09 Apr TRAVELING TO BALI WITH KIDS | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bali is famous for its surf, magical sunsets, excellent food, friendly locals, beautiful culture, and its relaxed vibe. However, Bali is not only a hotspot for couples and singles, it’s also the place for families. There’s so many things to do in Bali and a lot that kids would enjoy. In this article we will share everything you need to know when travelling with kids to Bali for a memorable and stress-free vacation.
Bali with kids? Here are some highlights:
Bali is known for its relaxed vibe, friendly locals and warm hospitality and provides a safe environment for everyone, including children. Here is why we think it’s a perfect holiday destination for kids.
- Bali is a small island so in just a few weeks time you can visit different areas without spending too much travelling time.
- There’s a wide range of affordable family accommodations.
- Bali is a paradise for food lovers, and eating out is still affordable, especially Indonesian food. Bali offers lots of kid-friendly food options.
- Mostly, you can enjoy a tropical climate on Bali, it’s warm all year-round.
- There are so many fun activities for kids of all ages.
- Many hotels and villas offer in-house nanny and babysitting services. You can also book your nanny for the day via an agency or through word of mouth.
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What’s the best time to go to Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during its dry season, from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, with low humidity (which is perfect for small kids), and with a bit to no rainfall guaranteed. However, the months of April, May, and September is a very good time too since it’s just before and after the more expensive high season. With good sunny weather and fewer tourists guaranteed. If you don’t mind some rain or you want to escape winter like us, the wet season from November to March is also a good time to visit, with less crowds and lush greenery. Tip! Buy a rain coat or poncho which is light and breathable.
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Bali Arrivals Checklist
- Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Indonesia.
- Upon arrival, follow the signs to the VOA (Visa on Arrival) counter at Denpasar Airport. You need to show your passport and pay 31 dollars in cash or with credit card. A return ticket or return or outbound ticket is also required.
- Complete your e-Customs Declaration online, up to 72 hours before you arrive on Bali here. You can also do it when you arrive, there’s free Wi-Fi. After submission, you’ll receive a QR code per e-mail. Save this code on your mobile and show it at the Customs Inspection zone.
- All international visitors, including children, have to pay Bali Tourist Tax of around 10 Dollars. If you want to avoid potential delays you can pay the tax online before your arrival.
- NEW: Complete the Health Declaration here. After completing the form, submit it to generate a QR code. Save this code on your phone or take a screenshot, as you may need to present it upon arrival in Indonesia.
- Get a SIM or e-SIM. Local SIMs offer affordable data packages compared to international roaming.
- Pre-Arrange Your Hotel Transfer as its crowded at the airport and its sometimes hard to get a taxi and mostly more expensive.
Tips for finding flights to Bali
- Book your flights far ahead, which will save you a lot of money. Find the best deals via Skyscanner.
- If you are flexible with dates keep an eye out for deals like Google Flights also.
- Try to avoid landing too late (after midnight) as transportation options can be limited, and you might face longer waits at the airport, which is no fun with small children.
- Flying to Bali with kids? Go for a night flight, as they will most likely sleep more hours (and so will you). This also helps them to adjust to the different time-zone.
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Tips for when you are traveling to Bali with young kids:
- Medical care: When traveling to Bali with kids, it’s always important to be prepared in case of medical emergencies. Bali has some excellent healthcare facilities and offer high-quality services for children and families, like Siloam in Denpasar and BIMC in Kuta (+62 361 7612 63). Our baby got a bad RS-virus, and pneumonia that ended him in hospital for 9 days. We were so thankful for the medical staff and facilities in Denpasar, which they don’t always have in other parts of Bali. In case of an emergency, call this international hotline: 150 919
- Travel insurance: Make sure to have a travel insurance that covers health issues. I have one at ABN AMBRO, which I’m super happy with! But check with your local insurance company to see what they cover in terms of your child.
- Baby formula: Local brands can be bought at most supermarkets and pharmacies, but it’s not always easy to find your brand preference. Therefore you might want to bring your own if you don’t want to switch. You will find Nutrilon at some supermarkets (in more tourist places) and you can sometimes even order it via services like Grab and Gojek.
- Diapers: Are widely available, while wet wipes without perfume and alcohol are not. So bring enough wipes if your baby has a sensitive skin.
- Carrier: A baby carrier is a must in Bali, since the sidewalks are narrow, broken or non-existent. Some suddenly disappear or are mostly blocked by scooters. In Nuda Dua and Sanur you don’t need to worry about that, both are ideal to visit with small kids.
- Food: Buy your veggies and fruit for your baby in health stores like Bali Budda. Hotels and restaurants are extremely friendly and they might cook something for your baby.
- Mosquitoes: To minimize the risk of dengue in Bali, it’s important to bring mosquito repellent, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and bring a mosquito net.
Packing list for families heading to Bali
Mums out there, we know you are probably in charge of this one. Here are a few things not to forget to pack when you travel to Bali with kids.
- Light, Breathable Clothing: Bali’s climate is hot and humid year-round, so pack lightweight clothes. For babies pack moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton or bamboo to keep them cool.
- Swimwear: Bali has beautiful beaches and hotel pools, so pack multiple swimsuits for everyone. Protect your kids from the intense sun is important due to the tropical climate. A UV protection suit is a must!
- Water Shoes: Useful for swimming or walking on rocky beaches.
- Sunscreen: Bring enough High SPF sunscreen from your country since in Bali it’s expensive. I normally use the brand Naïf.
- Protection: Make sure to bring t-shirts or linen shirts for your kids to protect their shoulders. The same counts for their cute little faces and heads, make sure to bring enough sun hats and sunglasses.
- First-Aid Kit: Make sure to bring band-aids, paracetamol, suppositories, nasal drops, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), tweezers, anti-itch cream, motion sickness tablets.
- Water Bottles: Reusable water bottles. Make sure to drink bottled or purified water in Bali.
- Stroller or Baby Carrier: Bali has many areas with uneven terrain, so a lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be very useful.
- Portable Electric Kettle or Bottle Warmer: Local tap water is not be safe for consumption, luckily most accommodations offer water dispensers which you can use and bring along in a kettle.
You can buy a lot in Bali, but the above are some very handy tips to bring from your own country.
How to get around?
Install the Gojek or Grab app: you can book rides, order food, and even have groceries delivered to the beach, hotel or villa. Another option is to hire a chauffeur for your entire holiday. The best way to find a reliable driver is via these apps or by word of mouth, so ask your (local) friends! Now its time to enjoy your holidays with your amazing family and have a memorable time.
Much Love,
Sarah
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