Bali is a culture-rich, nature-abundant, and yet somewhat metropolitan place to go for a holiday, but you may be wondering “what are the best things to do in Bali, especially with family?”. Well, wonder no more because there’s really no shortage of things to do, especially if you’ve settled on the beautifully pristine Nusa Dua as your main destination in Bali. Here are some great Bali adventure and non-adventure activities you can engage in to have the best vacation in Bali!
If you are into mountain biking, the 25-kilometre Kintamani track is sure to excite and challenge you. Go downhill and enjoy panoramic views of local villages as well as active volcanoes (Mount Batur and Mount Agung). Feed your body exercise and feed your soul the aesthetically pleasing views - it’s a 2-for 1.
Those who love the water can consider windsurfing, a great Bali adventure activity. Take lessons to learn to balance yourself as well as proper yourself on the water, and sooner or later you’ll be gliding gleefully on the Indian ocean like a pro. Look out for locations that offer these lessons and pick up a new skill while on vacation.
This is one of the best adventure activities in Bali! Go downstream in your raft, get splashed by the refreshing waters of the Telaga Waja river, and enjoy a unique glimpse into rural Balinese life, away from usual touristy hustle and bustle of the region. A great activity to get everyone’s adrenaline pumping while bonding over the scenic views along the gushing river.
Want to see the critters underneath the ocean waters but not want to snorkel or scuba dive? Then try sea walking instead, where you are fitted with a helmet so you can breathe underwater and then allowed to walk the shallow ocean floors. Hand feed fish and walk around beautiful coral formations, and take gorgeous photos too!
Nusa Lembongan, or Lembongan island, is a small island that is not technically in Nusa Dua but is a short distance away by boat. Take a day trip there to relax by clean beaches, snorkel, scuba dive, walk around the village or even surf if you want to. This is an excellent thing to put on your “best things to do in Bali with family” list, for sure.
Have a few hours to kill? We recommend spending some time at Museum Pasifika in Nusa Dua itself. View over 600 pieces of emotion-invoking, amazing art originating from all around the Asia Pacific in this enormous 9,000 square feet museum that has won numerous awards.
The sacred Uluwatu temple is a must-visit when in Bali, with its spectacular clifftop architecture and inspiring ocean views. If you make your way here, be sure to stay for the evening performance of the “Kecak” dance, a beautiful and exotic blend of the Hindu Ramayana epic with Balinese exorcism rituals. Gain a deeper appreciation of Balinese culture here!
If you happen to be in Nusa Dua around October, don’t miss the Nusa Dua Fiesta, a festival that runs for three days and features a multitude of performances, fashion shows, parades, food stalls, and much more! A great way to get to know Balinese culture all in one-stop, come here with family, your significant other, with friends, or even alone; this experience is for everyone.
Visiting beaches is one of the best things to do in Bali with family, but during peak seasons a lot of beaches can get very crowded. If you are up for it, walk through the path leading to the beach between limestone walls to get great Insta-worthy pics and find yourself at a secluded, quiet beach with beautiful blue waves. Look out for the limestone statues of the Panca Pandawa, 5 brothers from a popular epic tale often told in Hinduism.
If you are bringing along your little ones with you, Waterbom Park is a fantastic destination to keep them occupied for a day. An exciting water park with plenty to satisfy both young and old, spend the day splashing around in the various pools and zipping down water slides. We promise fun and laughter for the whole family!
Nusa Dua is among Bali’s best beachside spots, so it’s also one of the best places to go on a sunset cruise. Climb aboard a ship or boat with your dear ones and watch the fantastic view of the sun setting over the coast in a burst of orange, yellow, and sometimes even pinks and purples. Perfect to make your friends impressed (or jealous) through your Insta stories and posts.
While you visit an exotic land, you may as well add some recipes to your cooking repertoire. Take a Balinese gastronomy class from local chefs and learn to make food items that blend a variety of spices, vegetables, meat, and fish together for a flavour explosion in your mouth. Impress your loved ones when you recreate it back home!
