How to plan your first trip to Bali with kids

Let me introduce you to Anna. This fabulous woman blogs at Colour me Anna, where the beautifully honest pieces that she writes inspire me to look after myself and my family as well as I possibly can. I adore her. Now one thing that this woman definitely is, is COOL. She is beautiful and intelligent, with a hipster-cool wardrobe and an eye for the real, the authentic and the worthy. If there’s one person who could convince me that Bali is where it’s at for the cool kids in town, then she is it. 

Bali with kids is a dream destination. There is all the sunshine you will ever need, great accommodation options, fantastic food and very friendly people. It is a holiday guaranteed to delight the fussiest of travellers.

But Bali’s reputation as a dangerous destination full of bogan Australians has definitely overshadowed this beautiful island. There are definitely more touristy areas, but immerse yourself in Bali and Bali will give it back to you in spades.

My Bali is not the one with the spectacularly grand hotels with outrageous cocktails and European DJs. Those places rock ten fold, but when I visit with my family it comes down to all of us hanging together in casual eateries and learning to slow down for a while. So these are some of the best bits of Bali that you and your family will love.

Bali with kids

Where to stay in Bali

The biggest problem you will face when heading to Bali is deciphering the vast list of accommodation options. There are fabulous villas, excellent resorts and boutique hotels.

We have always enjoyed a villa in Bali and it is an excellent value for money option. As a large family, hotels have never catered to our needs or they have equaled $$$. Many villas offer a pool with the option for it to be fenced (not standard in Bali) and helpful and reliable staff who will assist in everything from stocking your fridge upon arrival to arranging a babysitter and booking restaurants.

Deciding where to stay is another tricky choice for the would-be Bali traveller. Below is a general overview of different areas on the island.

• Stay in Seminyak if you want a central location, ease of getting around and the buzz of Bali at your doorstep. It is stylish, upmarket and offers amazing food and spa facilities. If you are a first timer to Bali then Seminyak is a terrific option. Check prices of Seminyak accommodation.
• Kuta / Legian is the true hustle and bustle of Bali. It is noisy, popular with tourists and offers great deals on family accommodation. If you would like to see other Australians on your holiday then this is your destination. Check prices of Kuta/Legian accommodation.
• Head to Berawa/ Canggu if you want rice field vistas, peace and quiet and excellent bang for your buck. As a general rule the villas in Canggu offer a driver as part of the whole package, which makes this part of the island incredibly affordable. Plus the surf beaches here are world famous. Check prices of Berawa/Canggu accommodation.
• Ubud offers peace and quiet in the mountains. It is popular with yogis and is a spiritual hub for healing. Check prices of Ubud accommodation.
• If you are after big hotel luxury and clean beaches then Nusa Dua is your choice. You could easily sit on your bum for five days here without having to do much at all. Nusa Dua is a great option for a luxury family holiday. Check prices of Nusa Dua accommodation.

You can research your villa yourself, but the team over at Bali Soul Villas is on the ground and in the know. You can find them at www.balisoulvillas.com: My experience has been that they are incredibly knowledgeable and courteous.

Where to eat in Bali

Eating in Bali is a seriously decadent affair. The coffee is top notch and some of the cuisine is world class. If you’re heading to Bali with a family then head to these hotspots for excellent food and service:

In Seminyak

Sea Circus is at 22 Jalan Kayu Aya {Oberoi Road}, Seminyak

For Bali’s best coffee from the achingly hip crowd at Melbourne’s Five Senses, head straight to Sea Circus for your morning brew. Each cup comes with a little fortune cookie-like note of inspiration. The breakfast menu will suit big tummies and little tummies with offerings like granola, pancakes and corn fritters. As the sun sets, head to Sea Circus for some spicy prawn tacos with mango salsa and a frozen margarita.

Revolver Espresso is at Jalan Kayu Aya / Gang 51, Seminyak

A purring La Marzocco, Mazza grinder at the ready and a menu full of organic produce, Revolver ticks all the boxes of daytime dining and caffeination. Touted as the best of Melbourne’s coffee outside of Melbourne, Revolver will tickle all your caffeine hungry fantasies.

Biku is at 888 Jalan Petitenget, Petitenget

Biku is an eclectic place that is part bookstore, part café with an old world meets modern day vibe housed in amongst antiques. The high tea is incredibly popular and you can get your Tarot cards read on the side. It is quirky and quintessentially not Bali, making it a nice change from the more modern outfits.

Sisterfields is at 7 Jalan Kayu Cendana, Seminyak

These guys have got food preparation in their blood, smoking their own meats and fish and making all their butters, preserves and condiments in-house. The dramatic marble coffee bench and triangle tiled floor add to a sense of opulence at this funky Seminyak eatery. We ventured for smoothies one afternoon that hit the spot for our gang of exhausted girls and breakfast did not disappoint on our second visit. Sisterfields is a great option for the whole family.

Ginger Moon is at 7 Jalan Oberoi / Laksmana, Seminyak

This modern Asian canteen is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of busy Laksmana. The menu is vast with a focus on sharing. Think steam buns, rice paper rolls and peking duck. If your kids aren’t into salt and pepper squid then a woodfired pizza will keep them happy especially if it is followed by gelati from Lello Lello. Service is both friendly and quick making this an excellent dining choice with small kids.

Lacalaca is at 1 Jalan Drupadi, Seminyak

This Cantina Mexicana is a seriously great option for the whole family, especially on Nino Wednesdays when kids eat free and the mojitos and magaritas are 2-for-the-price-of-1. The décor is fabulously colourful and quirky and the noisy atmosphere makes it perfect for early bird dining with little ones.

Salt Tapas is at Jalan Pura Telaga Waja, Petitenget, Seminyak

This is Sunday lunch Bali style. Salt Tapas by Luke Mangan is a gorgeous oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak and the big weekend brunch options like Ku De Ta and the W Hotel.

The team at Peppers have the Sunday vibe thing going on so well and offer a unique brunch experience between 11am and 3pm each Sunday. The restaurant has a Spanish vibe that ticks the culinary boxes. We munched on tapas with a refreshing cocktail whilst the kids menu catered for our little tribe including churros for dessert.

There is a supervised kids activity area with colouring, craft, facepainting and bubbles adding to the feeling of relaxation. If they’re not exhausted after all of that, then the lagoon style pool is perfect for a dip and to burn off some more energy with bright yellow sun lounges and that fabulous Balinese sunshine.

In Berewa / Canggu

Watercress Café is located at 21 Batu Belig, Kerobokan

When the craving for a fresh, healthy salad gets the better of you then head straight to Watercress Café. If you add on a coconut water served direct from the source, in a giant coconut, then you have virtuous dining at its finest. But it is not all healthy eats for the Watercress cake display is impressive.

Milk and Madu is located at 52 Jalan Pantai Berawa

The sister café to Watercress, Milk and Madu offers a tranquil setting off the main road towards Berawa and Canggu. With an excellent brunch menu, a toy box for the kids and Revolver coffee to wake the dead. They also proudly boast being “dessertarians” so the sweetest tooth is well satisfied. The smoothies are excellent as well.

Old Man’s is at Jalan Batu Bolong, Canggu

Old Man’s oozes iconic Canggu layback vibes with killer sunsets and decent coffee to boot. The menu is perfect for the whole family and the vast space throughout the restaurant allows little ones to wander whilst you ponder the glorious views.

The break at Old Man’s is considered a beginners’ wave so grab yourself a longboard and see if you can hang ten with the cool kids.

Entertainment

When you have swum yourself senseless in the villa pool then you may need to find entertainment for the kids in a new environment for the day. These two options are excellent water based alternatives to your poolside lounge.

Splash Water Park is at Jalan Pantai Berawa, Banjar Tegal Gundul, Jalan Raya Pantai, Berawa

If you are after waterslides for the kids whilst you park your bum on a sun lounge then Splash Water Park at the New Canggu Club is your dream come true. A world class waterpark with some pretty rad slides will keep the bigger kids happy whilst the littlies can potter in the Splash Playground with little sprinklers mini slides. There are active lifeguards on duty, poolside dining and towel hire on site. This is an excellent way to spend the day.

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is at Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Tabanan

This is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. With views over the dramatic Indian Ocean from Tanah Lot with a cascade of lagoon style pools for kids to splash about in, huge daybeds with giant umbrellas and pool side service this is a seriously good day out. It is calm, serene and well equipped. The gardens are immaculate and the exquisite resort style facilities add to the luxury. It is also home to Bali’s best golf course so if whacking 18 holes in the boiling sunshine is your thing then you have come to the right place.

Fun stuff

What is a trip to Bali without a little bit of indulgence?

Think Pink Nails is at 108 Jalan Batubelig, Batubelig

I usually make a beeline to Think Pink Nails on my first day for a New York style manicure and pedicure. It is close to Watercress so whizz by there to grab your coffee and head off to be pampered. Think Pink Nails also runs a valet service from your villa.

Coco and Ginger is at 88 Jalan Batubelig, Batubelig

Also nearby Think Pink is the very cute Coco and Ginger. This boutique has a gorgeous selection of pretty dresses for your little Princesses in bright colours and feminine florals.

Mister Zimi Satu is at 22 Jalan Kayu, Seminyak

After you’ve been caffeinated at Sea Circus, wander next door to Mister Zimi where this iconic store explodes in colour and riotous patterns to make some seriously snazzy threads. Around the corner is their winter season store where boots and leather jackets are a plenty.

Mist is at 42 Jalan Raya, Seminyak

For floaty island kaftans in pretty pastel colours, Mist has you covered. Mist is also around the corner from Sea Circus, opposite Motel Mexicola and in between the two branches of Mister Zimi.

Deus Warung of Simple Pleasures is at 32B Jalan Kayu Aya, Oberoi, Seminyak

Here the lads can grab a custom made board and all the cool threads that go with it. The other branch is in Canggu.

Carga is at 886 Jalan Petitenget, Petitenget

If you head around to Petitenget, be sure to check out Carga with its veritable smorgasbord of homewares including the delectable Kevala ceramics. Kevala Ceramics is also located on Jalan Batubelig in Kerobokan. It is next door to Biku so combine a high tea with homewares and you’ve whiled away an afternoon.

{It should be noted that I had travelled to Kuta as an obnoxious 18 year old drinking Bintang, eating turtle satay and bartering cheap souvenirs. Years later my friend passed away in the Bali bomb and I vowed never to visit the island again. After a few champagnes at a charity auction, I bid on a holiday to Bali and the rest they say is history. We have visited three times in the past three years and each time has been a unique and beautiful experience.}

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Anna Spurling blogs at Colour me Anna where she shares her experience of managing anxiety and mental illness. Anna colours herself calm, honest, raw + slightly amusing in a series of blog post that explores an anxious and noisy mind, wellbeing, exercise + parenting. Anna also has a regular column with the Geelong Advertiser’s GT Magazine and has written for Wonderful Mama and Little Bali Love.

Bali certainly seems to be out-doing itself in the style stakes these days. What are your Bali tips? Where do you like to stay/eat/shop?