Booked a flight back using the QR sale with the family.
What other places in Indonesia are recommended for a few days? Yogyakarta looked intriguing.
Gili Island a quiet alternative to Bali?
Anyone familiar with northern Bali? Would like to do a hiking/village experience for a few days.
Also, any recommended tour companies to contact? We did the last trip on our own since it was much shorter.
First of all, look into Kai Islands, its a bit off the beaten path, some of the smaller islands there have not yet been trampled by tourism.
As for northern Bali, I have done it twice, look through my bali thread.
Recommended spots:
AmedA nice chill place, no real nightlife so it's more laid back and generally more family friendly. Some very decent villas & hotels there.
Kubu / TulambenAbout 30 minutes north of Amed, not really a place to stay but I did a discovery dive (I think I paid $85 for 2x20 minutes) and explored the USS Liberty wreck. Most of the scuba companies are based in Amed.
Batur HotspringsMay be a good daytrip for the kids (i stayed in the area overnight as well)
Lovina BeachThis town is know for the dolphin tours, I did not really like the place too much, seemed to have a lower quality crowd.
White Sand Beach, Blue Lagoon (great snorkeling) & Virgin Beach were my favorite on the east side of bali.
I'll be glad to answer more specific questions.