Holding Your Little Hand, Seeing the World: A Mom's 2-Year-Old's Bali & Singapore Family Travel Story

Meta Description: Planning a family trip to Bali and Singapore with a toddler? This mom's detailed 2-year-old travel guide covers flights, hotels, stroller tips, and must-see attractions for an unforgettable family adventure.

Introduction: Why Family Travel Matters

Two springs ago, I was waddling through the ancient streets of Europe with my husband, pregnant belly leading the way. Back then, we were a "family of three"—me, him, and the little life I hadn't yet met. We thought it would be our last "just the two of us" trip.

Who could have guessed that two years later, the tiny being who'd traveled Europe from the inside would now be running, jumping, pointing at the sky shouting "plane!", and chasing waves on the beach? This time, we strapped him into his stroller and pushed him onto a journey that was truly "for three."

It all started with a phone call. A college friend said he was getting married in Bali. In that moment, I didn't hesitate—yes, it was time to go. Time to take this little explorer, barely two years old, to feel the magic of growing up, to see the ocean, the fish, the Ferris wheel, and the foreign sunset through his eyes for the very first time.

This article shares everything I learned about traveling to Bali and Singapore with a toddler—from planning and packing to must-visit attractions and practical tips. Whether you're a first-time parent traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, this Bali family travel guide and Singapore toddler travel itinerary will help you create lasting memories.

Before You Go: Essential Planning for Family Travel

Flights & Visas for Bali and Singapore

I started planning nearly three months in advance. With the May Day holiday approaching, flight and hotel prices were climbing like summer temperatures. More importantly, traveling with a two-year-old means any last-minute change can throw everything into chaos.

Our starting point was Quanzhou in Fujian Province. After checking all routes, I found no direct flights from Quanzhou to Bali, but there was a budget airline with direct flights to Singapore—affordable and with good timing. So we decided to stop in Singapore for two or three days before flying to Bali. For the return, we chose a direct flight from Bali to Xiamen—only a red-eye option, but it saved us the hassle of transfers.

Visa Requirements: - Bali: Visa-free for Chinese travelers - Singapore: Requires a visa. You can apply for an e-visa online through Alibaba's Fliggy platform without an interview, as long as your Alipay Sesame Credit score is high enough

Critical Note: Fujian Province doesn't support online applications! We had to go through a travel agency. Check your province's eligibility before planning.

Best Hotels in Singapore and Bali for Families

Switching hotels frequently with a baby is exhausting. In Singapore, we stayed at the same hotel for all three nights. In Bali, I'd planned to change only two or three times, but ended up switching four to experience different styles—and honestly, it was tiring. My advice for families with kids: book at least two to three nights per hotel.

Singapore Recommendation: Orchid Hotel Singapore ★★★★★

I can't recommend this hotel enough! The location is perfect—right next to the subway station and walking distance to Chinatown. The rooms are spacious by Singapore's tiny standards. The only downside is the air conditioning runs way too cold—Singapore's indoor AC can transport you from summer straight into winter.

Bali Family-Friendly Hotels:

Packing List for a Toddler Trip to Southeast Asia

• A foldable stroller that fits on the plane: This is the most important item. Without it, your arms and shoulders will teach you the meaning of "regret."
• Snacks your baby loves, favorite picture books, and small toys: Lifesavers during long flights and queues.
• Common medications: Singapore has Watsons everywhere, so it's easy to buy medicine. But in Bali, bring your own.
• Daily essentials: Baby food, formula, sunscreen, swimsuit, slippers, mosquito repellent.

Special reminder: Singapore's indoor AC is freezing—bring long sleeves and pants to prevent catching a cold from the temperature change.

Currency Exchange & Transportation Tips

Singapore: - ATMs support UnionPay everywhere - Pre-purchase a subway card and book tickets online - Use Alipay for blue or yellow taxis - Most restaurants accept cards - Cash isn't a big necessity

Bali: - The Indonesian rupiah is a small currency, hard to exchange in China - Wait until you land at Bali airport to exchange money - Don't exchange at roadside stalls to avoid scams - Book a private car in advance—Bali's roads are chaotic - We booked through Vivian, the only provider offering car seats (reserve early)

[Link: How to choose the best stroller for international travel]

Singapore Family Travel Itinerary: 3 Days with a Toddler

Day 1: A Baby's First Flight, Braver Than I Expected

This was our baby's first time on a plane. Before we left, I worried he'd cry or struggle. But kids are way more adaptable than we give them credit for. On the five-hour flight, he ate, slept, watched cartoons, and before we knew it, we'd arrived.

Stepping out of the airport, the heat hit us like a wall. Singapore's legendary air conditioning made the airport feel like a different world from outside—ice and fire. We hopped into our transfer car and headed straight to the hotel. Singapore, here we are!

Day 2: Singapore Flyer with Kids & Gardens by the Bay

In the morning, we walked to Chinatown. At Maxwell Food Centre, we found the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Lao Ban Soy Pudding. It's like an outdoor food street—no air conditioning, a bit hot. So we packed everything up and headed back to the hotel to enjoy it in the cool comfort of our room.

After lunch, we took the subway to Gardens by the Bay. There are three main attractions: - Flower Dome (ticketed) - Cloud Forest (ticketed) - Supertree Grove (free)

Important: Before entering the cooled domes, put long sleeves and pants on your baby—it's freezing inside.

The Flower Dome has plants from all over the world, but honestly, I found it just okay. The Cloud Forest was much more interesting—walk in and you're greeted by a small waterfall, mist swirling around. We took the elevator to the top floor and slowly made our way down along the walkway. Looking closely, I realized many of the "plants" were actually made of LEGO!

At 4:30 PM, we boarded the Duck Tour. This is an amphibious vehicle used in World War II—first a 30-minute water tour, then 30 minutes on land, taking in Singapore's cityscape. The guide was hilarious, switching between Chinese and English since most of us were Chinese. When the boat plunged from land into the water, our baby clapped with excitement.

In the evening, we rode the Singapore Flyer. It's Asia's tallest Ferris wheel at 165 meters, taking about 30 minutes for one rotation. I recommend going up about half an hour before sunset—you'll see the city transition from daylight to night lights, and the view is breathtaking. Our baby pressed his face against the window, watching the city below light up, his eyes wide with wonder.

Day 3: S.E.A. Aquarium & Little India

Our first stop today was Little India. It's the Indian quarter, with colorful buildings perfect for photos. Going early meant fewer crowds, and it wasn't as messy as I'd feared.

Next, we headed to Haji Lane. This is a narrow, artsy alley with cute cafés and charming boutiques—great for a relaxed morning stroll with a stroller.

The highlight of the day was S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa. This is one of the world's largest aquariums, and for a two-year-old, it's pure magic. Watching fish glide overhead in the massive viewing panel, seeing sharks and rays up close—our baby was mesmerized. The open ocean habitat is the centerpiece, and we spent nearly 20 minutes just sitting there, watching the underwater world drift by.

[Link: Best kid-friendly attractions in Singapore]

Bali Family Travel Guide: Beaches, Villas & Practical Tips

After three days in Singapore, we flew to Bali. The transition was smooth—the flight is only about 2.5 hours, and we'd already mastered the art of toddler travel.

Nusa Dua: The Safest Area for Families

We stayed in Nusa Dua, which is full of high-end hotels with security checks. It's very safe, and the private beaches are clean and perfect for babies. Spending a day at SOFITEL BALI NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT finally made me feel what "vacation" really means.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa Bali was our best value find—about 800 RMB per night with strong Indonesian style and great public areas for photos. It's right next to the Sofitel but much cheaper.

What to Do in Bali with a Toddler

• Beach time: Nusa Dua's private beaches are calm and clean
• Pool time: Most resorts have kid-friendly pools
• Temple visits: Uluwatu Temple is stunning but watch out for monkeys
• Local markets: Ubud Market is great for souvenirs, but keep your toddler close

Bali Travel Tips for Parents

• Book a private car with car seat—Bali traffic is chaotic
• Bring mosquito repellent—dengue fever is a risk
• Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
• Plan for naps—the heat can be exhausting for little ones
• Avoid Mushroom Beach Boutique Bungalow for families—no hot water and security concerns

[Link: Top family-friendly resorts in Bali]

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Bali and Singapore with a Toddler

1. Is Bali or Singapore better for a first international trip with a toddler?

Both are excellent, but for different reasons. Singapore is more developed, with excellent public transportation, clean streets, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions like Gardens by the Bay and S.E.A. Aquarium. Bali offers a more relaxed, beach-focused experience. For a first trip, I recommend starting in Singapore (2-3 days) then heading to Bali for beach time.

2. What's the best time of year to visit Bali and Singapore with a baby?

The best time is April to October (dry season in Bali). Avoid November to March (rainy season) and Chinese New Year/May Day holidays when prices spike. Singapore is hot year-round, so pack light clothing and prepare for sudden rain showers.

3. Do I need a car seat for my toddler in Bali?

Yes, absolutely. Bali's roads are chaotic, and car seats are not standard. We booked through Vivian, the only provider offering car seats, and you need to reserve early. In Singapore, taxis and ride-sharing services don't always have car seats, so the MRT (subway) is often safer and easier with a stroller.

4. How do I handle jet lag with a two-year-old?

Our strategy was simple: stay active during the day. We kept to a schedule with morning outings, afternoon naps, and early dinners. Singapore's time zone is close to China (same or +1 hour), so jet lag wasn't a major issue. Bali is also close. The key is to get sunlight exposure in the morning and avoid letting your baby nap too long.

5. What should I pack for a toddler trip to Southeast Asia?

Essentials include: foldable stroller, snacks, favorite toys, medications (bring your own for Bali), baby food/formula, sunscreen, swimsuit, mosquito repellent, and long sleeves for Singapore's freezing indoor AC. Don't forget a waterproof bag for beach days and a portable fan for outdoor waiting times.

Final Tips for Family Travel Success

1. Plan but stay flexible—toddlers have their own agenda
2. Book hotels with good reviews for families—read recent reviews
3. Use a stroller everywhere—your shoulders will thank you
4. Pack light—you'll buy things along the way
5. Take lots of photos—these memories are priceless

Traveling with a two-year-old isn't always easy, but watching them discover the world is worth every challenge. From the Singapore Flyer at sunset to Bali's gentle waves, our baby's wonder reminded us why we travel—to see the world fresh, through new eyes.

Ready to Plan Your Family Adventure?

Start by checking visa requirements for Singapore, then book your flights and hotels at least three months in advance. Remember: a foldable stroller, patience, and a sense of humor are your best travel companions.

Have you traveled to Bali or Singapore with a toddler? Share your tips in the comments below!

[Link: Complete guide to traveling with a toddler] [Link: Best family travel insurance options] [Link: How to save money on family flights]

This article is based on a real family travel experience from Quanzhou, Fujian. Prices and policies may vary. Always check current visa requirements and travel advisories before booking.