Inputs needed: Trip to Bali with kids (5 -7yro) in Apr end

anonymoususer on 08/01/2020 - 10:03

Hi Guys,

We are planning to book flights to Bali for our first holiday in Indonesia with kids (5 -7yro) in Apr end.
A quick search from Jetstar shows fares around $575 PP.

We will be staying for 6-7days (max). Budget wise max we can spend is 200-225AUD per night for hotel resort accommodation.
We prefer beach side, any recommendations on which area/hotel/resort?

Likewise, we are wondering what are todo things to do with kids given we have 6-7 days and off course we can cut short the vacation to 4 or 5 days if 7days is long for Bali.

thanks in advance guys

Travel

Comments

  • Meeb on 08/01/2020 - 10:21

    TripAdvisor for things to do. Hotel aggregators such as Agoda/Booking/Kayak and others to check prices and then compare/book directly with the hotel where possible.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2020 - 10:30
    +3

    If you can, try to get a villa as you'll get your own pool and privacy. Have a look around you should be able to find a 2 bedroom for about that price.

    In terms of location, Kuta/Legian is the typical tourist centre, so you'll see a lot of Aussies here and partying. I'd recommend staying in Seminyak, still busy with tourist, but a lot more trendy and young. A lot of great restaurants and places to explore. You could also stay in Canngu, also near the beach but quieter and smaller than Seminyak.

    Depends on what type of activities you decide on. 4-5 days is suffice is you are only thinking of relaxing at the hotel and exploring nearby. 6-7 days would work if you plan on doing day trips and going to nearby islands.

    I'd imagine with kids you'd need to keep busy, so I recommend hiring a private driver for the day. Cost is about $50-$60 and they'll take you anywhere. @le.aiken is my recommendation (look up on Instagram). He acts as your private driver/tour guide/photographer with GoPro and drone so you get really get photos. Day trips can involve going to different islands, going to main tourist attractions (e.g. temples, water sports, beaches etc.).

    For getting around locally, make sure to download GoJek (essentially their Uber). Cheap rides and reliable drivers.

    Have fun.

    and of course, make sure you have your ING card with the free ATM Rebates!

    • anonymoususer on 08/01/2020 - 10:52

      excellent info, thanks a lot.

      1) re "I'd imagine with kids you'd need to keep busy, so I recommend hiring a private driver for the day."
      - Yep, that's correct. Do you recall how much they charge in general if we hire as driver and photographer (both)?
      I presume $50-$60 would be just full day driving cost not photography, right?

      2) re "6-7 days would work if you plan on doing day trips and going to nearby islands."
      - Can you please suggest what are options for day trips looking at kids age?

      3) do you think $575 PP airfare at end of April is ok price? or its on higher side?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2020 - 11:35

        1) I should be clear. When I say photography, I mean that he will take photos for you using your phone (as many as you like) and has a GoPro/Drone that he uses to capture additional footage for you (shares with you for free). The only additional cost is he offers to create you a short movie based on his content that he edits. That is about $60 from memory, but optional. You can take the footage yourself and make something.

        2) Definitely go to Ubud which is further in land. There are a variety of markets there and also a monkey forest that is very popular with tourists. There are a a lot of different temples for you to visit and nice waterfalls. You can do activities such as Water sports, ATV biking, snorkelling or go to the water park theme park there. Depending on how much money you want to spend, you can take a speed boat to a nearby island and visit some sites there as well.

        3) $575 feels a bit high, but as long as you've done your research across different airlines then there isnt much you can do. Shop around!

        Vasco also made a good point. Nusa Dua is also a great place. It is a big resort area and is very luxurious. I didn't stay there but it looked amazing on the day trip there.

  • Vasco on 08/01/2020 - 10:39
    +2

    I think the Nusa Dua region is a great place for families. It is quiet, safe, clean and has large resorts with lots of activities for kids. We spent 7 nights at The Westin Nusa Dua and had a great time, kids loved the Kids Club, water slide and free ice cream every day from 12pm to 2pm. Also, it has a beachfront and it is very close to the Bali Collection shopping centre. After a few days, you may get bored, however, you can do some out of the resort activities such as sightseeing to break the monotony. Personally, I enjoy reading books by the pool and beach and could easily spend a further 7 days doing nothing. The SPA there is amazing as well!

  • GG57 on 08/01/2020 - 11:01
    +2

    Sounds like a good trip, but don't assume that if you go to Bali you have seen Indonesia.

    • anonymoususer on 08/01/2020 - 11:18
      +1

      understood :) Just trying to take some time off and have family vacation which kids are looking for.

  • Pootie Tang on 08/01/2020 - 11:26

    Don't go to Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or Canggu unless you plan to just stay in your hotel, traffic has choked these areas beyond enjoyment . Nusa Dua is an option but I would look at the family friendly area of Sanur. Much quieter there. If you need to travel to kids places like Waterbom (50 Mins apprx) or the Bali Marine and Safari Park (35 mins) traffic is much less denser here, better to be in quiet area and have to travel to a busy area than vice versa. As suggested a villa would be great or you could look at family friendly hotel accommodation such as the The Mercure, Puri Santrian, Prama Sanur Beach Bali (great kids club and on the beach), Segara Village. Between all these you will find what you need. Sanur also allows for day trips to Lembongan Island and Penida Island, your kids might be a bit young for that though. The only downside of Sanur is you do not get the famous sunsets, but the sunrise. You need to travel to the other side of the island for that (the places I said to ignore). A sunset can easily be factored in after a day at waterbom though, head to Ku De Ta or one of the many beach clubs now available. With the age of your children I would highly recommend both waterbom and the bali marine and safari park, you can actually stay at the safari park and feed zebra, giraffes and elephants from your balcony by throwing carrots to an open grazing area, again though, I would suggest your kids may be a touch to young to appreciate but also might be the perfect age. Any questions, let me know. Enjoy.

    • balkandishlex on 08/01/2020 - 11:50

      I second Sanur as a great place to stay on your first time in Bali with kids. We stayed at The Oasis Lagoon, which is 1 street back from the beach, but on the main drag and right next to Hardy's supermarket. They have Family Rooms that are 2 bedroom suites and perfect for a family with kids, I think it was about $150 a night

      • yoonibear on 08/01/2020 - 13:49

        Thirded. Stayed at Oasis Lagoon (Sanur) too and it was wonderful. We snagged a room with the main pool right outside and it was perfect either float around or go for a swim. We went around June and it seemed quiet (hotel and the area as well). Also, try Klook as they might have some tours/activities available

        • DashCam AKA Rolts on 08/01/2020 - 14:41

          Also quick to get to and from the airport via the tollway, and close to Benoa for boat/sailing day trips, or trips to Nusa Lembongan.

      • Samsungnote10 on 08/01/2020 - 18:52

        I stayed here year ago, no real complaints.

        Pool looks like a million dollars but was cold during the day as it under shadow for most of it

    • Markmathews on 01/02/2020 - 00:00

      Stayed here. Booked Family duplex through quants hotels $30 vouchers given free through ozbargain members) for $70. However…prime plaza suites is better for families.

  • dazweeja on 08/01/2020 - 11:26
    +2

    The best thing about Bali is that there's something for everyone.

    The worst thing about Bali is Kuta.

  • payless69 on 08/01/2020 - 14:19

    Make sure you got data before you leave the airport. Go-Jek or Grab is a must have. You can pay them cash on the end and they were consistently half the price the hotel quoted us.

    Depending how you live in Sydney the Kuta strip is sure chaotic, love or hate it. We found Nusa Dua a bit overpriced but it all depends when and where you book.

    The trip from Kuta to Ubud takes 3hrs, Hotel quoted min 400Rp and Grab was 180. You want to stay there at least a night and apart from the monkey forest the dancing shows are good. Forget the well advertised market and wear solid joggers as the footpaths if they even have covers on the drains can be a challenge.

    Volcano watching is likely to get the kids protesting. We actually managed to circumnavigate the island where the quiet north coast is good for diving but not sure about the kids needs. A backstreet in Ubud sells sim start up kits without an ID but then they keep ringing and speak no English.

    Scooter hire? Forget it if you like your kids in one piece.

    Enjoy!

  • vince088 on 08/01/2020 - 21:03

    "A quick search from Jetstar shows fares around $575 PP."

    i booked Jetstar for my family Bali trip in October for about $300pp

    wait for the sales…

    -edit- https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/deals?origin=MEL&destination=D…

    go to April i still see a lot of the fairs starting from $228 to $329 in April

  • Pootie Tang on 09/01/2020 - 14:30

    What dates where you looking at? Found cheap fares with Malindo ex syd and mel?

    • anonymoususer on 09/01/2020 - 19:29

      any 6-7days trip in April or May ( prefer two Sat/Sun)

      • Pootie Tang on 09/01/2020 - 23:05
        -1

        Check this site - pretty groovy fares all year round - bitly.com/1H9DQSz

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