How to Hire a Nanny in Bali: A Step-by-Step Process for Visiting Parents.
This guide is designed for visiting parents who want to balance family time with some much-needed adult relaxation.
Bali is famous for its incredibly warm, community-based culture where children are cherished. Hiring a holiday nanny (often referred to locally as a “pembantu” or simply “nanny”) is common practice and can transform a stressful family trip into a rejuvenating holiday.
However, handing your children over to a stranger in a foreign country requires careful planning and due diligence. Here is a step-by-step process to ensure a safe, happy experience for everyone.
Phase 1: Research & Decision Making (2-4 Weeks Before Trip)
Before you even look at profiles, you need to decide how you want to hire. There are three main avenues, each with pros and cons.
Option A: The Professional Agency (Recommended for first-timers)
Bali has several Western-owned or managed agencies dedicated to holiday childcare.
- Pros: They handle vetting, police checks, First Aid training, and ensure a good standard of English. If your nanny is sick, they provide a replacement.
- Cons: The most expensive option (hourly rate + booking fees).
- Action: Search Google for reputable agencies (e.g., Bali’s Best Babysitting, Nanny Palm Bali) and read recent reviews.
Option B: In-Villa/Resort Staff
Many private villas or family resorts offer babysitting services using their existing staff (housekeepers or restaurant staff).
- Pros: Convenient. The staff are already vetted by the property and familiar with the surroundings. Your kids might already know them.
- Cons: Childcare may not be their primary job or passion. English levels can vary significantly.
Option C: Freelance / Word-of-Mouth
Finding an independent nanny through expat Facebook groups (like “Bali with Kids” or “Canggu Community”) or friend recommendations.
- Pros: Most affordable option. Direct communication with the nanny. Many excellent, experienced nannies work freelance.
- Cons: The vetting burden is entirely on you. No backup if they cancel. Higher risk.
Phase 2: The Vetting Process (1-2 Weeks Before Trip)
If you choose Option C (Freelance), this step is absolutely critical. If using an Agency, you can skip ahead, as they do this for you.
Step 1: The WhatsApp Video Interview
Do not hire a freelance nanny via text message alone. Schedule a quick 10-minute WhatsApp video call.
- Assess English: Can they understand safety instructions clearly?
- Vibe Check: Are they smiling, engaged, and warm?
- Key Question 1 (Experience): “What ages do you usually look after?” (Ensure they are comfortable with your specific age group, e.g., newborns vs. active toddlers).
- Key Question 2 (Scenario): “If my child falls and cuts their head badly, what is the first thing you do?” (You want to hear: Call parents immediately, apply pressure, keep calm).
Step 2: The Crucial Water Safety Conversation
This is the most important safety aspect of hiring help in Bali. Many villas have unfenced pools.
You must ask explicitly: “Can you swim strong laps in the deep end?”
Many lovely Balinese nannies cannot swim well. If they cannot swim, you must make a hard rule: They are not allowed to take the children into the pool unless a parent is present. Do not assume they can save a drowning child.
Phase 3: Booking & Expectations (1 Week Before Trip)
Once you have selected your candidate or agency, lock it in.
Step 1: Confirming the Details via WhatsApp
State clearly in writing:
- Start date and end date.
- Daily hours (e.g., “Monday to Friday, 1 PM to 7 PM”).
- The villa address and Google Maps link.
- Number and ages of children.
- Agreed hourly or daily rate (in Indonesian Rupiah – IDR).
Step 2: Defining the Scope
Be clear about what the job is. A holiday nanny is there for childcare, not housekeeping.
- In Scope: Playing, feeding, bathing, nap routines, keeping kids safe, tidying up toys used during the shift.
- Out of Scope: Family laundry, deep cleaning the villa, cooking meals for adults.
Phase 4: The Arrival & “Trial Run” (Day 1 of Trip)
Never commit to a full week with someone you haven’t met in person.
Step 1: The Paid Trial
Book the nanny for a 3-4 hour “trial shift” on your first full day, while you are present at the villa. Pay them for this time.
- Observe: Do the kids gravitate toward her? Does she put her phone away and actively engage? Does she spot hazards (like an open pool gate) proactively?
- Trust your gut: If the chemistry feels off, pay her for her time, thank her, and try someone else.
Step 2: The Handover Checklist
Before you leave them alone for the first time, provide a written note (WhatsApp is fine) with:
- Your WhatsApp number (ensure you have data).
- The Villa Manager’s number.
- Address of the nearest international medical clinic (e.g., BIMC or Siloam).
- Any allergies or medication schedules.
Phase 5: Managing the Relationship (During Your Stay)
Navigating the cultural logistics ensures a smooth relationship.
- Meals and Water: It is culturally expected that you provide food and drink for staff during their shift.
- Show them the fridge and tell them to help themselves to water/snacks.
- If it’s mealtime, offer to order them a meal via Gojek/Grab when you order for the kids, or give them IDR 30k-50k cash to buy their own lunch at a local warung.
- Payment: Freelance nannies are usually paid in cash (IDR) daily or weekly. Agencies may take credit card payments online.
- Late Night Transport: If a shift ends after dark (e.g., 9 PM), it is customary and safer to provide an extra IDR 50k cash so they can get a safe Grab car home, rather than driving their scooter late at night.
- Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping is highly appreciated. If they were wonderful, a tip at the end of the week (perhaps the equivalent of one day’s pay) is a lovely gesture.