Q: "What are the best areas in Bali for families?"

Honestly, it depends on your vibe. Here's a quick breakdown:

Sanur - Super chill. Calm beaches, flat paths for strollers, and a good mix of local life and comfort. Great for littler ones.

Nusa Dua - Think resort bubble. Private beaches, clean, safe, and everything is easy. Perfect if you want comfort and don't mind staying in a resort zone.

Canggu - Trendy cafés and cool vibes. The beaches have stronger waves, so it's more suited to older kids (or surf-loving parents).

Kedungu - A quieter, more laid-back version of Canggu. Horse riding on the beach is a bonus, and it feels less hectic overall.

Ubud - Nature and culture galore! Expect stairs, rice fields, and the occasional monkey. Best for kids who like to explore.

Jimbaran - Calm waters and sunset seafood dinners on the beach. It's relaxed and safe. Uluwatu - Epic ocean views and chilled-out beaches like Padang Padang, but steep beach access and strong waves make it better suited for older kids than toddlers.

Amed - Peaceful seaside village with calm beaches for snorkeling, magical sunsets at Sunset Point, and nearby cultural gems like Tirta Gangga.

Lovina - Relaxed spot, with dolphin watching at sunrise, calm beaches for swimming, hot springs nearby, and chances to explore waterfalls and quiet villages.

Tip: If your kids need space to run without chaos, Sanur, Lovina, Amed or Kedungu is a good place to start. For something more adventurous, Ubud always has something unexpected.

What are the best things to do with kids in Bali?

There's a lot. But here are the tried-and-true family hits: Beach Days - For easy, calm water, head to Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Amed or Lovina. The waves are friendly, and the warungs (local cafés) are perfect for snacks and shade.

Waterparks - Waterbom Bali (Kuta) is bigger and a total blast — plan to spend a full day there.

Animal Encounters - Bali Safari Park in Gianyar is a fave. You get to ride a safari bus and see animals up close. The Ubud Monkey Forest is cool too, but don't bring snacks or shiny things (the monkeys will try to steal them).

Nature & Adventure - Short family hikes like Campuhan Ridge Walk are lovely in the morning. Waterfalls like Tegenungan are splashy fun but bring water shoes.

Culture Fun - Try a Balinese dance show (some are tailored for kids), painting classes, or exploring the rice terraces.

Tip: Check out places that offer combo experiences. Some cafés host workshops or performances too, which makes it easy to mix food + fun.

Favorite Family Attractions

Waterbom Bali (Kuta)

A total classic. Huge slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, and cabanas for chill breaks. Great for all ages. Kuta waterbom-bali.com

Bali Safari & Marine Park (Gianyar)

Hop on a safari bus and see lions, elephants, zebras - it's like being in a real-life wildlife movie. There are also animal shows and a splash area. Gianyar balisafarimarinepark.com

Bali Bird Park (Gianyar)

Over 250 species of birds in lush gardens. Interactive, colorful, and pretty magical for little ones. Gianyar balibirdpark.com

Ubud Monkey Forest

A mystical, jungle-like temple area filled with monkeys (and yes, they're cheeky). Kids love watching them, but don't bring snacks! Ubud monkeyforestubud.com

Bali Treetop Adventure Park (Bedugul)

Zip lines, rope swings, and tree circuits for all ages. Set in the beautiful botanical gardens - a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. Bedugul

Bali Zoo

A more relaxed animal encounter option. Not as big as Safari Park, but still lots of animals, interactive zones, and a splash area. Sukawati, Gianyar bali-zoo.com

Anything we should know about safety or local customs?

Yes - and it's super helpful to be in the know: Traffic is wild. Sidewalks are rare, so always hold your kid's hand and be alert when crossing. Scooters are everywhere. Visiting temples? Yes, kids are welcome! Just make sure everyone wears a sarong (you can borrow one at most temples). Local etiquette matters. Smiles and a simple "Terima kasih" (thank you) go a long way. Stray dogs & monkeys. Don't pet dogs you don't know - even the cute ones. In monkey areas, keep snacks hidden and backpacks zipped. Water safety. Bali tap water isn't drinkable. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and be careful with ice from unknown places.

Tip: Always carry tissues or wipes - not every bathroom has toilet paper. And hand sanitizer comes in handy more often than you'd think.