Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of all its activities; Klub Kokos , also near Ubud, has a kids' playroom and special family
unit. On Lombok several hotels in Senggigi have kids' play areas and pools and a few res-
taurants advertise special children's menus; hotels on Gili Trawangan are also increasingly
family friendly. A growing number of losmen , particularly in Kuta and Ubud, have a family
bungalow available for rent, usually with at least two bedrooms and sometimes a kitchenette
as well. Others offer adjoining rooms. Villas are the obvious top-notch alternative.
On the whole, children who occupy their own seat on buses and bemos are expected to pay
full fare. Most domestic flight operators charge two-thirds of the adult fare for children un-
der 14, and ten percent for infants.
Although you can buy disposable nappies (diapers) in the supermarkets of Kuta, Sanur,
Denpasar and Ubud, the Balinese don't use them, so prices are inflated. Bring a changing
mat , as there are precious few public toilets in Bali and Lombok, let alone ones with special
baby facilities (though posh hotels are always a useful option). For touring, child-carrier
backpacks are ideal. Opinions are divided on whether or not it's worth bringing a buggy or
three-wheeled stroller - pavements are bumpy at best, and there's an almost total absence of
ramps; sand is especially difficult for buggies, though less so for three-wheelers. Buggies and
strollers do, however, come in handy for feeding and even bedding small children, as high-
chairs and cots are only provided in the most upmarket hotels. Taxis and car-rental companies
never provide baby seats. A child-sized mosquito net might be useful. Powdered milk is
available in every major tourist centre, but sterilizing bottles is a far more laborious process
in Indonesian hotels and restaurants than it is back home.
Food on Bali and Lombok is generally quite palatable to children - not much spice (with
the notable exception of Sasak cuisine) and hardly any unfamiliar textures - but, as always,
avoid unwashed fruit and salads, and dishes that have been left uncovered. Some restaurants
offer special kids' menus.
The other main hazards are thundering traffic, huge waves and strong currents, and the sun
- not least because the islands' main beaches offer almost no shade at all. Sun hats, sun-
block and waterproof suntan lotions are essential, and can be bought in the major resorts.
You should also make sure, if possible, that your child is aware of the dangers of rabies ; keep
children away from animals, especially dogs and monkeys, and ask your doctor about rabies
jabs.
Information and advice
The Bali for Families website ( baliforfamilies.com ) is run by parents who have lots of
first-hand experience of travelling in Bali; as well as child-friendly recommendations, there's
also a travellers' forum.
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