Nusa Dua might as well be the Las Vegas strip of of the Bali coast. It is filled with multi-million dollar luxury hotels, shopping, and fine dining. While many of these hotels tend to cater to a more private and more expensive crowd, there are also a number of hotels in the Nusa Dua area that are very family friendly. If you are on the look out for a hotel in the Nusa Dua area that won’t give you a dirty look because you brought your two year olds with you, the hotels on this list are a good place to start.

Not only are the hotels on this list family friendly, but many of them are also much more affordable than many of the of the other hotels in the area. With the exception of one hotel on this list, all of the others are just a stones throw away from the beach. These hotels not only tend to be a little more kid friendly, but the rooms are a bit larger and thus more family friendly as well.

The Westin Resort – Nusa Dua

The Westin Resort in Nusa Dua provides an exciting stay that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. They offer an array of spa and massage treatments and exercise opportunities at the state of the art gym on site. This resort oozes luxurious style and taste from the beautiful lobby, exotic floral arrangements, soft and enchanting music, and delicious, healthy cuisine which is served at six locations. The main focal point of this resort is the Indian Ocean, but there is an assortment of other activities for guests of all ages, including land and sea adventures, golf, and tennis.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa

Located only minutes away from the Bali International Airport, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa is noted for its amazing quality services and convienience. This particular hotel and spa offers a wide variety of special packages for its guests, including honeymoon, suite, and delux spa packages. Because it is a beach front property, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa also has a relaxing and calm vibe. Aside from general hotel and spa packages, this hotel also makes a great wedding venue or meeting place for conferences.

Novotel Benoa Bali

The Novotel Benoa Bali offers a fantastic deal for the rates. Situated above the warm sands of the Tanjung Benoa beach, this hotel offers a wide variety of activities for adults and children, a full themed buffet every day at more than one location, and numerous other eating and drinking options, including three cocktail bars on site. Each of the 180 rooms have a unique coconut wood design and all have either a private patio or garden area. There are also villas available, all of which include a private swimming pool. The Novotel Benoa Bali has a number of cultural programs available for guests to have a true Indonesian experience.

Melia Benoa

The Melia Benoa Resort in Bali is an all-inclusive resort nestled quietly into the warm beaches, only a few minutes from a traditional fishing and art market and golf course. This resort is perfect for families and couples and has many great “extra” features, such as a 24-hour on-call doctor, non-smoking rooms, a shopping arcade, baby sitting services, and a hair salon. The cuisine served at the Melia Benoa is nothing short of the best, serving a variety of world cuisines at various buffets located around the grounds all day. This resort has three styles of rooms available, all at different costs.

Aston Bali Resort and Spa

This resort and spa features 168 lovely rooms, each with a private patio overlooking the beautiful beach and 700 square meter swimming pool. There are also 19 private suites available for those interested in a more private area. The Aston Bali not only offers an unforgetable stay for its guests, but also serves as a fantastic meeting place for conventions and conferences. Also, enjoy one of many lavish spa treatments that are offered at the resort’s signature spa and dine in one of many high end or casual dining facilities.

Grand Mirage Resort

The Grand Mirage Resort is a beach front resort surrounded by well-manicured and gorgeous tropical gardens which provide both an enchanting and welcoming atmosphere for its guests. As far as amenities go, the Grand Mirage Resort has it all, from swimming pools for adults and children, tennis, water sports, a full spa, coffee shop, restuarants and cocktail bars, and even 24 hour room service and babysitting services for parents that want an evening to themselves while on vacation. This resort is made up of 310 spacious rooms and also has several conference rooms for meetings and events.

In the traditional sense of the word, there are not really any hostels in Bali. Instead, Bali has a huge selection of accommodations like guest houses, villas, and hotels that are so cheap there is no real demand for typical hostels. Since Kuta Beach is such a popular tourist destination, prices for everything will be a bit more expensive here. That said, there are a wealth of accommodations in the area that are pretty easy on you budget. The great thing about the more expensive rooms on this list is that they may be a bit more expensive then some, but you get a lot for your money.

Adi Dharma Hotel & Cottages

Adi Dharma Hotel & Cottages are located in the middle of bustling Legian street, yet tucked away nicely in their own picturesque landscaping gardens. Just a few step from the beach, the two distinctive buildings provide one of the best values in the reigon. Balinese architecture is prominent in all the public places and rooms. Together, the lodging boasts more than 100 rooms that are recently renovated and provide ample space with chic amentias and luxurious furnishing. All rooms have walk in balconies from where to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. There are two world class restaurants on premises which offer International and Indonesian cuisine accompanied with live music and dancing. Beautiful walkways and manicured gardens surround the exquisite pool which is frequented by singles and lively guests. The Dirga Sauca Spa & Yoga provides a tasteful blend of meditation and full body message coupled with manicure, pedicure, cream bath and various therapy essentials.

Poppies Cottages

If you ever wanted to impress someone special then Poppies Cottages is a must stay. For a nominal price, in the middle of the Kuta beach, you get your very own thatched roof luxurious cottage with a private lovely garden. Each of these masterpieces come equipped with trendy furnishings that include LCD TV, DVD, CD player and above all, a well equipped surround sound system. Stay at this paradise and you can enjoy a sunken bathtub and a shower in the hidden corner of the room. Take a sip of its world famous Pina Colada while sitting in the balcony surrounded by beautiful meandering red rock paths around the many Jasmine, hibiscus and frangipani. It is a place to indulge in one’s own fantasy world without concealing your romantic private moments. The three restaurants are scattered around the Kota Beach area within the immediate vicinity of two separate cottage enclosure. Book a seat early as these restaurants are famous among locals who want a lions’ share of the tasty Sheeskebabs, Sword Fish and the hand made chocolate dripping cakes.

Maxi Hotel

Located on the famous Legian Street, Maxi Hotel Restaurant & Spa is one of the newest and most popular hangouts. The building is located just 350 meters from the main beach and in the middle of Kuta’s famous nightlife, shopping centers and famous eateries. This new establishment offers spacious modern rooms with all the most sought after facilities including Satellite TV, air conditioning, digital safety box and in room spa and message. All rooms have modern bathrooms with bathtubs and imported toiletries. These room types include a free daily breakfast and welcome drinks on arrival. Guests will be hard pressed to beat the reasonable rates which provide instantaneous access to a feast of delicious Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisine. The Apache Reggae Bar & Disco provides ample opportunities for in house entertainment whereas multiple mini bars and juice corners provide a chance for people watching and making new friends.

Bounty Hotel

Dubbed as a place for young at heart, this hotel is definitely for enthusiastic party maniacs. Located just a few steps from Kuta beach, Bali Bounty provides more than 166 tastefully furnished rooms with in house music, private balconies and free movie offerings. The property is a hotbed of activities where guests can soak in two large swimming pools, one with a sunken poolside bar. The hotel is a part of the extended partnership which offers hotel guests special offers and privileges to 400 passenger catamaran, double Six Party club and new paddy’s pub. Free entrance to Paddy’s pub will make sure that visitors get entertainment until late in the morning and also enjoy bungee jumping right in the middle of a disco at Six Party. The in-room message offer opportunities to divulge in sinful pleasures of full body coconut oil, flower oil or a traditional message. Around the clock game room, tour desk and Internet facilities make sure that the place protrudes energy like no other place in Kuta.

Dewi Sri Hotel

The award winning Dewi Sri Hotel is made for the most discerning travelers who want a high quality accommodation without hurting their pockets. Its location is just 15 minutes walk to the beach and in the center of all the major shopping areas and night clubs. There are 101 hotel rooms which exemplify the beauty and simplicity of the unique and mysterious Balinese architecture. The guest rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities including bath tubs, showers, IDD telephone lines, 24 hour concierge and balconies which overlook the serene water palace style ambience. The swimming pool, restaurant and a bar provide ample fun for always on the move, hip crowd. Hotel guests enjoy exotic privileges such as in-house message, waterside mini sports, discounts on nearby attractions and no cover fees in two of the best nightclubs in Bali. Numerous well known restaurants are situated right across the street which sumptuously makes up for a single restaurant on the premises.

La Walon Bungalows

This is most probably the best value for your money. The newly renovated La Walon Bungalows offer a chance to stay in a refreshing environment just 300m from the bustling Kuta Beach. The hotel offers spacious and airy rooms that come fully equipped with all modern facilities and large bathrooms. The splendor of the room is only matched by the open space design which allows unprecedented sunlight. Service desk can arrange for area tours and provide useful guidance to the nearby best places to eat. There is 24 hours medical, laundry, taxi services and public transport stops just a block away from the hotel. The hotel building itself is located just steps away from the famous shopping malls and discos. Each room is actually a private Balinese style Bungalow with its own courtyard overlooking beautiful tropical gardens. There is a large swimming pool on premises which overlooks the highly engraved architecturally exquisite main building.

Sayang Maha Mertha Hotel

This is a boutique hotel that was specifically established to meet the demands of budget conscious travelers. The building is located right in the middle of famous Legion Village. All of the 60 rooms provide utmost comfort and privacy. A private balcony in every room allows guest uninterrupted views of beautiful garden setting. Living space is designed to reflect a traditional Balinese environment. Guests have wide range of room types to choose from which come equipped with air condition or a fan. Modern public facilities such as swimming pool, Internet, Message service, doctor on call, billiard room and its own parking area makes it among the top choices in Kuta Beach. The on-site Sayang restaurant is open until late night and offers sumptuous Western, Japanese, Chinese and native cuisine. There is even a separate bar and café, both of which provide an assortment of local drinks and well prepared snacks. Don’t forget to ask for reasonably priced Airport Shuttle.

I only spent one day on Gili T., then took an island hopping boat to Gili Air, a more laid back and less developed island. It’s easy to get stuck on Gili Air, which I did. This island still maintains mostly bamboo huts.

While staying on the island I did my best to minimize the resources I used and the trash I created. This meant quick showers, refilling a water bottle at local restaurants, and if I did generate any trash (paper, broken headphones, etc.) I took it with me when I left the island. I spent tranquil days reading in a hammock, tanning on the beach, and I went snorkeling for the first time in my life. I went with guide from the guest house where I was staying and we rented snorkels and fins from a local vender. Amazing. Internet access is so slow to the point of being useless (which explains the delay in posting these entries), but I did have a chance to look up some eco-snorkeling tips before my original departure. Like, many websites giving eco-advice, these tips seem obvious, but then you see the pictures of people holding up the coral they found …

There are far fewer visitors that stay on Gili Air. While Gili Trawangan has a community group called SATGAS managing the community’s and tourist’s interests, the only type of local authority on Gili Air and Meno is from the local village head who handles disputes. At this time I’m not sure if any waste management programs have been started? Most of the places are still locally owned, but two professional dive schools have opened on Gili Air, as well as a few upscale establishments. One place even tries to appeal to visitors by offering a “gym.”

On my last day on Gili Air, and the Gili islands in general, I sign up for a full day glass bottom boat tour of the three islands. I was also able to visit Gili Meno for the first time. From what I understand most visitors to Meno, especially during the offseason, are just day visitors. I went with an Italian couple, a German couple, and the Indonesian 2 men who operate the boat to various snorkeling places around the islands. Their boat, along with a few other glass bottom boats originating from the other islands, tie up to a pre-arranged anchored buoy – so everyone is snorkeling at the same spot. We end up seeing several turtles, brightly colored fishes, and at one location a large stingray quickly zooms by some meters under our feet. And, if the call to prayer seems mesmerizing to my foreign ears usually, it seems even more so when snorkeling underwater and hearing it echoing around the fishes.

It’s a Catch 22 when it comes to the fish surrounding the islands – visitors love seeing the multicolored fish, but they also love eating them. Each night the restaurants on the islands display a selection of newly caught fish available for BBQ, and served with rice and vegetables. While Gili Trawangan is trying to work with fisherman to modify their fishing methods, there is still a steady demand for fish created by tourism … and, um, I admit it’s delicious.

After several days spent on Gili Air, I finally drag myself away. Taking the slow boat away from the island, I can’t help but ponder the future of this little island. Tourism will undoubtedly increase, but I just hope the island is able to adopt some appropriate management strategies to keep the tourism industry in balance. Gili Air has such a tranquil character and rich marine environment it would be sad to see it overexploited for only short-term gain, but as the projects on Gili Trawangan demonstrate even the best intentioned sustainable development ideas can lead to problems.

“There is not enough to dive in Karimunjawa in one day.  The words can illustrate how many dive sites can be explored.

Swish sound of the waves and gusts of wind when the first time come to the beach of Karimun Jawa, Jepara regency.

To get to the island’s area of 1285.5 hectares, it takes 3.5 hours by fast boat KMC Kartini I of Port of Tanjung Emas, Semarang, or 3 hours of Kartini Beach, Jepara. If using MI Muria, travel time is 6 hours from Jepara.

Once arrived, you can immediately find lodging that offers services to diving locations. Usually, the inn also rent diving equipment and diving instructor to assist with the cost of Rp 500,000 per day.

If you want more easily, tourists can take diving tour packages offered by travel agency or activist group to follow diving activities. However, the tourist must have a diving license from an official body as a condition of the dive (scuba diving). If no license, can also simply snorkel for underwater beauty can be seen from the surface of the water.

Based on the data of the Karimunjawa Park, there are now 64 genera, 353 species of ornamental fish, nine types of sea grass, and 15 types of sea cucumbers in this area. There are 31 diving points spread over 14 islands to see its beauty, among others, on the island of Big Pine, Menyawakan, Pine Small, Geleang, Kemujan, Tanjung Gelam, Gosong Island, and Krakal Small.

To dive at one point, required at least 30-40 minutes duration. However, travel time to the dive sites ranging from 45-90 minutes from the main island by renting a fishing boat Rp 250,000 to Rp 400,000 per day, depending on a large cargo ship.

Not just coral reefs and marine species. Tourists can also watch and curves along the shipwreck under the sea with Indonor Wreck diving. The shipwrecks lying at a depth of about 18 meters and has become part of the coral reef ecosystem that just presents interesting sights.

Therefore many tourists feel that is not enough to dive in Karimunjawa just in one day. Underwater beauty offers a different sensation with various dive sites.