The Best Places to Travel in Indonesia with Kids
When envisioning family holidays with kids, we often think about waterpark adventures, thrilling theme parks, or joyful wildlife encounters. Indonesia can offer these and other unique and equally thrilling experiences for families seeking a different kind of holiday excitement. So, if you plan to visit this Southeast Asian country on your next holiday, here are the best places to travel in Indonesia with your kids.
- Lombok
Lombok is one of Indonesia’s most picturesque islands and an excellent place to visit with the kids. The island’s stunning natural landscapes make bonding with the kids more memorable and fun. Here, you can frolic on its pristine beaches, discover lush landscapes on a hike, or immerse in the vibrant culture.
Lombok’s stunning beaches, such as Kuta Beach and Senggigi Beach, are perfect for family relaxation and bonding over water activities. While the parents relax on the sand, the kids can play in the gentle waves or build sandcastles along the shore.
For families seeking adventure, explore Lombok’s waterfalls and nature reserves on a hike. Keep your eyes peeled on wildlife, which makes the journey more exciting. Places like Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall offer refreshing swimming spots amidst lush jungle settings, perfect for a day of family bonding.
Lombok’s cultural attractions also provide enriching experiences for kids. Visit traditional Sasak villages where your kids can learn about local customs, witness traditional ceremonies, and interact with friendly villagers.
Additionally, you can embark on boat trips to the nearby Gili Islands for snorkelling adventures, where your kids can discover colourful coral reefs and playful marine life in the clear waters.
- Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a beautiful archipelago along Indonesia’s West Papua province. It’s an extraordinary destination, perfect for families seeking a unique and enriching experience with their kids. Renowned for its unparalleled marine biodiversity and stunning landscapes, it is a haven for exploring the wonders of the natural world together with your kids.
One of the primary attractions of Raja Ampat is its world-class snorkelling and diving sites, where you and your kids can discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and other marine life. Many sites feature gentle currents and shallow waters, making them safe for kids to explore with snorkels and masks.
Aside from underwater adventures, you can embark on island-hopping excursions to discover secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and picturesque viewpoints. Consider trekking through Raja Ampat’s lush jungles for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled on exotic species like birds of paradise.
Don’t miss the chance to visit local villages, where you and your kids can learn about traditional Papuan culture, witness traditional dances, and interact with friendly locals.
- Bali
When most people go to Indonesia for a holiday, they immediately think of Bali. Indeed, Bali is Indonesia’s crown jewel, often bustling with tourists. Yet, despite its popularity, it’s a fantastic island to visit with the kids. While some areas may be full of tourists, Bali’s vast and diverse landscape provides ample opportunities to escape the crowds and enjoy quality family time.
The island’s stunning beaches, such as Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Jimbaran, offer safe and child-friendly environments for swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying water sports like snorkelling and surfing. Explore Bali’s underwater world together by taking a glass-bottom boat tour or embarking on a family-friendly snorkelling excursion.
Take your kids to visit traditional Balinese temples like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, where they can learn about Balinese rituals and customs while marvelling at the intricate architecture and scenic locations.
Bali’s lush interior provides opportunities for family adventures such as hiking through rice terraces in Ubud, visiting waterfalls like Tegenungan or Gitgit, and exploring monkey forests where children can interact with playful primates in their natural habitat.
Additionally, Bali offers a variety of family-friendly attractions such as water parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure parks like Bali Safari and Marine Park, ensuring something exciting for everyone.
- Komodo Island
Komodo Island is a unique place for getaways with the family, offering a variety of exceptional luxury holidays amidst the beauty of Indonesia. It’s part of the Komodo National Park, renowned for its rugged terrain and home to fierce Komodo dragons, the world’s most massive lizards. If your kids are curious about this reptile, you should take them to Komodo Island.
Encountering the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat is the highlight of your visit, which can be a thrilling and educational experience for your kids. Embark on guided tours led by park rangers to ensure safety while allowing you to observe these fascinating creatures up close and learn about their behaviour and conservation.
Aside from seeing the Komodo dragons, enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Komodo Island. Explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter a diverse array of marine life. Many snorkelling sites within the national park are suitable for children, with calm waters and shallow depths.
You can also explore the island’s picturesque landscapes on a hiking adventure, with opportunities to discover breathtaking viewpoints, hidden beaches, and lush forests. Trekking to viewpoints like Padar Island or visiting pink sand beaches offers memorable experiences for you and your kids.
- Sulawesi
Sulawesi is a diverse and enriching destination, making it a fantastic place to visit for your family holiday in Indonesia. Despite being less visited by tourists, Sulawesi provides child-friendly activities to delight you and your kids.
One of the highlights of Sulawesi is its unique cultural diversity, with distinct ethnic groups and traditions found throughout the island. Visit traditional villages like Tana Toraja, where your kids can learn about local customs, witness colourful festivals, and explore unique architectural styles, such as Tongkonan houses.
If your kids love to explore the great outdoors, Sulawesi’s stunning landscapes offer opportunities for family-friendly adventures. Trek through lush rainforests, explore limestone karst formations and swim in pristine waterfalls like Tondano or Bantimurung. You can also take them on a snorkelling and diving adventure in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, providing opportunities to discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Moreover, wildlife encounters with endemic species like tarsiers, macaques, and colourful birds offer educational experiences for children while exploring Sulawesi’s diverse ecosystems.
