Expert advice on Bali holiday. What Where When How & How Much

I have restrained myself from purchasing many eneloop deals and have saved up for a family holiday. I haven't traveled much in my life time, but would like the kids to experience what the world had to offer. I have decided to go to Bali early next year. Family of 2 adults and 2 young children. Would greatly appreciate hotel advice, tours, activities, must see sights, etc. I am planning on staying there 3 weeks. Too fat and old for clubing. Any advice on a family oriented holiday will be greatly appreciated.

I am thinking of staying in Kuta, and maybe couple of nights in Nusa Dua, but I have no idea about Bali. Just going by what I read on tripadviser. Seems like family rooms can be had for about $100 a night. They all look good on the photos, but I am sure in reality they will differ. Are there any tours that are worth going on? Where do you book the tours? I remember in Phuket there were street agents that you can book everything through, is it much the same in Bali? Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • +2

    Bali is very similar to Phuket, and Kuta to Patong.
    I visited last year for the first time, and felt Thailand or Fiji (or Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam) are better family destinations.
    Kuta is just too crowded and over developed to the point that there is nothing left of the local culture. Ubud was better, but well along the same path.
    We enjoyed ourselves, but not as much as in other places.
    Tripadvisor is a pretty good resource, but not perfect. You really need to read all the reviews and decipher who the unreasonable nut cases are, that expect 5 star for $30 a night.
    We had a great day at the Waterbom water park, and day tours about the place. I'd suggest getting a car and driver rather than a bus tour.
    Have a great time!

    • Thanks for your advice.

  • +1

    Avoid Kuta for any length of time, as above it is horrible. There are a couple of water parks that are great for kids but I'd recommend you stay outside and just go to visit. Sanur isn't too far away and much more suited to kids. You can easily take day trips to a lot of other areas from Sanur. Gili Trawangan would be good for a weeks stay, much more like old school bali but it is a long boat ride away. Ubud is worth a visit and you could probably entertain the kids for a few days there. Nusa Dua is expensive and very much resort style (if that's your thing) but you might find some cheaper deals

  • How old are the kids?

    I'd avoid both Kuta and Nusa Dua. Kuta is basically party central. You wont experience much of what the world offers there as it's mostly Australians and western food. Nusa Dua is a tourist trap full of resorts.

    I'd recommend the southern parts of Bali, Sanur, Ubud or if you want something more city like Seminyak (similar to Kuta but a little nicer). You can do a day trip to Kuta if you want.

  • +1

    Just this week came back from Bali.
    Had never been before and never had any real desire to go.
    However we loved it.
    Stayed in Seminyak for 8 nights and Ubud for 2.
    We have a 1 year old baby and found that Bali was much more family friendly (for baby at least) than Vietnam and Thailand.

  • +1

    Hey dude im in Bali atm for the first time to. First thing I should say is don't freak out at the airport when 400 taxi drivers approach you.

    If your booking Nusa Dua I highly recommend 'The Nest'. I was worried about the difference between the listings and the actual place to, I can honestly say though that most of the resorts along the same road are similar to the listings as well.

    As for activities there's a big difference between the 'tourist' price and the price you'd pay if you booked before visiting, I showed up for some parasailing and they tried to sting me $50, booking through somewhere else only cost $11.50.

    Also you should hire a driver !, I found good one before I left and he basically charged $40 for a 5 hour trip.

    Anyway the place is great, just give yourself 24 hours or so to adjust.

    If you need the drivers deets just let me know.

    Enjoy !!!!!.

Login or Join to leave a comment