3 FOR THE KIDS...
The Balinese adore children — even your little monsters . Plus there are many attractions to help while away a few hours.
1 Waterbom Bali It’s the world’s No. 2 water park, according to Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, and the No. 1 waterpark in Asia. With everything from a mellow lazy river, to slides with near-vertical drops, it’s worth ditching a day at the beach and spending some time here. The park also has a Flowrider wave simulator, where the kids can practise their new-found surf skills, and a Water Blaster course, where they can soak each other with water balloons fired with catapults. As well as being a fun day out, the park has a commitment to sustainability — it’s certified carbon neutral, and more than 50 per cent of the park is dedicated to green space. waterbom-bali.com
2 Surf lessons Bali is a mecca for surfers, both experienced and beginner, and surf schools are widely available. There are plenty of operators offering lessons suitable for children, ranging from a couple of hours to full days. While Kuta has a bit of a bad rep for being the trashy, party destination on the island, it does have great surf for beginners. The swells, tides and size of the waves all combine to make this perfect for learners. Another option is Legian Beach, known as Kuta’s little sister. Those with more experience could head to Canggu or Seminyak. Check out the credentials of the instructors and operators before signing your kids up — get advice from a travel agent if you want to make sure you’re booking the best option.
1 Bali Treetop Adventure Park Situated in the Bali Botanic Gardens, this open-air park has seven adventure circuits and 72 challenges to undertake, although some have height and age restrictions. The smallest members of your family can attempt the Squirrel Yellow and Green circuits, which feature footbridges and a mini-flying fox; and the biggest and bravest can go for the Adrenaline Black Circuit, with the highest obstacles at 20m. Steady the heart rate afterwards with a walk around the tranquil botanic gardens, the largest in Indonesia with the largest collection of orchids on the island. Balitreetop.com