Bali’s big bounty of fun during school holidays

With the school holiday season approaching, many families are deciding upon schedules for their vacation. One of the top choices to unwind and spend quality time together with their children is Bali, the nation’s favorite holiday destination.

The Island of the Gods has more than meets the eye of sunbathing and shopping; there are also beautiful natural sites, water sport activities and its rich culture to be explored by the whole family. Nature lovers can trek the forest, ride bicycles to the mountains or enjoy an elephant ride safari.

A special attraction is watching dolphins frolic off Lovina Beach, or spotting Mola Mola sunfish roaming the coastline of Nusa Penida Island. The fish are most common near the island between July and November, but they also can be observed during other times of the year. Of course, there are many of its world-famous beautiful beaches within reach and water sports wait to be enjoyed. Head to Tanjung Benoa, which has scuba diving and banana boat rides among its many other activities.

Classes on surfing or diving are usually available at many hotels, and they provide a good opportunity for children to learn about the sports. For thrill seekers, the island has several places for rafting and kayaking, such as Bakas Levi rafting, Ayung and Waja.

A must-see is Uluwatu temple, which is located on Bali’s southern tip. Since the temple is built atop a high cliff, it is also a perfect spot to observe the sunset. Children can also learn about Balinese culture as there are many classes for tourists that offer sessions on the island’s particular form of gamelan, its dances, canang (offerings) and baking cakes.

For those going to the island to find peace and relaxation, Bali has many spas that have perfected the art of body treatment, especially with its local spa style boreh and its scrub made from various spices. The warm scrub and soft massage are guaranteed to rejuvenate.

For The Jakarta Post readers, the Elysian resort in a secluded and soul-satisfying corner of Seminyak is providing a 30 percent discount for spa treatment, consisting of full body massage and seaweed body wrap.

During the holiday season, Bali offers many enticing options for accommodation, with each hotel unveiling tour packages and holiday offers. One of the hotels with a special school holiday package is HARRIS Hotel & Residences Sunset Road Bali, with the offer valid between June 15 and June 30, 2012.

The School Holidays Package rates start from Rp 2,499,000 net for a HARRIS Room for two occupants and Rp 3,500,000 for a HARRIS Residences Two Bedrooms for four occupants. The package includes three nights stay in the hotel’s selection room, with a chance for a free upgrade to HARRIS Residences one bedroom (based on availability), breakfast for two or four persons, free welcome drink upon arrival, complimentary fruit platter upon check in, free late check out until 3 p.m. and free shuttle service to the Kuta area (based on schedule). – JP