Bali Experience

There is perhaps no other place in the world where you will find such a warm welcome for you and your family. The Balinese are famous for the love they show to children, and yours will no doubt bask happily in the smiles, attention and gentle care they attract. In fact, long before it became fashionable in the West, the Balinese were pioneers of an “attachment parenting” philosophy. According to traditional culture, Balinese children are not even allowed to touch the earth until they are six months old, at which time an otonon or “descent to the earth” ceremony is held to welcome them to the world. Carried everywhere in the warm, safe arms of family, sleeping snugly between their parents, and insulated from all the hassles and pressures of the modern world, Balinese children are lucky indeed.

Travelling to Bali you will find this special attitude extends to your own family. Forget about the glares of the self-important businessman across the aisle of the plane and the flight attendant who’s more interested in her nails than your needs. Once you land on “the island of the gods,” it’s time for a real vacation! Your kids will be won over by the unbelievable range of entertainments, attractions and educational experiences Bali has to offer. From thrilling sports to exciting cultural spectacles, from outdoor adventures to enthralling performances, Bali’s young guests are sure never to have a dull moment.

Water loving kids will go crazy for the wet and wild thrills at Waterbom Park and Spa in Kuta, where dozens of pools, waterslides and games offer fun for children of all ages. There is even a special “Kiddy Park” where toddlers can take a safe dip. Parents will appreciate the luxurious tropical garden setting and the spa, which offers traditional Balinese beauty treatments and massages sure to leave even the most stressed-out moms and dads floating on a cloud of well-earned peace. Bali is also a great place for your kids to get their feet wet learning a new sport. Snorkeling is both fun and educational, offering youngsters a fascinating glimpse of Bali’s stunning coral reefs and amazing diversity of colorful marine life. The more adventurous can brave the waves on a surfboard or body board, or take an ocean kayak, sailboat, windsurfer or jet ski out for a spin. And for an unbelievable experience the whole family can share, there’s white water rafting, a spine-tingling yet safe ride through some of Bali’s most beautiful jungle scenery.

Once your kids have dried off, there’s lots more fun awaiting them on dry land. If you want to escape from the bright lights and big city atmosphere of Kuta, consider a cycling trip or a hiking trek through the lush green countryside of the island’s interior. If you’re feeling less athletic, a land cruise over the hills, past isolated traditional villages, and through the thick foliage of a tropical jungle lets you explore Bali’s wild side from the comfort of a fully equipped four wheel drive vehicle. Aspiring tennis stars can practice their skills on the courts of Bali’s major hotels, while not-yet-licensed drivers can safely work up some speed on the go-kart tracks of Kuta and Legian. Animal loving children can go horse or pony riding along the beach, or even interact with some more exotic wildlife by elephant riding or camel riding. And if your kids’ squabbling is driving you crazy, you can send them to let off some steam at Bali Splat Mas, the island’s paintball park, where action adventure comes to life. Or for the ultimate thrill, kids can bungee jump from a fifty meter tower on a huge rubber band - don’t worry, parents, they have a perfect safety record!

Kids and parents alike will also be entranced by the exciting attractions to be found at Bali's family oriented theme parks. At the Taman Burung Bali Bird Park in Batubulan, located between Denpasar and Ubud, over one thousand birds - ranging from the rare, endangered Bali Starling to kaleidoscope colored Peacocks, blush pink African Flamingos and jewel toned Birds of Paradise - inhabit the two hectare grounds, whose walkways are lined with lush foliage and spectacular water gardens. Kids can climb over a swinging bridge inside a tropical rainforest environment, and even have “breakfast with the birds” in the park’s restaurant. Right next door to the Bali Bird Park is the Bali Reptile Park, where children will go crazy for the crowd of creepy crawling crocodiles, lizards, iguanas, turtles, and even a Komodo Dragon. At the Taman Kupu-Kupu Butterfly Park in Tabanan, the unforgettable sight of hundreds of thousands of butterflies in all the colors of the tropical rainbow is sure to capture a child’s imagination and encourage their environmental awareness. The Butterfly Park, the largest park of its kind in South East Asia, provides a natural habitat for a number of endangered species and tries to create young conservationists through its educational programs. In Sanur, the Taman Festival Park is another fun spot to spend a family afternoon. The park is home to a variety of exotic animals, as well as offering rides, games, a laser light show and a performance space for traditional Balinese dancing.

Of course, no family vacation to Bali is complete without taking the kids to witness some of the island’s legendary traditional performances. The stunning grace of Balinese dancers and their elaborate, colorful costumes are sure to win over even the most diehard MTV fans. Young children will be wowed by the spectacle of the Legong Dance, where tiny pre-teen girls dressed in exquisite traditional finery perform complex moves to the sound of a gamelan gong orchestra. They will be thrilled by the spine-tingling sights and sounds of the Kecak Dance, where a hundred men arranged in concentric circles mimic the sound of a forest full of monkeys, their eerie chants rising up into the clear evening air. And even the most sophisticated teen will be impressed by the unforgettable drama of the Barong Dance, where the fun loving lion like Barong and his army of dagger wielding followers resists the dark powers of the evil witch Rangda. Traditional Balinese religious ceremonies will delight and amaze children with their exotic festival atmosphere, at the same time giving kids a valuable chance to witness cultural diversity firsthand.

Parents as well are sure to find that well-deserved break in Bali. The island’s restaurants showcase some of the finest cuisine anywhere in the world, from authentic Balinese delights to an eclectic mix of international tastes. Shopping in Bali also offers an incredible variety of temptations, including gorgeous jewelry, beautiful clothes from high fashion to funky ethnic, tasteful antiques and home accessories and, of course, Bali’s world renowned traditional crafts. And for the ultimate experience in relaxation and rejuvenation, tired moms and dads can indulge their senses in one of Bali’s spas. These wonderful oases of tranquility combine modern science with ancient secrets to provide the ultimate mix of hedonism and health consciousness. Using ingredients such as flowers, herbal oils, coconut, milk, honey, sandalwood and spices, Bali’s spas provide an exquisite escape from the pressures of the world.

Essential Travel Tips for Parents

Concerned about your children’s safety and health in Bali? You don’t need to worry. International standard medical services are available in major tourist areas. Many large hotels even have their own clinics or can help you find a decent doctor. In Kuta, the Bali International Medical Center has a full staff of well-trained medical personnel, including Western nurse practitioners, and an excellent laboratory. Contact them at Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X, Telephone 761263. In Denpasar, Dr. Rubiana is a wonderful young pediatrician who speaks very good English, makes house calls, and has an amazing way of relating to her young patients. Contact her at Jalan Raya Puputan No. 202, Renon, Denpasar, Telephone 237745. Bali’s major hospitals are also located in Denpasar. Recommended are Rumah Sakit Kasih Ibu, at Jalan Teuku Umar 120, Telephone 223036, and Rumah Sakit Sanglah at Jalan P. Diponegoro, Telephone 227911.

To avoid health problems, follow the same sensible precautions that Balinese parents do. Drink only bottled water - and lots of it. It is available in hotels, restaurants and convenience stores across the island. Protect children’s delicate skin from the tropical sun with hats and sunscreen, which you can easily find in stores near the beach. Watch children for signs of dehydration, and carry bottled water and juice boxes with you. And don’t worry too much! Bali is safe, clean and modern and serious health problems are rare.

There’s no need to bring a heavy suitcase of children’s equipment to Bali. For babies, a light baby carrier that you can wear while walking is a must to pack, as is a small, collapsible stroller for older children. Mosquito repellant that is marked safe for children is also a useful item to have on hand. Virtually everything else you need - as well as a delightful assortment of handcrafted toys and clothes you and your children are sure to covet -- is available here at reasonable prices. For imported brands of baby foods, diapers, long-life milk packaged in cardboard boxes, and children’s toiletries, check out the selection at Hero Supermarket, Jalan Teuku Umar 38 in Denpasar, Alas Arum, Jalan Raya Seminyak in Kuta, and Gelael Supermarket, Jalan Raya Kuta in Kuta. For a huge selection of children’s goods - everything from baby bottles to toys to colorful, tropical print clothes - head to Matahari Department Store on Jalan Dewi Sartika in Denpasar.

Wondering what to do with your children on the long flight to Bali? Take some tips from seasoned travellers on how to make the trip with your tots more pleasurable. First, if you can, book a seat on an Asian carrier. Thai International Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Air and Cathay Pacific all fly to Bali, and all are reliable, first-class airlines renowned for gracious, dependable service. Their Asian personnel and passengers are far more likely to smile instead of cringe if your child becomes fussy and bored. No matter who you fly, travel prepared, with diapers, wipes for washing hands and faces, a towel, extra water, and a bottle or some lollipops to make the pressure changes on takeoff and landing easier on young ears. Encourage your kids to drink lots of water or juice, as airplane air is notoriously dehydrating. It’s also a good idea to bring an assortment of small toys and games - preferably new ones that will attract your child’s interest. Call the airline ahead of time and request a bulkhead seat - those in the first row - which offer extra legroom and a space for children to play. You can also request special meals, and some airlines even have baby foods, child seats or bassinets available. All airlines should allow you to bring a stroller right up to the door of the plane, where the aircraft personnel will check it and return it to you upon landing - very helpful for weary parents if the lines at Immigration are long.