Need ideas for 9 nights end of Feb. in Malaysia or Indonesia
Feb 12th, 2017, 02:51 AM
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Need ideas for 9 nights end of Feb. in Malaysia or Indonesia
As so many of you who were very helpful before our trip know, we put together a very last minute six week trip to Asia. We finished our 3+ weeks in Myanmar and arrived in Ubud in Bali yesterday to find ourselves in the middle of torrential rain. Today was better in that it rained more lightly and not torrentially like yesterday where we were soaking wet, even with umbrellas, during a five minute walk.
I know it is rainy season right now many places in the area, and we'd prefer to not set ourselves up for a place where we are sure to get poured on like yesterday. (Places we could anticipate some lighter rain that doesn't interfere too much with activities are okay.)
After finishing our week stay in Ubud we will have nine nights to play around with before needing to be in Kuala Lumpur for our flight back to the US. We enjoyed Myanmar but are feeling quite templed and Asian citied out. Ubud is waaay too touristy for our taste, and we are so glad we staying at Alam Indah and are at least somewhat out of the super busy part of Ubud. We have five more days to fill in Ubud, and I think with some day trips further away on the island, and maybe a day of rafting or biking (hoping we won't be rained out for these types of things) we should be okay.
We are kind of done with cities. We do not want to just run around and see tourist sites non-stop. We are interested in spending time in some low key, rural natural areas where we could do some easy trekking or where there are interesting villages to see. Or, we are interested in visiting really good national parks. Or, we are thinking of going to the beach/seashore for a while if we could find the right low key place where it is not over-developed, not super touristy, offers something more than just lying on the beach (snorkeling, boat trips, kayaking, interesting fishing villages in the area, shore fishing opportunities for my husband, great beach walking, interesting places to take day trips etc.). We are not looking to be busy tourists all day every day, but we also do not want to be bored to tears with nothing to do.
In previous responses to me Marmot recommended Sideman, Munduk and Amed as possible places on Bali. But, now that we are here the possibilities of lots of rain have us worried. Or, should they still be okay possibilities? Any other Indonesia recommendations? Any Malaysia recommendations? We don't want to waste a lot of time zig-zagging back and forth and all over so are looking for fairly simple logistics.
I'd really appreciate any thought people have.
I know it is rainy season right now many places in the area, and we'd prefer to not set ourselves up for a place where we are sure to get poured on like yesterday. (Places we could anticipate some lighter rain that doesn't interfere too much with activities are okay.)
After finishing our week stay in Ubud we will have nine nights to play around with before needing to be in Kuala Lumpur for our flight back to the US. We enjoyed Myanmar but are feeling quite templed and Asian citied out. Ubud is waaay too touristy for our taste, and we are so glad we staying at Alam Indah and are at least somewhat out of the super busy part of Ubud. We have five more days to fill in Ubud, and I think with some day trips further away on the island, and maybe a day of rafting or biking (hoping we won't be rained out for these types of things) we should be okay.
We are kind of done with cities. We do not want to just run around and see tourist sites non-stop. We are interested in spending time in some low key, rural natural areas where we could do some easy trekking or where there are interesting villages to see. Or, we are interested in visiting really good national parks. Or, we are thinking of going to the beach/seashore for a while if we could find the right low key place where it is not over-developed, not super touristy, offers something more than just lying on the beach (snorkeling, boat trips, kayaking, interesting fishing villages in the area, shore fishing opportunities for my husband, great beach walking, interesting places to take day trips etc.). We are not looking to be busy tourists all day every day, but we also do not want to be bored to tears with nothing to do.
In previous responses to me Marmot recommended Sideman, Munduk and Amed as possible places on Bali. But, now that we are here the possibilities of lots of rain have us worried. Or, should they still be okay possibilities? Any other Indonesia recommendations? Any Malaysia recommendations? We don't want to waste a lot of time zig-zagging back and forth and all over so are looking for fairly simple logistics.
I'd really appreciate any thought people have.
Feb 12th, 2017, 10:49 AM
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The West coast of Malaysia will have good weather at that time of year but really doesn't meet your requirements. Penang I would recommend for food and culture , but is ruled out on the basis that it is a city. Langkawi is renowned for its luxury beach resorts but there is a different side to the island, pristine mangroves, mountain hiking in the interior and, with 99 islands, there is bound to be some fishing somewhere.
One thought would be that, as you are flying out of KL , you could spend a few days in Taman Negara NP, supposedly the oldest Rainforest in the world. We are planning on going there in July as we make our way from KL to Bangkok by train. Part of the trip will be on the "Jungle Railway" I was planning on stopping off at a few places along the way and spending 3-4 days in Taman Negara, trekking, kayaking etc.
http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm#The_Jungle_Line
One thought would be that, as you are flying out of KL , you could spend a few days in Taman Negara NP, supposedly the oldest Rainforest in the world. We are planning on going there in July as we make our way from KL to Bangkok by train. Part of the trip will be on the "Jungle Railway" I was planning on stopping off at a few places along the way and spending 3-4 days in Taman Negara, trekking, kayaking etc.
http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm#The_Jungle_Line
Feb 12th, 2017, 03:36 PM
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crellston--Thanks for the great link; I never would have known about this option.
We've discussed both Taman Negra and Langkawi and are putting them into our bag of options. We are also now perhaps thinking about Lombok. (The sun is out today in Ubud, and things are looking up here.)
So many people recommend Penang, and I've read there are some nature-oriented things to do there. But, also, so many recommendations have to do with making a visit because of the food, but we'd never make a visit to t place solely to sample the food.
We've discussed both Taman Negra and Langkawi and are putting them into our bag of options. We are also now perhaps thinking about Lombok. (The sun is out today in Ubud, and things are looking up here.)
So many people recommend Penang, and I've read there are some nature-oriented things to do there. But, also, so many recommendations have to do with making a visit because of the food, but we'd never make a visit to t place solely to sample the food.
Feb 12th, 2017, 04:53 PM
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The storm of Friday/Saturday was one of the worst I've experienced in five years in Bali, with widespread flooding and terrible landslides. Then on Sunday we had an earthquake!
Today, however, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. I hope this endures for a few days and you can get to do more of what you came to Bali to do. A great day for the Champuhan Ridge walk.
My personal opinion is to get away from Ubud center and concentrate on the wide open spaces to the north, east and west. Munduk, Sidemen and Amed are the places that I would recommend. Be aware that several interior roads were evidently washed away in the weekend storm, but drivers will know alternative routes.
Munduk, Sidemen and Amed refer to both villages/small towns and to the general surrounding areas. There are no "official" national parks with designated trails, but there are plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. You will need a guide to get you to the starting point.
You could also consider retaining a car and driver and make a long roadtrip loop from Ubud to Munduk to Amed to Sidemen. You could also include Bali Barat National Park.
Drivers are amenable to multiday assignments. They will take care of their own accommodations and meals and include the (very low) cost in their daily fee.
I can't recommend any specific places to stay. Sanak Retreat in Munduk has been recommended to me, but it might be on the high side. My friends like Blue Moon Villas in Amed. There are many, many home stays and B&Bs throughout. Most of them will be charming and cheap, full of nice people who will want to show you the area.
If you leave Bali because of the weather, you'll probably need to leave Indonesia altogether. If, on the other hand, the weather proves tolerable, and you want to experience another part of Indonesia then I'd look at Central and North Sulawesi, Flores and East and Central Java.
Today, however, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. I hope this endures for a few days and you can get to do more of what you came to Bali to do. A great day for the Champuhan Ridge walk.
My personal opinion is to get away from Ubud center and concentrate on the wide open spaces to the north, east and west. Munduk, Sidemen and Amed are the places that I would recommend. Be aware that several interior roads were evidently washed away in the weekend storm, but drivers will know alternative routes.
Munduk, Sidemen and Amed refer to both villages/small towns and to the general surrounding areas. There are no "official" national parks with designated trails, but there are plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. You will need a guide to get you to the starting point.
You could also consider retaining a car and driver and make a long roadtrip loop from Ubud to Munduk to Amed to Sidemen. You could also include Bali Barat National Park.
Drivers are amenable to multiday assignments. They will take care of their own accommodations and meals and include the (very low) cost in their daily fee.
I can't recommend any specific places to stay. Sanak Retreat in Munduk has been recommended to me, but it might be on the high side. My friends like Blue Moon Villas in Amed. There are many, many home stays and B&Bs throughout. Most of them will be charming and cheap, full of nice people who will want to show you the area.
If you leave Bali because of the weather, you'll probably need to leave Indonesia altogether. If, on the other hand, the weather proves tolerable, and you want to experience another part of Indonesia then I'd look at Central and North Sulawesi, Flores and East and Central Java.
Feb 12th, 2017, 05:18 PM
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If you're going by weather, during a time when it can be the really rainy season, then I really don't know what to recommend. I just got home from 6 weeks in S.E. Asia and was back up in Penang and ended up in a rainstorm so strong that it looked like Florida in a hurricane. But, it passed over and things normalized. I've also been on Bali, during December, years ago and it poured raining, but I knew that it was the rainy season when I booked the trip.
If you want to be in the middle of nowhere and away from cities, then there's the Gold Coast in Malaysia. Two years ago, some friends of mine from KL and I, drove up there for a day and then back to KL on the same day. We ate at one of the open-air restaurants on the beach and also drove on backroads in a jungle-looking area and made some stops along the way.
http://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/sepang/
Happy Travels!
If you want to be in the middle of nowhere and away from cities, then there's the Gold Coast in Malaysia. Two years ago, some friends of mine from KL and I, drove up there for a day and then back to KL on the same day. We ate at one of the open-air restaurants on the beach and also drove on backroads in a jungle-looking area and made some stops along the way.
http://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/sepang/
Happy Travels!
Feb 13th, 2017, 04:31 AM
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Thanks again for all of the thoughts. And, marmot, it was good to hear that the weather we had experienced on arrival was really a fluke. When we planned the trip we knew it was going to be rainy season, but we weren't thinking torrential type rains that would stop all activities and cause landslides.
Today was mostly sunny during the day and didn't start raining until about 9:00 pm so that has given us hope that maybe the entire time won't be a washout. Also, today we were lucky enough to observe a very fancy cremation procession and ritual because a member of the Balinese royal family had died. Our hotel told us that the family members would have consulted a spiritual adviser who could ask that the rains hold off because it is difficult to do cremation ceremonies in the rain. Who knows? Maybe this worked.
Tomorrow we are going off with a driver for the day, so this will also give us some insight into rural Bali and whether we will want to extend our stay here.
I've also thought about Lombok as an option but don't know if that really is what we want either.
It is interesting that peninsular Malaysia does not seem to be a place that many people feel strongly is worth a lot of visiting time.
Today was mostly sunny during the day and didn't start raining until about 9:00 pm so that has given us hope that maybe the entire time won't be a washout. Also, today we were lucky enough to observe a very fancy cremation procession and ritual because a member of the Balinese royal family had died. Our hotel told us that the family members would have consulted a spiritual adviser who could ask that the rains hold off because it is difficult to do cremation ceremonies in the rain. Who knows? Maybe this worked.
Tomorrow we are going off with a driver for the day, so this will also give us some insight into rural Bali and whether we will want to extend our stay here.
I've also thought about Lombok as an option but don't know if that really is what we want either.
It is interesting that peninsular Malaysia does not seem to be a place that many people feel strongly is worth a lot of visiting time.
Feb 13th, 2017, 06:22 AM
#8
I think visitors mention food in a place when it's interesting, as it is in Penang, but it need not imply that it's the only interesting thing about a place, just a part of the whole. To say done with cities and won't go for the food seems to me to miss the point. I, too, prefer less urban places and don't go just for the food and Penang is one of the most memorable in my long and varied travel life. If it's mentioned here that means to me that it's true for others too. A shame to dismiss it.
There were no replies when I first saw your post and I didn't because of the number of criteria you attached to destinations you'd consider. In doing so you eliminate a number that you'd likely love. I only mention Penang because of your seeming write-off of it and maybe it would be a mistake for you, who knows.
There were no replies when I first saw your post and I didn't because of the number of criteria you attached to destinations you'd consider. In doing so you eliminate a number that you'd likely love. I only mention Penang because of your seeming write-off of it and maybe it would be a mistake for you, who knows.
Feb 13th, 2017, 07:05 AM
#9
I actually quite enjoyed peninsula Malaysia, but it was my first stop in SEA. You might consider the Cameron Highlands along with crellston's suggestion. When I went back more recently to visit Georgetown I was less impressed than a lot of posters here.
I'd like to recommend the northeast and the Perhentian Islands, where I had a much-needed and enjoyable rest, but the monsoon season is not supposed to end until March.
For my first visit see:
http://wilhelmswords.com/asia2002/index.html
I'd like to recommend the northeast and the Perhentian Islands, where I had a much-needed and enjoyable rest, but the monsoon season is not supposed to end until March.
For my first visit see:
http://wilhelmswords.com/asia2002/index.html
Feb 13th, 2017, 07:15 AM
#10
I, too, considered mention of the Cameron Highlands, spent a week in the middle of several weeks in Georgetown. But the mention of "bored to tears" decided me against it as it's a place without a great deal to do if not a self-starter. I have a particular interest in tea and that was the draw for me. Malaysians go to hang out and get out of the heat and that alone seems enough. If I recall, there's a golf course.
Feb 13th, 2017, 11:11 AM
#12
It is, indeed, Kathie. Tried my best but no luck. I did succeed, though, in running into a very sweet visiting masseur from KL who worked on my sore knee with Tiger Balm and like to think it helped.
Feb 13th, 2017, 11:12 AM
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Some photos of our time in the Cameron highlands https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/09...ron-highlands/
Feb 13th, 2017, 05:43 PM
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The rain-stoppers must have had good connections, as we have another brilliant blue sky today.
Lombok and the Gili Islands have some pretty beaches, a variety of water sports and laid-back communities. Overall both the vegetation and the culture are on the arid side.
Lombok and the Gili Islands have some pretty beaches, a variety of water sports and laid-back communities. Overall both the vegetation and the culture are on the arid side.
Feb 13th, 2017, 06:31 PM
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I meant exactly that: arid as in "lacking in interest, excitement." Go to Lombok for its beaches and beach communities which are quite pleasant. But aside from some lovely pottery and a floundering textile tradition, it doesn't offer much in the way of "culture" as in performing arts, arts and crafts or religious pageantry and celebration.
Feb 13th, 2017, 07:03 PM
#18
Sorry to hear the textile tradition is floundering. It seemed to be doing OK when I was there in 2004. We also encountered a village celebration of some kind with music and a dancer. But Bali it was not.
Feb 15th, 2017, 05:20 AM
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Thanks all. I've scrutinized your reports and photos and tips. And, this afternoon we spent a few hours with our Malaysia guidebooks. Malaysia just doesn't seem to have that many things that are really calling to us, so right now it is backup in case other ideas don't pan out.
Weather here in Bali has been quite tolerable in the past few days. I think our arrival in torrential rains made us bit gun shy about what Bali's weather would be like. We were out all day yesterday with a driver in many different places on the island, and it gave us a feel for what types of opportunities are available here now. We are still punting, but I think our current plan is to move from Ubud to Sideman for a few days and do some low key walking and also some day tours out of there.
We are also thinking about some waterfront time but aren't sure where to do that in Bali. Amed seems like it is only for divers and snorkelers. Candidasa might be a good candidate because it also allows for other opportunities like day trips. Some people seem to like Sanur, but I am not sure. We are interested in a very low key beach type place that is relatively undeveloped (think fishing village) yet has some tourist infrastructure like restaurants and semi-decent places to stay. We don't need fancy, and we are not looking for jet skis, parasailing etc. Quiet, scenic, opportunities for walking in the area and/or on the beach, scenic, good seafood etc. are what we are looking for.
Weather here in Bali has been quite tolerable in the past few days. I think our arrival in torrential rains made us bit gun shy about what Bali's weather would be like. We were out all day yesterday with a driver in many different places on the island, and it gave us a feel for what types of opportunities are available here now. We are still punting, but I think our current plan is to move from Ubud to Sideman for a few days and do some low key walking and also some day tours out of there.
We are also thinking about some waterfront time but aren't sure where to do that in Bali. Amed seems like it is only for divers and snorkelers. Candidasa might be a good candidate because it also allows for other opportunities like day trips. Some people seem to like Sanur, but I am not sure. We are interested in a very low key beach type place that is relatively undeveloped (think fishing village) yet has some tourist infrastructure like restaurants and semi-decent places to stay. We don't need fancy, and we are not looking for jet skis, parasailing etc. Quiet, scenic, opportunities for walking in the area and/or on the beach, scenic, good seafood etc. are what we are looking for.
Feb 15th, 2017, 07:37 PM
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I've been to the Sidemen in search of heritage textiles. I've always meant to stay the night, but haven't actually done so yet. My friend Amit (who writes the wonderful blog, Healing Pilgrim) swears by Embang Homestay.
From Sidemen it's about an hour to Candidasa and 1.5 hours to the Amed area. You could easily take a look at both to see what it suits you. Candidasa was very popular in the 90's then fell out of favor for various reasons, mainly, I think because of the significant beach erosion. It's now had somewhat of a renaissance, especially among European expats. Sanur is a pleasant beach town. It's quite developed (and has been attracting visitors for decades), but still maintains a laid-back sleepy feel.
As I said, Amed seems to be the favorite beach getaway among expats living in other parts of Bali. I haven't been there myself for ages, so can't give you a comparison. Amed is a fairly compact area so you could easily have a look before making a decision. Lipah Beach was recommended to me. I believe water-based activities other than snorkeling and scuba are available. Have you looked at East Bali Bike Tour?
From either Amed or Sidemen you're within a couple hours' drive of Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur/Kintamani; both offer trekking, temples, coffee plantations, hot springs, traditional villages. I don't support luwak coffee, but there's the regular type is grown and processed all over Bali.
From Sidemen it's about an hour to Candidasa and 1.5 hours to the Amed area. You could easily take a look at both to see what it suits you. Candidasa was very popular in the 90's then fell out of favor for various reasons, mainly, I think because of the significant beach erosion. It's now had somewhat of a renaissance, especially among European expats. Sanur is a pleasant beach town. It's quite developed (and has been attracting visitors for decades), but still maintains a laid-back sleepy feel.
As I said, Amed seems to be the favorite beach getaway among expats living in other parts of Bali. I haven't been there myself for ages, so can't give you a comparison. Amed is a fairly compact area so you could easily have a look before making a decision. Lipah Beach was recommended to me. I believe water-based activities other than snorkeling and scuba are available. Have you looked at East Bali Bike Tour?
From either Amed or Sidemen you're within a couple hours' drive of Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur/Kintamani; both offer trekking, temples, coffee plantations, hot springs, traditional villages. I don't support luwak coffee, but there's the regular type is grown and processed all over Bali.
