Family Fun in Indonesia - 14 Days

Highlights

• Spend the day at Jakarta's most popular recreation park, Ancol Dreamland 
• Discover the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan Temples
• Take a relaxing family bike ride through Bali's villages and rice fields 
• Get covered in mud with Sumatran elephants at Bali Zoo
• See a spectacular kecak fire dance in Uluwatu's clifftop temple

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Free Time to Explore

Welcome to Jakarta, Southeast Asia's largest and most historic city and Indonesia's capital. Situated on the island of Java, this fascinating multicultural center contains an abundance of family-friendly activities as well as plenty of city perks—superb cuisine, fantastic shopping, history and culture museums, and galleries. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the city. Settle in and take the kids to the hotel pool before relaxing for the evening.

If you have the afternoon free, head to KidZania, a family highlight for locals and visitors alike. This indoor center allows kids to try out real-life activities by role-playing. They'll love pretending to be firefighters, shopkeepers, doctors, or dentists and spending their earnings at the shops. With plenty to do, those with tired little legs may even need to call one of the tiny taxis or buses to take them to their next activity. Afterward, head out to one of the fantastic local restaurants—Jakarta is famous for its high-quality, tasty, and cheap multicultural cuisine.

Day 2: Day Out at Ancol Dreamland 

Today brings a trip highlight for the kids—a day at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, commonly known as Ancol Dreamland. Jakarta's most popular recreation park, you'll find traditional rides such as roller coasters, bumper cars, and Ferris wheels. You'll also find a massive, castle-themed play area, a waterpark with a wave pool and waterslides, and a selection of kid-friendly restaurants. However, this is just the start—don't miss the Seaworld aquarium, complete with a 262-foot (80 m) underwater tunnel.

In the event that you still have a few free hours, pop into the nearby zoo, Faunaland, and Dreamland's extensive Art Market. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs directly from the artist—you'll even be able to watch the artisans at work. If you're lucky, you'll also strike some of the open-air theater that regularly occurs here. This astounding array of activities is likely more than enough to fill out your day, but if you want to slow the pace a little, there are several beautiful beaches nearby. 

Day 3: Family Tour of Jakarta's Highlights 

It's time to see more of the city itself, and a highlights tour today is the best way to do it. A trip to Jakarta isn't complete without visiting its historic colonial Dutch city center (you'll find colonial buildings and museums around the old town square) and one or two of its fascinating museums. The National Monument in Freedom Square is also a must-see, with a fascinating National History Museum at the base. Nearby, the main National Museum is packed with fascinating ethnographic exhibits and has a dedicated kids' area.

Experience Indonesia's maritime heritage with a visit to the Pasar Ikan, a 500-year-old fish market and harbor that has functioned as Indonesia's main link to the outside world for a large portion of this time. The kids will love the picturesque tall-masted bugis pinisi (schooners). Finally, head to the Taman Mini Indonesia Inda. This sizable recreational park showcases Indonesia's astonishingly varied cultural heritage—you'll find an absorbing array of architectural styles, costumes, arts and crafts, gardens, and aviaries. This ample outdoor space is complete with rides and play areas, perfect for the kids to scamper around a little while they learn. 

Day 4: Fly to Yogyakarta, Ramayana Ballet Performance & Dinner 

This morning you'll be flying to another of Java's main settlements, Yogyakarta. Known as a center for education and culture, this is the perfect place to discover Javanese traditional arts. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transport you to your downtown accommodation. If you have time to explore, the Keraton Palace is an excellent place to start. Still in use as the Sultan's residence, you can view the Royal Collection, including many artworks and items like royal carriages. The kids will love the live performances, which, depending on the day, include music, dance, and shadow puppet shows.

In the evening, go to the Purawisata amphitheater for a colorful Ramayana Ballet performance. Conveniently located in the central city, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Indonesian cuisines, accompanied by gamelan music before the show. You and the kids will love the spectacle of it all—the brightly-colored costumes, atmospheric staging, and distinctive traditional dance, as you watch the story of Prince Rama's dramatic rescue of his beloved wife, Sita. After the show, return to your accommodation to rest before tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 5: Trip to Candirejo Village, Tour Borobudur Temple

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Explore Indonesian culture today in a fun and interactive way for the kids. After breakfast, your guide will take you to Candirejo, a traditional Javanese village. You'll explore the town by dokar, a horse-drawn cart—a definite draw for the kids. However, the fun doesn't stop there, as the locals will host your family for several hands-on activities. You and the kids can assist in vanilla and chili harvesting, making cassava crackers, and several arts and crafts projects. 

The highlight is the Borobudur stop-off. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, restored after centuries hidden under volcanic ash and overgrown rainforest. Constructed from over two million interlocking blocks of volcanic stone and home to a vast number of sculptures and reliefs, a guided tour is the best way to learn about the history and symbolism of the building in detail. The complex is massive at 10 stories high, and climbing to the top will reward you with magnificent views of the Menoreh Mountains. When you've finished exploring, your driver will return you to your accommodation in the city. 

Day 6: Prambanan Temple Bicycle Tour

This morning, you and the kids will head a short way out of town to a vast Hindu temple compound, Prambanan. You'll begin exploring with a leisurely two-hour bike circuit around the complex. This will enable you to view not just the main temple groupings but also to pass through rural villages and rice fields on the way—feel free to stop for a while and soak up the atmosphere of daily life going on around you. Once hunger calls, head to a local restaurant for lunch.

Next, it's time to explore the temple. Continue on foot or bike, or stop by the museum to get an overview of the layout and board the mini-train that runs through the complex (great if the little ones are tired!). Most visitors will make for the three prominent Prambanan temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, and you certainly don't want to miss these—but make time for Sewu, Bubrah, and Lumbung, where you'll be able to see a fascinating blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural influences. Your driver will take you back to your Yogyakarta accommodation when you're done. 

Day 7: Fly to Ubud, Free Time to Explore

Today, you'll head from Java to Ubud, Bali—a place synonymous with a relaxing, tropical family getaway. Your driver will transport you to the airport after breakfast, and your guide will meet you at Ngurah Rai Airport and transport you to your accommodation. If the family is tired after yesterday's adventures, relax at your hotel and use the pool and massage facilities, taking a stroll through town once you're feeling refreshed. Ubud is small but is packed with things to see and renowned for its great food.

If you're feeling more energetic, head to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to see ancient banyan trees, temples, and over 1,000 entertaining macaque monkeys—bound to be a hit with the kids. Alternatively, take a short trip out of town to the Tegenunga Waterfall. The spectacular scenery makes the perfect backdrop for a few family photos. On your way back out, stop at the smaller, less crowded waterfall and let the kids have a swim or paddle and some homemade ice cream before you head back to town. 

Day 8: Bali Bird Park, Tour Ubud Palace & Markets

Your family's first morning in Ubud gets you up close to the local wildlife at the Bali Bird Park—you'll learn about Southeast Asia's birdlife as you see hundreds of different species. The kids will love the colorful parrots and toucans and be awed by the majestic eagles and owls. There are nine daily shows where you can watch the birds perform, take photos with them, and learn more about their habits. Don't miss the reptile park, where the brave ones among you will be excited to see lizards, snakes, and even crocodiles. Take a break for lunch here before heading on to your next activity.

To get a sense of local history and culture, spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Ubud. Ubud is home to many artists and artisans and is considered to be Bali's cultural heart. Your guide will take you through the side streets and markets, where you'll find authentic souvenirs and handicrafts. The Royal Palace also makes a great stop-off, where you can admire the traditional architecture and gardens while your guide talks you through the region's past and maybe even catch a traditional dance performance. Head out for a delicious dinner in the township before returning to your accommodation. 

Day 9: Ubud Bicycle Tour & Chocolate Making 

Bikes and chocolate spell out a winning combination for today's family outing. Get pedaling on a delicious day out that will see you tour the region around Ubud before heading to the local chocolate factory to give your taste buds a lesson on fresh, organic chocolate. With little traffic on the roads, this is a relaxing way to spend the day with the kids as your guide takes you through Bali's scenic rice fields and villages. Stop and get to know the locals, or sample a few delicious local foods and fruits.

Once you get to the factory, you'll have the opportunity to learn about local organic farming firsthand. You'll see the cocoa pods in their various stages of growth and learn how to harvest them. Once adequately initiated, you'll make your chocolate (and choose your toppings—the kids are bound to have fun with that!). You can take it home with you—if it lasts that long. Once you're back in town, spend the rest of your day relaxing or head out for another walk and some shopping. 

Day 10: Bali Zoo & Elephant Experience, Transfer to Seminyak

Get the kids up bright and early for a day of fun at Bali Zoo. Book in for breakfast with the orangutans before heading off to enjoy the zoo's most famous offering: the Elephant Mud Fun Experience. You and the kids will get close to these gentle giants and learn why they like to play in the mud and what they love to eat. You'll get plenty of opportunities to feed them—and get covered in mud with them! Perfect for the kids, even the adults will enjoy themselves. Once you're all sufficiently muddied up, head to the river and clean up by splashing around with your new friends.

After the experience, you'll have a chance to shower and change before you head to the zoo restaurant for lunch. If time allows, explore a little more of the park afterward. There are plenty of exciting animals, like tigers and crocodiles, but the kids will also enjoy getting close to their more usual petting zoo friends, like deer, horses, and rabbits. The zoo also hosts several entertaining presentations where you and the kids can learn more about its residents.

At the appointed hour, your guide will drive you to Seminyak in South Bali, where you'll spend the rest of your trip. Once you've settled into your accommodation, head to the nearby beach and relax. When the family is done building sandcastles and splashing in the surf, enjoy a leisurely beachside dinner. 

Day 11: Family Tour of Bali

Venture farther into Bali's interior today with a tour designed to introduce you to daily life here. After breakfast, you'll meet your guide and head to a bustling local market. With the help of your guide, you can barter with the locals or just enjoy the bustling energy and scenes of Balinese life. Your guide will also take a little time here to explain the local culture and traditions. Next is a look at the traditional subak methods of rice cultivation—unchanged for centuries—and a trek through lush river-bordered rice fields. 

There'll be plenty of time to stop at a café to grab a coffee and get the kids fueled with a few snacks before you head on to see Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus, an off-the-beaten-path Hindu fertility temple carved imposingly from lava rock overlooking the ocean. Few tourists visit this striking place. Next, you'll head to the Tugu Living Museum to learn more about Bali's rich heritage and artistic traditions. You can dine in style at the restaurant here and make use of the pool for a refreshing swim.

Day 12: Seminyak Beach Day

Today is all about quality family time and relaxing in the picture-perfect surroundings of Seminyak town and its beach. Originally a favorite destination among surfers, the striking white-sand coastline now attracts many tourists. Enjoy splashing with the kids in the clear waters, and let them play in the pristine sands while you relax in the sun. If your kids are older, you can book in for a family surf lesson. Alternatively, head to one of the other southern beaches for a change of scene—Mengiat Beach is a favorite with families for its calm, shallow waters.

When you've had your fill of the sand and surf, spend some time in Seminyak itself. With rows of designer boutiques lining its streets, it's a shopper's paradise. Pop into Seminyak Village Mall for air-conditioned comfort and all the major international brands, or browse one of the markets for a more local flair. Make the most of the trendy cafés nearby. You'll also find plenty of options for fine dining—aim to be seated just before sunset for the perfect dining experience.

Day 13: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner on Jimbaran Beach

Today, you and the family will get to know Uluwatu, one of Bali's highlights. The headland itself is beautiful, with great hiking and family-friendly beaches. If time allows, spend part of the morning at Padang Padang Beach, another family-friendly spot with calm waters—you'll likely even see a few monkeys here. For a bit more luxury, book into Sundays Beach Club—offering watersports, live music, and comfy beachside seating; there'll be plenty to keep each family member happy. 

In the late afternoon, head up to the clifftop Uluwatu Temple. Stick around to see the sunset and watch a kecak fire dance performance—you and the kids will love the spectacle, and there'll be a chance for some family photos with the beautifully costumed dancers at the end. Afterward, your guide will take you to Jimbaran Beach, a quiet spot with fantastic beachside dining (and a playground if the kids are still feeling energetic). Enjoy a delicious dinner of grilled fresh seafood and savor the peaceful seaside evening. 

Day 14: Depart Bali

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