My tips and recommendations from our 2 week Bali adventure!

A full roundup of all our essential tips and family friendly finds.

BALI 2024

If you’ve been keeping up with my Insta stories over the past couple of weeks, you’ll know my family and I recently escaped the chilly Melbourne spring and headed to Bali! I’ve received loads of DMs asking for recommendations from our trip, so I thought I’d gather everything up in one handy Substack for you.

This was our first time visiting Bali, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much the island offers for everyone—kids and adults alike! As a family of five (with kids aged 11, 8, and almost 3), we were hoping to balance relaxation with a few fun experiences, and Bali delivered on both fronts.

1. Where we stayed:

As a family of five, we knew we needed plenty of space, somewhere to prepare meals, and a private pool was non-negotiable—so we opted for a private villa we found on Airbnb. Here’s the one we stayed in. It was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for our needs.

Although the villa was situated between Canggu and Seminyak, which we initially thought might be inconvenient, it turned out to be the perfect location for us. Both Seminyak and Canggu are incredibly busy—think heavy traffic multiplied by a thousand—so it was a relief to retreat to the peacefulness of our villa after a day out.

One surprise was the abundance of trendy, Melbourne-style cafés and restaurants nearby. We had several within walking distance, along with a couple of supermarkets, spas, and boutique shops, which made it easy to enjoy some local treats without venturing too far from our villa.

2. Getting Around:

Navigating Bali with a family can be a bit challenging since public transport is limited and hiring a car isn’t the most practical option. We found taxis to be the easiest way to get around, and there are a couple of great ride-hailing apps (similar to Uber) that make ordering one on the go really convenient.

Be prepared for traffic—it’s intense! The distances you’re used to at home won’t translate the same here. A 3km trip can easily take 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Thankfully, taxis are very affordable, so it’s a cost-effective option for getting around locally. That said, we mostly stuck to the local area to avoid longer travel times.

If you're not traveling with kids, scooters are by far the quickest and cheapest way to get around. They’ll zip you through traffic much faster, and you can order them using the same apps as taxis! However, for families with young children, we found taxis to be the safest and most practical choice.

3. Things we enjoyed doing:

Bali offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Here are a few of the things we got up to (there are plenty more!) that I’d recommend…

• Waterbom Bali: A fantastic water park located in Kuta, it offers lots of choice of rides and pools. A great way to cool off and it kept our kids of differing ages entertained all day. I recommend going mid week and getting there when it opens, as it was a lot quieter than mid day. The food options were varied and really reasonable.

• Kuta Beach & Beach Walk Shopping Centre: this was only on our list as my eldest son was desperate to visit the Lego store and actually we were pleasantly surprised. It’s a modern mall with all top western brands, so ideal if you want to do a spot of shopping. It’s right across from the beach so we enjoyed a walk past all the beach bars.

• La Brisa Beach Club Sunday Market (Canggu): we really enjoyed this market, lots of beautiful stalls selling more premium offerings and the food options were awesome! It was rather hot and busy, so would recommend getting there early if you can!

• Grabbing ice cream & açai bowls: no matter where we are on our travels we always find the local ice cream shop and the kids absolutely love it. We had one locally that was wonderful!

• Visiting a spa: if you're in Bali, visiting a local day spa is an absolute must—you’re truly spoilt for choice. I managed to sneak away for a couple of hours and headed to Koya Spa, just a 15-minute walk from our villa. Honestly, the 90-minute massage was one of the best I’ve ever had! They offer a range of massage options, and for just AUD $35, I couldn’t resist!! Before the massage, they treated me to a complimentary foot scrub and massage, and afterward, I was served a delicious matcha latte. It was pure bliss from start to finish!

• Watching the sunset: We made our way to Seminyak Beach, near La Plancha, for what turned out to be a perfect sunset. But the real highlight was watching the kids run up and down the beach, full of joy. It was a beautiful, unforgettable evening for all of us!

• Tanah Lot Temple: Visiting Tanah Lot was a highlight of our trip. The sea temple, perched on a rocky outcrop, was incredible. While you couldn’t enter the temple, we loved exploring the surrounding area and grabbing a drink overlooking the water.

• Hair braiding: If you ask my daughter, this was the only reason she wanted to go to Bali! There are countless places offering this service, and the results are well worth it. Just be prepared to spend a couple of hours while they work their magic!

4. Eating Out: Our favourite spots

While Bali is known for its trendy cafés and high-end restaurants, there are plenty of casual, kid-friendly spots to enjoy with the yummiest food! Here are a few we loved…

• Nook (Seminyak): is an absolute gem, and we couldn’t have picked a better spot for our last night in Bali—we truly saved the best for last! Tucked away among beautiful rice fields, it offers a peaceful escape with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. The setting is perfect for unwinding, and the cute little play area kept the kids entertained for ages, allowing us to fully enjoy the beautiful views and food!

• Milu by Nook (Changgu): the sister venue to Nook, it’s also set among rice fields, Milu is a charming café that serves both Indonesian and Western food. They have a great kids' menu and I loved their Açai bowls! A great vibe and beautiful setting!

• Milk & Madu (Berawa): it quickly became a family favourite with its laid-back vibe and a kid-friendly playground that kept our youngest happily entertained while we enjoyed our meal. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the food doesn’t disappoint—their pizzas were especially delicious, and the gluten-free options were a lifesaver for our daughter. They also have a great 2-for-1 pizza deal on Tuesdays and Sundays! With a few other locations around Bali, it’s a spot we’d highly recommend if you're nearby.

• Penny Lane (Canggu): this was recommend to me by the lovely Yas from relove.mywardrobe and honestly I’m so glad we popped by after visiting the La Brisa Sunday market. It’s a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and electric decor, it’s one of a kind! It’s definitely an instagram worthy setting and the food didn’t disappoint - their loaded fries were AMAZING!!

• Made’s Warung: is a Bali institution, and we loved it so much we ended up visiting two locations—Berawa and Kuta! It’s the perfect spot to dive into traditional Indonesian dishes, but they also have some great international options if you're in the mood for something familiar. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect, family-friendly choice, where everyone can enjoy great food in a relaxed setting.

• Finns Beach Club: Just a 20-minute walk from our villa, we had lunch there on one of our first days in Bali, and it was delicious. The restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience with stunning ocean views and laid-back, beachy vibe. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from fresh seafood to tasty international options, so there’s something for everyone.

• La Plancha (Seminyak): was top of my list when researching things to do in Seminyak, This vibrant beach bar is a must for its colourful beanbags, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunset views. The menu has something for everyone, from Spanish tapas and BBQ-grilled fish and meats to pizzas. We absolutely loved people watching whilst the sun set!

• The Hut Bali Shelter Cafe (Seminyak) came highly recommended when I was researching brunch spots, and oh my goodness, they were right! I ordered the Shelter Big Brekkie, and it was hands down the best cooked breakfast I’ve ever had. The cafe is nestled among lush greenery, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal in a peaceful, tropical setting.

5. Packing Essentials for Bali (with Kids)

Packing for Bali can be a bit tricky, especially when you're traveling with kids. Here are a few things we found incredibly useful:

• Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Bali’s tropical climate means lots of sun and bugs! Be sure to pack child-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. We found that Australian brands (look for ones with DEET) work much better than the ones available locally. Bring plenty because the mozzies in Bali are relentless, and you’ll need protection both day and night.

• Swim Gear: We packed plenty of swimwear and brought a floaty for our youngest one, knowing we’d be in the pool every day. Having a few extra swimsuits ensured that we always had something dry and ready for the next splash!

• Snacks & Drinks: we always have snacks on hand, especially helpful if your kids aren’t adventurous eaters. We also packed gluten-free options for our daughter, and I’m so glad we did since the local supermarkets had limited options. Bringing refillable water bottles was also a lifesaver to keep everyone hydrated while exploring.

• Stroller or Baby Carrier: A lightweight stroller or baby carrier is a must if you have little ones. It’s perfect for navigating towns and markets. We used a compact stroller that folds up as hand luggage, which was incredibly handy throughout our stay!

6. Health & Safety Tips

• Hydration: Keeping everyone hydrated is key in Bali’s hot, humid weather. Be sure to stick to bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. We also skipped ice in drinks and salads, just to be safe, in case they’d been washed with tap water. Despite our precautions, everyone in the family—except me—ended up with Bali belly, which is quite common when traveling there. So, it's important to stay vigilant and prepared for any tummy troubles along the way!

• Travel Insurance: Essential for peace of mind, especially when traveling with kids.

Our family’s trip to Bali was nothing short of unforgettable. We fell in love with the island’s rich culture, the kindest people, and its stunning natural beauty. From the vibrant markets to the serene temples, we just had the best time  and would love to explore more of what this incredible island has to offer. If you have an upcoming Balitrip booked, or you’ve been considering a visit, I hope this roundup of tips & recos comes in handy✌🏻

Safe travels,

Julia x