cruisinred

I booked a cheap flight to Bali for the beginning of Sept. But now I think I'd like to extend the trip for an additional week. I'm flying on JAL, and there are multiple places through which I could connect (Sin, Hanoi, HCMC, BKK, etc). I would have about 6 additional days/night. I'm a single woman, in my early 30's, traveling by myself. Trying to keep the budget down for this trip, but would like to mix a few budget nights, with a few nicer places to stay.

Here are a few ideas I'm tossing around. I open to any/all suggestions. I like being active (hiking, surfing, yoga) and also enjoy shopping and cooking classes, as well as historic sites. So I'm pretty open to anything

1) 2 of these options: 3 days in Hanoi (shopping & eating)/ 3 days LP (chillaxing)/ 3 days Siem Reap....I've been to all of these places on a previous trip

2) 6 days Burma (connecting via Sin or KL for cheap flights). But would end Aug/beg Sept not be a good time to visit? And then there are the usual arguments about not visiting Burma....

3) Someplace else in Indonesia? I visited Jakarta and Yoga/Borobodur years ago....

Kathie

Lots of options... you might consider Lombok (quiet, gorgeous beaches, good prices) or Sulawesi (there is a long recent post) in Indonesia.

What about somewhere in Malaysia - Georgetown in Penang for historic ambiance and the fabulous hawker food - or pop over to Kuching...

rhkkmk

lombok at qunci villas...WOW...

singapore....

langkawi at the bon ton....

combo of K/L and melakka

Cicerone

You could easily spend the extra time in Bali, or a least a few extra days and do a shorter stop over someplace else. Flying all the way to Bali for just a week seems like short-selling it and yourself. I could spend a week on the coast and a week inland very happily. Surfing and yoga are certainly possible there and some good hiking too. Looking at your interests, other than remaining in Bali, I would say to consider Hong Kong, as it is one of the few places on your list where you can get in some hiking, as hiking is not really possible in Singapore, Bangkok or Hanoi; and while is it possible on the outskirts of some places (like LP and Siem Reap), IMO you will want it to be guided, whereas in Hong Kong you can hike alone on well-marked well-maintained trails and get to and from them by public transport. And of course shopping if you want it. Yoga and cooking classes are possible too (although cooking class options may be better in Bangkok or Hanoi). It will still be on the hot side temperature-wise, and some rain, but that is not much different from the other places you are considering.

mrwunrfl

Japan. West of Tokyo to the Japan Alps in Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

If you added a day or two to Bali then you would have the right amount of time (5 days) for Hong Kong.

cruisinred

Thanks for the sugestions everyone.
I did HK and Tokyo/Kyoto last summer (shh...don't tell the panda that I forgot to do a trip report).

So, this trip I think I'll do:
2 or 3 days Hanoi for shopping/eating,
5 nights/4 full days Ubud,
3 days Gili Islands off of Lombok for Scuba course,
ending with 3 days at this place near Seminyak for yoga www.desaseni.com

Craig

Red, I think you'd enjoy returning to Hanoi with extended time in Indonesia. Do plan a trip to Burma when you have more time. 6 days is not enough. I don't think it really matters when you go but the skies are bluer November to March.

marmot

cruisin, I'd suggest that you take a look at North Bali (Pemuteran) for SCUBA. The reefs around Lombok and the Gilis are dismal; good for advanced drift divers but not so good for beginners. Menjangan Island area is a good site for all levels and many of the resorts offer certification.

I'm interested in hearing more about Desaseni. You do know, however, that it's in Canggu not Seminyak. That may actually be better for you as it's more rural, but it's a different environment from Seminyak beach culture.

cruisinred

Hi Craig-
One of the things that made me postpone Burma for another trip is that the hot air ballons over Bagan only operate in the winter months. After seeing your photos, I definitely want to do that.

Thanks Marmot. I will look into North Bali instead. I've read good things about the Gilis. Oh well...
I think Desa Seni will be close enough to Seminyak (10 min drive I'm told) to get my beach/shopping/restaurant fix. But I'll be sure to report back!

marmot

I haven't been to the Gilis for years. I'd really like to hear from someone who has stayed at one of the new resorts. I hear the accomodations have improved but I doubt that the reefs have.

I wouldn't count on 10 minutes from Canggu to Seminyak -- not that it matters: you'll be out in the rice paddy saluting the sun . Canggu is expat-villa central and traffic can be overwhelming.

CFW

Cruisin,

Desa Seni looks like fun, and very different than the usual hotel experience. We're starting to second guess our stay in Seminyak, and wondering if we should concentrate our beach time in Sanur instead. Just can't get a feel for Seminyak. Is it mostly sleek expensive boutiques and hip restaurants with international food? Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it just may not be our style.