Gangga Island is a remote and intimate part of Indonesia, often considered a tropical escape off the beaten track. Because it is small and private, it is a true paradise for those who enjoy serenity and slow living. But our island is fast becoming a hotspot for families as there are amazing experiences to make your visit absolutely unforgettable!

If Gangga Island has caught your radar, and you are planning to take the whole family on an unforgettable vacation, it is wise to plan your activities ahead. For that reason, we have some recommendations that will allow you to bond while having the time of your life. This is a place that suits people who enjoy peaceful getaways with their loved ones, so you can count on exciting times and a lot of memories!

4 Amazing Activities to Try When Visiting Indonesia with Kids

If you’re planning a family trip to Indonesia and want a peaceful getaway off the beaten path, yet with plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained, Gangga Island is the perfect choice! However, since traveling with children is not always easy, it might be convenient to plan your family travel activities before your trip. That way, you will be ready for your vacation and avoid arguments and unpleasant situations when you arrive.

When you are visiting our upscale family resort, you will want to take advantage of everything we offer. So, here are some of our suggestions that will not disappoint you.

1. Exploring The Beauty of The Underwater World with Snorkeling and Diving

If you are looking for an unforgettable family adventure, we highly recommend diving or snorkeling with Gangga Divers on Gangga Island. This is one of the best family vacation ideas that is bound to astound everyone, regardless of age. As the magical underwater world is the quintessence surrounding the island, it would be a pity if you and your children did not have a peek at it!

The waters here are calm and crystal clear, making it a fantastic spot for kids to discover the beauty of marine life. Kids as young as 10 can try out diving with options like our PADI Discover Scuba Diving or Junior PADI Scuba Diver programs. However, if diving feels a bit too adventurous for your little ones, there are plenty of equally incredible snorkeling spots in shallow areas perfect for beginners. Even younger kiddos can safely float around and enjoy watching the fish and coral.

Indonesia is an amazing destination for family travel activities, and there is something for everyone. So, like we mentioned, you do not have to worry if your kids are young. They can still explore the beauty of the island in a magical way.

Moreover, if you are wondering why snorkeling and diving should be on your list of family vacation ideas, you need to know what you should expect to see and experience.

For instance, you will be greeted with vibrant coral and probably be able to spot reef sharks, batfish, sea turtles and angelfish. This area of Indonesia is renowned for its incredible diving and unique underwater critters, especially around the famous Lembeh Strait and Bunaken National Park. With around 50 dive sites close to Gangga Island Resort and Spa, it is an ideal base for diving adventures.

Plus, you do not have to worry about diving equipment because everything can be prepared for you. The equipment we offer is in excellent condition, the dive boats are well-maintained, and the briefings you will get about safety in the waters of Indonesia are super thorough.

In short, whether you are a seasoned diver or just starting out, this part of Indonesia is a must-visit, and if you are not certified yet, you can take your PADI Open Water course right at the dive resort. When our upscale family resort gives you amazing opportunities, make sure you take advantage of all of them. After all, this is a bonding experience you and your children will remember forever!

2. Getting to Know The Culture of The Gangga Island Villages

Since Gangga Island is small, you cannot skip the fascinating villages with interesting culture. When looking for family travel activities in Indonesia, this is one that will bring you astonishing experiences. It is an opportunity for your children to see something new and out of the ordinary. They will see how other people live and learn to appreciate differences by diving into the rich culture and traditions of the area.

When you want to take a break from all the amenities of our upscale family resort in Gangga Island, we highly recommend taking a trip to the local villages on either the island or the mainland of Manado. Explore local markets, meet skilled artisans, enjoy traditional performances, and even join in on some craft-making activities. Plus, picking up a few words in the local language and trying out traditional dishes will create so many bonding opportunities. This is one of those family vacation ideas that will provide you with not only fun but knowledge as well. And when traveling with kids, you always need a part of the trip that will be educational.

There are two small villages – Gangga Satu and Gangga Dua. The names might be simple – Gangga “one” and “two” – but each village has its own charm. Gangga Satu is mostly Christian, while Gangga Dua has a Muslim community.

As for what makes the villages such great family travel destinations, especially for kids? Well, all the local kids will come say hi! They’re super friendly and will welcome you with open arms. This way, your kids will not just have a lot of fun, but also have a really immersive cultural experience!

During your exploration, you can count on seeing how people behave in groups, learn the traditional handshake, enjoy chatting with teenagers who are eager to practice their English, or even take some photos together with the locals.

Visiting these villages will be a fantastic experience filled with warmth and connection. It is definitely an activity you should consider on your trip, and see why exploring Indonesia with kids is a wonderful idea!

3. Enjoying The Nature of The Island

If you are not a fan of snorkeling and diving, or you just want to take a break from them, you can count on enjoying the nature of Gangga Island and its majestic features.

For instance, strolling along the beautiful beaches and lush landscapes of Gangga Island Resort is truly a delight. First, it is a fantastic way for families to spend time together, and kids will have a blast spotting unique wildlife, collecting seashells, and learning about the island’s amazing plants and animals.

Second, our friendly local staff at the resort loves to guide families on eco-walks, sharing insights about the local scenery and the importance of conservation. So, your stay at the resort can be highly insightful, if that is something you are after.

Moreover, you can participate in beach clean-up activities, which teach kids about caring for the environment and help make a positive difference in the ecosystem. This is how you make your vacation stand out and offer your children an authentic experience.

Lastly, if you are a nature lover and want to take things to a different level, you definitely should not miss the Tangkoko Nature Reserve. It is home to fascinating creatures like tarsiers, some of the tiniest primates around, as well as Celebes black Crested Macaque, various marsupials, and even wild pigs!

4. Taking Advantage of The Resort Features

If you want something truly laid-back but still very thrilling, you can count on enjoying the resort’s features. Our resort is all about family-friendly fun! There is a big swimming pool and spacious rooms that make for a really comfortable stay.

Families can relax and spend quality time together, whether it is playing beach games, relaxing by the pool with a good book, or enjoying a tasty meal at our restaurant. In the evenings, you will often find people joining in spontaneous badminton games, and for older kids, there is a pool table, board games, and movie nights to entertain them throughout the whole stay!

Also, our staff is fantastic with kids! They love to play music, teach local dances, or even carry the little ones around so you can enjoy your meal peacefully. That is why Gangga Island is an extraordinary family travel destination!

If you are thinking about having an off-the-beaten-track experience in Indonesia with your kids, somewhere far away from the crowds, Gangga is the ultimate choice! As you can see, there are many family travel activities that will make your stay at Gangga Island unforgettable. In short, it is a chance to create exquisite memories with your family and experience something completely different!

Ready for your adventure? Book your stay now and enjoy the beauty of Indonesia with the whole family. To learn more, check out our News page.