Jan Petter Arnestad

March next year we (norwegian family with 2 children 3 and 5 years) are going to visit asia. We will be staying 4 days at the Shangri la Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, before we are flying to Tioman. We will be staying 7 days at the Berjaya beach resort. The last 12 nigths we will spend on Bali (Hotel Grand Mirage on Nusa Dua/ Benoa. I hope somone could give me some informatiom about the places we will visit. Have we choosen the right places when travelling with children?. Have anyone stayed inthe hotels mentioned?Some tips what would the children enjoy. And at last are the beaches so bad as some says in Bali(especially Nusa Dua/Benoa).

William Lee

While you are in Singapore, may I suggest the following places of interest: <BR>- At the Sentosa island where you will be staying, the kids can have a great time at the fantasy island. The fountain and laser display is also nice. <BR>- Bring the family to the Zoo and spend a breakfast with an Orang Utan. The night safari in the same location is definitely worth visiting. <BR>

Roger

Hi Jan Petter and family! <BR>I am an Australian who has taken his kids to Bali when they were younger. I do not think that the Nusa Dua/Benoa side of the island is really geared for kids. The beach scene there is definitely more for surfers and sailors, whereas at Kuta the beaches are more suitable for kids, although it's important to swim where the beach is patrolled, as the surf can be dangerous. Also, they are more likely to meet other kids on the Kuta side. However, it must also be said that Kuta itself is not everyone's cup of tea. Legian and other beach areas north of Kuta may suit you better from all points of view. I would suggest asking your agent to perhaps relocate you to a nice hotel or resort in this area. <BR>The kids will love the trip to the monkey forest. <BR>Hope this helps.

Dawn

Hi Jan Petter <BR> <BR>I was in Bali last year and am planning to return again this May. I would not recommend Kuta it is crowded, loud and you will be constantly approached by hawkers. We had some friends stay at the Mirage in Benoa/Nusa Dua, the hotel itself is nice, the beach is fine, but it can not stand up to the hotels and resorts in Nusa Dua. The hotels in the Nusa Dua area have acres of lush tropical gardens and you can walk for miles on the beaches. Granted it is a bit more secluded than Benoa/Nusa Dua but your children are still young, it's not likely that they will be "off socializing" with other children. Also the waters off Nusa Dua are quite calm, there were no surfers there. In Kuta yes, but not Nusa Dua. <BR>We will be going to Singapore also in May, you will have to post any travel tips when you return, <BR> <BR>Bon voyage! <BR>Dawn <BR> <BR>

momrath

since both tioman and bali will be beach adventure you might prefer an urban experience in singapore. it'sdifficult to get to other singapore sights from sentoso. be sure to take the kids to the night safari and the bird park. <BR>i don't know the grand mirage or benoa. for kids the best beach is nusa dua (grand hyatt is very nice for families) or sanur. stay away from legian. the surf is treacherous. take your kids to see the barong dance sunday morning.

Accanthus

Hi, Jan-Petter, <BR> <BR>Ask for invidual cottages if you can when you are staying at Berjaya Resort in Tioman. They offer you more privacy. Avoid the rooms at the newer building around the pond as mosquitoes will have a great feast on you. If you can't get the individual cottages, go for the room on the first floor. The floor is made of wood and it creaks . So if you stay at ground floor, you can probably hear the guest staying above you walking around in the room. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip.