North Bali is the quieter and more authentic side of the island. It stretches along a black sand coast from Lovina to Pemuteran and up to Menjangan Island.
This region is famous for its early-morning dolphin watching tours, excellent snorkelling and diving experiences, hot springs, waterfalls and its relaxed pace of life, far from the madding crowds of the southern beach towns.
You can find places with more space, lower prices and more genuine Balinese hospitality around here.
The beaches are generally calm, villages feel truly local, and most of the resorts sit on the water or within a very short distance of it.
The best hotels in the area offer practical amenities such as multiple or dedicated kids’ pools, spacious rooms and/or villas, free or affordable babysitting services, beach access and staff you really love to work with children.
Snorkelling is often possible straight from the shore in front of your hotel or via short boat trips, and the dolphin tours and nature outings are perfect for half-day adventures.
Here are, in our opinion, the 10 best family-friendly hotels and resorts in North Bali, we’ve selected them based on our experiences, parental feedback, their kids facilities and their general suitability for family holidays.
The Best 10 Family-Friendly Resorts In North Bali
The Lovina Bali Resort
The Lovina Bali provides lovely, large villas (many of which have their own private pools), some of the most exceptional staff in North Bali and a truly family-friendly environment.
We loved the food, the service and the sense of space that allows you to relax by the pool, while your children are free to roam and play.
This is a great spot if you want a base for the dolphin tours the region is famous for and for short day trips to waterfalls and hot springs.
Overall, we felt it was very polished but with a welcoming aura that ensures that families seeking comfort and reliability in Lovina without being isolated from the coastline won’t be disappointed.
Address: Lovina, Jl. Mas Lovina, Kalibukbuk, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81151, Indonesia
Website: The Lovina Bali
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Puri Bagus Lovina
This pleasant resort provides spacious suites in a family-friendly layout in a very peaceful coastal setting.
There’s more than enough room for kids to run about freely, while the general calming atmosphere ensures that parents can relax and have some proper downtime on their holiday.
The staff are very warm and helpful with little ones, and this location is ideal for dolphin tours and beach access.
It’s the sort of place you choose when you want something traditional with modern comforts and the room to spread out a little.
Address: Jl. Seririt- Singaraja No.Desa, Pemaron, Lovina, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81151
Website: Puri Bagusi
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
New Sunari Lovina Beach
This beautiful beachfront resort has a dedicated kids’ pool, family rooms and what can only be described as a serene atmosphere.
Our team likes the way that the traditional Balinese design aligns itself with more practical facilities to keep the kids entertained and parents relaxed.
If you want easy beach days, dolphin-watching expeditions and an overall quiet setting that feels properly restorative, you’ll find it here.
We find families love this property because of the beach access, kids’ facilities and the north-coast vibe.
Address: Jl. Raya Lovina-Singaraja Jl. Desa Kalibukbuk-Anturan, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81151
Website: New Sunari
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
The Damai Hotel Bali (Lovina)
The Damai is another place with wonderful staff, and it has comfortable rooms and some of the best service standards in this part of the island.
It’s certainly more intimate than large resorts and accommodates families well by providing a polished base to explore Lovina from.
The peaceful hillside is near the coast, and it offers views and a proper sense of escape, and it’s easy to arrange local activities to keep everyone entertained.
If you’re looking for a quieter but gently refined stay with reliable hospitality, you can’t really go wrong at The Damai.
Address: Jl. Damai, Kayu Putih, Lovina, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81119
Website: The Damai
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Bali Taman Beach Resort (Lovina)
This pleasant resort has a kids’ pool, a playground and family suites offering interconnected rooms. It also has beach access nearby.
If you want practical facilities, cultural activities, and enough space to have fun as a family, while you remain near the dolphin tours and shoreline, this is a great option.
Address: Jl. Seririt- Singaraja No.KM.6, Tukadmungga, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81119
Website: Bali Taman
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Pondok Sari Beach Resort & Spa (Pemuteran)
Pondok Sarii is a beachfront resort experience with lovely traditional architecture, well-maintained gardens, a nice pool and a spa.
The beach here is very safe for families to enjoy, snorkelling is accessible, and the staff here stand out as some of the friendliest on an island full of friendly people.
The scale of the property is very manageable for families, yet it still offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
It’s a solid mid-range choice for people seeking something authentically Balinese, which is close to the water and to local restaurants.
Address: VM33+WHX, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155
Website: Pondok Sari
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Sumberkima Hill Private Villa Retreat (Pemuteran)
If you want a proper family paradise in North Bali, this is the place. It has seven pools to suit everyone’s needs. There are easy-to-access babysitting services from childcare professionals. And the hillside setting offers dramatic views of both the mountains and the ocean.
Their villas provide space and privacy for the family to be together and to enjoy some time in their own worlds. The range of activities here, from biking to horseback riding, will keep older children very entertained.
This is a large property, and all the options it presents make it an ideal choice for large families or multi-generational groups.
The mix of private villa living and shared facilities helps to support a level of both independence and connection.
Address: Sumberkima, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155
Website: Sumberkina
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Adi Assri Beach Resort & Spa (Pemuteran)
Adi Assri is very much a reliable beachfront option with multiple pools, a spa and easy access to Pemuteran’s best snorkelling facilities and dive spots.
It has spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and a very relaxed atmosphere, which helps to create a practical and enjoyable base for families.
You’ll find that it’s super easy to move between the pools and the sand, and play has never been better. The resort’s facilities are capable of meeting most of your daily needs too.
If you seek direct beach access, good service and excellent value, it’s a great place to stay.
Address: Jalan Seririt-Gilimanuk, Pemuteran, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155
Website: Adi Assri
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa (Pemuteran)
This is one of North Bali’s premier family bases; it’s a beachfront property with four pools, direct waterfront access, free babysitting services and a range of quality accommodation from rustic bungalows to private pool villas complete with kitchenettes.
Snorkelling is available directly in the water in front of the resort, and it’s easy to arrange diving tours of Menjangan Island here too. You can also enjoy cycling, fishing, cooking classes and mangrove tours from here.
The families we’ve spoken to say that they love the tropical gardens, excellent beachfront restaurant and the way this resort makes it easy to balance outdoor fun with downtime. The old-Bali atmosphere combined with the babysitting and first-rate facilities also makes it a great choice for long stays.
Address: VM42+RR7, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155
Website: Taman Sari
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Tirta Sari Bungalows & Spa (Pemuteran)
Tirta Sari Bungalows are very popular, and many of their guests return year after year. It has dedicated pools for different age groups, seafood dining and a spa with some very affordable massage options.
The beachside location is lovely, and there are plenty of family-oriented amenities including free cots and on-site babysitting. This makes it both a practical and welcoming choice of stay.
Lush tropical gardens provide safe play space, and the atmosphere is relaxed and affordable. It’s ideal if you want serious value without giving up comfort or location.
Address: Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155
Website: Tirta Sari
Our Rating: TBC
Our Review: Coming Soon
Practical Tips For Families That Visit North Bali
As with all the areas in Bali, there are some tips that can help you get more out of your stay, and these are ours for North Bali
Firstly, it’s important to understand that this area is very spread out. You’re going to need the services of a private car and driver (Grab and Gojek aren’t great in these parts) if you want to visit the local waterfalls, hot springs, or just head out to Lovina for a day.
The good news is that this is very affordable, and just 500,000 IDR (about $30 USD or $50 AUD) will secure a car, driver and a reasonable amount of gas to take you where you want to go.
Most people visit this region, at least in part, for the dolphin-watching – we recommend you book your trip with the hotel to get the most convenient trip.
The beaches in this area generally have black sand and are very accessible to families with gentle water conditions. However, we always recommend resort pools for swimming with younger children in this area.
Always make sure to confirm with the resort any requirements you have for cots, high chairs, babysitting, etc. before you book.
Snorkelling is a big highlight of a visit to this area, and we strongly recommend that you buy or rent masks and fins to get the most out of it. It’s not expensive to do either.
You should bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats and something to cover up with; Bali sun can be hard on young skin, particularly if you’re not from the tropics.
This region is quieter and less commercial than much of the rest of Bali, and you’ll find the pace of life is slow and interactions tend to be more personal than in the hectic towns of the south.
FAQs
Is North Bali A Good Destination For A Family Holiday?
Yes, if you like quieter, more natural destinations with a slower pace of life, this part of Bali is awesome for a family holiday.
It has fewer crowds, offers better value and cooler mountain air than the usual suspects of Bali stays.
The dolphin watching, waterfall chasing, snorkelling and diving, combined with cultural and natural stops ensure that you’ll have a memorable time.
Is North Bali Safe?
All of Bali is considered to be very safe, and North Bali is one of the safest parts of a safe island. As with all of Bali, violent crime is very rare except in nightlife areas where it is occasional and alcohol-related, and North Bali has no nightlife areas, so there’s nothing to trigger any violence.
While petty theft can occur anywhere in Bali or on the planet, there’s far less opportunity for thieves in spaced-out and uncrowded Lovina. However, we’d still recommend that you keep an eye on your things and surroundings, particularly if you do find things getting a little crowded.
While there’s much less traffic in this area, you should be aware that driving through the central mountains and winding roads in this region requires a lot of caution. The roads are often steep, narrow, foggy, poorly lit and poorly maintained. It’s always best to hire a trusted private driver and car rather than to use scooters or to drive a car yourself; it’s also very affordable.
You should also keep a close eye on weather conditions, as during the rainy season, rocks become slippery, and both the roads and paths can be a little dangerous underfoot.
The waters in this part of the island are generally safe for family swimming, though you must always obey local advice and warnings regarding this and keep an eye on your children at all times.
There are also minor health issues that you may be exposed to in Bali that don’t exist at home; always visit your family GP a few months before you travel to ensure you have been properly vaccinated and to discuss any precautions you should take.
Overall, most visits to Bali go without any hiccups, and you should have a very safe time in North Bali. Just make sure you have travel insurance in case anything does go wrong.
Which Family-Friendly Hotels Are Closest To The Beach In North Bali?
Nearly all the hotels in North Bali are close to the beach. The Lovina Bali Resort, for example, is right on the sand. The Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa is in a similar location.
Which Area In North Bali Is Best For Kids?
In general, most families with kids are going to opt for Lovina in North Bali. Firstly, it has very flat, calm waters in this area, which makes swimming very easy for the whole family, even the youngest children.
It’s the part of the island where the famous dolphin tours depart from, and it’s really handy when you have an early morning tour to be able to step out of the hotel and straight on to the boat that will be taking you out to see these exciting sea creatures.
Lovina’s also very centrally located, which means it’s just a short drive to waterfalls, the Banjar Hot Springs, etc.
There’s also a very relaxed pace of life in Lovina with spacious, affordable family villas and no heavy traffic or crowds to deal with.
However, we’d note that Pemuteran is also a great option, particularly if you have older kids who love marine life and snorkelling.
Pemuteran has calm bays, coral restoration projects and easy access to Menjangan Island for diving and West Bali National Park, the island’s only national park
Do North Bali Hotels Have Kids’ Clubs Like South Bali?
No, in general, North Bali hotels don’t tend to have the kind of structured kids’ clubs that you find in the big brand-name hotels of South Bali.
This region is more about nature, relaxation and quiet exploration than the fully-inclusive resort experience.
South Bali is focused on families that want daily programmed entertainment, large water parks and drop-off clubs.
Lovina and the North are more about nature walks, dolphin-watching, boat trips, waterfall hikes, etc. rather than supervised childcare, though many resorts may offer some sort of babysitting service.
This is a region where family interaction is prized rather over independent structured scheduling for children.
Are Private Villas Or Hotel Rooms Better For Families In North Bali?
In general, we think private villas are the best option in North Bali over traditional hotel rooms. That’s because you get exceptional value for money for that extra space.
It’s cheaper to book a nice big villa than connecting hotel rooms in this part of the island, and it will come with your own compound to hang out in as well as offer a better layout.
Private pools are usually a standard feature of villas in this area, which means you never have to worry about your kids annoying other guests or getting up early in the morning to fight over sun loungers.
Many of the villas also provide in-villa staff, sometimes including a private chef, which really takes away the stress of managing your holiday. And most villas will have a kitchen even if there’s no chef, so you can always whip up a familiar snack for the little ones.
The only time hotels work better than villas for families in this area is if you really need multiple restaurant options, an on-site commercial-level gym or a luxury spa.
Final Thoughts On Family-Friendly Fun In North Bali
North Bali is a brilliant place for a relaxed and refined holiday. The area’s calm waters and dolphin encounters, along with access to Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park, are a big draw.
The best resorts in this region deliver space, practical amenities, and authenticity. You can find multiple pools and dedicated kids’ pools, babysitting, huge villas and rooms, and beach access.
Whether you go with the four-pool beachfront at Taman Sari, the private pool villas of The Lovina, the incredible seven-pool paradise that is Sumberkina Hill or a mid-range option like Pondok Sari or Tirta Sari, you’ll find there are plenty of great spots for a family break in this part of the island.
North Bali is for families that seek a quieter, more immersive side of the island. We recommend that you match your hotel to your preferred base (Lovina for the dolphin tours and central access or Pemuteran for amazing snorkelling and a more remote feel), then prioritise space and pool options.
After that, you can prepare for some of the best Balinese hospitality, easy days of swimming and exploring nature.
Your kids are going to remember the dolphins, the freedom to play and the lovely water. You’re going to remember your family coming together in the glory of these calm, beautiful coastlines.
