East Bali offers a completely different pace of life from the crowded Southern beach towns. It stretches from Sanur to Candidasa, to Manggis through Amed to the Sidemen Valley and right up to the slopes of Mount Agung.
You come to East Bali for black sand beaches, amazing snorkelling and diving, traditional villages, rice terraces, gorgeous valleys and water palaces, and a real sense of Balinese daily life.
It’s quieter, more spacious and offers much better value than Seminyak or Ubud. It’s perfect for families that want room to breathe, safe swimming experiences that feel authentically local rather than packaged.
The best hotels and resorts in this region will have beachfront (in beach towns) or near-beach locations with pools (usually multiple pools or pools with shallow sections for kids), spacious bungalows or villas, genuinely warm traditional Balinese service that welcomes children, and easy access to snorkelling, cultural trips and nature activities.
You can find properties here that sit right on the water or within a short walking distance so you can start the day with a morning swim.
Here are, in our opinion, the best resorts in East Bali. We’ve chosen them for our experience with them, the consistently good feedback they get from parents, their practical amenities and suitability for families.
We should note that Sanur, which is in East Bali, is not included in this round-up as we already have a list of the best family-friendly resorts in Sanur.
The Best 10 Family-Friendly Resorts In East Bali
Candi Beach Resort & Spa (Candidasa)
This is one of East Bali’s best full-service options. This resort offers three swimming pools, oceanfront dining and amazing views over the water toward Nusa Penida. It makes for an excellent self-contained base for families in this area.
The grounds offer plenty of space to roam, the service is world-class, and the beachfront setting provides the opportunity to enjoy easy days of swimming and relaxing without constant planning.
Parents say they love the multiple pool layout (particularly for younger children), the restaurant overlooking the ocean, its peaceful atmosphere and excellent equipment. If you want the full resort experience on the calmer edge of Bali, this might be for you.
Address: Jl. Mendira, Sengkidu, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Website: Candi Beach Resort & Spa
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort
This place offers that classic East Bali beachfront experience with plenty of facilities for the kids. There’s a large swimming pool, mini-golf, a spa and an ocean-view restaurant.
The rooms are more than big enough and are cleaned daily, which families will appreciate. The property is very welcoming to children, and the staff are helpful and welcoming at every turn.
This spot is near Padang Bai, which means if you want to make a trip to the Gili Islands or Lombok, it’s very easy to do so.
Address: Jl. Raya Sengkidu, Sengkidu, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Website: Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Puri Bagus Candidasa
If you want to stay in a traditional Balinese-style bungalow that’s spacious, clean and in a lovely quiet neighbourhood, look no further than Puri Bagus Candidasa.
The outdoor bathrooms add character to the experience; the gardens are very well-maintained, and the overall vibe is peace and tranquillity.
This is a spot that delivers a more intimate alternative to large resorts without compromising on the practical comforts you need as a family.
Address: Jalan Puri Bagus, Desa Bugbug, Desa Jl. Raya Bugbug, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
Website: Puri Bagus Candidasa
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Alila Manggis
This is a luxury choice with a more intimate vibe than some of the bigger resorts. It has an outdoor pool, family rooms and offers excellent access to the local snorkelling scene.
Our team loved the balance between the contemporary design and the polished feel of this hotel while retaining the relaxing feel of East Bali. They were also impressed with the service, which is very good, indeed.
If your family wants a step-up in comfort and style, but to stay close to this region’s natural and cultural attractions, you can’t go wrong.
Address: Desa Buitan, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Website: Alila Manggis
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
The SEED (Candidasa)
The SEED is a private oceanfront estate with multiple villas (including bunk beds for the kids) and two pools (both with shallow areas), a jungle gym, an outdoor cinema, a yoga shala and its own stretch of reef for fabulous snorkelling.
It’s perfect for large gatherings of family and friends and still offers privacy and extensive entertainment for all ages.
If you think Candidasa might be too sleepy for your holiday, this place offers enough activity for even the most active kids.
Address: Jl. Raya Candidasa, Nyuh Tebel, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Website: The Seed Bali
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Life In Amed Boutique Hotel
This excellent family-focused property in Amed sits on an attractive strip of sand and has some fabulous snorkelling right in front.
It provides simple, comfortable bungalows, an excellent restaurant, and some of the friendliest and kindest staff on the island. There’s a genuinely relaxed and calming atmosphere here.
The small scale of the place makes it feel personal and bespoke. The fact that it’s away from the busiest part of the village makes it easy to find peace and comfort here.
Address: Amed St, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Website: Instagram
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Hidden Paradise Cottages (Amed)
If you want that laid-back charm that makes Amed truly special, then Hidden Paradise Cottages are a great call. They sit on a sandy stretch of coastline and are surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.
This property offers roomy bungalows, beachfront dining and easy access to the best snorkelling and diving in Bali.
The gardens give your kids room to play and the beach and water ensure they are always happily occupied.
Address: Jl. Raya Amed – Seraya, Pantai Lipah Amed, Bunutan, Abang, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Website: Hidden Paradise
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Nalini Resort (Amed)
Nalin Resort in Amed delivers clean pools (with kids’ sections), near-beach access and the kind of friendly service that you expect in East Bali.
There’s a great on-site restaurant, and you will find that this place is superb value for money. If you want your holiday buck to go further, you can’t go wrong with this resort.
Address: Jalan Raya Amed – Seraya, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Website: Nalini
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Wapa di Ume Sidemen
Set in the stunning Sidemen Valley, this gorgeous villa complex offers private plunge pools and rice-paddy views. The main swimming pools provide plenty of space to swim and splash around; they have lovely kids’ menus and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
You will love the chance to enjoy family hikes in the paddies and terraces. The whole vibe here is warm and enchanting.
Choose Wapa di Ume Sidemen when you want nature, culture and gentle outdoor activities without a beach focus.
Address: Jalan Raya Amed – Seraya, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Website: Nalini
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Amankila (Manggis)
Amankila is East Bali’s landmark luxury resort, and it’s not cheap. It’s set on a hillside with a private beach club, extensive lawns and high service standards.
They offer babysitting, children’s menus, lawns and plenty of room for games and activities. You choose Amankila for refined class and a truly dramatic setting.
Address: Jalan Raya Amed – Seraya, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Website: Nalini
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Practical Tips For Families That Visit East Bali
As with all areas in Bali, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the region before you travel and here are some tips from our team that should help you get the most out of a visit to East Bali.
It’s important to know that East Bali is more of a drive from Denpasar Airport than the more traditional beach towns in Bali, and we’d strongly recommend that you opt for a night in a hotel near the airport if you’ve had a long flight before travelling on to the resort of your choice.
You should also consider using an airport transfer service, which can help greatly when you’ve just arrived and have kids and luggage in tow; it’s much easier than dragging your way around the airport to haggle with taxi drivers or wait for a ride-share. Sure, it’s sometimes a little more expensive, but the convenience of it is worth the extra.
You will need the services of a private driver (for temple visits, waterfall trips, and moving around between destinations such as Amed and Candidasa). Grab and Gojek services are scarce away from the main tourist hubs.
Many of the beaches in this area have black sand (due to volcanic activity), and they may have rocky entries (it can help to ensure you have water shoes to keep your feet protected). It’s best to stick to resort pools and designated snorkelling spots in this area as currents and tides are unpredictable, and there are no signs on most beaches to help you decide if it’s safe to swim.
Snorkelling in front of most Amed properties is a highlight of a trip. You can rent or buy masks and fins locally; there’s no need to worry if you forget to bring some.
Always make sure you confirm with a hotel or villa complex that they can provide high chairs, cots, or kids’ menus. You should also check the specific terms and conditions if you find a kids’ club or other activities are available.
Take reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and light long sleeves to keep the Bali sun at bay; sunburn is no joke.
You should find that, thanks to this area being more relaxed, interactions with local staff are a genuine pleasure and tend to be more personal than in big resort towns.
FAQs
Is East Bali A Good Destination For A Family Holiday?
Yes, we think East Bali is a brilliant place for a family holiday if your family enjoys quiet, natural, slower-paced experiences rather than hectic beach towns full of beach clubs and crowds.
This region offers a slower pace of life, away from the crowded tourist hubs in the South of the island. You’ll find wide-open rice fields, jungle-covered hills and quiet roads that invite exploration, and you can see traditional local life, ancient temples and water palaces.
It’s also one of the best parts of Indonesia for diving and snorkelling, and you’ll find Amed and nearby Tulamben are amazing for shore snorkelling.
However, it’s not a resort belt and many of the best properties are private villas rather than hotels. If you opt to eat locally, it’s a good idea to ask restaurants to go easy on the spice, particularly for young kids who aren’t familiar with it.
Is East Bali Safe?
All of Bali is very safe compared to many other countries, including developed nations. Violent and serious crime is very rare here, and outside of nightlife zones where alcohol fueled violence occasionally erupts, you won’t see any. And there are no real nightlife zones in East Bali.
Petty crime can happen anywhere on Earth, but it’s rarer in East Bali because the crowds are elsewhere on the island. You should still keep a close eye on your surroundings and possessions in crowds, though, just to be safe.
It’s also worth noting that there is much less traffic in this part of Bali (excluding Sanur), and you will find that getting around is easier. However, we still don’t recommend using scooters to travel anywhere. The roads in Bali are in poor condition, and driving standards are practically non-existent; it’s best to stick to hiring a private car and drive as scooter accidents are frighteningly common.
We should also mention that there is some risk of volcanic activity in this area as it’s home to Mount Agung, Bali’s largest volcano, so please make sure to read up on local advisories and warnings before you travel or hike in this area.
The sea conditions are variable (outside of Sanur) and beaches in this area are often entirely unpatrolled, so watch out for currents and keep the little ones out of the water (the pool in your hotel is much safer). You should also keep these in mind before taking a boat transfer in rough seas.
Bali is in the tropics, and that means you may face health risks that you’re not familiar with at home. We always recommend that you visit your family doctor a few months before you travel to discuss vaccinations (some of which require months to deliver effectively) and other necessary health precautions.
Overall, though, we must emphasise that East Bali is very safe and the vast majority of visitors to this area have a fabulous holiday.
Which Family-Friendly Hotels Are Closest To The Beach In East Bali?
Many of the hotels in East Bali are either on the beach or very near the beach. We should note that Candidasa has very little beach to offer, and Sidemen and Manggis are inland, but Hotel Komune and Beach Club on Keramas Beach in Gianyar, Life in Amed Resort and Abing Villas Amed are great choices for beach-bound travellers.
Which Area Of East Bali Is Best For My Family’s Age Group?
Our article above is very much focused on Candidasa, Amed, Sidemen, etc., but we have to note that Sanur is also part of East Bali, and if you’re travelling with babies and/or toddlers, we’d recommend staying in Sanur.
That’s because Sanur has calm, wave-free waters and a reef-protected beach, which makes it perfect for little ones to splash about in the sea, and there’s a great 8 km flat path running along the beach, which makes using a stroller in Sanur an absolute doddle.
For older kids and teens, though, we’d head out to Candidasa, Amed, Sidemen, etc., as these areas are fabulous for active children who want to enjoy nature, hiking, snorkelling, and other outdoor adventures. Sure, it’s a longer drive to these areas than it is to Sanur, but you’ll be rewarded with much less crowded beaches and some of the best marine settings in Bali.
Is It Better To Book A Resort Or Private Family Villa In East Bali?
We think it can be best to examine the numbers before you make this decision. If you’re travelling as a large group, then villas are a big win. They keep the costs lower than staying in a resort, and having your own kitchen can save you a small fortune when compared to non-stop restaurant eating.
A decent family villa in East Bali will normally include the whole property, daily breakfast, a private chef, and often a driver on call, too.
However, if you’re in a smaller group, then resort living can be very appealing. It’s less effort, and you’ll find you often get more facilities and assistance than you do in a villa.
How Do Families Handle Transportation On The East Coast Of Bali?
It depends where you are on this coast. While the list above focuses on Amed, Sidemen, Candidasa, etc. Sanur is also on the East Coast, and if you’re in Sanur, you can walk or cycle around the local area pretty easily; you can also use ride-hailing services like Grab or Gojek for short trips.
However, in Amed, Sidemen, Candidasa, etc., ride-hailing services are pretty scant on the ground. Sure, you can try Grab or Gojek, but if you do manage to get a ride, it may be some time before it can show up at your position.
So, it’s best to hire a private car and driver for the duration of your holiday. Your hotel can help you arrange this, and it’s not expensive (the going rate for 8 hours – including gas, driver, car, insurance, etc. – is about 500,000 IDR, which is less than $30 USD or $50 AUD at current exchange rates).
Final Thoughts On Family-Friendly Fun In East Bali
East Bali gets far fewer visitors than South Bali, not least because it’s a bit more of a drive from Bali’s only airport, but if you’re seeking a real sense of adventure and the chance to see the “real Bali”, East Bali is an excellent holiday destination.
The best hotels in this region combine the calm pace of living, great snorkelling and rice field hikes, with space and authenticity. They offer practical amenities such as multiple or shallow pools for kids, spacious bungalows or villas, beach (or near-beach) access when you’re near the sea and authentic Balinese hospitality that warmly welcomes your children.
Whether you opt for the full-service pools and the views of Candi Beach Resort, the mini-golf and oceanfront dining of Ramayana, the boutique beachfront spot of Life in Amed, the valley villas of Wapa di Ume Sidement or the private estate scale of The SEED, you will find plenty of properties in East Bali that are perfect for families travelling with children.
You choose East Bali when you want a quieter, more immersive holiday experience than you would find in the South.
We advise you to match your resort choice with your preferred base (Amed, Candidasa, Sidemen, Manggis), starting with beachfront vs valleys. Then it’s time to focus on space and pool access.
After that, you can get ready for easy days of swimming, snorkelling, and gentle and enjoyable cultural discovery.
We think your children will remember East Bali thanks to the water, the space to play in any way they want to and the slower rhythm of things. You’re going to remember the way your family found comfort in a truly authentic side of island life.
