Bottom Line First: The three most important things when traveling to Bali with infants and toddlers: ① Choose the right accommodation (prioritize kid-friendly hotels with cribs, fenced pools, or private pool villas); ② Plan baby food and medications in advance (some items are available locally but at higher prices, so check ahead); ③ Keep your itinerary flexible (young children need nap time, so don’t over-schedule). If you need nanny services, you can book in advance with Bali Nanny Service.
For many Taiwanese families, Bali is the first international destination for their kids—flights are reasonably priced, the weather is warm, and hotels have pools, which sounds perfect. But once you start packing, you’ll realize one question after another: Can I buy formula in Bali? What cold medicine should I bring? Does the diaper brand matter?
This article compiles our years of experience traveling to Bali with kids, along with practical tips from local families on the island, into a stress-free preparation checklist for your trip.
Pre-Trip Planning: Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Itinerary Planning
The biggest pitfall when traveling with young children is thinking ‘we’ll figure it out when we get there.’ While Bali is rich in tourism resources, many things kids need aren’t readily available or require a special search. Before you go, make sure to:
- Confirm your flight choice (the difference between a long-haul direct flight and a layover can be huge for young kids)
- Check if your accommodation provides a crib and has children’s play facilities
- Plan your daily schedule in advance, keeping a relaxed pace—toddlers need nap time
Budget planning is also key. Traveling with kids costs more than adults, especially for medical needs and children’s supplies, which are often pricier if bought on the island. (Related article: How Much Cash Should You Bring for Bali Travel?)
Choose the Right Accommodation: Half the Battle for a Successful Family Trip
Bali has plenty of hotels designed specifically for families, offering cribs, kids’ clubs, children’s pools, and kids’ meals. If you’re traveling with a toddler, it’s best to choose a property with a fenced pool or a private pool villa for added safety.
Additionally, Bali offers baby and toddler equipment rental services (bookable on Klook), including car seats, strollers, cribs, swim vests, and pool fences. If you don’t want to lug bulky items on the plane, renting locally is a cost-effective option. Check out this Bali family travel hotel guide for more.
Bali family accommodation recommendations
Read more: Bali Family Water Parks: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides for Kids
Update: 2026/06/10
Must-See for Family Travel:
- Bali's Best 18 Family Resorts with Kids' Clubs for Stress-Free Holidays
- Top 15 Bali Family Resorts with Water Slides & Kids' Pools
- Bali Sea Turtle Guide: From Kuta to Sanur, Family-Friendly Conservation Spots
- Hikaria Ubud: Immersive Light & Art Show in the Night Jungle
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Sanur Edition
- AeroXSpace Adventure Sanur: Massive Indoor Playground
- Bali ATV Jungle Adventure: Great for School-Age Kids & Up
- Varuna Show at Bali Safari: Underwater Magic & Aquatic Fantasy
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Ubud Edition
- Traveling to Bali with a Baby: Tips for Bringing Pork & Chicken Baby Food
- Jungle Kids Bali at Nuanu: The Best Kids Club for Play & Learning
- Nuanu Creative City Magic Garden: Bali's Enchanting Family Attraction
Surviving the Flight: Packing for Toddlers
The flight is often the most stressful part of traveling with young children, but being well-prepared can make a huge difference.
Flight aids: For kids aged 1-3, consider bringing an inflatable footrest so they can lie flat and sleep, or a ride-on suitcase (like JetKids) that doubles as a bed. However, not all airlines allow these, so check in advance. For infants under one year old, you can request a bassinet seat, but this needs to be arranged a few weeks ahead.
In-flight hydration: The cabin air is very dry, so remember to bring baby lotion and saline nasal spray to keep your little one’s nasal passages moist. Ear pressure changes are noticeable during takeoff and landing—nursing or offering a bottle is the most effective way to relieve discomfort; for older kids, you can give them candy.
Packing hack: Prepare a small pouch with multiple pockets, stuffed with snacks, small toys, stickers, and mini books. Let your child explore it on their own—the process of discovery itself can keep them entertained for quite a while.
Baby carrier: A good-quality, natural-fabric baby carrier is incredibly useful when moving through the airport and around Bali. Many places in Bali aren’t stroller-friendly, so a carrier offers much more flexibility.
Baby Food and Formula: How Much to Bring and Can You Buy It Locally?
This is what worries most moms. To be honest, you can find most things in Bali, but there are definitely some pitfalls to avoid.
Formula: If your baby drinks a special formula (hydrolyzed protein, hypoallergenic), it’s strongly recommended to bring enough—options on the island are very limited. Standard formula is available at supermarkets and pharmacies, with common brands including Nutrilon, Lactogen (Nestlé), and Enfamil, which also has a lactose-free version. Australian organic brands like Bellamy’s (cow’s milk) and Karihome (goat’s milk) are also available, but at higher prices.
Baby food pouches: It’s best to bring enough meat purees, especially turkey, which is nearly impossible to find in Bali. Some import supermarkets (like Pepito) occasionally carry Heinz or Bellamy’s fruit purees, but they’re mostly fruit and vegetable flavors and cost about twice as much as in Taiwan. If your baby is still on purees, buying a blender in Bali and making food from local ingredients might be a more practical approach.
Dairy products: The overall quality of dairy in Bali isn’t great—either high in sugar or overpriced. If your child is used to yogurt or kefir, consider bringing starter cultures to make your own. Plant-based milk options are plentiful, and the lactose-free brand Milk Life is also available.
Health food stores: Bali Buda is a chain of organic health food stores across the island, where you can find various grains (including buckwheat, which is rare in Taiwan), gluten-free and dairy-free products—a great supply stop for families with toddlers.
Diapers and Toiletries
Diapers: The brand selection is quite different from Taiwan. The better options are Korean and Japanese brands like Genki, Makuku, and Merries. Some places also carry biodegradable Ecoboom. Note that most Merries sold on the island are locally produced in Indonesia, with a noticeable drop in quality. The genuine Japanese-made white packaging is only available at a few retailers (like Clandy’s or Bali Hypermart), or you can order online via Shopee/Tokopedia. Swim diaper pants are almost exclusively available online, so it’s best to bring enough from Taiwan.
Sizing Tip: Many diaper brands run narrow, so consider sizing up.
Other Baby Supplies: Physical stores include Balonku, Genyc, and Mothercare for baby products. For baby furniture, head to Informa; for tableware and storage, try IKEA (order in-store or via the app with delivery available).
Special Skincare: If your child has specific skin conditions requiring particular shampoos or creams (e.g., Mustela), bring them from Taiwan—the selection on the island is limited.
Hats: A good sun hat for toddlers is essential. Bring the one they’re used to from home—while hats in Bali’s markets are cheap, many are too thick, have poorly designed straps, and won’t stay on your child’s head.
Medications: Take this list seriously
Most pharmacies in Bali sell generic drugs. Brand-name medications are available but cost two to three times more, and many require a prescription. If your child takes long-term medication, be sure to bring enough.
Other recommended over-the-counter medications to bring:
- Digestive: Simethicone for gas (e.g., Gas-X), probiotics, intestinal adsorbents, digestive enzymes
- Injuries: Antiseptic spray, healing ointment, band-aids, liquid skin adhesive
- Throat & Cold: Throat anti-inflammatory spray, throat lozenges, saline nasal rinse, fever reducer/pain reliever
- Eyes: Artificial tears or anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Nose: Saline nasal spray, decongestant
- Allergies & Insects: Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine/Zyrtec), anti-itch gel
- Toddler-specific: Teething gel, nasal aspirator
- Other: COVID/flu rapid tests, thermometer
Most importantly: Make sure to purchase travel medical insurance before you go. Private hospitals in Bali are decent, but the costs are very high. Without insurance, an emergency can really hit your wallet.
You can refer to “21 Must-Pack Items for Bali Travel” and “Traveling to Bali with a Baby: Tips on Bringing Pork and Chicken Baby Food”
Babysitter Services: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Many Taiwanese parents don’t realize that Bali has a well-established babysitting industry, widely used by expat families and travelers. If you want a break or need someone to watch the kids while adults have plans, finding a babysitter in Bali is easier than you think. How to find one? What to watch out for? What’s the cost? Check out the guide: “Bali Babysitter Guide: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview”
5. Choose Kid-Friendly Attractions/Activities:
Bali offers plenty of activities suitable for toddlers, but be careful not to overpack the itinerary—toddlers need regular naps, and more than two attractions a day can lead to meltdowns. Here are some toddler-friendly options. Check out the spots Xiao Jie has visited:
Update: 2026/06/10
Must-See for Family Travel:
- Top 15 Bali Family Resorts with Water Slides & Kids' Pools
- Sanur: Bali's Best Family Seaside Destination — 45 Things to Eat, See & Do
- Bali Family-Friendly Attractions Guide | Over 100 Activities for Families
- 🎮 ZONE OUT Bali: Kuta's Coolest Virtual Reality Adventure Base!
- Bali's Best 18 Family Resorts with Kids' Clubs for Stress-Free Holidays
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Sanur Edition
- Bali Safari & Marine Park: Activities & Overnight Stay Guide
- Jungle Kids Bali at Nuanu: The Best Kids Club for Play & Learning
- Marine Safari Bali Guide: Newly Opened Ocean Wildlife Park
- Varuna Show at Bali Safari: Underwater Magic & Aquatic Fantasy
- Devdan Show Nusa Dua: A Spectacular Cultural Performance for All Ages
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Ubud Edition
How to Experience These Activities?
It’s recommended to book these activities in advance on Klook:
- Beach Horseback Riding, ATV, Swing, and Waterfall Tour mix and match activities
- Bali Safari Park Bali Safari Tickets
- Bali Waterpark Waterbom Tickets
- Ayung River Rafting & Cycling Combo Experience
- Ubud Baby Tubing + ATV + Swing
- Bali Pirate Dinner Cruise Experience
- Trans Studio Discount Tickets
- AeroXSpace Tickets
It’s a good idea to book these activities in advance on Klook—sometimes there are ticket discounts, and it saves you from queuing on-site.
A few extra tips:
- Bring your child’s favorite toys and activities on the plane to keep them happy.
- In hot weather, make sure your child drinks plenty of water and stays protected from the sun.
- Before visiting temples or other religious sites, teach your child to respect local customs.
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases, like “thank you.” Check out Xiao Jie’s video on how to pronounce it.
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling & Mangrove Day Tour
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience (3–4 Snorkeling Spots)
- Nusa Dua Beach Watersports: Complete Activity Guide
- Ubud Jungle Cart Bali: Mario Kart-Style Go-Kart Adventure
- Top-Rated: Cretya Ubud, Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise & Waterfall Tour
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud's Iconic Jungle Trekking Trail
- Bali Cultural Show Deals on Klook
- Tanah Lot Sunset Tour (Optional Chinese-Speaking Guide)
- Bali's 20 Beach Clubs with Free Entry
- Waterbom Bali: Asia's #1 Water Park Admission Ticket
Bali is truly a great place to bring toddlers—as long as you prepare well. These days, most basic necessities are available in Bali, though the brand selection is limited, some items need to be ordered online, and a few are pricier than in Taiwan. Bring along pureed meat, special formula, regular medications, your child’s favorite hat, and a few familiar toys from home; everything else can be handled once you arrive.
When children have familiar things around them, they adapt much faster; and when parents are well-prepared, they can truly relax and enjoy the trip.
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