Where to stay in Bali with two young children?

ChadL

This forum looks like its overflowing with good advice, so I'm going to try my luck! I'm looking to spend all of July (and perhaps June) in Bali with my wife and two sons, ages 5 and 1.5. Our parents are likely to visit for a couple of weeks as well. We are hoping to find something with 3 or 4 bedrooms at around 9,000,000 IRD (roughly US$1000) per month. We also need a reliable internet connection (for work) and easy access to a beautiful beach (less distance to tote the children). We don't really have a preference as to whether its a hotel, private house, or something in between. I'd like to have a kitchen, if possible, so that we can try our hand at learning to cook the local cuisine (my 5-year old is an aspiring chef). We are not aiming for over-the-top luxery, but with kids and grandparents, we are aiming for comfort. My questions: 1. Should we just book a hotel for the first few nights and then find something once we arrive? Or will all the rentals be full in June-July? 2. Is this price reasonable? We can spend a little more, but this might require shortening the trip. 3. What areas would you recommend for staying with kids? Awesome beaches are priority number one. 4. Any other advice. Many thanks in advance!

SamD

ChadL wrote Awesome beaches are priority number one. Many thanks in advance!

I don't know for sure, but "awesome" beaches don't exist on Bali mainland in my experience. If you want a good beach, go to Australia. I have not found a beach I would like to swim in Bali. Uluwatu is amazing, but it is for the surfers, not kiddies. If I am wrong, please let me know. I would like to find a good swimming beach in Bali.

Vin

NUSA DUA is a nice beach...

belleh

I have travelled many a time with the kids and these are my personal preferences, however it is VERY different for everyone. [B]1. Should we just book a hotel for the first few nights and then find something once we arrive? Or will all the rentals be full in June-July?[/B] I prefer to book ahead before arrival.Nothing worse than wasting a few days holidays trying to find accommodation especially with children so young. [B]2. Is this price reasonable? We can spend a little more, but this might require shortening the trip.[/B] Hard to answer....it absolutely depends on your standard of living expectations. [B]3. What areas would you recommend for staying with kids? Awesome beaches are priority number one. [/B] I think many of the beaches are lovely, but not very safe, as the others have stated. I usually just take my children to the beach for a short play and NEVER to swim. We usually stay in kerobokan or Petitenget [B]4. Any other advice.[/B] Kick back and enjoy :)