Check out our helpful travel tips to make your family holiday in Bali stress free! From child care facilities, packing reminders and days out with the kids, we have it covered.
A family holiday in Bali is the perfect destination choice, due to its sunny climate, beautiful beaches and endless things to do with the kids, but it is only perfect if you plan right! Here are our top ten tips for an amazing holiday with the little ones on this paradise island.
1. Pack right
Bring all the regular medication for minor ailments for children, just in case you have one of those 2am emergencies! You can easily buy baby formulas, teething biscuits, and nappies, so no need to go overboard. Bring a familiar toy and book for the flight, and if it’s a long haul think about bringing either an iPhone with kids apps or a portable DVD player – it might just save your life! Don’t forget the mosquito repellent, sunscreen and after-sun care as Bali’s tropical climate can be harsh on the little ones.
2. Book right
Lily ponds are stunning and sparkling swimming pools are relaxing, but not so if you are travelling with toddlers or infants. Research your stay options and seek out a family friendly hotel or your own private villa with kid amenities. There are tonnes to choose from across the island, and most come complete with a special kids menu, kids clubs and even a waterslide! If you do book a villa and the pool area seems unsafe, fear not! Bali Pool Fence Hire will install an attractive bamboo fence with a kid-proof safety latch so you can actually relax on your holiday. Feew!
3. Hire the Essentials
Let’s face it, there’s nothing glamorous about waiting at the luggage carousel for a portacot and a booster seat, so why not just hire when you get to Bali? Hit up Bali Baby Hire and book before arrival so everything is ready the minute you walk in to your villa/hotel. They also have English speaking drivers with cars equipped with baby seats.
4. Buckle up
Most people use a scooter to get around on in Bali but we recommend a car and a driver for all your transport needs. It may take a little longer when you are winding though the smaller roads, but it is worth it for safety reasons, plus we all know there is no way you will fit all the stuff your need for the beach on a scooter! Your accommodation should be able to help provide transport services with seat-belts (which is not mandatory). And a little tip: if you get stuck behind a ceremonial processions sit back, enjoy the experience and practice your game of eye-spy!
5. In the Know
Whilst it is fine to brush your teeth in tap water, it is best to drink bottled water (make sure it is sealed), and ensure your ice is from bottled water too. Also steer clear of the local milk, just incase! You can easily get Western milk in the supermarkets, as well as a wide range of formulas.
6. Hungry Tummies
Keeping the little ones full of energy, especially in this hot climate, is vital in keeping smiles on everyone’s faces. Luckily for you, Bali is known for its incredible food! There are lots of child friendly restaurants on the island too, including the awesome Pirates Bay Bali, where they can inner their own Captain Hook for the afternoon and go on a hunt for treasure, or take it up a notch and indulge in a lavish high tea at Biku. And no holiday is complete without ice cream, so be sure to check out the yummy Nutelle-Ella-Ella flavoured nitrogen icecream in Seminyak [just watch out for the sugar high!].
7. Check the Calendar
Bali weather is not really a problem as the island tends to see sunshine throughout the year [hooray!], but the humidity and rainfall does vary throughout the high and low season. Check out our weather guide to figure out what is the best time of year to visit for you. High Season coincides with the school summer holidays and is known to be the optimal weather for visitors [with lots of sunshine, minimal rainfall and lower humidity], although the prices will increase so be wary!
8. Club time
A lot of the family hotels have kids club, which provide hours of fun for the little ones, including indoor and outdoor play, arts & crafts, DVD watching, library access and lots more to keep them busy. There are also lots of independent childcare centre’s across the island too, so take a day to yourself and let someone else be in charge for a few hours!
9. Things To do
There are so many things to do with the kids in Bali, including beach days, safari trips, cooking classes and not forgetting a trip to Asia’s number one waterpark, Waterbom! If you are staying in Canggu, check out Canggu Club as this is a great way to spend a a day with the kids. It has restaurants, sports facilities, a swimming pool, bowling and even an indoor trampolining centre called Bounce [and yes, we are ashamed to say that might have enjoyed it even more than the kids!]. Your days will be so jam packed that the little ones will be fast asleep before your know it, allowing you to enjoy a nice cold Bintang in peace!
10. Just in case
Always check your travel insurance, and check in with villa staff about on-call access to medical staff.
Top image: Isolarossa