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A Gentle Adventure: A 7-Day Bali Itinerary for Families (from One Parent to Another)

August 6, 2025

Traveling with kids often walks the fine line between magic and meltdown.

You dream of lush landscapes and shared moments, but you also know someone’s going to cry over a banana (and it might be you). Still—Bali, especially Ubud, makes it feel possible. Slower mornings. Jungle air. Kind smiles. And enough to do (and eat) that everyone in the family gets something out of it.

If you’re looking for a 7-day Bali itinerary that works for families, with room for delight, discovery, and downtime, here’s a little guide we’ve lovingly put together.

And if you happen to stay with us at Haigha House, you’ll check in to more than just a beautiful villa. You’ll be greeted with a curated Villa Guidebook (packed with personal, parent-to-parent recommendations on how to make the most of Ubud) and your own dedicated concierge—think of him as your vacation assistant, ready to help you plan, book, and breathe easier. Because here, your only job is to enjoy the time together. So here's how a week in Bali might look—without the stress, but with all the magic.

Day 1: Arrival & Doing Absolutely Nothing (on Purpose)

You’ve just flown across time zones with children. That’s heroic. The only itinerary item today? Land, arrive, and breathe.

If you’re staying at Haigha House, we’ll be waiting with a smile and everything set up: baby cot, high chair, floaties, kids’ dinnerware—whatever you need. Let the kids explore the garden, befriend the pet bunnies in our big tropical garden with huge rolling lawn, and let your shoulders drop for the first time in weeks.

Our concierge team can help you arrange a massage if you’d like. Or a quiet dinner. Or nothing at all.

Book directly on our website for the best rates, extra perks, and a whole lot of love from our team.

Day 2: Monkey Forest & Downtown Ubud (with a Little Help)

Start slow with a morning visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest. It’s leafy, magical, and just wild enough to feel like an adventure. (Hold onto your snacks. The monkeys are charming but bold.)

Afterward, take some time to explore downtown Ubud. While it isn’t exactly pram-friendly (think narrow sidewalks and occasional potholes), it’s still full of charm—family-friendly cafés, gelato stops, craft shops, and beautiful temples tucked in every corner.

To make things easier, we include a free once-daily return shuttle from Haigha House to Ubud town (in a private car, not a group minivan). If you’d prefer a full-day driver, we’ll happily arrange that too.

And if you’d rather skip the town and just enjoy your coffee hot, we can even help organize a babysitter for a few hours.

Day 3: A Waterfall & A Picnic (and Maybe a Nap)

Today’s the day for Ubud Waterfall—gentle, shaded, and just within a short drive from our villa. There are plenty of options to choose from: Tibumana, Pengibul, Manuaba, or even a beautiful water canyon adventure at the Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon.

We’ll help you pack a picnic (talk to our concierge if you want to borrow our picnic basket, available at the villa) or recommend a spot nearby. Either way, don’t overplan. The best moments today might be sitting on a rock, barefoot, watching your child discover how loud water can be.

Day 4: Rice Terraces, Crafts & Curious Hands

If you’re up for it, Tegalalang Rice Terraces is undeniably stunning—layered green steps carved into the hillside, with postcard views in every direction. It’s popular for good reason, which also means it can get a little crowded, especially mid-morning. But if you go early, or take it slow, even the littlest travelers might pause—just for a second—in quiet awe.

Prefer something off the beaten path? Honestly, you don’t even have to leave the neighborhood: Haigha House is surrounded by real working rice fields, the kind where you might spot farmers in woven hats, kids flying kites, or a line of ducks toddling home. It’s simple and grounding, and you’re welcome to wander right from the villa.

For something more hands-on, consider a batik painting or Balinese offering workshop, or even a Balinese dance sessions—great for curious hands and minds. If you’re staying with us, all these are listed in your Villa Residence Book—our handpicked guide of favorite places and trusted providers (curated by us, parents of two who’ve road-tested it all).

Day 5: A Beach Break in Sanur

Yes, Ubud is inland—but Sanur is just a day trip away, and the calm, shallow beach is a hit with younger kids. Let our concierge arrange the trip for you, from booking the car and the driver, to give you suggestions of family friendly restaurants in the area.

Rent paddleboards, collect shells, eat grilled corn by the sea. Let the sun tire everyone out in the best way. Then head home, sleepy and salty. The best kind of end to a Bali day.

Day 6: Culture, Animals, or Just Staying In

Choose your own tempo. Maybe a trip to Bali Zoo or Bird Park, maybe a family-friendly dance performance in the evening. Or maybe today’s the day you just… stay home.

Your very own private, jungle pool (with floaties!), the gorgeous lawn (with pet rabbits!), the quiet—sometimes that’s more valuable than another destination. And if you need anything from babysitters to baby gates, just let us know. We’re happy to help.

(A small note, from one parent to another: our villa has stairs and an infinity pool, so supervision is a must. We’ll help with whatever precautions you need—but your watchful eye is still the best safety net.)

Day 7: Souvenirs & Slow Goodbyes

Your last day. Let the kids run barefoot in the garden one more time. Snag a few trinkets from Ubud Market. Have one final smoothie bowl. Take it in.

Then pack up—maybe not lighter, but a little more filled up. A little more connected.

Why Haigha House Works for Families

Because it was built with intention. We’re not a big resort with a playroom on floor three—we’re a real home, with real touches that matter. We know what it’s like to pack three suitcases full of gear and still forget the floaties. So we thought of that for you.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Complimentary baby gear: cot, high chair, floaties, kids’ dinnerware
  • Optional extras: pool gate, toys, baby gate, babysitting
  • Pet rabbits, large tropical lawn, and space to run
  • Housekeeping and villa concierge to help with anything you need
  • One free return shuttle per day to/from Ubud town in a private car
  • A lovingly curated Villa Residence Book with our top recommendations as parents who’ve done it all before

And if you just want to lie down, sip something cold, and know your family is taken care of? You’re in the right place.

Book directly at haighahouse.co to get the best rate, custom family support, and a stress-free stay from beginning to end.