Our 7-Day Family Trip to Bali with a Toddler

Bali had long been on our wishlist, and we finally made it happen! We spent a week exploring the beautiful island with our 2-year-old daughter, blending serene beaches, cultural hotspots, and lush green landscapes. If you're planning a trip to Bali with family—especially with young kids—this itinerary might just help you plan better.

Before You Travel: Understanding Bali's Terrain

Bali has a diverse landscape and it's important to divide your stay accordingly:

• North & Central Bali: Hilly regions like Ubud offer forested areas, waterfalls, temples, and the famous Bali swings
• South Bali: Beach destinations like Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Canggu are perfect for sunsets, water sports, and luxury resorts
• Islands like Nusa Penida are accessible only by boat/cruise and not ideal for very young kids

An ideal trip involves a mix of both—so we chose 3 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Nusa Dua.

Travel from Bangalore to Bali

We decided to take a red-eye flight from Bangalore to Bali, hoping to make the journey smoother for our 2-year-old daughter. We booked the IndiGo flight departing at 12:50 AM—a 6.5 to 7-hour journey. We planned to reach the airport well in advance. This gave us enough time to feed our daughter her dinner at her regular time and ensured she went to sleep as per her regular routine. We carried a compact stroller, which proved invaluable—she fell asleep in it just around her usual bedtime while we waited to board. Once onboard, we set up a small inflatable bed that we’d packed just for this purpose, ensuring she had a cozy space to sleep during the flight. 

Day 1: Arrival in Bali – Off to Ubud!

Morning
We landed at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) early in the morning. After grabbing a light bite from the airport’s quick-service outlets, we took a pre-booked cab to The Sankara Resort, Ubud (about a 30-35 min drive). The resort was perfect—our room had a private pool and a kitchenette, which helped with toddler meals!

Afternoon
We had lunch at the resort. My daughter enjoyed fresh fruit juice, rice (though it was Jasmine rice), and a bit of cake. We all took a nap to recover from the flight and adjust to the time zone.

Evening
We explored Ubud Market, followed by a cultural Kecak & Fire Dance show based on the Ramayana at Pura Taman Saraswati Temple. Ended the evening with ice cream at Tukies Coconut Shop—a must-try!

Dinner was at Tandoor Indian Restaurant in the market—simple and kid-friendly. Our daughter finally ate something substantial: samosa and rice.

 

 

Day 2: Temples, Swings & Waterfalls

Morning
We had a peaceful breakfast by our private pool. Our daughter ate buttered bread, banana, and some cornflakes. We hired a private taxi for the day (approx. INR 3000) using the Grab app.

Afternoon
We visited the famous Bali Swing—great photo ops and a thrilling experience for both parents and kids (yes, some swings are toddler-friendly!). Next, we toured a local coffee plantation, sampled 10+ types of coffee/tea, and learned about Luwak coffee.

We also stopped by Pura Puseh Ubud, then returned to the resort for a short nap.

Evening
We headed to Tegenungan Waterfall, where I even took a dip. We then relaxed at Omma Day Club—a great place with good music, food, and a view. Had an early dinner and called it a night.

Day 3: Move to Nusa Dua – Hello, Beaches!

Morning
After a late breakfast, we packed up and left for Nusa Dua (about 1.5–2 hour drive). We checked into Merusaka, Nusa Dua, a lovely beachfront resort.

Afternoon
We ordered room service—chickpea curry and rice. Sadly, our daughter again refused Jasmine rice.

Evening
We enjoyed a relaxing sunset at the private beach. Light snacks and drinks in hand, watching the sky change colors was magical. For dinner, we visited Ganesha Indian Restaurant (at the Ayodya Resort nearby), where our daughter finally had a hearty meal—idli, sambhar, and basmati rice.

Day 4: Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan (Not-so-Kid-Friendly)

Early Morning
We skipped hotel breakfast and left early for a Bali cruise to Nusa Lembongan. The ride included water activities like a banana boat ride and snorkeling.

Afternoon
Lunch was at the island—very limited vegetarian and kid-friendly options. Our daughter ended up eating chips.

Evening
We returned tired and sunburnt. Had an early dinner again at Ganesha Restaurant and slept early.

💡 In hindsight, we wouldn’t recommend the Nusa Lembongan cruise for toddlers. The AC was inconsistent, food options were poor, and it disrupted our daughter’s sleep.

Day 5: Uluwatu & Sunset at Jimbaran

Morning
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we hired a cab to Uluwatu Temple.

Afternoon
Lunch was at Annapurna Indian Restaurant near Uluwatu. Our daughter ate chapati, rajma, and rice—finally a satisfying meal.

Evening
We ended the day watching a breathtaking sunset at Jimbaran Beach, with snacks and wine in hand. Later, we shopped at Krishna Ole Ole, a local favorite for souvenirs—budget-friendly and hassle-free.

Day 6: Cultural Park & Winding Down

Morning
Slow start, breakfast at the resort.

Afternoon
Visited Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. While the statue is impressive, it involved a lot of walking and wasn't toddler-friendly. Our daughter mostly snacked on packed foods.

Evening
Returned early to rest and pack. Dinner at the hotel.

❌ Would skip GWK next time—it’s just a large statue with long walking distances and not very engaging for little ones.

Day 7: Goodbye, Bali

Checked out in the morning and headed to the airport.
It was a week filled with memories, a few hiccups, and a lot of firsts—for all of us.

What Worked Well

• Bali Swings – There are kid-friendly swings too! Parents can take turns while the other relaxes with coffee or a drink.
• Indian Food – Tons of options across budgets. Ganesha stood out for quality and authenticity.
• Temples & Markets – Great exposure to local culture, enjoyable for all ages.
• Shopping at Krishna Ole Ole – Fixed price, great quality, and no bargaining drama.

What Didn't Work

• Nusa Lembongan Cruise – Poor food, disrupted sleep, too early, and AC issues.
• Balinese/Western Restaurants – Very few vegetarian options, and most served Jasmine rice, which our daughter refused.
• Garuda Wisnu Kencana – Underwhelming and not worth the long walk with a toddler.
• Missed Monkey Forest & Safari – Regret not including them; friends said their kids loved these spots.

Packing Tips for Kids

• Light cotton clothes for beach & day trips
• Full sleeves or a light jacket for Ubud’s cooler evenings
• Snacks, instant food, cutlery, and a water bottle
• Sunblock, swimwear, and mosquito repellent

Other Useful Tips

• Carry local currency in cash—most vendors don’t accept cards, even at the airport.
• Use Grab for local taxis—convenient and economical.
• Pack kid-friendly snacks—you may not find many toddler-appropriate foods everywhere.