Jimbaran Bay is the ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing Bali escape. For a start this area is less than 20 minutes drive from the airport, something that’s a great relief when you’ve come off a flight with kids. Jimbaran was once a simple fishing village but it has since evolved into a destination renowned for its luxury hotels. However, unlike some areas of Bali, this spot has retained much of its traditional charm. Our family’s favourite Jimbaran hotel, and one that we keep returning to, is the InterContinental Bali as it is great for kids of all ages. My husband and I love the hotel’s romance factor while our son loved the kids club before he got too old to go along. Since we’ve stayed at the InterContinental Bali a few times now, we thought we would pass on some of our top tips for parents (and their kids).
Club InterContinental for families
While it might seem a bit strange recommending families book into upmarket Club Lounge accommodation, there are some very good reasons to at this hotel. For a start, it only costs a little more per day to upgrade. Trust me, you are going to get your money back many times over during your stay, especially if you are travelling with kids aged over 12. While the lavish lounge with fine linen napkins, sparkling chandeliers and equally sparkling service is adults only during the cocktail hour, kids are welcome at any other time.
If you want to enjoy the complimentary cocktail hour with your kids, simply head to the private Club Pool which serves complimentary nibbles including special kid friendly ones during the complimentary cocktail hour. Kids aged under 12 aren’t allowed in this Club Pool area during the rest of the day so it’s a great time for them to have some fun in the Club pool while you keep an eye on them. If you would prefer to enjoy the cocktail hour as a couple, the kids can head off to the hotel’s kids club (this is chargeable but kids get meals included in the rate).
Club InterContinental guests also get complimentary internet access, complimentary breakfast at the Club or one of the other resort breakfast venues, all day refreshments and afternoon tea. A fancy silver service afternoon tea like this isn’t something most parents could normally afford to take their kids to so it is a really lovely thing to share as a family on holiday. Even though it looks very fancy, your kids will be made to feel very welcome by the lovely staff.
Planet Trekkers tips
This isn’t one of those awful kids clubs where the children are allowed to play video games all day. One of our favourite things about Planet Trekkers is the daily program is always followed. This means even if there are only a few kids enrolled, your child still gets to do all of the cool things listed for that day. Along with activities such as Balinese dance lessons, kite flying, mask making and fish feeding. Planet Trekkers includes lunch and dinner for children enrolled in the program which is great as it saves their parents having to buy it. Kids (or their parents) can choose from a menu that looks so good you’ll be wishing you could order something off it for yourself. Along with the usual children’s favourites such as spaghetti bolognaise there are also traditional Balinese options such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and our son’s favourite, chicken satays (or chicken sticks as he used to call them when he was little).
InterContinental Bali for kids
Accommodation is spread throughout this resort rather than being crammed around a central wing, there are multiple pools to play in and over 14 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens to explore. The main pool has day beds set out underneath huge shaded cabanas so parents have somewhere comfortable to relax while older kids play in the pool with new friends. It’s easy to find your own piece of paradise or somewhere for the kids to run around without bothering other guests. At the far end of the resort you’ll also find a playground and watersports hut where you can rent surfboards and boogie boards.
Jimbaran Bay things to do
Unlike some areas of Bali, Jimbaran Bay has retained much of its traditional village appeal. Nearby you will find the Jimbaran fish market as well as a fresh food market where locals go to choose the vegetables for their evening meal. If you would like your kids to try something yummy (and safe to eat) from one of the food stalls, buy a few lemper (sweet coconut rice wrapped in banana leaf) to share. Even though your children probably won’t come home with a souvenir, they will receive plenty of warm smiles from the stallholders and leave with a new understanding of life in Bali.
Bali culture with kids
Skip the notorious Bali traffic and the hassle of driving around for hours with tired kids and enjoy an evening cultural experience at the resort instead. You could see a talented gamelan orchestra or watch a traditional kecak dance accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner. InterContinental Bali also has a comprehensive activities program with music lessons using traditional Balinese instruments, purification ceremonies, fruit and flower arranging, and more. Most activities are free for resort guests.
Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of InterContinental Bali Resort.
We’ve got plenty of hints and tips for travelling in Bali and also some great hotel and resort suggestions. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we’ve reviewed the Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort, Peppers Seminyak Resort, Apurva Kempinski Bali, Bulgari Resort Bali, Aria Villas Ubud, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, The Mulia Bali, Merusaka Nusa Dua, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Anantara Seminyak Bali, the InterContinental Bali and we’ve also written a special review for parents visiting the InterContinental Bali with kids. We’ve compared the Singaraja and Club rooms at the InterContinental Bali and found the best luxury family hotels in Bali and the best honeymoon hotels in Bali.
