bali or langkawi ?
Oct 7th, 2007, 05:01 PM
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bali or langkawi ?
have tons of ff miles intend to go to SE ASIA in next couple weeks most likely destinations four seasons bali or langkawi. depending on destination spend couple nites hk or singapore.
am 45 single guy looking to relax. want deluxe hotel beautiful beach, good food and scuba but don't want to be surrounded only by honeymooners, any other hotel suggestions?
from hk need to stop either singpore or KL on way to either destinatiion which would you suggest? thanks.
am 45 single guy looking to relax. want deluxe hotel beautiful beach, good food and scuba but don't want to be surrounded only by honeymooners, any other hotel suggestions?
from hk need to stop either singpore or KL on way to either destinatiion which would you suggest? thanks.
Oct 7th, 2007, 09:01 PM
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I have been to Bali numerous times, but never Langkawi. However, I have friends who decided to 'try' Langkawi after two visits to Bali.
They found Langkawi quiet and dull, and now go back to Bali where they have night life if they want it, plus more restaurants outside of that which their hotel has, plus a greater degree of diverse scenery.
They found the Malaysians less charming and cheery than the Balinese, also.
The former Serai, near Candi Dasa, and now part of the Alila group (Google for "Serai" is charming, although quiet, but you can do a deal by staying at the Candi Dasa property and the Ubud one. The one in Ubud was formerly the Chedi.
The Pansea Puri at Jimbaran Bay is pleasant and the beach is good, and nicer still is the Amandari (Nusa Dua) and the Four Seasons (Jimbaran Bay) - but both cost a bomb.
Staying relatively close to Kuta and Seminyak also means (if you want it) you have easy access to clubs, bars and a multitude of restaurants.
My friends claimed that they found very little outside of their Langkawi hotel, although I must admit they are not the most adventurous of souls.
They found Langkawi quiet and dull, and now go back to Bali where they have night life if they want it, plus more restaurants outside of that which their hotel has, plus a greater degree of diverse scenery.
They found the Malaysians less charming and cheery than the Balinese, also.
The former Serai, near Candi Dasa, and now part of the Alila group (Google for "Serai" is charming, although quiet, but you can do a deal by staying at the Candi Dasa property and the Ubud one. The one in Ubud was formerly the Chedi.
The Pansea Puri at Jimbaran Bay is pleasant and the beach is good, and nicer still is the Amandari (Nusa Dua) and the Four Seasons (Jimbaran Bay) - but both cost a bomb.
Staying relatively close to Kuta and Seminyak also means (if you want it) you have easy access to clubs, bars and a multitude of restaurants.
My friends claimed that they found very little outside of their Langkawi hotel, although I must admit they are not the most adventurous of souls.
Oct 7th, 2007, 09:12 PM
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I should add....the best SCUBA diving is at the eastern end of the island near Amed and Tulamben, including diving on both wrecks and reefs.
Amed has a PADI dive resort here: http://www.ameddivecenter.com/
However, it is a 3 hour drive from Denpasar.
Amed has a PADI dive resort here: http://www.ameddivecenter.com/
However, it is a 3 hour drive from Denpasar.
Oct 7th, 2007, 09:24 PM
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nycaway, Same comments as Mitch. I haven't been to Langkawi personally so I can't give a direct comparison.
Deluxe hotel: There are plenty in Bali, all over the island. My favorites are The Legian in Seminyak Beach and the Alila in Ubud, but there are zillions of choices.
Beautiful beach: Debatable. The beaches in South Bali are long and lively, but are not crystal clear and pristine. If that's what you want, go to Thailand. In Eastern and Northern Bali you get some quiet deserted beaches but they are black sand.
Good food: Lotsa and a very good value
Scuba: The best is in North Bali, Menganan Island
Activities for single male: Bali abounds! The club, restaurant, beach scene is fun and lively
Arts & Culture: Don't overlook this aspect of Bali. It's one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, especially in the Ubud area.
Singapore or KL: I'd vote for Singapore
Deluxe hotel: There are plenty in Bali, all over the island. My favorites are The Legian in Seminyak Beach and the Alila in Ubud, but there are zillions of choices.
Beautiful beach: Debatable. The beaches in South Bali are long and lively, but are not crystal clear and pristine. If that's what you want, go to Thailand. In Eastern and Northern Bali you get some quiet deserted beaches but they are black sand.
Good food: Lotsa and a very good value
Scuba: The best is in North Bali, Menganan Island
Activities for single male: Bali abounds! The club, restaurant, beach scene is fun and lively
Arts & Culture: Don't overlook this aspect of Bali. It's one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, especially in the Ubud area.
Singapore or KL: I'd vote for Singapore
Oct 7th, 2007, 09:49 PM
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I love Bali and have been 3 times, while only having been to Langkawi once. If I had not been to either, I would choose Bali. However, the scenery in Langkawi and its islands is, in my opinion, much more spectacular than Bali.
Bali is an experience. Langkawi is scenery. I am not religious or spiritual, but watching the Balinese harvest rice brings me to the edge of where I could go on the spirituality scale.
I didn't dive in either place, but Ahmed is not that scenic, although known for great diving. How serious are you about diving?
Bali is an experience. Langkawi is scenery. I am not religious or spiritual, but watching the Balinese harvest rice brings me to the edge of where I could go on the spirituality scale.
I didn't dive in either place, but Ahmed is not that scenic, although known for great diving. How serious are you about diving?
Oct 7th, 2007, 09:55 PM
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I agree, Marmot. I have stayed at various south coast beaches, and most never have clear water. I thought Jimbaran was the best. Sanur is rocky, Kuta etc are a tad dirty with rubbish floating in the water, and as I am only an average swimmer, I wouldn't trust myself to the rips along the Semiyak-Legian section. Even Nusa Dua is dirty, and the beach at Candi Dasa is non-existent (although from the Alila / Serai, there is a snorkeling trip).
Not been to Menganan Island, although the Waka Shorea ( http://www.wakaexperience.com/waka_menjangan.htm )resort there is meant to be good. The black sand beaches I found at Lovina were muddy!
Won't get much nightlife at Amed, Tulamben or Menganan, though.
The food at the Serai - Alila Manggis is exceptional....and for a spectacular view one can't beat the Aman Kila at Manggis (provided one is a millionaire able to pay around $500US a night or more *lol*!!!).
Not been to Menganan Island, although the Waka Shorea ( http://www.wakaexperience.com/waka_menjangan.htm )resort there is meant to be good. The black sand beaches I found at Lovina were muddy!
Won't get much nightlife at Amed, Tulamben or Menganan, though.
The food at the Serai - Alila Manggis is exceptional....and for a spectacular view one can't beat the Aman Kila at Manggis (provided one is a millionaire able to pay around $500US a night or more *lol*!!!).
