16 Countries from Canada to Cambodia, Japan to USA, Scandinavia to Indonesia, Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand, (and God-willing many more 'lands'!). Cities include: Bali, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Osaka, Penang, Queensland, , Reykjavik, Siem Reap, Tokyo. Activities include: Ski lessons in Hokkaido, Self-Drive Iceland, Self-Drive Hokkaido, Farm stays in Taiwan, Northern-lights and Santa Claus Park in Finland. Theme Parks include: Disneyland (Anaheim); Tokyo … [Read more...]
DIY Batam ‘SPA-cation’ with Kids – A Review & Giveaway
3D2N with Spa Central Batam and Harris Resort Belarang Yes, we did it! We visited Batam as a family for the first time and came home rejuvenated. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and the kids, especially our 5 year old Buddy kept asking when we can return. This trip debunked the misconception that Batam is not a family-friendly destination. In fact, I think it makes the IDEAL destination for those long- weekend getaways! Here’s sharing our itinerary and as usual, some tips to … [Read more...]
Club Med Bintan: Possibly the best family resort
Angie and I are busy working parents with 2 young kids. Holidays are especially precious to us because our time together is limited. With kids growing up so fast and we growing old even faster (!!), family holidays are moments that we truly look forward and treasure. Yet when we go on a vacations, we occasionally face the the dilemma of balancing couple time versus time with kids and time as a family. When it comes to a short getaway that meets all our needs, none can … [Read more...]
Club Med Bali – Never a Dull Moment
In all our travels, we have never had a vacation that kept us talking months after we've returned. In 2012, when we had our first Club Med experience, the sight of the Resort’s Chief of Village, Mr. Michael Clarke and his team waving us farewell as the facade of Club Med Bintan faded into the Bintan Island shrubbery is something I will always remember. So, when we were invited to experience Club Med again last month, this time on an island we love and know so well (Bali), we instantly put … [Read more...]
A letter to the GOs of Club Med Bali Kids’ Club
(‘GO’ stands for ‘Gentil Organisateur’. They are the ambassadors of Club Med. Led by the Resort Village Chief (‘Chief de Village’), they are the international staff who would personally attend to the needs of the Guests, run activities while still being able to jive, act, play sports and do amazing acrobatic skills each and every day. They are the essence and pillars of Club Med. Dear GOs, My apologies. This letter is long overdue. 2 years to be exact since our very first Club Med … [Read more...]
Bali for Kids: The Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran Hotel
We stayed at this brand new Le Meridien hotel on final two nights for a change from the Seminyak Villa as we wanted to be closer to the airport. We were blown away by the hotel. Lush landscaping, beautiful finishes, warm service, impeccable luxury with a wonderful kids club - totally our kind of hotel for a fantastic family holiday. The gorgeous Le Meridien Jimbaran Resort Beautiful architecture...As we stepped into the alfresco lobby, we were welcomed the extremely tasteful and … [Read more...]
Bali for Kids: Bali Treetop Adventure Park
A surprise stop for Dana at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park!The Bali Treetop Adventure Park is Dana's most favourite activity in Bali. Set in the lush and tranquil Balinese Botanical Garden (in Central Bali, Bedugul), the adventure park offers 7 different adventure circuits from one tree to another with height range between 2-20 meters.The Bali Treetop Adventure Park impressed us with a total of 72 challenges for all level and ages. What we liked was there was a patrol guide assigned … [Read more...]
Live like a Local with Roomorama
When one think of accommodation in Bali, sprawling Balinese villas with lush frangipani trees would come to mind. We decided very early in our trip planning that we would like to include a night or two's stay in a Balinese villa in our Free & Easy 'Bali for Kids' itinerary so that we can chill and explore Seminyak at leisure. When Roomorama, whose motto is: “Quality accommodation for the discerning traveler” offered us a chance to do a media review, the timing was simply … [Read more...]
Bali for Kids: Dolphins at Laid-back Lovina
The second leg of our Bali tour turned out to be our favorite. In our past Bali trips, we had never thought of visiting Lovina for the fact that it's located at the north-western tip of the island, and takes about 3 hours car ride from Kuta or Bali Airport. Lovina is a charming laid-back little town, made popular by its wild dolphins sightings. It is one of the rare gems left in Bali, far quieter and more tranquil than the maddening crowds thronging the popular tourists … [Read more...]
Bali for Kids: The Bali Safari and Marine Park
The Bali Safari and Marine Park, (approximately 45mins from Bali International Airport) is the leading wildlife park in Indonesia. It is like a mini Africa in Bali, home to over 400 amazing animals representing more than 60 species, including some of rare and endangered species from India, Indonesia and Africa. We booked a two nights stay at the Mara River Safari Lodge (located within the Safari Park) so we can explore the park at our own leisurely pace.Safari Park Entrance Sign - … [Read more...]