp contact, and you can also email to reserve ahead. If your itinerary is set, it’s safer to book early since cancellations are allowed before 10 a.m. I booked upon arrival and was lucky to snag the last spots.
Hard Rock is great for kids (photo by Fish Lee)
It’s worth noting that the Kids Club at Hard Rock has different activities each day. While photography isn’t allowed inside, the best part is that lunch is provided, so kids can happily spend the whole day there (cost: 250K IDR per day). This gives us adults some time to relax.
More resorts with Kids Club recommendations:
Delicious Food
The food in Bali is absolutely delicious—we didn’t encounter any duds this trip. However, since our kids are wary of spicy food, I suggest asking the staff if a dish is spicy when ordering to avoid ruining their dining experience. There are plenty of restaurants near Hard Rock Hotel, and we picked a random one without any disappointment. Within walking distance, there are two department stores and many dining options, with Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, KFC, and McDonald’s at the back entrance. I honestly think the KFC fries in Bali are especially tasty.
(Editor’s note: Jamie Oliver Kitchen in Kuta is a chain Italian restaurant opened by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in Indonesia, known for its fresh, delicious ingredients and friendly service. It won Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice award. Here’s a dining voucher)
Thrilling White-Water Rafting Experience
Rafting, OMMA Day Club (Photo by Fish Lee)
Quick Reference: Bali Rafting Guide (FAQ)
This time, we also tried white-water rafting in Ubud, and it was a blast. With so many options available, we simply asked our driver to book it for us, and he found a well-reviewed operator. I recommend choosing the full 2-hour trip rather than the 1-hour one for a more complete experience. We had two younger kids with us—one just over five and the other seven—and they both had a great time. The rafting activity lasted about two hours; we set off from our villa in Ubud at 9 AM, enjoyed a simple lunch included afterward, and wrapped up around 1 PM. To reach the rafting starting point, you need to walk down a long flight of stairs, but our kids managed it slowly without any trouble—it wasn’t too difficult.
Highly Rated Rafting Bookings on Klook:
Further Reading: Omma Dayclub Guide & Official Site
Diverse Travel Destinations
This time we visited three areas. Nusa Dua is probably the most laid-back spot, perfect for relaxation. Ubud, on the other hand, is known for its waterfalls, volcanoes, jungles, palaces, temples, and other attractions—ideal for photography and experiencing Balinese culture.
Further Reading: Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa: The Ultimate Choice for Luxury Vacations in Bali—40 Accommodations, Food, and Activity Guides & Maps The Complete Ubud Guide: 100 Ways to Deeply Explore Ubud—Discover Its Charm
We visited quite a few places (Photo by Fish Lee)
Although Kuta Beach was crowded, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. The layers of rolling waves were actually quite soothing.
Further Reading: Kuta Travel Guide: 50 Must-Visit Spots, Vibrant Nightlife, Food, and Recommended SPA
Fun Hair Braiding Experience
The hair braiding experience in Bali is a lot of fun and really adds to the vacation vibe. I saw many foreign kids with braids in various colors, so I took my children to try it too—it was truly unique.
Our family got our braids done on the street near Jamie Oliver’s restaurant at Kuta Beach. This street is lined with many spa shops that offer braiding services, with sample braids displayed at their entrances. I thought they would use a lot of hairspray to secure the braids, but they didn’t. When removing the braids, you just cut off the fake hair—pretty convenient.
Braiding two pigtails takes about half an hour (Photo by Fish Lee)
Family Travel Must-Sees:
- Titi Batu Ubud Club: A Day of Fitness, Fun, and Relaxation for Families
- 【Bali's Little Switzerland】Bali Farm House Guide: European-Style Estate in the Bali Highlands & Alpaca Encounters
- Guide to Hiring a Nanny in Bali: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview
- 🎮 ZONE OUT Bali: Kuta's Coolest Virtual Reality Adventure Base!
- Picnic with Alpacas: A Natural Classroom for Kids
- The Firefly Garden: Bali's Most Dazzling Eco-Conservation and Tourist Destination
- Complete Guide to Turtle Watching in Bali: From Kuta to Sanur, Must-Visit Conservation Spots for Families
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Seminyak Edition
- Bali Exotic Marine Park: Get Up Close with Dolphins – A Must-Visit for Families
- Ultimate Bali Family & Kid-Friendly Attractions Guide: Over 100 Activities for Parents and Kids
- Best Beach for Family Vacations in Bali: Sanur Guide Map with 45 Things to Do
- Bali Family Water Parks: Top 15 Family Resorts with Water Slides and Pools
Convenient Car Charter Service
This time we opted for a private car service (driver + Chinese-speaking guide). Hiring a guide who speaks Chinese not only solved the language barrier but also made our trip more relaxed and enjoyable. For instance, we adults enjoyed three spa sessions—once the guide looked after the kids at our villa, another time he took them out for a meal, allowing us to fully unwind during the spa.
Recommended Private Driver and Guide
Driver Edy and the minibus we used these days (provided by Fish Lee)
Our private driver Edy and his team, along with our Chinese-speaking guide Ani, are highly recommended. The driver had steady driving skills, and the guide spoke fluent Chinese, answering many of our questions while being great with kids and photography. If you’re unsure what to eat, they can offer excellent recommendations.
Reviews of driver Edy and Chinese-speaking guide Ani see here
This Bali trip was absolutely delightful—whether it was the scenery, food, or service, everything left a deep impression on us. Hope these tips help with your travel plans!
Think Fish Lee’s itinerary sounds amazing? Go ahead and plan your own Bali getaway! Feel free to share your itinerary in the community as well!
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