Lovina with Kids: Relaxed Family Fun in North Bali (2025)

North Bali is quieter than the south. But it’s just as beautiful, with dolphins, waterfalls, temples and relaxing beaches. Around Lovina, things feel slower and more personal. It’s a great area for families who want nature, culture and a calmer vibe.

This is Lovina’s most popular activity. We skipped the sunrise rush and went a bit later, around 8 or 9 in the morning. There were still lots of dolphins, but far fewer boats. The experience was calmer, and we could enjoy it more. Our kids loved watching the dolphins from the boat, really up close.

Some tours offer snorkeling by holding a rope while the boat pulls you through the water. It’s a fun and unique option for older kids and adults, but we found it too rough and unsafe for small children. After the dolphin part, we asked the captain to take us away from the other boats. We went for a swim with the kids and just enjoyed the calm sea. The dolphins didn’t come back, but it was still a great experience.

You can book a dolphin tour directly from Lovina, but there are also tours that pick you up from other parts of Bali like Ubud or Canggu. Handy if you’re not staying in the north but still want to experience it.

North Bali is home to some of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls. For families, Gitgit and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are popular and accessible options. The trails are manageable but can be a bit steep or slippery in places. We recommend going early to avoid the heat. Bring good shoes and swimwear if you want to cool off.

For a bigger adventure, 👉 Sekumpul Waterfall is the most stunning waterfall in Bali and still doable with kids. We visited with our 3- and 4-year-olds in carriers. It requires more walking and some climbing but is worth it for the breathtaking views.

Menjangan is known as one of Bali’s best snorkeling and diving spots. The coral is colorful and visibility is great. But it’s quite a long trip. One of us went diving while the kids stayed on the boat, and it turned out to be too long a wait for them. It’s beautiful, but for young kids, maybe not worth the effort. In hindsight, we wouldn’t do it again with toddlers.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a beautiful temple located on Lake Beratan with nice mountain views. The spacious grounds are easy to explore with kids (stroller-friendly), and there is a large playground nearby where children can play. It’s a great family-friendly stop during a day of sightseeing in North Bali.

• Handara Gate: the famous Bali gate photo spot in North Bali.
• Banjar Hot Springs: warm water pools perfect for relaxing with kids.
• Cooking classes: fun and interactive way to learn about Balinese food with kids.

We recommend staying a few nights in Lovina to fully enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and explore the area at your own pace. But if you only have time for a day trip, that’s possible too.

If you’re visiting Lovina with kids, it’s handy to stay near the center of town. That way, you can walk to the beach and plenty of local restaurants without needing transport. It’s relaxed and everything is nearby.

Another option is staying in the hills above Lovina. You’ll find beautiful villas here with ocean views, tropical gardens and lots of space. The downside? Getting to town is a bit trickier. You’ll need a scooter or taxi to go out for dinner. Traffic in North Bali can be surprisingly busy, and we personally didn’t love riding scooters here with a baby, but that’s up to you.

Some great family-friendly places to stay in Lovina:

• 👉 The Kayu Manis Villa – Family-friendly villa with a private pool and garden.
• 👉 The Hamsa – Peaceful villas with ocean views and an infinity pool.
• 👉 Sing Sing Resort Lovina – Cozy hillside resort with scenic views.

Lovina is quite a drive from the popular tourist areas in South Bali. From Ubud it takes around 2.5 hours, and from Uluwatu it can take up to 5 hours. The road is winding and goes through the mountains, which means beautiful views but also a bumpy ride. One of our kids tends to get carsick on this route, so we usually give her a travel sickness pill in advance.

To make the journey more enjoyable, consider turning it into a mini road trip. On the way to Lovina, you could stop at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple or visit one of the nearby waterfalls. Coming from the south, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a perfect stop and a scenic addition to the day. If you’re coming from the east (for example, Padangbai on the way from the Gilis), you can stop at viewpoints overlooking Kintamani and Mount Batur for breathtaking views.

Lovina is a great option for families traveling with a baby or toddler, as long as you know what to expect. Looking for more general tips? Check out our full guide: 👉 Bali with a Baby or Toddler – Travel Tips & Packing List.

Lovina is not very stroller-friendly. Footpaths can be broken, narrow, or simply not there, especially if you are staying in one of the villas up in the hills. A baby carrier is a much better option for walks and tours.

There is a large Pepito supermarket in town that stocks many Western products. You will find fresh vegetables, diapers, a small selection of formula, and some baby food in jars or pouches. You do not need to bring everything from home, but it is smart to pack specific brands your baby is used to, especially for formula or snacks.

The sea in Lovina is calm and usually safe for swimming with small children. The black volcanic sand, however, can get very hot during the day, which is not ideal for crawling babies. Water shoes or a beach mat can be useful. For toddlers, mornings or late afternoons are great for splashing around.

If you’re staying in a villa, you’ll probably have your own kitchen. That’s perfect for preparing simple meals with ingredients from local supermarkets like Pepito. For the times you want to eat out (or order in), here are two kid-friendly places we really liked:

• Warung Jejeg – Local, delicious and affordable food. You can eat in or have it delivered. They’re happy to make something simple for your child, like steamed vegetables, rice and chicken breast.
• Tenda Pizza – Great pizza spot with flexible options for kids. You can ask for something like plain spaghetti or a customised plate that works for your little one.

Most activities in Lovina are manageable with a baby in a carrier. Short trips work best, especially in the cooler hours of the day. You can visit one of the nearby waterfalls or go on an early morning dolphin boat tour.

For example, Gitgit Waterfall is easy to reach via a paved path with no steep climbing – we did this with our two-year-old without any issues. Sekumpul Waterfall is a bit more adventurous but still doable; we visited with our three- and four-year-old and took it slow, which worked perfectly.

💡 Crew tip: Choose a comfortable villa, take it slow, and plan just one small outing per day.

We felt very safe in Lovina as a family. It’s a quiet area with a relaxed vibe, and locals are kind and welcoming towards children.

That said, here are a few tips to keep everyone healthy and happy:

• Mosquitoes – Like in most tropical places, mosquitoes can be annoying, especially around sunset. Use child-friendly mosquito repellent. If there are a lot of mosquitoes, consider covering up in the evenings. Some villas offer mosquito nets, but rarely for baby cots, so it might be worth bringing your own if you’re traveling with a baby. That said, we didn’t experience many mosquitoes during our last visits.
• Drinking water – Stick to bottled water, also for brushing teeth. Most accommodations provide bottles or offer refill stations.
• Food hygiene – We never had any issues, even with small warungs, but go for places that look clean and have good reviews. Cooked food is always a safer bet than raw dishes if you’re unsure.
• Sun and heat – It gets hot, especially around midday. Make sure your child drinks enough water, wears a hat and takes breaks in the shade. Most places have air conditioning for naps and quiet time.
• Medical care – For minor issues, you can visit a local apotek (pharmacy). There’s also a small hospital in nearby Singaraja, about 15–20 minutes from Lovina. For better-equipped hospitals, you’ll need to go to Ubud (2.5–3 hours) or Denpasar (3–4 hours). Make sure your travel insurance covers private medical care.

Lovina isn’t the busiest part of Bali, and that’s exactly why many families love it. The beaches are calm, the vibe is slow, and there’s plenty to explore without the crowds. It’s a great spot to unwind for a few days during your Bali trip.

Our own kids had a great time. The dolphin tour was a highlight, but they also loved playing in the river near the waterfalls and watching local life go by.

👉 Planning your trip? These blogs might help:

• Bali with a Baby or Toddler
• 2-Week Bali Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Bali with Kids
• Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan) with Kids
• Gili Islands with Kids

📥 Want more? Download our free 👉 3-week Bali & Lombok itinerary or visit our 👉 Family Travel Shop for printables and travel journals.

📌 Save this guide to Pinterest and follow us for weekly family travel tips.
📸 Say hi on Instagram where we share behind-the-scenes from our adventures.

Happy travels! 🐬
– The Little Passport Crew