Staying in a private home that has its own staff is often a new experience for our clients. As is travelling to Bali! Here we have listed a few of our most frequently asked questions. If there is anything else you need, please feel free to contact us. We are here to make your holiday easy and stress-free
Are discounts available?
Yes, we will inform you of the best rates and discounts for your stay. We always offer the most competitive market rates. Early Bird Discounts of 15% may be available when booking 150 days in advance at many properties and Last-Minute Bookings often enjoy a 10 – 20% discount. For stays of 10 days or more, many villas can apply a long-stay discount as well. We will advise you whenever discounts are available and the web site will automatically calculate during your search.
Are there minimum night stay requirements?
Yes, minimum night stay requirements apply. Generally speaking, they are 3 nights in low and mid seasons, 5 nights in high season and 7 nights in peak season.
Can I have a celebration or party at the Villa?
Having a good time and celebrating with family is part of a great holiday! However, when it comes to entertaining outside guests or hosting a party with extra people who are not within the capacity requirements of the accommodation, permission is required. Many Villas have event policies and extra fees may apply. Please discuss with us what you have in mind before inviting outside suppliers or groups of friends to the Villa.
Can I have a late check out?
Generally speaking, check in time is 3pm and check out time is 12 noon. Guest schedules are of course accommodated wherever possible and we will communicate with the Villa staff and let you know what is possible. A late check out until 6pm or so is charged at 50% of the day rate as many flights depart Bali in the evening. In most cases, you can also store your luggage at the Villa for the afternoon and return to meet our driver at the designated time for your departing flight.
Can my children share beds?
There are strict capacity rules at all Villas, and we need to know all guest numbers including children before arrival. Babies in cots or very young children sharing existing bedding with parents is permitted at most properties. Additional beds can be requested at charge.
Do we need travel visas to holiday in Bali?
Please check if you require a Visa on Arrival. Australian Passport Holders must purchase a 30 Day Tourist Visas to enter Bali. Australians can proceed directly to the immigration counter on arrival at the airport or in advance online.
The current cost is IDR 500,000 per person for a 30 day tourist visa.
When you land at the airport in Bali you need to go the “Visa On Arrival” counter and purchase your tourist Visa. The VOA After purchasing, you then join the line to go through the Immigration counter or E Gates towards baggage claim.
To purchase online see our guide here
Please be sure you have a ticket arranged to leave Indonesia at the end of your stay and that your passport has a minimum of 6 months until expiry.
Do you charge any fees?
We don’t charge any fees to help you plan your holiday. That’s right, you’ve got us to do all the research for you and help you plan your dream escape, and it will not cost you anything extra. As we have access to privileged rates and promotional offers, your trip is often cheaper than when trawling through the internet yourself.
How do I make payment?
- Australian guests can pay in AUD via a domestic direct transfer to our Westpac Business account or via credit card (secure payment link)
- Payment options are by direct bank transfer to our Westpac Business account or via secure credit card link with Visa/Mastercard (standard bank/merchant charges apply: 1.45%) *Overseas Cards (outside of Australia) surcharge of 2% .
- Guests to the site should consider the currency convertor provided as a reference tool only.
- At the time of Invoice, you will receive the total amount in AUD currency (converted from the equivalent in US$).
- Many Villas require a 50% deposit to confirm reservations with the balance payment due 60 days prior to your arrival.
- Select Villas require a 20% deposit with the balance payment due 75 days prior to arrival.
- If paying from outside of Australia the preferred payment method is via Direct AUD International Transfer to our $AU account.
- All details specific to your reservation will be outlined on your Invoice at the time of confirmation.
I saw my Villa available other places on the internet, why is this?
Some properties are marketed exclusively to Bali Family Villas and others are available through other travel agents or web sites also. We practice price parity and the rates will be the same no matter where you book the Villa. Bali Family Villas has the most cost-effective payment options for Australians in $AU currency and no hidden fees. We pride ourselves on offering complimentary services and equipment to our clients and are here to help along the way. You will get value-added services when you book with us.
How does shopping and cooking work at the Villa?
Each private villa has slightly different set ups but generally the in-house staff do all your grocery shopping and errands and prepare your meals accordingly on request. You will be provided with the details and inclusions of each property so you know what to expect. We will also share some local tips of food delivery services which are excellent. If you have some essential items that you would like ready on arrival (milk, bread, cheese, fruit, drinks etc) let us know and we can arrange a pre-arrival shop for you at select Villas.
Does the Villa / Hotel have insurance in case of an accident or theft?
Bali Family Villas strongly recommends all people to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover themselves in the event of accident, illness or theft. You stay at all properties at your own risk, however of course measures are taken by management to prevent any problems during your stay. Bali Family Villas is a booking agency and under no circumstance can be held responsible for any loss, expense, damage, claim or injury either directly or indirectly due to your stay in a private villa or hotel that we represent. You will be provided with our terms & conditions document at the time of reservation.
Is Bali Safe for children?
Of course any travel with children involves risk and Indonesia is not a Western country as many of us are accustomed to. We can only say that as parents we all must follow our own instincts as to what is right and wrong for our own families. In recent years the infrastructure and medical system has vastly improved, however, all visitors must take precautions and be respectful of the Island’s limitations. We do our best to help families travelling with children safely enjoy their stay. Don’t drink the tap water, avoid street food if sensitive, wear sunscreen, hire a pool fence and/or nanny who can swim and be careful with your transport options. Comprehensive Travel insurance is a must too!
Someone in our group has an allergy, what can be done in terms of dietary requirements at the Villa?
We can discuss allergies in advance with the kitchen staff and have had several guests with nut, gluten or egg allergies. It is possible to brief the staff, but we also recommend you supervise food preparation to minimise risk. We can also arrange to purchase new pots and pans (at cost) that can only be used for you. We also have food catering and delivery options we can discuss with you.
Should I bring local currency from home?
There are several ATMs in Bali so withdrawing cash in local IDR currency is easy. Many fixed price shops and restaurants accept credit card payments. Tap or paywave is becoming more common but not always available so we recommend bringing a physical ATM card also
Should I stay in a Villa or at a hotel?
A private Villa is an intimate experience where you can totally relax and enjoy your holiday at your own pace. You can request meals and services from in-house staff at times that suit you and enjoy a truly private environment. If it is ‘people watching’ and a chance to socialise with other holiday makers in communal areas perhaps a hotel would suit you better. Often our clients spend half of their time at a boutique hotel and retreat to a rental villa for the remaining part of their stay. It’s your holiday, you choose what appeals to you.
What about baby equipment, nannies and pool fences?
We provide complimentary car seats for airport transfers, baby cots, high chairs, toy baskets and pool floats. Travel strollers, bottle sterilisers, baby baths, baby bouncers, stair gates and monitors are also available on request. The little things go a long way when travelling with children.
We can also help arrange a pool fence if required which is an extra charge and based on the size of the pool and the system that best suits each property. We will arrange a quote from our trusted external supplier and most pools can have a pool fence. An approximate guide is around AUD35-45/day..
For inspiration, you may like to see our Concierge Services.
What about local transport during our stay?
You can ask our team or your Villa Manager to arrange a car with driver for your stay or for day trips. Taxis are also easily arranged and affordable. Car seats are not required by law, and you may find taxis and hire cars even without seat belts. Scooter hire is also popular. We recommend extreme caution and never ever without a helmet. Public transport as such doesn’t really exist. We recommend downloading the Go-Jek app to arrange transport in Bali. It is like Uber and cost effective and easy to use.
What are the dates for seasonal rates
Each property sets their own seasonal dates for low, high and peak season rates. Some Villas also have a different price for mid-season. These rates are listed on each individual Villas Rate summary. Generally speaking, high season covers Easter, July – August, Chinese New Year and peak season covers Christmas / New Years Eve period each year.
What extra services can be arranged at the Villa?
Daily housekeeping is included at all Villas, and many have night security. There will also be a garden / pool attendant. If you would like a car with driver, massage services, babysitting, a yoga class or other they can most often be arranged on request. We have also helped guests with party planning and entertainment, birthday cakes and unique requests in the past.
Some Villas include a cooking service with the in-villa team and other require advance booking of freelance chefs. This information will be provided at the time of your enquiry/reservation.
What if we have questions during our stay?
At the Villa you will meet the Villa staff. They will be on hand for day-to-day questions. Bali Family Villas can be contacted during your stay by phone or email if you need any assistance. We want your holiday to be a truly exceptional and memorable experience. Contact Us
What is the cancellation policy?
Different Villas have different payment policies and you will be informed at the time of enquiry if the Villa requires a 20% deposit or 50% deposit with the balance due 75 days or 60 days before check-in.
Deposit and Balance payments are non-refundable.
Your travel insurance policy may cover loss in the event you cannot travel, depending on your reasons for cancellation. We advise you also take out cancellation insurance in addition to standard travel insurance to assist with reimbursements should your travel plans change for any reason.
What items should I bring from home?
You can buy most essential (and non essential items) in Bali.
We recommend bringing with you Milk Formula if your baby is accustomed to a particular variety.
You can buy cheese, yogurt and regular pasteurised milk as well as fresh produce readily but rusks, corn cakes, muesli bars, fruit bars and sugar free toddler snacks are not easy to locate. Nappies can be purchased easily, however, we recommend bringing a supply of quality Huggies or similar for night time use as they are more absorbent than the locally available product.
Due to Government taxes Alcohol purchased within Indonesia is up to 50% more expensive than in Australia and there is also a limited selection. If you would like to enjoy the wine, champagne or spirits of your choice during your stay, we recommend bringing a bottle with you from Australia. Visitors to Indonesia are permitted to bring 1 litre of alcohol into the country per adult visitor.
Please let us know if you have questions about any particular item.
Who arranges my transport from the airport?
With most reservations, Bali Family Villas will arrange for a driver to meet you at the airport and drive you to your accommodation. After you have cleared immigration and collected your bags, look for a sign with your name on it.
At many of our Villas we will also provide a car to take you back to the airport at the end of your stay. All transport details will be outlined before you arrive.
Will drinking water and pool towels be provided?
Yes safe bottled drinking water will be provided at the Villa.
The tap water is not safe to drink. Do not even rinse your toothbrush with it if you can avoid it. It is common for all dishes and cutlery to be washed in tap water at restaurants and Villas, however you can request that your children bottles can be washed in bottled water and sterilized in boiling water. The Villas provide bottled drinking water. Microwaves are not common in Bali as they use a lot of electricity so you may sterilise the old fashion way, by boiling water on the stove or with use of a bottle steriliser.
Linens, bath towels, pool towels and basic toiletries will be provided at the Villa. See our Practical Guide To Bali here.
