ACTIVITIES
On our third day we went White Water Rafting and to the Elephant Safari Park. Through the Dynasty we booked a combined tour, including lunch, costing 2,594,400 ($355 Aust) for a family of 4. This was the most expensive outing, but well worth it!
Our 5 year old and 7 year old were a bit scared at first of the white water rafting, but as the trip down the river continued, they started to relax and enjoy the ride. Our other children absolutely loved it, along with the adults. Apparently this time of year the water level is low, and therefore the ride much calmer. I don't think I would take young children during the wet season. The worst bit was getting to the river, down 450 steep steps. Our calves hurt for 2 days after! The steps up at the end were not too bad.
WWR was followed by lunch, then on to the elephant park. Wow, enjoyed by all! Even the young ones were not intimidated by these huge animals. They were so gentle. The kids loved feeding the elephants palm sugar. Only one elephant played up on the ride, swatting a stray dog with its trunk, then trotting off after it to make sure it got the message. Mr 8 was wetting himself laughing, but not his dad who was along for the ride as well!
My Dad and step mum came to join us in Bali on our fourth day. They opted to stay at the Santika Beach Resort, next door to the Dynasty. It looked lovely, very quiet, more traditional Balinese style, suited to couples, not hoards of children like our group. They commented that it was fantastic and they loved the resorts restaurant (right on the beach).
Also went to the Bali Bird park and Reptile park. The bird park cost 272,600 (Dynasty discount) (Aus $37.34) per family and the reptile park cost about the same. We had a great time at the bird park. The kids (and grown ups) feeding the lorikeets and holding the huge Macaws. Apparently, getting pooped on by a bird brings good luck! Still waiting! Took about 1 ½ hours, and could easily have spent more time there, but the boys were desperate to see the reptile park. Although interesting, found this park very small, and was a bit disappointed. You could easily give it a miss. The kids liked holding the Iguanas though!
Waterbom park was fantastic! Would have purchased a second day pass, but we had too much to see in the 14 days in Bali. Entry (discount tickets at Dynasty again) cost 404,200 (Aus $55.40) per family. Food was really cheap here too, lots of variety. I went on all slides except the ones that give you a weggie and a free enema! My son went on those ones repeatedly! Great slides and pools for the little ones too. The dads had a go at the pillow fights, with my husband loosing to all, even a 12 year old girl! He said that he let her win, sure you did!
We managed to fit in a Bounty cruise. I had heard that the Bali Hai is better, but on the back of your Air Paradise boarding passes, you can get 50% off with the Bounty. Apparently, both companies are affiliated. Being the bargain hunter that I am, we gave it a go and we were not disappointed. Worked out to about $165 Aus, for the family. Had a great day, with snorkeling being my highlight! I had never been snorkeling before and had a ball! My 7 year old came along as well. She was not frightened a bit. Even fed the fish bread. We got some great underwater shots from my son's waterproof underwater camera. Hubby dived down and took shots of us all feeding the fish from below. Watersliding, banana boats, semi submersible, water trampoline etc great too. You could give the island tour a miss though, as this eats in to valuable snorkeling and water fun time. Hint: don't try to undo your daughters braids, sitting backwards on the boat while it heads back to the harbour. You will fell sick!
More fun filled activities to come in my next installment........................
The Frizzy mum and friends.