Bali Basics

10 Essential Tips of Travelling to Bali with Kids

Land of smiles, Bali is a perfect family holiday destination, if you plan right. Here are our top ten tips for an amazing holiday with the little ones on this island paradise.

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 either an iphone with kids apps or a portable DVD player can be a life-saver! Don't forget the mosquito repellent, sunscreen and after-sun care; Bali's tropical climate can be harsh on the little ones.

2. Book right
Lily ponds are stunning, and pools are relaxing - but not so if you are travelling with toddlers or infants. Research your villa options and seek out a family friendly villa - they do exist. These villas come with optional pool fences and stair gates and will ensure you can actually relax on your holiday. And some, like Bali Dream Villas (as pictured), come with bed rails for toddlers, baby cots with mosquito nets, kid's cutlery and even infant bath tubs with rubber mats. This villa even has rubber play-mats, infant swim-lilos, toddler swim-armbands, toys, board games plus a wide selection of DVDs. It's a good choice.

3. Rent the gear
If your villa doesn't have all the gear, you can hire what you need. Before you leave, check out Bali Baby and book the gear before you go and it can be delivered on your arrival.

4. Milk & water
Whilst it is fine to brush your teeth in tap water, 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, but you can easily get Australian milk in the supermarkets, as well as a wide range of formulas.

5. Buckle up
A car and driver is a great way for families to get around Bali, but sharing the roads with hundreds of motorbikes snaking along heavy traffic can be a bit hairy. Check if your villa is able to provide transport service with seatbelts (which is not mandatory), some villas even have child cat seats available for hire. And if you get stuck behind a ceremonial processions sit back, enjoy the experience and practise your game of eye-spy!

6. Check the Calendar
Bali weather is not really a problem, it is hot and sunny with a chance of a shower most days of the year (sounds familiar doesn't it!) But do check the public holidays, it is no fun to spend time in Bali during the Official Day of Silence, a Hindu New Year celebration which they take very seriously.

7. Club time
Need a change of scene from your villa? Some villas offer access to the private members club Canggu Club, which offers 5 star resort sports and recreational facilities including restaurants and seasonal kids activity programs.

8. Slide time
Another great day out is a trip to Waterbom, Bali's equivalent to Wet'n'Wild. The rides are a little more hair raising (as you would expect) which provides entertainment for the whole family. Go early.

9. In & Out
Avoid the painful queues of the airport with the super efficient airport assistance from VOA Bali. These guys charge IDR 200,000 (approx US $22) per passport for fast track service. And make sure you have sufficient funds for departure tax (currently IDR 150,000 per person).

10. Just in case
Always check your travel insurance, and check in with villa staff about on-call access to medical staff.

Bali Basics   |   07 Mar 2011 at 11:58 AM

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