In Reply to: bali travel with kids for 1st time posted by hocko on Monday, 4. December 2006 at 08:06 Bali Time:
Our children are 7 and nearly 9 years old and they have travelled to Bali 10 times. They absolutely adore Bali!
The kids adjust to the humidity with no problems and can go for a refreshing dip in the pool at any time of the day, which they love to do. It's so easy for kids to meet new friends at the pool area and they always keep themselves amused when they are in the water and having fun.
Children are adored by the balinese and Bali is a great place for a family holiday.
A must do with children is a day out at Waterbom Park, we go every trip with our children. There are heaps of different waterslides, pools, lazy river ride and bombastic childs play-pool area with waterguns for the kids. Be sure to rent a cabanna first thing when you get there.
Taro elephant park is another day out that the kids will love, feeding the elephants, going on a trek and eating in a very large open-air restaurant and a look through the elephant musseum.
Bali bird park is lovely and the kids enjoy this as well. They can have their photo taken with a toucan. There is also a reptile park there as well and a restaurant.
A drive to the rice fields and visit some beautiful old temples on the way or a trip to the volcanoes is very interesting for all.
The list goes on and on.
My daughter loves to get her hair braided and nails painted with little flowers on them.
My son loves getting all the latest x-box games and dvds.
As stated by others the Dynasty is great for first timers with children, especially if you want a place with a kid's club and organised activities for the kids. It's in a good location and is a short stroll to waterbom park. Personally we have stayed at a few different hotels with our children(including the Dynasty)but for first timers to Bali with children the Dynasty is a good recommendation.
As for terrorism safety; we can only hope that history will not be repeated again and I can assure you that the Balinese will do everything in their power to make you feel safe, and to hope you enjoy your holiday on Bali. All they wish for is to move on and make Bali the place it is well known for 'Paradise' 'Island of the Gods'. I always feel safe in Bali and always have a sense of calm. It's so much safer than walking the streets of Sydney. Secuirity is present everywhere in Bali.
As it would be your first time overseas, it's going to be a bit of an eye-opener but such a great experience for you all. There are many hawkers but I would advise you not to let them worry you, it is their way to make a living and don't feel intimidated by them just a no thankyou and keep walking, or don't look interested - (unless of course you are interested, then you should make sure you barter as the first price will be quite high compared to what it's really worth). Get a price guide from other forum members such as DonRon or information from Filo's pages. Don't buy from markets on your first couple of days, instead go to Geneva, Matahari's, Ramayana and other fixed price places to get an idea of what things are worth. Then you can have a bit of fun bartering at the markets and searching for treasures.
The decision of travelling to Bali is entirely your choice and people who have never been to Bali are usually the one's who will question you of 'why would you want to go to Bali?' but for travellers that have been to Bali with their familys like myself, I would say go and have a wonderful cultural experience and try the magic of Bali. You just may probably become another Bali addict. We took my mother and father and siblings here for their first trip ever overseas and they loved the place.