You're using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Bali with Kids: Our Mini Guide to Your Bali Family Surf Holiday
June 3rd, 2019 + Wayfarers Atlas

With its laid-back vibes, fun surf, world-class cuisine and incredible family-friendly resorts, Bali is the ideal location for a family surf holiday.

Bali is a unique part of this world, one that keeps luring Wayfarers back over and over again. Luckily for families, it’s home to some amazing hotels and resorts and companies that making travelling with kids a breeze.

Wondering how you’ll whip up purees for your baby while in paradise? Whether you should take the normal pram, the travel pram or the Ergo?

If you’re after some elusive ‘me’ time or an extra set of hands to make your Bali family surf holiday vibes a little more relaxing, here’s a snapshot of the areas we love, the services we recommend and the fantastic places to eat, drink, play, stay and surf with your Little Wayfarers in tow.

LOCATIONS WE LOVE

CANGGU:

A happening spot between Seminyak and Tanah Lot, Canggu has become a popular choice for families with its hip crowds, black sand beaches, colourful beachfront bars, spacious villas and effortlessly cute shops.

Expats and families also flock to Canggu for its kid-friendly hotels and oodles of entertainment options for little ones. And it’s one of the few areas surrounded by luscious rice fields as well as beaches!

SEMINYAK:

If you’re travelling as a family, both Seminyak and nearby Legian exude laidback vibes and offer loads of activities and dining options for the kids to enjoy.
Sprinkled with a treasure trove of upmarket shops, international surf outlets, designer boutiques and homeware gems (Jalan Oberoi), Seminyak is known as the fancier cousin to Legian (or the ‘Noosa’ of Bali). All the resorts and hotels are close to the beach which is great when you’ve got the whole tribe in tow. Hop down the vibrant Eat Street (Jalan Laksmana), shop to your heart’s content and marvel at the famous beach sunsets.

LEGIAN:

Legian is wedged between Seminyak and Kuta and it offers a little more value for money. Yummy food, great shops and lots of activities to enjoy (without the chaos of Kuta), there’s good reason holidaying families keep returning to Legian.
Both places are perfect for a holiday with kids, peppered with traditional art markets, restaurants, cafes and shops galore right near the beach.

BUKIT PENINSULA (ULUWATU):

The laidback Bukit Peninsula has a host of funky bars and cafes, epic waves that attract surfers from all around the globe, sheer limestone cliffs and beautiful white sandy beaches for the kids to roam and explore.

It doesn’t get the traffic of some other busy Balinese locales and there’s an endless selection of yoga classes to choose from.

Wayfarers Atlas Family travel guide to exploring Bali with kids on your next surf holiday

SERVICES TO HELP YOU TRAVEL LIGHT AND STRESS-FREE

BALI BABYSITTER – KETUT NANNY:

Consider booking Ketut – or one of her team in advance – you won’t regret it. Nannies can also be organised through your hotel or resort. Head over to KETUT BALI HOLIDAY NANNY to find out more.

MINI MUNCHER:

Mini Muncher provides organic, wholesome meals for babies, toddlers and kids with a delivery service straight to your hotel. You can pre-order online and have meals ready for your arrival. Food is prepared in a commercial kitchen using purified water so you know it’s safe for little ones. Find out more HERE.

BALI BABY:

Bali Baby hires out every kind of apparatus you could possibly need on your family surf holiday, from strollers to baby baths and toys. Book airport transfers with baby seats or pre-purchase nappies and formula for your arrival.

And for anyone who has ever worried about hiring a villa and kids falling into open plunge pools (#everyparent), Bali Baby offer pool fences that are not only fitted with Australian Magna locks for your family’s safety but also blend in with your villa’s natural surroundings. They are made of bamboo and installed without causing damage to the area. Find out more HERE.

KID FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT + DRINK

PARACHUTE

Jalan Subak Sari 13 No.8-4, Budung: Home to fine food with a lovely lawn for kids to run and play and some feathery friends. @parachutebali

MILK & MADU

52 Jalan Pantai Berawa: Canggu Kid-friendly cafe with fab playhouse. Follow them on Instagram (along with 41K others!) for the kids’ arts and crafts schedule. @milkandmadu

MAD POPS

Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Jalan Kayu Aya #48 in Oberoi: Next to Drifter surf shop, Mad Pops is the stop to head if you want to satisfy the sweet tooths in your clan. Famous for their dairy free artisanal ice pops made from locally sourced organic fruits, you can pick from 15+ flavours of ice cream. Take a fun snap in front of the popular neon sign and pastel pink backdrop while you lick it all up. What more could you want on a family surf holiday? @madpopsbali

OLD MAN’S:

According to one Bali lover, it’s a one-stop beach, play, eat adventure with a neat nearby surf break, icy cold Bintangs, lots of space to run about, toy boxes, casual wooden tables (great for messy eaters and sticky fingers), high chairs for bubs and cool ocean breezes to ward off the humidity. You’ll love the funky blue art wall by Aussie artist Lucas Grogan in the garden area. This will be your next fave family ritual. @oldmansbali

Wayfarers Atlas bali surf travel guide

 

FUN SURF BREAKS

LEGIAN – IN FRONT OF THE JAYAKARTA RESORT:

This has been a favourite surf spot of ours for years. There’s a fun wave out the front and great places to eat with the kids.

CANGGU:

Old Man’s or Batu Balong are our top picks for easy waves in the Canggu region. After you’ve dried off from the surf, take the kids to one of the cute stores for some trendy threads, chic homewares and quirky toys. A couple of faves are Yoli & Otis and Coco & Ginger .

Old Man’s is a touch above beginner waves but it’s a top spot to help you improve after you’ve learned the ropes at Kuta. Waves are fat, friendly and not so fast. It also has a cruisey, relaxed cafe of the same name, an ‘iconic’ Canggu meeting place.

The lagoon inside the fringing reef of Batu Bolong Temple (the reef commonly known as “Tugu”) is the perfect setup for kids. Lots of whitewater, hardly any rocks and the big waves break outside.

BALANGAN:

For some fun breaks with the kids, head south to the Bukit peninsula, the dangly bit at the southernmost tip of Bali. It’s home to some of the most picture-perfect beaches on the island.

Balangan is one of Bali’s more secluded beaches and offers great surf, small crowds and a good surf school for children. It takes a while to get down there and it’s better for surfing than swimming but definitely worth a visit.

PADANG PADANG:

The Balinese pipeline. This break is usually for the pros. But on a small day, the waves at Padang Padang are perfect for you and your tribe to head out for a play in the surf.

There are steep steps to trek down to the beach but a 3 to 45 year old and above should handle these fine. At high tide, the waves break softly and that’s the perfect time for young ones to jump on the board.

 

PLAY + EXPLORE

GREEN VILLAGE (ECO TOUR)

Sometimes you need a break from the waves and you’re craving a unique cultural experience. Perched on the sacred Ayung River and surrounded by tropical Bali forest, Green Village is a tranquil and peaceful compound that hosts spectacular bamboo houses and villas.

Take a tour of the village to learn more about this amazing eco project. Where you can see bamboo being harvested, treated and crafted into building materials and furniture. The Green School is where kids and adults alike can model workshops, participate in building and joinery classes, and more.

Got a bit of a green thumb? Stop by the Kul Kul farm to learn the art of permaculture and sustainable farming.

Discover more the Green Village HERE.

FINNS RECREATIONAL CLUB (formerly Canggu Club):

Rope swings, river floats, deck chairs and tipping buckets to boot, this mega water park in hip Canggu will have your Wayfarers darting off into the distance before you’ve even paid for the entry ticket. Entry is less than $100 for the whole family and it’s not overly busy so you’ll never be lining up for rides.

Discover more about Finns Rec Club HERE.

PONDO PEKAK LIBRARY:

Located East side of the football field on Monkey Forest Road, Ubud, this is definitely a library with a difference. If you’re taking a break from the surf for a day, it’s worth the trip. Learn how to play the gamelan, make traditional Balinese offerings and jewellery, carve fruit or dance up a storm at this lovely library. The kind of authentic Balinese experience your kids will remember for a long time.

Find out more HERE.

 

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORTS NEAR THE SURF

HOTEL KOMUNE

One of our top resort picks for your family surf holiday is Hotel Komune.

With a dose of millennial cool and a warm family atmosphere to balance it out, this lovely hotel is situated on the bucket list shores of Keramas, where black sand, wave perfection and starlit surfs are sure to keep moods high.

There’s moonlit surf sessions and health hub havens galore (think yoga pavilions, day spa, a farm to plate garden cafe) so your child-free time feels like you’re a world away from the daily grind.

Babysitting can also be arranged for parents who want to dine under the stars and stay out late.

Recommended Room:

The aptly named Family Suite boasts the best space for those traveling with their clan. The apartment-style accommodation boasts separate bedrooms for grownups and pull out beds for Little Wayfarers. With kitchen facilities and your own child-friendly pool, you can all relax and enjoy those sweeping ocean vistas without a care in the world.

If you want to be front row for all the action in the water and perfectly located for that early morning surf check, consider a stay in one of the hotels beachfront suites.

Facilities:

Little Wayfarers are invited to run wild in full-blown Komune spirit! The Cheeky Monkeys kids’ club that will sweep your Little Wayfarers into a world of fun, leaving you to soak up the vibes around the adults only pool and carve up one of Bali’s dreamily uncrowded surf spots.

Your children’s days will be spent getting creative in the cool warung, hitting the skate bowl, riding horses on the beach, taking surf lessons or bouncing and rioting on the trampolines and the kids’ adventure park.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOTEL KOMUNE HERE

Wayfarers Atlas Bali surf resort Hotel Komune

 

Suarga Padang Padang:

Like walking into the heart-stopping pages of a style magazine, this sustainable resort sits amidst Indonesia’s premier surf breaks along Bali’s iconic peninsula and offers its guests a sumptuous travel experience and rough luxury vibe that is second to none.

Small and intimate families will find the mezzanine daybed of the Muso Pentrooms or Ulin Pavilions an ample choice for a restful stay. Larger families, or those who crave the sanctity of their own personal space, will have room to play and relax in the generous Wantilan Villas.

And don’t let the fancy feel of this resort fool you that it is for adults only. Your Little Wayfarers will make magical memories in the beautiful haven of Suarga.

This side of Bali is a lush natural playground that’s an oasis of fun for children. There’s no kids’ club but you can request a complimentary high chair and baby cots and babysitting services mean tired parents can catch up on rest and play while their kids explore the natural beauty and wildlife.

They can get up close and personal with everything from amber-haired orangutans to endangered Komodo dragons.

The dedicated staff at Suarga can arrange an exhilarating trip to waterparks, elephant parks, and tree top adventure circuits that your kids will talk about long after they’ve returned home.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUARGA PADANG PADANG HERE

Suarga Padang Padang an incredible clifftop surf resort in Bali

Alila Villas Uluwatu:

Little Wayfarers are more than welcome to sink down in the stylish surroundings of the Alila Villas. A Bukit Peninsula clifftop haven, this acclaimed, jaw-dropping luxury resort in Uluwatu is perched only 100 metres above the glittering Indian Ocean and its to-die-for infinity pool has been voted one of the best in the world.

Ideal for honeymooners and families alike, Alila prides itself on designing memorable moments and immersive family experiences. Even though the vibe is very much grown up, families can play and frolic without a care in the world and secure babysitting services when the parents need some couple time or a play in the surf.

Complimentary cribs are on hand for sleepy Little Wayfarers along with strollers, changing mats, sterilisers, mini bathrobes and anything else you need for a child-friendly stay.

From the alluring children’s menu at the fine dining hub to cultural crafts such as kite making and basket weaving and family-friendly excursions, the Alila Concierge team are ready to give you and your little crew a family surf holiday to remember.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALILA VILLAS HERE

 

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort:

Another Uluwatu gem that’s straight out of a picture-perfect postcard, this one is perfect for a family surf holiday, especially with teenage kids. Hewn into the craggy cliffs of Uluwatu, this five-star resort from Anantara is all sumptuous suites, tropical flowers and ocean vistas.

With a wide choice of two or three-bed suites, you can take your pick from garden play, pool plunging or shimmering ocean views. The garden suites are an exceptional choice for families who want their Little Wayfarers to have plenty of private outdoor space.

Enjoy a sundowner on the wraparound balcony, still buzzing from the waves you caught that day. Rinse away the salt in the rainfall shower or take an afternoon siesta in the quietude of the modern lounge space.

Separate bedrooms and living spaces also mean that the whole family can spread out without toppling over each other and the three bedroom villa can easily cater for a family of five.
There’s no dedicated kid’s pool or kids’ club but you can book babysitting services in advance.
The committed concierge team can also help to organise exciting excursions. From walking with elephants in Ubud to parks brimming with bright-feathered birds, snorkelling and sailing trips, and surf lessons for teens and small ones – the island will be your playground.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANANTARA ULUWATU HERE

 

COMO UMA CANGGU

Another amazing beachfront resort and surfer’s paradise that will linger in your heart with incredible waves and sophisticated style in spades.

Recommended Room:

The Uma pool residences on the ground floor have their own private pool, with plenty of space to unwind and there’s a range of two bedroom residences, overlooking the Indian ocean or lagoon to choose from. The light airy kitchenettes make it easy to whip up some snacks for toddlers.

Facilities:

Babysitting services are available as well as access to the ‘Play by COMO Space’ kids’ club where purposeful and creative child-directed play is openly encouraged (open to kids aged 4 to 12).

Fun and frolic is on offer for everyone with a library, imaginative play areas, toys and games galore and a cool arts and crafts space.

The Play Space is open daily between 9.00am and 6.00pm. Toddlers under four must be accompanied by a babysitter or parent at all times. Click here to learn more about Play by COMO.

 

 

ALILA SEMINYAK

Designed by Gaurang Khemka at the award-winning Singapore architectural firm URBNarc, this unique resort is a distinctive blend of contemporary architecture woven through with vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces designed to enliven the senses.

A modern, five-star oasis with all the perks for the adults and lots of extra-curricular activities for your tinies and teens to enjoy, the stunning Alila Seminyak is situated in a prime beachfront position.

Your kids can splash around and make sandcastles in the sun or simply swim in one of the multiple swimming pools on offer (including five infinity pools) at this incredibly luxe hotel.

Facilities:

There’s an elaborate kids’ menu (and one for babies too) and babysitting services upon request. The fancy kids’ club, Play Alila, is stocked with games, puzzles, toys, craft and book supplies to keep them entertained all day long.

Fun features include elevated wooden platforms to run around in, DVDs for rental, a slide and a delightful rocking horse as well as a range of activities on the hour: treasure hunts, puppet making, bowling, food painting, storytelling, kite making and more.

The older ones will appreciate the computers, TVs and Xbox thrown in for good measure but hopefully they’ll be too busy enjoying the sand and surf for too much screen time! Open from 7:00am to 9:00pm, this is truly one of the best kids’ clubs around.

Complimentary yoga classes, direct beachfront access, the elegant Spa Alila, an adults-only pool and delicious, healthy dining options will keep the parents happy around the clock.

And if you fancy a night out, the hip beach club, Potato head, is right next door and the stylish Seminyak boutiques, restaurants and cafes are close by. Just book the babysitter and you’re good to go.

Discover other beautiful child-friendly resorts in our Wayfarers Collection.

 

Take your family on a holiday to remember.

At Wayfarers Atlas, our family-friendly collections are filled with hotels and resorts where guests of all ages are encouraged to rest, play and grow. Parents will adore the carefully thought out facilities of all of our hotels, from kid’s clubs to teen adrenaline kicks and spacious villas and suites with room enough for all.

 

Planning a family surf holiday to Bali with little ones?

Head HERE to download our FULL Bali Travel Guide. Enjoy!

And you can join the Wayfarers Journey by sharing your adventures!

Simply tag us @wayfarersatlas & use the hashtag #WEAREWAYFARERS

Wayfarers Atlas Bali Family Travel Guide


Leave a Comment

Copyright 2024 Family Surf Resorts | Wayfarers Atlas