One of the most beautiful, and often unexpected, parts of raising children on Gili Air is this: You don’t do it alone. In many parts of the world, parenting can feel quite isolated. Busy schedules, limited support systems, and the pressure to “do it all” can make raising children feel overwhelming. But here, things are different. Life on Gili Air naturally brings people together. The island is small, the pace is slower, and community becomes part of everyday life. And in many ways, children here are not just raised by their parents, but by the whole village.
More Than Support, A Shared Way of Life
For many families living on Gili Air, having a nanny is part of daily life. But the role of a nanny here often goes far beyond what people might expect. They don’t just help, they become part of the family. They are deeply involved in the children’s lives, building strong, loving relationships, often over many years. They bring their own culture, language, and way of caring into the home, creating a rich and meaningful connection for both children and parents. And something special happens after school.Afternoons Full of Adventure
As the school day ends, you’ll often see groups of children heading out together, accompanied by their nannies. They walk through the sandy paths of the island, stop for coconuts, play on the beach, explore, laugh, and simply spend time being children. These afternoons are not scheduled or structured. They are filled with freedom. Children of different ages mix naturally and friendships form across cultures. And through it all, there is a quiet sense of safety, because someone is always there, watching.A Different Kind of Childhood
Growing up on Gili Air offers something that is becoming increasingly rare. Children spend more time outdoors than indoors. They learn through experience, not just instruction. They develop independence, but within a strong network of support. They are surrounded by people who know them, who greet them by name, who look out for them. And as a parent, that changes everything. Because it means you don’t have to carry everything on your own.Letting Go of Doing It All
Many parents arrive with the feeling that they need to manage everything themselves. But slowly, something shifts. You begin to trust the people around you. You allow others to step in. You realize that support is not something to feel guilty about, it’s something that strengthens the whole family. Raising children becomes lighter.Community at the Heart of It All
At Bumi Kecil, we see this every day. Children arrive at school supported not only by their parents, but by a wider circle of care. They grow up in an environment where relationships matter, where connection is natural, and where community is not something extra, but something essential. Because in the end, raising children was never meant to be done alone. And on Gili Air, it isn’t. If you’re curious about what this kind of childhood could look like for your family, we’d love to welcome you to experience it. 
