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2 weeks in Asia with a 2 year old (in February)

2 weeks in Asia with a 2 year old (in February)

Old Aug 26th, 2015, 09:12 AM
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2 weeks in Asia with a 2 year old (in February)

My wife and I are experienced travelers, having visited Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Taiwan on previous trips to Asia. We are tentatively planning to escape the U.S. winter this year with a trip to Asia, this time bringing our son who will turn 2 shortly before we leave.

We have traveled internationally with him and, while we didn't get to read our books on the plane, found him to be a good little traveler. We will bring him along, so I would kindly ask this not become a referendum on whether to bring him or not

I am looking for advice on where to spend a 2 week trip in February. My primary concerns are:

1. Weather/Monsoon: My initial thoughts were leaning toward a trip to Singapore and Bali, but it seems Bali is quite rainy and humid in February. I don't mind the typical tropical afternoon thunderstorms, but I don't want to be watching the gray stormy skies from my hotel room for 2 weeks.

2. Toddler friendliness: I know most countries in Asia are kid friendly, but any specific recommendations or considerations would be appreciated. Safety is a little more on my mind compared to trips where it was just me.

In general, we would like to be someplace tropical near a beach, with interesting local food and culture. In the past we have often combined a "beach" trip with a "city" trip, and would like to spend a few days in a major city if possible. Singapore/Bali was one thought. What about Hong Kong/Phillippines? We would go back to Thailand if it seems like a better overall choice.

Thanks in advance!
coalcracker is offline  
Old Aug 26th, 2015, 09:29 AM
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Singapore/Bali is a good option. Yes, February is the rainy season. I haven't traveled to Bali in February, but I have traveled there in December several times, December and February have similar weather stats. We found that there was often dramatic rainstorm in the afternoon, but that mornings were clear and sunny, and the weather didn't keep us from doing what we wanted to do. Singapore is one of the safest and most expensive cities in the world. One caution about Bali is that you would likely want some time inland near Ubud with the vivid free rice fields. But most of the hotels there are built above the river gorge, and you would have to watch your two-year old like a hawk that he doesn't walk over the edge of the deck.

Thailand is always in good choice in February. You would want to be on the Andaman Sea (Phuket/Krabi/Khoa Lak, etc.)

I can't help you with the Philippines.

What about Georgetown, Penang for your city time and Langkawi for your beach time? You would fly to Penang via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, then it is a short flight or a ferry ride to Langkawi.

You have lots of options, the problem is choosing.
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Old Aug 27th, 2015, 01:48 AM
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Bali is a wonderful place for children. My son made his first visit at 3 years and has been coming back regularly for 27 years! Unfortunately, though, February is not a good month for a beach-focused vacation there.

You may get a few days of rain followed by a few days of sun or you may get steady overcast skies with intermittent heavy rain. If you can move your trip into March, the storms abate and the odds of sun improve, though you'll still get some rain.

(In March, you could also experience Nyepi in Bali on March 9. This is Bali's day of silence when everyone has to stay at home (or in their resort compound). During the days leading up to Nyepi there are raucous parades featuring gigantic monsters and there are huge purification ceremonies on the beaches.)

West coast gets hardest hit by storms from January to March, so if you do plan Bali stay on the eastcoast -- Sanur, Nusa Dua or farther north in Amed.

The rainy season will have less impact on daily activities inland in the Ubud area. Children generally enjoy the pageantry of Balinese arts and culture and there are a lot of nature oriented activities to take advantage of.

February 10 will be the start of Galugnan and Kunignan, major Balinese holidays that are especially festive in the Ubud area. February 9 is Lunar New Year, which isn't a big occasion in Bali except in that it's a busy time and resorts are crowded. (Lunar New Year would definitely impact travel to Hong Kong and Singapore.)

Bali is child friendly, but not child proof. You have to keep a close eye on your little one especially around water as many Balinese don't swim, including child care givers. Aside from scenic drop offs which Kathie mentions, there are also a host of hazards like wobbly railings, exposed outlets and maniac motorcycles.
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Old Aug 27th, 2015, 03:16 PM
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Warm Friday morning greetings from Seoul to the OP, coal cracker, and warm welcome to Fodor's. Glad you are contemplating brief holiday in our fine home of Singapore. Am rather biased, but have loved SIN for ~ half-century, initially visiting as youth with my parents and siblings, to present day with family, work and residence.

One SIN planning primer is: yoursingapore dot com/ We certainly have our share of pricey lodgings; with judicious selections (many to be found on the listed website), decently priced rooms can be procured.

Have always enjoyed Bali holidays, from childhood to present. For what it's worth, great Bali flights to date to/from SIN via Singapore Airlines and her subsidiary, SilkAir.

Can't assist with the Philippines, but do have ongoing business travel to Hong Kong. HK is great; always enjoyable working stays at that special place.

Any additional enquiries, honoured to assist. Flying our cherished Singapore Airlines back home to SIN later today, so early and warm weekend wishes to you and all,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
AskOksena is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2015, 01:17 AM
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Suggest Hawaii. Has it all.
jobin is offline  
Old Sep 14th, 2015, 01:00 AM
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Hi Sir coalcracker,

Thank you for considering the Philippines as one of your travel options. I would encourage you not only to consider the Philippines but pursue it. I know that you and your wife as well as your toddler will enjoy it here as much as other foreigners who visit the country did to the point that they decide on permanently settling down here because of the magnificent beauty that it possess especially the people.


Regards,
Cody Deegan
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