Bali Family Travel

Toby & Maya in East Bali

Travelling with a young kid scares a lot of people. Just the thought of a trans-oceanic flight, long layover and dealing with baggage, Customs, taxis and hotels, is enough to put a lot of people off. Certainly there are moments of frustration, but as with everything, we create our own reality. If you travel thinking its going to be a stuggle, it will be. If you tell yourself things will work out, they always will. Travelling / living in Asia, is a lesson for westerners. After living in Hong Kong, I learned how to line-up, as in Hong Kong, there are lines for everything, all day long. Travelling in India taught me the importance of letting go of control. One time I especially remember, on the platform of a train station. My train was 30 minutes late, the sun was beating down, temperature about 35C. Pacing up and down, I asked the station master when the train was arriving. “Don’t worry Sir, train is coming.” he said. Another 30 minutes, and the train had not arrived. I asked him the same question, and got the same answer, finally realizing what he meant, that at some future time, a train would arrive, and there was nothing anyone could do to affect that. All the while, Indian families spread lunghi’s (sheet) on the platform, in shady spots, and waited patiently, playing with their kids and smiling.

Date: December 28th, 2006 | 5 comments

Senggigi: The gateway to Lombok

Visitors to Bali, as well as expats sometimes look for an close alternative, to the Bali beach scene. One option is Senggigi Lombok.

An old copy of the Indonesia Handbook, from 1991 has this description:
The coral and snorkeling at this popular beach area, 6km north of Ampenan, is fantastic-4 straight kms of pure white sand, blue-green sea, and no crowds.

Date: August 21st, 2006 | 4 comments

Drinking tap water in Bali

Bali is situated in the tropics and as so is a petri-dish for bacteria. People get their water either piped, in the city, from a well, or from a stream. Should you drink the tap water in Bali?

Date: August 9th, 2006 | No Comments

Puri Etnik offering deals in Legian Bali

Puri Etnik is a budget hotel in Legian. Situated between Jl. Melasti and Jl. Benesari, Puri Etnik is just 70 meters from the beach. Rooms are $99 per person for a 10day package including breakfast.

Date: August 1st, 2006 | 3 comments

On the Road: Bali

Bali is not just beaches, great shopping and nightclubs. It's an island steeped in culture and friendly people. Whenever I return to Bali, I like to get away from the tourist strip and head out into the countryside.

Date: July 21st, 2006 | No Comments