Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Bali with Kids: Tips & Fun Activities
👶✈️ Traveling to Bali with kids can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. When we booked our first overseas trip, anxiety filled our minds about ensuring a smooth journey with our 16-month-old daughter, Hailey. After scouring the internet for information and finding limited resources, we compiled our insights into this comprehensive guide. Now, parents can find peace of mind and save hours of searching. Check out our ultimate guide for traveling to Bali with kids and make your journey a breeze!
In 2022, we embarked on a memorable adventure and took our 16-month-old daughter Hailey on her first overseas trip to Bali for the New Year celebrations! It was incredible to watch her little character blossom in a new environment. We were amazed by the overwhelming love and adoration the Balinese people showed towards Hailey, making our trip unforgettable.
If you’re planning an overseas trip with your family and little ones for the first time, we highly recommend reading this guide till the end. We’ll cover the basics of what to pack, the best locations to stay in Bali, and important considerations to keep in mind for the safety and well-being of your little ones. Get ready for an amazing journey with your family! 🌍✈️
Family friendly/ Location
For family-friendly locations in Bali, consider staying in Legian, which provides a balance of convenience and tranquility. Seminyak or Kuta are also good options, but be cautious in Kuta due to its nightlife.
If you look at the map and spot the “Engine Room” nightclub, it’s best to avoid accommodations nearby, as several nightclubs line that strip. Despite the nightlife scene, many lovely hotels are close by. Always conduct thorough research and read reviews before booking.
During our stay, we chose the FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach Seminyak Bali, booked through Booking.com. Our “Studio Room” was on the top floor and included a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area, and an outdoor deck.
Hot Tip: When booking accommodations, we prefer higher floors, especially near the beach, as a precaution against tsunamis.
The layout of our room at FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach Seminyak Bali was perfect for our family and ensured the safety of our little ones. We had one bedroom with a queen-size bed, ideal as we had Hailey in a portable cot. To ensure her comfort, we set her up in the lounge room instead of keeping her in the bedroom with us, as we had the air conditioning on full blast throughout our stay.
Overall, the room layout was well-designed for families with young children, providing a safe and comfortable environment for both parents and little ones. If you’re traveling to Bali with kids, we highly recommend booking here!
Water Safety in Bali
It’s essential to remember that tap water in Bali is not safe for drinking. To ensure your health, only consume bottled water during your stay. Bottled water is readily available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and hotels.
Always check that the seal on bottled water is intact and that the brand is reputable. Carry a bottle with you while out, especially in hot weather, to stay hydrated. Additionally, use bottled water for brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth to prevent any potential health issues. Teach your kids not to swallow pool water, as it can lead to illness.
In our room at FuramaXclusive, we had a microwave and kettle, allowing us to heat milk for Hailey whenever needed.
Tip 1
Want to keep your little one’s feeding equipment squeaky clean? Use ‘Milton tablets’ to sterilise water before washing bottles.
Tip 2
Concerned about bath time? Add ‘Milton tablets‘ to the bathwater to reduce stress about accidental swallowing. Note: Studio rooms may not have a bath, so consider other options or inquire in advance.
Kids Club Adventures
Calling all families! Our resort features an amazing Kids Club that your little ones will love. Recently, Jayden’s family visited, and the Kids Club was a hit with our four kids, ranging from 9 months to 5 years!
The pool area is a paradise for kids, complete with a massive playground and waterslides. They’ll have a blast sliding down and splashing around! Plus, there’s a special bucket that fills with water and tips over for an exciting splash experience.
Create unforgettable memories with your family at our resort, where fun awaits at every corner. Book your stay now and let the kids have the time of their lives!
New Year’s in Bali can be quite hot, with occasional sprinkles of rain. However, once the rain passes, the humidity sets in. Hailey initially struggled with the heat for the first 1 to 2 days, but after that, she was strolling around as if it wasn’t hot at all! We were pleasantly surprised that she didn’t get as burnt as we expected, thanks to the sunscreen we used.
Best time to visit Bali
If you’re planning a trip, the best time to go to Bali is from May to October, when rainfall is minimal. However, we have visited Bali in every month except November, and each month offers its own charm and unique experiences.
Whether you travel during the bustling New Year’s season or any other time of the year, Bali is a beautiful destination that promises unforgettable memories.
Ideal Ages for Visiting Bali with Kids
We’ve taken Hailey to Bali twice and hope to make it our permanent home in the future. Our first visit was when she was 16 months old, which was both enjoyable and challenging. At that age, she had just learned to walk, meaning we had to keep up with her constantly. Our second visit was during a five-week trip around South-East Asia when she was 2.5 years old, and it was even better! She understood her surroundings better and wandered off less.
Any age is a good age to travel! Don’t let your children’s age hold you back from creating unforgettable memories. It comes down to how relaxed you are and how you handle everything that comes your way. Always remember to enjoy yourselves and prioritise comfort and safety.
Transport Options in Bali
When traveling in Bali with little ones, most places are pram accessible. While streets can be bumpy or uneven, you can still take a pram. If you prefer, you can use a carrier, but be cautious as little ones can overheat in hot weather.
To keep your child cool, consider getting a USB-reachable fan that clips onto the pram. It’s also handy in a caravan on hotter days when things get sticky inside.
In Bali, a baby car seat is not required for transportation. However, if you prefer to use one, you can hire them or bring your own on the plane. Hiring a baby car seat typically costs around $40 AUD for the week, including drop-off and pick-up at your hotel. If you decide not to use a car seat, your little one can sit on your lap during car rides. Balinese drivers are highly aware of their surroundings, and accidents are rare, making it one of the safest places to travel by car.
Catching scooters in Bali
Traveling to Bali with Kids and when using scooters in Bali, be aware of the prices. For short distances, expect to pay around $2.50 AUD (25,000 Rupiah) per person. For longer journeys, consider booking a ‘gojek’ ride, which can reduce a $30 AUD local fare to $8 AUD. Remember, you can negotiate with drivers for better prices. When taking a taxi, opt for a ‘bluebird’ taxi, as other companies may overcharge. Safety is crucial, so always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing. Treat Bali with respect, follow the rules, and ride carefully.
Tip: To prevent ear problems for your little ones during the flight, encourage them to suck on a bottle or dummy during takeoff and landing to help equalize ear pressure. If they experience significant ear pain, consult a pediatrician before traveling and carry a small bottle of child-friendly pain reliever, like Nurofen, in your carry-on.
How to stop babie's ears from popping on a plane?
To prevent ear problems for your little ones during the flight, here are some helpful tips:
1. Encourage them to suck on a bottle or a dummy during takeoff and landing. The swallowing motion can help equalise the pressure in their ears and alleviate discomfort.
2. Offering them a snack, such as a small piece of fruit or a cracker, can also help stimulate swallowing and relieve ear pressure.
3. If these methods don’t work or your child is experiencing significant ear pain, consider giving them a suitable pain reliever. Make sure to check with your pediatrician beforehand and carry a small bottle (less than 100ml) of child-friendly pain reliever, like Nurofen, in your carry-on bag.
Remember to follow the dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Have a safe and pleasant flight with your little ones!
Ensuring Safety in Bali
When visiting Bali, keep the following safety tips in mind for an enjoyable experience:
1. Valuables and Personal Belongings: Keep your valuables secure while walking. Use a zipped pocket or a secure bag to avoid theft.
2. Card Scammers: Be cautious while using your card and cover your hand when entering your PIN. Use reputable establishments or withdraw cash from trusted ATMs.
3. Drinking Water and Ice Cubes: Avoid tap water. Opt for bottled water or well-filtered alternatives. Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water.
4. Bali Belly: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before eating. If you fall ill, contact a Bali doctor for assistance.
While these precautions are important, Bali is generally a safe destination. Stay aware, take necessary precautions, and enjoy your time exploring the beautiful island.
Arriving in Denpasar for Your Bali Holiday
Traveling to Bali with Kids can indeed be overwhelming, but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a helpful tip: Most airlines from Australia to Bali allow you to check as many bags as you need, as long as the total weight falls within the family limit. Ensure all bags are booked under the same reservation. For instance, if Jayden and I each have a 20kg allowance and Hailey has 20kg too, that totals 60kg for our family!
This generous baggage policy can provide some relief and flexibility when traveling with kids!
Thank you so much for reading through our blog page and that we hope that you got some information about Traveling to Bali with Kids, and can use this for your next travels!
In our next post, ‘Bali packing list with toddlers and kids’, we’ll spill all the secrets about what goes into our suitcases and carry-ons. From essential travel gadgets to must-have clothing items, we’ve got you covered. Check out our detailed packing list and make your next trip a breeze!