When planning a family holiday to Bali, the primary motivation for hiring a babysitter is usually practical: exhausted parents need a few hours to have a quiet dinner, enjoy a massage, or simply read a book by the pool without constantly counting heads.
And while the gift of rest is invaluable, hiring a Balinese nanny offers a secondary, often unexpected benefit that is far more lasting.
Many families find themselves trapped in the “tourist bubble”—moving between the air-conditioned villa, the resort pool, and Western-style cafes. Their children may leave Bali having enjoyed the sunshine, but without knowing anything about the island itself.
A Balinese nanny is the antidote to that bubble. Because Balinese culture is deeply communal, artistic, and spiritually integrated into daily life, a nanny doesn’t just “watch” your children; she naturally becomes their bridge to the local world.
Here is how a Balinese nanny transforms childcare into a gentle, immersive cultural experience for your kids.
1. The Language of Connection
While many Balinese nannies working with tourists speak excellent English, their interactions with children are often peppered with the warmth of their native tongue.
Children are sponges for language. Within days of spending time with a nanny, you will likely hear your toddler saying “terima kasih” (thank you) when given a snack, or greeting you with a cheerful “selamat pagi” (good morning).
Beyond basic Indonesian, they might pick up softer nuances of the Balinese language used to soothe or encourage. This isn’t formal language tuition; it is the organic joy of communicating across borders, giving your children the confidence to interact with other locals they meet.
2. Hands-On Crafts and Rituals
Bali is a tactile culture. Art is not something just for museums; it is woven into daily life, most visibly in the beautiful daily offerings known as canang sari.
These small trays woven from palm leaves, filled with colorful flowers, rice, and incense, are placed everywhere, every day. Children are naturally fascinated by them.
Instead of just walking past them, a Balinese nanny can sit on the villa terrace with your children and show them how it’s done. They might teach older kids how to weave the intricate palm leaf base, or let younger ones help arrange the vibrant petals.
Furthermore, Balinese women are masters of weaving palm fronds into toys instantly. A bored child might suddenly find themselves presented with a woven grasshopper, a bird, or a bracelet made from natural materials right from the garden. It is sustainable, creative play that connects them to the island’s natural resources.
3. Opening the Door to New Flavors
It is easy to fall into the trap of feeding kids chicken nuggets and fries every day on holiday because it’s “safe.”
A nanny can be a gentle guide to the incredible world of Balinese tropical fruits and mild flavors. Because trust is established, children are often more willing to try new foods offered by their nanny than by their parents.
She might introduce them to the bizarre snakeskin texture of salak fruit, show them how to open the purple shell of a sweet mangosteen, or let them taste a mild, sweet satay stick from a local vendor. These small tasting experiences expand their palates and normalize eating “local.”
4. A Lesson in “Sabar” (Patience and Calm)
Perhaps the most profound cultural lesson a Balinese nanny offers is not something they do, but how they are.
Balinese child-rearing culture is distinct from many Western approaches. It is incredibly communal, deeply affectionate, and remarkably patient. Raising voices at small children is rare. Instead, there is a focus on distraction, soothing energy, and a state of being known as sabar (patience).+1
For Western children used to time-outs or stricter discipline, being cared for with this gentle, unwavering calm can be a transformative experience. They learn a different way of being in the world—one that prioritizes harmony and gentle redirection over conflict.
How to Encourage This Connection
If you want your children to have this richer experience, a little encouragement goes a long way:
- Give Permission: Tell the nanny explicitly that you want them to share their culture. Say, “Please feel free to teach them some Indonesian words,” or “If you want to show them how to make offerings today, we would love that.”
- Get Out of the Villa: If you are comfortable, allow the nanny to take the kids for walks outside the villa complex. A simple walk down a Balinese gang (alleyway) to see the local temple gates, the neighborhood dogs, and the small warungs (shops) is an adventure for a young child.
Conclusion
The souvenirs you buy in the market will eventually break or be forgotten. But the memory of sitting on a mat, weaving flowers with a kind woman who taught them to say thank you in a new language—that is a travel memory that sticks.
Hiring a nanny in Bali isn’t just about buying yourself time. It’s about giving your children a warm, authentic window into one of the most beautiful cultures on earth.