Family Trip to Indonesia: Culture, History & Beaches - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Denpasar, Transfer to Tanah Lot, Sangeh Monkey Forest

Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at the airport in Denpasar, you'll be met by your private driver, who will take you to your hotel near Tanah Lot. Located in the town of Beraban, the town's eponymous sea temple is one of Bali's most important landmarks, an imposing structure perched atop a rock formation just offshore. Once you've checked in at your hotel and your family has had a chance to rest and regroup, you can take a stroll to the temple to get a closer look or do some souvenir shopping at one of the many shops you'll find here. And if the kids are in need of a snack, you'll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Later today, take the kids to say hello to the monkeys at Sangeh Monkey Forest, a preservation area and sanctuary encompassing 15 acres (6 ha) of forest. Walk among the giant nutmeg trees and ancient ruins, and enjoy greetings from the nearly 500 monkeys that call the forest home. The whole family will love watching their antics, and don't be surprised if these curious creatures approach you. While the monkeys are used to visitors and not aggressive, do hold onto your belongings because they're known to be intrigued by interesting objects! 

Day 2: Guided Cultural Tour, Rice Paddies & Tanah Lot Temple

Today's excursion takes your family to the nearby village, through rice paddies, and to the breathtaking sea temple of Tanah Lot, all while focusing on the history and culture of Bali. Meet your guide after breakfast and head out, walking through the village and into the rice paddies, enjoying a gentle stroll through the lush greenery. Along the way, you'll pass traditional Balinese houses, meeting friendly farmers as your guide explains local customs and traditions to you and the kids. 

After touring the rice paddies, you'll arrive at the famous Tanah Lot, a sacred landmark and a true wonder to behold. The area around the temple is said to hold a lot of energy, and there are often religious ceremonies held here with offerings and ritual cleansings. Learn about the history of the temple and its significance in Hindu culture, taking in the intricate workmanship set against the crashing ocean waves. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, reflecting on the beauty of the temple as your family walks along the shore. 

Day 3: Transfer to Munduk, Visit Taman Ayun & Tirta Taman Mumbul Temples

Your next destination is the province of Munduk. After breakfast and hotel check-out, your private driver will pick you up, and you'll make the two-hour drive. Located in northern Bali, Munduk is a quaint jungle village with gorgeous scenery that includes rice terraces, lush forests, and crashing waterfalls. Once you've gotten settled at your accommodations, your family can learn more about Balinese culture with a guided tour of the local temples.

You'll start at the majestic Taman Ayun, a UNESCO-recognized temple built by the ruler of Mengwi Kingdom in 1634. The kids can burn some energy with a stroll around the temple complex, which includes gardens, courtyards, and water features, and your guides will share insight into the traditional architecture displayed here. 

From here, head to Tirta Taman Mumbul, a Hindu temple located in the village of Sangeh. The temple is dedicated to purification, with waters that have the reputation of healing and purifying. This is the perfect opportunity for your family to learn more about the Hindu religion and better understand the spiritual culture of the Balinese. End the day with a drive along Pupuan Road, which takes you past terraced rice fields and dense jungles. Be sure to ask your driver to pull over for some family photo-ops! 

Day 4: Morning Canoe Ride on Lake Beratan, Family Waterfall Trek & Hot Springs

The day starts early with a morning canoe tour along the glistening Lake Beratan. Your guides will collect you from your hotel, and you'll depart for the lake, where, after a safety and equipment briefing, your family set out on a relaxing family paddle. Cruise around the lake, then disembark at Ulun Danu Beratan, a water temple dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers. After a walk around the serene and peaceful grounds, you'll head back to your hotel, where the rest of your day is free. 

For an adventurous afternoon, escape that Balinese heat with a guided hike to the Sekumpul waterfalls. The 1.3-mile (2 km) trail is considered moderate and accessible to most ages and skill levels, although if you have very little ones, you may want to bring a pack or carrier. With your guide, you'll trek through lush vegetation, crossing rice fields and rich greenery, eventually ending at the waterfall, a huge set of twin falls that rise to 260 feet (80 m). You'll have time to relax here, and the kids can take a dip in the cool and refreshing pools. 

On the way back to town, you'll stop at Bajar, a large hot springs complex surrounded by tropical gardens. The hot springs feature a large main pool, children's pool, and shower area, plus an on-site spa and restaurant. These natural thermal waters are said to be incredibly healing, a perfect way to decompress after your morning hike. 

Day 5: Munduk Eco-Café Trek, Plantations & Nature

Head deep into the countryside around Munduk as your family learns about the region's agriculture and one of its most famous exports—coffee. Your driver will transport you from your hotel to meet your guides, and you'll tour the plantations and explore the surrounding landscapes.

See the springs where farmers get water for their crops, stroll through fields of coffee, avocado, vanilla, magnolia, and mandarin, and watch how the farmers work their land. Along the way, you'll be treated to a soundtrack of singing birds and insects, and if you're lucky, you might even spot one of the area's wild civet cats. 

Your local guide will teach you about the four varieties of coffees grown locally (liberica, arabica, robusta, and excelsa), each with its own distinctive flavors and notes. Watch the process of growing, harvesting, processing, and preparing, and the kids might even get to join in the fun with the farmers! Then, sit down to lunch to enjoy a cup of fresh coffee alongside hand-picked produce. 

Day 6: Transfer to Ubud, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Batukaru Temple

This morning, you'll depart Munduk for the city of Ubud. Located in the uplands of Bali, Ubud is renowned for its arts and culture, incredible greenery, and welcoming people. During the scenic 1.5-hour drive, you'll enjoy views of the island's twisting roads, quaint villages, and terraced rice fields.

Along the way, your driver will make a stop at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses more than 740 acres (300 ha) and is famous for its lush rice terraces. These famous rice fields form a natural amphitheater, and you'll be able to see them stretching out for miles, divided by the intricate system of irrigation paths. 

Next, you'll visit the village of Wongaya Gede and Batukaru, a Hindu temple that sits on the volcanic slopes of Mount Batukaru. It was originally built during the 11th century, then restored in the 1950s, and is meant to protect the island of Bali. The kids can stretch their legs here and stroll the grounds while your guides share information on the history of the temple. Continue to Ubud, and after hotel check-in, you can relax for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 7: Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Visit Bali Bird & Reptile Park

Families looking for a little more excitement today can satisfy their adrenaline needs with a guided rafting trip down the Ayung River. Meet your guides and make the drive to the starting point, and after a safety briefing and equipment overview, you'll hop into an inflatable raft for a thrilling river ride! Zoom along rapids, cruise through rainforests, and splash over stunning waterfalls, all while surrounded by the scenery and wildlife of the river. Afterward, you'll be treated to a delicious Indonesian lunch buffet.

This afternoon, visit the Bali Bird and Reptile Park, a fun and educational attraction for the whole family. Two acres (.8 ha) of tropical gardens offer an interesting walk amid nearly 1,000 exotic birds from the Indonesian archipelago and around the world. See the hundreds of different bird species, with some living and roaming freely in the open areas of the park. Don't miss the reptile section, where the kids can see the vast assortment of reptiles and amphibians, including giant Komodo dragons, lizards, geckos, frogs, pythons, and even crocodiles.

Day 8: Free Time in Ubud, VW Cabrio Tour

Your last full day in Ubud is yours to do as you please. You and the family can relax at the hotel, enjoying the pool and other amenities, or take the kids out to see more sights around town. Explore some of the town's boutiques and cafés or visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art, which has exhibits dedicated to the preservation of Balinese art and culture. Stroll through the lively Ubud Market while vendors hawk their wares, and see Ubud Palace, which was once the home of the royal family and features intricately carved walls and doorways. 

If you want to get out and see more of the countryside, take a tour in a vintage VW convertible! You'll start with a walk to Tibumana waterfall, where you and the kids can swim in its refreshing waters, then visit the 11th-century Gunung Kawi or Valley of the Kings Temple. Visit the village of Manukaya, home to Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple sourced from the Pakerisan River, and the village of Tegallalang, which is known for its terraced rice fields. 

Visit the monkeys of Ubud's Monkey Forest and let the kids watch these playful creatures jump across trees and roam freely around the park and temple, then end the day at Gianyar Market for a delicious meal of local street food such as satay (grilled meats), lawar (meat, vegetables, and coconut), and various rice dishes.

Day 9: Speedboat to Gili Air Island

You're off to the island of Gili Air today, part of the Gili Islands, which are located off the northwest coast of Lombok. With coral reefs, palm trees, sea turtles, and no cars, get ready to enter paradise! Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you from Ubud to Padang Bai, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours. There, you'll board a speedboat to make the 2.5-hour ride to Gili Air. From the dock, catch a ride to your hotel via a horse-powered cart—a mode of transport the kids are sure to find fun.

Once you've checked into your accommodations, you can take the kids out to play on the island's white-sand beaches, enjoying the gentle waves and turquoise waters. If you're lucky, you may even come across some turtles swimming near the shore. You can also rent bikes or take a walk around the island—it's small, so it only takes about an hour on bikes or two hours to walk. Relax with a beverage on the beach tonight as your family watches the sun go down, feet in the sand.

Day 10: Gili Archipelago Boat & Snorkeling Trip

See the Gili Islands from a different perspective with an underwater adventure on a snorkeling excursion. In the morning, meet your guide at your hotel and then board a small wooden boat with your captain, who will then take you out to the region's best snorkeling spots. Don your fins and masks, then the whole family can jump in to see the wonders of the underwater world. Swim with colorful tropical fish, say hello to curious turtles, and examine the gorgeous coral and plants of this incredible archipelago. Have lunch on one of the islands, then return to your hotel for the afternoon.

Day 11: Family Excursion to the Islands of Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno

Each of the Gilis has its own character, and today is a chance to explore the other two islands. After breakfast, head down to the port, where you can buy tickets for day trips to either Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan. Gili Meno is considered to be more relaxed, with quiet beaches and fewer amenities, while Gili Trawangan, which is popular among the backpacker crowd, is a lively spot with bars, restaurants, and shopping. 

Once you've decided on the island that suits your family best, it's a quick water taxi ride over, and you can rent bikes to see more of the island, visit a local restaurant for lunch, or just chill in an overwater hammock while the kids run and play on the beach. Catch a boat back to Gili Air this evening and rest up for the continuation of your travels tomorrow.

Day 12: Boat to Sanur, Bats of Goa Lawah, Visit Sukawati Market 

After one last dip in the sea this morning, it's time to catch a fast boat back to Bali, where upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the town of Sanur, a coastal village with long stretches of beach and warm waters. Once you've checked in at your hotel, take the family for a tour of the Goa Lawah temple. The name literally translates to "bat cave," and you'll quickly see why! The main shrine was built into the entrance of a natural cave, inhabited by thousands of bats. 

This evening, take a walk through Sanur's lively Sukawati Market, where you'll find fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs of all kinds. Locals come here daily to sell their wares, and the whole family will be amazed by the variety of handcrafted gifts and the friendly atmosphere. End at the main street of Jalan Danau Tamblingan for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 13: Beaches of Sanur, Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance Show

Make the most of your last day in Indonesia, starting with some beach hopping around the island. Meet with your guide and discover the gorgeous and peaceful sands of Padang Padang, Thomas Beach, Green Bowl, and Pandawa. Each beach has its own beauty, and you'll be free to spend as much time as you'd like at them, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or just letting the kids play along the shore. 

In the evening, take a guided excursion to Uluwatu, a beautiful headland in the south of Bali that's home to the sacred temple of Pura Uluwatu. This cliffside shrine overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers endless views of the sea and countryside. At a nearby amphitheater, you'll watch a sunset kecak fire dance performance, a form of Balinese Hindu dance that tells the story of the abduction of the goddess Sita and the battles that followed. After the performance, you'll be served a delicious beachside seafood dinner before heading back to your hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to Denpasar, Depart 

Your Indonesian family adventure comes to a close today. After breakfast, your private driver will transport you to the airport at Denpasar to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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