We’ve chosen our destination for August: Bali! We decided we wanted to take advantage of the long travel time for a long-haul flight (I’m not sure when the next time I’ll be willing to travel 24+ hours to only stay a week or so will be, so as we have the entire month of August free this might be a rare chance to travel somewhere distant), we wanted to go somewhere favorable for the dollar, and somewhere warm. We looked in the direction of S.E. Asia and found that the best weather to be had there in the month of August is in Bali (the only downside then being that it’s peak-time for travelers). We’ll be there almost 4 weeks, but I’ve been reading lots of two-week itineraries because I find that–with baby Hudson–we can do about 25-50% of what we might have otherwise done in a day. Fortunately, Bali is a small island, so we should be able to see and do a lot. And the end of our trip will overlap with the major festival of Galungan.
It is a LONG trip, but we used miles to purchase three tickets even though Hudson qualifies to be a lap infant. I’m so glad to know that he’ll have his own seat to wiggle around in.
We’re so excited! A little daunted by planning, but really excited. We hope those of you who have been will weigh in with suggestions, favorite (and not-so-favorite) stops, etc.
[Images: Rice Fields, Tanah Lot, Galungan, Tanah Lot, Gili Amben Beach, & our new book collection]
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow I’m so thrilled that you’re gonna come to my country! I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time and loving it. Anyways, Bali is a wonderful place, I was married in Bali and lived there for a year and go there every year for vacation. I could recommend you the best places to go in Bali and also Lombok. Where to stay / eat / local attractions. Would be happy to share, just drop me an e-mail (: amara.blogs(at)gmail.com
One of my fave places in the whole wide world! It’s a long flight but once you get there, you’ll forget all about it. We stayed in Seminyak and Ubud. Loved them both for different reasons. And the food, and the beautiful offerings that are left everywhere. Hop over to the black lava beaches of Lombok if you have a chance.
Dang! That’s a TRIP!! Congrats on picking your destination – your explanation of choosing it seems completely logical and something I might have overlooked, so thanks for that tip. Unfortunately, I’m not sure when my life circumstances will allow me to do something like this (being a small business owner and running a farm has a lot of upsides, but also requires sacrifices – like extended vacations), but I’ll file it away to remember someday. Looking forward to reading about your plans!
This pictures literally took my breath away. This is amazing and I can’t wait to see it all via you!
wow! 4 weeks -that will be amazing! it is so on my list of places to visit-sure you will have an amazing time!
This is so sweet. I have yet to fully explore SE Asia despite living in HK. I cannot wait to hear more about it.
That’s super exciting! Bali is a great choice! My husband finishes grad school in April, so we are planning our last long trip as well. p.s. Thanks for writing about Goat Town, I went for dinner when I was in the city, an amazing meal and great atmosphere.
No way! My friends who went there told me the best part was the food. Cheap street noodles and deliciousness all around. Oh, you guys are going to have so much fun!
I’m not ashamed to say that I am totally jealous of you guys right now.
Slapping my forehead that I forgot to recommend Bali! I spent a couple of weeks there whilst in Indonesia and can imagine it would be perfect for you guys and Hudson. Hopefully you’ve got the LP for Bali already which is always where I start! I’d avoid Kuta – it’s heavy on nightlife and 18 year olds, very hectic (though super cheap and fun and beaches/quiet are only a moped-ride away). I’ve heard wonderful things about hippied-out Ubud though I think it’s become a lot more popular in recent years.
Get ready for…random temple processions on the daily full of colour and dancing; banana pancakes on the daily; white sand; nasi goreng; friendliness; Buddhism; massages; fruit smoothies…. you’re going to love it!
I have the contact information for a great driver/guide. He is a really nice guy and super informative so if you want it send me an email!
Great choice! I’d go back to Bali in a heartbeat. I especially loved Ubud.
AWESOME. You three are going to have such an amazing time. I’ve never been to Bali, but I’m sure that seeing your trip photos after you get back will make me want to add it to the list.
http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/destinations/what-to-do-in-bali-641181?hpt=hp_bn7
Congratulations!
So exciting! My husband and I are taking a 4 week trip next May (2013) and haven’t decided all of our locations, but we’ve been talking about Bali (and Nepal and Bhutan and Mongolia) So glad you’ll forge ahead for us. I already can’t wait for the travelogue. Happy Planning!
Love Bali!! It is a perfect spot for a young family!! I would avoid Kuta and Sunur…or only stay one or two nights if you need a spot by the airport. Ubud is amazing! Even the Eat, Pray,Love hoopla couldn’t ruin it. We stayed at the Furama Villas just outside of Ubud and it was amazing! We were there during the off season and had a good rate..I’m not sure about during the high season. But there are plenty of little villa resorts with transport to town. You have your own little house with yard and pool…have I said it was AMAZING!?
Tip: If you go int he Scared Monkey Forest…don’t bring any bags or backpacks and especially any plastic bags…those suckers will go after anything they think is food. There are some cool trees and sights in it and is worth a quick walk through. But I would check my bags next time especially with a little guy along.
Amed is a string of 4 or 5 little villages on a hill top overlooking black sand beaches. It is very laid back and relaxing. It does require a car or driver depending on which village you stay in…but the whole areas has little cafes and restaurants on the beach that offer snorkeling and shady areas right there. Most days we made a day of it at a new beach/restaurant. You guys could take turns snorkeling and exploring while the other holds down the fort with the baby. (We made due without a car but were stranded for dinner options on a few nights…we also had to rent mopeds to go to an ATM in the main town one day. No ATMs in Amed.)
If you wanted to explore beyond Bali a little…the Gili Gili Islands are a great option. We took a speed boat from the beach in Amed. It is about an hour ride to the three islands. We stayed on Gili Air (absolutely beautiful deserted island feel with a few hotels and restaurants scattered about) and found it to be a perfect compromise between un-developed Gili Meno and the party island of Gili Trawangan.
I am very excited for your big family trip!! Can’t wait to read about where you end up!
What an awesome choice! So awesome, that I’m going to find a way to stuff myself into your suitcase!
and I’m not the least bit jealous. nope.
what a amazing trip to look forward to.
You will love it! For me, despite the many tourist and many touristy things, Bali remains one of the most beautiful places on this planet! I have been there three times, last time in November before I moved to Australia. I stayed one week in Ubud – I know, it is sooo Eat Pray Love, but Ubud (if you venture of the main tourist roads) is an amazing place. Loved to wander in the ricefields in the early morning or sit on my terrace in the evening listing to crickets and the Balinese music!!!
As you have the time, travel to places that are not run over by tourist, I heard the North is still less crowded! Anyway, I am jealous and pretty sure that you will have a wonderful time! Already looking forward to your travelogue
Amaaaaaaazing! And that’s brilliant that you bought 3 seats.
that will be AMAZING! i’ve always wanted to go to bali – it seems like such a beautiful, colourful place (and the jewellers are second to none, ahem).
can’t wait to read all about your visit + live vicariously through you!
What an adventure, I want to be a parent who travels with their children, so I admire you taking your children with you on your travels. Please do share with us the good, the bad, and the amazing!
what an amazing time you are going to have. those photos are absolutely breathtaking! good luck with all the planning (:
sarah
Ashley, Aaron, and Hudson! I’m so excited for all of you! Bali will be such an amazing and exotic trip. When I read this post I got so excited for you guys that I HAD to leave a comment. As a recent NY transplant from CA, I appreciate always reading your blog and reading about the different nooks of NY you both post, and who can forget your travel adventures. I’ll be traveling to Peru for 6 weeks this summer! Hope y’all have a wonderful trip to Bali and I can’t wait to see your travelogue (even if your trip is 6 months from now, haha).
jealous!! Bali has been on my list forever!
We went there for our honeymoon. LOVED it. The people are the sweetest ever. We loved Ubud the best, and I know you guys will too. We stayed at Maya Ubud (which was gorgeous…whenever I’m feeling stressed, I close my eyes and pretend I’m there). We hired a driver to take us to the nearby volcano and had lunch and just walked for hours in the town. You are surrounded by the most colorful artwork and crafts in a beautiful hilltop mountain setting. Amazing.
Definitely see as much of the island as you can, Ubud is beautiful with amazing food, find the Cafe des Artistes for Belgian steaks! And definitely go see the beaches!
Four weeks in Bali?? Take me with you, please!
Are you still going to blog while there? I’d love to hear your traveling tips for Bali!
Two words: pisang goreng. Fried bananas at the night market. Ten years later and I *still* fantasize about them. Selamat jalan!
Bali is great! The people there are the most hospitable people I’ve ever come across, scenery is gorgeous and 4 weeks will be amply sufficient to see and do everything you want. If romantic oceanside dinners, your feet in the sand, cultural expeditions and rice paddies galore are your thing, you’ll love it.
Oh that’s cool you’ve picked Asia to travel to! I’ve heard that Bali is a bit overrated and some people come back a little disappointed. Maybe it’s because of all the tourism that has spread over the island so much. Anyway, you can always get some additional flights with low coast airlines such as Air Asia and visit other surrounded countries, sometimes for as little as 20$ return ticket.
I’m going to the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore in 3 weeks, can’t wait!:)
that is so so so exciting! can’t wait to hear all about it.
http://mrmrsglobetrot.blogspot.com/
Have you ever checked out their website? They recently did a post about their trip on Bali….you could probably get some advice from them!
I have spent 6 weeks in Indonesia 2 years ago. I would recommend going to the Gili Island off the cost of Bali (AMAZING)!!!!!