Bali is a popular destination for families, with good reason. Tropical beaches with swimmable waves are complemented by a great range of family-friendly accommodation, each offering their own sets of onsite services and facilities oriented towards their special little guests, be it a full-fledged kids club, or a host of fun activities.
There's no shortage of family hotels around the island's most popular beach resort areas, but it's great to have a shortlist to make taking decisions for enjoying Bali with kids easier.
Read through this nifty 'frequently asked questions' guide and find helpful info and insights for your upcoming stress-free holiday in Bali with kids at your side.
What should I consider when booking a hotel?
Some easy identifiers, serving as great additional options to consider, include:
- Presence of a kids’ club or playground as part of its facilities
- Kiddie pools complementing its main pool
- Babysitter or child care services upon request
- Dining venues have laidback choices, sometimes with kids’ menus available
- Cribs or baby cots upon request
- Connecting or adjoining rooms
How safe is Bali?
Relatively safe. Naturally, no destination is without issues. You simply need to keep an eye on your drinks and a hand on your wallet. Flight delays and cancellations because of volcanic eruptions can be a major disruption but are very rare. Generally speaking, taking basic precautions will keep you and your family safe.
Most popular resorts practice good security measures, as do the many famous bars and restaurants that put mandatory inspections in place. If you’re using a taxi, take note of the driver’s ID or vehicle number in case you accidentally leave something behind. Keep your child near in large crowds at tourist hotspots.
On the beach, always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, which designate the safe areas. Do not swim where you see solid red flags – they signify there are strong tides or undercurrents.
Should I consider travel vaccination for my kids?
While they are not essential, medical organisations do recommend them. Usually, children from 18 months to five years of age are already administered with most standard vaccines by your paediatrician. Older children may require booster shots, administered six to eight weeks before travelling.
Recommended vaccinations for Bali are Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Normal precautions, such as using mosquito repellant and being careful of what you eat and drink, should prevent any serious illnesses. Consult your doctor for more information.
Is the food and water in Bali safe to consume?
- Don't drink water from the tap
- Water and ice at hotels and restaurants are safe
- When eating out, a good rule of thumb is to choose a busy restaurant as their ingredients are typically fresher from the regular turnover
Are there recommended pharmacies in Bali?
There are pharmacies in the island’s main resort areas. There are Guardian drugstore outlets in most of the major malls, while the state-owned Kimia Farma pharmacist has many chemists (referred to locally as apotek) spread throughout the island.
What are the useful and important numbers in Bali?
- Bali Police.......................: 110/112
- Bali Tourist Police.............: +62 (0)361 754599
- Ambulance......................: 118
- Search and Rescue...........: 115/+62 (0)361 751115
- Kuta Beach Lifesavers.......: +62 (0)361 755660
- Fire Department...............: 113
Any international clinics and hospitals in Bali?
- BIMC Hospital Kuta
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 761263
- SOS International Clinic
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No.505x, Pemogan, Denpasar, Bali 80221, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 710505
- Balimed Hospital
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Mahendradatta No.57X, Denpasar, Bali 80119, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 484748
- Prima Medika Hospital
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Pulau Serangan 9x, Denpasar, Bali 80223, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 236225
- Sanglah Public Hospital
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Kesehatan Selatan 1, Sanglah, Denpasar, Bali 80113, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 227911
- Siloam Hospitals Kuta
Open: 24 hours
Location: Jalan Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)361 779900
- BIMC Hospital Kuta
Are there babysitting services in Bali?
Having the helping hand of a babysitter can greatly assist you for that much-needed timeout in the midst of your Bali holiday. Your family hotel in Bali, especially those with kids’ clubs onsite, should be able to provide babysitting and child care services from their team of well-trained staff. A reliable private babysitting service provider, available upon request in Bali, is as follows:
- Bali Child Care
Location: Jalan Tangkuban Perahu No.101, Kerobokan, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 (0)878 6229 9399
- Bali Child Care
Are there baby equipment rentals in Bali?
Similar to babysitting service providers, there are also places in Bali that hire out baby equipment such as strollers that can help take off the stress of hauling your own expensive (and usually unnecessary) baggage on your flight to Bali. Some of these services also add convenience by getting all your pre-booked baby gear delivered to your hotel or villa upon your arrival.
photo by Mike Liu (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
How do I get around with kids in Bali?
Taxis and hired cars (with drivers) would be the best and most popular way for getting around in Bali. Asking for one from your hotel concierge will almost always get you one for a prearranged trip.
If with a baby, it is best to also arrange for baby car seats from a baby equipment rental to be fitted in the car you’re hiring (which should also feature reliable rear seatbelts to secure the baby seat in place). Bemos, motorcycle taxis, and renting a car to drive on your own are not recommended.
What should I pack for my holiday with kids in Bali?
Packing for travel with kids can be quite a task. Taking only the essentials is key. Non-essential stuff can be found in Bali, so should not take up more space and excess baggage for your flight.
- Essentials:
- Diapers (for the flight and through the first days)
- Clothes and underwear (the younger, the more frequent changes: roughly at least six sets for two days)
- Swimsuits
- Non-allergenic sunscreen
- Baby food
- Milk powder (unless breastfed)
- Footwear and socks
- Small volume toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, mild body wash and shampoo, baby wipes, etc.)
- Favourite toy or book - Non-essentials, which you can find at your hotel or purchase in Bali:
- Extra diapers (most international brands sold at malls and supermarkets)
- Towels
- Snacks
- Stroller (hire)
- Kid’s car seats (hire)
- Hats
- Bibs
- Multivitamins
- Bottled water
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra toiletries
- Essentials:
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.