Planning a Bali Holiday with a Toddler?
Bali is often seen as a paradise for honeymooners and backpackers—but what about travelling with a toddler? 🤸♂️🌴
You’d be surprised—Bali can be a magical place for little ones if planned right! From splash-worthy resorts to kid-friendly cafes and calm beaches, there’s a lot on offer—but also a lot to prepare for.
In fact, family bookings to Bali by Australians jumped 71% in 2024, according to Webjet. It’s no surprise—affordable villas, warm locals, and cultural richness make it an unforgettable family destination. But it’s not all sunshine and coconuts—there are key things to consider for safety, health, and toddler-friendly fun.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything we’ve researched and prepared so far while planning our upcoming Bali holiday with our three-year-old. I’ll update this post after our trip in May with firsthand experiences, tips, and what we’d do differently.
Let’s help you feel fully prepared and excited for your own toddler-friendly Bali adventure!
Why Bali is a Great Destination for Families with Toddlers
If you’re wondering whether Bali is toddler-friendly, the answer is a big YES!
Balinese culture embraces children. From waitstaff doting over your child in restaurants to locals offering big smiles at the beach, toddlers are genuinely welcomed here.
The warm, tropical weather makes it perfect for year-round travel (averaging around 26°C to 27°C throughout the year) and there are plenty of family-focused activities to keep your little one happy and entertained.
Bali also offers a fantastic balance of comfort and adventure. Many accommodations cater specifically to families, with kids’ clubs, splash pools, and even babysitting services. And when you’re ready to explore? There are monkeys, rice terraces, water parks, and gentle beach days just waiting to happen.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bali with a Toddler?
Timing your trip can make a big difference, especially with a toddler in tow.
Bali’s dry season (April to October) is your best bet. You’ll enjoy sunny skies, low humidity, and fewer rain disruptions—perfect for outdoor play, beach time, and pool fun.
We’re heading there in early May to avoid the peak crowds and still enjoy good weather. The shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) are ideal if you want more affordable rates and a more relaxed vibe.
If you do visit during the wet season (November to March), just pack some rain gear and have backup indoor plans like visiting cafes or indoor play areas.
Choosing the Best Areas in Bali for Toddlers
Bali might be a small island, but each area offers a totally different vibe. Here’s what we learned while choosing where to stay:
Sanur is a front-runner for us. It’s calm, laid-back, and has a long beachfront path that’s perfect for walks with a stroller. The waves are gentle, and there are many toddler-friendly cafes around.
Nusa Dua is a more polished, resort-heavy area. Think big hotels with all the kid-friendly features (pools, kids’ clubs, buffets), calm beaches, and gated security. It’s ideal if you want an all-in-one, stress-free setup.
Ubud is magical for cultural experiences and nature, but it’s hilly and less walkable. Still, it’s worth considering for a few days. Think rice terrace walks, animal feeding experiences, and seeing traditional Balinese dance.
We decided to split our time between Kuta (for kids friendly resorts) and Ubud (for a cultural wind-down)
If you like more detail about each area – check out our other article on where to stay in Bali with kids.
Best Accommodation Types for Families
There are two great options: resorts and private villas.
We booked a resort first because of its water slides, poolside activities, and on-site food options. Resorts often come with kid-friendly perks like high chairs, cots, babysitting services, and kids’ clubs.
Private villas are a great option too, especially if you want privacy and space. Just make sure it has gated pools and essential amenities like a kitchenette, fridge, and crib.
Look for:
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Pool fences or enclosed pools
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Proximity to supermarkets and pharmacies
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Babysitting options or nanny referrals
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Walkability to cafes and attractions
Health & Safety Essentials to Know Before You Go
This was a big area of research for us.
First, speak to your GP about travel vaccines. Ours recommended Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which we arranged a few weeks before departure.
Also bring:
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Toddler-safe insect repellent
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SPF 50+ sunscreen
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Basic first aid kit (thermometer, Panadol, band-aids)
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Hydralyte sachets
Avoid drinking tap water and brushing teeth with it. We plan to use boiled or bottled water for our toddler’s baths and brushing. You can buy 1L+ water bottles easily at local stores.
We’ve also pinned the locations of trusted clinics in Sanur and Ubud—just in case.
Unexpected Entry Costs to Factor Into Your Bali Budget
One thing we didn’t realise when planning our trip? All travellers entering Bali—including toddlers—need to pay both an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) and a mandatory tourist levy. Yep, even our 3-year-old son was subject to the same fees as us!
Here’s what you need to know:
e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival): IDR 500,000 (~AUD $50) per person
Tourist Levy: IDR 150,000 (~AUD $15) per person
Total per traveller: IDR 650,000 or around AUD $65, even for children
You can apply for the e-VOA online at least 48 hours before your trip. It’s valid for tourism, visiting friends, business meetings, and even short transits. You’ll need a passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a credit card to complete the payment online. Note: there’s a small additional online processing fee.
If you don’t apply for the e-VOA in advance, you can still get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Bali’s airport, but it’s safer and quicker to do it beforehand.
And don’t forget the tourist levy, which is a separate charge—also required for each person. It’s payable online or on arrival but best handled in advance to avoid delays.
👉 Pro Tip: For a family of three, these entry costs alone added up to nearly $200 AUD. Definitely something to factor into your budget!
Travel Vaccinations: The Hidden Cost You Might Forget
Another unexpected cost that caught us off guard? Travel vaccines. We didn’t initially factor them into our budget—but we definitely should have!
Because my wife and I had travelled to South America back in 2020, we were already vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. However, I still needed a Typhoid booster, since that particular vaccine typically only lasts for 3 years. Without it, there’s a risk of getting seriously ill from food- or water-borne salmonella bacteria.
💉 Cost of the Typhoid vaccine: around $70 per person (can range from $50–$70 depending on the clinic)
So for all three of us to get Typhoid vaccinations, we were looking at around $210 AUD.
Our son Benji also needed the Hepatitis A vaccine, which added another $70 to the total.
👉 All up, we spent close to $300 AUD just on travel vaccines for the family.
And when you add that to the $195 AUD we spent on e-VOA and tourist levy fees, we’re already looking at nearly $500 AUD in pre-departure costs—and that’s before booking flights, hotels, or tours.
These are super important considerations to factor in when planning your trip to Bali in 2025—especially with kids. It’s not just the obvious things like flights and accommodation. Sometimes the smaller, necessary things sneak up on your wallet!
What to Pack for a Bali Trip with a Toddler
Here’s what’s going into our suitcase:
Lightweight, breathable clothes
Toddler swimwear and floaties
Wide-brim sunhat
Mosquito patches or spray
Nappies (enough for 2–3 days; you can restock in Bali)
Snacks, pouches, UHT milk
Favourite toy, bedtime book, and blanket
Stroller (compact) or baby carrier
iPad or phone with downloaded cartoons
We’re also prepping a printed packing checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Transport & Getting Around Bali Safely with Kids
We’re hiring a private driver for our longer transfers—from Kuta to Ubud and for day trips. It costs around AUD $50–70 per day and comes with comfort and flexibility.
For shorter trips, Grab and Gojek are the go-to ride-share apps (similar to Uber). But a key thing to know: they don’t provide car seats.
You can also hire one locally, but it’s best to confirm quality and availability in advance.
Toddler-Friendly Things to Do in Bali
We’ve lined up a mix of low-key and adventurous activities:
Bali Safari & Marine Park — animal shows, feeding sessions, and a safe park layout
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud — we’ll keep a safe distance and make it a quick visit
Sanur Beach — perfect for low-tide splash time and shell collecting
Tegalalang Rice Terrace– Some sightseeing at local rice fields
Waterbom Bali – A water park for some toddler-approved fun!
We plan to do one activity per day, always factoring in naps, downtime, and flexible pacing.
Dining Out in Bali with a Toddler
There are plenty of family-friendly cafes, especially in areas like Sanur and Canggu.
Some of our top picks:
Milk & Madu — indoor playground and spacious seating
La Casita — Peruvian flair with a fun outdoor play area
The Joglo — healthy food and space for kids to roam
Most restaurants provide high chairs and are very accommodating. We’ll stick to cooked foods, peelable fruits, and avoid tap water and ice.
You can also stock up on snacks, UHT milk, baby cereal, and wipes at local supermarkets like Pepito or Popular Express.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling with a Toddler in Bali
Overbooking your itinerary—toddlers need downtime and naps
Not researching medical facilities near where you’re staying
Choosing the wrong area—some are too hectic, hilly, or party-focused
Not bringing comfort items from home (blanket, toy, bedtime book)
Sample 7-Day Itinerary for Families Visiting Bali
Day 1: Arrive, settle in at hotel/resort, explore nearby beach
Day 2: Morning swim, local café brunch, nap, gentle afternoon stroll
Day 3: Visit Bali Safari & Marine Park (half day), pool downtime
Day 4: Relaxing beach morning, optional spa for parents with babysitter
Day 5: Travel to Ubud, check in, rice terrace walk in late afternoon
Day 6: Monkey Forest + café stop, relaxed afternoon at resort
Day 7: Local shopping, pack, and return transfer
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Bali with a Toddler
Do toddlers need a visa to enter Bali?
Yes! All travellers, including toddlers, need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) when entering Bali. Each traveller also needs to pay a tourist levy. Even our 3-year-old son was required to have his own visa and levy payment.
How much does it cost to bring a toddler to Bali?
Expect to pay around AUD $65 per person for visa and tourist levy fees. If you also factor in travel vaccines like Typhoid and Hepatitis A, costs can easily add up to $500 AUD or more before flights and accommodation.
Is Bali safe for toddlers?
Yes, Bali is generally safe for toddlers with proper precautions. Bring mosquito repellent, sun protection, and practice good hygiene like drinking bottled water. Always supervise children near water, traffic, and animals.
What are the best areas to stay in Bali with young kids?
The top family-friendly areas are Sanur (quiet, calm beaches), Nusa Dua (luxury resorts, gated areas), and Ubud (nature and cultural experiences, although hilly).
What should I pack for my toddler for Bali?
Key essentials include lightweight clothes, toddler sunscreen, a sunhat, swimwear, a travel stroller, snacks, and a first-aid kit. You can find our full toddler Bali packing checklist later in this article!
Are medical facilities good in Bali for young children?
Yes, there are reputable international clinics in popular areas like Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. It’s wise to map out nearby clinics in advance and purchase travel insurance that covers medical care for children.
Final Thoughts Before You Pack Your Bags
Planning a Bali trip with a toddler doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be incredibly fun—especially when you lean into the adventure with a flexible mindset and a few trusty backup plans.
Bali is filled with kind people, beautiful nature, and playful energy that toddlers can thrive in. From calm beaches to cultural gems, you’ll find moments that become lifelong family memories.
Stay tuned—I’ll be updating this article after our trip in May 2025 to share what worked best, what we’d do differently, and tips from our own experience.
If you’re a fellow parent planning your own Bali escape, feel free to drop a comment or message me with your questions—I’d love to help!
Want more useful travel tips and guides? Check out our Central Coast family itinerary.
