Ubud with kids isn’t something you breeze through.
It’s something you feel — in your legs, your patience, and eventually, your heart.
This is not a perfect Ubud itinerary.
It’s the honest version — with kids, sweat, skipped plans, and moments that stayed with us.
UBUD – Where Bali shows you its soul… and checks your stamina.
If Kuta gently eased us into Bali, Ubud shook us awake, handed us a smoothie, and said, “Right. Let’s get moving.”
This is where the pace shifted — from floating lazily in pools to climbing steps we didn’t emotionally consent to. From cocktails to cardio. From “let’s relax” to “how are these kids still alive and why are my legs vibrating?”
Ubud is greener. Hotter. Louder — not traffic loud, but nature loud. Cicadas, waterfalls, jungle hums. It’s beautiful, chaotic, grounding… and occasionally overrated — sometimes all within the same hour.
This is a long one — if you’re planning Ubud with kids, save this post.
Day 1: Waterfalls, Swings
and Satin Dress in 30 Degrees
After breakfast, we checked out of Kuta — but we weren’t heading straight to Ubud just yet.
This leg of the journey was a slow unravel from beachside chaos into jungle territory, with a waterfall and swing stop strategically placed in between.
Our driver, Ismail, deserves special mention. Calm, endlessly patient, and clearly fluent in travelling-with-kids energy management, he helped shape the day in a way that actually made sense. He nudged us toward the most accessible waterfall (read: fewer steps, fewer meltdowns), advised which swing spot wouldn’t completely break us, and shared quiet, practical tips along the way — what to stop for, and what to skip entirely.
His advice alone saved us hours, unnecessary climbs, and at least one “why did we do this?” moment.
Adventure was officially switched on — but in a way that felt paced, planned, and surprisingly stress-free.
Our Bali Driver (If You Prefer Direct Booking)
If you’re staying longer in Bali or want a reliable local driver, we had a great experience.
📱 Ismail
WhatsApp: +62 857-9809-2077
(Always confirm pricing on WhatsApp beforehand.)
Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall
Our first real taste of Ubud came in the form of Tegenungan Waterfall — a place that looks serene in photos and immediately reminds you that nature still expects effort.
Thankfully, this is one of the more accessible waterfalls around Ubud, which matters greatly when travelling with children who believe stairs are a personal attack and sweat is a design flaw.
The walk down was manageable. Not easy, but achievable — the kind where optimism lasts just long enough to get you halfway. The sound of rushing water grew louder with every step, the air thickened, and within minutes everyone’s water bottles were mysteriously empty.
What to know before you go:
- Minimal walking compared to other waterfalls (165 steps, to be precise)
- Plenty of photo spots — if your kids agree to pause longer than half a second
- Swing option within Omma Dayclub for those chasing the full Bali experience
- Water was slightly muddy thanks to rain a few days earlier
- Heat that hits you fast and stays put
The kids dehydrated quickly. Morale dipped. I quietly questioned my decision-making.
If Tegenungan felt like the right kind of challenge, come with us next — from misty steps to daybeds and a very welcome change of pace at Omma Dayclub.
👉 Read the full Tegenungan Waterfall + Omma Dayclub guide here.
Sidvice:
👉 Instagram “easy walks” often translate to real-life cardio. Always check distance and steps — waterfalls with kids are less about beauty and more about recovery plans.
Omma Dayclub
Exactly What We Needed
At the base of Tegenungan Waterfall sits Omma Dayclub — and after the heat, the steps, and the collective emotional wobble, it felt less like a venue and more like divine intervention.
We didn’t come here to party. We came here to survive.
The kids spotted the day beds and collapsed instantly — limbs everywhere, expressions that said we are done with adventure for now.
Cold drinks arrived. Shade wrapped around us. Chairs felt like luxury.
And here’s a detail that deserves its own applause:
Omma has an elevator.
Yes. An actual elevator.
No climbing back up. Just step in, press a button, and float back to the car park like a family that planned this wisely.
We didn’t stay long.
We didn’t explore every corner.
We rested, refuelled, and left better than we arrived.
And honestly? That was enough.
👉 Omma Dayclub has its own blog — because places that quietly save your day deserve more than a footnote.
Stop 2: Alas Harum — The Swing Capital of Bali
and Leg Day
Alas Harum — the land of swings, flowing dresses, rope bridges, dramatic views… and so many steps.
It is stunning. Truly. Lush, cinematic, and unapologetically designed to make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a Bali postcard.
We arrived around 2pm, and what greeted us was an entire playground of experiences:
- Endless photo spots
- Multiple swings suspended over greenery
- Rope bridge
- A sky bike
- A zip line
- A small cave
- A small pond with stepping stones
- And a whole lot of walking between all of the above
It’s impressive. It’s immersive. And it’s… a lot.
Even without kids, it’s physically demanding. With kids, you’re adding heat, fear of heights, waiting times, and zero interest in posing near giant bird nests.
What We Actually Did (And How It Felt)
Each experience had a wait time of about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd — something to factor in if you’re travelling with kids (or anyone who melts in the heat).
- Single swing (me) — fun, worth it
- Couple swing — genuinely special
- Sky bike — absolutely worth every step
- Tandem zipline for the girls — huge confidence win
And yes — I hired the dress.
A satin gown.
With a dramatic train.
In 30-degree heat.
On stairs.
Add kids who need lifting, encouragement, and occasional negotiation with gravity.
It was a team effort. A sweaty, loving one
Instagram shows the final photo.
It doesn’t show the choreography just out of frame.
Would I do it again? No.
Am I glad we experienced it once? Yes — with realistic expectations.
👉 I’ve written a full, honest Alas Harum guide breaking down what’s worth it, what isn’t, and whether it makes sense for families — because this is one of those places where expectations matter.
Dinner with a View & Finally Slowing Down
After a day that involved heat, steps, long waits, emotional negotiations, and at least one satin-dress regret, we were done making decisions.
Dinner needed to be easy. Restorative.
And preferably somewhere that didn’t ask us to climb anything.
Enter Bebek Teba Sari.
We were seated on a floating gazebo, rice fields glowing green as the light softened. A breeze arrived — unannounced and deeply appreciated. Water moved gently beneath us.
The kids relaxed. Our shoulders dropped. The noise in our heads quietened.
The food was comforting and satisfying, exactly what we needed after a long day.
But the setting? The setting did most of the work. It grounded us in a way only Ubud can.
It felt like a pause button had been pressed.
That night deserves its own story.
From floating gazebos to rice fields at dusk, Bebek Teba Sari was where Ubud finally softened the day.
👉 Read the full Bebek Teba Sari dinner experience here.
Our Stay: Nyuh Bali Villas (Ubud)
That night, we checked into Nyuh Bali Villas — and the shift was immediate.
We’d traded crowds and commentary for privacy and stillness.
Our stay was a three-bedroom villa with a private pool, tucked away just enough to feel removed, but close enough to still be connected to Ubud life. The moment we stepped in, the energy changed. Softer. Slower. More intentional.
The kids made a beeline for the pool, of course — splashing away the last of the day’s exhaustion — while the rest of us took it all in. Space. Quiet. Our own little pocket of calm after a very full first day.
It felt less like checking into accommodation and more like arriving somewhere we could finally rest.
Between the space, the privacy, and the way it held us after long Ubud days, it became more than just somewhere we slept.
It became our reset.
👉 Nyuh Bali Villas gets its own story — because some places deserve to be remembered properly.
Day 2: Yoga, Mountains, Tea Tasting & Cultural Show
The morning started the very Ubud way.
The kids were up first — straight into the pool, splashing as if yesterday hadn’t already emptied every last drop of energy from them. Meanwhile, I quietly slipped away — barefoot, hair tied up, phone forgotten — for an hour of morning yoga.
Green surrounded me.
Fresh air filled my lungs.
Nature buzzed in surround sound — birds, leaves, distant movement I couldn’t quite place.
The pace was slow. Intentional. Unrushed.
Each stretch felt like it was undoing something I’d been carrying for far too long — tight shoulders, noisy thoughts, the invisible weight of everyday life. It wasn’t about flexibility or poses. It was about landing back in my body.
It was calm.
It was grounding.
It was exactly what my nervous system had been asking for.
By the time I returned, the kids were still in the pool, cheeks flushed, laughter echoing across the villa.
Me time wasn’t about escaping my life,
it was about returning to myself.
Breakfast was Unhurried & Surprisingly Good
We regrouped for breakfast — the kind you don’t rush because nowhere is calling you yet.
The spread was generous and thoughtful, with something for everyone. Fresh tropical fruit, warm dishes, baked goods, juices — simple, satisfying, and easy to enjoy without overthinking it.
The kids were happy.
The adults were caffeinated.
The day felt open.
It was one of those mornings where conversation flowed easily, plates emptied slowly, and no one checked the time. The kind of breakfast that doesn’t just feed you — it sets the tone.
Refuelled, centred, and already a little more relaxed than the day before, we packed up, climbed back into the car, and set off again — ready for volcano views, long drives, and whatever Ubud had planned for us next.
Mount Batur & Lake Views
From the calm of yoga mats and breakfast plates, we climbed back into the car and pointed ourselves toward Mount Batur and Lake Batur.
The drive itself was part of the experience.
Every bend in the road opened up to something dramatic — misty hills, deep greens layered on top of each other, and views that made you pause mid-sentence just to look. Ubud does that to you. It reminds you, gently but firmly, that the outside world exists beyond your itinerary.
We didn’t go all the way to the lake or the mountain — by halfway, the kids had reached their personal limit for sitting still in a car. Instead, we stopped, where the views were still wide and impressive.
And honestly? It was perfect.
We took in the lake and mountain views from a distance, stretched our legs, and let the moment be enough — no pushing, no forcing, no “just five more minutes.”
Satria Coffee - Coffee, Tea & a Welcome Detour
Next came one of my favourite kinds of travel stops— coffee and tea tasting at Satria Coffee Ubud.
After the drive, it felt grounding to let the day unfold naturally. The tasting itself was relaxed and unpretentious — free tea and coffee tastings, with no pressure to buy anything. You only pay extra if you want to try luwak coffee, which I chose to skip.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed more of the coffees than I expected — smooth, aromatic, and nothing like the rushed cups we grab back home. The teas, though? That’s where I truly lingered.
I ended up buying four different tea flavours, each one promising a small reminder of Bali once we returned to everyday life.
Warm cups in hand, conversation eased, energy gently restored — it was exactly the balance the morning needed.
👉 I’ve shared a separate blog on Satria Coffee Ubud, with more details on the tasting experience and what’s worth picking up if you stop by.
The Photo Session: Capturing the In-Between Moments
Back at the villa, we had something special waiting for us — a professional photo session, included as part of our stay at Nyuh Bali Villas.
There was no rushing, no posing pressure, no loud instructions. Just a gentle invitation to show up as we were — sun-kissed, unhurried, kids still riding the high of the day but calm enough to stay close.
The photographer guided us calmly, letting moments unfold rather than forcing them. A hand on a shoulder. A child mid-giggle. A glance exchanged when no one was trying too hard.
It felt less like a photo shoot and more like a pause where someone quietly noticed us — together — and pressed capture at the right moments.
The session itself was free, which already felt like a lovely bonus. Later, you choose whether you want to purchase the photos, paying a separate fee for the images you love.
And honestly?
After days full of movement, mess, and memory-making, having someone else capture that chapter for us felt worth it.
It wasn’t about perfect outfits or posed smiles.
It was about freezing a moment in time — the middle of the trip, the middle of the story, the middle of us.
Another small detail that made the villa feel thoughtful, generous, and quietly memorable.
Ubud Palace & a Cultural Dance We Didn’t Finish
That evening, we headed into town for what felt like a very Ubud thing to do — a traditional Ubud Palace Legong dance performance.
Tickets were around $10 per person, and the show was meant to run for about an hour. We took our seats, the music began, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were doing culture properly.
Ten minutes in… we left.
Not because it wasn’t beautiful.
Not because it wasn’t skilful.
But because the kids were tired, the day had been long, and everyone’s capacity had quietly but firmly run out.
Sometimes the bravest parenting choice isn’t pushing through for the experience — it’s knowing when to walk away before the experience pushes back.
No guilt. No drama. Just an early exit and a collective agreement that the night needed something simpler.
Dinner That Saved the Night
Dinner, thankfully, was exactly what we needed.
We headed to Queen’s of India — warm, familiar, and exactly what we needed after a full day of stimulation.
The spices were comforting.
The food arrived quickly.
The kids relaxed.
It wasn’t about trying something new or adventurous. It was about ending the day gently, with flavours that felt grounding and familiar — and honestly, that mattered more.
We left full, calmer, and quietly grateful that sometimes the best travel memories come from listening to your limits instead of your itinerary.
👉 I’ve shared a separate review of Queen’s of India, because this meal earned its own moment.
Day 3: Pool Mornings, Monkeys & Muddy Adventures
The morning began — shockingly — in the pool again.
Private pool mornings hit differently.
No towels to race for.
No rules to read.
No other voices floating in from neighbouring loungers.
Just us.
This time, I didn’t sit back or watch from the edge — I climbed in. Hair tied up, mind switched off, letting the water do what it does best.
The kids splashed, invented games only they understand, and laughed in that unfiltered way that feels louder in the early morning. Their joy filled the space — easy, contagious, impossible to resist.
And somewhere between floating and giggling, I realised something quietly important.
Their laughter and splashes were just as calming as yoga the day before.
Different vibe. Same joy.
It wasn’t structured.
It wasn’t quiet.
But it grounded me all the same.
And honestly? It was the perfect way to start the day.
Sometimes slowing down doesn’t look like stillness.
Sometimes it looks like being fully present in the mess and the noise.
Sangeh Monkey Forest — The Better Choice (For Us)
After breakfast, we made a deliberate decision — and it turned out to be one of the best calls we made in Ubud. (Thanks to our driver, Ismail)
Instead of heading to the busy, much-talked-about Ubud Monkey Forest, we drove about 30 minutes out to Sangeh Monkey Forest.
And honestly? Best decision ever.
Right from the start, everything felt calmer. Fewer crowds. More space. Less noise. The kind of place where you don’t feel like you need to be on constant alert — which, when you’re travelling with kids, matters more than aesthetics.
Entry was straightforward and reasonably priced, and it included things that actually made a difference like food for the monkeys and water for yourself.
The monkeys themselves were calm and surprisingly gentle. They approached slowly, took food directly from our hands, and moved on without drama. No grabbing. No intimidation. No heart-stopping moments where you clutch your bag and brace yourself.
The kids were fascinated — equal parts curious and cautious — and quickly relaxed once they realised the monkeys weren’t interested in chaos.
👉Curious why Sangeh worked so well for us with kids?
I’ve shared our full Sangeh Monkey Forest experience — what to expect, costs, and why we’d choose it again — here.
At the entrance, there’s also a gate that looks remarkably similar to the famous Gate of Heaven, and yes… we took photos. No long queues. No pressure. No performance. Just moments captured without rush.
Which brings me to another decision we were very comfortable with.
Why We Skipped Lempuyang Temple.
We chose to skip Lempuyang Temple entirely.
For us, it would have meant: 2.5 hours of driving each way, at least 2 hours of waiting, all for one photo
Seven hours of travel and waiting for a single shot wasn’t worth it — especially with kids already managing heat, long days, and full itineraries.
Sometimes choosing not to do something is just as important as choosing what to do.
ATV Madness: Mud, Noise & Full-Throttle Fun
Next came ATV riding — and just like that, the day shifted gears.
From calm monkeys and quiet paths to engines, helmets, and the kind of mud that doesn’t ask for permission.
This was hands down our biggest adrenaline hit of the Ubud leg (and totally worth it).
There was splashing, bumping and laughing. The kind of fun that lives somewhere between what are we doing and this is amazing. It was loud, messy, and completely energising — a sharp contrast to the slower moments that framed the rest of our days.
By the time we were done, everyone was sweaty, grinning like kids themselves, and buzzing with that post-adventure high that only comes from doing something slightly out of your comfort zone.
👉 I’ve shared a full ATV blog with all the details — what to expect, safety, and whether it’s worth doing with kids — because this experience absolutely deserves its own story.
Our Last Night Out in Ubud
Because Parents Need Closure Too
By nightfall, the kids were officially done. Zero stamina. Zero tolerance.
Room service was ordered, pyjamas were on, and the lights were out early.
But we weren’t quite ready to call it a night yet.
So once the kids were settled, we stepped back out — for shopping and enjoying a slow wander through the streets. No agenda. No plan. Just browsing, people-watching, and letting Ubud’s night energy settle around us.
That’s how we found Pasir.
The ambience pulled us in — warm lighting, relaxed tables, and live music drifting in from nearby. It felt inviting without trying too hard, so we stayed.
I ordered the Octopus carpaccio — smoky, tangy, and deeply umami — every flavour landed exactly where it should. Balanced, thoughtful, and memorable.
And then came dessert.
Poached pear.
Hands down, one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Delicate, comforting, and quietly perfect — the kind you keep thinking about long after the plate is cleared.
We walked back lighter and very glad we’d given ourselves that final slice of the day — a gentle end to one of Ubud’s fullest chapters.
👉 Here’s a separate Pasir restaurant review, because this meal deserved its own chapter.
Day 4: Floating Breakfasts & Goodbye Ubud
Our last morning in Ubud arrived gently, the way it should.
There was no rush to get out of bed, no alarms demanding attention — just soft light, still water, and the quiet understanding that this was our final moment here. We eased into the day with a floating breakfast, tray drifting across the pool while croissants were passed around and cold juices were sipped in the warm morning air.
The water lapped softly around us as we ate, the kids reaching for pastries between splashes, the adults lingering over sips of juices. It wasn’t just about the novelty of breakfast in the pool — it was about how unhurried everything felt. No plans waiting. No timelines to chase. Just being exactly where we were.
We stayed longer than we probably should have, but that felt right. Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be rushed.
After one last swim — the kids splashing happily, me floating quietly — we packed up at an unhurried pace, took one final look around the villa, and said farewell to Ubud.
It had given us green mornings, muddy adventures, tired legs, full hearts, and a rhythm that asked us to slow down, even when we didn’t realise we needed to.
From there, we headed toward Nusa Dua, with a quick stop at ICON Bali Mall along the way — because after days of jungle calm and inward moments, a little air-conditioning and shopping felt like the perfect transition.
Ubud didn’t demand our attention on the way out.
It simply let us leave — gently.
Final Thoughts: Ubud with Kids — Worth It?
Ubud wasn’t the easiest part of our Bali journey — and that’s exactly why it mattered.
It was hot and busy and, at times, a little overwhelming. There were long days, tired legs, plans we adjusted, and moments that didn’t quite land the way Instagram promised they would. But there were also green mornings, muddy adventures, quiet pauses, and unexpected joy in the in-between.
Ubud asked us to slow down and then immediately tested our stamina.
It showed us beauty and chaos, calm and contrast — sometimes all in the same day. And somewhere between yoga mats, monkeys, shared meals, and floating breakfasts, it reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Ubud didn’t just show us Bali’s soul.
It gently nudged us to listen to our own.
Green mornings, mud-streaked adventures
Ubud was where the story deepened.
If Ubud stirred us awake,
Nusa Dua let us exhale.
Come with us next — into quiet pools, long massages, unhurried mornings, and the softer side of Bali in Nusa Dua.
Tell me — what would you skip and what would you do again??
Share your thoughts and story in the comments or tag me on Instagram @eatplaytravelwithsid.
