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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

80 replies

Sinalley1 · 24/10/2018 19:40

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.

OP posts:
ChampooPapi · 24/10/2018 21:25

Bali is fantastic! your in a busy town one minute but 10 minutes drive away your suddenly in the middle of no where! Watch out for those monkeys and go to dreamlands (dreamland beach)

God its lush there, so jealous!

RollerJed · 24/10/2018 21:31

FFSFFSFFS very poignoint post. But Aussies are fair game on here so totally not surprised to see it come up when I read the title.

It's like the Brits have no self awareness when they slag others off 🙄

Takemetovegas · 25/10/2018 00:04

You've picked some REALLY lovely places to go OP. I've been to Bali numerous times at all stages of life and would choose the destinations that you've decided on. They are all ideal for a family friendly Holliday and you will be well away from the tourist traps and drunken yobbo Aussies (am Aussie and the party traps can be awful).

There are quite a few Facebook groups for Bali groupies where you can get some inside intel and get insight on what to do and what to avoid.

I have a trip planned for May and would love to spend a day on Komodo but I don't think that it will work out this time.

Mrskeats · 25/10/2018 00:07

My daughter just got back from Ubud. She loved it.

Original poster
Sinalley1 · 25/10/2018 06:45

Thanks all. Really grateful for input

OP posts:
finn1020 · 25/10/2018 07:00

Ubud is beautiful, do a cooking class there. Kuta not so much. There’s certainly plenty of Aussies around but I’ve been there twice and because I’m not into nightclubs and partying I didn’t notice too much of a problem element. Probably depends where you go and what you want to do, like attracts like. I’d go back again, it’s a fascinating place to visit.

Aridane · 25/10/2018 07:13

Can you go to the Gillis post earthquake - I couldn’t in August

ratticus · 25/10/2018 07:37

Disclaimer - I haven't been for 8 years and no idea about the post earthquake situation...... But would avoid Gill Trawangan, which is party central, and stick to Gili Air or Meno, which were much quieter (Air may br better for Kids- Meno was Very quiet, great for me, maybe a.bit boring for kids?)

XiCi · 25/10/2018 08:01

I've been a number of times to bali and it's my absolute favourite place in the world although I have seen it change for the worse over the years, just due to it not having the infrastructure to cope with the mass influx of tourists. I love the way you can be partying in Kuta one night, climbing a volcano the next day, cycling through rice paddies the next etc etc. There's such a wealth of culture and the people are lovely. Your kids will love it as will you.
As an aside I've had some brilliant times in Kuta and Seminyak which are absolutely nothing like Benidorm. Obviously you won't be out clubbing with a couple of kids in tow but for those who can it's a really fun place.

MaggieAndHopey · 25/10/2018 08:06

seriously, Bali is beautiful. We went there on our honeymoon. You'll have a wonderful time.

Skyejuly · 25/10/2018 08:10

I enjoyed it but some beaches absolutely littered with rubbish x

Puppylucky · 25/10/2018 08:14

I went to Bali this summer and found it a bit of a mixed bag TBH..We were in Sanur which I didn't like at all. The beach was nothing special and the level of pestering by hawkers was pretty unpleasant.We also got ripped off by taxi drivers on a regular basis as they just refused point blank to turn on their meters and charged what they liked. The tourist spots like Tanur Lot and the rice terraces were very crowded and touristy. However we also saw /went to some beautiful places like Ubud which I probably would have enjoyed more. One last piece of advice - avoid Monkey Forest! Every day tourists get bitten there as the monkeys are now really bold and aggressive - which means having to get rabies shots- but the guides won't tell you that and in fact try and encourage interaction as they think that's what tourists want

Mugglemom · 25/10/2018 09:01

Every place has its good and its bad. If you have booked a nicer place that's quieter, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

The poverty can be quite sad, but simply by being there you're improving their economy (which I'm sure is quite needed at the moment, because I imagine people will be avoiding the whole of Indonesia after the earthquake/tsunami in Lombok).

Original poster
Sinalley1 · 25/10/2018 09:20

that's sad about the monkeys...

OP posts:
ChampooPapi · 25/10/2018 10:07

Yes the monkeys are not fun! Avoid the monkey temple too, it's in Ubud I think but I can't remember. They are not cute, they are annoying and do bite, run up your back ect & if you have any food in your pocket or bags they will find it one way or another

Original poster
Sinalley1 · 25/10/2018 12:56

Oh dear, no snacks in pockets then!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sinalley1 · 25/10/2018 13:41

Are there some beaches which are worse for litter than others? I read the litter is worse Dec - April because of high tides/wind factor

OP posts:
reforder · 25/10/2018 13:59

Relax OP, I’ve travelled all over and Bali is one of my favorite places in the world! Avoid kuta and you’re all good :)

reforder · 25/10/2018 14:04

I’ve so envious now - dreaming of the weeks I spent wandering around Ubud and the surrounds...sigh!

Better snap back to reality and go change the latest shitty nappy!

Original poster
Sinalley1 · 25/10/2018 14:07

i wish I was a relaxed human being. Alas, this is not my forte. Trying though. Meditation yada yada

OP posts:
AprilSnakehole · 25/10/2018 15:11

I went to Sanur in August and it was lovely! We were there about a week and did day trips out and about. We couldn’t go to the islands as it was when the earthquakes were happening. I really liked it and would go again, my DH preferred Thailand and places like Koh Samui as he has more to do there. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely holiday 😀

reforder · 25/10/2018 21:23

Well if any country will get you to relax it will be Bali! Have a wonderful time Smile

Koalablue · 26/10/2018 02:51

There is a facebook page called Bali Bogans. That might help.
My parents went and loved it. They are holiday snobs too.
When they got out of the airport they found the newest taxi and hired him to be their personal driver for the trip. They just made sure to pay him very well.
Stay away from kuta. Its easy to avoid the unpleasant Aussies. Theyre loud drunk and obnoxious. I say that as an Aussie.

Original poster
Sinalley1 · 26/10/2018 07:38

Thanks Koala. Maybe that's what I am. A holiday snob. I guess there's some truth in that.

OP posts:
Koalablue · 26/10/2018 09:43

Omg i didnt mean you were a boliday snob. Sorry if it sou ded like I did.