Family Holiday in Indonesia
Indonesia is an incredible destination for family holidays, offering everything from tropical beaches and wildlife encounters to ancient temples, volcanoes and vibrant cities. While Bali is the country’s best-known holiday destination, there is so much more for families to discover across this vast archipelago.
This Indonesia family holidays guide brings together everything you need to start planning your trip, including the best places to visit, where to stay, family-friendly things to do and practical travel advice.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing Bali escape, an adventure through Java or exploring further afield, you’ll find our Indonesia travel guides and first-hand experiences here.
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Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia offers families an enormous variety of experiences within a single country. You can spend your days swimming at tropical beaches, exploring ancient temples, spotting wildlife, hiking through lush landscapes or simply enjoying a resort pool while someone else takes care of dinner.
Bali is a popular introduction to Indonesia for families, with a huge range of accommodation, attractions and activities alongside plenty of opportunities to experience Indonesian and Balinese culture. But venture beyond Bali and you’ll find very different experiences, from the temples and volcanoes of Java to the beaches of Lombok and the incredible wildlife and landscapes surrounding Komodo.
Indonesia can also suit a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Families can choose from affordable guesthouses and villas through to large beachfront resorts and luxury stays, making it possible to build an Indonesia family holiday around both your budget and the way your family likes to travel.

Best places to visit in Indonesia
With thousands of islands to choose from, deciding where to go in Indonesia can feel overwhelming. Each region offers something different, from Bali’s family-friendly resorts and beaches to ancient temples in Java, island escapes around Lombok and incredible wildlife experiences further afield.
For many families, Bali is the easiest place to start. It’s well connected to Australia, has a huge choice of family accommodation and offers a good mix of beaches, culture, attractions and outdoor adventures. But if you have more time, there are plenty of other parts of Indonesia worth adding to your itinerary.
Bali
Bali is Indonesia’s most popular family holiday destination, and for good reason. Families can choose between beachfront resort areas such as Nusa Dua and Sanur, the restaurants and shopping of Seminyak, or head inland to Ubud for temples, rice terraces and a completely different side of the island.
Java
Home to some of Indonesia’s biggest cities, famous temples and dramatic volcanic landscapes, Java is a great choice for families wanting to combine culture, history and adventure. Highlights include Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as opportunities to explore some of Indonesia’s most impressive volcanoes.
Lombok & the Gili Islands
Just east of Bali, Lombok offers beautiful beaches, waterfalls and a generally quieter atmosphere than its famous neighbour. Offshore, the Gili Islands are known for their clear water, snorkelling and laid-back island lifestyle.
Flores & Komodo
Flores and Komodo are ideal for more adventurous family holidays in Indonesia. This part of the country is best known for Komodo dragons, spectacular islands, snorkelling and boat trips through Komodo National Park.
Sumatra
Sumatra offers a very different Indonesian adventure, with rainforests, volcanoes, lakes and some of the country’s most memorable wildlife experiences. It’s particularly well known for opportunities to see orangutans in the wild.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi combines extraordinary landscapes, marine life and distinctive local cultures. Families prepared to venture further from Indonesia’s main tourist trail can explore everything from world-class snorkelling and diving areas to the fascinating highlands of Tana Toraja.

Where to stay in Indonesia
Where you stay in Indonesia will depend largely on the kind of family holiday you’re planning. You’ll find everything from affordable guesthouses and private villas to family-friendly resorts and luxury beachfront hotels, with the widest choice of accommodation in popular destinations such as Bali.
For families, it’s worth looking beyond the room itself and considering location, swimming pools, family rooms or connecting rooms, kids’ clubs and easy access to restaurants and attractions. Our accommodation guides and first-hand hotel reviews can help you find the right place to stay for your family.
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Best things to do in Indonesia
The best things to do in Indonesia with kids range from swimming and snorkelling in tropical waters to exploring temples, spotting wildlife and discovering the country’s incredible landscapes.
In Bali, families can visit water parks, explore temples and rice terraces, try water sports or simply spend the day at the beach. Further afield, you can see the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in Java, search for Komodo dragons, snorkel around tropical islands or discover Indonesia’s rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife.
Whether your family prefers adventure, culture, nature or relaxing by the water, there are plenty of experiences to build into an Indonesia family holiday.
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Plan your family holiday to Indonesia
A little planning can make travelling around Indonesia with kids much easier. From choosing the right time of year to working out how to travel between islands, these guides will help you plan the practical side of your Indonesia family holiday.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Indonesia has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit can vary depending on where you’re travelling, so it’s worth checking the conditions for each destination on your itinerary.
📍 Full guide coming soon.
Indonesia itinerary ideas
Whether you’re planning a week in Bali or a longer trip combining several islands, having a rough itinerary will help you make the most of your time. Allow enough time in each destination rather than trying to see too much of this enormous country in one trip.
📍 Full guide coming soon.
Getting around Indonesia
Getting around Indonesia can involve a combination of domestic flights, ferries, private drivers, taxis and local transport. How you travel will depend on the islands you’re visiting, with private drivers and ride-hailing services particularly useful for families in many popular destinations.
📍 Full guide coming soon.
Indonesia travel tips
From visas and money to staying connected and understanding local customs, knowing a few practical details before you arrive can make family travel in Indonesia much easier.
📍 Full guide coming soon.
Costs & budget
Indonesia can suit a wide range of family travel budgets, although costs vary considerably between destinations and travel styles. Accommodation, transport and activities can range from very affordable local options to high-end resorts and private experiences.
📍 Full guide coming soon.
Check back soon as we continue adding more Indonesia travel guides.

Indonesia travel guides
Explore our latest Indonesia travel guides, including family-friendly destinations, accommodation reviews, things to do and practical advice to help you plan your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions about family holidays in Indonesia
Yes. Indonesia can be a fantastic destination for families, with beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, cultural experiences, wildlife and plenty of outdoor adventures. Bali is the easiest starting point for many families, but there are very different experiences to discover across the Indonesian archipelago.
For a holiday focused on one destination such as Bali, around one to two weeks gives families plenty of time to explore without rushing. If you want to visit several islands or regions, allow at least two weeks and preferably longer, as distances between destinations can be significant.
Indonesia is a year-round destination, although weather patterns vary across the country. Many popular destinations have distinct wet and dry seasons, so the best time to visit will depend on where you’re going and the experiences you have planned.
Indonesia can be relatively affordable for families, particularly when it comes to local food, transport and some accommodation. However, costs vary considerably depending on the destination and travel style, with everything from budget guesthouses and villas to luxury resorts and private experiences available.
Indonesia is a popular destination for family travellers, but it’s important to take the same sensible precautions you would when travelling elsewhere. Check current travel advice before your trip, take care with food and drinking water, use reputable transport providers and make sure your family has appropriate travel insurance.
Australian passport holders need to meet Indonesia’s current entry and visa requirements. As visa types, fees and entry conditions can change, check the latest requirements with official Indonesian authorities before travelling.
Bali is one of the easiest Indonesian destinations for families thanks to its resorts, beaches, attractions and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Depending on your children’s ages and interests, Java, Lombok, the Gili Islands, Flores, Komodo and other parts of Indonesia can also be worth exploring.

Start planning your family holiday in Indonesia
From relaxing beach holidays in Bali to temples, volcanoes, wildlife and island adventures, Indonesia offers families plenty of reasons to return more than once.
Explore our Indonesia travel guides to discover where to go, where to stay and what to do, and start planning an Indonesia family holiday that works for your family.
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