We have recently returned from Bali. We have 3 boys, aged 11,9,5. The following is a few things that I would, from personal experience, either recommend or not recommend, if you have kids of similar age and plan to visit Bali soon:
NOT Recommended:
- Stay in the Kuta area. The roadworks are horrific. When you walk down the street, you have the chaotic Bali traffic on the one side of you (made even worse by the roadworks), and open 3-4m deep trenches (NOT barricaded) on the other side. If you have older kids, it's fine, but with a 5-year old - no way. We ended up by taking a cab every time we want to go anywhere, even to Kuta Centre, which is only a 10-min walk away, just to avoid the roadworks. (We stayed in the Bali Dynasty, and it's an absolute fantastic hotel.)
- Visit the Ubud silversmiths and wood carvings (except if you really plan to buy a lot of silverware or wood ornaments). The monkey forest was great for the kids though.
- Let your kids have temporary tattoo's. My oldest son has a skin infection at the moment due to that.
- Rent a car or a motorbike, except if you are experienced with the Bali way of driving.
Recommended:
- Don't pay attention to the traffic when in a cab (you'll just stress yourself out).
- Visit the Waterbom Park. Great!
- Snorkelling off Nusa Dua (and try the Parasailing).