In Reply to: Bali or..... posted by canuck_in_us on Wednesday, 1. June 2005 at 02:47 Bali Time:
Like many others with an educated opinion, I have also been to fiji and Bali multiple times. To me, Fiji is like being on a cruise. You are limited in your activities, and food choices. You do seem to get stuck in a resort mentality and really, there is not much to over there once you have done the usual touristy things. Having said that, I've always stayed at The Warwick (The old Hyatt) and I have nothing but praise for the wonderful staff anf Fijian people. The also have smiles a mile wide and can't be any more helpful and considerate. They get alot of joy in getting to know people and taking them back to their villages to meet family and friends and take part in Kava ceremonies.
Bali is certainly more culturally diverse, and MUCH better value for money. I have never taken my kids to Fiji, I just don't think it would be worthwhile, but I took them to Bali last year, and they got more out of it than I had ever dreamed they would. It was like they were born to be in Bali. Having learned some Indonesian in school, and a little from us before we left, they were able to converse with the locals, which the locals thought was GREAT. They were very respectful of the local customs and cultures and just made me so proud in their ability to adapt and fully immerse themselves in the Balinese way of life for 3 weeks. For 6, 10 and 11 year old boys, I think it was a marvellous effort on their part and for this reason alone, I would never take them anywhere else. They wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Having said that, I'm going off on my own, with a friend to Bali in 8 weeks, lol....and hopefully, a family holiday will follow a bit later in the year.
I think I can sum it up this way. If you're looking for excitement and wild/fun times, shopping, eating and drinking til you either drop, or roll home, a myriad cultural experiences and tours...go Bali.
If you're looking for a relaxing time, or "cruise mentality" as I call it, try Fiji....either way, enjoy your holiday!
~Shell.
P.s. Just as a side note, maybe you could also get some opinions from a Fiji travel forum as I'm sure everyone here will sing Balis praises until the cows come home!