Bali with your family : all you need to know

• Capital: Jakarta (Bali: Denpasar)
• Political regime: Presidential democracy
• Official language: Indonesian (Bali Bahasa)
• Currency: Rupiah (Indonesian rupiah – Rps)
• Cost of living: Very cheap
• The best time to travel to Bali: May to October

• With over 13,000 islands, the Indonesian archipelago is the largest one in the world. It is crossed from East to West by an impressive chain of volcanoes. Bali is culturally rich and made up as a huge patchwork of peoples, religions and languages.

• The geographical location of Bali and its international airport make it easily accessible for whoever wants to discover the beauties of the archipelago.
• Although Bali – also known as “The Island of the Gods” – is very popular among tourists, the inhabitants have been able to preserve its authenticity and to keep their traditions alive.

• The sacred is an important part of the island’s magic. Hinduism is practised by 95% of the population. It is characterized by animism and local peculiarities. Several times a day, the inhabitants make offerings in front of their houses, engage in processions and participate in ceremonies. The air is then filled with heady scents of incense.

The north of Bali is an often less-frequented but equally fascinating region, packed with breathtaking scenery and cultural treasures. With its majestic mountains, black sand beaches and refreshing waterfalls, the north of the island offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. It’s here that you’ll find traditional villages, iconic temples and unspoilt nature, ideal for lovers of adventure and tranquillity. We invite you to explore the must-sees of northern Bali, where every corner reveals the unique beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region.

East Bali is a region full of charm and serenity, where spectacular scenery, rich culture and living traditions come together. Less crowded than other parts of the island, it offers an authentic experience away from the crowds. From tranquil beaches and verdant rice paddies to historic temples and picturesque villages, East Bali is full of treasures to discover. Whether you’re an avid diver, a keen hiker or curious about the local crafts, this region promises memorable moments and rewarding encounters. In this article, we invite you to explore the must-see sites in East Bali, where every stop reveals the beauty and diversity of this fascinating island.

Central Bali, with its enchanting landscapes and rich culture, is the beating heart of the island. From rice terraces to majestic temples, this region offers a deep immersion in Balinese tradition and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to bustling craft markets, nature trails or spiritual retreats, Central Bali is packed with activities and sites to explore. In this article, we invite you to discover the must-sees in Central Bali, where every visit promises memorable experiences and an authentic connection with this fascinating island.

South Bali is a treasure trove of captivating attractions, where natural beauty, vibrant culture and varied activities come together. With its sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and lush rice paddies, this part of the island offers a multitude of experiences for all types of traveller. Whether you want to relax on heavenly beaches, explore iconic temples or indulge in exhilarating water activities, South Bali has something for everyone. We invite you to discover the best attractions in South Bali, where every corner reveals a new panorama and every activity promises unforgettable memories.

• Scented rice, spices, vegetables, meat, fish, etc. Balinese cuisine is a real festival of flavours. Most of the island’s inhabitants are Hindu, which is different from the rest of Indonesia (they eat less beef). Balinese cuisine also mixes a lot of Chinese and Indian influences.

• With just € 3, you can already enjoy typical street-food style dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice with meat and vegetables), or small chicken skewer with satay sauce (or « bumbu kacang », peanut sauce). Pineapple, coconut, bananas, guavas and passionfruit are everywhere. Be careful with peppers. Balinese food tends to be very spicy! At the restaurant, we recommend you to specify « not spicy » for your children’s orders.

• In Indonesia, « warung» refers to a restaurant serving local food, or even a grocery store selling local products. With the development of tourism, the meaning of the word has transformed, as it originally designated small wooden shops and food stalls where cheap meals were sold.
• A remarkable fact: the island has a large number of cooking schools. When you visit Ubud in the centre, bring the whole family to the Paon Bali Cooking Class. You will be welcomed into a family atmosphere and have the opportunity to accompany a couple of passionate chefs on the Laplapan market. Afterwards, you and your children will prepare the best local dishes. Itinerary.

• In the locality of Keramas, in the southwest, and close to the Sababay Winery (a lovely wine estate), taste one of the best cuisines of Bali by going to Warong Lelong, a typical and authentic restaurant. Their « nasi campur » (tuna, fried tofu, cucumber, spinach, fermented soy, chicken, corn and spicy sauce), as well as their « ayam betutu » (grilled stuffed chicken, vegetables, tapioca and coconut) are excellent. Itinerary.

• In Seminyak, on the southwest coast, check out Bambu, a fine Balinese-style restaurant. It was the TripAdvisor community’s Travelers’ Choice Laureate in 2018. You can enjoy a relaxing time and exquisite food under a Joglo (a typical Balinese shelter), surrounded by ponds and exotic plants. The staff will take good care of you and cater for your every need (special attention is paid to the level of spiciness in your food and to any intolerance or allergy). Itinerary.

• When you arrive in Bali, it is recommended to stay at least 2 to 3 days in the same place, so that the whole family can rest from the long flight and recover from the jet lag (there is a 6-hour time difference with Brussels).
• The best way to get around the island with your children is to rent a car. We advise you to collaborate with the hotels where you are staying. Villa Sungai, for example, provides its guests with a private car with chauffeur between the Denpasar International Airport (Ngurah Rai) and the hotel. This type of hotel usually contacts trustworthy English-speaking people to help you tour the region.
• Although public transport used to be relatively undeveloped in Bali, there is now a bus company, Kura Kura Bus, which connects the Southern part of the island from Ubud to Seminyak through 5 different routes. The rates are good, and they also provide a taxi service.
• Evidently, as is the case in many Southeast Asian countries, two–wheel engines are most popular with locals and are often the most suitable means of transportation to travel in less accessible parts of the countryside. However, whether by scooter or car, avoid the cities’ traffic between 8 am and 10 am and between 5 pm and 8 pm.

 

• Due to its proximity to the Equator, Bali only has two seasons, which is typical of tropical climates. The dry season, from May to October, is usually preferred by travellers, with a peak attendance in July and December. The rainy season occurs from November to April, with the monsoon in January, especially in the north of the island. Interestingly, in Bali it usually rains during the evening and at night.
• The average temperature is 26 °C. The « island of the gods » really offers an ideal climate almost all year long. The heat is always tolerable, and the coolness is pleasant. Nature lovers and hikers will be happy with the altitude temperatures, which are always a little cooler, ranging between 20 and 25°.
• Despite the nice weather and temperatures, do not forget to protect your skin as the sun shines quite brightly.
• If you have planned a very busy day, you can rise with the sun (always around 6 am) and go to sleep when it sets (around 6 pm).

 

 

• The running water is not drinkable: do like the Balinese, do not taste it.

• The Balinese cuisine is extraordinary, but can contain unpleasant surprises: do not forget to check that the dishes served to your children are not too spicy, as their stomachs are fragile.

• The tropical sun can be very aggressive on your skin. Do not hesitate to use a sunscreen with maximum solar protection (SPF 50+). Hats, sunglasses and anti-UV clothing are also helpful. Here is a more detailed article about this subject.

• You will find travel checklists for babies from 1 day to 3 years olds, toddlers from 3 to 6 years old and children from 6 to 12 years old: pyjamas, toys, band-aids, mosquito-repulsive sprays, swimsuits, armbands and even after-sun lotion… Everything is in there!

• To finish on a helpful note, here are a few basic words and phrases that could help you during your stay on the « island of the gods »:

 

• • Hello (morning) – Selamat pagi
  • Good afternoon – Selamat sore
  • Good evening – Selamat malam
  • Goodbye – Selamat Jalan
  • Please – Minta
  • Thank you – Terima kasih
  • Can I have the bill? – Minta bon?
  • What time is it? – Jam berapa?
  • How much does it cost? – Berapa harganya?
  • No spice please – Tidak cabai silahkan+

• For more information: Bali Tourism Board