If you’ve had a trip to Bali on your bucket list and finally want to make it happen, then you’ve got plenty of excitement in store. Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, packed with incredible culture and natural beauty, and visiting with your family can be a hugely rewarding experience.
To make the most of your holiday on the Indonesian island, it’s important to be aware of a few practical family-friendly tips. Read on to find out more.
Beach-side stays will always have plenty to offer
Bali attracts a diverse crowd of people, and there’s a lot to experience and do all over, but when you’re visiting with children, you probably want to prioritise activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Staying by a beach, such as some of the beautiful villas in Seminyak, can be a great choice, as you are conveniently close to all of the fun activities in the ocean and on the sand, as well as a good variety of restaurants and cafes to eat out in. It’s also much nicer to explore the area on foot with ease.
Balinese people love kids
People in Bali generally adore children, and kids are regarded as an important part of the community in Balinese culture, so families generally experience a very positive and welcoming stay.
Don’t be surprised if strangers pay your kids’ compliments on how cute they are or offer them gifts. It’s also polite to respond with a friendly comment about their children.
While some parents can occasionally find this behaviour a little surprising or intrusive, you’ll generally find a friendly and warm environment. A great way to help children understand Balinese culture is by taking part in local dance lessons or craft activities, which can be a wonderful way to learn something new.
Safety standards are very different
While Bali is a fantastic place, it does have a very different attitude to health and safety than what you might be used to, and one of the biggest factors to be aware of is basic travel safety.
If you are planning to drive in Bali, make sure that you are familiar with all the rules, and it can be helpful to bring your own child seat, if you need one, as you may not be provided with one from your car rental service. It is also wise to have some help from a local guide, especially if you’re planning to travel around on your own extensively, as they may be able to help you familiarise yourself with the roads more quickly.
As well as travelling safely, it is also important to check on basic safety issues, such as child seats or highchairs in restaurants, or when on any ride or activity. While local guides and instructors can be warm and inviting, they may not be fully aware or trained with all safety procedures, so it’s worth keeping an extra eye on this.