Bali is one of our fave family-friendly destinations: it’s relatively near, feels like a tropical paradise and is ideal for people of all ages. But when it comes to holidaying with tiny bubs, you can’t beat Nusa Dua.
Looking for a short getaway with the family so you can recharge your batteries? Nusa Dua in Bali has everything at your fingertips and is ideal for littlies. It’s peaceful, has fantastic resorts, gorgeous beaches… what more could you ask for? Located on the south-east shores of Bali, roughly 30 minutes away from Ngurah Rai (aka Denpasar) airport, it’s ideal for experiencing the awesomeness that is Bali but without the more bustling pace of other nearby hotspots. Here, we share the deets on everything you need to know about this hottest of ‘hoods. We give you Nusa Dua with kids…
Where to stay
You’re spoilt for choice with all the beachfront hotels in this area, with many having all the bells and whistles you’d want when travelling with a young family. We stayed at the all-inclusive Club Med Bali and it surpassed all of our expectations: interconnecting deluxe rooms so that the kids could have their own sleeping area, plus helpful touches such as a cot, bottle warmer, potty, baby bath and bub-friendly toiletries. Travelling with two weeny ones can be stressful at the best of times, but not having to worry about food options three times a day, not to mention the on-site kids’ club and brand new Amazing Family program, evening entertainment and huge range of activities, ensured we had an absolute blast.
What to do
What, other than relaxing, you mean? The hotels here have some fabulous kid-friendly activities – we’re talking everything from archery and tennis to paddleboarding and even a circus trapeze school. While we made some awesome memories as a family, our two junior reporters also had heaps of fun in Club Med’s kids’ clubs. And, away from the hotels, if you venture further afield you’re in for a treat. There are boat trips to be had, watersports to partake in and local sights to be enjoyed. We hired bikes and cycled all along the beachfront to Water Blow, a lookout point where you can enjoy nature at its most impressive. Watch as waves crash against the jagged limestone rocks before they’re forced up into an impressive fountain of sea spray – a bit like a wet, splashy volano. Bali’s beaches are renowned too, as are its beach clubs, so you’re spoilt for choice. There’s also the Devdan Show to book tickets to, Puja Mandala (five places of worship, each for a different religion, in the one spot) to walk round and Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park to explore.
Where to eat
Nusa Dua is known more for its resorts than its restaurants so, if you opt for an all-inclusive resort like we did, then you won’t tend to eat out much. Going all-inclusive certainly has its benefits when you’re travelling with little snack monsters. All those snacks, drinks and meals (not to mention the activities to keep the kids happy!) rack up the dollars pretty quickly. However, we made a special trip to the open-air Pirates Bay Bali cafe for a spot of treehouse dining with a Jack Sparrow twist – garrrr, me hearty! Once the kids had finished chowing down (the menu offered Western, Asian and seafood fare), they burned off their grub on the abandoned pirate ship. There’s even an organised treasure hunt (for kids aged 4–12 – it costs extra and needs booking in advance) to really get you in the mood. Also worthy of a mention when in Nusa Dua with kids: Bumbu Bali for its authentic Balinese food in a traditional home setting and Bali Collection, an expansive shopping and dining precinct.
How to get there
Good news: Denpasar is less than three hours away, keeping air travel with kids to a bare minimum. Many low-cost airlines will whisk you there, so rest assured it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Look out for hotel transfers too to make your arrival (and departure, sob) extra smooth.
Want more?
So there you have it – our official guide to Nusa Dua with kids. For all things Bali, don’t forget to check out our sister site, Honeycombers Bali and its fab article on things to do in Bali with children, should your holiday go beyond a short stay.
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