Bali isn’t the only island in Indonesia worth exploring. The eighth-largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is filled with various naturally resplendent spots perfect for an Indonesia family vacation. Home to more than 17,000 islands filled with beaches, volcanoes, jungles and the world’s best diving locations, there’s so much for the whole family to explore.
Thanks to our friends over at Klook, here are our top picks for the best spots for the perfect nature-filled Indonesia family vacation both you and your little ones will enjoy! We’ve even found popular hotel and resort options near each getaway destination.
West Nusa Tenggara: Lombok and Gili Islands
Just next to Bali is another Indonesian beach paradise: Lombok. Home to some of Indonesia’s best beaches and waterfalls, including the unique Pink Beach, Lombok showcases incredible nature. A three-hour flight away from Jakarta, Lombok is also the gateway to the Gili Islands; a group of three small islands home to diverse marine life.
Best Places to Stay in Lombok for a Perfect Indonesia Family Vacation
Pool Villa Club Lombok
Complete with a kids’ club, Pool Villa Club Lombok is the perfect stay for a family getaway. Along with a range of luxurious two-storey beach villas, this opulent holiday haven features ample kid-friendly activities, including badminton and bicycle rentals for riding around the sandy stretch of Senggigi Beach.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 139 – USD 456
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: Jalan Pantai Senggigi PO Box 1001 Mataram, Senggigi, Indonesia
Novotel Lombok
Novotel Lombok is a family-friendly resort facing a beach with perfect space for your kids to run around, build sandcastles, play games and swim. Equipped with a kids’ pool, the resort also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as horse riding and kite flying. Check with the hotel lobby for more information on various seasonal activities, including movie nights on the beach.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 82 – USD 252
Guest Rating: 8.0
Address: Mandalika Resort, Pantai Putri Nyale, Kuta, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Hotel Location
Top Sights in Lombok
Pink Beach (Lombok)
The most iconic beach of Lombok, Pink Beach, also known as “Tangsi Beach”, will leave you in awe at the sight of the pink sand. It’s a result of white sand mixed with pink coral fragments that are common to this area and is perfect for building photogenic pink sandcastles.
Spend a relaxing morning enjoying the sea breeze while watching your kids swim in the crystal-clear waters and spotting the vibrant marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for starfish while strolling along the sand.
Can’t get enough of the beaches? Take a full day tour to experience the secluded beaches of Lombok: Semeti and Nambung. Admire unique rock formations and spot colourful fish swimming in the water.
For the complete Lombok experience, top off the beach adventure with a cultural tour of the Sukarara and Banyumulek villages. Learn more about the Sasak cultural history, catch a glimpse of local Sasak architecture and take home unique locally-made textile and pottery handicrafts. End the day at the Tanjung A’an and Seger beaches, home to the whitest sand you’ll ever find in Lombok.
Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary (Gili Islands)
Set up by a local to save green sea turtles and the caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) that are commonly spotted around Gili Islands, the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary lets you learn more about these endangered and peaceful animals. You can get up close with baby turtles less than three weeks old. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to release the baby turtles back into the sea. Older kids can opt to swim with these turtles around the Gili Meno island or discover the wide array of marine life while scuba diving.
Gili Meno isn’t the only island worth exploring. See the rest of the Gili Islands on this family-friendly day trip from Lombok with a tour guide. Opt for private snorkelling and enjoy a relaxing day at the beaches away from the crowds.
The waters of the Northeast Gilis is perfect for those seeking rare marine life and mesmerising natural landscapes. Learn more about the area and the different species of coral from your guide during your journey around Northeast Gilis.
Lombok Nature Day Tour (Lombok)
What better way to experience nature than with a tour that brings you to the best spots of Lombok? Accompanied by a guide, you can spend a whole day exploring the best of Lombok’s nature.
Visit the Rinjani National Park and encounter monkeys, civets and various species of birds in their native habitats. Get up close with two of Lombok’s many waterfalls, Sendanggila and Kelep, which are perfect for swimming among verdant plants. The tour also takes you to the Mount Rinjani viewing point, which provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the active volcano.
Your family will also experience rich culture during a visit to the Sengetar Sasak, Batu Kow and Sembalun Village. Learn more about the daily lives of the Lombok locals and enjoy a locally-prepared meal in the village. Discover fascinating history during a visit to the monument of Rajah Seaparang, the first king of Lombok.
Klook Tip: Don’t forget to pack a jacket, as it can get chilly in the mountain regions.
West Java
Home to various volcanoes and tea plantations, West Java is a favourite weekend getaway for locals. The provincial capital of Bandung, Indonesia’s second largest metropolis, provides the perfect launching pad for enthralling Indonesia family vacation nature adventures.
Best Places to Stay in West Java for a Perfect Indonesia Family Vacation
Tea Garden Resort Subang
A truly serene place to escape the hustle of the city, Tea Garden Resort Subang is located in the midst of rice paddies and tea plantations. Just an hour away from Bandung’s airport, the resort provides stunning rural vistas. Along with pampering spa and massage services, you can indulge in an open-air hot bath! With a mini villa all to yourself, the kids will enjoy running around the large resort and participating in activities, such as tennis and horse riding.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 58 – USD 132
Guest Rating: 6.5
Address: Dusun Cigeureung Desa Cicadas Kecamatan Sagala Herang, Subang, Indonesia
Sawung Gawir Restaurant and Bungalow Ciwidey
Known to have the best dining options on the outskirts of Bandung, Sawung Gawir Restaurant and Bungalow Ciwidey is the perfect spot to relax among nature. Embrace the rich Sundanese culture and be transported back to time, thanks to the kampung-style accommodation.
Just 30 minutes away from the Kawah Putih crater, Sawung Gawir Restaurant and Bungalow Ciwidey overlooks rice paddies and fields. The hotel even has a strawberry plantation where you can pick fresh berries.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 43 – USD 112
Guest Rating: No Rating
Address: Jl. Raya Ciwidey – Rancabali KM. 05 – Alam Endah, Java, Indonesia
Hotel Location
Want to check more places to visit? Visit Indonesia: 10 Most Beautiful Places You Need To See
Travelling to Bali? Indonesia Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay in Bali Indonesia
Top Sights in West Java
Kawah Putih
A stunning crater lake, Kawah Putih translates to “white craters”, a salute to the predominant colour of the lake. However, dependent on the concentration of sulphur or the temperature, the colour of Kawah Putih can also change from white to green to blue or even a unique turquoise. One of the two craters of Gunung Patuha, it sits at an elevation of 2,430 meters.
This spot is perfect for the kids to experience a volcanic site, complete with a distinct sulphur smell. For a hassle-free trip, book a Klook tour to Kawah Puith, which includes a chance to experience the Rancabali Tea Plantation and the Ranca Upas deer conservation centre, where you can feed these docile creatures.
Ciater
Indonesia is a volcanic hotspot, so it’s no wonder there are various hot springs scattered around the country. Located within the region of Bandung, Ciater is one of Indonesia’s best hot springs. These warm mineral-rich spring pools are created by heat from nearby volcanoes and are nestled in the middle of a huge tea estate.
Both the sulphurous and mineral water pools at this natural hot spring are extremely good for your skin. The sulphuric waters are said to help skin problems, boost blood circulation and relieve nasal congestion and digestion issues. The hot water also relaxes your body and helps with rejuvenation.
Don’t want to experience just one crater? Go on a tour to Tangkuban Perahu and visit the volcano’s three craters: Kawah Ratu, Kawah Domas and Kawah Upas. You can even eat eggs boiled in the hot springs at Domas Crater.
After the volcanic encounter, take a relaxing dip at the Ciater Hot Spring. End the day off at the Cikole Coffee Plantation where you can take a sip of the famous luxury coffee and pick some berries at a local strawberry farm.
Lembang Farmhouse Susu
A previous Dutch colony, Indonesia still holds some Dutch influences, best experienced at the Lembang Farmhouse Susu. Don a traditional costume and recreate a scene from Heidi with the many lambs there.
Lembang Farmhouse Susu even has various spots inspired by the Hobbit movies. Snap away and enjoy some Dutch treats while soaking up the scenery. Don’t forget to exchange your admission ticket for a glass of fresh milk, available in various flavours.
North Sumatra
Between the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca, the North Sumatra region is ripe with natural resources and picturesque environments. Filled with hot springs, waterfalls, beaches, parks and hills, the North Sumatra region also boasts a bustling capital, Medan.
Places to Stay in North Sumatra for a Perfect Indonesia Family Vacation
Toba Village Inn
Located on the shores of Lake Toba, Toba Village Inn has rooms with views of the mountains and Samosir Island in North Sumatra. Choose to swim in the outdoor pool facing the lake or go for a refreshing dip in the lake. You can also enjoy a cup of tea and the cooling lake breeze at traditional-style huts located on the shoreline.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 32 – USD 52
Guest Rating: 8.0
Address: Tuktuk Siadong 1, Simanindo, Indonesia
Horas Family Home
A traditional Batak house situated by Lake Toba, Horas Family Home offers relaxing family-friendly accommodation in North Sumatra. It comes with full kitchen facilities, international TV channels, WIFi, library, organic garden and fish pond. This homestay-style accommodation showcases a taste of local food prepared by the owners, with the option to have a family barbecue. With the lake as its backyard, you can fish or even partake in water sports, such as kayaking or jet skiing. A newly constructed children’s pool adds to the attraction making this place home to many families with kids.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 54 – USD 135
Guest Rating: 10
Address: Tuk Tuk, Samosir, Simanindo, Indonesia
Hotel Location
Top Sights in North Sumatra
Lake Toba
Nestled in the North Sumatra region is the world’s largest volcanic lake with azure waters, totalling more than 100 kilometres in length. Lake Toba is twice the size of Singapore and the stunning sight of the never-ending shoreline is truly mesmerising.
A six-hour drive from Medan, Lake Toba is surrounded by nearby seafood restaurants that serve fresh locally-caught fish while catching the cool lake breezes. If your kids enjoy swimming, take a dip in the freshwater lake while watching the boats cruise past.
If you prefer the view from above, head to the Taman Simalem Resort. This luxurious property sits above Lake Toba and showcases incredible bird’s-eye views of the water below. The entrance also includes free entry to the Labyrinth maze.
Sipisopiso
Located within the same area as Lake Toba, Sipisopiso is the highest waterfall in Indonesia. Its name translates to “like a knife”, which was inspired by the way the waterfall cuts through the vegetation. At a height of 120 metres, the Sipisopiso waterfall can be easily admired from the viewing platform near the car park.
If you are up for a challenge, trek down and get a closer view of the waterfall at its base. You might even be able to spot some rainbows in the mist. With over 600 steps, this trek will take about 45 minutes one way. Make sure you and your children are prepared for the trek with plenty of snacks and water.
Tangkahan Paradise
Also known as the Hidden Elephant Paradise of Tangkahan, this secluded elephant sanctuary rescues and cares for injured and abused elephants. Formerly a logging trade hub, this remote village has transformed into a self-sustained ecotourism destination. These elephants are also part of the Conservation Response Unit: a team that helps safeguard and protect the national park.
Bathe with the elephants in the river and indulge in water play or take a tour around the jungle alongside these giant beauties. Take this chance to also learn more about elephants and how they’re being protected around the jungles of Sumatra.
What’s your favourite hotel for a perfect nature filled Indonesia family vacation? Please let us know in the comments below.
