“Involving toddlers in travel is one of the most important aspects of parenthood, and taking them on a trip abroad, like on vacation in Bali for example, is an experience that will stay with you for a long time.”
A Guide to Worry-Free Vacations: Exploring the Miracle of Bali with Toddlers
Is it safe to travel with a baby to Bali? How to deal with their preparations and needs? What kind of accommodation is suitable? What about baby food, will it be an issue? What about diapers and formula?
These questions are just some of the worries that are often present in the minds of parents, but this article is written in the hope that it can be a fairly comprehensive guide to help conquer all the confusion and keep the stress out of traveling with little ones.
The island of Bali celebrates countless attractions: mysterious temples, delicious cuisine, exclusive beaches, mesmerizing waves, breathtaking panoramas, and the hospitality of its people.
However, adventuring with a toddler changes the dynamics of travel. So, it’s important to explore the experience of traveling to Bali with little ones.
By vacationing in private villas with your family in Bali, the island is not just an ordinary vacation destination, but can also be a paradise for adventures with babies.
With such a small island, transportation to your villa or hotel from the airport is easy. Prices in Bali are also more affordable than back home in Australia, New Zealand or America.
Traveling is made smoother with the support of the villa management. Additionally, most villas have nanny and babysitting services available, allowing parents to experience the romance of a dinner or full-day vacation without worry.
Bali is full of exciting things for parents to do with their kids
The island of Bali, with its infinite charm, offers a great vacation experience for parents who want to go on an adventure with their kids.
Have you ever wondered, “Is it safe to bring babies and children to Bali?” The answer is clear: Very safe, and there are many reasons why Bali is the ideal place to explore the world with your little ones. Here are those reasons:
- A Warm Welcome from the Balinese People
It’s not just the beautiful natural scenery and rich culture that Bali is known for. The local people are incredibly friendly and kind, especially towards children.
As you walk with your little ones on the city streets or visit tourist attractions, you will feel the genuine smiles and warm glances of the locals. Bali is not only a tourist destination, but also a community that embraces the presence of children with an open heart.
- Safety Throughout Your Adventure
One major concern when traveling with a toddler is safety. However, you can breathe a sigh of relief when in Bali. Unlike some other destinations that may have high crime rates, Bali is known as a relatively safe place to travel with kids.
With a conducive atmosphere and a supportive community, you can explore the island without worry, even at night. The experience of vacationing with toddlers in Bali will give you a calm and stress-free feeling.
- Family Friendly Accommodation
One of the great advantages of vacationing with toddlers in Bali is the ease of finding family-friendly accommodation. Many villas and hotels in Bali have anticipated the needs of families by providing convenient and practical facilities.
In these villas, you’ll find modern kitchens to prepare your little one’s meals, cozy bedrooms with cots provided, as well as easy access to large supermarkets to fulfill all of baby’s needs.
In Bali, especially in the more touristy areas, there are many supermarkets that sell international products with brands that may be very familiar to you and sold at home.
At the same time, if you organize your family trip carefully, there is nothing wrong with doing the following:
- Ensuring your child’s health and comfort
During the trip, there are some important things you need to consider to maintain your little one’s health and comfort. Drinking water is one of the crucial factors. Avoid using tap water, including to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth.
Use bottled water that is readily available. When giving fresh fruit to your child, make sure it is not peeled and washed with tap water. Always use bottled water to clean it.
- Travel Wisely
While Bali is a relatively safe destination, as a parent, it is still necessary to explore wisely. Remember that Bali is part of Indonesia, a country with third-world characteristics.
The chaotic traffic in some areas of Bali requires extra vigilance when walking, especially with toddlers. At the beach, keep an eye on your little one as the waves can be dangerous. Always monitor your child around hotel or villa swimming pools, due to the lack of guardrails.
- Protection from Insects
As a tropical island, Bali has a sizable mosquito population. Dengue fever is a health issue to be aware of.
Make sure to bring along special insect repellent for toddlers and cover them up at night. These precautions will help keep your little ones healthy and comfortable during your trip.
Embarking on an Adventure in Bali with Little Ones: Immigration, Visa, and Vehicle Tips
Arriving in Bali with your little ones is probably the biggest challenge of your trip, especially if the airport is crowded. When your plane lands at the same time as several others, be prepared for the possibility of long delays when going through immigration and collecting luggage, including strollers and other bulky equipment.
And if you’re coming from another country, before stepping out of the airport, there are a few preparations you’ll need to make. Visas are one of the things you’ll need to take care of, costing around US$50 per person.
Make sure you bring cash or a credit card to pay. Also, it’s important to fill out a customs prior notification form online before departing from Australia. Your airline will send you an email reminder about this step approximately three days before departure.
Upon arrival at Denpasar airport, you will be asked to show the QR code you received after completing the paperwork. For convenience, take a screenshot of the QR code and save it on your phone, so the officer can scan it easily in Bali.
A standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days, which covers most families. However, if you need more time, an additional 30 days can be extended when you are already in Bali.*
*These regulations and prices are subject to change at any time according to the regulatory provisions provided by the government in Indonesia.
Having made it through the crowds and chaos of Bali airport, the next adventure only begins as you look for transportation to your hotel or villa.
However, most villas have pre-arranged transportation available, and you will be greeted by a driver with a sign in their hand with your name if you booked in advance.
However, if you want to be more flexible, there are many taxi drivers ready to take you for a fee. Please beware of potential scams and overcharging.
A rule of thumb is to try to bargain for half of their initial demand. This haggling process may be a little nerve-wracking, especially after a long ride with a toddler.
Alternatively, there is also a Grab taxi stand at the airport that can help you arrange a drop-off at a more fixed price through the Grab taxi app which may be easier.
If you install the app on your phone, it will be available for use whenever you need it during your Bali vacation.
Getting Started on a Bali Adventure with Little Ones: Tips and Tricks for a Comfortable Journey
When you decide to visit Bali Island with your little ones, you’ll find a variety of facilities that can make your trip more comfortable.
The island has an international hospital and a decent pharmacy, as well as many convenience stores and supermarkets that provide everything you need, including for toddlers.
This article will cover some important aspects for your trip with little ones, including what items to buy quickly, baby gear rentals, and also some of the challenges you will need to face.
Health Facilities in Bali and Light Shopping
Around the island of Bali, you’ll find a variety of facilities that come in handy when vacationing with toddlers. Pharmacies are scattered throughout the main tourist areas, so you can easily get medical supplies for your children.
Use the map application on your phone to locate the nearest pharmacy, clinic or hospital. If needed, there is also the large Siloam Hospital, as well as the planned construction of a new hospital in Sanur, which will further increase the island’s medical care capacity.
In an emergency situation, your villa manager can contact a doctor for a house or villa call. Although the healthcare system in Bali is good, keep in mind that standards and facilities may differ when compared to where you are from. However, in case of emergency, hospitals are available throughout the island.
In terms of supplies, food, and medicine, Bali is very child-friendly. Bali has many small convenience stores scattered everywhere (Ex: Circle K, Indomaret, and AlfaMart).
In some areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Legian, and Uluwatu, you will find these convenience stores every ±100 meters, which provide drinking water, snacks, toiletries, wet wipes, and milk.
If you need special items for toddlers, some of the larger supermarkets (such as Pepito, Papaya, etc.) in the center of tourist centers and now starting to expand to larger areas, can be a solution. In the vicinity of these supermarkets, you will also find pharmacies in case medical supplies are needed.
Baby Supplies Rental
Maybe you don’t want to bring all the baby gear from home. In this case, you have the option to rent it.
Some villas are already equipped with baby gear, so you don’t have to worry about bringing heavy gear.
Convey your need for this to the villa management at the time of your reservation to ensure that you and your little one’s needs are maximized.
Challenges of Traveling in Bali with Toddlers
Sometimes, vacations don’t happen as expected. While Bali is a beautiful destination, the presence of a toddler will bring its own challenges to your trip.
Here are some things to consider that can ease the challenges and make your vacation more comfortable;
- Bali has a hot and humid climate, so it’s important to keep your little ones from getting dehydrated. Make sure they drink enough water throughout the day and take naps to keep their energy up. Avoid being outdoors between 1 and 4pm, when temperatures are at their hottest. Use this time to relax in a shaded villa, hotel or poolside.
- Family-friendly facilities may be lacking in some areas, especially outside the main tourist areas. If you’re traveling to the countryside, there may not be high chairs in cafes or other baby facilities. Make sure you bring your own baby gear if you’re traveling to these areas.
- The presence of baby seats in taxis or app-booked vehicles on the island of Bali may be limited, which can make your journey difficult. Ensuring that your little one is in your arms at all times while the vehicle is moving is one of the best things to do. If you are in Seminyak or Canggu, which often experience traffic jams, getting anywhere can be a challenge with a tired toddler in the car, prepare simple toys or anything that can keep your little one from getting bored.
- Bali’s beaches are beautiful, but conditions are not always ideal for swimming with toddlers, especially in the main tourist areas on the west coast. Make sure you provide maximum supervision and are able to provide protection when needed. Swimming in a less deep, child-safe pool at your villa is a wise choice.
- Snacks and food are an inevitable necessity. Local Balinese food and snacks tend to be spicy, and toddlers or children may not be used to spicy flavors. Avoid buying food from local markets, local restaurants, unpeeled fruit, tap water, or food from traveling vendors to avoid the discomfort that can occur after consuming it. Make sure you bring your own food that your little ones like.
With good preparation and an understanding of the challenges you may face, a trip to Bali with a toddler can be a wonderful and rewarding experience.
Some recommendations of interesting tourist locations and activities that you can pass with your beloved little one in Bali
1. Kuta
- Cocktails at sunset
Sunset cocktails are an institution in Bali, and one of the best places to watch the sunset is at Kuta Beach. Visit one of the many pop-up beach bars (they provide beer cafes as seating – just to add to the fun) and enjoy some ice-cold Bintang. Afterwards, grab a cheap meal at a local warung or head to a popular spot like Hard Rock Cafe for a snack.
- Surfing lessons
Kuta Beach has big waves, so be careful, but it was a beginner’s paradise when I was a kid. So rent a board and an instructor and start paddling. Forget taking little Bubba to the sea, but for adults, it’s a chance to enjoy the warm tropical waters and indulge in a healthy activity. For fun, take a boat to Kuta Reef and surf with the beginners at a spot called Airport Lefts. So many beginners come here, and it’s not as hard as it looks – give it a try!
- Shopping
Experience bargaining with the locals and enjoy the many local markets and stalls where vendors sell sarongs, T-shirts, jewelry and souvenirs. Kuta is a shopper’s paradise, and you’ll easily find bargains (at least you might think so) to take home.
2. Seminyak
Seminyak is the perfect destination for all types of families, from those with young children to teenagers. It offers beautiful beaches, great shopping, exciting nightlife, affordable massages and interesting cafés. There are many family-friendly vacation villas to rent here. Here are some of the favorite activities that can be enjoyed in Seminyak:
- Eat Street Shopping:
If you love shopping, Eat Street in Seminyak is a shopping paradise in Bali. Here, you’ll find a variety of boutiques, clothing stores, homeware and souvenir shops. The street is perfect for a stroll while shopping, and you can even bring your little ones along in a stroller. Be sure to stop by the amazing cafes along Jalan Kayu Aya such as Sistefields and Kim Soo.
- Beach Bar
Seminyak is where the Beach Club phenomenon started in Bali, and you can enjoy a great experience at places like KU DE TA, Potato Head, Mrs. Sippy, and Mano Beach House. They are very kid-friendly, so adults can enjoy the sunset while the kids have fun. There are swimming pools and special menus for kids like burgers, fries, and pizza. KU DE TA even has special family Sundays with fun activities for kids.
Seminyak is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation in Bali.
- Family Friendly Cafe
Enjoy the great cafes in Seminyak that provide special menus for kids, such as Sisterfields, Sea Circus, Jonhhy Rockets, Grill’d and BossMan. A special treat is at Nook, where kids can choose dishes from the kids’ menu, while you enjoy the beautiful rice field views with your family.
3. Canggu
As the newest family destination, Canggu is now the most popular tourist area in South Bali, with beach clubs, new cafes, fitness centers and family-friendly villas. From Batu Belig to Cemagi, there are plenty of activities for families with young children.
While there is traffic in Canggu, staying near the beach or the main tourist centers will save you a long commute, especially during hot weather. Besides being a favorite spot for Instagram models and digital backpackers, Canggu also offers a lot of fun for families with toddlers. Canggu can be an alternative family-friendly tourist spot for you and your little ones.
4. Wait at the villa
You don’t always have to travel, and being in a private villa with a sunny garden and a pool with your family and this atmosphere is also quite enjoyable.
Some larger villas have pools with shallow sections where you can swim, take a dip or just play in the cool, refreshing water with your little ones. You may also want to hire an in-house nanny for the day to look after the baby while the two of you go out for a special romantic dinner.
In all seriousness, Bali is an ideal vacation destination to explore with toddlers. Safety, friendliness of the local people, family-friendly accommodation, and stunning natural scenery are all factors that make this experience unforgettable. With good planning and an understanding of the surroundings, you and your little ones can enjoy a safe, fun and meaningful vacation on this magical island.
