Highlights
- Immerse yourselves in Balinese culture in Ubud, the spiritual capital of Bali
- Learn new recipes and kitchen skills in a family-friendly Balinese cooking class
- Spend quality family time relaxing on the beaches of South Bali
- Watch a fire dancing show at the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud | Ubud |
| Day 2 | Monkey Forest & Temples Tour | Ubud |
| Day 3 | Private Family-Friendly Balinese Cooking Class | Ubud |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Sanur, Shopping at Sukawati Market | Sanur |
| Day 5 | Village & Water Palace Tour | Sanur |
| Day 6 | South Bali Beaches Tour, Evening Fire Dance Show | Sanur |
| Day 7 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud
Welcome to Bali! After arriving at the airport in the capital of Denpasar, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Ubud, a town in the mountains. Considered the "spiritual heart of Bali," Ubud is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and jungle. Soak up this verdant landscape and tropical island atmosphere during the first half of your trip, which is based in Ubud.
Depending on your time of arrival, you can take some time to rest and then start exploring Ubud on foot. Look out for the many small temples you can stop at along the way, where local people leave small offerings of flowers at the entrances. If the kids have the energy, you might want to celebrate your first night in Bali with a traditional dance show. The grounds of Ubud's palaces and temples are used as the setting for traditional shows that reenact old Hindu stories and local legends. Little ones are sure to love the colorful costumes, make-up, masks, and exotic music.
Day 2: Monkey Forest & Temples Tour
Learn more about Balinese culture today on a full-day tour from Ubud. Start at Ubud's unmissable Monkey Forest, where you'll get the chance to meet the resident long-tailed macaques. The monkeys live freely in this nature reserve, specifically around the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegai temple. Make sure to keep your belongings close, as these monkeys can be cheeky! Besides watching the entertaining troupes of macaques, you'll enjoy wandering through the forest's lush surroundings, stopping to check out the ornately carved temples.
Next, continue on to a number of beautiful local temples. These will be interesting places for the kids as there are always many statues of Hindu deities and animals, as well as flowers, ponds, and other engaging features. Start with a visit to Goa Gajah, which translates to the "Elephant Cave." This religious sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. If little kids are a bit worried by the intimidating Boma statue at the entrance, reassure them that it's there to scare away evil spirits, not friendly visitors like them!
The next stop is Gunung Kawi, a temple located beside a river and surrounded by rice fields famous for its ancient relics. Continue to Tirta Empul, a Hindu temple in the village of Manukaya. It's dedicated to purification, and its name means "sacred source" in Balinese. The waters of the pools come from the Pakerisan River and are believed to be purifying and magical. Dedicated to the major gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Indra, Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most important temples.
Day 3: Private Family-Friendly Balinese Cooking Class
Balinese cuisine is unique in Indonesia, reflecting influences from other parts of the country, Southeast Asia, and even India. Today everyone in the family will get a chance to make some local specialties firsthand while experiencing Balinese culture in an immersive, family-friendly cooking class. Vegetarian options will be available to suit everyone's needs and tastes.
You'll visit local couple Ayu and Made in their home compound, where multiple generations live in one place. Learn about the most commonly used spices and ingredients for traditional recipes, such as lawar (meat mixed with vegetables), nasi goreng (fried rice), and satay (grilled meat with peanut sauce). Chop vegetables and herbs, grind spices, and see how to cook on an open fire before eating your creations for lunch in Ayu and Made's beautiful garden.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Transfer to Sanur, Shopping at Sukawati Market
No Balinese vacation would be complete without some time on the beach, so today, you'll say goodbye to Ubud and the mountains and head south down the coast to Sanur. You'll be driven there in a private car, and the journey takes about an hour. Check in to your hotel and settle in, perhaps using the pool or taking a walk to the nearby beach.
Later, make a trip to the local Sukawati Market, an exciting place where all ages will find something to keep them entertained. This market is well known among the Balinese, who come to sell all kinds of textiles, baskets, paintings, fruits, and vegetables at low prices amid a friendly atmosphere. Encourage your children to follow the local custom and engage in friendly bargaining if they want to buy something!
Day 5: Village & Water Palace Tour
It's time for some more cultural exploration today, with a tour of some spectacular sites. After a hearty breakfast, start with a visit to the temple of Goa Lawah (Bat Cave.) You won't find any superheroes, but the kids will be fascinated by the sight of hundreds of bats hanging from the cave or flying around.
Continue to the village of Tenganan, on Bali's east coast, which has its own distinct culture. Until recently, it was a secluded village with little access to the outside world. While that's not the case anymore, the people here still live according to a communal property-sharing system, and the layout and architecture of the village are different from what you'll see elsewhere in Bali. Take a walk through the village, meet the villagers, and learn more about this interesting place.
Your next stop is the mid-20th century Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a stunning spot where you can enjoy a peaceful family walk. The highlight is the water garden, with ponds, stepping stones, fountains, and sacred springs. Kids will be delighted to help feed the koi fish that swim in the ponds.Day 6: South Bali Beaches Tour, Evening Fire Dance Show
Spend your last full day in Bali on an unforgettable beach-hopping excursion, during which parents and kids can both relax and enjoy quality time together. Focus on the beautiful beaches of the Bukit Peninsula, such as Padang Padang, Thomas, Green Bowl, and Pandawa. You can spend as long as you like at each beach and visit as many or as few as you choose—let the kids take their pick and then sit back and relax with nothing on the agenda.
After a day of fun in the sun, sea, and sand, finish up at the sea temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The temple is located on a dramatic cliffside, so take a walk around to appreciate the views and keep an eye out for the resident monkeys. After dark, stay for the grand spectacle of a traditional Kecak show at the temple. Around 50 people perform this dramatic Balinese dance that narrates stories from the Hindu epic "The Ramayana." Kids are sure to love the music and costumes, as well as the fiery spectacles that form the main theme of the show.
Day 7: Depart Bali
It's time to say your goodbyes to Bali. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have time to spend the morning on the beach or enjoy a last leisurely meal overlooking the sea. In good time for your flight, your driver will pick you up and drive you to the airport at Denpasar, which isn't too far away. Safe travels!
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