A few months in Ubud can be life-changing for a family: days outdoors, a new culture, creative schools and more time together. It also takes planning. Here are the practical points parents ask us about most.
Choosing your home
Space matters most. Look for separate bedrooms so children can sleep while parents work, ideally two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. Check whether the compound is enclosed, how close it is to busy roads, and whether the pool suits your children's ages. Most pools in Bali are not fenced, so constant supervision is essential.
Schools and childcare
Ubud has international, Montessori, Steiner-inspired and alternative schools, as well as playgroups and holiday programmes. Contact schools well before you arrive and ask about short-term enrolment. Check the real morning travel time from your home, which can be longer than maps suggest.
Health and safety
Visit a travel clinic before you leave and make sure the whole family has international health insurance. Ubud has pharmacies and clinics used to international families, with larger hospitals in Denpasar. Use filtered or bottled water for drinking, plus sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Teach children not to carry food near monkeys.
Getting around
Many families hire a car and driver for school runs and weekend trips, which is affordable and safer than carrying children on a scooter. Ride-hailing apps also offer cars. Pavements can be narrow, so a compact stroller or baby carrier works better than a large pram.
Settling in
Give everyone time to adjust to the heat, the time difference and a new routine. Plan quiet days in the first week, find a favourite café and playground, and get to know your neighbours. Children often adapt faster than adults; within a few weeks most families feel at home.
What to pack
Light clothing, a few warmer layers for cool Ubud evenings, rain jackets, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, any regular medicines with prescriptions, and a few familiar toys or books. Most everyday items are easy to buy locally.
Things to do
- Rice-field walks and easy nature trails
- Art, dance and music classes for children
- Swimming lessons and family-friendly pools
- Day trips to waterfalls and the calm beach in Sanur
- Balinese ceremonies — a wonderful introduction to local culture
Paperwork and budgeting
Bring copies of passports, visas and school records. Your host will need passport and visa copies at check-in to register your stay, as required in Indonesia. Housing, schooling and transport are usually the biggest costs; a monthly homestay with a kitchen and included housekeeping keeps costs predictable.
A calm family base in Ubud: our Family Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open living area and kitchen in an enclosed garden with a shared mini pool, from IDR 6,999,000 per month on a yearly stay.