South Lombok is one of the easiest places in Indonesia to travel with children. The beaches are uncrowded, the pace is slow, and Selong Belanak has some of the gentlest waves on the island. The airport is only 35 minutes away, so there’s no long transfer after the flight.
Villa Kai Lani is set up for families, and these are the things we tell every parent who stays with us.
Beach days with kids
Selong Belanak: first waves and sandcastles. Just 5 minutes from the villa, this is our family beach. The bay is sheltered, the sand is soft and the waves roll in small and slow over a sandy bottom, so even the youngest kids can take a surf lesson. Local instructors push them onto the waves and stay right beside them in the shallows. Not ready to surf? The wide, flat sand is perfect for sandcastle building, and the beach warungs have shade, cold coconuts and snacks when everyone needs a break.
Mawi: shell hunting. Mawi is a wilder, quieter bay a short drive west, and it’s the best beach near us for sea shell hunting. Bring a bucket and go at low tide when more of the beach is uncovered. The surf here is for experienced surfers, so it’s a beach for exploring rather than swimming with little ones.
More for little ones
The pirate ship playground. Tucked behind Pronto Pizza in the village is a pirate ship playground, a favourite with our younger guests. Let the kids climb while you order, and Pronto’s pizzas are a guaranteed hit with fussy eaters.
Water buffalo. Herds still graze in the fields along the road into Selong Belanak. Ask us where the herders are that day.
Snorkeling the Secret Gilis. For older kids and confident swimmers, a boat trip to Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Gili Layar is a real adventure: calm water, coral and fish. Your villa manager can arrange the boat and gear.
Sunset at the villa. Some of the best evenings are the simplest: a swim in the pool, then dinner on the terrace as the sun sets over the bay.
At the villa
A bunk room close to you. The bunk room has two king single beds and its own ensuite, and it sits just off the primary suite, separated by a short corridor. Your children are right next door, not in a separate wing.
Baby gear, ready when you arrive. A Bugaboo cot, Stokke baby bath and high chair are provided at no extra cost, and roll-away beds are complimentary.
Toys, games and books. The villa has its own collection of toys, games and children’s books, so you can pack light and still have something for rainy afternoons and quiet evenings.
A room for your nanny. The separate helpers’ room has two bunk beds and its own ensuite.
Meals sorted. A private chef can cook breakfast, lunch or dinner, and we can have groceries delivered before you arrive, so the fridge is stocked for little appetites from the first day.
Staff on hand. Our villa manager, housekeepers and full-time security look after the villa, so you can actually relax.
Practical tips
Getting here. Lombok International Airport is about 35 minutes from the villa. Our driver can meet you at arrivals. Tell us your children’s ages when you book, and we’ll arrange car seats for the drive.
Sun and sea. The tropical sun is strong, so pack high-factor sunscreen, hats and rash vests for the water. Supervise children closely at every beach, and stick to Selong Belanak’s sheltered shallows for paddling.
When to go. April to June and September bring dry, sunny days with fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, and from November to March rain usually arrives as a short afternoon shower.
Stay with us
Villa Kai Lani sleeps 8 in the hills above Selong Belanak, with a private pool, a bunk room for the kids and everything you need for babies and toddlers. Tell us your children’s ages when you book, and we’ll have the villa ready for them.
See our family villa · Check availability and book direct · Message us on WhatsApp
Also on the journal: Selong Belanak travel guide: the beach, surf and where to eat
