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Tag: Bali travel

  • Affordable Fun for the Family in Bali

    A downturn in tourism numbers makes Bali an affordable destination for a family vacation. With bargains at every turn and a host of family-friendly attractions, there’s never been a better time to visit.

    Where to Stay

    Family-friendly accommodation is easy to find across Bali. The country’s resorts welcome children with extras like complimentary kids’ clubs, tiny bathrobes, and milk and cookies in the evening. The whole family will also enjoy the swimming pools, organized activities, and free breakfasts. These luxurious pads cost much less than they do in the Western world too; you’ll easily find suites for less than $80 a night.

    To really immerse yourself in the local culture, get off the beaten path and stay at Bali Eco Village or Bali Eco Stay. These remote mountain accommodations offer plenty of space for kids to explore. Traditional craft classes and other onsite activities will also keep your young ones entertained.

    What to See

    The whole family will love watching the comical antics of the long-tailed macaques at the Sacred Forest Sanctuary. The Waterbom water park is another fabulous family-friendly attraction. The trap door slide is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re not feeling brave you can float about on a giant inner tube. Parents can also ride with their children in many cases, which is great news for families with very young kids.

    Bali also hosts many festivals that can entertain your brood for free. Every July some of the world’s most incredible kites fly from Sanur Beach for the three-day Bali Kite Festival. For ten days in early to mid-July streets across Bali come alive to celebrate Galungan. This festival celebrates virtue’s triumph over evil. You’ll see dancing dragons, decorated doorways, and on the tenth day, a feast of local delicacies. The residents of Nusa Dua celebrate their local culture in October at the city’s festival. Your kids will marvel at the residents dressed in traditional costumes and the native music.

    Bali’s many beaches also offer free fun for your kids. Splurge on a banana boat ride, try one of Bali’s famous extreme sports, or just have fun building sandcastles or swimming in the surf. Sanur Beach is regarded as Bali’s most kid-friendly. It’s protected by a reef, so the waves are gentle most of the time.

    Where to Eat

    Bali’s exotic looking food may make some Western kids nervous, but it’s not too hard to find dishes to suit their tastes. Simple rice and noodle dishes are available almost everywhere, and they’re generally light on the chilli. Many hotels offer buffets which allow kids to try a little of everything. The opor ayam, a chicken simmered in coconut milk, and the nasi goreng, an Indonesian fried rice, are usually winners with little ones. Warungs, which are Balinese food stalls, also serve affordable and authentic Balinese street food.

    If your children flatly refuse to try something new, restaurants in tourist areas serve Western fare.

    How to Stay Safe

    Few things can ruin a Bali getaway more quickly than a case of the infamous Bali belly. Make sure you only drink bottled water, and remind your children to never drink from the faucet or shower.

    Bali typically enjoys temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. This can take its toll if you’re used to a cooler climate, especially if you’re spending all day outdoors. Make sure you always carry plenty of bottled water to ensure your whole family stays hydrated. Arriving at attractions early can also help you beat the heat, and avoid the crowds. Applying a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 40 will also minimize any damage from the sun’s rays.

    Balinese roads can also be a bit chaotic as there are traffic suggestions rather than rules. Make sure you look both ways when crossing the street, and make your way across to the other side as quickly as you can. Driving in these conditions can also be harrowing, so tourists are advised to hire a driver. It’s only a little more expensive than renting a hire car, and you know you’ll all arrive in one piece.

    A Balinese Macaque monkey
    A Balinese Macaque monkey

    A day on a Bali beach can be relaxing, but it’s important to keep your wits about you. Don’t swim on any beaches marked by red flags, as these have dangerous rip tides and undertows.

    So don’t let Bali’s tourist downturn scare you off. This affordable Asian gem is welcoming families from around the world.

  • Affordable Adventure in Bali – Best Extreme Sports in Indonesia

    In her bestselling book Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert painted a picture of Bali as little more than a sweet place to fall in love. While this might have been the writer’s experience, it doesn’t tell the whole story of this Indonesian island. While Gilbert was seeing little more than the bedroom, she was missing out on the unique experiences Bali offers. While she might not have met her match, she’d have made some great memories tackling the tropical region’s affordable adventurous activities.

    Bali’s island location means many of its best adrenalin sports happen on or near the water. If you really want to get the blood pumping, then grab a board and hang ten at Kuta. The offshore winds make the waves powerful, but don’t let that scare you. It won’t be long before a local is offering to rent you a board, and teach you how to use it. They expect you to haggle on the fee though, so never accept their first quote!

    If riding waves sounds a little too intense, perhaps scuba diving or snorkeling is more your speed. The clear waters of Nusa Lembongan are great for both, and scuba divers are also well catered for at Amed, Gili Selang, and Bali National Park. And if all those fish and coral reefs are starting to look the same, make sure you grab your scuba gear and head to Tulamben. The shipwrecked USAT Liberty is a stunning sight.

    While splashing about in the water is lovely, you’ll get a better view of the island from the air. While Bali has several helicopter tours these are very expensive (many cost $1000!) and quite cruisy. You’ll get more thrills for your dollar when you parasail. For around $20US you’ll soar 100 feet above your speedboat and Bali’s waters. You can try your hand at parasailing at Nusa Dui, Tanjung Benoa, and a few other Bali beaches.

    Walking around Bali’s jungles doesn’t sound like an extreme activity, but the monkeys at Mandala Wisata Wanera Wana provide the added spice. The Balinese Macaques are very cute, and it’s impossible to resist them as they greet you enthusiastically looking for treats. But these adorable critters are very naughty and prone to mood swings, so it’s worth keeping your wits about you. They might attack you, or steal your wallet! There is a small entrance fee of around $1.50, but this helps the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation maintain the park and run educational programs.

    For a hiking experience minus the monkeys grab your best walking shoes and head for Bali’s summits. There are challenging trails around Mount Batur, Mount Agung, and Mount Batukaru. You’ll probably want to stay off the peaks during the wet season though. The relentless rain coupled with the high humidity can make the six-hour hikes very unpleasant. You’ll enjoy the best trekking conditions between April and October.

    A Balinese Macaque monkey
    A Balinese Macaque monkey

    We’ve all heard of horse riding, but what about camel riding? Bali offers the unique chance to saddle up one of these humped animals. These beasts can be pretty smelly, but the experience will give you one of your quirkiest vacation snaps for as little as $20.

    So why spend your time lazing around Bali’s day spas and eating too much padang? You’ll make more heart racing memories, and likely return home with more Balinese rupees in your pocket, if you get active in on the Indonesian island.

  • Spa Vacations for Less – Pamper Getaways on a Budget

    A long soak in a jacuzzi and a luxurious massage sounds like the sort of vacation experiences out of the reach of frugal travelers. But why should budget conscious tourists miss out on all the fun? This article introduces you to several spa resorts that cost a lot less than you’d think.

    If you’re looking for a cheap spa vacation, it’s worth taking a trip to Asia. Indulgence is a way of life here, and it doesn’t cost a lot. In Japan they even offer spa experiences in their hostels! You’ll find Spa Hostel Khaosan in Beppu, a friendly Japanese city renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque beach. The shared dorms and private rooms are pretty plain, but chances are you’ll spend most of your time winding down in the hostel’s own hot spring bath. That natural pool is definitely worth the measly $33 US you’ll pay for the cheapest room.

    For a little more money you can stay at Banpu Resort and Spa, an idyllic spot located on Thailand’s Koh Pu Peninsula. The word resort makes us think of big bucks, but its log cabins start at just $40 US a night. If the sea and garden views aren’t enough to relax you then try taking a dip in the pool. You’ll pay a little extra to indulge in the Thai massages or reflexology sessions, but your muscles will argue they’re worth the splurge.

    More expensive again but still not unreasonable is Febri’s Hotel and Spa in Bali. Its rooms start from $77 US, but your dollar buys a lot including access to the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sprawling swimming pool. If that calm water feels a bit tame for you, the famous South Kuta Beach is only a short walk away.

    Asia really has the market cornered on affordable spa experiences, but Samai Center Hotel-Spa in Ecuador is a great option for anyone wanting to stay a little closer to home. From $70 a night you can experience all the good vibes that radiate from this eco-friendly resort. Its wooden lodges are made from organic materials, and its restaurant serves local seasonal fare, including many items grown in the onsite veggie garden. The resort runs many workshops designed to give you a new lease on life, from Feng Shui classes to meditation programs.

    Spa Foot SoakAnd finally, if you can afford the flight it’s worth checking it to Spa Lodge Backpackers in Rotorua, New Zealand. Just like Spa Hostel Khaosan, this friendly hostel makes use of the hot springs its city is famous for. The natural geothermal spa will do wonders for your aching muscles, especially after an action packed day of extreme Kiwi adventures! Dorm rooms start at around $20 US, and the hostel even offers discounts for weekly visits in winter!

    So don’t dismiss that spa getaway out of hand. If you do your research and plan ahead, it could cost a lot less than you think. Just remember to consider the costs of the treatments, as they can add up quickly!