Travelers
Katrina and Carter Brandon, and their daughters Tyler (18), Allegra (12) and son Amory (17).
The Plan
Katrina organized most of the family’s trip to Bali. They flew Singapore Air to their destination. Instead of doing the typical beach holiday, the Brandons wanted to get out and explore Bali’s cultural sites and connect with the locals. With restless feet, they moved around the island, staying at the Sarinbuana Eco-Lodge in Ubud and then traveling up to the Bali Barat National Park where they stayed at the Menjangan Jungle & Beach Resort. While in the park, they made the most of the snorkeling and marine attractions.
The Best Part
The family agrees that the best part of their trip was experiencing the beauty of Bali’s undeveloped side, free from tourists and crowds. Sarinbuana Eco-Lodge was a highlight – the family wished they could have stayed longer. The lodge was made up of beautiful villas overlooking the forest and offered lots of activities including massages, hiking, motor biking, and a traditional cooking class. The Brandons loved the food there, calling it the best they ate in Bali.
Don’t Be a Tourist
The family was shocked to see that many of the tourists disregarded the proper dress codes when visiting temples. They encourage future visitors to be more sensitive.
Most Unexpected Part
The Brandons were lucky enough to see a Bali Starling, one of the world’s most endangered birds.
Family-Friendly Features
All of Bali is kid-friendly and easy to get around. English is spoken in most places, but if that fails, people can do very well playing tourist charades.
Travel Tips
When planning the family trip, Katrina consulted The Natural Guide website (www.naturalguide.org/ng_about.asp?cat=1000255), which she considered the best guide to Bali she’s ever found. It helped her plan a budget-conscious, kid-friendly trip.
