AIBU that I'm nervous that I booked the wrong country for a holiday...BALI

[Sinalley1]

I usually spend a long time researching. I don't know why I didn't. Two families said they loved Bali - they avoided all the shit areas and went to quiet places. They said it was perfect for their young kids (8 and 6), same age as mine and we're likeminded.

But I've read so much slagging off of Bali since I booked it. We're not going till next year, we've booked some top notch accommodation in off-the-beaten track places - or, shall we say, the quieter places - but I am nervous that it's going to go tits up and we'll be massively disappointed. We haven't done a long haul trip in years.

I realise this is a first world problem. I really do.

It's lovely. I found the people really friendly. It's a deprived country and you can't escape that but sounds like you've booked good accommodation so you'll be fine. Where are you staying?

Bali is a unique place, relax. Just for a second consider this, someone goes to Magaluf and decides never to go to Spain ever again as it is a shit place. Magaluf is not representative of Spain. In the same way, the worst part of Kuta is not representative of Bali.
Bali is beautiful, spiritual, with marvel at every corner. The water is nice and warm and you will spend hours in it. Just be careful in Seminyak as there are strong current there. We stayed in Legian and would swim in Legian and Kuta.
Ubud, Nusa Dua, there is so much to like in Bali.

People are extremely nice and kind. You had chosen the right country. You and your kid will love it.

I went for my honeymoon and the hotels were lovely, the streets took a bit of getting used to but I'm not really an intrepid traveller generally and still enjoyed it. Everyone we met was friendly and I never felt unsafe if that's a concern.
It's a very long flight - that would put me off going again more than anything else tbh!

Sanur - ubud - Amed

I found so many people say how shitty it is, how many awful Aussies, how .... etc etc.

I've been to several counties in Asia, so i'm not naive to the general vibe, but I was upset to hear the slagging off.

Bali was massively popular for family holidays when I was a child. I definitely tend to think if it as an alternative to the usual theme park type family holidays. Wouldn’t go myself because I’m just not into that kind of thing but if you like a holiday in the sun type of thing it should be a good fit.

You like to worry too much.

It is a long flight. But we were definitely going to go to Asia or thereabouts, and it's only a few hours more. We're breaking it up via Bangkok for two nights on the way back. I love Bangkok and have booked a hotel in the old city.

Yes, that's true about Magaluf and Spain. But Spain is bigger! I love Spain, tbh but I wouldn't ever go to Magaluf

Ha, I do worry. But it's an expensive thing. I feel stupid for not having done EXTENSIVE research

I love Bali! I've been many times. I have friends who live there and would live there too in a heartbeat.

Whereabouts are you staying? There are many wonderful places to see.

(Just keep an eye on mt agung's activity. It was showing signs of erupting earlier in the year. If it properly goes up flights will probably be massively delayed for a while)

We loved Bali.....notice my name??

The Aussies always slate and get a bad rep as it’s the Spain of Australia! The Balinese people were wonderful, if you research and plan you will love it. There are so many things to experience and it’s very spiritual. Have a wonderful adventure.

Bali is an amazing place. Don’t worry. Yes there are some not so nice places. Stay in the hotel areas, if you go out get a taxi booked by the hotel (it’s a little extra but everything is so cheap you will be able to afford it) and hotel organised trips.

Please remember to tip, they don’t earn much. I felt super guilty bartering for things but they expect it. Everyone is sooo friendly. I was there on my own and stayed in the Marriott in Nusa Dua. The hotel was secure as are all of them. Some of the beaches are better than others.

Overall I would recommend it. There is lots to keep children entertained such as a bird sanctuary where you can have parrots on your shoulders and there is a monkey forest (didn’t get to visit that though).

Enjoy!!

We went for our honeymoon - we land at the main airport at late at night, so we check into a cheapish hotel close to the airport and we didn't do much research. Our room had a cockroach, and in the morning we were so glad to leave.

Then we went on to Amed, Lombok, the Gillis, and back to Ubud, and it was really really magical. The swimming in the sea at Amed will stay with me forever. It was like swimming in a tropical aquarium. Anyway, it was great, and one of the best holidays of our life.

Ah, thanks Museum. a) so glad you had a lovely honeymoon b) that you loved it. I am/was really looking forwrad to Amed. we're there for 4/5 days

When did you go Museum?

Ubud is my favourite place in the world. Been twice. Love it.

It depends massively on where you are I think. It is a bit like Spain for the Aussies although it’s a long haul treat for us in Europe. We spent one night there on our way through to Gilli Trawagan (which is amazing BTW but tiny) so we stayed in a resort near the airport - can’t remember which. The hotel was lovely but I wouldn’t have wanted to walk around outside it at night - which given that at the time I was living in Malaysia so pretty accustomed to Asia, is saying something. However, friends of ours went shortly after and stayed in Ubud and said it was wonderful, really beautiful, lots of culture and their photos looked stunning. We also had friends who stayed regularly at one of the beach resorts for a children’s holiday and loved it. I’m sure you’ll be fine!

We will go to the Gillis for a day or two from Amed.

We won't be anywhere near the airport. Staying away from Kuta, Densapar, even Semyinak .... all the busy, busy places

You are going to love it. Absolutely love it. It’s so beautiful, friendly, food is excellent and there are tons of things to see. We never went anywhere near Kuta or similar so I can’t even tell you what that bit is like! We are going again in April next year (west coast) and it’s big/diverse enough that we are having a totally different hol this time. Lombok and Gilis are also wonderful.

I honeymooned in Sanur. It was in 2011 so while back now but it was beautiful. Loads of nice restaurants. Wine is very expensive though.
The water park is great fun for a day out!

Bali is lovely.

Just avoid Kuta which is like Benidorm for Aussies.

I wonder if it's a bit like Thailand. I went last about 8 years ago. I was shocked at some of the very full on bits but I absolutely loved the people, food, smells etc. Beaches were wonderful - better than Bali's will be. I would go back to certain places in Thailand but I know people wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

I'm just having a MASSIVE wobble, sorry. I feel so horrible andself-indulgent for it, apologies

Bali is amazing. People slagging it off really don’t know what they are talking about

Thank you all. You've reduced the wobble A LOT

I loved Sanur when I went, it's beautiful. Do plenty of research before you go and I'm sure it will be a magical holiday

I've been 3 times - last time 2 years ago.

If you like the Asian vibe then you will love it. Especially keeping out of Kuta. We had a fun holiday - there is a turtle rescue centre (not turtle island) where we helped turtles to hatch and then put them in water for the first time. I believe you also can help them release into the wild when the turtles are ready. Was an amazing experience.

We had an amazing driver who really made our trip - knowledgable and safe. Pm me if you want his details.