Bali Round Trip with a Baby – Route, Tips & Highlights

For our parental leave trip with our then 10-month-old daughter, we quickly decided to visit Bali.
The island had already captivated us on a previous visit with its stunning beaches, fascinating culture, and relaxed atmosphere.
Without much hesitation, we decided to spend part of our five-month parental leave trip there.

Staying in just one place wasn’t an option for us.
We wanted to experience the diversity of Bali and that of the neighboring islands Gili Air, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida once again on a round trip—this time with our daughter.

Looking back, we can say with full conviction: it was the absolute best decision!
In this post, we want to share all our experiences traveling with a baby in Bali, our travel route, and our personal highlights.
Ideally, this will also help you with planning your own trip.

OUR ROUND TRIP ROUTE IN BALI & THE NEIGHBORING ISLANDS

For our entire route, we recommend a stay of at least three weeks, ideally even longer.
For those with less time, it’s best to skip either the northern part of the island, including Jatiluwih and Lovina, or the neighboring islands due to the long travel times and greater distances. This way, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the remaining destinations at a relaxed pace.

1. Sidemen

Our accommodation: Sawah Indah Villa
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days

After our arrival at Denpasar Airport, our pre-arranged private driver, Ketut, was already waiting for us.
We can wholeheartedly recommend Ketut – both for families with children and for all other travelers.
He is warm, reliable, and punctual. On top of that, he offers excellent value for money.

For families with young children, Ketut provides a high-quality car seat, which is a major advantage.
Communication is simple and seamless via WhatsApp (Ketut: +6285237767998).
All longer trips to various destinations on the island were handled either by Ketut himself or one of his drivers.

To start our Bali trip on a relaxed note, we spent the first few days in Sidemen.
This small, picturesque village in the east of the island is still a hidden gem, as it’s not one of the usual stops on typical Bali itineraries.

Surrounded by idyllic rice terraces, Sidemen offers a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere—perfect for settling in and leaving the stresses of everyday life behind.
Here, you can experience the authentic Bali, far removed from mass tourism.

For your stay in Sidemen, we can highly recommend the Sawah Indah Villa. This charming hotel is nestled in the middle of rice fields and offers everything needed for a relaxing stay: a large pool with views of lush greenery, tastefully decorated rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious cuisine.
The restaurant is particularly convenient for families with children, as it allows you to enjoy a relaxed evening meal on-site without the need for long trips.
The combination of comfort, location, and service made the Sawah Indah Villa the perfect choice for us in Sidemen.

Here’s a brief overview of the highlights and activities you can explore and enjoy during your stay in Sidemen:

• Yellow Bridge (Jembatan Kuning Tukad Yeh Unda): A picturesque spot perfect for a quick stop and stunning photos.
• Gembleng Waterfall: An impressive waterfall reached after a short but worthwhile hike.
• Sidemen Rice Terraces: Sidemen is renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces. Our favorites:
  ‍- Rice terraces near the Samanvaya Resort
  - Rice terraces on the way to Jagasatru Waterfall: About 15 minutes down the main road to the waterfall, you’ll find a vast rice field on the left – absolutely stunning!
  - Rice terraces on the way to Gembleng Waterfall: The road to the waterfall winds directly through the rice fields.
• Tip: Take a break at Warung Carik Bambu, nestled in the fields, and enjoy a coffee.
• Sidemen Silver Class: Forge your own ring – a creative activity where you can design a unique ring, creating a lasting memory of Sidemen!

Transportation: For longer distances in and around Sidemen, we mostly used a rented scooter, as it provides quick and flexible transportation.
Sidemen is particularly ideal for beginners wanting to try scooter riding: the roads are well-maintained, and traffic is minimal – a stark contrast to busier areas like Canggu or Ubud.
You can find detailed tips and information in our post "Renting a Scooter in Bali - Helpful Tips and Information".
Curious about our experiences riding a scooter with our daughter? Check out our post "Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences".

Sidemen can also be easily explored on foot or with a stroller thanks to the low traffic. However, one should not underestimate the sometimes long distances and the heat.

2. Canggu

Our accommodation: Villa Diola 2
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days

After a relaxing stay in Sidemen, Ketut drove us to Canggu – arguably Bali’s most famous and trendy destination.
Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed in recent years into a hotspot for influencers and digital nomads.
Here, you’ll find trendy smoothie bowls, stylish cafés, upscale boutiques, and surfers (or those aspiring to be). The laid-back vibes give Canggu its unique charm.

It’s no surprise that Canggu acts like a magnet for young travelers. We, too, wanted to see the hype surrounding Bali’s trendiest destination for ourselves.
Our conclusion: we understand why many consider Canggu a must-visit spot.
The cool vibes, hip cafés, and stylish shops definitely have their appeal, and maybe we’ll return one day.
However, with a baby or toddler, we’d prefer to avoid the area.

Canggu is known for its chaotic traffic, which peaks in the afternoon. Sidewalks are narrow, often missing, or blocked by scooters.
Strollers are almost impossible to use, and walking along the busy streets is far from enjoyable. Bali offers many quieter alternatives for families.
Places like Sanur, Uluwatu, Amed, or Lovina provide relaxed atmospheres and family-friendly experiences – perfect destinations for a trip with the whole family.

If you still decide to visit Canggu, here are some tips for activities with a baby or toddler:

• Child-friendly cafés with play areas- Milk & Madu Café
  - Made’s Warung
  - Parklife
  - The Garden Bali
  - Dolan Restaurant & Park
  - Stuja Coffee Bali‍
• Beach visits
  Some beaches in Canggu, such as Batu Bolong Beach, have quieter sections suitable for families. However, caution is advised, as the waves can be very strong.
• Indoor playgrounds in Denpasar
  In cases of extreme heat or bad weather, indoor playgrounds are a great alternative. Although getting to Denpasar requires some patience, the playgrounds provide safe and varied fun:
  - Lalaboo Kids Playground
  - Smiley Playhouse
  - Kidzlandia Living World Denpasar
  - PEEK A BOO REBORN

3. Ubud

Our accommodation: Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud
Recommended stay: 3 to 5 days or longer

After our stay in the lively Canggu, we continued our journey with our driver Ketut and headed to Ubud, about an hour away – a place filled with spirituality and charm.
While Canggu impresses with its hip atmosphere and laid-back surf culture, Ubud enchants visitors with its deep-rooted spirituality and remarkable cultural diversity.

What we experienced and did during our time in Ubud is documented in two posts: "Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights" and "Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips".
Let yourself be inspired!

Accommodation tip: Have you ever dreamed of staying in a luxurious and comfortable airplane – all at a fair price?
In Ubud, you can make this dream come true!
Of course, we couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity and spent an unforgettable night with our daughter in an extraordinary airplane right in the heart of Ubud.
The airplane is fully equipped and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s an experience that will definitely remain unforgettable!

4. Jatiluwih

Our accommodation: Kubu D'ume Homestay
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days

Approximately 40 kilometers from Ubud, far from the hustle and bustle of tourist centers, lies the picturesque highland village of Jatiluwih – our next destination.
For anyone wanting to discover another quiet and authentic side of Bali, Jatiluwih should definitely be on your travel list.

The idyllic village impresses with its expansive, UNESCO-protected rice terraces and a pleasantly mild climate, offering a refreshing change from the oppressive heat of the lower regions. Whether strolling through the rice fields or relaxing amidst nature, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere here, marked by lush greenery, fresh air, and soothing tranquility.

Another advantage: Jatiluwih sees very few tourists, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking landscape in peace and tranquility.

Accommodation tip: We spent one night at the Homestay Kubu D'ume and were thrilled!
This small, cozy accommodation is nestled right in the middle of the rice terraces and beautiful nature.
The friendly owners gave us a tour of their large property upon arrival, explaining various plants and trees along the way.
We even got to try ripe, delicious passion fruits – absolutely delightful!

They also quickly organized a scooter for us, allowing us to explore the surrounding area and the famous Jatiluwih rice terraces on our own.
In the evening and the next morning, they prepared us a super delicious meal.
While there’s no air conditioning, you won’t need it due to the pleasant highland temperatures. A wonderful place to feel at home!

5. Lovina

Our accommodation: Pandawa Village
Recommended stay: 3 to 4 days or longer

The next morning, we continued our journey with Ketut and drove to Lovina, about an hour and a half away.
The drive to our northernmost destination on the trip took us along a very scenic, albeit occasionally bumpy, route through Bali's highlands.

On the way, we stopped at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple beautifully situated on a small island in the lake.
This temple is so iconic that it has even been featured on an Indonesian banknote.
The expansive, well-maintained temple grounds include a lovely children's playground and several restaurants – though they are slightly more expensive – making it a great place to spend some time. We spent about an hour there, soaking in the serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Around noon, we arrived at Pandawa Village and were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff.
This small, charming property impressed us with its spacious, well-maintained gardens, a pool overlooking the rice fields, roomy bungalows, and delicious breakfast.
Looking back, we wish we had spent more time here. An added convenience: the beach was just a short walk away, making this accommodation absolutely perfect.

We share more about our experiences in Lovina in our separate post, "Lovina: Tips for Bali's Paradise in the North".

Transportation: We mostly got around by scooter – the quickest and most flexible way to explore the area.
However, the surroundings near the accommodation can also be easily explored on foot with a stroller.
Thanks to the low traffic on side streets, you can walk along the roadside without constantly worrying about safety.
While the busy main road is less enjoyable, the wide sidewalks make it manageable to navigate with a stroller.
This is a clear difference from places like Canggu or Ubud, where walking with a stroller can be a real challenge.

5. Amed

Our accommodation: Hidden Paradise Cottage
Recommended stay: 3 to 5 days

After a wonderful time in Lovina, we continued our journey to Amed, about two and a half hours away.
We were already familiar with this stunning coastal region from a previous trip, so we knew we wanted to spend a few days there again this time.

Amed, located in the east of Bali, is reminiscent of Lovina in many ways – a peaceful coastal town far removed from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Here, you’ll find not only plenty of tranquility and relaxation but also an impressive underwater world that captivates both divers and snorkelers alike.

What we experienced and saw in Amed and its surroundings is detailed in our post, "Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali".

Transportation: The coastal region of Amed is quite spread out, so we mostly got around by scooter – the easiest, fastest, and most flexible way to explore the area and its hinterland. However, the surroundings near the accommodation can also be easily explored on foot with a stroller.
Thanks to the relatively low traffic, you can walk along the roadside without constantly worrying about safety.

Our Baby Supply Tip: Knowing that there wouldn’t be large stores for baby items in Amed or our next destinations (Gili Air and Nusa Lembongan), we made a stop at Clandy's Mart 3 in Singaraja on our way to Amed. Conveniently located right along the route, the market allowed us to stock up on formula, diapers, and everything else we needed for the coming days.

6. Gili Air

Our accommodation: Vyaana Resort
Recommended stay: 3 to 5 days

We were already familiar with the island of Gili Air from our last trip.
Back then, we were so impressed that we definitely wanted to return – even though traveling there with a baby was a bit more challenging this time.

At the time of our trip, there was no direct boat connection from Amed to the Gili Islands, so our private driver took us to Padang Bai, about 1.5 hours away.
Whether a connection from Amed is available depends on the weather, government permits, and the season – so it’s worth checking in advance.
Alternatively, the port in Sanur is a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling from southern parts of Bali.

The port at Padang Bai can be quite chaotic. A narrow, uncovered jetty leads to the boats, crowded with countless people also waiting for their speedboat.
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Our tip: Book the earliest boat possible to avoid the intense midday heat and direct sun – especially important if you’re traveling with a baby.
Stay relaxed and bring plenty of water, as not all speedboats offer drinks. We booked our tickets through 12.go.com, and in our experience, most providers offer a similar standard.
One important note: although the boats advertise air conditioning, it often barely cools the large interior.
During the journey, windows are often opened for additional airflow, weather permitting, as it can get quite stuffy otherwise.

The seating rows are narrow, no onboard service is provided, and the boats travel at relatively high speeds, making the ride quite bumpy – especially for those prone to seasickness. Additionally, the boats are often delayed and usually take longer than scheduled.

All of this might sound like quite an ordeal, especially with a baby.
But despite the exhausting, long, and stuffy boat ride, one thing was clear to us: we would do it all over again.
Because the Gili Islands – especially Gili Air – remain an absolute dream for us.

What makes Gili Air so special for us and what you can expect on this dreamy island is detailed in our post, "Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise".

Getting around on the Gilis: The small Gili Islands are completely free of cars and motorbikes, so you can only get around on foot, by bicycle, by e-scooter (mostly on Gili Air), or using one of the traditional horse-drawn carriages, known as cidomos.

Since we were on a round trip, we had to bring our stroller to the island.
In the center of the island, it’s still relatively easy to use, but if you want to walk around the island, it’s best done along the beach – which is, of course, much easier without a stroller.
If you have the option to leave your stroller in Bali, you should consider it. Think carefully about whether it’s really practical to bring it to the Gilis.

Our accommodation, the Vyaana Resort Gili Air, provided us with bicycles equipped with child seats free of charge.
We used these most of the time to get around the island comfortably. As a result, the stroller was rarely needed.

7. Nusa Lembongan

Our accommodation: Lembongan Seaview
Recommended stay: 2 to 5 days

With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Gili Air and took a speedboat to the next island. We booked our tickets again through 12.go.com.
Having gained some experience from the journey to Gili Air, we prepared ourselves for the worst for this next leg of the trip.

In our opinion, the port at Gili Air is much more relaxed than Padang Bai.
There are plenty of nearby cafés, which are slightly more expensive but offer shaded seating areas.
From there, you can watch the harbor and the arriving speedboats, making the waiting time much more enjoyable.

As expected, our speedboat was about an hour late.
However, the journey started surprisingly well: the interior was less stuffy than on the way there, there were fewer passengers onboard, and our daughter had finished her bottle before departure, so she fell asleep content and satisfied right away.

Unfortunately, the journey became quite challenging towards the end due to the rough waves.
The windows had to be closed, making the air inside hot and stuffy. To make matters worse, our daughter woke up again.
The low point for us came when she threw up the milk she had previously drunk. It was clear how much the rough waves and the stifling air were affecting her.
But that wasn’t the end of it: the captain ran out of fuel, leaving us drifting on the water for a while.
At least we were able to use this unexpected break to get some fresh air at the back of the boat, which helped our daughter recover a bit from the motion sickness.
After some time, another boat arrived with fuel, and we were finally able to complete the last 30 minutes to Nusa Lembongan, albeit with a significant delay.

It’s important to know that depending on the tides, boats on Nusa Lembongan may not be able to dock directly on the beach, as there is no jetty.
Often, you’ll need to wade through the water to board or disembark.
At low tide, it’s necessary to transfer to a smaller boat that will take you and your luggage to the shore. This process can take some time.

Our verdict on the speedboat ride to and from the Gilis: The internet is full of videos showing rough waves, overcrowded boats, and poor conditions – far from ideal for a boat trip with a baby.
Despite this, we would take this trip again. Although not everything went smoothly during our crossing, we’ve had a very different experience on a previous visit: at that time, apart from a slight delay, the trip was completely hassle-free.
The boat was well air-conditioned, the sea was calm, and there were no unpleasant incidents.
It’s important to keep in mind that every speedboat trip can vary – from relaxed to chaotic.
Good preparation and realistic expectations are essential to make the journey as stress-free as possible.

Why the Nusa Islands are so unique to us and what adventures await you there can be found in our post: "Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands".

Transportation: On the islands, we mostly got around by scooter – the easiest and most flexible way for us to explore everything.
However, many areas can also be discovered on foot with a stroller.
On the quiet side streets with little traffic, you can walk along the roadside without any worries.
While walking along the main road is less pleasant, it’s still manageable with a stroller.

8. Seminyak/ Kuta

Our accommodation: Uma Sapna
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days

After Kuta, Seminyak is one of the most well-known party destinations on the Indonesian island.
It especially attracts young Australians, as the region is just a few hours’ flight from Australia.
For families with children, it’s not necessarily the first choice as a vacation destination.
Additionally, like Canggu, Seminyak is very lively, and the traffic can quickly feel overwhelming and chaotic for tourists.

If we had more time on the island, we probably would have traveled to Uluwatu or Nusa Dua.
These areas offer kilometers of fine sandy beaches and numerous family-friendly, albeit often high-priced, hotels that are perfect for a relaxing beach vacation.
However, with only a few days left on Bali, we decided to make the most of our stay in Seminyak.
Although we were initially a bit skeptical, looking back, we can say that it’s absolutely possible to enjoy time in this vibrant town even with a baby.

We chose a private villa with a pool, located not far from the beach, which provided us with a true oasis of tranquility.
We spent most of the day relaxing in this retreat.
When it felt too monotonous, we set out either on foot or by scooter to explore the bustling activity in Seminyak.

Sights and activities you can explore or do in Seminyak and neighboring Kuta with a baby:

• Walks along the beaches of Seminyak and Kuta: The expansive beaches are perfect for morning or late afternoon strolls – the ideal time to avoid the intense midday sun.
  The fresh sea breeze provides a sense of well-being, while your baby can comfortably join in a stroller or baby carrier.
• Enjoy breathtaking sunsets: The beaches of Seminyak and Kuta are renowned for their spectacular sunsets.
  Take a leisurely stroll or relax in one of the many charming beach bars with a cool drink in hand.
  Meanwhile, your baby can play in the sand or enjoy the gentle evening sun – a moment that’s sure to stay in your memory.
• Indoor playgrounds for little adventurers: If you’re looking for a change of pace or a break from the sun, the indoor playgrounds in Seminyak, Kuta, and Denpasar offer great entertainment for families. Popular options include:
  - Waka Waka Bali
  - Hide 'n' Seek Indoor Playroom
  - Kidsworld
  - Lalaboo Kids Playground & Café
  - Kidzlandia Living World Denpasar
  - PEEK A BOO REBORN
• Pure relaxation: Spa experiences with babysitting services. In Seminyak, there are several spas that offer massages and treatments while qualified babysitters lovingly take care of your child. This allows you to enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Shopping
  If you still have space in your suitcase, a visit to modern shopping malls like Seminyak Village Mall, Discovery Mall Bali, or Beachwalk Shopping Mall in Kuta is worth it.
  The air-conditioned spaces make shopping comfortable even with a baby. You’ll also find changing rooms and family-friendly restaurants there.
  However, if you’re not in the mood for large "western-style" malls and prefer something unique for your home, head to the small shops along the roads towards Denpasar.
  These stores are easily accessible by scooter or Grab. Many of the products here are still handmade and sold at a fraction of the prices you’d pay in the shops in Kuta or Seminyak.
  For souvenirs and authentic gifts, shops like Unagi Handicraft or Krisna Agung Bali Souvenir Shop are excellent options.

Are you planning a round trip through Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Then our following posts might be of interest to you:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands
• Lovina: Tips for Bali's Paradise in the North

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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