Bali · Indonesia · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Bali
The five most common mistakes families make in Bali are basing in Kuta or Seminyak, travelling outside the dry season, leaving the Mount Batur sunrise unbooked, skipping local warungs and putting children on scooters. Staying in Ubud or Sanur, travelling from April to October, booking ahead, eating locally and hiring a driver fixes most of it.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Basing in Kuta or Seminyak
Kuta and Seminyak have beaches and restaurants, but they are crowded, noisy and traffic-heavy, with rough surf that is not ideal for small children. Ubud, in the hills, suits families better, with villas that have private pools, rice-field walks and a calmer pace. Sanur and Nusa Dua are good choices if you want a beach, because a reef shelters the water and keeps it calm and shallow. Pick a base that matches your children's ages, and avoid changing hotels more than once.
- 2
Missing the dry season
Bali has a dry season from about April to October and a wet season from November to March, when you can expect heavy showers most afternoons and sometimes whole days of rain. Roads flood, outdoor plans change and the sea can be rough. July and August are the driest and busiest months, so book early if you go then. April, May, June and September offer good weather with fewer crowds. If you must travel in the wet season, plan indoor options and stay flexible.
- 3
Not booking the Mt Batur sunrise
A sunrise trek up Mount Batur, an active volcano, is one of the most popular activities on the island, and guided groups sell out weeks ahead in high season. Book before you land, so you are not left with whatever is left. The climb starts around two or three in the morning and takes a couple of hours, so it suits older children and teens, and operators set minimum ages. For younger families, a sunrise cafe on the crater rim or the Campuhan Ridge Walk near Ubud is easier.
- 4
Skipping the warungs
Warungs are small family-run restaurants serving Indonesian food, such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay and nasi campur, a plate of rice with small portions of vegetables and meat. They are generally cheaper than tourist restaurants by a wide margin, and the food is fresh and often mild enough for children. Choose busy ones, where the turnover is high, and ask for dishes less spicy. Eating at warungs also leaves money for activities. Keep a few tourist restaurants for days when you want air conditioning and a long menu.
- 5
Putting kids on a scooter
Scooters are the most common way to get around Bali, but traffic is dense, road rules are loosely followed and accidents involving visitors are frequent. Putting children on one is risky, and most travel insurance policies exclude it unless you hold the right licence. A better option is to hire a driver with a car for the day, which is common in Bali and typically costs a modest amount compared with the stress it saves. Ask for child seats in advance, as they are not always provided.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to October is the dry season and the best time for families, with July and August the busiest. November to March is wetter and humid, with daily showers, but quieter and cheaper.
- How long
- Ten days to two weeks suits a family: a few days in Ubud, a stretch at a beach base such as Sanur, and an outing or two. A week is possible but tight.
- Getting around
- Hire a car with a driver by the day, or use ride-hailing apps where they operate. Traffic is heavy around Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud, so allow extra time for short distances.
Good to know
- Choose a villa or hotel with a pool and a kitchen or breakfast included. After morning outings, children need a midday rest.
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and be careful with ice, to avoid stomach trouble.
- Dress modestly for temples, with a sarong and covered shoulders. Many sites lend sarongs at the entrance.
Frequently asked
Is Bali good for families? +
Yes. Warm weather, friendly people, villas with pools and easy food suit children. The challenges are heavy traffic, the heat and the wet season, so plan a base that matches your children's ages and hire a driver.
Where is the best place to stay in Bali with kids? +
Ubud for rice fields, culture and villas with pools, and Sanur or Nusa Dua for calm beaches. Kuta and Seminyak are busier and more suited to older children and teens.
When is the best time to go to Bali? +
April to October, the dry season. July and August are driest and busiest, while April, May, June and September combine good weather with fewer visitors.
Can children climb Mount Batur? +
Some can. Operators set age limits, and the climb starts in the early hours of the morning. For younger children, a sunrise breakfast on the crater rim or the Campuhan Ridge Walk is easier.
