My family and I have just had 11 days in Bali as first timers and were enthused and delighted with our stay. The highlight I believe were the people and their sense of fun and of course the tropical weather. Many of our experiences were similar to many I have read on the forum over the past months so I will be brief and have provided my email Address if anyone wants specific information.
OUR ACCOMODATION
As visitors for the first time we decided on Tuban, as there were plenty of activities for the children close by. We stayed at Hotel Santika on Jl. Kartika Plaza. The gardens in this resort are beautifully landscaped and shady however we stayed in deluxe rooms which were quite tired. This was disappointing but at least they were spacious. The pool in our area was not operational for 6 of the days we were there as the chemical balance was not right. The pool was the colour of Bintang beer on one day! Although a pleasant spot I don't think I would stay there again as the quality of room maintenance and food in the retaurants was poor.
KUTA/TUBAN AREA
Okay every one says it's grotty and dirty. We found it good fun and safe if you were alert and careful. After being to Jakarta in 1997, I found Kuta a pretty clean place in comparison. Plenty of good eating spots close by like Poppies and Un's that of a standard comparable to good Aussie cafes. I think you just get what you pay for. Hawkers were only a hassle if you continually try to be aloof. We struck friendships with Mel Gibson, Paul Hogan, John Farnham and other well known personalities, so get out and talk and you will be surprised it's good fun and not a problem. Money Changing in Kuta was easy providing you were not striving for the last rupiah. We took Aussie dollars and changed them at Pt Central Kuta and received a competetive rate with no ripping off.
ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
Waterbom park was fun but overpriced ($16.50 US including breakfast). Beautifully landscaped gardens but probably not enough activities.
Bali Hai reef cruise was a great day out, especially the trip to Nusa Lembognang village. We saved heaps by booking and paying direct with Bali Hai in Western Australia and asked for discount for booking direct. Rafting was a ball and went with Bali Adventure Tours. We went on a late afternoon trip and saved $US24 per person. You save by not having a buffet meal at the end. Quite a safe activity.
GETTING OUT
We hired a driver for the day and went to see the central mountains and villages. For me this was the highlight as it is so incredibly pretty and untouristy. The beauty of the Balinese landscape is so different to anything I have seen elsewhere and found it spiritually uplifting just to be in it (and I am an aethiest!). Although the people may be poor in material wealth, there sense of family and community was far beyond what I have experienced home in Australia. The children (14&16) however found this trip boring.
Another day we spent up in Ubud and hired a blue taxi for the day. This was cheaper than a driver in a Kijang although we didn't travel that far. Our taxi driver was a delight and really clicked with us, which made the day special. Also had a fantastic meal at Casa Luna in Ubud.
We also spent not nearly enough time getting out and about to the East and West of Bali, so next time....
MASSAGES
Who said massages were heaven and relaxing? At Nur's Salon at Ubud my wife and I had massage each. She said her's was great. Mine was an hour of torture with muscle tissue being ripped off the bone and the placed somewhere else on my body, then rubbed with, wet and dry sandpaper over my sun burn (tumeric) and then stood naked in the open when a young man rubbed me down with yoghurt and told me sit in bath full of weeds. Okay I was exagerating but it was painful. Another traditional massage we sought was in Tuban. My wife left me to it when after paying my money the receptionist opened up a curtain revealing 20 smiling masseuses and I had to choose one! I chose the one with the nice smile!
Another hour of torture!
CONCLUSION
I would go again, and stay away from the resort areas, if our children were not with us, now that I am starting to get a feel of the environment. You can save a lot of money by avoiding travel agents and doing your own research.
Don't expect paradise like in a deserted island, as this is not the place, but go with your eyes open and be non-judgemental as you are in another person's country and learn and grow from this different travel experience.
Feel free to email me if you want any details of costs etc.