I know travelling with a little one can feel a bit daunting at first, but after spending 10 nights in Bali with our 16-month-old daughter, I can honestly say it was such a special trip, and I’m so glad we did it.
Read on for all the highlights from our trip - from beach clubs to Balinese dance shows, plus a few handy tips at the end if you're planning a Bali holiday with your own little one.
Getting There
Getting There
At the time we travelled, there were no direct flights from New Zealand, so we flew via Melbourne. That actually worked out well - breaking up the journey into a 4-hour flight, a 2-hour layover, and then a 6-hour flight. It wasn’t too bad at all, and our little girl (who’s a great little traveller) handled it like a pro.
For tips on flying with a toddler (and baby) check out my post here.
Where We Stayed
Out and About with a Toddler
One of our favourite outings was a day at Ku De Ta, a beachfront beach club in Seminyak not far from our hotel. They happened to be hosting a Family Day while we were there (I think it's a Sunday thing) - complete with bouncy castles, face painting, and loads of kids activities. The infinity pool looks right out over the beach, and the food and drinks were delicious. It was a fun, laid-back day for all of us.
Aside from Blu-Zea's own restaurant, which we ate at quite a lot (convenient, affordable, and genuinely yum!), we found a couple of great toddler-friendly spots for dinner. One night, we went to the Balinese dance show at Made’s Warung, and our daughter was totally captivated. Another favourite was the early family session at Frankenstein’s Laboratory - a fun, spooky-themed bar and restaurant that puts on a fun, interactive show for kids during dinner. All the little ones got up on stage afterwards and danced along - it was adorable (and hilarious). Perfect for a night out that’s fun for everyone.
New Foodie Faves (Toddler Edition)
A Bit of Kid-Free Time Thanks to Babysitting Services
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
Bali with a toddler? It’s totally doable - and incredibly special. I can’t wait to go back again one day with the whole family (maybe when our youngest is a bit older though… he’s definitely not a long flight kinda travel dude just yet!).
For more tips and inspiration, feel free to check out my Bali Travel Guide - I’ve recently updated it with everything you need to know for planning the perfect island escape.
For tips on flying with a toddler (and baby) check out my post here.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Blu-Zea Resort by Double Six in Seminyak, a place we’ve actually stayed at a few times before, and one we highly recommend. It has wonderful amenities, gorgeous pools, and the most amazing staff. It’s super family-friendly too - there was a cot already set up in our room, and their on-site restaurant had high chairs ready to go. While our daughter was still too young for the kids’ club, we were still able to enjoy the air-conditioned playroom, which was filled with toys and activities for kids of all ages.
Our little one absolutely loved the pools, and playing in the sandy beach area. The staff at the resort were so incredibly kind to her, and the warmth of the Balinese people made the whole trip even more special.
Out and About with a Toddler
We spent a lovely morning at the nearby Seminyak beach, where we relaxed on loungers and sipped on freshly made watermelon juice. She liked exploring with us and going for walks in the stroller. (Though fair warning - the footpaths in Bali can be a little rough, so we used a front pack a lot too!).
Toddler-Friendly Dinner Spots We Loved
New Foodie Faves (Toddler Edition)
Our girl even got into the local food - turns out she’s a big fan of Nasi Goreng, just like her mum (just omit the chilli). She also loves a daily ice cream on holiday like her mum too - a must-do in the heat! We also loved lunching at Sisterfields - an amazing cafe in Seminyak.
A Bit of Kid-Free Time Thanks to Babysitting Services
We booked a local Balinese babysitter through Bali’s Best Babysitting for two little breaks during our 10-night stay - one for a half-day Tanah Lot Temple tour which included a coffee plantation visit and a relaxed lunch, and again a few days later so we could enjoy a fancy restaurant for an anniversary dinner. Our Babysitter Tuti was amazing and very professional, and it gave us two really lovely moments of kid-free time alone.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
We feel really lucky – our daughter has always been a dream on planes (our second child… not quite so easy, haha!). But honestly, travelling to Bali with a toddler turned out to be way more relaxed and fun than we expected. It was so special sharing one of our all-time favourite holiday spots with her. If you think your little one can handle a long flight – then go for it! Bali is such an incredible destination for families, and we made so many amazing memories together.
Quick Tips for Travelling Bali with a Toddler
- Bring a light stroller and a front pack - you’ll likely use both, especially with Bali’s bumpy footpaths. Both are also super handy for getting through airports. (We have a stroller that fits in the overhead compartment).
- Book a hotel with baby essentials included like a cot, high chair, and definitely a pool.
- Consider a local babysitting service - it’s affordable and gave us some great time out.
- We didn’t need to use this ourselves, but there are some great services like Bali Baby Hire, where you can rent out handy items such as prams, cots, baby baths, toys, and even pool safety fences if you're staying in an Airbnb. It’s a great option for lightening your luggage and making your stay a bit more toddler-friendly.
- Look for restaurants with family-friendly entertainment or play spaces.
- Bring a portable pram fan - the heat can be intense.
- Pack insect repellent and sunblock - essentials for those little legs and arms.
- While you can buy nappies and wipes there, bring your own if you prefer certain brands.
- Local stores stock toddler snacks like yogurt, chips, and biscuits - perfect for restocking.
- Go slow and be flexible - Bali is all about taking it easy anyway.
Bali with a toddler? It’s totally doable - and incredibly special. I can’t wait to go back again one day with the whole family (maybe when our youngest is a bit older though… he’s definitely not a long flight kinda travel dude just yet!).
For more tips and inspiration, feel free to check out my Bali Travel Guide - I’ve recently updated it with everything you need to know for planning the perfect island escape.
Below are a few more snaps from our holiday. Also, sorry it’s taken me so long to write this one… we actually went in November 2022 (I know, I know - it’s been a while!). But better late than never, right?
Feel free to follow our latest adventures on Instagram.
Happy Travels,
Krysti
Krysti
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