Bali Holiday FAQs for Australian Travellers
1. When is the best time to go to Bali?
For the most sunshine, go in the
dry season, April to October, which lines up with the Easter, winter and spring school holidays. The driest weeks are usually June to August. November to March is the wet season: hotter and more humid, with afternoon storms, but greener and often quieter outside Christmas and January.
2. How do I get to Bali from Australia, and what do I need to enter?
There are direct flights from most major Australian cities, from about 3.5 hours out of Perth to 6 or 7 hours from the east coast, landing at
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Australian passport holders can get a
Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA for 30 days, extendable once.
Pay the
Bali tourism levy of IDR 150,000 per person, subject to applicable exemptions, check your passport has at least six months' validity, and complete the mandatory
All Indonesia arrival declaration within 72 hours before arrival. We can have a driver waiting, with child seats if needed.
3. Is it safe to rent a villa in Bali?
Bali is generally safe, and plenty of Australian families holiday there every year. Watch for bag snatching in busy areas and strong rips on some beaches, and check
Smartraveller's Indonesia travel advice before you travel. The
Villa Finder concierge service can arrange trusted drivers, licensed guides and experienced babysitters, so you're not left to work it out yourself.
4. What about health, vaccinations and drinking water?
See your GP or a travel doctor about vaccinations before you go, and don't skip
travel insurance. Stick to bottled or properly filtered water and take care when choosing street food to avoid
"Bali belly". Travelling with kids? We can stock the villa with snacks they'll eat and connect you with English-speaking doctors.
5. How do I get around in Bali?
Traffic is part of the Bali experience, but it can be slow. Scooters are popular, though not great for families. Booking a
car with a private driver is convenient and usually good value. We can arrange one for a day trip or your whole holiday.
6. Which areas are best for families with kids?
Nusa Dua has calm water and wide beaches for kids to run. Sanur is quiet, with shallow water that's good for toddlers. Ubud is all rice fields and culture, though a pram can be hard work. Seminyak and Canggu have lively food scenes, but their beaches suit older kids or strong swimmers. Tell us your kids' ages and we'll match you with villas.
7. What are the best family activities in Bali?
The Ubud Monkey Forest, Waterbom Bali in Kuta, snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat ride at Nusa Lembongan, a Balinese dance show and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace are all popular. If you've done the classics, ask our concierge about cooking classes, horse riding or a day in the north.
8. Is it better to stay in a villa or a resort in Bali?
For a family or group, a
private villa in Bali often works better: more bedrooms, your own pool and garden, and space where everyone can hang out together. Many villas include daily housekeeping and staff on site. Some include breakfast, and many can arrange a chef for other meals.
9. Can I book extras like babysitters or private chefs?
Yes, and these are two of the most popular. A private chef cooks dinner while a babysitter keeps the kids busy, and the adults get a quiet drink by the pool. We also organise in-villa massages, yoga, birthday set-ups and floating breakfasts.
10. How do I choose the right villa for our group?
Start with who's travelling.
Young families usually want a fenced pool, baby gear and everything on one level.
Several families travelling together often need en-suite bedrooms and room to spread out.
Groups of friends want a big dining area and space to socialise. Tell us your headcount and wish list, and we'll shortlist villas we've inspected.
11. What if something goes wrong in my villa?
Our team is available
7 days a week to help resolve issues, from patchy Wi-Fi to a pool problem or a last-minute babysitter. You can reach us on our Sydney number or by WhatsApp, and Bali is in the same time zone as Perth.
12. How much does it cost to rent a villa in Bali, and can I stay for a month?
Prices are shown in
Australian dollars (AUD) and depend on size, location and season. A three-bedroom villa with a private pool can sometimes cost less than three hotel rooms. Stays of up to a month are welcome, depending on availability.
We specialise in holiday stays rather than long-term leases. Each villa has its own deposit, payment and cancellation terms, and we'll go through them with you when you enquire.
13. Can I travel to Bali with a baby or toddler?
Yes, it's one of the easier overseas trips from Australia with little ones. We can arrange a
cot, high chair and pool fence on request, subject to availability, along with experienced babysitters. For outings, we'll book cars with child seats and suggest calm beaches and family-friendly restaurants.
14. Will my Australian plugs and phone work?
Bali uses
two-pin Type C and F sockets, so you'll need an adapter for Australian plugs, or we can leave one in the villa. Our villas have Wi-Fi. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are widely available, and many Australian travellers buy one on arrival.
15. What mistakes do first-timers make in Bali?
Common mistakes include not checking when
Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, falls, since the airport closes for the day; planning too many activities in different areas and getting stuck in traffic; going without travel insurance; and booking a villa that isn't set up for kids. Our team can help you avoid all four.