Gina_07

Our kids will get a two-week vacation at Christmas time. We would like to visit Bali, for the first time, stopping en route in Singapore for a couple of days and Hong Kong for 4-5 days.

I have been reading wonderful things about Bali. Unfortunately, it seems that it's not the best time to be there in terms of the weather. We plan to explore the nature, culture, monuments etc. but would also like to have some relaxing time at the beach. How are the beaches around that time?

Any alternative recommendations for a relaxing location between Singapore and Hong Kong? We visited Thailand two years ago at Christmas and loved it but would like to see a different place before we get back.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Kathie

Yes, December is the rainy season in Bali, but I wouldn't let that keep me from going. I've been to Bali at that time of year several times and the brief but intense showers didn't interfere with my enjoyment.

My recommendations for Bali beaches are to stay away from Kuta (drunk partiers) and Nusa Dua (sterile tourist enclave) and opt for Sanur or Semiyak. If you have enough time you might spend some of your time staying near Ubud. But if you are spending time in both Singapore and Hong Kong, you may not want to change locations on Bali.

marmot

This is a tough question to answer. December is my least favorite month in Bali, but if December is your only choice (as it is for many families) then I'd say go ahead.

The period between Christmas and New Year's is the high season in most resorts in Asia, so wherever you go you'll find increased rates and busy restaurants.

The weather is variable. You'll get some rain in December which can be start and stop downpours or storms that string out over a couple of grey days. The rain won't slow you down for most of Bali's attractions, especially culture and nature, but it can make the beach and pool less appealing. Kids don't seem to mind the weather.

Big storms cause quite a lot of trash to wash up on the beaches. This is a problem all over Bali and although the resorts and beach boys keep the beaches raked they can't control the tides.

New Year's eve is a big crowded and expensive event in Bali. Lots of people (thousands!) enjoy it, but not me. Terrific fireworks, though.

I'd definitely try to spend some time in the Ubud area and some time at the beach.

Depending on the age of your children you might prefer Sanur -for a calm swimming beach and quiet neighborhood-y feel, or Seminyak for big waves, sunsets and wide choice of restaurants.

Gina_07

Christmas time is our only choice and we know that it will be crowded and expensive wherever we go. On New Year's eve we should be in Hong Kong already and I am guessing that it will be expensive there, too.

How long is the typical rainstorm around that time? Does it get sunny afterwards? Should we expect any sunny intervals during the day at all? If it's gloomy all the time, it makes it a lot less appealing for us, even if we are not on the beach because we like to spend lots of time outdoors.

Thanks a lot for your responses.

Kathie

My experience was that the rain might last an hour or so, but that it was sunny both before and after. The storms move in and out pretty quickly. No guarantees you won't have a day when it's cloudy most of the day, but that hasn't been my experience.

marmot

There are two patterns: big (really big) thunderstorms that sweep in and sweep out, followed by sunshine and intermittent rain that lasts all day, sometimes two days. You're likely to get either in late December, though you're also likely to get one or two dry sunny days as well.

Overcast days won't affect your inland activities as Bali is used to rain, but getting sun filled beach days is unpredictable.

New Year's eve is a big event in Hong Kong too, with a magnificent fireworks display on the harbor. Rates at hotels with harbor/fireworks views are exorbitant. The streets are packed but quite festive.