Bali & Lombok

[Wis]

The new toll road from DPS to Sanur means that it’s a better journey than on the other coast to Seminyak, Canggu etc. The brand new Meru hotel has been doing some ‘pre-launch’ offers – it’s stunning with a fab pool and in a brilliant location at the top end, although perhaps a little corporate compared to the likes of the Andaz. Interestingly the govt are building an international hospital aimed at health tourism. We didn’t see the IC.

highly recommend Sangsaka restaurant in Seminyak. Also Barbacoa was very good. Grab app was excellent for taxis.

[BBbetter]

yorkshireRich wrote:

Hmmm good question. I hate staying in one place. I absolutely love exploring and packing as much in as possible. If it was me I would go to Jakarta, Lombok, the Gili Islands etc. However, we have our daughter in tow who will be one year old and my wife detests the packing so doesn’t want to do much. We therefore have to find a happy medium.

As Aston100 says, its a bit of too much unpacking and packing. I’d split it between two places – one in one of the beaches south and another further up in Ubud – for example, Padma resort or Cicada resort (joining marriott soon). Element Ubud is not bad, but its not far from Sanur, in lower Ubud and is a good choice if you are not staying on the coast.

[qc]

Just looking at IHG options in Bali as I realise there are new hotels there since our last visit. We used to stay at the IC Jimbaran in the Lounge Club side but as we are no longer RAs we may not be treated so well.

I see there is a new hotel Rumah Luwih which is on the coast not far from Ubud. It looks nice and is extremely inexpensive.

[SamG]

@yorkshireRich I hate to say it but having done almost your exact trip with 2 x 1yr old in tow I’d have to seriously consider going at all. Flying at that age is hard work, the time change a killer and as you’ve discovered Bali can be a disappointment at the moment.

Personally speaking I’d see if there is anywhere in Europe you could base yourself (e.g
IC Cascais or Majorca somewhere if you want to do IHG?) that offers a good mix of things to do especially if you had a car. The travel is a lot easier (either do CE or book a seat for the toddler so you get a row to yourself).

I’ve learnt they really don’t care, they love the most simple things and the less stress for you the better. Mine would probably rave far more about the static caravan we went to in Dorset than flying biz and the lovely hotels we went to on that trip!

[Aston100]

@SamG you’re the man for all things Asia.
What’s your view on Grab Bike (or similar) for getting around Bali?
More or less dangerous than Vietnam?

I’m wondering if that’s the best mode of transport given the apparent crippling traffic.
Not interested in hiring a scooter, but may be ok to ride on the back of one.

Thanks

[yorkshireRich]

SamG wrote:

@yorkshireRich I hate to say it but having done almost your exact trip with 2 x 1yr old in tow I’d have to seriously consider going at all. Flying at that age is hard work, the time change a killer and as you’ve discovered Bali can be a disappointment at the moment.

Personally speaking I’d see if there is anywhere in Europe you could base yourself (e.g
IC Cascais or Majorca somewhere if you want to do IHG?) that offers a good mix of things to do especially if you had a car. The travel is a lot easier (either do CE or book a seat for the toddler so you get a row to yourself).

I’ve learnt they really don’t care, they love the most simple things and the less stress for you the better. Mine would probably rave far more about the static caravan we went to in Dorset than flying biz and the lovely hotels we went to on that trip!

Hi Sam, I fully hear what you”re saying and that’s why we are scrapping Japan all together in February and “chilling” in Thailand Malaysia.
Our rationale for long haul travel at the minute is that before I ventured on HfP, we never would dream of going business and once she turns 2, we probably then won’t (unless we get a barclaycard upgrade voucher).
Our reasoning for going to Asia is that in general it so child friendly.
We are doing the best to minimise any issues we may face. We are taking overnight flight to Singapore then staying there for 2 nights before Bali. we fly back overnight from Bali to Doha.
The hotels I”ve chosen appear to be extremely child friendly.

I took what you said on board and we flew to Murcia the other week just to see if she would be a nightmare on the flight, and she wasn’t. I’ve said all this, and she will lull me into a false sense of security and be a nightmare in September now (shudders).

I’m already secretly looking at summer holidays in Scotland and down on the South Coast. Can you get avios on a caravan?

[SamG]

Yep. I had all the same thoughts as you and don’t get me wrong we had a great time once we were there and settled. Just wanted to air my thoughts if you’d already been having doubts ! But as you say, likely not feasible to do it for a couple of years once they’re 2 so on balance I’d probably go for it. September weather is perfect in Bali too and as you say they absolutely love kids.

Have you considered a nanny whilst you’re there ? We used Bali Super Nannies a couple of times and they were awesome. It made it feel a lot more like a holiday for us just being able to spend some time together at the pool or go for dinner knowing the kids were being well looked after.

No Avios but Sun holiday deals are back tomorrow!! Just need some sunshine!

[SamG]

Aston100 wrote:

@SamG you’re the man for all things Asia.
What’s your view on Grab Bike (or similar) for getting around Bali?
More or less dangerous than Vietnam?

I’m wondering if that’s the best mode of transport given the apparent crippling traffic.
Not interested in hiring a scooter, but may be ok to ride on the back of one.

Thanks

My personal and professional view as it relates to my day job is absolutely no way – they’re dangerous and the cause of a lot of tourist hospital admissions and ruined holidays. But vs Vietnam probably safer as the traffic isn’t really going anywhere very fast so lessens the scope for accidents I guess !!

[blitz18qb]

yorkshireRich wrote:

SamG wrote:

@yorkshireRich I hate to say it but having done almost your exact trip with 2 x 1yr old in tow I’d have to seriously consider going at all. Flying at that age is hard work, the time change a killer and as you’ve discovered Bali can be a disappointment at the moment.

Personally speaking I’d see if there is anywhere in Europe you could base yourself (e.g
IC Cascais or Majorca somewhere if you want to do IHG?) that offers a good mix of things to do especially if you had a car. The travel is a lot easier (either do CE or book a seat for the toddler so you get a row to yourself).

I’ve learnt they really don’t care, they love the most simple things and the less stress for you the better. Mine would probably rave far more about the static caravan we went to in Dorset than flying biz and the lovely hotels we went to on that trip!

Hi Sam, I fully hear what you”re saying and that’s why we are scrapping Japan all together in February and “chilling” in Thailand Malaysia.
Our rationale for long haul travel at the minute is that before I ventured on HfP, we never would dream of going business and once she turns 2, we probably then won’t (unless we get a barclaycard upgrade voucher).
Our reasoning for going to Asia is that in general it so child friendly.
We are doing the best to minimise any issues we may face. We are taking overnight flight to Singapore then staying there for 2 nights before Bali. we fly back overnight from Bali to Doha.
The hotels I”ve chosen appear to be extremely child friendly.

I took what you said on board and we flew to Murcia the other week just to see if she would be a nightmare on the flight, and she wasn’t. I’ve said all this, and she will lull me into a false sense of security and be a nightmare in September now (shudders).

I’m already secretly looking at summer holidays in Scotland and down on the South Coast. Can you get avios on a caravan?

Have done a few trips when the kids were younger. West Coast USA (9 months old in UC). We did a world trip in 2017 with a 3yr old and a 8mth old baby. From my experience it’s all about the planning… which you seem to be on top of 👍🏼. That trip triggered us to move to Thailand and have been there 4 years now….which has resulted in more travel including Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore. The kids are 9&7 now and had their first left turn experience when flying from BKK-HKG on Emirates.

We flew back from Thailand last week to the UK…and I’m now sat in a caravan in Cornwall with the heating on 😧. Weather is awful but the caravan itself is great 🙂. Sun is due to appear tomorrow.

Have a good trip.

[FH2]

I am in Bali right now. I recommend getting the electronic visa in advance as the queues for visa on arrival were quite long. Note that children under 14 cannot use the e-gates but there is a separate line at immigration for families which moves quite quickly. Traffic is horrendous – it took us 3 hours to reach our hotel just outside Ubud from DPS airport. We are staying at a lovely boutique hotel – Adiwana Suweta. It is very chilled and we have a 2 bedroom villa with a small pool. Staff are very friendly and helpful. It’s nice to be a little way out from Ubud which is crazy busy.

[Aston100]

What’s causing all the traffic?
Is it just poor roads?

[Michael C]

my 2-rupiah’s worth. did both types of trips with toddler and both were fab.
Static caravans definitely rule the first few years!
But also no need to give up more exotic destinations either. The key, as mentioned,
is that, at the early stage, ALL the child will need is a tiny pool to splash in, so you may as well
make the rest about the adults.

We’ve been going to Bali for almost 40 years and my family lived there for over a decade, yet we still
find fabulous new things on every trip (despite the built-up areas, traffic, loud tourists, etc. etc. – don’t
let that put you off!).

[BBbetter]

@Michael, any suggestions for places to visit or activities for small kids, preferably Ubud?
Am a bit selfish in desiring to go to Bali, but not sure there’s enough to keep kids entertained apart from the splash pool.

[Michael C]

BBbetter wrote:

@Michael, any suggestions for places to visit or activities for small kids, preferably Ubud?
Am a bit selfish in desiring to go to Bali, but not sure there’s enough to keep kids entertained apart from the splash pool.

Not sure of the ages (and as mentioned, small toddlers = pool anywhere!), but:
-the evening dances in the Royal Palace: many performers will be kids, and live music, of course. Enter early (about 45 mins before the start) and get seats on the end of a row near an exit if you think the kids might get antsy after 30 mins (show is usually 1 hour).
-also have a look at Pondok Pekak: haven’t been for a while, but they usually offer private Balinese dance/gamelan classes
-some of the larger hotels/resorts have day passes to use pool/activities
-kids’ cookery? A few places, including Maya Resort (book ahead)
-the dreaded Monkey Forest, of course!
-not in Ubud, but Green Camp Ayana has great day courses (think it’s aged 7 upwards?)

If you did a “dual centre” trip, JSA Sports at Finn’s Club in Canggu do loads of summer camp days/swimming/surfing for kids from beginners onwards – we’ll be there soon!

[SamG]

Aston100 wrote:

What’s causing all the traffic?
Is it just poor roads?

Yes, going out towards Kuta Seminyak and up to Ubud etc there aren’t any “motorways” and of course there is no mass transit so it’s just too many people in too small a space. IIRC something like 1 million passengers passed through the airport last Xmas !

GoBoat operates ferries(they’re small, maybe not the best if you’re not a good sailor!) between Canggu & some of the resorts near the airport (Uluwatu & Jimbaran IIRC) which could be interesting depending on ones plans !

[Aston100]

Well, now I’m dreading my planned 10 nights in Ubud.
Already doing 3 nights in Surabaya (mostly for the volcano and waterfalls) and 5 nights in Yogyakarta before Ubud, and then onto an island off Lombok for a week.
Do not want to spend unnecessary time at a Bali beach resort. But equally don’t want to be stuck in constant traffic for 10 days around Ubud either.
Is Ubud unmissable if I’m in that part of the world already? Are any parts of the main Lombok island a suitable substitute? maybe 5 nights in Ubud and 5 nights on Lombok island itself?
I don’t intend to return to Indonesia again.

Thanks.

[executiveclubber]

Apropos of nothing, we did 4 nights in Ubud and other than the monkey forest which was brilliant, we frankly much preferred Vietnam over Bali – Bali felt too crowded, and food costs were high while quality not so great. We wouldn’t return.

[LD27]

I echo comments by @executiveclubber. Visited Bali in 2019 for 8 days and thought it really overrated. Was really disappointed and don’t plan to return. The traffic was bad then. Started off in Seminyak then Ubud before going north. Also visited Lombok and Gili Islands which were much quieter then, but I think that may have changed too.

[SamG]

I went to Lombok in 2017 and had a decent time but didn’t feel the need to rush back. It’s bigger than you think so quite a bit of time to get anywhere. Tourist development seemed to be ramping up so may be quite different there now though lack of international flights limits numbers I imagine. Top tip: Monday’s Scoot flight connects to Singapore Airlines departures to the UK, can book on one ticket if paying cash.

We stayed here – https://www.sudamalaresorts.com/resort/sudamala-resort-senggigi/ in a pool villa and it was delightful. After a disastrous self organised Grab “day hire” trip down to the southern beaches we went on a hotel organised private excursion to some of the smaller Gillis and it was great – I still think about the chicken sandwich in the packed lunch!! So if you stay there then I recommend working with them on your itinerary. There are also plenty of options for surfing or trekking if you’re into that!

I think 10 days will be too long in Ubud – 5 is great – do a couple of trips out , couple of chill days around the town and your hotel. Personally I’ve then done Seminyak, the beach is great for a long walk and sundowners and there are some excellent restaurants. But you could also consider going more east like Candidasa if you want something quieter (the diving from here is supposed to be good too if you’re into that)

[FH2]

Today is our second day in Ubud and despite the crowds and traffic, I like it. Our hotel is about 10min drive away from the city centre which I am glad about as the centre is very busy. But I like going into the centre to go to the market, some nice restaurants and shops. We enjoyed a day of sightseeing today to the rice terraces, water temple and waterfalls and tomorrow are going white water rafting. I think 10 days in Ubud would be too long though. We head to Lombok this Friday for snorkeling, diving and relaxation.

[yorkshireRich]

FH2 – Would you care to share your hotel? I feel like I personally now know them all.
I’ve currently got free cancellation but open to suggestions.

[Cat]

I’ll be in Bali in a couple of weeks (roll on the school holidays!). This will be my 3rd trip, I haven’t been since 2008, and I realise things have changed, but from the sounds of it the best thing to do is explore one area, then move to another hotel in a different area of Bali after a few nights (if you really want to explore *just Bali*). That way you’re not travelling big distances through awful traffic from your one base, in an attempt to see all of Bali.

Anyway, I’m basing myself 3km ish N of Ubud, I believe there’s a lovely rice field walking path into town, close-ish to my accommodation (Madani Antique Villas). I plan to walk into town, for the most part. I might book a driver to see a few waterfalls one day, but mostly I plan to stroll in and out of town for food and late afternoon sightseeing, when I’m done lazing by the pool for the day! Then I’m heading to Lombok for a slow boat to Flores (where I have an overwater bungalow booked), and then back to Gili Air.

I realise this isn’t the easiest solution in a lot of cases, especially for most people with a small child, but if you’re used to hiking with little one in a carrier/sling that could work, especially if seeing the gorgeous rice terraces is something you’re keen on. I’d also suggest the same to other commenters with and without kids, if you’re mobile enough, and wanted to see Bali for the great outdoors.

I realise that I may be back in 2 weeks, eating my words and wailing about how much Bali has changed…

[polly]

@Cat
Sounds wonderful, you will be well ready for a break from those maths yr9 kids… we also love that area outside Unud, plenty to see and do, but think not with little ones! Once again we are having to cancel,our 241 to SIN end of October, pre surgery required for the OH, unfortunately. However, planning to transfer trip to feb 25, flights permitting.
Agree with general consensus, Ubud, max 5 days, if even that!. Seminyak, Canggu, deep in the local village of Kuta, locals mainly. Few tourists. Local korner cafe guy has fished fresh fish for us around 5pm for years. @Michael C and @SamG you have probably been there. He fed all the locals during covid. Such a nice guy. Very below key very low key, we eat there 3 or 4 times a weeks. The flavours on the fish when he cooks them on his coconut shell bbq, a real wreck, are awesome.
Bali is still wonderful. Think we only missed one year in the last 10. We just got out of there and HKT before lockdown no 1. Whew.
You will have a fabulous time.
As @Michael C and l agree for families the Bintang Bali Beach Reaort is amazing. We have all stayed there, and can recommend it😀 Breakfasts are very filling…

[strickers]

Just one point of note for Bali, particularly if you are thinking of going in the rainy season and staying somewhere rural. Japanese encephalitis is quite prevalent in Bali so have a think about vaccinations, they aren’t cheap and aren’t available on the NHS. My wife did a travel vaccination course before our last trip and one of the pictures used was of a rice paddy in Bali. Apologies for being a doom merchant but it’s a nasty disease. As always DYOR.

[Cat]

Oh no! Polly, I’m so sorry, that’s just awful.

I hope you make it out in Feb.

This reassures me that there are still lovely bits.

Where do we find the local corner cafe guy in Seminyak/Canggu? I may need to locate this place!

Much love @Polly, I hope you sort out the flights.

Thanks @strickers, if I go in rainy season, I’ll get the jab.