In Reply to: 1st Trip to Bali in 2006 posted by bswift on Wednesday, 23. February 2005 at 07:12 Bali Time:
Not sure on flight prices from the U.S, nor am I sure who on here is from the US that can help with what they have paid in the past but I'd probably see your travel agent and book a package with accommodation included. I highly doubt you'll find any Balinese residents able to afford a flight to the U.S to trade accommodation although I have heard of this service throughout Australia and America but I wouldn't think it would be possible with Bali.
My brother is staying a week with a Balinese family this year but he has known them for some time so I'm not sure if its something you can hook up in a phone call. I'm sure you'll get better feed back on this from others though he may have closer ties. You could always stay in bungalows in the mountains and pay a local to take you on tours and into their own villages to get a good look at the culture and village life. Although you are looking at a back yard approach, I would certainly suggest staying somewhere like Legian or Sanur for a couple nights to get a taste of things "in town" so to speak. The shopping is something the girls would really enjoy, the food and restaurants are wonderful and the nightlife is something you can all enjoy together. Also, do a search on this website for "JBR" which is posts from almost everyone returning from Bali "Just Back Report". This might help you find what you are looking for. There is also lists of Must Do's and Don'ts which I'll try find and post back here for you.
Good luck, sounds like an adventure!