Family travel in Indonesia has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our family adventures, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From managing long flights to dealing with hot weather and busy streets, we’ve learned a lot along the way.
Planning and Booking: The Key to a Smooth Start
Before we even set foot in Indonesia, we knew that careful planning was essential. With young children, convenience and comfort are king.
Tip 1: Book Family-Friendly Accommodations
We stayed at the Padma Resort Legian, Bali, which was perfect for families. They offer spacious suites, kiddie pools, and a kids’ club. The staff was super friendly and willing to prepare children’s meals and provide cots. Look for resorts with pools, easy beach access, and on-site dining options—I cannot emphasize enough how much this reduces stress with little ones.
Tip 2: Choose Flights Wisely
We booked overnight flights with a stopover in Singapore, which helped our kids sleep through a big chunk of the travel. Bring plenty of snacks, toys, and a familiar blanket or stuffed animal. Remember, patience is key, and it’s okay if your kids don’t sleep perfectly.
Lesson Learned: Avoid overly long direct flights or early morning departures. Comfort and timing make a huge difference.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities: Fun Under the Sun (and Some Precautions)
Indonesia’s beaches are gorgeous and family-friendly if you pick the right spots.
Favorite Beach: Sanur Beach, Bali
Sanur is calm, shallow, and has a laid-back vibe. The sands are soft, and the water is relatively gentle—ideal for little ones to splash around. The beachfront cafes are perfect for a quick snack or juice break. We loved that there’s good shade available and plenty of clean bathrooms nearby.
Other Great Outdoor Spots:
Gili Islands: Perfect for snorkeling with kids. The calm, clear waters are great for beginner snorkelers. We rented gear from local shops and found that wearing life jackets made everyone feel secure.
Bali Treetops Adventure in Ubud: Great for slightly older kids (ages 4+), with treetop walks and zip lines. Our kids loved the jungle canopy experience, but keep an eye out for safety briefings and age restrictions.
Lesson Learned: Always bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The sun can be intense, even in the shade, and dehydration sneaks up quickly.
What to Avoid: Avoid beaches with strong currents or crowded, noisy spots that could overwhelm little ones. Also, steer clear of unprotected rocky areas or beaches without lifeguards.
Cultural and Indoor Activities: When the Heat Gets Too Much
Indonesia is rich in culture and has many indoor attractions perfect for cooling off.
Top Pick: Bali Safari and Marine Park
This safari park is a hit with kids. You can do a drive-through and walk around, seeing lions, elephants, and orangutans. The well-maintained paths and shaded areas made it manageable in the heat. Plus, there are shows and animal encounters suitable for young children.
Another Favorite: Ubud Palace and Market
While the market can be crowded, the outdoor space around Ubud Palace is lovely for a quick stroll, and the cultural performances in the evenings are lively and family-friendly. We found that booking tickets in advance helped us avoid long lines.
Indoors Option: Kids’ Museums in Jakarta
If you’re visiting Jakarta, check out the Jakarta Aquarium & Safari. It’s interactive and educational, with touch tanks and mini-zoos—great for a rainy day or when you need a break from the heat.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes, it’s best to plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day (10 am–3 pm). Bring hats and umbrellas for outdoor excursions.
Transportation: Navigating the Traffic and Getting Around
Transportation during your family travel in Indonesia can be tricky, especially with young kids. Traffic jams are common, and not all roads are stroller-friendly.
Tip 1: Use Private Drivers or Apps
We relied heavily on Grab (similar to Uber) in Bali and Jakarta. It’s affordable, reliable, and safer than hailing unlicensed taxis. Make sure to have your destination address written in local language or show the driver on your phone.
Tip 2: Rent a Car with a Driver
For day trips, hiring a driver was invaluable. Our driver in Bali took us to waterfalls, rice terraces, and temples—he knew the best routes to avoid traffic and was great with kids. Plus, it’s much less stressful than navigating busy roads with little ones.
Lesson Learned: Avoid trying to drive yourself in Jakarta or Bali unless you’re very confident in local traffic patterns. Traffic jams can turn a short trip into hours of frustration.
What to Avoid: Don’t rely on public buses with kids—crowded, confusing, and unpredictable. Also, avoid walking long distances in busy streets with strollers or babies—use a carrier or car seat when possible.
Food and Dining: Keeping Kids Happy and Well-Fed
Food in Indonesia is delicious but can be spicy or unfamiliar for young palates.
Family-Friendly Restaurants:
- Bali Bala in Ubud is great for Western and Indonesian dishes, and they’re very accommodating for kids.
- Sea Circus in Seminyak offers a relaxed vibe with good kids’ menus and outdoor seating.
- Kantin All You Can Eat in Jakarta has a variety of Asian dishes, and the kids loved trying different flavors.
Tips for Feeding Kids:
Bring familiar snacks from home for emergencies. Most restaurants can prepare simple dishes like rice, noodles, or grilled chicken to suit young tastes. For breakfast, look for cafes with smoothie bowls, fruit platters, and pancakes.
Lesson Learned: Spicy food can be overwhelming for little ones. Don’t hesitate to ask for milder versions or extra rice to tone down the spice.
Tips and Lessons Learned for Smooth Family Travel
- Pack smart: Bring reusable water bottles, sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothes. A small first aid kit is always handy.
- Stay flexible: Kids can have off days. Allow downtime and don’t over-schedule.
- Safety first: Always supervise near water, and keep an eye on little ones in crowded places.
- Learn some local phrases: A few words in Bahasa Indonesia, like “Tolong” (please) and “Terima kasih” (thank you), go a long way.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples and be mindful of local traditions.
Final Thoughts
Family travel in Indonesia can be a wonderful adventure. But do your prep work!. The key is choosing family-friendly spots, planning around the heat, and pacing your days. The warm smiles, beautiful landscapes, and cultural richness will make it all worth it.
Happy exploring!
