Moving to Bali with children can completely change a family’s daily life. A tropical climate, outdoor living, beaches, nature, family activities and an international environment make the island an attractive place for families looking for a different lifestyle.
But moving to Bali with kids is about much more than finding a beautiful villa near the beach.
The neighbourhood you choose, your children’s school, your home, transportation, healthcare, budget and daily routine all play an important role in making a long-term move successful.
At SO Living Bali, we help individuals and families who want to live in Bali for several months or several years. Our approach focuses on everyday life: finding the right home, in the right area, with a level of comfort that matches the way you want to live.
We select homes designed for monthly and yearly living experiences in several of Bali’s most sought-after areas, including Canggu, Berawa, Batu Bolong, North Canggu, Kerobokan, Pererenan, Umalas, Seminyak and Seseh/Cemagi.
The goal is therefore not simply to find a villa in Bali.
It is to find the right place for your family.
Why Live in Bali with Kids?
Bali has attracted families from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and other French-speaking countries for years.
The reason is simple: the island combines an international lifestyle with a daily routine that can be much more focused on outdoor living.
For a family, this can mean:
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more time spent outdoors;
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a warm climate throughout the year;
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easy access to beaches and nature;
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a wide range of sports and cultural activities;
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a large international community;
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several international school options;
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a wide range of family-friendly homes;
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well-developed services in some parts of Bali.
However, Bali is not the same everywhere.
Daily life for a family living in Canggu can be very different from life in Sanur, Ubud or a more rural area.
That is why choosing your neighbourhood should come before choosing your house.
Where to Live in Bali with Kids?
The question “where to live in Bali with kids?” is one of the first questions families ask when preparing a move.
There is no single perfect neighbourhood for everyone. The right area depends on your budget, your children’s school, your lifestyle, how much peace and quiet you want and how much time you are willing to spend travelling.
For French-speaking families, several areas deserve particular attention.
Canggu: An International Lifestyle
Canggu is one of Bali’s best-known areas among international families.
The neighbourhood offers a high concentration of restaurants, cafés, shops, workspaces, gyms, everyday services and activities for children.
It is also highly international. For a family arriving in Bali without an established social network, this environment can make it easier to meet other families and build a new community.
Canggu can be particularly suitable for families looking for:
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an international community;
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a wide choice of restaurants and cafés;
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sports activities;
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a lively social environment;
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a large range of homes;
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convenient access to several schools;
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a modern international lifestyle.
However, Canggu is also one of Bali’s busiest areas. Traffic can become heavy, particularly during peak hours.
This makes the exact location of your home extremely important.
At SO Living Bali, we offer homes across different parts of Canggu and its surrounding areas. This allows families to search not only by number of bedrooms, but also according to the type of lifestyle they want.
Berawa: Practical for Families
Berawa is located between Canggu and the areas further south.
The neighbourhood is popular for its combination of international living, restaurants, cafés, shops and relatively easy access to the beach.
For families, Berawa can offer an interesting balance between an active environment and residential living.
There is also a wide range of homes aimed at international residents, making it easier to find a house suitable for a stay of several months or several years.
If you want to live close to Canggu without necessarily being in the middle of the busiest areas, Berawa is an area worth considering with SO Living Bali.
Pererenan: More Residential and Relaxed
Pererenan is often chosen by people who want to remain close to Canggu while enjoying a slightly more residential atmosphere.
The area has developed significantly in recent years, while some parts remain quieter.
For families, Pererenan can be interesting if you are looking for:
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more peace and quiet;
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a home with outdoor space;
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an international environment;
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relatively easy access to Canggu;
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a more residential pace of life.
It is also worth considering if your priority is finding a comfortable home rather than being directly in the middle of the busiest areas.
SO Living Bali offers homes in this part of Bali, allowing families to compare different lifestyles before making a decision.
Umalas and Kerobokan: A Practical Balance
Umalas and Kerobokan allow you to remain relatively close to Canggu, Seminyak and many of the services available in this part of Bali.
These areas can be particularly attractive to families who prioritise space and convenience.
Depending on the exact location, you can find a more residential environment while remaining relatively close to schools, shops, restaurants and everyday services.
For families looking for a multi-bedroom villa with a pool and outdoor space, these areas are worth including in your search.
At SO Living Bali, Umalas and Kerobokan are among the areas available within our selection of homes for monthly and yearly living.
Seminyak: Central and Convenient
Seminyak is one of Bali’s best-known areas and is particularly developed and well serviced.
You will find many restaurants, shops, services, cafés and businesses serving an international community.
For some families, its location can be very convenient.
However, Seminyak is generally more urban and tourist-oriented than some residential areas further north.
If your priority is access to services rather than complete quiet, Seminyak can be a relevant option.
Seseh and Cemagi: For a Quieter Lifestyle
Families who want to move slightly away from the activity of Canggu may want to consider Seseh and Cemagi.
These areas offer a quieter atmosphere, more open spaces and a less urban environment.
They can suit families who want more space and prefer a calmer daily routine.
The trade-off is the distance from certain schools, shops and activities.
That is exactly why a Bali housing search should start with your lifestyle, rather than your budget alone.
Canggu, Sanur or Somewhere Else: How Do You Choose?
Families often find themselves choosing between Canggu and Sanur.
Sanur has a very different atmosphere. Its reef-protected coastline creates calmer waters in several areas, while the beachfront promenade and more relaxed environment can be particularly appealing to families with younger children.
Canggu, on the other hand, offers a much more international and dynamic environment, with a high concentration of services, restaurants, activities and international communities.
There is therefore not necessarily one “best” neighbourhood.
There is a neighbourhood that is better suited to your family.
Before choosing, ask yourself:
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Where will your children go to school?
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How much time are you willing to spend travelling?
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Do you want to live close to the beach?
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Do you need restaurants and shops nearby?
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Are you looking for an active social life?
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Do you prefer a quieter environment?
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Do you need three or four bedrooms?
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Is a swimming pool essential?
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What budget do you want to allocate to housing?
Answering these questions can already reduce the number of areas you need to consider.
French School in Bali: What Are the Options?
For French and French-speaking families, education is naturally one of the most important considerations.
The Lycée Français de Bali, located in Kerobokan, follows the French education system and welcomes students from preschool through to the final year of secondary school.
The school also offers a multilingual environment involving French, English and Indonesian.
For families who want to maintain a French education while living in Bali, this can make the transition considerably easier.
There are also several international schools in Bali offering different educational systems and approaches.
However, your choice of school should ideally be made before your choice of home.
Why?
Because distances can have a major impact on your daily routine.
A villa that looks perfect in an online listing can become much less attractive if you have to spend a long time commuting every morning and afternoon.
At SO Living Bali, we therefore recommend identifying your ideal living area first and then searching for a home within that area.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bali as a Family?
The cost of living in Bali for a family can vary significantly depending on the lifestyle and level of comfort you choose.
A family living simply with a local school and modest accommodation will obviously have different expenses from a family living in a large villa, attending an international school and taking part in several activities every week.
The main categories of expenses include:
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housing;
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education;
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food;
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transportation;
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healthcare;
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insurance;
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activities;
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leisure;
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visas and administrative costs.
Housing is often one of the largest expenses.
For a family, it is important to think in terms of the real monthly cost of living, rather than looking only at the advertised price of a villa.
A home further away may appear cheaper but could result in higher transportation costs and more time spent travelling.
On the other hand, a slightly more expensive home in a better location can significantly improve your daily life.
Housing: One of the Most Important Decisions for a Family
Finding a villa in Bali is easy.
Finding the right villa to actually live in with children is much more complicated.
Photos can look incredible, but they do not always tell you:
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whether the neighbourhood is suitable for family life;
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whether the house is practical for everyday living;
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whether the bedrooms really meet your needs;
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whether the outdoor areas are appropriate for children;
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whether the kitchen works for your lifestyle;
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whether the pool is suitable for children;
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whether the home is close enough to school;
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whether the neighbourhood remains comfortable during the rainy season;
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whether the rental is suitable for a stay of several months.
This is where SO Living Bali comes in.
Why Choose SO Living Bali for Your Family Home in Bali?
SO Living Bali is not simply about giving you a list of villas.
Our approach is to help you find a home that fits the way you want to live in Bali.
We offer selected homes for monthly and yearly living experiences in several of the island’s most sought-after areas.
Carefully Selected Homes
Not every home is suitable for a family planning to live in Bali long term.
We therefore focus on homes designed for genuine everyday living.
The goal is to help you move from a holiday mindset to a residential lifestyle.
You are not simply looking for a beautiful villa photo.
You are looking for your future home in Bali.
A Search Based on Your Lifestyle
At SO Living Bali, your search can be guided by several criteria:
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neighbourhood;
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number of bedrooms;
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type of home;
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lifestyle;
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rental duration;
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specific everyday needs.
This allows the search to start with your project rather than with a generic property search.
Do you want to be close to school?
Are you looking for a lively neighbourhood?
Do you prefer peace and quiet?
Do you want to be close to the beach?
Do you need a large family home?
These elements should be considered from the beginning.
A Solution for Living in Bali for Several Months or Years
SO Living Bali focuses on monthly and yearly living experiences.
This can be particularly useful for families who want to:
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test Bali before making a permanent move;
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spend a school year on the island;
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work remotely from Bali;
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prepare for a relocation;
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live in Bali for several years;
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change their lifestyle without immediately buying property.
This flexibility allows families to build their move progressively.
Human Support Throughout Your Search
Moving to a new country comes with many questions.
Which neighbourhood should we choose?
Which home fits our budget?
Which area is best for our children?
How far is the house from school?
Which environment fits our daily routine?
At SO Living Bali, our approach is based on direct communication with our team, including through WhatsApp.
The goal is to make your search easier and help you move forward with information tailored to your project.
How to Find a Family Villa with SO Living Bali
The process can be very simple.
1. Define Your Project
Tell us how long you plan to stay, your budget, the number of people and your main priorities.
2. Identify Your Ideal Area
We can help you think through which neighbourhood makes the most sense for your lifestyle.
3. Define the Type of Home You Need
Number of bedrooms, outdoor space, swimming pool, surroundings and overall style all help narrow down the search.
4. Explore Available Homes
SO Living Bali offers a selection of homes available for monthly and yearly living experiences.
5. Choose Your Future Home
The goal is to find a home that allows your family to settle comfortably and enjoy everyday life in Bali.
Living in Bali with Young Children
Daily life with young children requires slightly different planning.
Access to everyday services becomes particularly important.
A family with a baby or young child may prioritise:
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an easily accessible home;
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an additional bedroom;
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a practical kitchen;
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a quiet environment;
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a child-friendly pool;
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nearby shops;
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reasonable access to medical services;
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short daily journeys.
It can also be useful to choose a neighbourhood where some everyday journeys can be made easily.
In Bali, the distance shown on a map does not always reflect the actual travel time.
This is an important factor to consider before choosing your home.
Healthcare and Safety for Families in Bali
As in any country, families moving to Bali should plan ahead for healthcare-related questions.
Before travelling, it is advisable to check official recommendations regarding vaccinations, insurance and relevant health precautions.
Bali has several private medical facilities, particularly in areas popular with international residents.
For a family, it is useful to identify in advance:
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the nearest medical facility;
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emergency services;
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pharmacies;
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your health insurance arrangements;
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important contact details;
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transportation options in case of an emergency.
This preparation may seem secondary before your move, but it becomes very important once you are living in Bali with children.
Getting Around Bali with Kids
Transportation is one of the most important factors to consider before choosing where to live.
Bali is relatively compact geographically, but traffic can make some journeys much longer than expected.
For families, it is generally preferable to minimise daily travel where possible.
The location of your home should therefore be considered in relation to:
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school;
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parents’ work;
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children’s activities;
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shops;
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restaurants;
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medical services;
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leisure activities.
A slightly smaller home in the right location can sometimes be much more enjoyable than a huge villa that requires long journeys every day.
Things to Do in Bali with Kids
One of the major benefits of living in Bali with children is the wide range of family activities available.
Daily life can easily include:
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beach days;
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swimming;
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surfing;
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cycling;
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hiking;
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nature experiences;
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creative activities;
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cultural outings;
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family-friendly restaurants;
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water parks;
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day trips;
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sports activities.
Places such as Waterbom Bali offer attractions and areas suitable for different age groups.
But one of the biggest benefits of living in Bali is that outdoor activities can become part of everyday life.
The beach does not necessarily have to be a special weekend excursion.
It can simply become somewhere you go after school.
The Benefits of Living in Bali with Kids
For many families, living in Bali can offer several advantages.
A More Outdoor-Oriented Lifestyle
The climate allows families to spend much of the year outside.
An International Community
In areas such as Canggu, Berawa and Pererenan, it is relatively easy to meet other international families.
A Wide Variety of Activities
Sports, beaches, nature, culture and leisure activities provide plenty of opportunities to vary your routine.
A Multicultural Experience
Children can grow up in an international environment and experience another culture as part of their everyday lives.
A Different Quality of Life
For some families, Bali provides an opportunity to slow down, spend more time together and create a different daily routine.
What to Consider Before Moving to Bali as a Family
It would nevertheless be misleading to present Bali as a perfect destination without challenges.
A family relocation requires genuine preparation.
The main subjects to consider include:
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education;
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budget;
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housing;
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visas;
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healthcare;
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transportation;
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weather;
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distance from family;
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cultural adaptation;
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varying infrastructure between neighbourhoods.
The best way to reduce surprises is to prepare your move before arriving.
And above all, choose your home according to your actual daily life.
Should You Rent a Villa in Bali Monthly or Yearly?
It depends on your plans.
A monthly rental can be useful if you want to test Bali before committing to a longer stay.
It can also be a practical solution for a family arriving for a few months or wanting to explore several neighbourhoods first.
A yearly rental may be more suitable if your plans are already clearly defined, particularly for a school year or a longer relocation.
SO Living Bali offers monthly and yearly living experiences, allowing you to search for a solution that matches the actual duration of your project.
How Many Bedrooms Does a Family Need?
For a family with two children, a three-bedroom home can offer a good balance between space, comfort and budget.
A fourth bedroom can be useful if you want to:
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host family members;
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accommodate friends;
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have a home office;
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create a guest room;
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separate work and living spaces.
It is also important to think about how you will actually use each room.
In Bali, outdoor areas can become a genuine extension of the home.
A villa with a good terrace, garden or pool can therefore be more enjoyable than a larger property with a less practical layout.
How to Prepare Your Move to Bali with Kids
A successful relocation should ideally be prepared several months in advance.
Here is a simple approach.
Step 1: Define Your Length of Stay
Decide whether you want to stay for several months, one year or several years.
Step 2: Define Your Budget
Calculate your overall family budget, not just your housing budget.
Step 3: Choose Your School
If your children will attend school, identify the schools that match your plans.
Step 4: Choose Your Area
Identify the neighbourhoods that work with your school, your work and your lifestyle.
Step 5: Search for Your Home
Once you know your preferred area, search for a home that matches your needs.
This is where SO Living Bali can help you find a monthly or yearly home.
Step 6: Prepare the Administrative Requirements
Plan ahead for visas, insurance, documents, schooling and other relocation requirements.
Step 7: Prepare for Your First Days
Plan your arrival, transportation, first grocery trips and the essentials your children need to settle into their new environment.
Which Bali Area Should You Choose for Your Family?
It can be useful to simplify the decision.
Looking for an international and lively lifestyle?
Canggu or Berawa may be worth considering.
Want to stay close to Canggu in a more residential environment?
Pererenan, Umalas or parts of Kerobokan may be suitable.
Looking for more peace and quiet?
Seseh or Cemagi may be worth exploring.
Prioritising services and a central location?
Seminyak may be relevant.
Looking for a calmer, family-oriented beach environment?
Sanur deserves consideration.
The right choice ultimately depends on your family’s situation.
Why Your Home Matters So Much When Relocating to Bali
When planning a move to Bali, it is easy to focus on the photos, the swimming pool or the size of a villa.
But after a few weeks, it is often the details of everyday life that make the biggest difference.
The distance to school.
The time spent in traffic.
The quality of the neighbourhood.
How easily you can do your everyday shopping.
The space available for the children.
The level of peace and quiet in the evening.
The proximity to activities.
This is exactly the everyday-life perspective that guides SO Living Bali.
We are not simply trying to show you a house.
We are helping you find a place where you can genuinely live.
FAQ: Living in Bali with Kids
Is Bali suitable for French families?
Yes. Bali has a large international community and several international schools, including a French school. Some areas are particularly popular with international families.
Where should I live in Bali with kids?
Canggu, Berawa, Pererenan, Umalas, Kerobokan, Seminyak and Sanur are among the areas worth considering. The right neighbourhood depends on your school, budget and lifestyle.
Is there a French school in Bali?
Yes. The Lycée Français de Bali follows the French education system and welcomes students from preschool through to the final year of secondary school.
How much does it cost to live in Bali as a family?
The budget depends heavily on housing, education, lifestyle and the level of comfort you choose. A family attending an international school and living in a large villa will naturally have a higher budget than a family choosing a simpler lifestyle.
Can I rent a villa in Bali for several months?
Yes. Monthly rentals can be a useful solution for families who want to test Bali, prepare a relocation or stay for several months. SO Living Bali offers homes designed for monthly and yearly living experiences.
Can I rent a house in Bali for a year?
Yes. A yearly rental can be particularly suitable for families planning to live in Bali for a school year or longer.
What is the best area in Bali for a family?
There is no universal answer. Canggu can suit families looking for an international community and a high concentration of services. Other families may prefer Pererenan, Umalas, Seseh, Cemagi or Sanur depending on their lifestyle.
Can SO Living Bali help me find a family home?
Yes. SO Living Bali offers a selection of homes for monthly and yearly living in several areas of Bali. Your search can be guided by neighbourhood, number of bedrooms and lifestyle.
Should I choose the school before the house?
In most cases, yes. Your children’s school can have a major influence on where it makes sense to live and can significantly affect your daily travel time.
Is it a good idea to test Bali before moving permanently?
Yes. Renting for several months can allow you to experience everyday life in Bali, test a neighbourhood and determine whether the lifestyle genuinely suits your family before making a longer-term commitment.
Living in Bali with Kids: Key Takeaways
Living in Bali with kids can be an extremely rewarding experience, but a successful relocation is about much more than the island’s climate or beauty.
The real challenge is building a daily life that works.
The right neighbourhood.
The right school.
The right home.
The right budget.
The right transportation arrangements.
And above all, a home where the entire family can genuinely feel comfortable.
That is precisely the role of SO Living Bali.
We select homes designed for monthly and yearly living in several areas of Bali and help you find a property that matches your project, your family and the way you want to experience life on the island.
Whether you are preparing a relocation, planning a school year in Bali, looking for a temporary home or considering a longer-term lifestyle change, start by defining the daily life you want to create.
Thinking about living in Bali with your children?
Tell us about your project, your budget, your preferred length of stay and the type of neighbourhood you are looking for.
Book a Free Consultation
Speak with the SO Living Bali team and start searching for a home that genuinely fits your life in Bali.