The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Reliable Babysitter in Bali
Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” In Western cultures, hiring a nanny on vacation might feel like a luxury or even an indulgence. In Bali, it’s a way of life.
Balinese culture is communal. Children are raised by extended families and the village community. The nannies here are known for being incredibly patient, gentle, and genuinely warm. They don’t just “watch” kids; they engage with them, cuddle them, and teach them about the culture.
Hiring a babysitter in Bali isn’t just about buying yourself free time; it’s about giving your children a culturally enriching experience with a caring local local, while you recharge your batteries.
Step 1: Choosing Your Route to Finding a Nanny
There are three primary ways to source childcare in Bali. Your choice depends on your budget, your anxiety levels, and your travel style.
Route A: Professional Nanny Agencies (Recommended for First-Timers)
This is the safest, easiest, and most expensive route. Bali has several reputable, Western-owned or managed agencies dedicated to holiday childcare.
- Pros:
- Vetting: They handle police checks, reference checks, and interviews.
- Training: Many nannies are trained in First Aid/CPR and water safety.
- Reliability: If your nanny gets sick, the agency provides a backup.
- English: High standard of English communication.
- Cons:
- Cost: Higher hourly rates plus booking fees.
- Examples (Do your own current research): Bali’s Best Babysitting, Nanny Palm Bali, Holiday Nanny Bali.
Route B: In-House Villa or Hotel Staff
If you are staying in a staffed villa or a family resort, they often have staff available for babysitting.
- Pros:
- Convenience: They are already on-site and familiar with the property layout.
- Trusted by Management: The property has already vetted them as employees.
- Relationship: Your kids may already know them from breakfast service or housekeeping.
- Cons:
- Primary Job: Their main job might be housekeeping, so their energy for childcare might be lower after a long shift.
- English Level: Variable.
Route C: Word of Mouth / Freelance
This involves finding an independent nanny through expat Facebook groups (like “Bali with Kids” or “Canggu Community”) or recommendations from friends.
- Pros:
- Cost: Significantly cheaper as there are no agency fees.
- Direct Connection: You deal directly with the nanny.
- Great Gems: Many incredible long-term career nannies operate freelance.
- Cons:
- High Risk: The vetting burden is entirely on you. There are no police checks unless you ask to see them.
- No Backup: If they cancel last minute, you are on your own.
Step 2: The Vetting Process (Crucial for Route C)
If you go through an agency, much of this is done for you. If you go freelance, you must do this yourself.
The Interview (via WhatsApp Video)
Before you arrive, set up a video call. Watch how they interact. Are they smiling? Is their English clear enough for safety instructions?
Essential Questions to Ask:
- Water Safety (The #1 priority): “Can you swim?” (Be specific: Can you jump into the deep end and pull my 4-year-old out?). Many Balinese people cannot swim strong laps. You need someone “water-confident,” not an Olympic swimmer. If they cannot swim, you must enforce a strict ‘no pool time’ rule when you aren’t there.
- Experience: “What ages have you worked with most?” (An infant specialist might be overwhelmed by three active toddlers).
- Emergency Scenario: “What would you do if my child hit their head hard and was crying loudly?” (You want to hear: comfort child, call parents immediately, assess situation).
The “Paid Trial”
Never commit to a full week with a stranger. Book the nanny for a 3-hour paid trial on your first full day while you are present at the villa/hotel.
Watch the chemistry. Do the kids gravitate to her? Does she put her phone away and engage? Does she proactively spot dangers (open pool gates, sharp corners)? If it feels off, pay her for her time and try someone else.
Step 3: The Practicalities & Logistics
Rates and Payment (2024 Estimates)
- Freelance: IDR 60,000 – IDR 90,000 per hour (approx. $4 – $6 USD).
- Agency: IDR 80,000 – IDR 150,000+ per hour, plus a one-off booking fee.
- Note: Rates are higher for multiple children or past midnight.
- How to Pay: Cash (IDR) daily or weekly is standard for freelance. Agencies often take credit cards or bank transfers.
Scope of Duties
A holiday nanny is there for childcare, not deep cleaning.
- Expected: Playing, feeding meals (you provide the food), bathing, nap time routines, tidying up toys used during their shift, keeping kids safe around the pool.
- Not Expected: Doing the family laundry, cooking dinner for the adults, cleaning the entire villa.
Meals and Drinks (Cultural Etiquette)
It is crucial that you provide food and water for your nanny during her shift.
- If you are at a villa, tell her she is welcome to the food in the fridge, or order her a Nasi Goreng via Gojek/Grab food when you order for the kids.
- If you take her out to a restaurant with the family, you buy her meal.
- Never let your nanny go hungry while watching your kids eat.
Transport
- Daytime: Nannies usually arrive on their own scooter.
- Late Night: If the shift ends after dark (e.g., 9 PM or later), it is customary and safer to either pay for their Grab/Gojek car ride home or give them extra cash (IDR 50k) for transport petrol/safety “uang lelah”.
Step 4: The Safety Checklist Before You Leave
Once you have found the perfect nanny, do this before you walk out the door:
- Pool Rules: Be explicitly clear. “No swimming unless I am here,” or “Swimming is okay, but you must be in the water with them, not watching from the side.”
- Contact Info: Ensure she has your WhatsApp number and the number of the villa manager/hotel front desk.
- Medical Info: Write down the address of the nearest BIMC hospital or Siloam hospital and detail any allergies.
- Cash: Leave cash for emergencies or if she needs to buy the kids snacks.