Bali attracts families who work remotely, take extended breaks or spend part of the year abroad. If you plan to stay longer than a holiday, schooling and childcare can shape where you live, how you travel around the island and what your budget looks like.
First decide what kind of care you need
International schools, local schools, playgroups, preschools and short-term holiday programmes serve different needs. Some schools follow an international curriculum and expect a formal admissions process; daycare and playgroups may offer more flexible schedules. Availability for short stays varies, so contact providers directly rather than assuming a visitor can join immediately.
Areas families commonly consider
Sanur
Sanur is often considered by families who prefer a calmer coastal setting and a more relaxed daily rhythm. Check the actual commute to the school or daycare you are considering; road travel can take longer than map distances suggest.
Ubud
Ubud appeals to families seeking greenery, arts and a community-oriented lifestyle. Traffic and road conditions vary, and not every neighbourhood is convenient for daily school runs.
Canggu and the southwest coast
This area has many cafés and remote-work services, but congestion can be significant. Visit at school-run times before committing to accommodation.
How to evaluate an international school
- Curriculum, accreditation and how credits transfer to your home country.
- Language of instruction and English-language support.
- Admissions deadlines, required documents and whether short-term enrolment is possible.
- Class sizes, safeguarding, staff qualifications and child-protection policies.
- School calendar, holiday dates, meals, transport and extracurricular activities.
- Full costs: registration, tuition, uniforms, transport, meals and deposits.
Questions to ask a daycare or preschool
Ask about staff-to-child ratios, supervision, emergency procedures, first aid, illness policies, nap arrangements, food allergies, outdoor shade and water safety. Request a visit during normal operating hours and ask how the centre handles settling-in for children who will attend only temporarily.
Budget and paperwork
Fees vary widely by provider, age, programme and length of enrolment. Ask for a written fee schedule and clarify whether deposits are refundable. Schools may require previous reports, immunisation records, passport details and a placement assessment. Immigration and visa conditions can affect the length and purpose of a stay; confirm the current rules through official Indonesian sources or a qualified adviser.
Make the school run realistic
Do not choose accommodation based only on photos or a school’s advertised location. Test the route at the time you would travel, ask about school transport, and account for rain and traffic. A home close to school can improve family life more than a larger villa far away.
Considering Thailand as well?
Families comparing Bali with Thailand should assess the exact city and school rather than treating either destination as one uniform market. Bangkok offers a broad range of international schools and private hospitals, while Chiang Mai and Phuket have different school choices, traffic patterns and healthcare access. Bali’s options are concentrated around areas such as Sanur, Denpasar, Ubud and the southwest coast, so the daily journey between home and campus matters. In both destinations, request current tuition and enrolment fees, confirm whether short-term places are available, and check visa and residency requirements through official sources before making plans.
How to compare Bali and Thailand for your family
Make a shortlist based on your child’s age, the curriculum you need, your likely length of stay and your budget. Ask each school for its latest fee schedule, admissions calendar and refund policy, then compare the total annual cost in the same currency. Also check the route from likely housing to school at the actual start and finish times. A school that looks ideal online may be less practical if daily traffic makes the journey tiring for children.
Frequently asked questions
Can children attend school in Bali for just one or two months?
Some providers may consider short-term arrangements, but policies differ and places are not guaranteed. Contact schools before booking a long stay.
Are international school fees the same across Bali?
No. Costs vary by school, age group, curriculum and additional services. Request a complete written quote.
Should we choose the school before the villa?
Usually, yes. Confirm a suitable placement and test the commute before signing a long rental agreement.
If you are comparing longer stays, our guide to living costs with children in Portugal and Spain offers a framework for budgeting a family move.
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