Traveling to Bali with Kids: Your Ultimate Family Guide
- Anna Genders
- Apr 21
- 7 min read
So, you’ve booked your family escape to Bali (hooray!); but now the real planning begins. If the thought of wrangling kids through airports, customs and long-haul flights makes you sweat more than a Bintang in the sun, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s your no-stress, straight-talking guide to doing Bali with kids. From packing and flying, to making memories once you arrive. We've had thousands of families stay with us...just like you'll so we have gathered up all of their tips, tricks and 'I wish I knew this earlier's' to create you the ultimate guide for you!
Before You Go: Packing Like a Pro
1. Less is more… seriously!
Bali is super kid-friendly, and you’ll find everything from nappies to baby wipes and snacks in local minimarts. Don’t waste space lugging full boxes; pack enough for the first 48 hours and grab the rest there. Many villas will offer a pre-shopping service, therefore you can send them the list of things you need and they can have them ready and waiting for you. Just remember; brand names are different to what you are used to at home(in most cases) so just have them get you what they can find as a starting point and you can go from there. If you have full-time staff in your villa (Saudara Villas tick) then they should be able to shop for you on a daily basis to top up any extra things you need along the way.
2. Must-haves:
Swimmers, waterproof nappies + rashies (the sun is no joke!)
Insect repellent, insect wristbands or stickers, grab them from your chemist before you go. They’re great for kids who hate sprays and super handy for travel days or outdoor dinners.
Light, breathable clothing (cotton all the way)
Reusable water bottles( so you can re-fill from your accommodation in the morning and don't need to keep buying water and especially plastic)
Mini first-aid kit (Panadol, Band-Aids, electrolytes)
Travel stroller or baby carrier(although this can get hot if used for too long)
Power bank & tablet loaded with shows
Ziplock bags for snacks, wet clothes, and sandy shells
Kids Travel Journal and Craft Kits(see below)
Bonus Tip: Start with a Travel Journal!
Get the kids excited before the wheels even lift off by starting a travel journal together. It’s a fun way to introduce them to Balinese culture, language, and what they can expect to see, taste, and experience.
We love the journals from My Big Adventure; they’ve created the coolest travel diaries for both little and big kids, packed with interactive prompts, games, and space for all the memories. It’s the perfect way to keep them engaged on the journey and gives you a keepsake to look back on forever.
We also love the Travel Crafty Kits that Kmart have. They have a range of good ones, but we particularly love this one Kmart
Flying With Kids: Keep It Chill(ish)
1. Night flights = gold
Book an overnight flight if you can. The kids might just sleep through it (and so might you).
2. Snacks are the real MVP
Pack a stash of snacks you know your kids love. Hungry kids = chaos. For $5.50, Kmart have 12 compartment box that will allow you to fill each compartment with a tasty treat to keep the kids not only full, but engaged! Maybe they get to open one compartment every 30 minutes of the duration of the flight! Kmart
3. Screen time rules don’t apply here
Load up devices with games, shows, and movies. Don’t forget comfy headphones.
4. Lollipops or sippy cups for takeoff/landing
They help with ear pressure and keep little mouths busy.
5. Ask for the bassinet
If your child still fits, most airlines will let you pre-book one as this will be a godsend for a good sleep(for all) just book early.
Arrival in Bali: Breathe, You’re Here
1. Getting from the airport with kids
If you’re used to car seats being the law (and the norm), Bali will feel a little different. While car seats are essential in Australia and other Western Countries, they’re not commonly used in Bali and most vehicles, especially local taxis and private drivers, simply aren’t built with anchor bolts or the fittings that make a car seat function safely.
Car ownership in Indonesia is less common, and local families tend to use scooters or compact vehicles where lap-seating is the norm. The traffic in Bali generally moves at very slow speeds, and most families treat cars more like taxis, with kids sitting on laps for short transfers.
That said, if you do prefer a car seat for peace of mind, it’s absolutely possible. Most baby and kid hire companies (like Bali Kidz Hire) can provide one as part of a rental package. Just remember to check with your transfer provider in advance to see if the car can accommodate the seat as not all vehicles will have the right fittings.
We always recommend doing your own research around what feels safest and most comfortable for your family. Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you and your little ones while understanding that the setup may not mirror what you’re used to at home.
2. Stay somewhere kid-friendly
Choose villas or hotels with enclosed pools, easy food options, and ideally, private staff or a nanny service. (Shameless plug: Saudara Villas do all of this and more!)
We have created a recent Blog Post that highlights some of the differences between traveling in a resort versus a villa that you may find helpful Read here
3. Upgrade your villa setup
Some villas cater better for kids than others, but if yours is more minimal, don’t stress. Our friends at Bali Kidz Hire can transform your space with cots, high chairs, safety gear, pool toys, and more to create a mini wonderland your kids won’t want to leave. Pool Fencing hire is also a MUST and your villa should be able to also arrange this for you prior to arrival.
4. First day = chill day
No big plans on arrival day. Swim, snack, settle in. The less plans on day one....the better. Its a day for the kids to acclimatise to new faces, new climates, new foods and a new home!
Engage With Your Villa Staff: Culture + Connection
One of the biggest perks of villa life? The amazing staff. Take time to introduce your kids to your butler or housekeeper. Most will speak English, which is super helpful and helps the kids feel safe and included.(especially if you choose to head out for stints without them) - think massages, lunches and even dinners!
Ask if they can teach a few simple Bahasa words (like Terima Kasih = Thank You!) or even share something fun about Balinese daily life. If the villa permits, your kids might even help create the daily offerings (Canang Sari) A hands-on insight into the Hindu religion that they’ll remember long after the holiday ends.
Happy Kids Start with Happy Parents
And want to know my number one travel tip?The most important one of all?
Happy parents = Happy Kids
You deserve a holiday too, so plan one night for yourselves.
Ask your villa staff or arrange a local nanny to watch the kids for a few hours while you head out for sunset cocktails, a spa treatment, or dinner on the beach. The kids will be well cared for (and probably having a ball), and you’ll come back feeling recharged and refreshed. The best place to start is asking your villa staff. Villa staff can often stay on for extra nanny hours in the evenings, meaning that you already have had time to get to know them and feel comfortable and most importantly....so have the kids! It's likely the kids will create such a beautiful bond with your staff that they wont even blink an eyelid if you choose to have a night without them. For anyone else looking for nanny staff, checkout Febylous Nannycare
Family-Friendly Fun in Bali
Waterbom Bali (Kuta): Epic slides and water fun for all ages.
Finns Water Park: Bowling, trampolines, splash park = endless energy burner.
Beach days: Calm waves and soft sand? Beaches like Double Six at night often have live music, Firedancers and other entertainment which can be a nice experience for the kids(as well as you)
Bali Treetop Adventure Park: Ziplining fun for older kids (and brave parents).
Cooking classes, Soap Making or Jewellery Making: Culture meets hands-on fun.
Capture the Magic: Book a Family Photoshoot
Kids grow fast, and holidays fly by; so book a local photographer to capture the magic. Whether it’s candid beach time, floating breakfasts, family pool fun or a special dinner in your villa, it’s the perfect way to freeze those moments.
You’ll walk away with Christmas card-worthy snaps and gifts for the grandparents that don’t involve souvenirs and the kids can even show off the photos at show and tell when they return back to school!
Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks
Use Grab (Bali’s version of Uber) for affordable, air-conditioned transport. The app utilises drivers who are already on your local area, so can save cost on having to send out a driver to pick you up. We however recommend using a Tour Guide/Private Driver for Day trips if you're wanting an experienced person full of knowledge(and great english) to show you the sights.
Eat local Warung(local Balinese cafe) has delicious and fresh food and kid-approved(think satays, grilled corn, spring rolls and rice dishes)
Book activities through your villa for better prices and local connections.
My Final Words: Let Go & Enjoy the Ride
Things will go off-plan. Someone will get sunburnt. You’ll forget a pair of swimmers or maybe someone will have an off day and want to stay in your villa/hotel and have a chill day, but those small hiccups are part of the ride.
Bali is warm, welcoming and the ultimate playground for families. Go slow, say yes to help, and enjoy the little things as they’re often the best bits.
See you in paradise!
Anna x
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