I know this BLOG post does not sound too wellness orientated at first, but it is! These 7 tips will help to ensure you have a smooth sailing, stress free, relaxing well deserved family holiday. These are some of my key learnings and recommendations you should consider when travelling to Bali with a family:
- PASSPORT
Did you know that you and your children need more than 6 MONTHS validation left of you passport or you will be refused entry! Check those passports and have them renewed at least 2 months prior to travelling.
2. GREAT FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS IN BALI
INTERCONTINENTAL– Jimbaran Bay
This hotel is near the airport and is a fantastic way to ease into the Bali culture whilst recovering from your jetlag. It is xxy but hell yeah it was worth it! Deluxe, super comfortable, a plethora of pools to choose from to dip in, a great beach bar restaurant and the hotel is set up for kids to play and roam. Its located directly on Jimbaran Bay beach with a vast array of fresh seafood dining on the sand, footsteps away from the hotel.
Amazing facilities and has recently done a massive renovation. On the beach, a great right hander river mouth wave to surf out the front of the hotel, incredible health café, and the food was incredibly delicious, amazing staff, stunning yoga studio, awesome gym facilities, and beautiful relaxed chilled vibe.
This hotel has only been open a few years, its pristine, the pool is absolutely divine overlooking the tropical jungle. It is a fantastic place for low-key family time. No need to leave the hotel.
It’s in a great location across the road from the beach and it has amazing facilities for the kids, pools, water slides and buffet meals. It’s not too expensive, and there are always deals online through various websites.
LAKSMANA VILLAS – Seminyak
In the heart of Seminyak, walking distance to Ku De Ta, these set of 11 varying sized villas are an absolute dream. Each has its own distinct character and style. These villas are stunning and worth checking out!
3. TYPHOID VACCINATIONS & MOSQUITO SPRAY
My family has just been to Bali and my 5-year-old son, Oliver, got dengue fever and ended up in hospital. It was hell. I was so scared for him, and I couldn’t stand seeing him soo sick and not being able to help him. Dengue is caused by a one damn mosquito bite. He had a typhoid vaccination before we went. The doctors over there thought it could have been either. They had to do tests to confirm if it was dengue or typhoid on day 4 of his high 39 degree temps.
Typhoid, is preventable with a vaccination, but ensure you get it a month before you leave. Doctors where speculating if Oliver’s vaccination would have protected him, seeing he only got it 2 weeks before we left. Apparently it takes about a month to be completely effective. It was finally confirmed he had ‘CLASSIC dengue,’ and he had to spend time in hospital on a drip as he refused to eat and drink and was diminishing quickly.
What I learnt is the mosquitoes are predominantly out in the morning and at night. There are areas more prone to have dengue fever mosquitoes but they are pretty much everywhere and anywhere. Most Indonesians I spoke with whilst I was over there have had it once or twice or know of someone dear to them who has had it. It is common and apparently there are more and more cases due to the wet season Bali has had over the past year.
A shout out the doctor at the Komune Resort, he is a walking angel, he was absolutely phenomenal and went over and beyond for our family.
ps. Ollie was out of hospital on day 3- happier than ever, and had returned to his normal self. He had a remarkable recovery to dengue compared to other stories I had heard, as healing can take months.
So GET VACCINATED WITH TYHOID AT LEAST A MONTH BEFORE & USE MOSQUITO SPRAY EVERY MORNING AND NIGHT!
4. TRAVEL INSURANCE
It’s a not negotiable when you have a family travelling OS anywhere. There are many options on whom you can get it through: iselect, compare the market & compare travel insurance, a travel agent, or your health care provider can all help you find the best deal for your needs.
5. KNOW THY HOSPITALS
When Oliver was sick, I put it out there to my FB community if anyone had any experiences and/ or recommendations on which hospital to go to in Bali. There are 3 major ones:
BIMC Hospital Kuta
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X · +62 361 761263
Siloam Hospitals Denpasar
Jl. Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta · +62 361 779900
BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua
Kawasan ITDC Blok D · +62 361 3000911
Upon recommendations we went to Siloam. It was great, however my husband found it so hard to find an ATM or anywhere he could get money out and it was difficult to find any decent food nearby. After much discussion with people post going to Bali, it seems the feedback proves that BIMC sounds more comfortable and catering. So if you ever need to head straight there- BIMC HOSPITAL –Kuta.
6. GET A NANNY
We had one Nanny the whole time – Niluh. She was a dreamboat! She is the mother of 3, she got in the pool with the children and is extremely fun, adaptable, yet responsible. I wanted to bring her home with me! She stayed the night with me when my hubby was in hospital with Oliver, to help me with Darcy and Luca. Lucky she did, as I had an anaphylaxis reaction and she had to call the doctor for me- she was a god sent!
This is her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/niluh.sutiani/
7. SEMINYAK DATE NIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS
My favourite bars and restaurants:
Cocoon- for a fun arvo; dip in the pool whilst drinking cocktails, listening to chill out beats
METIS- overlooks the stunning rice paddy fields of Seminyak, yummy French desserts, wine & cocktails
Sardine- A must! A great vibe and delicious dinners
Sarong- A must! Luxurious, impressive range of cuisines inspired from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka & Into. Such yummy dinners
Sea Circus- great tacos, smoothies & cocktails!
LaLuciola, Modern Italian, breaky, lunch & dinner, reasonable prices, on the beach, literally!
Gado Gado- yummy meals, great location, soothing atmosphere on the beach
Potato head- fun, stimulating, vibrant vibe and atmosphere, beachfront, cocktails… worth an arvo visit
KuDeTa- great views, gorgeous at sunset, good company, sublime moments to be experienced here
Enjoy xx
