Our first overseas family holiday took us to beautiful Indonesia. With Georgia (10) and Lennox (5) in tow, my husband Tim and I set out to explore beyond Bali’s beaches and Bintangs. From snorkelling with sea turtles to crafting silver jewellery and tearing through jungle trails on quad bikes, we made memories we’ll be talking about for years.

We pre-booked several activities through Booking.com before leaving New Zealand, which made things so much easier once we hit the ground. And let’s be honest – wrangling kids in a new country is already a mission without having to haggle over tour bookings or stress about availability on the day. Here’s what we loved:

Snorkelling off Nusa Penida

After catching a magical sunrise in Sanur on the east coast of Bali, we boarded a boat with four crew members and six other holiday-goers, then set off for Nusa Penida Island (about 45-minutes by boat). We were fizzing to see what lived beneath the waves and the snorkelling didn’t disappoint.

There are various types of snorkelling in Bali for all ages. This particular activity level was open-water snorkelling, so it’s best for kids aged five and up who are water confident. The guides were fantastic – close by with floating rings and calm reassurance as we explored coral gardens bursting with colour.

Highlights included bright blue starfish, schools of tropical fish and a majestic sea turtle. On the return trip, a playful pod of dolphins appeared and we even got to snorkel alongside them. Back on shore, we were treated to the rare sight of hundreds of baby sea turtles making their first dash to the ocean. A natural wonder that provided a quick conservation lesson for the kids, because sadly due to predators and pollution only one in every one thousand baby sea turtles go on to live a long, happy life at sea.

Jewellery Making

Georgia is a very creative girl and had her heart set on making something special, so we booked a jewellery-making class, which is one of Bali’s most popular creative activities. She chose her ring design and got stuck in with the help of a local silversmith. From melting tiny silver beads to shaping, twisting, hammering and polishing, Georgia did it all. Now she wears a handmade ring as a keepsake from a very special experience.

This is exactly the kind of activity that makes you feel connected to the place you’re visiting. And it’s not just us, Booking.com’s latest Travel & Sustainable Report shows that 77% of travellers seek authentic experiences that reflect local culture. We could totally see why. Watching Georgia create something alongside a local craftsman was not just fun, but meaningful. It supported a local artisan and gave us an insight into Bali’s creative traditions.

Quad biking in the jungle

Ubud isn’t just about rice fields and stone sculptures, it’s also Bali’s adventure hub. We signed up for a quad biking tour, going tandem-style with Georgia riding with me, and Lennox with Tim. We zoomed through muddy trails, jungle tunnels and rice fields, waving at friendly locals along the way. It was a perfect mix of thrills and cultural connection – the kids got a buzz from the ride, and we all gained a deeper insight into Balinese daily life.

Swing high

If your kids love the playground, Swing Heaven is a fun stop. It’s one of those classic Bali experiences that you see all over Instagram – think giant swings that send you soaring out over the jungle. There are swing options for kids and grown-ups, depending on how brave you’re feeling, and plenty of photo props like woven nests, bamboo towers and flower-covered frames. The views are stunning and the pics? Totally worth it. It’s touristy, sure, but still a fun way to spend a few hours.

Water play

No family trip to Bali is complete without a visit to Waterbom Bali in Kuta. This waterpark is clean, organised and absolutely world-class. There’s a fantastic toddler zone, thrilling slides, lazy rivers, great food and plenty of shady spots to relax. We booked ahead and dedicated a full day to sliding, splashing and soaking up the fun.

Parent-to-Parent Tips

Take sunscreen from home. It’s expensive in Bali and often not reef-safe.
Start a daily prebiotic before and during your trip to support gut health and to help ease any Bali belly symptoms.
Book activities before you leave, so you know your activity itinerary before you get there.
Avoid tap water. Bali’s tap water isn’t safe to drink or brush your teeth with, as it can carry bacteria your stomach won’t be used to. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Make the first few days relaxing. Give everyone time to adjust to the time difference, heat and humidity.
Getting around is affordable. Drivers and taxis are very reasonably priced compared to New Zealand, making it easy to get around without blowing the budget.
If you’re thinking of hiring a motorcycle while in Bali, check your travel insurance. Many providers offer optional motorcycle cover for an additional fee (often around $50), which is worth considering for peace of mind.
Pack rash shirts and a waterproof phone pouch. Great for days spent snorkelling or at water parks.