Description
This plan assumes a start time of 8:00 AM and concludes at 8:00 PM. It’s designed to be a circular route to minimize travel time, focusing on the Ubud and surrounding areas, which are rich with family-friendly activities.
Suggested Timing:
- 8:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel (e.g., in Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua). *Pro Tip: Hire a private driver with a comfortable, air-conditioned van for the day. It’s affordable (approx. $40-60 USD for 12 hours) and the most convenient way for a family.*
- Estimated End: 8:00 PM: Drop-off back at your hotel.
Itinerary
- Enjoy the morning views as you drive away from the coast and into the lush green heart of Bali. Your driver can point out interesting sights along the way.
- Activity: Explore the beautiful and ancient forest temple complex inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed Balinese macaques.
- Why for families: Kids are usually fascinated by the monkeys. The paths are well-maintained and the forest is shady and cool.
- Important Tips:
- Follow the rules! Secure all loose items (hats, sunglasses, water bottles). Do not bring in outside food. Do not look the monkeys directly in the eyes.
- You can buy bananas at the entrance to feed them (under guide supervision).
- Activity: Witness one of Bali’s most iconic postcard views. Walk through the stunning, layered green rice paddies.
- Why for families: It’s a great open space for kids to burn off some energy. They can run (carefully!) along the paths. There are also famous Bali Swings here that older kids and adults might enjoy (extra cost).
- Note: There might be small “donation” requests from local farmers for entry. It’s customary to pay a small amount (e.g., 10k IDR per person).
- Suggestion: Teras Padi Cafe right at the Tegallalang rice fields. It offers breathtaking views from its open-air terrace and has a menu with both Indonesian and Western options to please everyone, including picky eaters.
- Activity: Visit one of Bali’s most important and beautiful water temples. While most visitors won’t participate in the full purification ritual, it’s a mesmerizing cultural experience to watch.
- Why for families: The temple grounds are spacious and the spring water pools, filled with giant koi fish, are captivating for all ages. It’s a great, calm cultural stop after lunch.
- Dress Code: Sarongs and sashes are required to enter. You can rent them at the entrance for a small fee.
- Activity: Visit a powerful and easily accessible waterfall. You can view it from the top at the café or walk down the stairs to feel the spray at the bottom.
- Why for families: The energy of the waterfall is exciting. There’s a great swimming area at the base for a refreshing dip (bring a change of clothes/towels!). The path down has stairs, so it’s manageable for most families.
- Alternative for younger kids: If the stairs seem too much, enjoy the view from one of the many pool clubs or cafés at the top (like Omma Bali), where the kids can swim in a pool while you enjoy the waterfall view.
- Suggestion: Enjoy an early dinner at a restaurant on your way back to your hotel. Your driver will have excellent recommendations based on your location.
- Heading to South Bali (Kuta/Seminyak)? Stop at Bebek Tepi Sawah for famous crispy duck in a beautiful garden setting.
- Heading to Sanur/Nusa Dua? Stop at a beachfront warung (eatery) in Sanur for fresh seafood as the sun sets.
- Relax in the car on the drive back, arriving at your hotel around 8:00 PM, perfectly tired after a fantastic day.
Important Family Tips
- Pace Yourselves: This itinerary is full but can be adjusted. Don’t be afraid to skip one spot if the kids are getting tired. The driver is there for you.
- Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, plenty of water, a change of clothes for the kids (especially after the waterfall), and towels.
- Stay Hydrated: Bali is humid. Buy large bottles of water from minimarts and keep them in the car.
- Cash is King: While many places take cards, smaller entry fees, souvenir stalls, and driver tips require Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Driver Tip: It is customary to tip your driver at the end of the day if you are happy with the service. 100,000 – 200,000 IDR is a generous and appreciated gesture.