Before you go
Bali with elderly parents: what to know
- Hire a car with a driver for the day rather than driving yourself. Roads are narrow and busy, and a driver also waits for you at temples and helps with parking.
- Pick one anchor sight a day. Temples such as Besakih and Lempuyang involve many steps, and highland journeys take longer than the distance suggests.
- Temples require covered knees and shoulders; a sarong and sash are usually lent or hired at the gate. Avoid entering temples if you have an open wound or are menstruating, as local custom asks, and ask your driver or hotel about the rule for the temple you are visiting.
- Carry insurance that covers medical evacuation and check that it is accepted at private hospitals such as BIMC and Siloam. Good hospitals are concentrated in the south; the north and east are far from them.
- Keep the highlands for the morning. Bedugul and Kintamani are noticeably cooler than the coast, so carry a light jacket, and mist and rain arrive in the afternoon.
- Check the date of Nyepi and any big temple festivals before booking, because roads and the airport shut or become congested.
Easiest first
Places in Bali sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (6)
- Lovina and the Dawn Dolphin Trips (Places to visit · Half a day for the boat trip; one night is ideal) — The boats are small outriggers boarded from the beach, which can be hard for people with mobility problems. The beach strip itself is flat, with cafes and homestays.
- Pura Taman Ayun (Places of worship · 1 to 1.5 hours) — Paths are flat and paved through lawns and gardens, with shade from trees and pavilions. The inner sanctuary is generally closed to visitors, so there are few steps to climb.
- Tanah Lot (Places of worship · 1.5 to 2 hours) — The approach is a long, mostly level path through souvenir stalls, with some uneven steps down to the base. The cliff viewpoints have places to stand but little shade, and the area is very crowded at sunset, so older visitors may prefer a clifftop cafe seat.
- Tenganan Pegringsingan Village (Culture and craft · 1 to 1.5 hours) — The village is mostly flat with some gentle slopes. There is limited shade and few benches. Older visitors can usually manage the main street.
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace (Places to visit · 1 to 2 hours) — Paths are flat but have stepping stones and wet stone, which can be slippery. There are benches and shade in places, and cafes nearby. Older visitors can enjoy the main pools without crossing the stepping stones.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Places of worship · 1.5 to 2 hours) — Paths are flat and paved through gardens, with benches and some shade. The air at about 1,500 metres is cooler than on the coast, so carry a light layer. Boardwalks and the boat jetty can be slippery after rain.
Some walking — plan a break (4)
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (Places to visit · 2 to 3 hours) — Viewpoints and cafes are close to the road, so seeing the terraces is possible without walking much. Walking trails among the paddies involve uneven paths, mud after rain and no shade. Choose the short flat sections only.
- Pura Lempuyang Luhur (Places of worship · 2 to 4 hours including the queue) — The famous gate area needs only moderate walking, but the queue is long and in the sun. The higher temples involve a steep climb of many steps and are unsuitable for most older visitors.
- Taman Ujung (Ujung Water Palace) (Places to visit · 1 to 1.5 hours) — The site covers 12 hectares with paths and bridges, and the Bale Kapal pavilion involves steps. There is little shade in the middle of the day. The lower pools and the bridge to the main building are the easiest areas.
- West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island (Places to visit · Full day) — Reaching the island involves a boat from the mainland jetty and wading onto the beach. Terrain on the island is flat but hot and sunny. Snorkelling suits confident swimmers; others can enjoy the beach.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (2)
- Mount Batur and Lake Batur (Places to visit · Trek: 3 to 4 hours; rim viewpoints: 1 hour) — The trek involves a steep final stretch and loose volcanic gravel in the dark, and some reviewers found it too hard for older travellers. The rim viewpoints and hot springs need no climbing, and the air up here is cool.
- Pura Besakih (Places of worship · 2 to 3 hours) — The complex is built on six terraces connected by long flights of stairs and slopes, with little shade. There are no lifts, and the steps are uneven. Older visitors can see the lower courtyards and the view from there.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Bali with parents
South coast: Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua and SanurBest for: First-time families, short trips and easy airport access
Ubud and the central hillsBest for: Culture, rice fields and slower days
North coast around LovinaBest for: Quieter stays, dolphins and the western national park
East Bali: Candidasa, Amed and Tirta GanggaBest for: Quiet village life, water palaces and diving
Small decisions
Practical tips for Bali
- Temple dress. Cover shoulders and knees, and wear a sash with a sarong. Many sites lend or hire them at the gate. Follow signs about restricted inner courtyards, and do not climb on shrines or walk in front of people praying.
- Heat and humidity. The coast stays near 30 degrees Celsius year-round with high humidity, so plan outdoor sights for the first half of the day and rest in the afternoon. The highlands at Bedugul and Kintamani are cooler and often wet.
- Rainy season. From roughly October to April, afternoon downpours are common and can flood low roads. Carry a light rain jacket, keep slack in your plan and check road conditions to the east and north.
- Getting around. A private car with a driver is the usual way for families. Traffic around the south and Ubud is slow, so allow more time than the map suggests. Do not drive or ride a scooter unless you hold the right licence and insurance.
- Money and cards. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Carry some cash for temple donations, parking and warungs, use ATMs inside banks or malls, and be wary of unofficial money changers. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
- Tourism levy and entry. Pay the one-time foreign tourist levy through the official Love Bali site before you land. Check the current visa route for Indian passport holders on the official immigration portal, and carry printouts of the approvals.
- Nyepi and festivals. On Nyepi the island shuts down for a day, including the airport, and visitors must stay in their hotels. Large temple ceremonies at Besakih and elsewhere also block roads, so ask your hotel about local dates.
- Health and insurance. Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Good private hospitals are concentrated in the south, so those staying in the north and east should plan long ambulance times. Drink bottled water and carry usual medicines in their original packaging.
Plan the rest of your Bali trip
Want help?
Have Bali planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.