Honeymoon in late September to October: Thailand or Bali/Lombok?
Jul 6th, 2012, 11:41 PM
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Honeymoon in late September to October: Thailand or Bali/Lombok?
My fiance and I are planning on a 2 -2.5 week honeymoon the last week of September into October. After hearing so many great things about Thailand from friends, we were thinking about going to Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. If we do go to Thailand do those 3 places make sense (and in that order) given that time of year and the rainy season? Any day trips we should take that are close by, or must see spots other than those?
We are also considering exploring Bali and the neighboring islands (possibly just Lombok).
We would like a few days of rest and relaxation but also want to get out and explore the area and experience the culture (historical sites, shopping, kayaking, hiking, rafting, seeing animals etc.). We would like to spend a few days in a luxury resort, but not our entire trip. We also enjoy water sports (we live in Hawaii and surf), and I am a certified diver.
*Given those 2 countries, which do you think would be better for the time of year and what we are looking for?
*If you have suggestions about Indonesia, and what we "must see/must do" that would be helpful as well.
Thanks in advance for any tips!
We are also considering exploring Bali and the neighboring islands (possibly just Lombok).
We would like a few days of rest and relaxation but also want to get out and explore the area and experience the culture (historical sites, shopping, kayaking, hiking, rafting, seeing animals etc.). We would like to spend a few days in a luxury resort, but not our entire trip. We also enjoy water sports (we live in Hawaii and surf), and I am a certified diver.
*Given those 2 countries, which do you think would be better for the time of year and what we are looking for?
*If you have suggestions about Indonesia, and what we "must see/must do" that would be helpful as well.
Thanks in advance for any tips!
Jul 7th, 2012, 09:33 AM
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i personally would use your time to better poupose and not go toLombokhaving gone there twice over the years.
I answered a questioned a little further down with details that should be useful for both Bali and Java.
The Question is : "Quiet but advenureus winter honeymoon by lacyinak.
Enjoy!
I answered a questioned a little further down with details that should be useful for both Bali and Java.
The Question is : "Quiet but advenureus winter honeymoon by lacyinak.
Enjoy!
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:44 PM
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September/October is a wonderful time for Bali/Lombok/Java. It's mostly clear, dry and rates are low.
Weather aside, either Thailand or Indonesia could fulfill most of your wishlist. Bali definitely has the edge for surfing; Thailand for [accessible] animals.
The good thing about Bali is that you can cover a lot of bases without incurring airport time and domestic flights (unless you decide to include a side trip to Central Java which I also would recommend).
Lombok has some pretty beaches and some very good surfing, but for "historical sites, shopping, . . . hiking, rafting" I'd give Bali and Java the edge. (Not much kayaking in Indonesia, though.)
To me the ideal continuum would be Central Java (Borobudur), then on to Bali, Menjangan island for diving, the Ubud area for culture and nature and Seminyak beach or surfing, sunsets, shopping and general beach resort fun.
You could easily fill up 2-2.5 weeks amoung Bali, Java and Lombok -- or just a more indepth visit to Bali alone -- but if you do want to go further afield, I'd look at Sulawesi too, Tanah Toraja for culture and nature and the Manado area for diving.
Weather aside, either Thailand or Indonesia could fulfill most of your wishlist. Bali definitely has the edge for surfing; Thailand for [accessible] animals.
The good thing about Bali is that you can cover a lot of bases without incurring airport time and domestic flights (unless you decide to include a side trip to Central Java which I also would recommend).
Lombok has some pretty beaches and some very good surfing, but for "historical sites, shopping, . . . hiking, rafting" I'd give Bali and Java the edge. (Not much kayaking in Indonesia, though.)
To me the ideal continuum would be Central Java (Borobudur), then on to Bali, Menjangan island for diving, the Ubud area for culture and nature and Seminyak beach or surfing, sunsets, shopping and general beach resort fun.
You could easily fill up 2-2.5 weeks amoung Bali, Java and Lombok -- or just a more indepth visit to Bali alone -- but if you do want to go further afield, I'd look at Sulawesi too, Tanah Toraja for culture and nature and the Manado area for diving.
Jul 8th, 2012, 07:14 AM
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Heavens, Stan, air from Bali to Lombok is not $600-800! I know you don't like Lombok, but some of us do. Lombok has nice, uncrowded beaches. It also has some interesting cultural things to see. It's not Bali in terms of accessibility to culture, but a very nice place, nonetheless.
Personally, for two and a half weeks, I'd recommend Java and Bali (two locations), as I expect you'll want to settle in and enjoy for a while. I'd skip Lombok, not because it isn't a worthwhile destination, but because I expect you will get more out of Java and Bali for a first trip.
Personally, for two and a half weeks, I'd recommend Java and Bali (two locations), as I expect you'll want to settle in and enjoy for a while. I'd skip Lombok, not because it isn't a worthwhile destination, but because I expect you will get more out of Java and Bali for a first trip.
Jul 8th, 2012, 04:07 PM
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Take a look at this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...agons-post.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...agons-post.cfm
Jul 8th, 2012, 05:16 PM
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Stan, I apologize, I did mis-read you post.
Nonetheless, my choice for a luxury place on Lombok would be the one-bedroom villa at Qunci Villas, rack rate is $195++ per night. Flights are well under $100.
Nonetheless, my choice for a luxury place on Lombok would be the one-bedroom villa at Qunci Villas, rack rate is $195++ per night. Flights are well under $100.
Jul 9th, 2012, 04:35 AM
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Kathie; You are correct the last time I flew to Lombok I flew for about $80USD. But even ar $say $220 for hotel with taxes and flight and food for even 2 full days/3 nights it has to cost the $600++ and I really think just for somrewhat better beaches one very interesting market I remember I would urge them to spend more time in Bali with a guide ($60USD/day) and for the same money or less they can find quite a nice place in Sept. West Bali with the Paouan rice fields are simple serene for one day.
Jul 13th, 2012, 10:20 PM
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Thanks everyone for all of your help! We decided Thailand is where we really want to go, but we are going to hold off until late November/Early December to avoid the rainy season....I saved all of your information for a future trip to Indonesia though!
