Best of Bali Travel Tips By LUXE City Guides

Bali’s original nightlife spot, cool Ku is nirvana for the knee-highs on Sundays, when the slick, beachfront spot is transformed with circus tents, balloons, bouncy-castle, paddling pool, and arts and crafts. There are stacks of different foods to please everyone, plus lots of lovely staff on hand to help watch junior while you take a load off.

Ku De Ta, JL Kayu Aya 9, Seminyak, Bali, +62 361 736 969, www.kudeta.net.

This four-floored, rustic cantina is an Ubud institution, and the best place in the hills to experience local flavour. Sample Balinese dishes that Murni first began cooking for her guests in 1974, or for fussy eaters there’s also an extensive menu of Chinese and international bites. Kids will love Murni’s milkshakes, plus her collection of curious keepsakes will ensure they are amused for hours.

Murni’s Warung, JL Campuan, Ubud, Bali, +62 361 975 233, www.murnis.com.

It’s a Mad Hatter’s tea party, with silver cake stands brimming with scones, pastries, sandwiches and cupcakes, plus a wide variety of local and imported tea blends for Mum and Dad to enjoy.  With everything served up in a 150-year old Javanese Joglo, it really is high tea with a twist.

Biku, JL Raya Petiteget 888, Seminyak, Bali, +62 361 857 0888, www.bikubali.com.

Kids cool off in the hills of Ubud with a lick-a-licious cone or cup of Gaya’s handmade, all-natural, preservative-free gelato. Produced from the best raw and organic ingredients available and with nothing artificial added, this is one treat that both you and the ankle-biters will agree on.

Gaya Gelato, JL Raya Sayan, Ubud, Bali, +62 361 979 252, www.gayafusion.com.

Kids can take a walk on the wild side with lions, tigers and bears – oh my!  Set on 12 verdant acres just 20 minutes out of Ubud, the zoo offers animal rides, feeding hours, a petting zoo plus twice weekly ‘Night at the Zoo’ experiences. Cheeky monkeys more than 130cm tall can also go for a swing on the park’s elevated ‘Treewalk’ circuit of bridges, spider nets, Tarzan jumps, flying-fox lines, and swings.

Bali Zoo, JL Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Bali (920 minutes from Ubud), +62 361 294 357, www.bali-zoo.com. Opening hours: 9am-6pm daily, 9am-9.30pm Wednesday and Saturday.

It’s splash-tastic fun in the rushing rapids of Ayung and Telega Waja Rivers in Bali’s East. With trained guides and all the gear provided, it’s super safe and super-duper exhilarating. Kids can also take in the scenery and learn about Balinese culture on Sobek’s cycling tours down Mount Batur.  Note: both activities are for those 7 years and over.

White Water Rafting, East Bali, +62 361 768 050, www.balisobek.com.

The adventure starts on the inclinator down to a pristine beach, where kids can snorkel, kayak, frolic and build up their appetites for Finn’s fabulous fish n’ chips. There are sun-beds for lazing and a diverse menu with pint-sized portions to suit even the littlest guests.

Finn’s, Semara Uluwatu, JL Wijaya Kusuma, Uluwatu, Bali, +62 361 848 2111, www.semarauluwatu.com.

There may not be any golden tickets or little orange men, but it’s a chocolate factory nonetheless. There are tastings and tours of the eco-friendly facility, plus an on-site café and shop. Just don’t tell them it’s healthy, or you’ll never hear the end of it!

Big Tree Farms Bamboo Chocolate Factory, Sibang Kaja (20 minutes from Ubud), Bali, +62 361 846 3327, tours@bigtreefarms.com, www.bigtreefarms.com. Opening Hours: 10am-5pm.

Stop their braying and whinnying with BEC’s mounted and un-mounted lessons and tours along the beachfront and afternoons at the pony club. For a special occasion, why not plan a pony party for the birthday boy or girl? Minimum age 3 years for treks and 7 years for lessons.

Bali Equestrian Centre, JL Karang Suwung, Canggu, Bali, +62 361 844 6533, www.baliequestriancentre.com.

Storm clouds looming? Rainy days are no problem, just head to Jenggala’s Jimbaran showroom, where budding artists can paint and decorate a pretty pot for Grandma. Pieces are fired in the on-site kilns and ready for pick-up in 2-4 days. Minimum age, 5 years old.

Jenggala, JL Uluwatu II, Jimbaran, Bali, +62 361 703 311, www.jenggala.com. Opening hours: 8am-5pm.

Treasure of the Archipelago – Ok, so it’s not quite Cirque du Soleil, but a spectacular theatrical journey through Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Papua it certainly is, with simply wow music, lighting, dancing and visuals. It’s edu-tainment that the whole family can enjoy.

Devdan, Bali Nusa Dua Theather, Komplek BTDC, Nusa Dua, Bali, +62 361 770197, www.devdanshow.com. Opening Hours: 7pm -9:30pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Action-splashed waterpark fun is at your fingertips, with flying foxes, a bungee trampoline, wave pool, 17 slides and a lazy river. For post pool recharging, there’s a food court with loads of kid-friendly eats, including chicken nuggets, pasta and pizza.  Kids under 80cm free of charge.

New Kuta Green Park, JL Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali, +62 361 8484777, www.newkutagreenpark.com. Opening hours: 9am-6pm.

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