Who wouldn’t want to visit the Island of the Gods? With its tropical beaches, those famous rice terraces, the chilled-out atmosphere and lush volcanic scenery, Bali has been on my wishlist for a while. But as the island grows ever more popular, I want the paradise without the crowds for a family holiday – finding off the beaten track Bali with kids.
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And while discovering less touristy Bali takes some more work, with millions coming to the island every year, it’s worth hunting out Bali’s hidden gems – or at least the more secret of Bali’s secret spots, as there are few places on the island that can claim to be totally undiscovered.
So venture away from the most popular areas in the south, such as Kuta and Seminyak, along with Ubud, and you could just find some of the best places to go in Bali as a family. It’s now easier to reach too, as you can fly direct to Bali from the UK.
Munduk
If your family is looking for some adventure, this is one of the best places to visit in Bali with the chance to go hiking, visit waterfalls and explore rice fields.
Start your exploring at Lake Buyan, one of the twin lakes near Munduk: packed with little cafes, all with their own fabulous views out across the water, you can also snap some amazing photos at the Wanagiri swing.
You’ll find queues here for the perfect Instagrammable pic, but it’s still hard to beat the thought of sitting on a swing suspended above the water – although there are bamboo platforms and giant birds’ nests too if that’s a bit too nerve-racking.
At the second stretch of water, the Tamblingan Lake, you can discover one of Bali’s most beautiful temples – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, right on the waterfront with the mountains behind. Or head to the Banyumala Twin Waterfall and Munduk Waterfall, both a drive away from each other.
The hills are also filled with coffee plantations for a reviving drink before you trek off into the hills and to see the rice paddies, a splash of bright green against the mountains.
Nusa Penida
Just 30 minutes from Bali by fast boat – and next to the much better-known Nusa Lembongan – it’s still less developed. And as Nusa Penida is also much larger than its neighbour, around 25 times as big, there’s more chance of finding a quiet spot too.
With Hindu temples and some beautiful cliffs towering above the lagoons, it’s a great option to mix culture with chilling out entirely on some of the quiet beaches and soaking up the scenery.
It’s also perfect for snorkelling: off the white sands of Crystal Bay there are unspoiled coral reefs, rays and sunfish to spot – and the chance to dive as well for older kids.
Don’t miss the Balinese Hindu temple of Goa Giri Putri, set in a limestone cave, as well as the temple complex of Pura Penataran Ped in the north. Or for something different to do in Bali, try a temple visit with a twist; kids will love the shrines at Pura Paluang temple in the south-west… which look like cars.
Lovina
On the northern coast of Bali, the quieter stretch of sand at Lovina is ideal if you’re looking for the best beaches in Bali with kids – a reef protects the beach here for gentle surf that’s great to paddle in but you’re not entirely in the middle of nowhere.
Lovina itself is made up of several villages on the coast – including Kaliasem, Anturan and Tukad Mungg – but with most around Kalibukbuk. It’s also just a short drive from the second largest town Singaraja if you’re looking for more museums and temples, as well as the authentic feel of Denpasar on a smaller scale.
But the biggest attractions here are to be found by the sea. As well as boat trips to see dolphins which live off the north coast, it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset as locals prepare their traditional outrigger canoes for fishing at night.
As the sky glows redder and lights start to blink against the darkening sky, you’ll feel miles away from any stress.
Gunung Batukaru
Not a secret exactly, the Gunung Batukaru region is popular for Bali day trips – but as you’re a little way from the main towns and biggest tourist areas, it’s a good way to escape some of the busiest stretches of the tourist trail and discover things to do in Bali to introduce kids to the local culture.
The area is best known for one of the island’s largest stretches of rice fields, the World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih – with more space to spread out than the most popular rice terraces at Tegallalang, there’s still enough to occupy you, with different length trails depending how much exploring your kids fancy in the Balinese sun.
The area is also home to Pura Luhur Batukaru, a Hindu temple in the jungle at the foot of Mount Batukaru – Bali’s second highest peak. Cool and shady, the natural springs, lake and misty temple buildings feel a world away from the busy beach resorts.
Medewi
Got a surf-mad kid and wondering where to go in Bali? Look no further than Medewi, home to the longest waves in Bali as well as the emerald green rice villages and laid-back little villages which most visitors picture in their minds before they visit.
More popular than it was even a few years ago, it’s still quieter than Canggu (and Kuta) down the coast. The gentler surf is ideal with younger surfers and there are surf schools for those who want to learn too – although it’s still best to head out earlier in the day than later, before visiting groups head up the coast to this lovely spot for the day.
Padangbai
Peaceful Padangbai is probably best known as being the spot where you take ferries to Lombok from Bali, but away from the less picturesque port and town, there are lovely white sand beaches for one of the best places to visit in Bali for a chilled out beach break – plus more diving.
Head out to the reefs to spy the marine life, or if you prefer to snorkel, head to Blue Lagoon with its little stretch of white sand – you can walk out from the beach, or boats run five minutes out to the dive sites.
Or venture through the jungle path to Bias Tugel beach, where you’ll find loungers, warungs for food and beach umbrellas as you relax by the sea.
Tulamben
If you love discovering some of the secrets of the deep, Tulamben is ideal – not far offshore lies the wreck of the Liberty.
The US cargo ship is one of Bali’s best dive sites and has helped turn the area into a popular dive centre – if you prefer not to dive, you can snorkel around the wreck and reefs too as the water (and clear) is shallow enough, ideal if your kids aren’t quite old enough to scuba yet.
PIN FOR LATER: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK BALI
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