jgliu

Hi - my husband and son (15 months), my sister and family (husband and 22 months daughter) are traveling to Indonesia in May 2011, including Bali. We only have 10 days total so we plan on spending 3 - 4 days (3 nights) in Bali (the rest in Jakarta). We are staying in Nusa Dua (thinking about booking the Novotel Nusa Dua Bali). Need your advice on the top things to see/do in Bali for 3 days, considering we have 2 infants with us - thus it won't be a full day non-stop activities, will have to include play on the beach, swimming, etc. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kathie

Is there a reason you are spending most of your time in Jakarta? Unless you have family there, plan to spend all 10 days in Bali.

Personally, I do not recommend the Nusa Dua area. It is a purpose-built international beach resort and won't give you much of a feel for Bali. For a beach area, take a look at Sanur.

There is plenty to see and do in Bali. Get yourself a guidebook and choose the places that appeal to you most.

Grassshopper

I agree. I think you have your time backwards; spend more in Bali and less in Jakarta. And try to get up into the mountains. You can hire a driver/guide for a day for pretty cheap. Ubud is a good starting place.

jgliu

Kathie and Grasshopper - thanks for replying. We are spending more time in Jakarta as we are visiting families of whom we have not seen in more than 15 years thus unfortunately we could only spend 3-4 days in Bali. Also, both our husbands are from the U.S. thus we'd like for them to meet families and also give them a glimpse of Bali. My sister and I have visited Bali when we were little, maybe when we were 8 years old? barely remember anything..haha...thanks for your input!

amarena

I, too, would advise against Nusa Dua. I stayed at the St. Regis ND which was an incredible hotel, but I felt like it could be any gorgeous beach resort. It really won't give you a taste of Bali. I'd recommend Ubud or Candi Dasa.

Kathie

I understand about visiting family.

Ubud area is a lovely place to stay, but it won't give you beach for the children. Candi Dasa is a long way from anywhere which may not make sense for such a short stay.

A lovely, unpretentious hotel for the family is the Bali Hyatt located at Sanur beach. It has the loveliest Balinese pool area I've seen. Prices are very reasonable. I always opt for Regency Club rooms.

rhkkmk

i second the bali hyatt... bag nusa dua...

list:

ubud
uluwatu
backroads with a driver: rice terraces, local living
a celebration or burial
east bali

marya_

What a lovely family trip. Perhaps your husbands and other family will give you and your sister an opportunity to slip away for a massage or some other pampering at some point during your stay. An hour or two 'off-duty' can be so refreshing.

I envy your husbands having the opportunity to discover Jakarta through family. It is not an easy city for the rest of us; discoveries are hard won. You will likely be very occupied with family while you are there, but if YOU chance upon any recommendations for things for visitors to see and do while you are in Jakarta, please share them if you have time to do so. I too will be in Jakarta for a week in May so I am always looking for ideas.

Have a great trip. May your son and niece travel peacefully and in good health so that all the parents will enjoy the trip.

kuluk

Can I add one more vote for the non-Nusa Dua side and yes for Sanur? Aside from the sterility of Nusa Dua, it's a much farther drive from the most interesting spots.

My shortlist for things to do in Bali:

On way in or way out of airport, if you are there in evening, is Jimbaran Seafood stalls, across from the Four Seasons Jimbaran entrance gate. Fresh fish, clams, lobster, squid cooked over coconut husks served with different sambals (spice pastes) and tables on the beach. A favorite with Jakartans.

Since you have small children, skip the temples that have a lot of steps, like Gunung Kawi, although that's one of my very favorites. In Ubud's central downtown, you can see the Monkey Forest that has monkeys as well as temples; Saraswati temple with big lotus pond in front.

Take a drive up to Kintamanti to view the Mt. Batur and lake, then up to Bedugul to see Botanical Garden and rice field views at Pacung or Jatiluwih (your driver can advise you which route fits your needs for time).

If animals are interesting to you, the new Safari Zoo park, elephant park at Taro, or the Bird Park in Batubulan.

If the performing arts beckon, take in one of the wonderful gamelan and Balinese dance performances at either Pura Dalem Ubud or the Palace Ubud. Starts around 7:30 pm and ends about 8:45...or you can sneak out earlier if the children or you get antsy.

Have a great trip!

jgliu

Again, thanks for everyone's input. We have decided to add another night, so total of 4 nights now Still looking at itineraries - so thanks for pointing out all the 'must-see' places. Looks like visiting Ubud, watching sunset in Jimbaran and Tanah Lot are 'must-see'..