Family Travel

Bali Babysitter Guide: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview

By Go Bali Go Editorial Team Go Bali Go editorial team · Bali travel guides

Nov 10, 2024 · Updated Oct 13, 2026 ✏️ 編輯文章

Bali Babysitter Guide: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview

💡 Quick Answer

When vacationing in Bali, especially on a family trip, many families consider hiring a babysitter to lighten the load of childcare.

Bottom Line: Hiring a babysitter in Bali costs around $7-12 USD per hour (varies by experience and skills, with a minimum booking of usually 6 hours). The best way to find one is through a recommendation from your driver (you can request a change the next day if it’s not a good fit), or search for “nanny in Bali” to find professional agencies. Most sitters speak fluent English; it’s recommended to have a video call or meet in person beforehand to ensure compatibility.

When vacationing in Bali, especially on a family trip, many families consider hiring a babysitter to ease the burden of childcare, making the trip more relaxing and enjoyable. However, hiring a sitter abroad—whether for short-term vacation needs or longer-term help—does come with some challenges and questions. This guide covers the channels for finding a sitter, the services they offer, price ranges, and etiquette and tips for hiring, so you can enjoy more leisure time during your trip.

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1. Why Consider Hiring a Babysitter in Bali?

Bali is home to many family-friendly resorts, private pool villas, beach clubs, and spas. If you’re traveling with young children, adults often have to adjust to the kids’ nap, meal, and activity schedules, making it hard to follow your own travel pace.

Hiring a babysitter can provide varying levels of assistance based on your family’s needs, such as:

Childcare during your stay: Playing, reading, napping, and engaging in daily activities with the kids at the hotel or villa.
Assisting with family outings: Accompanying children to suitable attractions or play areas as pre-arranged.
Giving parents time for themselves: For example, booking a spa, dining out, or short shopping trips.
Assisting with Daily Care: Help with feeding, diaper changes, preparing children’s meals, and establishing a bedtime routine as agreed.

However, keep in mind that a travel babysitter is not necessarily a housekeeper, nor do they always hold professional qualifications in infant care, first aid, or special needs care. Before booking, be sure to clarify the scope of services and the sitter’s actual experience.

2. Four Ways to Find a Babysitter in Bali

1. Book Through a Professional Babysitting Agency

If it’s your first time bringing a child to Bali, or if your child is still a baby or toddler, I’d prioritize a professional agency with clear service terms, sitter background info, and a structured booking system.

These agencies typically help arrange short-term babysitters, daily nannies, and some also offer extended or live-in care. Before booking, check if there are backup sitters, alternative arrangements for last-minute cancellations, and the sitter’s first-aid training and work experience.

Here are some agencies you can look into:

Bali’s Best Babysitting

Offers short-term babysitting and daily travel nanny services. Their website lists booking conditions, service areas, rates, and sitter profiles. Some services allow the same sitter to care for your child for multiple consecutive days.

Official website: https://www.balisbestbabysitting.com/

Bali Angel Holiday

Offers babysitting and childcare services in Bali, ideal for families looking to compare different booking packages. You can inquire about service hours, locations, and booking details through their official website.

Official website: https://baliangelholiday.com/

Dewata Bali Nanny

Another nanny service worth adding to your search list. Before booking, it’s recommended to directly confirm whether they are currently operating, their service area, fees, and nanny qualifications.

Official website: https://dewatabalinanny.com/

These are starting points for finding services, and not every option suits every family. Especially for infants, twins, or children with special needs, you should directly ask the agency about caregiver-to-child ratios, relevant experience, and qualifications—don’t just rely on the promotional text on their website.

2. Finding Help Through Facebook Communities

If you’re looking for an independent local nanny, you can also seek recommendations in Bali’s expat or family communities.

For example, search for the following community names or related keywords:

Bali Housekeepers
Nannies in Bali
Babysitters and Cooks
Moms in Bali
Kids & Families in Bali

Group names, membership requirements, and activity levels may change over time. Please verify current discussions before joining.

When posting a request, it’s recommended to clearly specify:

Your accommodation area, such as Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, or Ubud.
The ages and number of children.
The dates you need service, daily hours, and whether overnight care is required.
Whether fluent English, infant/childcare experience, or first aid certification is required.
Job scope, budget, and whether transportation costs are covered separately.

Don’t just write ‘looking for a good babysitter,’ as different families have very different requirements for a nanny. The clearer the conditions, the easier it is to screen for suitable candidates.

Additionally, recommendations from social media comments or private messages still need to be verified yourself. It’s best to ask the recommender how long they’ve actually worked with the person, what age children they cared for, and whether they’re willing to provide a contactable reference.

3. Getting referrals through acquaintances, long-term residents, or drivers

If you have friends, long-term residents, or accommodation providers you’ve worked with for a while in Bali, you can ask if they know any nannies worth looking into.

The advantage of referrals from acquaintances is the chance to get first-hand experience working with them, rather than just seeing online self-introductions.

However, just because a recommender finds someone reliable doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily meet your family’s needs. For example, some nannies are great with older children but may not be familiar with newborn care; others excel at daily care but have limited English communication skills.

So, referrals from acquaintances can serve as a starting point for screening, but you should still arrange an interview and confirm the job scope.

4. Asking hotel or villa management

If you’re staying at a resort, serviced accommodation, or a private villa with a management team, you can directly ask if babysitting services are available or if they can help connect you with their partners.

This is especially convenient for short-term travelers, as you won’t have to start searching from scratch on your own.

However, be sure to confirm whether the babysitter is a full-time employee of the property, a long-term partner, or an external service provider arranged by the property. Different arrangements can vary significantly in terms of liability, fees, cancellation policies, and backup options.

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3. How Much Does Babysitting Cost in Bali?

Babysitting fees in Bali vary depending on the agency, the child’s age, the number of children, working hours, language skills, caregiving experience, and the location of your stay.

For example, according to Bali’s Best Babysitting’s public service information, their standard short-term babysitting starts at around Rp85,000 per hour, but the actual rate changes based on the number of children and specific needs. Other independent sitters or agencies may have different pricing and minimum booking hours.

Here’s a reference for what to ask when inquiring:

Type of Hire	Things to Confirm
Hourly Rate	Minimum booking hours, hourly rate, transportation fee
Daily Travel Babysitter	Daily service hours, availability for consecutive days
Nighttime Babysitter	Night surcharge, latest end time, return transportation
Long-term or Full-time Babysitter	Weekly workdays, days off, overtime, scope of work
Live-in Babysitter	Accommodation, meals, rest time, and nighttime work arrangements

Official website: https://www.balisbestbabysitting.com/services/

What Additional Fees Might Apply?

Before booking, it’s best to clarify the following items one by one:

Transportation costs: If the babysitter’s home is far from your accommodation, you may need to cover transportation subsidies.
Meals: If the babysitter is needed for a full day, agree in advance on meal provisions or meal allowances.
Attraction tickets: If the babysitter needs to accompany your child out, confirm who will cover tickets and other activity costs.
Overtime or extended hours: Hours beyond the agreed time may incur additional charges.
Deposits and cancellation fees: Professional agencies may require a deposit, and there may be rules for cancellations or date changes.

A special note: Some old articles online list very low hourly rates or even estimate full-time babysitter costs based on a monthly salary. However, these figures may not reflect current market rates and shouldn’t be directly compared to professional travel babysitters.

If you only need short-term care for four to six hours, the suitable hiring method and pricing structure may be completely different from families needing daily long hours.

4. How to tell if a babysitter is right for your child?

Once you’ve found a candidate, don’t rush to confirm the booking. It’s recommended to arrange a video call or in-person meeting so both sides can understand each other’s needs.

1. Confirm Care Experience

Ask about the ages of children they have cared for in the past, the nature of their work, and whether they have ever looked after children close in age to yours.

Caring for a six-year-old is very different from caring for a six-month-old. If your child is not yet walking or has special needs regarding feeding or sleep, make sure the nanny truly has relevant experience.

2. Confirm Language Skills

Many families hope their nanny can communicate in English, but don’t rely solely on a resume or self-introduction.

During the interview, try explaining your child’s daily routine, dietary restrictions, nap times, and emergency contact information in English to see if the nanny can understand and respond clearly.

If both sides have limited language skills, prepare a simple list of key points in English and use a translation tool when necessary to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Ask About First Aid and Safety Knowledge

If your child is young, especially if they frequently spend time near pools or the beach, prioritize candidates with pediatric first aid or CPR training.

However, note that being able to swim does not mean they are qualified in lifesaving, and having care experience does not mean they have formal first aid training. If needed, ask the candidate or agency to provide relevant certification information.

4. Request References

If the babysitter has previously worked for other families long-term, ask if they can provide references from former employers.

Rather than just looking at social media photos or glowing reviews, it’s more valuable to know: whether they are punctual, whether they can follow family rules, how they handle a child’s emotional issues, and whether they will proactively contact parents in unexpected situations.

5. Arrange a Short Trial First

If your itinerary allows, schedule a brief care session first so parents can observe the babysitter’s interaction with the child before deciding to book multiple days.

For the first collaboration, it’s recommended that parents stay nearby to confirm the child is comfortable with the sitter, communication flows smoothly, and the sitter follows the agreed-upon care rules.

Want to estimate your budget before departure? The Bali Ticket Price Overview compiles real-time reference prices for popular attractions across the site, making it easy to compare deals on Klook/Trip.com.

5. Precautions and Challenges

注意事項及挑戰

Pool Safety Comes First

Many private villas in Bali have pools, but they may not have fences or child safety gates. For toddlers, even a brief moment out of sight can lead to danger.

If the accommodation has a pool, be clear about how children will be supervised near the water. Don’t assume that just because the nanny can swim, they can handle all water-related emergencies. Also, avoid asking the nanny to juggle heavy housework or other tasks while caring for the children.

If the children are young, it’s best to prioritize candidates with relevant water safety experience, and consider asking the accommodation if childproof pool barriers can be installed.

Clearly Communicate Rules on Meals, Allergies, and Medication

If a child has food allergies, special dietary needs, or requires regular medication, make sure to inform the nanny clearly before work begins and keep a written record.

Avoid vague instructions like ‘they can’t eat this.’ Instead, list specific foods to avoid, symptoms to watch for, emergency contact information, and the steps to take if an incident occurs.

If prescription medication or special medical care is involved, confirm that the nanny has the necessary skills, and seek advice from a medical professional if needed.

Discuss Rules on Phone Use, Photos, and Outings in Advance

Some families are fine with the nanny taking photos of the children, while others prefer no photos at all or no sharing on social media. These preferences should be clarified ahead of time.

Similarly, confirm whether the nanny can take the children outside, allow them to interact with strangers, let them watch TV or use a phone, or give them candy or other snacks.

If the nanny needs to take the children away from the accommodation, agree in advance on the destination, mode of transport, contact method, and return time—don’t leave room for misunderstandings.

Confirm Hygiene Practices

Clearly state that you expect the nanny to wash hands before and after handling the child, preparing food, and changing diapers. Also confirm how the child’s utensils, bottles, and personal items will be cleaned.

These rules don’t need to sound accusatory, but they must be clearly communicated. Different families have different habits, and discussing things upfront is usually more effective than complaining later.

Confirm Work Hours and Emergency Leave Arrangements

Bali’s traffic, weather, and local religious ceremonies can all affect work schedules. Therefore, when booking, confirm start and end times, how to notify about lateness or absence, and whether there is a backup person if the nanny can’t make it.

If booking through an agency, ask about cancellation policies in advance. If hiring a nanny directly, it’s even more important to establish clear communication and confirmation procedures.

Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali

6. How to Communicate Smoothly with the Nanny?

Once you’ve found the right person, good communication is just as important.

Before the first day of work, prepare a simple childcare checklist that includes:

The child’s eating, napping, and daily routines.
Foods that are not allowed and allergens to be aware of.
Activities that are permitted, as well as prohibited items.
Emergency contact information and accommodation address.
Whether photography, phone use, or taking children outside is allowed.
Arrangements for meals, breaks, and transportation subsidies.

If you want the babysitter to play with the children, you can also suggest a few suitable activities in advance, such as reading picture books, drawing, doing puzzles, or simple crafts. Don’t just say “watch the kids” and expect them to follow your exact plan every day.

Additionally, the babysitter also needs reasonable time for meals, breaks, and work. If you want them to accompany the whole family to attractions, you should confirm in advance how transportation, tickets, and meals will be handled.

If you are satisfied with the service, you may give a tip according to local customs and your personal preference, but tipping should not replace fair compensation or clear working conditions.

7. Short-term travel vs. long-term hire: which should you choose?

If you’re bringing your kids to Bali for just a week-long vacation, it’s usually best to consider a travel babysitter service. This type of service is more suitable for daily or hourly bookings, and it’s easier to confirm costs, scope of work, and service terms in advance.

If you are staying long-term in Bali or need regular weekly care assistance, you may want to further compare arrangements between independent babysitters and long-term hires.

When hiring long-term, in addition to salary, you should clearly discuss weekly working days, holidays, overtime, transportation, meals, accommodation, job responsibilities, and the notice period for ending the arrangement. If the job involves live-in care, it’s especially important to respect the babysitter’s privacy and rest needs by providing suitable living space.

Whichever method you choose, price should not be the only deciding factor. The quality of care, reliability, your child’s safety, and smooth communication between both parties are often far more important.

Conclusion: In Bali, Cheap Isn’t the Only Consideration When Hiring a Babysitter

Traveling to Bali with kids doesn’t mean parents have to give up all their own time. Finding the right babysitter can indeed make a family trip more flexible and allow adults to plan activities that aren’t suitable for young children.

However, the quality of babysitting services varies from person to person. You shouldn’t make a decision based solely on nationality, price, online reviews, or recommendations from acquaintances.

If it’s your first time hiring, I’d recommend starting with professional agencies that have clear booking terms and verifiable service information. If you choose an independent babysitter, pay extra attention to interviews, references, and safety checks.

A truly worthwhile babysitter isn’t just someone who can watch your child—it’s someone who understands your child’s needs, respects your family’s rules, and gives you peace of mind when you’re away from your little one.

I hope this guide helps make your Bali vacation more relaxing and enjoyable, and assists you in finding the right babysitter for a carefree holiday.

Bali Babysitter Guide: How to Find the Right Sitter and Cost Overview

1. Why Consider Hiring a Babysitter in Bali?

2. Four Ways to Find a Babysitter in Bali

1. Book Through a Professional Babysitting Agency

2. Finding Help Through Facebook Communities