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Bali is a very popular destination for families and offers plenty of family-friendly attractions ranging from fun water parks to cultural activities and family-friendly restaurants. Safe to say, there’s plenty to see and do in Bali for older children.

But what about travelling to Bali with a baby?

This is perfectly doable as well, but just requires some prior prep. Don’t be caught off guard – check out these five surprises which you are bound to encounter when travelling to Bali with a baby.

1. Packing

When you’re travelling to Bali with a baby (or anywhere, for that matter), it’s very easy to over pack. While it’s good to come well prepared it’s equally important not to overdo it.

It’s hardly rewarding to bring along absolutely everything and spend a small fortune on baggage fees only to discover that you could have picked up most everything in Bali.

There are, of course, somethings that you absolutely must bring with you, medicine being the most obvious example. When it comes to baby equipment, pretty much everything can be rented locally in Bali.

As a guest of Ministry of Villas, our concierge team can help you organise all the children’s equipment you need, including baby cots, high chairs and pool fences before you arrive in Bali. This means the equipment you need will be waiting for you at the villa once you arrive.

Bali Seminyak Chandra Villas High Chair

2. Formula

First things first: if you’re travelling to Bali with a baby and need formula, it is usually available in the local supermarkets.

That being said, the quality and availability of formula in Bali can vary drastically. Imported brands are often very expensive and local brands might be different to what your baby is used to back home. Even the ingredients and quality of international brands may vary from country to country.

For these reasons, most parents prefer to bring along enough formula to last the whole trip. As both laundry services and buying new clothes in Bali are very affordable, you could opt to bring along less clothes and use this extra space in your suitcase for the formula.

If you’re staying in a private villa in Bali, you’ll have access to a full kitchen and cutlery, meaning heating milk and food for your baby will be a breeze.

3. Strollers & Prams

To bring a stroller or not to bring a stroller, that is the question. There are valid arguments both for bringing along a stroller to Bali and leaving it at home. So let’s break down the pros and cons.

Why you should leave the stroller at home: Bali’s sidewalks are filled with potholes… in the places where you actually have a sidewalk at all, that is. If you’re staying in an area like Seminyak or Ubud, you might find little use for a stroller as there is no place to push it.

Why you should bring a stroller to Bali: If you’re visiting a place like Bali Safari Park where you’re bound to do some walking, a stroller might come in handy. You can also use the stroller as a substitute for a high chair when visiting restaurants that don’t offer them.

If you want to avoid the hassle of bringing a stroller or pram with you, you can also a hire a stroller in Bali for USD $10 / day.

Bali Seminyak Chandra Villas Stroller

4. Mosquitoes

One of the most important things to consider when travelling to any tropical destination with a baby is how to protect the little ones from mosquitoes.

There is little to no risk of contracting malaria in Bali. There are, however, other mosquito borne diseases to consider, most notably dengue fever.

Practically all villas have fully enclosed bedrooms which helps keep the mozzies out during the night. The villa staff usually also sprays the rooms with mosquito repellent around sundown.

The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to apply bug spray regularly (dengue mosquitoes are active throughout the day), use long sleeved, light coloured clothing and use a mosquito net while sleeping. If you’re hesitant to use mosquito spray with DEET on young children, you might want to look into some natural alternatives instead.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to consult with your doctor before travelling to Bali with a baby – they can also advice on any necessary vaccines.

5. Attention

Balinese and Indonesian people love children and are very affectionate towards them. So both you and your children should be prepared for receiving a lot of attention while visiting Bali!

Though the attention showered on kids and babies in Bali is very well intended, it might come as a bit of a shock for visitors from different cultural backgrounds. It’s not unheard of for strangers in Bali to pick up or playfully pinch children without asking. People can also take photos of children without asking parents’ permission, which of course is a big no-no in most western countries.

The best practice here is to remain relaxed and have a sense of humour – but also respect your own boundaries. If people cross a line you or your children are not comfortable with, simply tell them so in a polite but firm manner.

Usually, though, the genuine affection people in Bali have towards kids is a definite plus and works as a great ice breaker between travelling families and locals.

Ministry of Villas offers family-friendly villas in Bali and beyond. Contact our team – we can help you find the perfect villa to suit your budget and needs and arrange child protective equipment for the villa before you arrive.

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