Short answer
Bali can work very well for families, particularly when you choose an area that matches your children's ages and your preferred holiday style. Sanur and Nusa Dua are two of the easiest areas for family holidays because of their resort options, relatively relaxed atmosphere and generally calmer swimming conditions. Jimbaran can also suit families wanting a quieter beach base, while Ubud can add culture, nature and activities to a longer trip.
Why families choose Bali
Bali offers a wide choice of resorts with pools and family rooms, villas where a group shares one property, a welcoming culture, and plenty of day activities from temples to wildlife parks. Flights from many Australian cities are relatively short compared with other international holidays. As with any destination, the experience depends heavily on choosing the right area.
Best areas in Bali for families
1. Sanur
Sanur has a relaxed atmosphere and a long beachfront walkway that is popular for walking and cycling, lined with restaurants and accommodation. Its east-coast beach is reef-sheltered, so water is generally calmer than the west coast, although conditions still change with the tide. Sanur is also a major departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. It suits families wanting an easier pace.
2. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a purpose-built resort precinct with large resorts, many offering kids' clubs, family pools and other family facilities. The resort beaches are generally calm and the environment is quieter than the busier west coast. It is convenient for families who want much of the holiday contained within the resort area.
3. Jimbaran
Jimbaran has a quieter coastal atmosphere, a curved bay known for beachfront seafood dinners at sunset, convenient airport access and a range of resort options.
4. Ubud
Ubud brings culture, temples, rice terraces and nature. It has no beach, so it often works best as a second base on a longer family holiday rather than the only stop.
Sanur or Nusa Dua for families?
Both are strong family choices. Sanur suits families who like to step outside the hotel to walk to cafés, restaurants and the beachfront path. Nusa Dua suits families who prefer large resorts with facilities on site and a more self-contained stay. Read our full Sanur vs Nusa Dua comparison.
Things to do in Bali with children
Suitability depends on your children's ages, confidence and the conditions on the day — always check age limits and safety details with the operator. Ideas available on BaliDeals include:
- Day trips and cultural experiences, including temples and traditional performances
- Attractions such as wildlife and nature parks where appropriate
- Snorkelling for suitable ages and conditions
- Beginner-friendly surf lessons and gentle adventure activities for older children
See everything in Bali things to do.
Airport transfers with children
After a flight, a pre-arranged private transfer avoids negotiating a ride with tired children and luggage. Popular family routes include airport to Sanur, airport to Nusa Dua and airport to Jimbaran. Browse all Bali airport transfers.
Family Bali itinerary
These are example frameworks, not rules — adjust to your children's ages and your pace.
- 7 nights: 4–5 nights in Sanur or Nusa Dua, then 2–3 nights in Ubud.
- 10 nights: 5–6 nights in a coastal area, 3–4 nights in Ubud, plus an optional extra stop depending on how much moving around suits your family.
Family travel planning tips
- Avoid over-scheduling — leave pool and rest days between outings.
- Journey times can be much longer than map distances suggest because of traffic.
- Choose accommodation for its location as well as its facilities.
- Check that pools and beaches suit your individual children before booking.
- Ask transfer providers about child restraints where offered or required.
- Arrange travel insurance that covers everyone travelling.
- Plan for sun protection and hydration every day.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bali suitable for a family holiday?
- Yes, for many families. Choosing a suitable area, accommodation with family facilities and a relaxed pace makes the biggest difference.
- Is Sanur or Nusa Dua better for families?
- Neither is universally better. Sanur suits families who want a walkable beach town; Nusa Dua suits families who want large resorts with on-site facilities.
- Which Bali area is best with young children?
- Sanur and Nusa Dua are commonly chosen with young children because of their calmer atmosphere and generally gentler water. Always check conditions on the day.
- Is Ubud suitable for families?
- Yes, particularly as a second base. It offers culture, nature and activities, but has no beach and some areas involve stairs and busy roads.
- How many days should a family spend in Bali?
- Many families find 7–10 nights allows time to settle in, enjoy one or two bases and avoid rushing. Shorter trips work best with a single base.
- Should families pre-book airport transfers in Bali?
- It is generally a good idea, so a driver is waiting on arrival and you can ask about luggage space and child restraints in advance.