Carta_Pisana

(just got back from Morocco this past Sunday) and have only done preliminary research (eeek!!!) I'm staying at the Ailia Ubud and have arranged two full days with Putu Arnawa. I was thinking one day could be spent exploring/touring east Bali and the other day the north&west side of Bali (is that reasonable/possible?). I'll explore Ubud and the surrounding area on my own. Is south Bali too congested and over developed?

(Morocco, while wonderful was chaotic and intense - I really want to take my time and soak in the vibe while in Bali)

So many things to read and cross reference. Any advice, thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

rhkkmk

your plan is perfect i think....there are a couple of things in the south.....the park with the huge statue---forget name, uluwaltu and fish dinner on the beach....otherwise not much....hire putu for another day or afternoon/evening and do these....its the easiest way...

Carta_Pisana

any one else?

are there special events for the full moon (Ot 26th)?

would you - on the day of arriving - schedule any massages or did you want to be left alone?

Hanuman

You'll be in good hands with Putu. If you visit the volcanoe ask Putu to stop by Penglipuran village(I think that's the village we visited) which is protected by UNESCO. Explore the village, each family take turn hosting tourist to visit their dwelling, and the temple at the end of the village.

If you have the time go water rafting. Food - Moziac(French) and Dirty Duck(local, the one by the paddy field or the original restaurant, were our favourite).

You'll get to see Denpasar and that area when your plane land and IMO your time will be best spend around magical Ubud!

tanuki

You asked about full moon observances. You should definitely attend a Purnama (full moon) temple anniversary celebration. There will be blessings,offerings, music, dance, etc. You might be the only tourists present, but will be quite welcome. You will need to dress appropriately with sarong, temple sash, and long sleeves. I would suggest having your guide with you to explain everything, as you will get much more out of the experience. Here is a listing of temples holding their anniversary celebrations while you are there (along with some other events as well):

http://www.baliassociates.com/events10.htm

Carta_Pisana

thank you for the suggestions and information

Starting to get excited since looking at these 3D photos of Bali:

http://www.bali3d.com/

Carta_Pisana

tanuki -
are long sleeves suggested for the day also?

Carta_Pisana

another questions - I read that most dance & shadow puppet performances start around 7 pm. I'm guessing they last about an hour? How late do people eat in Bali,or more specifically, Ubud?

Hanuman

Yes the dances performances at the temple or palace in Ubud start after dark and last for an hour or so. You can always leave before it finish especially after a few chorus of the "Shak shak" dance and song. We normally go in October and the temperature is cool and pleasant at night for us.

At the western restaurant(Moziac etc) in Ubud we always eat at around 8 - 8.30 pm so it will not be a problem.

tanuki

Carta Pisana, Balinese women always wear long sleeves to temple, even in the daytime.(Men wear a short sleeve shirt). The women's traditional "kebaya" blouse is light weight and often lacy or sheer. You can see women in typical temple attire in this pic I took at Besakih:
http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/View...amp;p=62093377

mscleo

As Hanuman said, you will be in good hands with Putu. I went to Bali last November and hired Putu for two days. He was knowledgeable, on time and his vehicle was clean and in great mechanical order (and blessedly air conditioned!)

Hanuman is also correct about the Penglipuran village. I enjoyed visiting with one of the Balinese families and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

Conservative dress is customary within the temples (long sleeves, sarongs, etc). Putu will provide you with a sarong if you don't have one of your own (I think he typcially keeps extras in the back of his vehicle).

Have a great time - I hope you enjoy Bali as much as I did.

davidlovetravel

I am really love Bali, I have just got back from Bali about one week ago, I have spent about one week in Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, that's incredible place to stay. I can walk to other hotel like Westin, Melia, Laguna Hotel, which is same beach.

Carta_Pisana

Thanks for all the info and comments. I am getting really excited about this trip. Reading guide books furiously so I can send Putu a list of things I would like to see. Another part of me just wants to say to Putu - "let's go to east Bali today" and let the day unfold organically. Have dinner reservations at Mozaic and Ary's Warung. Going to keep lunches loose - whatever strikes my mood. My one concern - I discovered I have about a 10 hour layover in Singapore. I've checked the airport's website - I'll be arriving around 10 pm (my flight doesn't leave until noon the next day (wait - that's 14 hours)). It will be a Sunday night - I was thinking I could take a taxi into the city and go to the food stall/market or have a late dinner? What's possible in Singapore?
But getting back to Bali - specifically Ubud - any recommendations for spas?

Hanuman

I've had great massages at the Begawan Giri and the Uma but for a fraction of the cost of these places try the very reasonable Ubud Sari Health Resort.

Nothing fancy but very satisfying!

http://www.ubudsari.com/

Hey for food don't forget the "Dirty Duck" restaurant and try the smoke duck(must be preordered - get Putu to do it for you).

http://www.agungraka.com/bebekbengil/Default.asp

Carta_Pisana

thanks Hanuman. What sights did you see with Putu? Did you let him guide/direct the day or did you have a list of sights to see? How much was organic and how much was planned?

Hanuman

Actually we used Putu on our 3rd trip to Ubud so we already had a good knowledge of the area. We just told him that we like to do and he will politely advise his opinions on our ideas.

One thing that you might want to jot down is that he's a keen photographer so you can trust him to take good photos of you and your family or friend.

Carta_Pisana

thanks Hanuman.

actually I'm traveling solo - I studied photography in graduate school (befoe switching over to architecture) so I'm already thinking about belveders and such. I'm guessing early morning - late afternoon are the best time because the sun is so strong. I've read that night falls rather quickly, something to do with being near the equator (I live in NYC and enjoy late summer twilght and dread winter nights) - is that true?

marmot

carta,
14 hours is a long time to cool your heels in Singapore. It's not a particularly late night city, although there are all night options. Why don't you start a separate thread for suggestions. You could also consider getting a room at the airort transit hotel and getting some sleep.

Ubud is a fairly early town though restaurants serve until 10 or 11. We usually have dinner before the dance performances. Try to get to the Kecak Dance in Junganan village. Your hotel can arrange transport or the village will pick you up in Ubud at the information center.

Bali is fascinating for architecture afficianados, both contemporary and traditional. There are so many that it's difficult to recommend but I wouldn't miss the Amankila (which would give you a good excuse to get to East Bali as well.)

The south beach area is the most developed, but whether it's congested and over developed is a matter of preference. If you want the beach you have to go to the sea. I'd suggest a day in Seminyak. Have dinner at Kudeta or LaLucciola. Cocktails and jazz at the Legian Hotel (make sure you get the one in Seminyak).

Yes, the sun sets early -- about 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Have fun and let us hear all about it.