Bali Family Holiday: Unlock Paradise with Our 18-Night Plan
Family vacations are precious – a chance to disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Choosing the right destination is key, and for many families, the allure of a tropical island paradise is irresistible. Bali, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, has become a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.
Right, so we’re doing it! An 18-night Bali family holiday is actually happening. Why so long? Well, we figured we needed enough time to actually enjoy things, not just rush from one place to the next.
After a lot of map-staring, review-reading, and practical thinking, we’ve got a plan with beach time, a bit of culture, island fun, and stuff for the kids. Flights are booked, hotels are reserved – it’s on! We’re really excited about this Bali family adventure!
If you’re still on the fence about whether Bali is the right destination for your family, check out my previous post, “Why Go to Bali for Your Family? Paradise Found: Easy on the Wallet, Lots to See, and Great Flights from New Zealand,” for a deeper dive into the reasons why Bali is such a fantastic choice. https://theherinian.com/why-go-to-bali-for-your-family/
Stop 1: Sanur – A Peaceful Start to Your Bali Family Holiday
First up, Sanur for two nights. After that long flight from NZ, we just need somewhere peaceful and close to the airport (DPS).
Sanur seemed perfect – calm, easy, and a good place to get our bearings. It’s the ideal starting point for a relaxing Bali family holiday.
The Plan? Straight to Icon Bali Mall. Not just for a bit of retail therapy, but to grab some cheap clothes for Bali – comfy shirts, shorts, and sarongs for when we have to cover up at temples.
Gotta blend in a little, right? And it’s way cheaper than buying everything at home. Getting prepared for our Bali holiday with the family is key!
Stop 2: Gili Islands – Island Life & Turtle Encounters
This is the big one – six nights on the Gili Islands! We’re hoping for proper Bali island life.
We picked Gili Trawangan because of the car-free streets, clear beaches, and snorkeling. We might even sneak over to Gili Meno or Gili Air for a day, or even Lombok Zoo if the kids are up for it.
This is going to be the highlight of our Bali family holiday for sure. Island hopping is a fantastic way to experience the diversity of the region, and the Gilis offer a unique and laid-back atmosphere.
The Plan: Turtles! Seriously, the kids (and let’s be real, me too) are obsessed with the idea of snorkeling with sea turtles in that crystal-clear water.
Six nights gives us time for boat trips, biking around, swimming, and eating at those little beachfront warungs (local restaurants). Hopefully, we’ll have time to explore another Gili island or hit up the zoo for some extra fun. We’re dreaming of a perfect Gili Islands family holiday!
Stop 3: Ubud – Immersing Ourselves in Balinese Culture
Time to see a different side of Bali – the cultural stuff. Green landscapes, rice terraces, temples, and markets.
This part of our Bali family holiday is all about immersing ourselves in the local culture. Exploring the cultural heartland of Bali is a must for any family seeking an authentic travel experience.
The Plan:
- Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest (and try to keep our sunglasses safe!).
- Wander around Ubud Palace & Market.
- Maybe try Ayung River Rafting – if it looks safe enough for the kids.
- See the Tegallalang Rice Terraces – apparently, they’re stunning.
Stop 4: Sanur – Relaxing and Recharging Before Our Final Stretch
Back to Sanur! It’s a planned stop before the last leg. We’re staying at Prime Plaza Hotel, which is supposed to be family-friendly and good value.
A little bit of relaxation is essential during a long Bali family holiday like ours.
The Plan: Just chill by the pool! The kids are hoping the pools are as good as everyone says. Maybe even a Balinese massage for the grown-ups? We’ll see.
Stop 5: Kuta – Wrapping Up Our Amazing Bali Family Holiday
Our last stop, Kuta. It’s mostly because it’s close to the airport and has Waterbom Bali.
Kuta is busy, but it’s the easiest way to end the trip. We actually booked for 4 nights instead of 3, and here’s why: our flight home is a late-night one.
We figured trying to squeeze in a full day of touring and deal with a late check-out with tired kids just wasn’t realistic. Plus, the cost of a late check-out or adding another night at a hotel was pretty much the same, so we decided to just book the extra night and keep things a bit more relaxed for everyone.
This will be a fun way to end our 18-night Bali family holiday.
The Plan:
- Spend a whole day at Waterbom Bali – the kids are already counting down the hours!
- Stay at Febri’s Hotel & Spa (apparently, it’s budget-friendly and good for families).
- Maybe try a Kuta surf lesson (we’ll see how that goes… I’m probably going to wipe out a lot).
- Watch the sunset at Kuta Beach – a must-do, apparently.
Did You Know? (Stats & Fun Facts!)
Bali is seriously popular! Over 6.3 million tourists visited in 2019, making it one of the top destinations for a Bali family holiday.
And over 20,000 sea turtles nest in Indonesia each year, and the Gili Islands are a great place to see them!
An Analogy: Why We Chose This Travel Style for Our Bali Family Holiday
Planning a budget-friendly Bali family holiday is like making the perfect smoothie – you need the right balance of sweet relaxation, cultural flavor, and adventure spice.
Too much of one, and it doesn’t taste right! That’s why we picked a mix of beaches, culture, and fun while trying to stay within our budget.
FAQ – Your Essential Questions About Planning a Bali Family Holiday Answered!
Q: Is Bali safe for families?
A: Yeah, Bali is generally safe, but just use common sense. Stay in decent places, drink bottled water, and be respectful of local customs. Planning a safe Bali family holiday is a priority.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Bali with kids?
A: Taxis, private drivers, and Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) are all good. On the Gilis, bikes and walking are the way to go since there are no cars.
Q: Can we eat local food without getting sick?
A: Absolutely! Stick to busy restaurants, eat freshly cooked food, and avoid tap water. Many families enjoy nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, and fresh fruit juices.
Q: What’s the best season to visit Bali with kids?
A: The dry season (April–October) is the best. Less rain, more sunshine, and perfect beach weather!
What We’re Looking Forward To on Our Bali Family Holiday
Mostly, we’re just excited to get away from it all, enjoy the warm weather, eat some good food, and make some memories. It’s about the little things – laughing together, discovering new places, and dealing with the inevitable travel hiccups.
We can’t wait to experience the magic of a Bali family holiday!
We’re hoping to experience Bali with the kids without too much stress, eat great local food on a budget, figure out the transport situation (hopefully without getting too lost!), and have those special family moments that make it all worthwhile.
Follow Our Journey!
I’ll be sharing updates, budget tips, and honest reviews during the trip. Got any Bali travel tips? Drop them in the comments!
You can find more official information about traveling to Bali here: https://www.balitourismboard.org/
Now, time to pack and get ready – Bali, here we come! 🇮🇩✈️
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