Long term observer, first time poster.
My 15th trip to Bali, Husbands 10th, kids ( 6 and 8 ) third. Had around 20 family members also in Bali at the same time with everyone staying where it suited them.
Sanur
We absolutely love staying here as a family. The main street has everything we need.We have stayed the last couple of times at Sanur Plaza suites as the kids were too little to have a villa with an unsecured pool. This time we decided we would treat ourselves to something more upmarket so booked the "Zen Villas". Although set back from the road it was only a 15 minute walk to Hardys / shops which we did at least twice a day with the kids.
Did some wonderful eating and drinking while in Sanur.
BIMC
Wouldnt be a trip to Bali without visiting this establishment. Previously have been with my nephew having a serious asthma attack (He was admitted for three nights with pnemonia) and last visit getting my sons chin stiched back together. Unfortunatley this visit my girlfriends son was bitten by a dog !!! - the dog was owned by the homestay they were at. Had been recently vacinated but took no chances. He was given rabies shots etc... and has had followup treatment on return to Perth.
Ubud
Did a day trip up to Ubud with the kids and my mother-in-law to go visit the Birthing Center. 4 babies had been born overnight so we got to quickly meet each mother and offer her a little gift ( maternity feding bra , cloth baby nappies ( that they use), baby clothing and light blankets. We were also able to supply a large ikea bag of medical needs that had been donated to me to provide to them. They keep a very up to date website with anything medical / non-medical that they need which is useful. Such an amzing service offered by Robin and her team - 35 to 50 babies a month born there.
Lovina
We had a 60th birthday celebration to attend in Lovina so decided to head up for 2 nights. The 6 year old vomited the whole way despite being given anti-nausea medication before we left. He is used to travel sickness so took it all well. This is the one time I am glad I use my driver who has seat belts and that I take a booster seat for the youngest. It is a pretty hairy drive especially when raining.
Accomodation was horrible and expensive but maybe we had been spoilt in Sanur. Actually found somewhere else to stay the first night, so at 170US a night it was expensive luggage storage.Stayed the second night but only because we couldnt find anywhere else to stay as every thing fully booked. Found Lovina to be very much like what I rememeber from my first visit as an 8 year old. The kids actually loved this part of the holiday -
Interacting with the locals, buying trinkets on the beach with what money they had left. Had a wonderful birthday celebration with Baba guling(? spelling ) kids were horrified to see whole baby big cooked and sitting on the table but dived in pretty quick to partake in eating it - including what I was told were deep fried entrails.
My cousin is married to a Balinese man from this part of Bali , so it was lovely to meet his family , siblings etc. My cousins husband wanted to take my 6 year old for a ride on his motorbike to go get diner - couldnt understand why I wouldnt let him go. I said I was worried about him falling off (no helmet ) , his solution was to tie my son to him with a sarong !!!!I still said no and then had to deal with a crying 6 year old.
Flights - delayed 2 hours leaving Perth. longest wait out of the whole thig was actualy Perth airport / customs etc ( around an hour to get through )
All up a great holiday for all......