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...]
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...]
Bali for Kids: Mara River Safari Lodge
A lot of people associate Bali with the 4 'B's - Beach, Booze, Babes and sadly, Bombing. But a Safari in Bali is almost unheard of. During the June school vacations, we did exactly that. We spent a relaxing week in Bali using a 7-days 'Bali for Kids' itinerary which I had specially customised after hours of research. As a travel-addict, the first step of my trip planning is always to source for good quality, clean and cosy accommodation. After that, I would start to plan … [Read more...]
Prepping kids for Bali
In preparation for our family's vacation next week, we visited the National Library two nights ago and hauled up these books; both for our trip planning as well as to use as discussion points to pique Dana's interest in the mystical Isle of gods.1. Kids go! BaliWritten by Mio Debnam ; illustrated by Tania WillisCall Number: English 915.9804 DEB This series empowers kids to have a say in their vacation planning, to get them thinking about their destination, and to enable them to … [Read more...]