Bali - 1st Time Visit - Help with Itinerary
Mar 27th, 2017, 06:36 AM
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Bali - 1st Time Visit - Help with Itinerary
Hi,
I am looking to travel to Bali as a solo female traveler this summer. I'm looking at late August/early September for 10-11 days though I'm flexible with travel dates.
This is a rough outline of my itinerary:
2-3 days in Seminyak or Jimbaran
4-5 days in Ubud
1-2 days in Gili
I am torn between staying in Seminyak or Jimbaran. I plan on taking surfing lessons in Kuta and like the idea that Seminyak has more options in regards to activities, shopping and nightlife. However, I've been wanting to stay at Ayana or at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran. I've also heard that the beaches are nicer in Jimbaran than in Seminyak. It also probably doesn't make sense to split my time since i'll only have 3 days?
In Ubud, I am thinking of either staying at The Four Seasons or The Chedi Club. Has anyone stayed at either place and have opinions of which is better suited for a female solo traveler?
Lastly, should I visit Gili after Ubud or after Seminyak/Jimbaran? I believe I can take the fast boat from Kuta or Ubud.
Thanks so much for your advanced help! Much appreciated,
Bryzzo
I am looking to travel to Bali as a solo female traveler this summer. I'm looking at late August/early September for 10-11 days though I'm flexible with travel dates.
This is a rough outline of my itinerary:
2-3 days in Seminyak or Jimbaran
4-5 days in Ubud
1-2 days in Gili
I am torn between staying in Seminyak or Jimbaran. I plan on taking surfing lessons in Kuta and like the idea that Seminyak has more options in regards to activities, shopping and nightlife. However, I've been wanting to stay at Ayana or at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran. I've also heard that the beaches are nicer in Jimbaran than in Seminyak. It also probably doesn't make sense to split my time since i'll only have 3 days?
In Ubud, I am thinking of either staying at The Four Seasons or The Chedi Club. Has anyone stayed at either place and have opinions of which is better suited for a female solo traveler?
Lastly, should I visit Gili after Ubud or after Seminyak/Jimbaran? I believe I can take the fast boat from Kuta or Ubud.
Thanks so much for your advanced help! Much appreciated,
Bryzzo
Mar 27th, 2017, 05:11 PM
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I'm sure you'll get some great advice from Kathie and marmot, but FWIW, you might find some useful information in my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...a-and-bali.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...a-and-bali.cfm
Mar 27th, 2017, 07:04 PM
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In late August-early September you'll get clear skies and good surfing, but it's also the height of the tourist season. Rates are inflated and everything's busy.
Seminyak and Jimbaran are very different, though they're not too far away from each other.
Jimbaran has some okay beaches, though some, like the Four Seasons' has erosion issues and others like the Ayana are at the base of a cliff which means a zillion steps down and back up. From Kuta to Seminyak to Batu Belig is one long wide sandy beach, good for long walks.
Jimbaran is protected by a reef so the ocean is fairly calm and good for swimming. In Seminyak you get a bigwave surf, which can be quite rough when the tide is high and the swells come in.
In addition to the ocean you should think about how much time you want to spend at the resort and how much out and about. Both the Ayana and the Four Seasons are somewhat removed and getting in and out is a drive. They each have a lot of restaurants, pools and good spas. In Seminyak you can walk along the beach or in the neighborhood to many restaurants, shops, spas and clubs.
The Ayana (and adjacent Rimba) are big all purpose resorts with different levels of exclusivity. The Four Seasons offers lovely individual villas all with ocean views. If you choose Seminyak, I'd suggest you look at the northern end in Petitenget. The Legian is in the same luxury class as the Four Seasons. There's also the Alila and Samaya nearby.
In Ubud, both the Four Seasons and the Chedi are really lovely, though they attract a lot of honeymooners. The Four Seasons, is situated along the river valley so it has spectacular views. Each are about 20 minutes outside of the town of Ubud, which gives you access to village life and the surrounding countryside, but also means you have to drive to venues in town. You might also look at Como Shambhala outside of town (if you are interested in wellness activities) and Uma Ubud in town (for a livelier atmosphere).
The fast boats to Lombok and the Gili Islands leave from Padang Bai which is about 1.5 hours from Ubud and from the Sanur area which is about 1.0 hour from Seminyak and a bit closer to Jimbaran. Sanur is also close to the airport.
Getting to the Gilis will take up most of a day, so it may not be worth is for 1 or 2 days, especially since you may have to coordinate with getting to the airport at the end of your trip. You might consider the Amed area in Northeast Bali for snorkeling and a laid back beachy atmosphere. The Amankila is a spectacular resort midway up the east coast.
Lastly, look at the surf schools at Double 6 beach, which is between Legian and Seminyak. Always nice gentle waves and the nearby beach shacks are a lot of fun for lunch and sunset drinks. Have you looked at the women's surf resorts like Bliss, She Travels and Surf Goddess?
Seminyak and Jimbaran are very different, though they're not too far away from each other.
Jimbaran has some okay beaches, though some, like the Four Seasons' has erosion issues and others like the Ayana are at the base of a cliff which means a zillion steps down and back up. From Kuta to Seminyak to Batu Belig is one long wide sandy beach, good for long walks.
Jimbaran is protected by a reef so the ocean is fairly calm and good for swimming. In Seminyak you get a bigwave surf, which can be quite rough when the tide is high and the swells come in.
In addition to the ocean you should think about how much time you want to spend at the resort and how much out and about. Both the Ayana and the Four Seasons are somewhat removed and getting in and out is a drive. They each have a lot of restaurants, pools and good spas. In Seminyak you can walk along the beach or in the neighborhood to many restaurants, shops, spas and clubs.
The Ayana (and adjacent Rimba) are big all purpose resorts with different levels of exclusivity. The Four Seasons offers lovely individual villas all with ocean views. If you choose Seminyak, I'd suggest you look at the northern end in Petitenget. The Legian is in the same luxury class as the Four Seasons. There's also the Alila and Samaya nearby.
In Ubud, both the Four Seasons and the Chedi are really lovely, though they attract a lot of honeymooners. The Four Seasons, is situated along the river valley so it has spectacular views. Each are about 20 minutes outside of the town of Ubud, which gives you access to village life and the surrounding countryside, but also means you have to drive to venues in town. You might also look at Como Shambhala outside of town (if you are interested in wellness activities) and Uma Ubud in town (for a livelier atmosphere).
The fast boats to Lombok and the Gili Islands leave from Padang Bai which is about 1.5 hours from Ubud and from the Sanur area which is about 1.0 hour from Seminyak and a bit closer to Jimbaran. Sanur is also close to the airport.
Getting to the Gilis will take up most of a day, so it may not be worth is for 1 or 2 days, especially since you may have to coordinate with getting to the airport at the end of your trip. You might consider the Amed area in Northeast Bali for snorkeling and a laid back beachy atmosphere. The Amankila is a spectacular resort midway up the east coast.
Lastly, look at the surf schools at Double 6 beach, which is between Legian and Seminyak. Always nice gentle waves and the nearby beach shacks are a lot of fun for lunch and sunset drinks. Have you looked at the women's surf resorts like Bliss, She Travels and Surf Goddess?
Mar 28th, 2017, 10:39 AM
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I fear that with the schedule you have outlined, you'll spend too much time in transit. For 10 days, I wouldn't want more than two locations. And getting to/from Gilli is quite time-consuming. So if it was me - and I know it isn't - I'd opt for Ubud and one beach location, cutting out Gilli and the two days transit time it would require.
Mar 30th, 2017, 06:58 AM
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Thank you so much everyone!! I really appreciate the suggestions and recommendations.
kja - loved reading your trip report. Really fantastic!
Marmot - haven't thought about the women's surf resorts but will definitely consider them!
Since I'll be traveling solo, I think I will skip the Ayana and Four Seasons in favor of the other hotels Marmot suggested.
Kathie - you're right. I think i'm juggling too much in 10 days so will cut out Gili and split my time between the beach resorts and Ubud.
kja - loved reading your trip report. Really fantastic!
Marmot - haven't thought about the women's surf resorts but will definitely consider them!
Since I'll be traveling solo, I think I will skip the Ayana and Four Seasons in favor of the other hotels Marmot suggested.
Kathie - you're right. I think i'm juggling too much in 10 days so will cut out Gili and split my time between the beach resorts and Ubud.
Apr 1st, 2017, 11:22 AM
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You will love Bali! We were coming from over two weeks in Japan so only had 8 nights on Bali. We spilt it between 3 nights in Ubud at the fantastic Komeneka brand. We stayed at Komeneka Bisma which we loved. Very special with great proximity to all that Ubud offers. In Seminyak, we rented a villa but went past all of the hotels mentioned. It's a great town. Our villa was across the street from Ku da ta beach club and we also went to Potato Head. By staying in a hotel you will have beach access but you may also enjoy these beach club/restaurants. The food, especially for dinner, is great at Potato Head. If I did it again, I would have spent an additional day or more in Ubud. We were really busy exploring the town and also the outside environs for the beautiful temples, villages, and beautiful ways of life by car, foot and bike. But all in all, I was happy with the split of time after asking the experts on this panel. I'm looking forward to going back and also exploring Java and other areas. Good luck and have fun!
