Bali with kids? Top 10 FAQ.

Bali can be brilliant with children: calm lagoons, easy day trips, welcoming cafes and plenty of villas that actually work for families. It’s also the tropics—strong sun, busy roads, mosquitoes and the occasional powerful shore break—so a little planning goes a long way. This guide answers the big parent questions in plain language: medical care and insurance, food and water safety, dengue prevention, beach and pool etiquette, transport and car seats, where to base yourselves, what supplies are easy to find, everyday safety, and the latest on visas and fees.

Think of it as your practical playbook: how to choose kid-friendly beaches, book a driver with a child seat, pack smart for the heat, handle minor illness, and avoid the common snags that turn small people grumpy. Read once before you fly, then keep it handy for on-the-ground decisions—so you can spend more time making sandcastles and less time troubleshooting.

1. Is medical care reliable if my kid gets sick?

   • Yes. Tourist hubs (Nusa Dua, Kuta/Seminyak, Ubud) have reputable clinics and hospitals, plus 24/7 pharmacies (“Apotek”).

   • Carry travel insurance (incl. evacuation), a small kid-safe meds kit, and your accommodation’s nearest clinic info.

2. Will food and water upset little stomachs?

   • Don’t drink tap water; use bottled/boiled (even for teeth-brushing and formula).

   • Pick busy, clean kitchens.

   • Order food well-cooked.

   • Peel fruit.

   • Wash hands often.

   • Pack ORS (rehydration salts) just in case.

3. How bad are mosquitoes and dengue?

   • Dengue exists year-round.

   • Use DEET/picaridin repellent, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, screened rooms or nets, and coils.

   • Empty standing water around villas. If fever develops, seek a clinic promptly.

4. Is the sun/heat too intense for kids?

   • UV is strong. Go early/late, build in shade breaks, dress kids in hats/rash guards, and use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum.

   • Keep water handy; offer salty snacks or ORS on long hot days.

5. Are beaches and currents safe?

   • Some breaks are powerful. Choose gentler beaches (Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran) for small kids.

   • Watch flag systems, avoid rocky entries, and use life jackets on boat trips.

   • Pools rarely have fences—supervise closely.

6. What about transport and car seats?

   • Traffic is heavy; scooters with kids aren’t recommended.

   • Book a car + driver and request a child seat (or bring a compact travel seat/booster). Buckle-friendly vehicles aren’t universal—confirm before pickup. Allow extra time between stops.

7. Where should families base themselves?

   • For stroller-friendly boardwalks and calm water, Sanur and Nusa Dua are easy.

   • Seminyak/Legian suit older kids (more dining, more bustle).

   • In villas, ask about stair gates and temp pool fences; request a crib/steriliser in advance.

8. Can we buy baby supplies easily?

   • Diapers, wipes, snacks, and basic formula are widely available at larger supermarkets and pharmacies.

   • Specific brands/allergy-safe items can be hit-or-miss—pack your must-haves.

9. How safe is it day-to-day (theft, animals, scams)?

   • Petty theft happens: use hotel safes, keep bags zipped, avoid flashing phones/jewellery.

   • Don’t feed monkeys (Uluwatu, Ubud Monkey Forest) and skip petting street dogs.

   • Use metered Bluebird or apps (Grab/Gojek) and confirm fares.

10. Visas, fees, and entry rules—what should we know?

    • Requirements change. Check Indonesia’s official sources for your nationality (VOA/e-VOA, passport validity, onward ticket).

    • Bali also charges a tourist levy—pay it online/app before arrival and keep the receipt handy.

Any questions? Feel free to ask at our discussion group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/balitouristinfo