3 families travelled together for 3ish weeks to Bali, each has two kids around the same ages. Stayed in a private group villa for the first half in Seminyak and then in a hotel/resort down in Nusa Dua for the second half. It was an absolute blast and we've all been life long friends, our kids are too. One of my favourite trips ever from the beach locales and super friendly people to the lush rainforests and amazingly diverse wildlife. Shopping is fun to get in and barter around, don't pay over 30% of anything asked, nor expect high quality goods but for niknaks to take home and art/craftsmanship to surround yourself in it's a wonderful adventure for any age really. If you have the stomach for it the street food can be downright exceptional, although in the same breath it can be literally holiday ruining to make you sick.
We don't perpetuate any of the ugly animal trade when we travel e.g. ride a Balinese elephant on the side of the road but we spent half a day bathing rescued elephants and generally one day travelling to what/where we could and one day relaxing, alternating through the whole trip. There is so much on offer in Bali with feeding wild monkeys, water parks, resorts, beaches, shopping/bartering, eating and exotic country side to explore. We visited statues, places of worship, jet skis/parasailing, class on wood carving, massages, a DJ/pool club hanging off the side of cliff with incredible views and atmosphere. It's just a matter of getting out and about, you could easily fill a number of repeat trips to Bali and do quite different experiences. Further up the country you can really delve into the serene environment, treks, nature etc. Further down you can go more commercial e.g. lots of people, stalls/shops, street atmosphere or over to Nusa Dua with a closed off series of resorts environment that extremely well developed and manicured.
We found a brilliant local artist and we brought back his amazing painting with texturing designed into the elephant/canvas itself. I haven't seen anything like it really and elephants are my wife's favourite animal so it has a welcome place in our home right at the door entrance. We were really happy to support local business and art talent too. Generally the old school skills and display are sadly undercharged for what they produce in terms of material and craftsmanship talent. Stone and wood carvings are breathtaking and exported all over the world.
Covid has really done a number on Bali as it's hugely reliant on tourism for their economy e.g. Europeans for one season, Aussies for another season etc. They lost something like 85% of their turnover due to the international lockdowns.
Also we ran into a wild Jay and Silent bob near our villa, just had to take a photo.
Great expeience. The "Three Whale Rock" is one hell of a place without any securities.
