Bali - yes or no?

[5050]

We are looking very much forward to our next family vacation - it's been a long year.

However, our plans were to go to Bali.

Both of us still want to go - not to stick it to the terrorists (no one would ever win that one) but because we just really enjoy the place.  

Trouble is we have two small children - its one thing to make the decision for us, but with all that has happened in this region this year - each time we think of ourselves in that boat with our two little twinkling stars.  We are both street smart people and I can already think of some ways to avoid being an easy target over there - but the decision weighs heavily with two kids involved.

I would be interested to hear how other mums and dads are approaching this as Im sure we were not the only ones planning a christmas vacation in bali.

Thanks in advance.

[we wont go]

Having been to Bali just after the last bombings, and being in London on 7th July I am very uncomfortable about going back to Bali (and London for that matter) if I can help it.

I know it is not the correct thing to say but I would not enjoy the holiday, so for me it makes sense to take the family elsewhere for now.

[Friend]

I have been travelling to Bali regularly for the last 20 years.  I love the place, it's in my blood and in my soul.  Everytime I mentally need to escape I picuture myself in Bali.  It just breaks my heart what has happened there - and what will happen to the local population when the tourists stay away.

However I have two children.  Read today's Age newpaper about the family from WA who lost their 16 year old son, and have badly injured Father and daughter as well.  I just can't imagine the horror of that.

I know that I can't control what happens to my children for the rest of their lives, but I can do everything in my power to keep them out of harm's way.  There are plenty of places to holiday in this region - but I only have two kids.

We all know that there are active and determined terrorists operating in Bali at the moment.  Why would you even take the risk.  Whatever the security precautions they are taking now in Bali - it's not the same level of security as taking your holiday somewhere where the terrorists aren't operating.

We won't be going back.  My kids are too precious and I could not live with myself if it was my decision that put them in danger.

[Old Mike]

Look where the bombs were, both times.
Places where caucasians go to get drunk.
These are the least lovely parts of Bali. Go to a resort away from the crowd, or to an inland town like Ubud and you will be safe.
Or as safe as you are anywhere.

[to old mike]

Sorry - there Old Mike I have been going to Bali for many years  - we always go to Jimbaran for great seafood - we always take the kids so they can play in the sand - we never get drunk or stay late - we wouldn't have had to stay late that night as it ocurred at 8pm - normally when we are just leaving.  My friends were in Kuta Square when the bomb hit this time with their kids doing a bit of shopping they had come in from a lovely villa in Seminyak - who is to say it won't hit there next time - god forbid.  I have two kids and we too are supposed to be going to Bali at half term and I just can't go - I am so sad I love Bali - but as it is a holiday destination and not somewhere I have to go, I am going to go somewhere else in this lovely region that doesn't have an imminent threat of a bomb hanging over it.

[no.]

I'd say no. There are too many other choices in the region that aren't under such a big threat. While I feel bad for the locals there who need the tourist trade, it simply isn't worth the risk.  

[also no]

Agreed, it's not worth the risk.  If it happened, how would you feel?  If it happened in a place where it had never happened before, well, i could live with myself, but if i went to a place knowing it's history... and it happened.... nuh-uh.... not worth the risk!  Sentosa perhaps?

[Guido]

For me, Jimbaran is one of the best parts of Bali and definately not somewhere where expats go to get drunk! Some of the most beautiful hotels on the island lie on the beachside at Jimbaran too.Eating on the beach as the sun goes down is one of the most serene experiences you could have there....previously.

There are specific warnings against going to Seminyak and intelligence suggests it's not over yet. If the security in Kuta is stepped up yet again, whats to say it couldn't happen in Ubud or Sanur? Unfortunate for the Balinese but I think you really do have to stay away. As a previous poster suggests, there are many other great places to go in this region where you wont be worried about the safety of you and your family.

[Rosie]

We were booked to go to Seminyak this weekend - also with 2 young children.  After much discussion and soul searching we've decided to cancel Bali and go elsewhere for our holiday.  We felt we could never forgive ourselves if we went there and something happened to harm our children.  Of course, a bomb could go off anywhere, but it seems they have these guys operating in Bali, so I guess the risks are higher there.

It feels like we're giving in to the terrorists, which is exactly how they want us to feel, but we want to have a relaxing holiday, without worrying about a bomb going off every time we sit down for a meal.