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3 Days in Southern Bali this August: Must do's please?

3 Days in Southern Bali this August: Must do's please?

Old Apr 11th, 2013, 03:52 AM
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3 Days in Southern Bali this August: Must do's please?

We have been invited to a wedding in Bali in the second half of August. Unfortunately we can only be there for 6 nights and once the wedding and associated social events are deducted we will have just 3 full days to see the highlights. Ouch!

You should know that, though this is our first time in Bali, we have travelled extensively through Malaysia, Cambodia, etc. What we are looking for are experiences that are unique to Bali.

We will probably be staying in the Nusa Dua area [the wedding is at The Edge - just the one night there!]. Is there anyone out there with RECENT experience of Southern Bali who can come up with some enticing ideas for us to cram into this very brief time frame?

p.s. We are too old for diving or sunbathing!
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 05:32 AM
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i would hire a guide/driver like putu and have him take me around to the sites... he is very reasonable.
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 05:42 AM
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I'd highly recommend you not stay in Nusa Dua. It is a purpose-built tourist enclave. I'd recommend the Sanur area instead if you want to remain at a beach. Otherwise, stay in the Ubud area overlooking the river gorge and the rice fields.

Pick up a good Bali guidebook. There are so many things to see, choose the ones that appeal to you. A driver for a full day or a couple of half days will enable you to see a lot in your short time. Don't forget to relax and enjoy!
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 06:12 AM
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Thanks Kathie, Sanur is possible - close enough to the wedding venue. Ubud looks interesting but is a little too far north. I have guide books, but hope to benefit from some recent travellers' experiences too.
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 06:55 AM
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I agree with Kathie, Sanur might be a better options than Nusa Dua as the most "authentic" Bali is found further north. It is an good idea to hire a car and a driver. It shouldn't cost you more than 50$ for a day.

Another suggestion could be to visit Nusa Lembongan and maybe spend a night or two there. It is easy accessible from both Sanur and Nusa Dua, about half an hour by boat. The island is fairly quite, but fun to explore on bike and scooter and has some excellent diving options.

If you are looking for something more adventurous you could consider paragliding off the cliffs on the Bukit's southern coast, not very far from Nusa Dua.

Stefan
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 09:23 AM
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Ubud is a definitely must do... You can always rent a car there with the driver included. I forget how much it costs but i am pretty sure that they rent it per hour, and the price will depend on what car are you renting... Just book the cheaper one coz it really doesnt matter if you only have one companion. But please make sure that you request for a driver that can communicate in English. You can ask the driver about the must see destinations and he will be gladly helping you out..
Have fun...
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 09:32 AM
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Oh and one more thing, if you like to try the authentic food, you definitely have to try few things in Bali. First, you have to try Bebek Bengil (meaning: dirty duck) it is an authentic restaurant that serves fried duck as its main menu, but many choices are available. You will find a very unique restaurant where you are eating surrounded by paddy fields. Second, Babi Guling Ibu Oka (madam oka's roasted pork). This restaurant is so famous that Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel cant get enough of this place. Both restaurant are located on Ubud.

Have fun on your trip...
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 11:00 PM
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Since you'll be spending three days on the beach already, I'd strongly suggest that you spend the other three in Ubud. Bali is a small island, and the drive from Nusa Dua to Ubud is about an hour, sometimes less. Most of the culture and nature activities and sights that you're leaning toward are in the Ubud area, so it makes more sense just to be there.

I live in South Bali (in Seminyak) and I'm quite fond of the sun, sand and big wave, sunset beaches with their international resort culture, but if you're not beach people, why force the issue?

Ubud is really quite close. I wouldn't call it any more "real Bali" than the southern beaches, but there's no point in subjecting yourselves to the aggravation of commuting.
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Old Apr 11th, 2013, 11:44 PM
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These are just the sort of insights I was looking for. Thank you marmot/juliana et al. I'll now look more carefully at Ubud.

Is it necessary to book either of those restaurants, julianaoctavia?
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Old Apr 13th, 2013, 08:29 AM
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I don't think that you need to reserve.. I came there without any reservation. But I have to inform you that both restaurants are packed with costumers every day, so waiting for any open tables is common in both places.
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 12:53 AM
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Visit Ubud if you want to visit Bali's ancient temples, museums and other interesting local spots. Ubud is a quiet place compared to Seminyak during peak season. Ubud is the best for a serene retreat. But if you want to party, surf and do everything fun, then Seminyak is the place.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2013, 10:36 AM
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Stay out of the the south of Bali. Sanur or Ubud, I would go with Ubud. Three days in Nusa Dua is plenty .
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