In Reply to: family holiday information posted by simandgreg on Friday, 24. June 2005 at 21:29 Bali Time:
Some exerts from my recent JBR that might be helpful:
We ate at the Dynasty for the first few nights until we had found our feet. Buffet dinners were 85,000 to 100,000 per adult, kids free, every fourth dinner was free. Kids loved the buffet, they never ate so much! Got our moneys worth!
Also ate at Pantai on the beach (great food, cheap, seafood), Daddy's café (great food again, huge seafood platter for 85,000 $11.60, would easily feed 2), Bubba Gumps(great for the kids, bit greasy but nice though), Fibreeze (fabulous food, across the road from the Dynasty), Aussie Bar (great, cold beer).
Overall found the quality of food at restaurants better than at home service was generally good. Although did have some problems with service (probably because our was a large group of 12-14) getting meals mixed up with other tables, forgetting kids meals etc. No one really got Bali belly. Two people in our group got mild diarrhoea after going to Mc Donalds. Gave up on the Acidophilus and raspberry jam halfway through the trip as I kept forgetting.
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!
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!
Of course we had the best driver, who was recommended from a seasoned Bali traveler. His Name is Kardek Ph: 62817552841 email: santrika79@yahoo.com. He has fantastic English, great sense of humor, and wonderful knowledge of Bali. Please consider him if you need a driver, you won't be disappointed.
HENNA TATTOOS
When in Bali we all get hair braids and tattoos, but please do the latter with caution. Test the 'henna' on a small area first for 24 hours to see if you react. We saw a nasty reaction on a young boy, that was blistered, weeping and inflamed. It will probably leave a scar. He was unable to swim or sleep due to the pain, and due to the parents lack of insight did not adequately treat the allergic reaction. This tattoo was done at a reputable establishment, and supposedly real henna, but you can still react to the real stuff too!
Off my soap box!