Posted by Sarah on Friday, 19. February 1999 at 11:38 Bali Time:
We are Americans living in Malaysia and have just returned from our second trip to Bali. It really can be the best family vacation...We have one 16month acitve boy and i think he had more fun than us! Our hints for traveling are as follows...hope you have a great time!
1. Grand Hyatt Bali (Nusa Dua)---EXCELLENT service and the best baby hotel ever!!! Great for strollers (although we got along with a backpack carrier)as there are paths everywhere. They provide great cribs and baby baths...kids under 12 eat free at the buffets. 6 beatufiful pools, a great beach with no hawkers and many ponds with fish to feed. We were able to get a rate via internet for 100$U.S.! :)
2. Ubud: We stayed at Oka Wati's near Monkey Forest road. It is nice to stay close to town so you don't have to take a car to buy snacks or grab a bite to eat. No fridge or baby cot, but they allow you to keep food in the resaturant fridge which is accessible 24hrs and very close to your room. There is a nice pool and I recommend the nicest rooms upstairs close to the restaurant. approx. 50 U.S./night including breakfast.
3. Bring a back pack carrier. It is essential for Ubud and you can take many hikes and it makes it really easy to shop. Strollers are a pain. Our son just loved the walks around Ubud and through the monkey forest.
4. Kid's food is fairly easy to get but baby food is expensive...it might be worth it to bring it along and lighten the load as you go along to make room for all the things you buy. If your child uses a bottle, bring the playtex dispoable bottles so that you don't have to sterilize. We brought indidvidual single serving milk in the juice box containers and our son's favorite snacks and that was really handy.
5. In Ubud, order smoked duck from Cafe Wayan(Monkey Forest Road) 24hrs in advance and choose a fun table...it is memorable. They have baby chairs!!
6. Do your best to find seat belts in the back seats. Most Taxis have them, but the Kijangs(like a small Ford Explorer) do not. We felt it was still worth it to bring the car seat.
7. High Chairs are difficult to come by at most restaurants...be forewarned. It is also difficult to find small spoons for feeding. If the watiress or waiter takes your baby they won't run off...don't worry ..Balinese LOVe children and it's great to be able to eat your meal!!!
8. Have fun and enjoy, we are already to go back!