(A Parent’s Insight for Expat Families Exploring Schools in Bali)
If you’re an expat family considering a move to Bali, one of the most important factors is where to send your kids to school in Bali- and with so many international schools on the island, the choices can feel overwhelming.
When our daughters were ready for preschool, we were searching for a school that was nurturing, play-focused and aligned with a mindful, outdoor approach to education. That’s when we discovered Malajah Playschool in Canggu and it quickly became our top choice among Bali’s many early years education options.
While some of the larger, more well-known schools in Bali do offer impressive programs, we felt that Malajah provided a warm, personalised learning environment. It also came with a strong sense of community and we felt it offered good value without compromising on quality education, experienced teachers, or comfortable facilities.
Why Malajah Playschool Has Been the Right Fit for Our Kids
Over the last three years, we’ve watched our girls develop confidence, social skills and a genuine excitement for learning in the hands of Malajah Playschool, whilst becoming vivacious and adventurous little people.
Although the school offers a play-based curriculum, there is a clear structure to each day. From morning circle time to movement-based activities, the days are planned mindfully. Early literacy and numeracy are introduced through interactive, play style activities rather than formal classroom instruction as per the school’s philosophy. Each day the teachers send videos of the day’s activities through WhatsaApp groups and we look forward to receiving them each day to see our girls engaged in the day’s activities.
Recently one of our daughters, now five, has been coming home excited to practise writing and reading. She even creates her own homework and asks us to complete it with her! To see her loving learning is a testament to her teachers and it’s amazing to see her nurturing her own strengths and talents in this way.
A Supportive Community for Families Living in Bali
Malajah Playschool is more than just a school- it’s a space where parents can also spend time and be part of the community. Over the past three years, we’ve formed friendships with other expat families living in Bali, many of whom we spend time with outside of school, and this has been one of the most rewarding parts of being in Bali as a family.
The school is part of the Parklife Family Hub, and the on-site café is a great place for parents to hangout and connect. It’s ideal for grabbing a coffee after drop-off, or for parents who are digital nomads in Bali, you can jump online and do some work.
Celebrating Culture and Community
What makes Malajah special is its community-focused approach to education. The school runs regular events throughout the year that embrace both Indonesian culture and international holidays. Highlights include Nusantara Day (with traditional Indonesian dance performances by the kids), Halloween and Christmas celebrations, parent sports days, and various Balinese holidays.
These events not only bring the school community together, but they also give children a rich and inclusive understanding of what it means to grow up in a culturally diverse environment like Bali. We also love that kids and families are encouraged to celebrate their own unique identities helping to build their self esteem.
Educators and Facilities at Malajah Playschool
One of our favourite parts of the day as parents is dropping the kids off at school, to see the teachers greet each and every child warmly and energetically. If there’s ever a teary drop-off, the staff handle it with so much care. We can see that the teachers connect genuinely and playfully with the children, and are always warm and nurturing, something often hard to find at schools in Western countries.
Each of our girls have formed the sweetest bonds with their favourite teachers and when we attend parent teacher feedback sessions, it’s obvious that the teachers are diligently invested in the development of each child, identifying their strengths both in the classroom and the playground.
The Classrooms at Malajah are clean, safe and tasteful, and the campus is intuitively designed with daily flow in mind. The outdoor play areas include swings, jungle gyms, a permaculture garden and lush tropical landscaping, giving kids the chance to move freely throughout the day.
The other favourite part of our day is school pick up and seeing the kids enjoying playtime with their friends after school in this beautiful setting. After school, families are welcome to stay and play at Parklife’s playground, which includes an indoor playground with slides, a jungle gym and a ball pit. There’s also a kids’ club with after-school activities until 5pm, giving parents extra hours in the day.
A Hidden Gem Among Bali’s Best International Schools
If you’re narrowing down your options for the best schools in Bali for expat families, we can’t recommend Malajah Playschool enough. Especially during the early learning years, a warm and gentle atmosphere can make all the difference for kids when transitioning to a new school, especially in a new country. For our family, Malajah Playschool has provided the perfect start to our daughters’ education, nurturing their confidence and love of learning. Our time at Malajah has been one of the most rewarding parts of our time in Bali.
If you’re searching for a preschool in Bali that blends structure with freedom, learning with play, and culture with community, Malajah Playschool Bali is an excellent choice.