Moving to Bali with Children

Dreaming of relocating to Bali with your family? Many parents are drawn by Bali’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle. But moving with children brings unique challenges and important decisions. Here’s what to expect, the hurdles you might face, and how to make the move smoother for the whole family.

Bali offers an exciting adventure for families, but daily life can be very different from what you’re used to. Expect hot, humid weather, a slower pace of life, and a reliance on scooters or drivers to get around. Balinese culture is rich and welcoming, but language barriers and different customs can be an adjustment for both adults and kids. Healthcare is widely available but varies in quality; researching international clinics is a must.

• Settling In: Adjusting to a new country can be overwhelming. Make sure you have a comfortable place to stay before you arrive – this can be a little bit over budget, perhaps an AirBnB, in a good location close to the school you prefer, and for at least a month, to allow you to search for long-term options.
• Finding the right long-term accommodation: never pay anything up front before you arrive, and make sure you get contracts signed first as well. It can be very hard work finding the right place, but be patient, there are so many options – you just need to wade through the nonsense to find it. This can only be done after you’ve arrived.
• Transportation: be ready to ride scooters – go for it! And yes, even with the kids! You’ll get the hang of it in no time. It’s a lot of fun, very liberating, super cheap, and even though the traffic can be quite crowded, it moves slowly, and everyone it looking out for each other. There are also online transport services such as Gojek and Grab, as well as a huge number of private drivers ready to take you wherever you want, for very reasonable prices.
• Healthcare & Insurance: Secure comprehensive health insurance covering evacuation. Get familiar with local doctors and emergency services. Even though you may not like the look of clinics here, they are actually generally very good, specifically around the tourist/expat areas.
• Social Connections: Children may feel isolated at first. Join family-friendly communities, classes, and events to help them make friends and feel at home. There are plenty of clubs around for sports and hobbies, for both kids and adults.
• Routine & Comfort: Kids thrive on routine, so establish familiar meal times, bedtime routines, and family rituals quickly. There are many, many international restaurants and supermarkets, in the expat neighbourhoods, and the local cuisine is wonderful as well – spice levels to taste!

Bali offers a range of schooling options: local Indonesian schools, international schools, Montessori programs, forest schools, and flexible learning centers. International schools often have Western-style curriculums and facilities but can be expensive. Meanwhile, local schools offer cultural immersion but may have language and curriculum gaps.

When it comes to selecting the right school, parents must weigh:

• Price: International schools in Bali can vary widely in tuition, from affordable options to fees rivaling Western private schools.
• Location: Bali’s traffic and road conditions can make even short distances take a long time. A school’s proximity to your home is crucial for minimizing commute stress.
• Program Suitability: Not every school’s teaching style or curriculum fits every child. Consider whether you want a traditional academic program, a creative approach, or something in between.

At Joglo Clubhouse, we combine the best of all worlds:

• Balanced, Flexible Program: Our curriculum blends core academics like Math and English with creative exploration and hands-on activities, so children are both challenged and inspired.
• Affordable & Accessible: We offer exceptional education at a price point more accessible than the international schools, without compromising on quality.
• Convenient Location: Located in the outskirts of Canggu, one of Bali’s most well-developed areas, Joglo Clubhouse is easily reachable from many popular expat neighborhoods.
• Warm, Supportive Environment: Our experienced teachers and caring staff prioritize your child’s well-being, helping them adapt to Bali while feeling secure and happy.
• Multicultural Friendships: With children from around the globe, your child will make friends and learn to appreciate different cultures, preparing them for life as global citizens.

Moving to Bali with children is a bold, exciting choice. With the right preparation and the support of a school like Joglo Clubhouse, your family can thrive, embracing Bali’s beauty and giving your children an unforgettable education and upbringing.