Bali with Kids Guide

We made the decision that Bali would be our first trip abroad as a family, with all kids in tow! (Quietly terrifying!) However, with rave reviews as THE 'kid-friendly destination of choice' for so many family and friends, and with Bali being just a short plane ride from Australia, it seemed an obvious choice! Let it be known right now that Bali is an extremely 'family friendly' holiday destination. We were looked after and catered for beyond all expectations! The Balinese people themselves are so kind and loving and the absolute epitome of 'happiness', this incredible positive energy followed us wherever we went. Being surrounded by such amazing people on a truly gorgeous tropical island with an endless supply of cocktails in hand rounds out my 'dream holiday' checklist beautifully! (It's the little things AND the big things!)

Things to do When Preparing to Travel to Bali

• Discuss with your GP the recommended immunisations prior to going to Bali.
• Make sure you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your whole family.
• Register for Smart Traveller Online. It helps to connect with you or your family in an emergency.
• Make sure you have at least six months valid on the passports.

Weather

Bali's weather is pleasant year-round. However, the significant seasonal difference falls between the wet and dry seasons. The rainy season (October to April) is a little hotter and more humid, with brief rain during the day. The dry season (May to September) is known as the preferred time to visit Bali.

The daytime temperature can average between 27ºC to 32ºC in the southern lowlands. Bali is quite humid at about 75%, so it often feels much hotter.

Getting There

Denpasar Airport is located in southern Bali and is the main airport, with most major airlines flying direct routes and regularly from Australia.

Australians are now exempt from paying the VISA on arrival fee; it's now free if you are planning to holiday for less than 30 days.

What to Pack

• Travel adapter and Australian power board
• Stroller or baby carrier. The paths in Bali aren't the best for getting around with a stroller, but I still recommend taking one along with a baby carrier as a backup.
• Medication
• Baby supplies - Baby food, nappies, and snacks
• Sunscreen is very expensive in Bali, and the quality is not the same as in Australia so stock up before you go
• Bushman's repellent or another strong bug repellent due to dengue fever in Bali

Money

The Indonesian Rupiah is Bali's currency. I recommend you print an exchange cheat sheet to keep with you at all times as an easy reference guide when bartering or looking to purchase items. When getting money exchanged, make sure you always use a legitimate exchanger. To avoid coming home with leftover currency, I preferred to exchange $300 at a time. You will find lots of ATMs located around Bali, but make sure you check the bank fees before using them.

Be prepared to barter with the market store owners. As a starting point, I always asked the price of the item first and then offered half of that. But always be ready to go back and forth until you're happy with the price. I also found it easier to barter them down if you buy several of something or items in bulk. I didn't barter too aggressively as the Balinese people are incredibly hard-working and in my opinion, very much deserve the money they earn.

Getting Around Bali

Taxis are relatively cheap and simple to use in Bali, however being aware of the following tips may make it a little easier for you.

• Use Bluebird metered taxis. They have an excellent reputation in Bali.
• Ask the driver to turn the meter on before leaving for your destination. Bluebirds are the only taxis I travelled in, and we never had an issue with them turning on the meter.
• If you can't find a metered taxi, make sure you negotiate a price before driving anywhere or you may be in for a shock when you get to your destination!
• When hailing a taxi, expect to pay a starting tariff of Rp 7,000 (AUD 70c) and an extra Rp 6,500.00 to Rp 10,000 per km (AUD 65c to $1) depending on traffic.
• Ask your hotel to write down your destination for you in Indonesian so you don't have any language barrier problems.

Important Places to Know

BIMC Kuta

Bali is a 24-hour hospital for medical treatments or emergencies.

Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X
Kuta 80361, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone:(+62 361) 761263
E-mail: [email protected]

Australian Embassy/Consulate

Jalan Tantular, No. 32,
Renon, Denpasar, Bali 80234
Telephone:(+62 361) 2000 100

Where to Stay With Kids in Bali

Bali has a range of high-quality hotels created with families in mind, inclusive of kids clubs, a huge range of fun activities and outrageously cool water parks. You will also find reasonably priced villas that come with a maid, cook, and drivers. Picking between the two is a personal choice, but I highly recommend trying them both out to decide on the preferred option for your family.

Hotels

Kuta
Hard Rock

Bali Dynasty

Jimbaran Bay

Intercontinental Bali

Nusa Dua

Club Med

The Westin Resort 

Vilas

Bali Family Villas

Bali Family Villas are owned by a young Australian couple who relocated to Bali to raise their children amidst the stress-free, tropical lifestyle readily on offer. Over the years, they have seen an increase in demand for holiday homes that are designed specifically for those travelling with kids. As parents themselves, they have an intimate understanding of what people are looking for when holidaying in Bali with children. They are also more than happy to help with extras, like pool fences, car seats, toys, family friendly floor plans for younger children and freelance babysitters. The little things really can and do make all the difference while on holiday!

Bali Villa Escapes

I recently had friends use Bali Villa Escape to book a family-friendly Villa on their recent holiday, and they returned with glowing reviews. Bali Realty exclusively manages a network of over 50 Villas, so I'm confident you will find at least one within your budget that also caters for your family's needs.

What to do in Bali with Kids

• Bali Safri & Marine Park
• Waterbomb Park
• Bali Tree Top Adventure Park  - Zipline park for kids aged 4+
• Seawalk Experience
• Temples
• Island Tour with Snorkelling
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Best Beaches in Bali
• Rip Curl Surf School
• White Water Rafting - kids aged 5+
• Turtle Release Kuta Beach 

Where to Shop

Popular Markets

• Kuta
• Ubud
• Sanur Sunday Market
• Seminyak Square Market

Shopping centres

• Discovery Shopping Mall
• Kuta Square
• Beachwalk

Grocery stores

• Carreforre
• Bintang Supermarket

Where to Eat in Bali with kids

As a guide, try to stick to the most popular-looking restaurants and bars. Children are welcomed, and you will find most local restaurants have a kids menu readily available. We were spoilt for choice on our holiday with a plethora of restaurants and bars within walking distance of our hotel or a very short drive from our villas. If you get stuck, it's always a good idea to ask for recommendations from the locals or the staff at your hotel.

Jimbaran is beachfront perfection and certainly one of the most popular places to dine, having front row seats to the breathtaking sunsets of Bali simply cannot be beaten! Restaurant options along this strip are plentiful, and your biggest issue will be deciding which one!

• Trip Canvas shares ten family-friendly restaurants in Bali.
• Bali for Families has a great list of restaurants to eat out in Bali with kids.

Have you been to Bali with your family? I would love to know what made you pick Bali for your holiday.