Reindl Vacation - part three (activities)

So our family stayed in Bali a total of ten days. We tried to change it up each day so as not to get too exhausted or overwhelmed by doing an activity one day and then resting the next. Our resting days often included lunch at our hotel restaurant, swimming in the hotel pool and just wandering locally doing some shopping. With three kids it's too hard to do something every day and to hard to do nothing every day too! 

Some of the things we did, we ended up spending a couple of hundred dollars in the day and some things were completely free and then there were things in between so something for every budget! Our favourite thing by far, and was agreed on by all five of us was the turtle release on Kuta beach! 

The Bali sea turtle society is a group that runs from Kuta beach, rescuing turtle eggs from the sand, re-burying them in a sectioned off sand pit (shaped like a giant turtle) where the eggs then hatch and are released by the ocean in the hopes that more turtles will make it back to the beaches in 25 years to lay their own eggs. The bsts releases information daily on their Facebook to inform people of if they will be releasing turtles that day. The day we went they had 100 Babies to be set free. We lined up at 4pm and got a ticket for the two older girls and made a donation towards the conservation efforts. Then around 4.30 there was a speech about what their work is all about and how the turtle release will happen. 

We got our turtle and took him to the beach, when instructed we gently tipped the turtle onto the sand and watched them all scuttle off to the waters edge, swimming away and bobbing up for air in the distance. It was the most amazing experience and was free! Although with the amazing work the BSTS do I'm sure you too will be compelled to give to this worthy cause. We all loved the experience!

Another animal attraction in Bali is the Bali safari and marine park. It's best to plan an entire day here as there is so much to see and do and you will definitely want to get the most out of your money. We went with one of the most basic packages upon entry as it still covered loads of activities inside and having been several times before, the reindl man and I know that upgrading a package by $30pp just to include lunch just isn't worth it in the long run. 

The Bali safari and marine park is popular among tourists as there are so many things to see and do for a family that it is able to appeal to everyone's interest. From the safari journey that takes you within metres of elephants, lions, zebras, antelope, tigers and hippos to the safari park petting zoo where you can touch tortoises, iguanas, guinea pigs and parrots, thee is just such a vast array of animals to see. What a lot of people who go to the zoo don't know is that there is theme park rides and a waterpark (with splash zone and waterslides) within the park for families to enjoy. We can't help but take advantage of all the amenities within the park, it's simply amazing!

One of my top picks for attractions in Bali (and probably 90% of tourists will head there) is waterbom park. There's a lazy river for you to float along, an awesome kids pool with so much going on, plenty of waterslides for the big kids and nail, hair and massage stations within the place for the mummies to have some time out. Within the park there are many photographers who can take snaps for you and will load the pictures on a barcoded wristband. As you're getting ready to leave the park there is a kiosk when you can view the photos and order prints, magnets, mugs, keychains or the download link for your photos. 

Another relatively cheap day out is to head to the beach. There are multiple vendors that will offer you drinks but before you argee make sure to negotiate that you may use their seating free of use. Otherwise when you go to pay for your drinks they can charge you for the use of their chairs. While we were there we took advantage of being able to support local families by negotiating prices to get 3x manicures, 3x pedicures, 2x hair braiding, 2x massages and a few pieces of jewellery which was more expensive than going to a salon but the kids were free to roam, the reindl man could stand by having a few drinks and all the money goes to the locals rather than a business. 

While we were at the beach Lexi asked to learn to surf and so we asked the vendor how much for surf lessons. He charged $20 and took her out for well over an hour and included rashie and board hire. She had an absolute blast and was just instantly so good I tried to convince myself that I should get some surf lessons cos surely I'd be just as good!

There is just so much to do in Bali you could literally do something different everyday for a fortnight and there would still be more things for you to do next time you go! Or just sit back and relax by the hotel pool. 

Reindl vacation - part one (flights)

So the last time we went on vacation was way back in 2015... so over 2 years ago. Well we finally managed to get away again, unsurprisingly to Bali again (favourite among many Australians) but this time was a fraction more stressful as even though this time Ivy was three and a half instead of under one, she still likes to whinge, whine and throw a good tantrum or two whenever things aren't quite going her way which, paired with an equally temperamental 18 month old made mummy drink more than usual.

This time we figured we'd splash out and buy business class flights to increase enjoyment and relaxation. It cost us roughly $2500 for return business class flights to Bali from Perth for 2x adults, 2x children and 1x infant with malindo (batik) air which was $1500 cheaper than most business class flights as the company gave only recently started doing this flight pattern and are trying to get bums in seats. 

The food on the flight was delicious. On both flights we were served a packet of nuts each and a fruity juice before take off. On the flight to Bali (08:30-12:10) we were served a delicious breakfast of omelette, sausage, tomatoes and hash browns along with water and a small bowl of fruit and were offered tea, coffee or Pepsi as an accompaniment. 

The flight home to Perth (12:55-16:30) we were given an option of marinated chicken, rice and Bok-choy or a saucey pasta with chicken and mushrooms. Each was served with a pot of watermelon, rockmelon and honeydew melon, a mouthwatering chocolate cake and a glass of water to wash it down with. Again we were offered tea, coffee or Pepsi to go with our meal. 

The space we had on the flight was amazing, business class (both ways) was only half full so we didn't have to worry too much about the kids stressing anyone out, and the individual TV sets with preloaded Tv shows and movies were a real lifesaver. Each seat had plenty of adjustment options to ensure each persons comfort and a table that folded out of the arm rest.

On the way to Bali we had been pre-warned but fellow Bali bogans (Facebook group) to bring our own headphones/earphones so we did some. I had plenty in our cable cabinet from each time we purchase a new phone, so I used those for myself, the reindl man and Lexi. With miss Ivy's ears being quite small I felt it was best to invest in some over ear headphones which luckily Kmart had on clearance for $7 when we went to the shop to get our last minute supplies. 

When we left Perth it was cold, rainy and very early in the morning so we were all warmly dressed so didn't have any temperature discomfort until we got out of the airport and into the heat and humidity in Bali. On the flight home we were all dressed for the warmer weather (singlets, shorts/dresses) and we all froze on the plane (even with the heaters on the plane and the blanket given to us). Myself and Lexi had jackets we wore but unfortunately for the reindl man Bonnie had fallen asleep in his footwell cuddled up in his jacket haha

Enjoy progressing through the holiday with us!

Holiday Highlights

Well i'm back and feeling super refreshed from our family vacation. The Reindl man on the other hand has decided he needs a holiday from his holiday, but a first time international holiday with two kids will do that to a working man. So now that he is back at work and the girls and i are settling back into our routine i thought i'd share some highlights from our trip and a few things we learned along the way.

Accommodation:
Vilarisi Hotel Legian
If you're the type that like staying in 5 star trendy hotels, this place is not for you. For our family we enjoy value for money and the feel that you are not in your home town. The family rooms were great size and were serviced everyday of our 9 day stay. The pool had a fantastic set up where there was a small kiddie pool cornered off the main pool plus another area of the pool had a large ledge so miss lexi (6 and not a confident swimmer) was able to play freely. We didn't try the restaurant as we preferred to venture out at meal time but it seemed nice and clean and you can have your food in your room or by the pool if you wish. Check out time is 12pm which i thought was great instead of having to get up early to pack up and check out.

Things we learned:
Its not like i didn't know it already but perth airport is shocking. In the whole departure lounge of the international terminal there is one measly bar and an eagle boys that charge $9 for a pizza the size of my hand. There is maybe ten tables with chairs to sit at while you await your flight, and about 900 people all waiting to board their flights. not an easy situation to deal with at dinner time with two kids. Perth airport also dont gate check prams, denpasar does, but not perth... is that saying something or what?
Very few restaurants in bali have highchairs so if possible take a travel highchair similar to the one i did and just tie it to the pram when you're going out walking, it was a real lifesaver for us. As soon as we got to bali i cursed bringing a stroller that didn't lay back. i wish i had of paid the extra $80 and brought the holiday stroller instead. Also for anyone traveling with a child who naps and one that doesnt, i suggest bringing some quiet activities for the non sleeping child to do at nap time. Coloring in books and school work sheets collected from the teacher saved us here.

Activities we recommend:

• bali safari and marine park

Spend a whole day here. Its about an hour drive from kuta and is alot better than the bali zoo. They have many opportunities for you to get up close with the animals and have your photos taken plus there is a water park and rides within the grounds too

• Waterbom park

opposite the discovery shopping centre in the heart of kuta this water park boasts exciting waterslides slicing through 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens. it is the number 1 waterpark in all of asia and number 5 in the world.

• Tabanan Trip

only a 20 minute drive from kuta, we began our trip at the gorgeous temples of tanah lot, went to the bali butterfly park and then headed to the Yeh Panas hot springs which was a lot easier than a six hour car ride with the kids to the volcanic hot springs

• turtle island

not this one isnt for everyone. if you read the reviews on trip advisor you'll see what i mean. I'm in between as the turtles aren't being harmed but i do feel that it would be nice to make the enclosures more natural as seeing the turtles in concrete pools can be depressing.

While in bali i found out that on her first trip to bali (she was only 17) one of the Reindl wives refused to come out of her hotel point blank because she hated being hassled by all the shop owners for her to come look in their stores and this made me realise some people just arent prepared for bali. So heed my warning, every shop owner WILL hassle you to look in their store, they will also try the same with your kids. I was glad that Lexi was quick to learn to smile, nodd and keep walking but we were also careful to have her follow me with the Reindl man bringing up the rear so she couldnt be stopped without one of us noticing.

My verdict? well we all enjoyed ourselves but i think it will be quite some time before we take the girls overseas again. next holiday will just be for mummy and daddy i think haha much more relaxing.

Holiday Preparations

So in a week's time the Reindl clan will be headed overseas for our first international family holiday. This in itself can be quite daunting but even more so when you're headed for a third world country. We're heading to bali which most would argue is not a third world country but when you think about all the factors within the country that can harm an infant- the uncleanliness, rarity of our most common necessities, diseases and how many foods (not to mention any water other bottled) can make adults, let alone children and infants, very sick. It's easy to see why a mumma might be a bit anxious to take this holiday. 

The other Reindl mummy's including nana Reindl have all taken their kids/ babies to bali and have assured me that providing we take the appropriate precautions it is completely safe. The following are the tips that other Reindl mummy's and my mums of Instagram have given me;

1. Must have items to take with you include a lightweight umbrella stroller, a plentiful supply of your baby's favored nappies, wipes, formula and baby food, any 'just in case' medications like panadol and a huge supply of liquid hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes.
2. DO NOT drink tap water, be careful not to get any up your nose, or in your eyes or nose when showering. Remember to use bottled water for EVERYTHING; washing your face, brushing your teeth and making baby's bottle of milk. I will say pool water is fine because of all the chemicals, all the nastiness is gotten rid of, also majority of establishments use filtered water ice cubes,so your drinks should be safe
3. stick to your hotels advised private driver or bluebird taxi's and ensure the taxi's meter gets used
4. cover yourself in insect repellent and used mosquito nets over the beds and cot's if available. 
5. Also remember just how close to the equator indonesia is, even when its 5pm, those harmful sun rays are still gonna get you. Keep in mind all your sunsmart knowledge. Hats, 30+ or 50+ spf suncream, sunglasses, shade and light cotton long sleves are going to be your best friend in the scorching sun
6. get a comprehensive travel insurance policy and remember to check whats covered. 
7. keep 200, 000 IDR per person set aside to pay your departure tax when vacation time is over or you'll be unable to leave the country. Nana Reindl gave me the hint that on your first day when you exchange your currency set aside your exit funds and hide them away with your important documents ready for when you make your way back to the airport.
8. take some form of probiotic in the lead up and while you're away. most people have heard of bali belly, and no one really enjoys it. having 5 seconds notice to get to a bathroom before you have an unfortunate accident leaking down your leg in definitely not my idea of a great time.
9. one of the perks of the kuta/legian area (where we will be staying) is that everything is within a reasonable walking distance so ensure you have comfortable walking shoes and a large water bottle.
10. Plane rides with kids. Need i say more? For kids 7+ i'd suggest pack a few snacks, a drink, some headphones and a tablet. kids 3-6yrs an extensive activity pack is my go to. we all know how quickly their attention shifts so for lexi i've packed books, games (sight word bingo, tic tac, toe, etc) puzzles, headphones and a tablet with movies pre-loaded onto it, snacks and water bottle. For infants 6 months to 2 years a tablet with a favourite movie or some episodes of a tv show they like, snacks and drinks, stickers, board books, and perhaps a quiet book like this one from "Always Sewin Somethin"

Being a virgo means i'm a list person so I've written three holiday checklists to getting ready for this trip; a packing list colour coded with carry on/ check in, a pet sitter care plan and a before we go checklist. I've pinned similar articles on my holiday/vacation board from ever in transit, family travel magazine, our little house in the country and house mix.

So my next step is to follow through with all the lists and be ready for our first overseas family vacation!!!