Getting There

Bali is obviously a popular choice for Aussies as it’s only a 5-6 hour flight from the east coast. It is also a hub for many budget airlines, so it’s worth checking flights from a variety of carriers. Keep in mind that peak tourist season (July-August) and holidays can drive up prices.

We flew Jetstar and booked via Qantas with our points, so the whole trip only cost around $800 in taxes for four people during the Christmas/New Year period.

While there was also a lot of bad publicity around flights to Bali recently, we only experiences a 3-hour delay on departure and no issues when leaving.

Entry Requirements & Airport

Australian citizens can apply for their visa at the airport at a cost of $35 USD per person, or apply for an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance. It’s important to have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration, and to check the most up-to-date information on entry requirements, as they can change.

We also used the TIC Bali service which provides a VIP airport service. It is supposed to get you through the airport process quicker with an express card through customs. We didn’t think it was worth the almost $180 AUD we paid and the line for the “over 60s” that families were being directed to use was moving much faster. Do not recommend it!

Overall, the process through visas, customs, baggage and pickup still took us 2 hours.

We did however pre-book a transfer, I used Jayride, and our driver was waiting with a sign to take us to our villa.

Where To Stay

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Bali, from luxury resorts to budget villas. For families travelling on a budget, it might be worth considering renting a private villa or apartment, which can often be more spacious and cost-effective than multiple hotel rooms.

We stayed in a villa in Seminyak that was really close to loads of our favourite cafes, day clubs and shops. It was nice, but for the premium, we paid for the Christmas period, I wouldn’t recommend it. I gave stayed in better!

There is plenty of great AirBNBs and also some great services like Bali Family villas which can help you find the best villa to suit you.

Where To Eat

Bali is known for its delicious and varied cuisine, which includes a mix of Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian influences. Some popular cafes in Seminyak for where to eat include Sisterfields, Milk & Madu (a family-friendly cafe with a play area for kids), and Espresso Revolver (great coffee). There are also plenty of affordable eating options available, including local restaurants and street food stalls.

These were our favs:

• Sisterfields
• Revolver Espresso
• Ginger Moon
• Ling Ling’s
• Strawberry Fields
• Barbacoa
• Milk & Madu
• Penny Lane
• Bo & Bun
• Sea Circus
• Motel Mexicola

Things to Do

Bali has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax and unwind, go on a cultural tour, or get your adrenaline pumping.

We went to really relax and spend some family time. We enjoyed massages, and a bit of shopping and headed to the day clubs to hang by the pools.

Our favourites and some recommendations we got were were:

• Mrs Sippy
• Potato Head
• Cafe Del Mar
• Splash/Finns
• Ku De Ta*
• The Lawn*
• La Plancha*
• Mari Beach Club*
• Sunday’s Beach Club*

Other Tips

• It’s worth considering purchasing travel insurance before your trip to Bali, as it can provide peace of mind in case of any unexpected events, especially with flights.
• The currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, as not all places accept credit cards. I found I needed cash more than not.
• Bali is a relatively safe destination, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Also be aware of scams, like money exchange.
• The weather in Bali is generally warm and humid year-round, with two main seasons: the dry season (April-October) and the wet season (November-March). It’s worth checking the weather forecast and packing accordingly. We were there in December, and while the forecast said rain, it hardly rained.

I hope these tips are helpful for planning your family trip to Bali! Let me know if you have any other questions.