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In the blink of an eye, nine years flew by since my wife and I last visited Bali. Back then, we were captivated by the vibrant local culture, delicious food, and the warmth of its people. So, when a long weekend over Thanksgiving presented itself, we decided it was time to return—this time with the little ones in tow.

Parent-to-Parent Travel Tips for Bali

• Immigration: Check Visa on Arrival requirements (link).
• My Google Map list: Bali 2024.
• Accommodation: Airbnb offers great options for families.
• Transport: Use Grab for rides and food delivery.
• Weather: Carry a small umbrella for surprise rain showers.
• Timing: Check sunset times to plan your evening activities.

Deciding Where to Stay

With five days to explore Bali, the first big decision was choosing where to stay. Should we opt for the bustling vibe of Kuta (which we skipped last time), a serene villa near the beach in South Kuta, or head to the lush greenery of Ubud? Traffic jams in Bali are infamous, and we didn’t want to spend hours stuck in a car.

After chatting with friends who recently visited, their advice was clear:

• South Kuta for beach lovers.
• Ubud for a family-friendly and cultural vibe.
• Avoid Kuta altogether.

We decided to split our time, spending three days in Ubud and two days in South Kuta—getting the best of both worlds.

Day 1: Arrival in Ubud

We landed in the afternoon and headed straight for Ubud. Here are a few tips from our arrival:

• Immigration: Check if you need a Visa on Arrival based on your nationality (details here). I had to pay a fee, but the rest of the family was exempt.
• SIM Card: Grab a SIM at the airport or go for an eSIM. We spent about 400k IDR ($25) for plenty of data for the trip.
• Getting to Ubud: Book a Grab and follow these instructions to find the meeting point.

We stayed at “Villa Rafa” in Ubud, booked through Airbnb. While tucked away, it was easy to locate with Google Maps and our friendly driver. The check-in process was smooth, and the kids immediately jumped into the pool while we ordered dinner via Grab. After a long day, we kept it simple and got some rest for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Zoo Day and Sunset Dinner

Our kids are animal lovers, so we started the day with a visit to Bali Zoo, just 20 minutes from our villa. Highlights included feeding deer, spotting tigers, and watching elephants. However, rain caught us by surprise, making umbrellas a must! After waiting out the downpour near the crocodiles (snacks for the win!), we completed our tour and had lunch overlooking zebras and flamingos.

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After a much-needed nap back at the villa, we headed to Tis Café for dinner with views of the rice fields. Traffic delayed us, but we caught the last glimpse of sunset before darkness fell. The café offered great food, friendly service, and a scenic backdrop. Dinner for four adults and two kids came to around $60.

On the way back, we stopped for ice cream and called it a night.

Day 3: Transition to South Kuta

We checked out of Ubud and took a leisurely drive to South Kuta. While Monkey Forest was on our list, our Grab driver suggested it might not be the best for young kids. Instead, we relaxed at a local coffee shop and stroll around before heading to our next accommodation.

Our South Kuta villa offered breathtaking sea views but was perched atop a cliff, requiring a short drive to Pendawa Beach. The kids were thrilled with the pool, so we spent the day relaxing, playing games, and enjoying a simple dinner.

Day 4: Beach Time and Seafood by Sunset

Our plans for the day evolved as we went along. Originally, we aimed to visit the Turtle Conservation, Balangan Beach, and catch the fire dance at Uluwatu Temple. However, a late start and mixed reviews about the conservation center led us to focus on beach time.

We spent the morning at Sundara Beach Club at Balangan Beach, where the kids played in the sand while we enjoyed coffee and snacks. The facilities—showers and towels—made cleanup a breeze.

For dinner, we met friends at Menega Café, just five minutes away. This beachside seafood spot held sentimental value as my wife and I dined there years ago. The sunset, music, and fresh seafood made it a perfect way to wrap up the day.

Heading Home

Our final day was uneventful but smooth. Here are a few tips:

• Plan to leave your accommodation four hours before your flight (one hour to the airport + three hours before departure).
• Bali’s DPS airport has plenty of food options to keep kids fed and entertained.

Bali once again reminded us why it’s such a magical destination, now even more so as we see it through the eyes of our kids. From zoo visits to beach days and unforgettable meals, this trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Until next time, Bali! ✈️🌴