Bali Ubud Hot Air Balloon Adventure: A Dreamy Aerial Date for a Family of Three
Bottom line: The Ubud hot air balloon experience offers stunning aerial views of Mount Agung and emerald rice terraces. We recommend departing at dawn to catch the first light. It’s perfect for families with kids aged 5 and up, offering a romantic and breathtaking sky-high itinerary. Be sure to read the operator’s safety guidelines carefully and book popular time slots in advance.
“Mom, are we really going to fly?” Our 5-year-old clutched my shirt, but his eyes sparkled with excitement. My husband adjusted his camera with a smile: “Don’t worry, Dad will protect you.” This was our family of three’s most special adventure in Bali—our first Ubud hot air balloon experience.
Bali’s Only Family Aerial Adventure
As the island’s only tethered hot air balloon, this 23-meter rainbow giant is especially suited for family experiences. When the staff saw us with our child, they thoughtfully brought out a small step stool: “Kids can step up on this first!” The wicker basket was roomier than expected—the three of us fit perfectly (total weight limit is 150 kg, so families with kids have no problem).
The Magical Golden Hour at Dusk
We chose the highly recommended 5:30 PM sunset flight. When the flame roared to life with a “whoosh,” our little one gasped and buried himself in Dad’s arms, but the next second, the rising sensation had him giggling with joy. From 50 meters up, Ubud’s rice terraces looked like they were dusted with gold leaf under the setting sun, while distant Mount Agung appeared and disappeared in the twilight. My husband wrapped one arm around me and used the other to shield our curious little one. Seeing Bali from this angle—it’s truly different!
Thoughtful Service for Families
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Kid-Friendly: The staff took special care to explain how hot air balloons work to the kids, and after the flight, they awarded a “Little Pilot Certificate” — our little one proudly held it up for over a dozen photos.
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Family Photo Session: The accompanying photographer captured the moment we embraced mid-air.
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Delicious Dinner: A Singaporean chef prepared a special kids’ meal that even our picky eater devoured, while my husband and I enjoyed a romantic candlelit dinner infused with local flavors.
Warm Tips
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The sunset flight is the most popular, so check in 30 minutes early — otherwise, you might end up waiting until dark like we almost did (luckily, the staff let families with kids go first).
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The basket edge reaches about chest height for a child, so adults need to hold their kids tightly the whole time (my husband never let go).
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The burner can be quite loud during the flight, so sensitive kids might want earplugs (our little one was startled at first but quickly forgot the fear once captivated by the view).
Those 10 short minutes not only showed us the grandeur of Bali but also became the brightest highlight of our family trip. If romance is for two, then happiness is for three — floating together over the skies of Ubud.
Who Should Try This?
✓ Parents wanting to give their kids an unforgettable experience
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
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