Bali or Malaysia with kids ?
 

Hi there,
Thanks in advance for your help. We are a family of 4 (2 adlts and 2 boys, 6 and 4 yr old). We will be in Singapore during the 2nd and 3rd week of April 08. We would like to do some side trips from Sing. We are thinking of either Bali or the beaches of Malaysia. We only have about 3 1/2 days for this side trip. We fly in and out of Singapore from US. The kids like the beaches and also a bit of culture. I have read the posts here, but can't decide between Bali or Penang or Langkawi or the East coast beaches of malaysia for a trip w/ kids. If Malaysia's beaches are not spectacular, we are leaning toward Bali (since the beaches are OK too, but we are curious about Bali). The kids love playing on a shallow and calm beach. We like to snorkel but has not been doing this since we have the kids, so snorkeling is not important for us. One important thing is that w/ the kids, we don't want to travel too far. Penang sounds interesting with the town and funicular, but it may far. Langkawi may not have the right weather. What would you suggest? If Bali is the choice, where should we base (Nusa Dua or Sanur?) so that we can get in a day of beach and some days of culture (into Ubud, volcano trip?). How will we handle transportation around Bali ? Is there day tour that will take us to the important culture sites of the chosen place. Really confused, please help w/ suggesting appropriate place for kids. Thanks so much.

MomJC, the easiest way to see some of Bali is to hire a good driver/guide - this should cost you no more than US$60 a day. One such is Dean of "Drivers with Distinction" (google that and you'll find his site, I'm sure, or use the Search facility above to pull up previous threads and recommendations. Any good guide can put together an interesting couple of days, which should include a fair bit of time in Ubud. In fact, it might be best to include a night's stay there so you can catch a dance performance.

We liked Sanur - didn't see Nusa Dua, but if I remember correctly some others have described it as a tourist enclave fairly remote from Balinese life. For sanur accommodation I can recommend La Taverna (again, check their website).

MomJC, Someone else recently asked about kids in Bali so I'm just cutting and pasting here:

Kids love Bali and Bali is very kids-friendly. All of the resorts offer reliable and inexpensive child care and most of the larger operations have organized activities.

I think any of the resorts in Nusa Dua, Sanur or Jimbaran would be good choices. They have good swimming beaches and lots of activities. I would avoid places that have lagoon-type layouts as you don't want to worry about the proximity of water.

I would definitely spend some time in the Ubud area. Kids react very positively to the masked dances and drama. There are also a lot of nature related activities like bat caves, waterfalls and volcanoes.

One of my favorite restaurants for is La Lucciola in Seminyak. The restaurant has a big lawn that kids like to run around on, which is in full sight of the dining area.

It's VERY easy to arrange a car plus driver/guide for a daytrip. Many posters on this board have their favorites. Just be sure to sit down with the guide and discuss your priorities before you go.

Thanks so much for your replies. Sounds like this means that Bali is the most appropriate choice for us, correct? I like Bali, but just worry a bit that we have such a short time (3 1/2 days). Just finish looking at the map of Bali, Sanur beach seems to be the best position to be able to get in some beach time and visiting Ubud, yes?
Also, which airline would offer the cheapest fare for One way from Bali-DPS airport to Singapore? Please suggest. Again, thanks very much.

From Sanur (or anywhere in that general area) to Ubud is a 90-minute or so drive. Your hotel can arrange a driver for about Rp. 150,000, which should cover you for up to 4 hours if you want to stop off along the way in any of the villages that specialise in local crafts.

We are firming our plan to go to Bali now, based on input. We have a bit more time now so we are going to split 2 nights in Ubud and 2 nights (almost 3days) in Nusa Dua (at the Sheraton laguna resort and spa). We would like your suggestion in selecting the Ubud hotel for our family. Based on previous post, I have narrowed down to TegalSari, Alam shanti and Komaneka. We like to be close to town for the option of walking to town. Also, looking at the other hotels further from Ubud, looks like they may not be so conducive to kids (due to the steps/stairs/levels on the hills). which would you choose ? Tegal Sari advertises wooden room category. I am not sure what this means, is it wooden floor vs.others.. Please shed some light? thanks much for your help.

I'm not enamoured of the town of Ubud per se, although I'm very fond of the surrounding areas. The town itself is clogged with traffic and walking opportunities are difficult at best and downright annoying at worst. Personally, I like to stay along the Ayung River valley and commute to Ubud for performances and meals. Also, a lot of the destinations that your will be visiting are outside of town anyway.

Your comment on the stairs and multilevel arrangement found in most of the resorts outside of Ubud is valid, but to me this not such a severe negative and the additional run around space and bigger pool would compensate.

I like Nusa Dua for kids, but I would look carefully at the lagoon configuration unless your kids are good swimmers or you plan to be with them every minute.