5 Reasons Why Bali Should Be On Your Travel List!
Reason 1 – Family-Friendly Sanur & Easy Island Exploration
Sanur is known as one of Bali’s most family-friendly areas. This laid-back beach town has calm, shallow waters protected by an offshore reef – perfect for little ones to swim and splash safely. A paved beachfront promenade stretches about 5km along Sanur’s coast, making it easy to walk, bike and stroller with kids!
Beyond Sanur, Bali’s size is just right for adventure: most of the island’s highlights are reachable within an hour or two from your base.
Reason 2 – Rich Culture, Warm People & Living Traditions
Bali’s nickname is “Island of the Gods” for good reason. The culture here is deeply spiritual, artistic, and welcoming to families. Ancient temples dot every village, colorful religious offerings adorn doorsteps, and festivals fill the calendar – offering endless chances for kids to experience something new and eye-opening.
From watching a traditional kecak fire dance to participating in temple ceremonies, your family will be embraced by Bali’s living traditions.
Reason 3 – Year-Round Outdoor Adventures
Thanks to Bali’s tropical climate, outdoor fun awaits in any season. The island has a diverse natural playground – from golden beaches and calm lagoons to lush jungles and even volcano peaks.
Bali invites active families to get outside: one day you might be trekking to a waterfall, the next day cycling past emerald-green rice paddies. And you never have to worry about packing winter coats – just sunscreen and a sense of adventure!
Reason 4 – Diverse Cuisine & Wellness Lifestyle
Bali has evolved into a health and food lover’s paradise, which is a big plus for traveling families. You’ll find delicious eats for every palate: tropical fruit smoothies and smoothie bowls for breakfast, kid-approved nasi goreng (fried rice) or satay for lunch.
International influences are everywhere – including many Australian-influenced cafés and plant-based restaurants. Parents can indulge in Bali’s wellness scene, too. Sanur and nearby areas offer yoga studios, meditation classes, and spas that welcome drop-ins.
Reason 5 – Instant Community with Boundless Life
One of the greatest gifts of Bali is the built-in community you’ll have through Boundless Life. From the moment you arrive, you’re plugged into a supportive network of like-minded parents and adventurous children.
Bali was Boundless Life’s first-ever non-European location, and it has quickly become a favorite because of the strong bonds families form here.
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👇Or read on below for more about family travel in Bali!
When to Visit Bali
There’s really no bad time to visit Bali – the island is warm year-round – but there are two main seasons to consider when planning family travels:
☀️ Dry Season (April – September): This period is Bali’s sunniest and most popular time. Days are typically hot (around 27–32°C, 80–90°F) with lower humidity and little rain, especially from June through August. It’s perfect beach weather and ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and boat trips.
🌴 Autumn Shoulder (September – October): By mid-September through October, the dry season crowds start to thin but the weather often remains largely dry into early fall. This can be a sweet spot – still warm and sunny, but with a bit more breathing room at popular sites.
🌧️ Rainy Season (November – March): Bali’s monsoon season brings higher humidity and daily showers or thunderstorms, particularly December through February. Temperatures remain warm (25–30°C, mid-70s to mid-80s°F), but you’ll want to pack rain gear and plan indoor backup activities.
🌼 Spring Transition (March – early April): By late March, the heavy rains taper off. April is a transition month that often features clear mornings with occasional afternoon showers. The island starts drying out and gearing up for the next high season.
Bali is a year-round destination, but for the absolute best weather and fullest range of activities, the dry season (especially June through August) is ideal. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of tropical rain, the shoulder and wet season months have their own magic.
Getting to Bali, Indonesia
Despite feeling like a far-flung paradise, Bali is quite accessible for international travelers. Here are the main ways to arrive – and how to get around once you’re here:
✈️ By Air – Denpasar International Airport (DPS)
Nearly all families will arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, the island’s main airport. It’s well-connected with direct flights from major hubs in Asia and the Pacific (Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Dubai, etc.), and one-stop connections from Europe and North America.
From the airport, Sanur is only about a 30-minute drive east – you can easily arrange a pickup through your accommodation or take and official airport taxi.
Visa-wise, many nationalities can get a 30-day online or Visa on Arrival at the airport (extendable to 60 days), and longer tourist or family visas are available with a bit of pre-planning.
🚙 Getting Around on Bali
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find a mix of transport options to navigate Bali – and a few quirks to know about:
Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek (similar to Uber) are widely used in Bali for affordable car or scooter rides. They’re super handy for short trips around town. Note: In certain tourist hot spots (like some big temples or attractions), local taxi cooperatives restrict ride-share pickups. If your app isn’t finding a ride back, you may need to use a local taxi or driver on-site.
Taxis: Bali’s official taxis are Bluebird taxis. They are reliable and metered (or you can agree on a fare up front). Taxis are plentiful in urban areas and also quite cheap, though at night some drivers charge a higher rate – it’s okay to negotiate politely.
Private drivers: For longer day trips or airport transfers, many families hire a private car and driver. This can often be arranged through your hotel or via recommendations, and prices are reasonable. Having a driver for a day means you can explore multiple stops with ease.
Walking & biking: Within Sanur itself, walking and cycling are wonderful ways to get around. The town is flat and the beachfront pathway means you can go several kilometers traffic-free.
Scooter rentals: You’ll quickly notice that motorbikes and scooters are everywhere in Bali. Renting a scooter can be an efficient way for adults to hop around, but it’s not something to take lightly if you have little ones. Traffic in Bali can be chaotic, and driving a scooter requires an international driving permit and extreme caution.
Car rentals: Self-driving a car in Bali is possible but can be a bit stressful. Cars drive on the left, and you’ll need an International Driving Permit to rent legally. Parking in tourist areas can be scarce. Most families, hiring a driver as needed ends up being easier than self-driving, unless you plan to stay long-term and really learn the roads.
In Sanur and the main tourist towns, you’ll also find things like bicycle rentals, baby equipment rentals, and even child car seats for hire if you didn’t bring your own. Overall, while getting around Bali might require a bit more planning than back home, it’s part of the adventure – and you’ll soon become adept at the rhythm of island travel.
Top Things to Do in Bali with Kids
Despite its modest size, Bali is packed with family-friendly activities and sights. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
Enjoy the Beaches of Sanur
Sanur’s coastline is practically made for families. The beaches here (such as Pantai Sanur, Cemara Beach) offer gentle sandy slopes and waves, thanks to the offshore reef. In the mornings, you’ll see local families and expats wading in the calm sea or building sandcastles at low tide.
Sunrise is spectacular on Sanur’s east-facing shore – consider an early start one day to watch the sun peek over the horizon. Children (and parents!) can try stand-up paddleboarding or take snorkeling trips to nearby reefs.
Along the beach path, there are endless options for casual cafés where you can grab a fresh coconut (kelapa) or deep fried banana (pisang goreng) when the kids need a break from the sun.
If you visit in July, don’t miss the Bali Kite Festival held in Sanur – giant traditional kites take to the skies in a dazzling display of color and skill, a thrill for all ages to watch.
Explore Balinese Culture: Temples & Dance
Bali’s rich Hindu culture provides endless opportunities for family exploration. A great starting point is visiting a local Balinese temple (pura) – there are several right in the Sanur area, like Pura Blanjong (home to an ancient inscription) or Pura Santrian by the beach. Remember to dress modestly and wear a sarong (most temples lend or rent them at the entrance).
In the evenings, consider taking your kids to a traditional dance performance. A kecak fire dance is another unforgettable experience. Through Bali’s dance and temple traditions, children gain a fun introduction to concepts like mythology, music, and community that they’ll remember long after.
Animal Encounters & Nature Parks
You can visit the Bali Sea Turtle Society’s conservation center in Serangan – kids can learn about sea turtles and might even help release baby turtles into the ocean if the timing is right.
If your children love monkeys (or are curious about them), a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud can be thrilling – hundreds of monkeys roam free in a jungle temple setting. Just hold on tight to your hats, as the macaques are notorious thieves.
For younger kids, Bali Bird Park and the adjacent Reptile Park offer an up-close look at tropical birds, komodo dragons, and other creatures in a more controlled environment. Also take a family walk in the mangrove boardwalk south of Sanur, where you might spot mudskippers and crabs, or go tide-pooling on Sanur Beach at low tide to discover starfish and crabs.
Experience the Local Food Scene
One of the joys of living in Bali is the amazing food – both local and Indonesian plates.
Sample the pisang goreng (banana fritter), sweet martabak pancake, or a stick of chicken satay grilled over coals. Experience the tastes of exotic fruits such as dragon fruit and mangosteen. Visiting a local warung (family-owned cafe or restaurant) is a great chance for the family to learn a few Indonesian words like terima kasih (“thank you”).
Try Balinese specialties: perhaps a mild nasi campur (mixed rice plate) for the kids to sample a bit of everything, or the famous babi guling (spiced roast pork) for an adventurous taste of local flavor.
Of course, Bali also has no shortage of family-friendly restaurants and cafés when you need a break from Indonesian food. In Sanur, you’ll find laid-back brunch spots where you can get a smoothie bowl or avocado toast, as well as restaurants with play areas or pools for kids.
Easy Day Trips from Sanur, Bali
One of Bali’s perks is its strategic location – from the Sanur area you’re a perfect springboard for day trips around the island. On weekends or free days, here are some recommended family excursions, all within a couple hours of home base:
Ubud – 25 km / 1 hour
Bali’s inland cultural gem, Ubud, is a popular destination for day trips or overnight getaways. Set in the hills amid lush rice paddies, Ubud offers a mix of nature, art, and Balinese tradition.
Start your day at the Sacred Monkey Forest, then wander up to Ubud Palace and the surrounding streets to shop for handicrafts or watch painters and wood-carvers at work. There are plenty of kid-friendly cafes when you need a pit stop.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you can walk along terraced rice fields that cascade down the valley – it’s like stepping into a postcard. Adventurous families can try a tandem swing over the rice terrace or a gentle subak trekking tour to learn how rice is farmed.
Ubud is also known for wellness, so maybe cap off the day with a family yoga class or a stroll through the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset. By evening, you’ll return to Sanur with a deeper appreciation of Bali’s arts and nature.
Nusa Lembongan – 30 min by boat
For a taste of island-hopping, consider a day trip to Nusa Lembongan, a small island just off Bali’s southeast coast. From Sanur’s beach harbor, you can catch a fast boat (30 minutes) to Lembongan in the morning.
Once on Nusa Lembongan, you’ll find a slower, island vibe. Many families rent a golf cart or hire a driver on arrival to tour around. Don’t miss Devil’s Tear (a blowhole where waves explode against the cliffs) and the Mangrove Forest, where you can take a peaceful boat ride through shaded mangrove channels.
Of course, the beaches are the star: Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay have white sand and clear turquoise water perfect for swimming. Older kids might love a snorkeling trip – Lembongan and its neighbor Nusa Penida are famous for colorful coral reefs and even manta rays.
By late afternoon, catch a returning boat to Sanur. A Lembongan day trip is a mini tropical getaway within your Bali stay – and a great way to show the kids a different island environment.
Tanah Lot Temple – 40 km / 1.5 hours
Bali has many gorgeous temples, but Tanah Lot is one of the most iconic – and makes for a fantastic half-day trip. This sea temple is perched on a rocky outcrop that becomes an island at high tide, creating a dramatic scene as waves crash around it.
From Sanur, it’s roughly a 1.5 hour drive (you might stop in Canggu on the way for a coffee or fruit bowl). It’s best visited in the late afternoon, so you arrive when the tide is out and can actually walk across the sand to the temple base.
Local guides often hang out near the temple – they might show you a holy snake (said to guard the temple) tucked in the rocks or help sprinkle holy water on your head for a blessing.
As sunset approaches, find a spot on the cliffs or at one of the cafes on the opposite shore; the sunset at Tanah Lot is magical, with the silhouette of the temple against the bright sky. There’s also a market near the parking area where you can pick up trinkets and souvenirs.
Waterfall Adventure – 30 to 90 minutes (various spots)
Bali’s interior is home to countless waterfalls, many of which make for fun family adventures. One of the easiest to reach from Sanur is Tegenungan Waterfall, only about a 30-minute drive away. It’s a short walk down stairs to the falls – a wide cascade pouring into a shallow pool. Visitors can swim here, or stand under the spray. Go early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
If your family is up for a longer journey, head north to Tibumana Waterfall. This waterfall is about 1 hour away, and is gentler with a calm pool in a lush gorge. Alternatively, Sekumpul Waterfall is around 2.5 hours, but arguably Bali’s most spectacular waterfall, usually better for teens due to a more challenging hike down.
Many tour operators offer combined waterfall tours where you visit two or three in one day – a great way to stay cool and active. There’s certainly no shortage of waterfalls, so dig deeper and you will find many less visited, less touristy options.
Culture & Community in Bali
“Bali is hot, humid, has a million mosquitos and motorbikes; it isn’t perfect. But Bali is beautiful, lush, sunny, warm, spiritual, cleansing, and calming. Bali is bound to push you to try something new: to reset, to recenter, to redo.” – The Schomp Family.
As this Boundless family eloquently describes, Bali can be both challenging and deeply rewarding – a place that shifts you out of your comfort zone and into personal growth. Beyond the tourist attractions, living in Bali with your family is about embracing a new way of life.
Here’s what to expect from the local lifestyle and the community when you’re here:
A Warm, Welcoming Culture
Bali’s culture is inherently family-oriented. In Balinese communities, children are cherished and included in almost every aspect of life. As a foreign family in Bali, you’ll often find locals going out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Don’t be surprised if strangers smile and wave at your little ones. This genuine adoration of children creates a lovely sense of safety and trust. Culturally, the Balinese are guided by the principle of Tri Hita Karana – harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual.
Embracing the local customs, like removing shoes before entering a home, or saying a few words in Balinese or Indonesian, will deepen mutual respect. Overall, Bali offers a chance for your children to experience a culture that is incredibly open-hearted.
Built-In Community with Boundless Life
One of the most special aspects of living in Bali with Boundless Life is the instant community you become part of. It’s wonderfully diverse – you’ll meet families from all over the world.
The Boundless Education Center is the gathering point for daily connection. Expect regular family potlucks, group outings organized by Boundless, such as guided temple visits or beach clean-ups, road trips and events.
Safety & Practical Peace of Mind
As a family destination, Bali offers a mix of comfort and adventure. On the practical side, it scores quite well on safety and amenities. Petty crime in tourist areas can occur, but violent crime is very rare.
In terms of healthcare, Bali has international clinics and hospitals that expats trust for any urgent needs – a nice reassurance. You’ll find pharmacies (apotik) readily available for minor ailments; pharmacists can even dispense some medications over the counter that might require prescriptions back home.
For daily life, grocery stores in Sanur carry many international products and services like nannies, babysitters, and grab-and-go food are affordable if you need them.
The biggest safety adjustment is likely road safety – as mentioned, traffic can be chaotic. You’ll learn quickly to hold hands tight when crossing busy streets, and to ride defensively if on a scooter. Helmets and car seats are not the norm for locals, so you’ll want to insist on them for your family and maybe bring a portable booster seat with you.
Despite these few challenges, families find that Bali strikes a good balance: it’s exotic enough to be exciting, yet developed enough to provide comfort and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Your Bali Adventure Awaits
Bali, Indonesia may just surprise you – it’s a destination that proves a popular tourist island can still offer authentic, life-changing experiences for families.
One mom, Chantal, admitted she initially wasn’t sure about choosing Bali – yet upon arrival, she felt “an incredible sense that we were exactly where we were supposed to be… we were meant to be here at this moment.” The island has a way of embracing you, challenges and all, and showing you a new perspective on family life.
If your family is ready for a chapter of growth, adventure, and excitement, then Bali is ready for you.
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