Uluwatu or Canggu, Bali? and how bad is rainy season?
 

We've got options to rent a house in Uluwatu and Canggu. Does anyone have any opinion? We're two families with three kids under 10 between us so we want a nice beach where the kids can be safe. We're going late Jan/early Feb so it's rainy season but how bad is it? I've heard it's humid and rains in the afternoon but that doesn't sound too bad. Any opinions?

Uluwatu is at the southernmost tip of Bali while Canggu is on the southwest coast. I have stayed at a hotel on the beach at Canggu - it's nothing to write home about. However it will be deserted as most of the crowds are farther south. I have heard that the beaches near Uluwatu are nicer. Be aware the surf at both locations is very rough - maybe not good for the kids - better for surfing than for swimming. Don't let the weather stop you from going to Bali.

To tell you the truth I wouldn't recommend either place for a beach holiday with kids.

Uluwatu is a cliff area with fabulous views. The beaches are usually accessed by lots of steps or by driving. Once you get to the water there are some nice sandy coves but it's a process to get there. It's also a prime surfing location and that's fun to watch but that's quite different from a beach holiday.

Canggu is a "suburb" of Seminyak that is quite popular among longterm expatriate residents (which is why there are so many villas available). The beaches are generally within walking distance but are somewhat scruffy.

Not a lot of development -- shops, restaurants, spas -- near either place.

I'd opt for one of the main beach areas: Seminyak has a long sandy beach and a lot of activities but the surf can be aggressive. Active swimmers love the waves!

Sanur is a well established community with a gentle ocean; good for children.

Nusa Dua is a tourist enclave but its whole reason to be is beach resort.

You will get rain and if a storm blows in you may get a few days of overcast skies. You may get lucky and get a few consecutive dry days with blue skies. It's definitely off and on and really shouldn't disturb your plans.

Personally, I'd check out a place at Jimbaran Bay. The swimming is safe (protected by an off-shore reef) and the beach is good.

Uluwatu is out of the way, as is Canggu.

The beaches at Kuta and Seminyak are surf beaches, while the beach at Sanur is not a patch on Australian beaches.

Kids can frolic on the sand and in the water at Jimbaran Bay without any hassles.

I wouldn't bother about the weather. It generally only rains in the afternoons or ar night so it is not really a major problem.

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like weather shouldn't deter us but location may be an issue. food for thought...