Jenner

I am being utterly lazy about researching for a four day trip to Bali at the end of this month. The trip is a parting gift of sorts from dh's boss - we live in Malaysia but we are out of here November 2, Holland bound. The boss and his family are also going. He has us booked at Nusa Dua (? I know that's an area, but I think it's also the name of the hotel?) but is waiting to hear if he can get a deal at the Conrad.

I have a feeling, since he is footing the bill, that we will be stuck with the boss and his family and won't really get a chance to go off and do our own thing. They like to eat and not much else, so I don't imagine we'll see much of the island, unfortunately. BUT, on the off chance that we will get away, what should be tops on our list of must-sees?

We will have our two year old along, btw. She travels very well, though, and is obviously used to the climate - she was born in Malaysia.

Thanks!

Jen, resident expert on Melaka for one more month

Kathie

Probably the most delightful thing to see in Bali is the countryside and the small villages. You can hire a car and driver anywhere. Most people rave about Ubud, and while I think you should visit there, do make sure your driver takes you through less-visited villages and countryside. There are many temples you can see, but drving, stopping and exploring wil probably be what you'll enjoy most.

rhkkmk

i stayed at the conrad in june and it is fantastic...there are more pools and swimming options than any place on earth--just kidding...

a great driver that we used and found on this board is putu arnawa...he has an suv so quite a few can fit in it--6-7...e-mail him at [email protected]

as kathie has said the beauty of bali lies in its countryside....travel is slow in bali but a day or two of touring would yield amazing results for you...

shopping is very reasonable but not dis-similar to malaysia....

Kathie

Oh, yes, great shopping. Lots of crafts. You'll be well equipped to bargain, having lived in Malaysia.

(Welcome back, Bob)

rhkkmk

thank you kathie....thought about you in the last few days....are you doing lots of dusting??

bob

mrwunrfl

Jenner, the hotel you are referring to is probably the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel. It was one of the first resorts in Bali, I think (or maybe just in Nusa Dua).

You would be able to visit Tanah Lot and Uluwatu if you can escape for a day.

Welcome back, Bob! Good timing, as I have started planning a trip to Thailand.

Kathie

Yes, Tanah Lot is well worth a visit.

Jenner, I posted a question about restaurants in KL, and am hoping you have some suggestions.

Bob, no ash yet in Seattle, though there is a huge ash and steam plume.

Craig

I've been lurking on this thread feeling sorry for you that you are only spending 4 days on Bali and reading the other regulars' recommendations. I concur - hook up with Putu Arnawa and get out and see the countryside and small villages. I hope you can convince your husband's boss to get into Ubud for a meal or two as there is a good concentration of restaurants there - good shopping too. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot are the major temples you should visit. Enjoy your trip - Bali is a very special place.

hobbes

I would also suggest a few hours browsing around Seminyak - the main rd has an amazing array of shops and restaurants. Def a spa treatment - Jari Menari on Seminyak main road again is very reasonable and a great setting - the treatment rooms open on to a courtyard where you can hear a waterfall. Ubud is one of my favourite places ever - you should spend at least the full day to get a flavour of the place. I really enjoyed the shopping at Jenggala Ceramics near Jimbaran very close to the airport - but with a 2 year old along not sure you will be in a position to buy fragile stuff. they do ship.

joe17ajx

Hi Jenner,
I'm actually in Conrad, Bali. To me staying here is great co's there's activities which the hotel organises.The people are very polite and helpfull. Nusa Dua is not that bad either but since Conrad recently opened its doors in March this year, you'll find alot of great things here. Even for kids too!
Places to go in Bali will be places like Uluwatu,where they have a beutiful temple by the cliff. Though lots of monkeys but they locals to look after it. Tanah Lot is also a temple but by the beach. Another astonishing place to visit. If you like shopping, Kuta, Legian,Ubud are places for cheap and nice stuff. A lot of things to see here with alot of culture. Getting around is easy. By cab or hire a driver will cost around US100 for 3days. Must bargain though. I'm fm Singapore its been my 7th trip here since and I'm looking forward to come again next year. Cheers!

RhondaZ

After a tiring time walking, shopping and touring, take a morning or afternoon off and visit Water Bomb at Kuta. Very relaxing floating along the winding "river" in an oversized inflatable inner tube.

Tere

If if are staying at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa you won't regret it. I liked it a lot! And it is among the 20 best Asia Hotels in the CN traveller 2004 awards.

karenhogie

Definitly head up to Ubud for the day. You'll see villages on the drive along the way. Have lunch at Casa Luna - delicious and kid friendly. Walk through the Monkey Forest in Ubud - your daughter will get a kick out of the monkeys. If your daughter fits in a backcarrier, it is easier than a stroller. The sidewalks and streets are not stroller-friendly in Bali.

Jenner

Thanks everyone! What with moving to Holland just three days after we get back from Bali I haven't had time to do research at all! I'm glad to hear car rentals and even drivers are so cheap - if need be we can ditch the boss and go off on our own.

I can't believe it, but I don't even have a guidebook. Sheesh. Will pick one up at KLIA on the way! (book recommendations, anyone?)

Thanks so much for the tips!

Jen

rhkkmk

suggest an english speaking driver as the full alternative to any guide books...just sit back and let him/her assist you....putu is fantastic as are others listed here

Craig

For a better idea of what to do, you can read my 6-part trip report at:
http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200307/11747.html
It's free and a faster read than a guide book. I think you should at least have some idea of what you want to do, especially if you hire a driver other than Putu.

zyziy

bali - the island of gods ..they have so many "pura" or temples there..pura uluwatu is one, don't miss the kecak dance, tanah lot- great sunset and .. shopping is good at kuta..great seafood dinner at jimbaran .we were at Nusa Dua for water sports..we did parasailing there..we travel by taxi and oh ya..do remember to bargain ..however we missed lovina where dolphins can be sighted..might be going back there again next year...enjoy your trip