Full-Time vs. Part-Time Nannies in Amed: Which is Right for You?
Amed has effortlessly transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a premier destination for slow-traveling families, scuba diving enthusiasts, and digital nomads. But whether you are here for a quick, action-packed week of exploring shipwrecks or settling in for a month of remote work, you will eventually face the same question: What kind of childcare do we need?
Because Amed offers a completely different rhythm compared to the bustling south of Bali, your approach to hiring a nanny should reflect your specific travel style. Do you need a dedicated extra set of hands every single day, or just someone to watch the kids for a few hours while you dive?
To help you optimize your family’s time and budget, here is a breakdown of full-time versus part-time nanny services in East Bali, and how to choose the right fit for your stay.
The Part-Time Nanny: Flexibility for the Vacationing Family
A part-time or “casual” nanny is booked on an ad-hoc basis. You might hire them for four hours in the morning, or perhaps just for an evening so you can enjoy a quiet seafood dinner at Jemeluk Bay.
Best Suited For:
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Short-Term Vacationers: Families visiting Amed for a week or less who want to balance family bonding time with a few hours of adult-only relaxation.
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Scuba Divers: Parents who just need childcare “boat-side” or at the villa while they complete their morning two-tank dive.
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Budget-Conscious Travelers: Those who want the luxury of occasional help without committing to a large, fixed childcare expense.
The Pros:
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Ultimate Flexibility: You only pay for the exact hours you need. If you decide to take a spontaneous family day trip to Tirta Gangga, you aren’t paying a nanny to sit at an empty villa.
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Cost-Effective: At current 2026 rates of roughly IDR 75,000 to IDR 115,000 per hour, a part-time nanny is an incredibly affordable way to buy yourself a few hours of peace.
The Cons:
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Inconsistency for the Child: If you book casually through an agency or villa, you might get a different nanny each time. This can be tough for toddlers who take time to warm up to new faces.
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Availability Risks: During peak diving seasons (July to October), the best local English-speaking nannies get booked up quickly. Securing last-minute part-time care can be stressful.
The Full-Time Nanny: Consistency for Slow Travelers and Nomads
A full-time nanny in Amed typically works a standard 8-hour day, 5 to 6 days a week. For expats and long-term visitors, this can also evolve into a monthly retainer or a live-in situation.
Best Suited For:
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Digital Nomad Families: If you are working remotely from your villa, you need guaranteed, uninterrupted blocks of time. A full-time nanny keeps the kids engaged and out of your “office” space.
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Parents of Infants: Babies thrive on routine. Having the same caregiver every day ensures naps, feedings, and playtime happen on a predictable schedule.
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Parents Needing a True Break: If the goal of your holiday is absolute rest, a full-time nanny acts as a “mother’s helper,” managing snacks, sunscreen applications, and pool supervision so you can genuinely unwind.
The Pros:
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Deep Cultural Bonding: A full-time nanny becomes a temporary part of the family. They have the time to teach your children traditional Balinese games, language, and crafts, offering an incredible cultural exchange.
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Predictable Routine: You don’t have to explain the allergy list or the nap-time routine every single day. The nanny learns your child’s cues and adapts seamlessly.
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Better Value for Long Stays: Booking a daily flat rate (usually around IDR 500,000 to IDR 600,000 per day) or negotiating a monthly salary is far more economical than paying an hourly premium for 40 hours a week.
The Cons:
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Less Privacy: Having someone in your villa for 8 hours a day changes the dynamic of your family space. You have to be comfortable sharing your environment.
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Management and Etiquette: With full-time care, you must manage meal provisions (either providing food or a daily meal allowance) and ensure the nanny is getting adequate breaks from the East Bali heat.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
If you are still on the fence, discuss these three questions with your partner before booking:
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What is the primary purpose of this trip? If the answer is “to catch up on work” or “to do 10 dives this week,” lean toward full-time. If the answer is “to bond as a family with occasional breaks,” part-time is perfect.
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How does your child handle transitions? If your toddler experiences intense separation anxiety, a part-time carousel of different babysitters will cause more stress than relief. Invest in one full-time nanny for consistency.
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What is our budget for convenience? Are you willing to pay a flat daily rate even if you end up putting the kids down for a nap yourself some afternoons, just to know the help is there if you need it?
The Amed Advantage
Whether you choose full-time or part-time care, the childcare culture in East Bali is exceptionally warm. The local women from villages like Bunutan and Culik are known for their genuine affection for children. By clearly defining your needs before you arrive, you set the stage for a stress-free, deeply restorative time on Bali’s beautiful eastern shore.