A bit of a belated JBR but as always gained lots of tips here before leaving so just passing it on. Family of five, kids 10,6,4.
Flights with Virgin great both ways, arrived 11pm on a Monday night and was through VOA in about 25mins so very happy with that. Had organised Dewa (from Dons guide) to collect from airport and he was there waiting, very friendly and helpful.
We had paid a bit more for flights and were staying a fortnight so wanted to save a bit on accommodation so opted for a combination of the Febris and Melati Beach with a night in between up at the Safari Park.
The Febris, generally pretty happy with this hotel. The rooms were a bit tired but pretty spacious for a share room and very clean. They also upgraded all the TVs to flat screens the day we arrived so that was good for DVD watching. Kids loved the pool and we spent heaps of time lazing by both of them and just relaxing. The breakfast was reasonably ordinary, kids disappointed with no pancakes or bakery goods after getting used to Bali breakfast at some of the nicer hotels previously. Great location though so overall thought fabulous value for money and the staff went out of their way to help so no complaints.
Safari park well that was an experience! We had been before but opted to stay overnight, this should be a MUST DO for everyone. The park is so much better in the early morning and late afternoon. The hotel was immaculate and fabulously presented, big two bed apartment with two bathrooms which was great for a couple of upset tummys. Also overlooking the pool so I enjoyed watching daddy and little Miss swimming from the airconditioned bedroom for an afternoon rest while the big two got their fill of Nick Jr in the next room!
It was stinking hot the day we arrived so headed straight to the water park, was disappointed at having to pay for entrance. Although the cost is minimal 25 000rp it starts adding up when there are 5 of you. When we were there last the water park was included with entrance as was most of the rides. Once the day trippers had left in the evening we went spent quite a bit of time with Bronny the young male Orang Utan, soooo gorgeous and getting a bit cheeky now he is getting older! The kids were just thrilled seeing him again. They had a night show on at the theatre which was great, the young boys in the show were just gorgeous little performers. Finally dinner at Tsavo is just amazing, not to mention the awesome breakfast with fresh made pancakes. Kids were in HEAVEN!! I can't rate this experience any higher - just totally love it. Booked this on wotif for 200US for the night which included breakfast, the night show and entry to the park.
Headed back to Legian to the Beach Melati Apartments. We were in 102 which was very ordinary. Its spacious but thats about all it had going for it. The complex itself is really nice and we had a chance to see in a couple of the other rooms and they were MUCH MUCH better. We did enjoy being so close to the pool though so when the kids wanted a rest they could go lay down and we could laze by the pool. The coffee shop here was great and serviced the hotel well, we had dinner and breakfast there often. I dont think we would stay there agin though, although I know we just got the dud room it just didnt suit our family. I didn't really enjoy the hustle of Legian it just wasnt as family friendly as staying in Tuban but that was just my experience this time.
Best shops were Diannes, Silverberry, Shoot Bali (great quality!), the fairy shop.
Restaurants Neros and Boardwalk.
Also really loved Oceans 27 great setting, space cookies slushie - devine! Bit pricey though and food rather average but worth it for the setting.
Next trip will be shorter and upping the accommodation, this time we were ready to go home while usually we are desperate to stay! Having the later experience is more enjoyable.
Thats all hope it helps others make decisions.