With gorgeous beaches, great food and friendly people, Bali offers the ideal family island getaway for almost any budget.
How to get there
Flight duration Currently Emirates is the only carrier that flies direct from the UAE, departing from Dubai and landing in Denpasar after 9h5m. Other carriers have a minimum of one stop. Visa Tourist visa restrictions vary depending on your nationality and length of stay — make sure to check with the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai (04 398 5666) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (02 445 4448).
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
AED1 = IDR3,871.34
Travel Tips:
Exchange your dirhams before leaving the UAE for a slightly better rate. If you plan to be mainly in resorts and beaches, opt for good travel insurance that will evacuate you if necessary, in case you urgent rabies treatment if bitten. Don’t approach stray dogs or monkeys, even if they look fine.
Do not use tap water for drinking or brushing your teeth. Only use bottled water.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO:
Pondok Pekak Library — Ubud
Once a library for expats, it has become a cultural community centre for tourists, expats and locals. Classes available for adults and children include painting and wood carving, among others.
Explore rice paddies — Ubud
Ubud has an abundance of greenery. Opt for a guided tour or explore them on your own.
See a Kecak dance
Ubud Kecak dances, a form of Balinese dance and music drama, can be enjoyed at a number of locations in the evenings. Ask your tour guide or hotel for more details.
Learn to surf — Kuta Pro Surf School Bali
Jl. Pantai Kuta No.33, Legian, Kuta
Phone: +62 361 751200
Waterbom — Kuta
Winner of TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for the best waterpark in Asia, Waterbom is clean, safe and well run with a variety of rides available for adults as well as kids of all ages. Cashless payments using splash bands take the worry out of keeping cash and cards safe, so you can focus on enjoying the park. Certain rides have a minimum height requirement. For more details and booking online, go to: https://www.waterbom-bali.com
WEATHER AND CLIMATE:
Bali is only a few degrees latitude below the equator and has a tropical monsoon climate. The weather can be described less as ‘summer’ vs ‘winter’ and more ‘dry’ (from around May to September) vs ‘wet’ (from around October to April).
WHERE TO EAT:
There are many family-owned cafés (called warungs) dotted over the island. For visitors with certain dietary requirements, there are Halaal-certified restaurants as well.
Raja’s Balinese Restaurant
Address: Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Contact: (0361) 771210
Pawon Pasundan
Address: Jl. Raya Kediri, Tuban, Kuta
Contact: (0361) 755833
Warung Nikmat
Address: Jl. Bakung Sari, Gg. Biduri No.6A, Kuta
Contact: (0361) 764678
The Halal Boys
Address: Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Seminyak
Contact: 0819-1649-1454
Travelling with kids:
Check any costs/savings with your airline if flying with infants/toddlers. Try to book flights for when your kids should be going to bed for minimum disruption. You can never have too many wet wipes. Dress the kids in comfortable layers that you can add/remove as the plane’s aricon demands. Pack their own bag with their own travel pillow and a few toys and an iPad/tablet and some snacks.
Make sure you apply sunscreen regularly in Bali, more so if you’re swimming.