Nannies and family services
Childcare in Bali is affordable and generally excellent — if you hire carefully. Here are the going rates, how to vet and contract properly, and the family services worth knowing.
What childcare costs
Babysitter (occasional)
IDR 60k–120k/hrEvening or date-night sitting, often booked through an agency or your villa manager. Expect a 3–4 hour minimum and transport money home.
Nanny (full time)
IDR 4–8m/month5–6 days, 8 hours. English-speaking and experienced with expat families sits at the top of that range. Agency-placed nannies cost more but are vetted and replaceable.
Live-in nanny
IDR 5–9m/monthIncludes room and board. Agree days off, overtime and what happens when you travel, in writing, before day one.
House helper (ART)
IDR 2.5–4.5m/monthCleaning, laundry and cooking, usually part-time daily. Many families hire a helper and a nanny separately rather than one person doing both.
Driver
IDR 3.5–6m/monthSchool runs and errands. Add fuel, and clarify whether the car is theirs or yours.
Night nurse / newborn help
IDR 250k–500k/nightAvailable through maternity agencies in Denpasar and Seminyak. Book well ahead of your due date.
Hiring properly
Vetting, contracts and the local obligations most expats miss.
- Always ask for and actually call two references from previous families. This is the single most useful step.
- Check ID (KTP) and take a photo of it with their agreement — normal practice here.
- Ask about first aid and CPR training, swimming ability (nearly every villa has a pool) and scooter licence if they will do school runs.
- Do a paid trial week before committing. Be present for the first few days.
- Write a simple contract: hours, salary, pay date, days off, public holidays, sick leave, notice period, and THR (religious holiday bonus — one extra month's salary, legally required after 12 months, pro-rata before that).
- Pay in cash or by transfer on a fixed date, and keep a signed record each month.
- Budget for BPJS health cover contributions if you employ someone full time — it is expected and inexpensive.
Schools and daycare, age by age
Bali has everything from village playgroups to full IB diploma schools. Places move fast — apply 6–12 months ahead for the popular year groups, and expect a one-off enrolment fee on top of tuition.
Babies and toddlers (0–2)
DaycareFull daycare is uncommon — most families use a nanny. Where it exists (Bali Bubs and similar in Canggu and Sanur, plus resort creches) expect IDR 2–5m/month full time, or drop-in rates around IDR 100k–200k for a half day.
Preschool and playgroup (2–5)
IDR 15–70m/yearPlenty of choice: Montessori and Reggio-inspired preschools in Canggu, Ubud and Sanur, plus local kindergartens (TK) that are far cheaper and taught mostly in Indonesian. Half days are the norm, usually 8am to noon.
Primary (5–11)
USD 5k–15k/yearInternational primary schools follow IB PYP, Cambridge or Australian curricula. Green School, Canggu Community School, Bali Island School, Sunrise, Montessori and Dyatmika all take this age group, with Dyatmika notably cheaper as a national-plus school.
Secondary (11–16)
USD 10k–22k/yearBali Island School (full IB, Sanur), Canggu Community School (IGCSE and IB), Green School (its own sustainability-led curriculum) and Sanur Independent are the main options. Fewer schools at this level, so places are tighter.
Sixth form and diploma (16–18)
IB / A-levelBali Island School and Canggu Community School run the IB Diploma; Sanur Independent offers a US high school diploma. Universities abroad accept these, but check subject availability early — small cohorts mean limited option blocks.
Homeschool and hybrid
Growing fastA big homeschooling community, particularly in Ubud and Canggu, with co-ops, tutors, forest schools and part-time enrolment. Popular with families here for six to twelve months rather than permanently.
Local and national-plus schools
IDR 10–40m/yearNational-plus schools such as Dyatmika and Sekolah Cita Buana teach a bilingual mix of the Indonesian curriculum and international content, at a fraction of full international fees. Best if you are staying several years.
Special educational needs
Ask earlySupport is limited and varies enormously by school. Some have learning-support staff and charge extra; others cannot accommodate at all. Disclose needs during enquiry, not after acceptance, and ask to speak with the SEN coordinator.
Choosing and enrolling
- Fees are usually tuition plus a one-off enrolment or capital fee (often USD 1,000–3,000), plus bus, lunch, uniform and trips.
- Most schools ask for the last two years of school reports, a birth certificate, passport copies and immunisation records.
- Children on a school place normally need a dependent KITAS sponsored by the school or a parent's permit — a tourist visa is not enough for a full-year enrolment.
- Visit in person during a school day if you can. Bali school marketing is polished; the atmosphere at pick-up tells you more.
- Ask about teacher turnover, class sizes, what happens in wet season for open-air campuses, and how many students actually finish the programme.
- Factor in the commute — 8km in Canggu traffic at 7.30am can be 40 minutes, which shapes where you live more than anything else.
Health and everything else
International schools
Ubud / Canggu / SanurGreen School, Canggu Community School, Bali Island School, Sunrise and Montessori options. Fees run USD 6k–20k/year. Apply 6–12 months ahead; waitlists are real for popular year groups.
Paediatric care
24/7 optionsBIMC Kuta and Nusa Dua, Siloam Denpasar and Kasih Ibu all have paediatricians. Siloam has the strongest paediatric ICU. Keep the Medical page saved offline.
Kids clubs & activities
Daily drop-insFinns Recreation Club (Canggu), Splash Waterpark, Bali Safari, Waterbom, plus surf schools taking kids from about age five.
Baby gear & rentals
Rent, don't fly itBali Baby Hire and similar deliver cots, prams, car seats and high chairs to your villa. Far cheaper than excess baggage.
Groceries for babies
Formula & nappiesPepito, Grand Lucky and Popular Market carry imported formula and nappies. Stock varies — buy two of anything your child depends on.
Vaccinations
Plan aheadRoutine childhood schedules are available at BIMC and Kids Clinic Bali. Bring your child's vaccination record from home.
Family contacts
BIMC Hospital Kuta
Paediatric & emergency
24-hour, English-speaking, used to expat families and travel insurance.
Siloam Hospitals Bali
Paediatric ICU
Strongest paediatric intensive care on the island.
Kids Clinic Bali
Paediatrics
Child-focused clinic for vaccinations, fevers and check-ups.
Bali Baby Hire
Baby equipment
Cots, prams, car seats and high chairs delivered to your villa.
Bali Nanny Services
Nanny agency
Vetted nannies and babysitters, hourly or full time, with replacement cover.
Child protection hotline (SAPA 129)
Emergency
National hotline for child abuse and protection concerns. Available 24 hours.