A Tropical Festive Escape: Our Insider’s Guide to Bali in December
Planning a family getaway to Bali during the peak festive season requires more than just a flight booking—it requires a strategy. From navigating the holiday rush to finding the best eatery, our team recently managed a stunning year-end retreat for a group of friends and family.
If you’re looking for a mix of wildlife adventure, luxury relaxation, and Instagram-worthy landscapes, here is exactly how to spend your first few days in paradise.
Day 1 & 2: The Art of the Smooth Transit
Traveling on December 26th means joining the global holiday rush. To beat the queues, we always recommend flying with a connection. Our group utilized Singapore Airlines through Changi.
Expert Tip: If you are a KrisFlyer member, always look for the dedicated check-in counters. It’s a small detail that can save you significant time during the December peak.
With a 5-hour layover, the Changi Butterfly Garden is a fantastic choice for those traveling with kids. It’s an immersive, tropical delight, though it can get warm—so dress in light layers! After a short final leg, the group arrived in Bali at 9:00 PM to a traditional Balinese flower garland welcome. For a seamless "transit stay," we chose Swiss-Belinn Seminyak. The rooms are spacious and the location is perfect for a quick overnight rest before heading inland.
Day 3: Wildlife Wonders at Taman Safari Bali
Is Taman Safari Bali worth visiting with kids during peak season?
On December 28th, the real adventure began. After a quick breakfast of local tropical fruits, we headed to Taman Safari Bali.
Navigating the Safari Like a Pro
Festive crowds can be daunting, but with pre-booked tickets, our guide maneuvered the group through the gates in record time.
The Safari Journey: A 30-minute air-conditioned tram ride is a godsend in the Bali heat. You’ll see Sumatra elephants (did you know they are the second smallest elephant species?), Himalayan black bears, and white spotted deer.
The Shows: We timed the visit perfectly to catch the Big Cat Presentation at 2:00 PM—a moving tribute to wildlife conservation—followed by the Animal Presentation and the famous Elephant Presentation.
The Vegetarian Survival Guide: Dining at a theme park as a vegetarian can be a challenge. We headed to Uma Restaurant. While the non-vegetarians enjoyed the massive buffet, our team arranged for fresh veg pizzas from the adjoining restaurant—a total lifesaver!
Checking into Ubud Luxury
To end the day on a high, we checked into The Udaya Resorts & Spa. Their Garden Suites are spectacular, opening directly onto the pool. Every guest enjoyed a 15-minute complimentary head and shoulder massage at the award-winning Kaveri Spa, followed by a soul-satisfying meal at Deeva Organic Restaurant.
For families travelling during peak season, this experience works well because it is structured, air-conditioned, and engaging for children of different age groups.
Day 4: Soaring Over the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Is Bali Swing worth it during peak season?
December 29th was all about the views. After a breakfast spread of Asian parathas, smoothies, and Balinese tea, it was a short 15-minute drive to Alas Harum Bali.
The "Swing" Strategy
Alas Harum is home to the most iconic swings in Bali. Because of the December rush, wait times can be long, but the facility is well-equipped.
Stay Comfortable: Each section has its own cafe and seating area, so you can relax while waiting for your token number to be called.
The Look: For those perfect shots, we recommend the VIP Long Dress rental (starting at IDR 235,000).
The Capture: Add the Drone Photography package (approx. IDR 400,000) to ensure you get that cinematic scale of the rice terraces that a phone just can’t capture.
Why this works during festive season:
Despite long wait times in December, Alas Harum manages crowds well with multiple sections, seating areas, and cafés—making it manageable even for large groups.
Day 5: From Jungle Calm to Coastal Chic — Ubud to Seminyak
December 30th marked a transition day—from the tranquil greens of Ubud to the vibrant, beachside energy of Seminyak. When travelling with a group that includes children, these transfer days are just as important as sightseeing days. The key is to pace them right.
Designing a Comfortable Transfer Day
The drive from Ubud to Seminyak typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Instead of rushing, we structured this day with short, meaningful pauses—enough to break the journey without overwhelming the group.
A Scenic Pause Near Tegalalang
Shortly after leaving Ubud, the landscape opens up around the Tegalalang region. Even without a full stop at the terraces, this stretch offers beautiful countryside views and a refreshing change of pace. It’s an ideal moment to stretch your legs, take in Bali’s rural charm, and reset before continuing the drive.
Coffee Break Done Right
No Bali road journey is complete without a coffee stop. We paused at Bali Pulina, a convenient and relaxed plantation café en route. With freshly brewed Balinese coffee, herbal teas, and a calm setting overlooking greenery, it’s an easy stop that works well for both adults and kids.
This kind of well-timed break makes a huge difference on transfer days—especially when travelling with families.
Lunch Planning for Mixed Dietary Preferences
One lesson we’ve learned repeatedly while travelling in larger groups is this: lunch stops need planning. Along the Ubud–Seminyak corridor, choosing a restaurant that caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences avoids unnecessary stress.
Stopping before entering Seminyak’s busier zones ensures quicker service, comfortable seating, and a more relaxed meal. This is where having a local driver or a pre-planned route truly adds value—allowing flexibility without compromising comfort.
Arrival in Seminyak & Check-in at Peppers
By afternoon, we arrived in Seminyak, where the atmosphere shifts instantly. Boutique-lined streets, stylish cafés, and a lively coastal vibe welcome you into a very different side of Bali.
Our base here was Peppers Seminyak—an excellent choice for families and groups. The private pool villas, generous space, and peaceful setting offer the best of both worlds: privacy within easy reach of Seminyak’s buzz.
Check-in was smooth, and the rest of the day was intentionally kept unstructured—time to unwind, enjoy the villa, and let the rhythm of the holiday slow down.
Day 6: A Slow, Stylish New Year’s Eve in Seminyak
Why a Private Villa Matters on New Year’s Eve
December 31st was intentionally kept free—and in Bali, that’s a luxury in itself. After a few high-energy days, we wanted this one to unfold organically, letting Seminyak’s café culture, wellness scene, and festive vibe do the work for us.
Ease Into the Day: Seminyak Café Culture
Seminyak is one of Bali’s best neighbourhoods to slow down. The streets around our villa are dotted with cafés that serve everything from excellent coffee to wholesome breakfasts and indulgent desserts—perfect for a relaxed start to the last day of the year.
Some popular café styles you’ll find in this area include:
- All-day breakfast cafés with smoothie bowls and sourdoughs
- Coffee houses serving specialty brews
- Casual spots ideal for families and kids
This flexibility is exactly why Seminyak works so well for group travel.
A Spa Break Done Right
One of the highlights of the day was a rejuvenating spa session at Kimberly Spa. Tucked conveniently close to our villa, the spa offered exactly what we needed—calm interiors, skilled therapists, and a deeply relaxing experience.
For travellers staying in Seminyak, this area has no shortage of quality spas. A few well-known names around Peppers include:
Kimberly Spa – Relaxing, refined, and well-priced
Prana Spa – Known for its Moroccan-inspired interiors
Bodyworks Spa – A long-standing favourite in Seminyak
Scheduling spa time on New Year’s Eve is a great way to stay refreshed before the evening celebrations begin.
Lunch with a Twist at Mexicola
For lunch, we headed to Mexicola, and it was unlike anything else in Bali. From the moment you step in, the vibrant Mexican-themed décor, bold colours, and lively atmosphere make it a full sensory experience.
While Mexicola is known for its energetic evenings, lunchtime is ideal for families. The food is flavourful, the setting is fun, and it offers something refreshingly different from the usual Bali café circuit.
Why a Private Villa Matters on New Year’s Eve
As evening approached, it became clear why choosing the right accommodation for December 31st is critical—especially when travelling with kids.
Most party venues in Seminyak turn adults-only after 7 or 8 pm, which naturally limits options for families. This is where our decision to book a five-bedroom villa at Peppers Seminyak truly paid off.
Ringing in the New Year, Our Way
Instead of navigating crowded venues, we celebrated New Year’s Eve right inside our villa—and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for more.
There were fireworks within the property, music playing, kids splashing happily in the pool, board games, drinks flowing, and laughter filling the space. It was safe, joyful, and completely stress-free—exactly how family celebrations should be.
Welcoming the new year this way felt personal and meaningful. No rush. No restrictions. Just quality time with people who matter.
Why a Private Villa Matters on New Year’s Eve:
With most nightlife venues turning adults-only in the evening, a private villa ensures children aren’t excluded from celebrations while adults still enjoy a festive atmosphere.
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