BALI - Anyone been?

[Cehrabehra]

We need to go somewhere in December and I don't know where to go. We were planning to go to India but we don't have our visas in order (you can read that as I was dragging my feet and uncertain that was where we should go) and a friend of mine who lived here in china for 5 years said hands down without question the best place she went to while here was Bali.

I know absolutely NOTHING about Bali. Anyone?

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Hi Sara

I have been to Bali several times, the last being on our honeymoon in March this year. We stayed for just over two weeks and spent our time between Sanur, Nusa Lembongan and Seminyak. We have also stayed in Kuta, Legian, Tuban and Ubud on previous trips.

There are so many different types of holidays that you can have in Bali from the cheap and cheerful to the ultimate in luxury so i will try and give you an overview of everything.

There is lots to see and do in Bali including white water rafting, elephant rides, visit the monkey forest, Tanah lot (temple) ATV tours through the jungle, waterbom park, Bali Safari Park, water sports, golfing, beaches, shopping, eating (one of my favourite past times), and relaxing by the pool. There are many different tours that you can do as well, such as to the volcano or for something a little different you can get on a bicycle and ride through the rice paddys. (I'm sure i am missing lots of other stuff as well).

The capital of Bali is Dempassar, and like most capitals it isn't really a tourist area. The main tourist area is Kuta, Legian and Tuban where most of the hotels, restaurants, bars, markets, shops and department stores are located. This area tends to be very busy and is where all the action is. It's a great place to visit, shop and eat but it's not where we enjoy staying.

If you like your holidays to be a little more laid back I would recommend Sanur, Seminyak or Nusa Dua, all are on the beach and are a little more upmarket than the kuta area. The accommodation can be slightly different as well as there are less hotels and more of the villa type accommodations. Other ares that you may enjoy are Ubud, which is up in the jungle and will give you an entirely different view of Bali. Uluwatu is another area that is popular with surfers, it is away form the touristy stuff and there isn't alot there but if you want a breath taking view from your hotel on a cliff overlooking the ocean this is the place to be.

December is the start of the wet season but it will still be warm (20 -30 degrees celcius and humid) and will possibly rain in the afternoon, it never takes long for the clouds to clear and the sun to come out though. Around that time of the year Bali is busy, but since you are living in China ATM I don't think you will need to be worried about that. There will be lots of Australians and Indonesians (from Java) holidaying in the main areas around kuta so that may be something you wish to avoid.

The people are very friendly, especially the Balinese. Everyone speaks english and there really is no reason to learn any Bahsa although we do try to speak a little and the locals do appreciate it.

You could spend as little as $50 a day (which I have done) up to an infinate amount (we spent about $300 a day on our honeymoon) depending on what type of holiday you are after. Food is very cheap (and very good) but there are also places to eat that will cost more than a high priced meal in Perth ($200 - $300). Same goes with the accommodation, there is a huge range to chooose from depending on what you want to spend.

Perhaps if you could give me an idea on the type of holiday you like to take I may be able to give you more information on what might suit you in Bali. It really can suit all styles and budgets of holidays so I am sure there will be something for you and your family.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Here is an extract from a website that describes the Balinese culture and beauty better than I can..

Island of the Gods - A Land of Hindu Culture

A tiny, lush enclave fights to preserve a magical culture little changed over the millennia

Bali island has been both a tropical paradise island in the Indonesian archipelago, picturesque and immaculate. It has a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. Bali, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. Balinese dancing, music, visual arts and architecture are unique and accessible to visitors

The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day-to-day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.


I know that I just pulled that from a site that is designed to draw you in but Bali really is everything like that and more.

Here is a map detailing the different areas I outlined in my previous post. The main tourist area is on the western side of the island.

 

[Cehrabehra]

you are AWESOME! Thank you so much!! Before I say any more - you seem well traveled, is there anywhere else we should consider?

Here are our limitations:

1. we will have our 3 children (16, 11, 9) with us
2. corporate is paying for plane fare, hotel (luxury is out but decent is definite), and car (though we don't have international driver licenses so no point in that)
3. I would say 1/2 lounge and 1/2 touristy stuff... we are paid for 1 week but we may do up to 2 weeks. Gah, it may be too late if it's a busy time...

How is it getting around the island without your own car? I am having trouble grasping the size of the island...

 

[indecisive]

My husband and I went to Bali on our honeymoon as well and are head over heels in love with it. I wish we had done more shopping though! We stayed in Ubud and Seminyak. I loved Ubud but I think I would go to Sanur or Jimbaran instead. I think Bali is great for honeymooners or family. HOT gave you some great advice and Tripadvisor has a recommended drivers list by the way. Have fun!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

If you couldn't go to Bali I would consider Thailand as the next destination, although I did not enjoy Thailand as much as Bali. I think this is just a personal preference though. If you were to look at Thailand I would go to Koh Samui, Phuket or Krabi.
Have you been to Vietnam? I haven't but it is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. My mum went last year and she said it was beautiful.

I think if you have the opportunity to go to Bali I would stick with it. You don't see a lot of Americans in Bali and I believe it is because of how long it takes to get there, once you are back in the US you probably wouldn't consider a trip there so it's a great opportunity to go while you are in the 'neighbourhood'.

Bali is GREAT for children and yours are all of an age where they will be able to enjoy it, I wouldn't consider them a limitation at all.

To give you a better idea on the actual size of the island it is 90 miles from east to west and 50 miles from North to South. Taking in to account that most of the tourist areas are south of Dempassar in the small area in the south of the Island, it isn't very big at all. BUT the roads are busy and it can take you quite a while to get from one place to the next especially if you are in a car.

It's probably not a good idea to drive either. The road rules over there are there are no rules and everyone tends to blend and merge and do what they want. I would recommend that you hire a car with a driver.

Some villa type of accommodations will come with a their own staff including a car with a driver for your use when staying there. A more cost effective way of doing it would be to hire a car with a driver on a daily basis for the days that you will be needing one, these would be for the big trips to the Safari Park and Elephant rides etc. All other times you can get a taxi or private car to anywhere (out to dinner, shopping etc). Also if you stay somewhere fairly central you can do a lot of walking and you wont need a lot of transport. Hiring cars is easy as well, you can go through proper hire companies but most of the time it's just easier to walk out on to the street and there will be serveral people offering you transport where you can negotiate (Barter) the price to what you are happy with paying.
Getting around Bali isn't a problem and when we first get there we usually make friends with someone by the pool or at the bar and find out what a good price is for a days car hire etc, just so we get a better idea of what we should be paying.

I think 1/2 tourist 1/2 relaxing is a great way to spend a holiday. When we go to Bali we tend to have a busy day when we are out and about and then we would spend the next day recovering. Considering your childrens ages I would put Waterbom park, Bali Safari Animal Park, and either (or all!) the whitewater rafting, elephant ride or ATV ride through the jungle on your to do list. There is plenty of shopping to be done in Bali as well so make sure you leave some time for that.

I would look at staying around the Seminyak area since your kids are that bit older and would probably get a bit bored being in an area like Sanur or Ubud. Nusa Dua would also be a great area to look into. I haven't stayed there but have visited and it is beautiful as well. Both areas are a little more upmarket than the Kuta / Legian area but there are still lots of places to stay eat and shop. Seminyak is also still fairly close to Kuta so you are never far away from the action.

Would you prefer a hotel or Villa type accommodation? Villas tend to be more private and you usually have your own pool and breakfast is delivered every morning so you wont get the social aspect of staying in a villa as you would in a hotel.

Do you want to be close to the beach? There are some beaufiful places on the beach but there are also beautiful places to stay further inland that are cheaper.

Do you know an approximate $US amount per night that you are looking at? That would help a lot with narrowing down places. When we stayed in Seminyak our accommodation was only about $90 a night but right next door there were villas that were $400 a night so it really depends on your budget.

Even though it will probably be busy around that time I still think you will be able to find somewhere to stay. If you want to let me know the dates and amount per night you can spend I would be happy to do some searching for you. I still have all my notes from when I was researching our honeymoon.

Tripadvisor is a great site to look at when narrowing down your hotel selections as well.

If you have any more questions or what any more help just ask!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

My husband and I went to Bali on our honeymoon as well and are head over heels in love with it. I wish we had done more shopping though! We stayed in Ubud and Seminyak. I loved Ubud but I think I would go to Sanur or Jimbaran instead. I think Bali is great for honeymooners or family. HOT gave you some great advice and Tripadvisor has a recommended drivers list by the way. Have fun!

Oh i did not know tripadvisor had a recommended drivers list! This could be a great way to find a driver and have it all prepaid before you leave through your husbands company, that way they could pick you up from the airport when you arrive.

 

[Cehrabehra]

I *wonder* if since we can't get a rental car if we could get a rental car with a driver? lol Hmmm..... gonna have to put that one out there. And the budget isn't set - it goes through AmEx and they have a certain standard and I have no idea what they use as criteria but we tell them where we want to go and they tell us where we'll stay. So we can control it somewhat by being very specific about where we want to stay - like if we select a city that ONLY has villas, well then that's what we'll get... otherwise we'll probably get a hotel. I see advantages either way... Why did you say that Sanur and Ubud would be boring for our "older" children? I'm just curious... my kids seem pretty darn immature to me!

Oh and I laughed about the driving thing - I live in China! Everyone here drives like that too!!!

I've heard great things about cambodia and vietnam as well... Thailand seems like a place that everyone thinks they need to go but I don't hear overly glowing things about it... nothing that you couldn't get anywhere else that had lovely beaches. Lovely beaches are awesome and we're also considering the maldives but I dunno if I JUST want nice beaches... I would like some culture too.

You have been a godsend on this topic - do you live in au? I am forgetting... curious as to timezone.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Yes I am in Australia, (western australia) it is nearly 8.30pm here. Bali is to Western Australians what I would believe Mexico would be to Americans. It's cheaper and closer for us to fly to Bali than it is to fly to Sydney!

I think you should try your luck with asking for a car and driver because I am 90% sure the cost would be around the same as the car hire alone. But if they wont come through for you hiring transport yourself really is easy. People will be offering you transport wherever you go and it is quite cheap.

Your company making the final decisions on your accommodation is a blessing in disguise because there really is too much to choose from! I spent months narrowing down where we were going to stay and the decision was hard (tripadvisor was a great help).
I still feel Seminyak and Nusa Dua will be the better areas for you.

Seminyak has more of the villa type accommodations with hotels scattered throughout.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g469404-Seminyak_Bali-Vacations.html

Nusa Dua has more of your resort style accommodation with villas scattered throughout.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297698-Nusa_Dua_Nusa_Dua_Peninsula_Bali-Vacations.html

There are not too many high rise hotels in the Seminyak area, hotels are usually no more than 2 -3 storys high and most have the traditional balinese feel with beautiful gardens. Nusa Dua has a few more high rise hotels and resorts. They are still very beautiful and upmarket but not as traditional as other areas in Bali.

Sanur and Ubud seem to be visited by people who have stayed in Bali many times over and no longer feel the need to do the tourist thing. If you want a holiday where you eat, sleep, sunbake, swim, eat and sleep some more then these are the places to go. I have found that Sanur has lots of older Europeans hiding from the northern winter in Bali and all they do is lie around the pool all day. Ubud has many beautiful forest retreats that are visited by couples / honeymooners. Unless you feel that your kids would be happy with hanging by the pool all day every day i would suspect they may get bored in these places as there wont be too many other families to socialse with.

Even though Seminyak and Nusa Dua are a little more upmarket than the kuta / legian area you will still come across other families with children so if you are sitting by the pool all day they may have more of a chance to socialise.

One thing though, i don't feel that the beaches in Bali are that special, that's probably because I am from Australia though and our beaches are amazing. The beaches in Nusa Dua and Seminyak are probably the best though since they are a little more upmarket and they pay people to keep them clean.

Oh I would love to go to the Maldives! I feel that you would have to be into a lot of water sports to enjoy it though. If you want culture, you can't go past Bali, it really is quite amazing and as a first timer you are bound to be blown away by all of the ceremonies and traditions that take place on a daily basis. The people are so friendly as well which is always a plus.

I keep forgetting that you are in China! I am always a little worried when i recommend Bali to people as it can be very full on, which some people don't like, but i think you may feel it is pretty laid back compared to China!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I wonder how much it would cost us to go to australia as well... I mean, since we'd be in the neighborhood and all lol We may be in the same time zone... it's 9pm right now. Yep - looks like we're both +8 with no DLS. Cool! Nice to know I'm not alone in this time zone lol

 

[Cehrabehra]

I'm going to go look and see if you posted honeymoon pictures!!

Have you been to Fiji?

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

No i haven't been to fiji, i heard it was quite expensive once you are there (bali is the opposite).

I have been to Samoa and that was beautiful. Not touristy at all! beautiful scenery and the people are lovely as well.

I'm not sure if i posted honeymoon pics? i'll go find some for you.

It's about $300 for a one way trip from Bali to Perth with a 3 hour 15 minute flight. It could be a possibility depending on how long you have.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

A few more..

 

[Cehrabehra]

Thank you! I went looking and looked at your wedding pics - they're beautiful and I love the flip flops!! Your dress is absolutely gorgeous - really beautiful! I may take a pic in here and see if I can get a less formal version made for myself - there's a ball this friday and I have nothing to wear! Of course I won't have one by then but I do need to plan ahead for other times...

anyway, the beach looks great! I have to decide by this weekend... we're supposed to leave like shortly after christmas and since christmas isn't really a holiday here (or in bali) that shouldn't be much of an issue I hope... except for the people coming from au or something... right now it's looking like either Bali or Japan (though we'd hoped to go to Japan in the spring or summer - not in the winter and hoped to go to India in the winter and NOT in the summer lol)

I have enjoyed getting to know you better through this common interest I can't thank you enough...

 

[Cehrabehra]

omg omg that kitty is so cute!! Wow, to be able to say you not only touched but cuddled with a tiger!!!! That last pool looks really amazing. Is it very hot? Unlike most wiki sites the Bali one didn't have a good weather section. I actually love strong warm rain so that doesn't scare me off one bit. Is there lightning? I love lightning storms. It's mid summer there, close to solstice.... is that still an okay time to go? Be a WONDERFUL change of pace from the super freezing siberian wind we get here.... the weather here where I live is beautiful most days (clear blue sunny skies) but it's all a lie because you step outside and it's -10C and super windy so you're bound all up and down. I want to get a balaclava!! I live right by the beach but we had an oil spill in July so the two best months for going to the beach it was closed. It happened in the midst of the gulf spill so it didn't get much press - it wasn't that big by any stretch... but there is still oil coming on the sand now. No snow yet though, not a high snowfall area... precipitation is more in the summer (humid rainy days) Anyway I've gotten off track... it's 10:30 now and I am going to bed, I have a chinese lesson at 8:30 lol

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Tanahlot is the most famous / visited temple in Bali and is worth the trip up there to see. You can walk over the water to the temple where you are allowed to drink the sacred water (it is supposed to be a freshwater spring that is ok to drink) and they will bless you and put rice on your forehead. You can touch the sea snakes that apprently bring you good luck and have photos with some very large pythons. It is a beautiful part of the coastline and worthy of a photo or two.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

omg omg that kitty is so cute!! Wow, to be able to say you not only touched but cuddled with a tiger!!!! That last pool looks really amazing. Is it very hot? Unlike most wiki sites the Bali one didn't have a good weather section. I actually love strong warm rain so that doesn't scare me off one bit. Is there lightning? I love lightning storms. It's mid summer there, close to solstice.... is that still an okay time to go? Be a WONDERFUL change of pace from the super freezing siberian wind we get here.... the weather here where I live is beautiful most days (clear blue sunny skies) but it's all a lie because you step outside and it's -10C and super windy so you're bound all up and down. I want to get a balaclava!! I live right by the beach but we had an oil spill in July so the two best months for going to the beach it was closed. It happened in the midst of the gulf spill so it didn't get much press - it wasn't that big by any stretch... but there is still oil coming on the sand now. No snow yet though, not a high snowfall area... precipitation is more in the summer (humid rainy days) Anyway I've gotten off track... it's 10:30 now and I am going to bed, I have a chinese lesson at 8:30 lol

I know!! It was like a dream come true! They have other animals out that you can have your photo with. There was a lion cub and an orangutan when we were there. Some people say they drug the babies but i am not so sure, a few minutes after i had my photos the tiger cub got a bit frisky with my husband and wanted to play fight with his arm and the handler had to take him away!

The actual safari is great too. The animals come up to the trucks and the zebras try and stick their heads up to the windows. You even drive through a pond / dam and can see the hippos on either side of the truck. There is nothing like this where we live so i thought it was great.

December is the start of the wet season in Bali so you can expect some rain but it wont be as bad as January / Feburary. Yes they get the big monsoonal storms with thunder and lightening but they do seem to pass fairly quickly and usually happen in the afternoon/ evening. It will be warm, so much warmer than what you are experiencing at the moment! December averages 26 - 32 degrees celcius with an average rainfall of 285mm and humidity of 85%. Even when it rains it will still be warm! I have never been in December but i have in January and I personally love the weather at that time of the year.

Oh you are making me want to go back to Bali!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Thank you! I went looking and looked at your wedding pics - they're beautiful and I love the flip flops!! Your dress is absolutely gorgeous - really beautiful! I may take a pic in here and see if I can get a less formal version made for myself - there's a ball this friday and I have nothing to wear! Of course I won't have one by then but I do need to plan ahead for other times...

anyway, the beach looks great! I have to decide by this weekend... we're supposed to leave like shortly after christmas and since christmas isn't really a holiday here (or in bali) that shouldn't be much of an issue I hope... except for the people coming from au or something... right now it's looking like either Bali or Japan (though we'd hoped to go to Japan in the spring or summer - not in the winter and hoped to go to India in the winter and NOT in the summer lol)

I have enjoyed getting to know you better through this common interest I can't thank you enough...

Aww it's a pleasure Sara and I am glad that I could help!

Thanks for the wedding compliments! I love that dress too and wish i could get to wear it more than just once! That is a great idea to get a less formal version made, i think you may be on to something!!

You shouldn't have any problems getting to Bali from your direction, there are plently of flights from Singapoore and KL. Getting accommodation will be the biggest issue. If you will be there for New Years eve most hotels have a policy about a new years eve dinner that they like to charge you the earth for and it is compulsory. I am not entirely sure how it works as i have never been over NYE but I thought i would mention it since every single hotel enforces it.

Japan would be beautiful as well, but cold! I think it would be nice for you to thaw out for a week or two if you can.

Good luck with your decision! I'm sure whatever you end up choosing is going to be wonderful and your family will love it!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Oooh - so just how expensive IS this compulsory new year's eve dinner? We would likely be there... hmmmmmm better be a really damn good dinner lol Is it included in the hotel price? corporate will cover it then - we were in san diego for two weeks including the weekend of comic con and the rooms were more than double in price and they paid that lol

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

I had a little look around and everyone seems to have different policies. Some have a compulsory Christmas Dinner and then optional New Years Eve dinner, others have the optional Christmas Dinner and the NWE dinner is compulsory and then some have both as compulsory dinners!

Prices seem to be around US$100 for adults and US$50 for kids. I'm pretty sure that these costs get included with the accommodation and are paid for when you book so you my not have to worry about it!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Oh that's not toooo bad - if the food is good lol

I have a question! What about internet? I know my husband is going to want to know about that one lol!! It all sounds so wonderful!

eek I didn't hit send - what is up with me and doing this today??? lol

I'm making a spread sheet tomorrow lol... I think we might go for longer than the paid 7 days... most expensive part is the flight anyway and once you're there.... oooh I think we could all use a relaxing vacation.

 

[megeve]

Oh, I love Bali! I think its one of the best holiday destination in Asia. Ditto HOT, if you want a bit of culture, you can't go pass Bali. There are so many things to do and to see for adults and kids! Ubud is fantastic for arts mostly baliness paintings, silver ornaments and wood carvings if you are interested in local art scene.

When I was there last (admit almost 8 yrs ago, first time was in 1976), we stayed at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nusa Dua. Its a family friendly hotel, right on the beach and they do have internet access. Do a google on them. I hope this helps towards your decision making!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

US$100 is expensive for Bali standards!! Lol, you can feed a whole family $20 in the local restaurants (called warungs).
The food standards in Bali have vastly improved over the last 10 years. It will depend on your hotel as to how good the food will be, fingers crossed it is nice! (as a general rule we usually only eat breakfast at the hotel and have lunch and dinner out. There are far too many nice places to eat in Bali to limit yourself to the hotel!)

Bali has free wifi EVERYWHERE! It makes me laugh because even in Western Australia we dont have free wifi access like Bali does. Most cafes have wifi and you usually just have be dining there to get the code. Hotels have wifi as well but some do charge you for the use.
There are internet cafes but if you have a laptop I would take that. Then you can use it anywhere.

Bali is very cheap to live in once you are there so it makes sense to stay a bit longer. Somewhere between one week and two is usually a perfect amount of time. A week is not long enough but after 2 weeks people are usually pretty happy to go home!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I'm getting excited and scared - excited because the more I learn the more I want to go (except for those two bombings... And scared because I'm afraid the more I like it the more likely all of the hotels will be booked lol

right now I'm thinking of 12 days and splitting it up in different areas. I am thinking ubed (gosh forgive my misspellings, I don't know these towns yet) and one or two other towns... I like the idea of staying in the jungly part for at least part of the trip and the kids - they tend to love nothing more than just swimming in the pool.

That's all I've got lol I've been making a document based on the comments in this thread... tell me if you think I've got it right so far:


***


West side of island is for surfing, east side gentle surf, white beaches, family friendly Most tourist areas are south of Dempassar


Sanur – maybe boring for kids?
Nusa Dua – look into this
Seminyak – recommended for children, fairly close to Kuta, close to action
Above 3 are on the beach, more upscale – less hotels, more villas, still places to eat and shop

Lembongan


Kuta – main tourist area, lots of tourists from aus and java there
Legian – main tourist area
Tuban – main tourist area
Above 3 are great place to visit and shop but not necessarily to stay there

Ubud – up in the jungle, different view of bali, maybe boring but beautiful
Uluwatu – popular with surfers, not much touristy stuff, far away, not a lot there, but breathtaking views from cliff hotels overlooking ocean
Dempassar – capital, not tourist area
Jimbaran -



White water rafting
Elephant rides
Monkey forest
Tanah lot (temple)
Atv tours through the jungle
Waterborn park
Bali safari park
Water sports
Golf
Beaches
Shopping
Eating
Relaxing by pool or beach
Volcano tours
Bike through rice paddys


Can spend as little as $50 a day or up to $$$$$
Food is very cheap and very good
High end restaurants available

Balinese locals are very friendly and speak English

 

[Cehrabehra]

Everything I've found on Bali is like $400 a night.... is that "cheap"? It's not to me!! lol

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Everything I've found on Bali is like $400 a night.... is that "cheap"? It's not to me!! lol

lol! no that is not cheap!!

I used agoda to find our accommodation in Seminyak the last time we went.

http://www.agoda.com/pages/agoda/default/DestinationSearchResult.aspx

Putting in the 27th of December for 12 nights brought up 51 hotels with availability during this time. (There would be more as agoda doesn't deal with all the accommodation available in bali).

You can narrow the searches by choosing specific areas, there are quite a few in Ubud in a better price range, but none in Seminyak as the cheaper accommodation choices would have been reserved first since it's a busier time and the more expensive places are still available as not everyone wants to spend $500 a night on a room!

There will be places in your price range available, you may just have to search a little harder to find them.

 

[Cehrabehra]

LOL ::whew:: being a diamond site sometimes I wonder if I'm on another planet LOL I know that some people here can spend whatever they wish to spend even if it is $500 a night. I *could* spend that but it wouldn't be long before we were broke lol Plus I have a diamond project I want to pursue this spring and as I'm writing this I'm remembering hey - maybe I should only stay for 7 or 8 days LOL

The website you linked looks more reasonable than trip advisor - I wonder if it's because of the holiday? I wonder if the time from like jan 3-10 would be cheaper? I think we have to leave before Dec 31 though since that's the day we arrived in China...

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Your synopsis of Bali is pretty much spot on!

I think with the problem of finding accommodation in your price range I wouldn't disregard Sanur just yet as it is likely to have more hotels available in your price range than somewhere like Seminyak. If the kids will be happy swimming in the pool all day take a look at the Puri Santrian

http://www.santrian.com/puri/

We have stayed there twice now. The first time was for a friends wedding which was lovely and the second was at the start of our honeymoon. We arrived in Bali on Nyepi day (day of silence) where no one is allowed to leave the hotel grounds. We knew that we would be more than happy to laze around this hotel for a couple of days, and it didn't dissapoint! Breakfast at this hotel is very nice too.

Lembongan Island - consider it for a day trip if you have time. It's a beautiful little island which represents what Bali was like 20 years ago. Great for snorkelling and sightseeing. You can hire scooters and scoot around on the island and cross the old wooden bridge over to Cennigan Island. The main economy comes from seaweed farming and swallows nests that they sell to the japanese for swallow nest soup. You can also book a tour (from Bali) to a Bali Hai cruise boat. They are like these huge pontoons that are moored just off of Lembongan Island that have waterslides going in to the water. People spend the day snorkelling or laying in the sun (you don't actually set foot on Lembongan with this tour). We got to Lembongan on a Scoot Boat that leaves from Sanur several times a day.

Jimbaran Bay has lots of restaurants and is quite expensive, i have never been to the tourist part.

Ubud - lots of wood carvings, painting and silversmith shops.


With the Bombing issue... we are the type of people who don't really venture into the pubs and clubs so we were never really too concerned about it. If you are careful and keep away from crowded tourist bars etc you should be ok. I guess what I am saying is to use your common sense. The main street in Kuta on New years eve probably isn't the best place to hang out.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

I don't think there will be any price difference between before new years and just after. From memory the price doesn't go down until the end of January when our summer school holidays have ended. I say the earlier you can go the better!

Go for as long as you can afford to as well, the extra days can be spent laying by the pool where your only expense is eating. You can get a plate of fried frice for a couple of dollars so food doesn't have to cost much, hotel food usually is more expensive though. Remember its a long way to go and once you are there you may want to kick yourself for not booking those extra few days.

 

[Cehrabehra]

I don't think there will be any price difference between before new years and just after. From memory the price doesn't go down until the end of January when our summer school holidays have ended. I say the earlier you can go the better!

Go for as long as you can afford to as well, the extra days can be spent laying by the pool where your only expense is eating. You can get a plate of fried frice for a couple of dollars so food doesn't have to cost much, hotel food usually is more expensive though. Remember its a long way to go and once you are there you may want to kick yourself for not booking those extra few days.

LOL!!! So true But DIAMONDS woman, DIAMONDS!!!

I am going downtown today to see about finding an american book store so I can get a guidebook on bali. We'll see. I've only been in one english bookstore and it was in..... beijing I think and it wasn't very big. Everywhere local you can find books in english they are completely rip offs - not even mildy disguised photocopies of books.

I would love to scooter around but I think my boys are too young for that. dernit. I'll let you know if I find a book. I want to see more of your pictures, your pictures are better than anything I've seen in google searches lol

Oh - and TOTALLY none of my business, but when I was looking initially for your honeymoon pics I perused a couple of your other threads from back then like age differences in kids and whether you should have one together and I was just going to keep my mouth shut but that picture you posted above in this thread just screams, 'make mini-mees' lol