Bali is the ideal holiday destination for children. Beyond the sun-drenched beaches, there are a multitude of attractions and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.Tourists can take the family to the Bali Butterfly Park in Tabanan, explore the Ubud Monkey Forest, or enjoy an exciting encounter with some of Bali's wildlife by taking the kids on an elephant safari to explore the Bali Elephant Safari Park of Desa Taro, north of Ubud. The wonderful forests and parks also provide plenty of open space for children to let off some steam and families to relax together.With thrilling rides, a spa, pool bar and even a food hall, the water park called Waterbom Bali is the perfect place to take the family for a day to cool off from the Balinese heat. Older kids will love rides such as the race track, the Superbowl, the Macaroni, Jungle Ride and even the Smashdown, while the younger ones will enjoy paddling round the Kiddy Park. For a seriously lazy day, families can pack the bucket and spade and head to any one of Bali's beaches to relax in the sunshine.On days when outdoor activities are not an option, kids will love a shadow puppet play - an unforgettable and unique experience.
The Bali Bird Park is home to a spectacular collection of more than 1,000 birds of about 250 different species. Kids will love spotting their favourite birds and learning about the exotic species they have never encountered before. Birds such as Macaws, peacocks, parrots, white herons and many more can be seen. The park is divided into regions that recreate natural habitats for the birds, complete with indigenous plant life and other artefacts from the region in question. Regions represented in the park include Bali, Papua, Java, Sumatra, South America and South Africa.Visitors stroll through giant aviaries on winding pathways and bridges under a jungle canopy, and there are several special vantage points for spotting birds. In the Guyu-Guyu Corner you can experience the creatures in close contact, with birds perching comfortably on your shoulders or in your hands. Visitors can also participate in park feeding times (these times are subject to change - check the website or contact the park for details). A Free Flight Bird Show showcases various birds in flight. The bird park also features a restaurant, café and gift shop for visitors to get refreshments and take home a souvenir. The experience should delight the whole family.
Address : Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubulan
Website : www.bali-bird-park.com
Built in the 9th century, Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located near Ubud and originally served as a sanctuary; it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a wonderfully carved entrance featuring menacing creatures and demons, children will find a visit to this historic cave an unforgettable experience (as will adults!). The main figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the name, and in the 1950s a bathing pool was excavated, thought to have been built to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can wash their hands and feet in the fountains and there are usually locals on hand selling prayer offerings and the like - sometimes monks will offer blessings for travellers. Those who would like a tour guide will find that there are always locals offering this service and the tours can be very informative. The entrance is the most impressive feature of the cave and the interior will not take long to explore. There are some lovely gardens and trees surrounding the cave though, and a few stone carvings, so it is worth having a stroll around.All visitors will require a sarong or cover-up to enter the temple and there are many shops selling them on the way but they will lend you one for free (or a very small price) at the entrance. In the early morning the temple grounds are almost deserted and this is a magical time to explore if you prefer to avoid crowds.
Address : Bedulu Village, Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Blahbatuh, Gianyar
Website : www.balitourism.nl/goagajaheng.htm
Featuring more than 180 species of trees, many of which are considered holy and used in various Balinese spiritual practices, the Monkey Forest in Ubud is a fantastic place for kids and adults to spend the day exploring. The forest is seen as a marriage of nature with human endeavour and is considered a sacred place - in Balinese culture it is not just the temples which are considered holy but the surrounding gardens and forests as well. Traditionally monkeys are often seen as guardians of temples and are thought to ward off evil spirits. Children can see the Balinese long-tailed Macaques up close as they scramble through the forest of banyan trees and lush tropical vegetation. There are about 700 macaques in the forest which move in four distinct troops. Evidence suggests that although these monkeys can live in developed areas like villages, their survival ultimately depends on the conservation of their natural forest habitat because people tend to eradicate them when they interfere with farmlands, crops and food.There are also a few temples to explore while visiting the forest: the Bathing Temple seems like part of its natural environment and feels magical. The Cremation Temple is interesting and a good place to learn about Balinese Hindu burial traditions.
Address : Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud
Website : www.monkeyforestubud.com
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