What to Do in Bali with Kids 11


We’ve visited Bali as a family several times now.  Once to Bali with a toddler, then to Bali for a getaway, back for another Bali family holiday and then in 2016 for a Bali family vacation.

Each time we have visited we have discovered all sorts of things to do in Bali with kids. We have:

So what were we to do in Bali during this years Bali family vacation?

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This year we decide to hire a driver for the day and explore a bit more of the island.  A driver can cost you somewhere between 500 000IDR – 800 000IDR.  We pay 700 000IDR and choose a driver that we have gotten to know where we are staying at the Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites.  Our driver happily takes us to the places we want to visit and does not push us into any unwanted shopping expeditions.

For our day trip to explore more things in Bali we pack in our day bags: water, snacks, sunscreen, hats and camera.  Our driver collects us at 9am and we head off up into the mountains.

What We Found to Do in Bali

Ubud Artists

Our first stop is in Ubud which apart from being made famous by the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love is also home to many artists.  You will find all sorts of wares to purchase from paintings, to intricate wood carvings, beautiful silver wares and shimmering blown glass.

We stop at Dewa Putu Toris a studio of artist painting.  Upon entering we see a couple of artists in the process of creating their next masterpiece.

What to do in Bali ? see Ubud artists

Once we start to wander further into the ornate building there are thousands of paintings to view (and purchase).  Pretty sceneries of Bali, abstracts, nudes and traditional Balinese arts.  There is so much choice.  The sales rep followers us throughout the gallery never once pressuring us to buy – it feels more as if she is there just to ensure the paintings aren’t touched or take photos of the artwork, than to take make a sale.

things to do in Bali - Ubud artists

Dewa Putu Toris – Studio of Artist Painting

Tegenungan Waterfall

Our next stop is a popular tourist attraction the Tegenungan Waterfall.  There are also plenty more waterfalls around Bali to explore.  It costs us a tiny 10 000IDR each to enter the grounds of the waterfall.  The views looking across to the waterfall from the top of the small ravine are pretty but it is well worth walking down the steep steps to fully appreciate the 15m high waterfall from the ground.

what to do in Bali? see waterfalls

Tegenungan Waterfalls

If you want, pack your swimmers to take a dip in the pool of water at the bottom of the falls.  Remember:

it’s OK to be sexy but no naked

what to do in Bali? see the waterfalls

The steps to the waterfall are a little precarious so be careful.  Whilst we were there tradesmen were building new steps and walkways that will stretch a little further along the river.

what to do in Bali - walk down to bottom of waterfalls

Kemenuh Butterfly Park

A few minutes drive away from the waterfall is the Kemenuh Butterfly Park.  Included in the 100 000IDR/adult and 50 000IDR entrance fee is a refreshingly cool cordial welcome drink.

Having previously visited the Penang Butterfly Farm we found this butterfly park a bit of a disappointment – it just doesn’t quite compare.  Yet we still enjoy a short stroll through the netted lush tropical gardens with pretty colourful butterflies fluttering about.

The highlight of this butterfly park is the breeding (pupa/chrysalis) enclosure with hundreds of cocoons hanging along the trellis and the large mottled brown butterflies – which you even get to hold.

what to do in Bali? see the butterfly park

In the pupa/chrysalis enclosure

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

“You’ll get a sarong at the entrance,” our driver calls to us as we exit the car at our next stop.  This plays in my mind constantly as we walk past a myriad of stalls selling souvenirs and sarongs.  Each owner chants the same message, “you need a sarong to enter the temple, buy my sarong”.  But I hold fast to the driver’s words for the next 500m.

Finally, we reach the entrance to the Goa Gajah Temple also known as Elephant Cave that dates back to the 9th century.  We pay the small entrance cost of 15000/adult 7500/child and over to the side are the free orange sarongs included with the ticket.

Our tickets are checked and we descend down the steps into the temple surrounded by the tropical forest.

what to do in Bali? see elephant cave

Looking down into the temple

We easily find the googly eyes and gaping wide mouth carved into the stone wall at the front of the cave.  Inside the cave, it forks into two chambers.  The one to the left has the elephant shrine to which Hindu people pray.

what to do in Bali? see elephant cave

Elephant Shrine in Elephant Cave

Back outside we pass the ornate bathing place that was excavated in the 1950’s, fish are now swimming in the pools.

what to do in Bali? see Goa Gajah

The bathing temple

There are several walking trails to explore the tropical gardens and find hidden temples where you can be blessed.  Whilst there are a number of tourists wandering the temple grounds it still feels tranquil and calm as we meander through the colourful foliage.

things to do in Bali - visit goa gajah

Walking trails in Goa Gajah

Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Water Temple)

At the next temple Tirta Empul we are not hounded upon entering the temple grounds, easily making our way to the ticket counter to pay 15000/adult 7500/child, then a similar amount to borrow a sarong.

The Holy Springs bathing area is the first temple you come across.  Many tourists join the locals in the ritual of walking under each fountain one by one, from left to right to be cleansed.

what to do in Bali? visit holy springs temple

Holy Springs Temple

We admire the intricate stone carvings that adorn the grounds of Tirta Empul.

We follow the signs to the exit which guides us into a labyrinth of stalls selling yet more Balinese souvenirs and sarongs.  The maze of stalls is endless.  With each corner, we turn there is another alley of shops.  We laugh and comment “it is like being in Ikea” you do not miss one product for sale.

Eventually, we escape making our way back to the car.

Desa Pekraman Tegallalang (Terraced Rice Fields)

After a winding drive, we arrive at the very crowded road overlooking the famous Desa Pekraman Tegallalang more commonly known as the Terraced Rice Fields.  Not far from the main road is a small booth where we pay 10 000/adult (children are free).

It takes a little bit to find the right entrance point down into the rice terraces.  There are many cafe’s along the ridge overlooking the terraces with their own entrance gates.  After a couple of tries, we find the inconspicuous cement archway leading deep down to the river below.

We cross the rickety wooden bridge and then begin to make our way back up the other side of the valley.  We pass a family coming back down who advise not to go that way as you have to pay more.  So we try the other way, we come across a landowner who asks for more money to help pay for the upkeep of the paths.  I don’t think that’s where the money goes as the steps, bridges, and handrails are all a bit treacherous, but I’m sure she needs the money to feed the family.

What to do in Bali? Walk the rice terraces

Looking around us we can see that it will be a good two hours of gingerly making our way up and down the rice terraces.   After a day filled with stair climbing – first down to the bottom of the Teganungan Waterfall, descending into Goa Gajah, coupled with the lengthy walks around Dewa Putu Toris artist studio, the Kemenuh Butterfly Park and Tirta Empul we feel as though we have had a full day exploring Bali, we opt to give this walk a miss.

Gazing out across Desa Pekraman Tegallalang we reflect on all the wonderful things there are to see in Bali.

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What You Need to Know

Exchange rate:

10 000IDR = $1.01AUD

10 000IDR = $0.74USD

Dress Code:

You will need a sarong or long pants to enter the temples.

Take swimmers if you wish to swim at the waterfalls.

Location:

The temples and sites mentioned in this post are all near the town of Ubud

DISCLOSURE:


About Sally-Ann Brown

I am Sally-Ann the author of Toddlers on Tour. I am a wife and mother who has always had a passion for travel. I love sharing my experiences and lessons learned to help you have a better family holiday or day trip. Read "All About Me" under the "Home" tab to discover my story and what lead me to here.

11 thoughts on “What to Do in Bali with Kids

  • Kreete

    Great information about places to visit near Udbud! I am going to Bali end of March and planning to stay near Udbud myself. I would love to explore the rice terraces and I have heard going first thing early in the morning is the best way to get to enjoy it. I will be diving into more of your posts about Bali now ha! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Makes life so much easier 🙂

  • Ruth

    I am amazed at all the beautiful places you found on that trip. The waterfall and the rice terraces are so beautiful. I would not mind taking a dip there. The butterfly park would be a must for me. #TheWeeklyPostcard

  • Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    I bet you were thankful that driver gave you that tip when visiting the Elephant Cave. I think my family would enjoy the waterfall, and I would want to see the rice terraces. Those bathing temples look like they were the inspiration for a spa resort I visited in Malaysia.

  • Angelica

    Great post! I think it’s wonderful that you travel internationally with the whole fam. It’s so enriching, and I have a lot of respect for parents who give their children the opportunity to have a diverse range of experiences growing up.

    Those butterflies are so pretty! Your post makes me want to go back and see how Bali has changed since I was a kid. If I do, I definitely have to visit the places you mentioned.

    • Sally-Ann Brown Post author

      I think it’s really important for children to learn that there are other cultures and that everyone is different and that’s OK. Travel is the best way to teach your kids that concept Angelica.

      • Angelica

        You’re so right. It’s one thing to learn about different cultures in school, but the kids who get to see those countries and experience the culture for themselves understand them on a whole new level. Plus, your son always looks like he’s having a blast!

  • Dilra Tours

    Really amazed with the post ..thanks for sharing Bali is always in my bucket list. Seems like a traditional country…the views are so unique and mesmerizing…this post urging me to bring Bali top of my list.

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