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-   -   3 weeks in Indonesia in September (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/3-weeks-in-indonesia-in-september-1008850/)

konniandmatt Mar 24th, 2014 10:51 PM

Hi mcbg1,
If you like to try a lot of food, why not going to Sulawesi after Bali (flight into Makassar from Denpasar easy and cheap – out of Makassar to Kuala Lumpur with Airasia, the same): Tana Toraja with a lot of culture, beautiful beaches eg Tanjung Karang, close to Palu, Pantai Bira in the South, or even Togean Islands (include boatrides!). We travelled Sulawesi 4 times within the last 5 years, still so many things to see: here are our notes about funerals in Tana Toraja (http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-sep-2010.html), about beach life and diving in Tanjung Karang (http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...ng-karang.html) and boat building close to Pantai Bira (http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-oct-2010.html).
I think, it’s important to plan your time properly without trying to ‘do it all’. I am convinced: Less is More!
Happy travels,
Cheers, Konni, www.konniandmatt.blogspot.com

mcbg1 Mar 25th, 2014 06:16 AM

Right now my itinerary is something like this:

Singapore 2 nights
Yogyakarta 4 nights
Bali 4 nights
Lubuan Bajo 4 nights
Bali 4 nights
Singapore 2 nights

I have 2 more nights that I can add somewhere. Or should I spend less time in some of the places on my itinerary and add a new destination?

Kathie Mar 25th, 2014 10:52 AM

IMO, that is plenty of locations. I'd add the days to places already on your list... I'd probably choose Yogyakarta to add the days.

marmot Mar 25th, 2014 04:19 PM

So now that you have a firmer plan, start filling in the logistics of getting to each destination. You'll see where you need the extra days.

You have to remember that getting from place to place always takes longer than you expect what with transport to the airport, security/immigration and common flight delays.

When I suggested splitting Bali into two parts, I was thinking of taking the boat to Lombok/Gilis in the middle.

The total time involved in getting to and from Flores will be considerably more time consuming even though the flight Denpasar-Labuan Bajo is only 1.5 hours.

You might consider going to Flores after Yogya. It's still a pain to get there but at least it would be concentrated pain. And then you could have a long relaxing, no-airport stay in Bali.

Kathie Mar 25th, 2014 04:30 PM

That's a good idea, marmot.

mcbg1 Mar 26th, 2014 03:49 PM

Thanks, I'll look into this.

Where would you recommend I stay in Bali? I'm a single, 29 year old guy so while I'm not sold on staying in Kuta, I don't want to stay in an area that's too isolated from the action.

marmot Mar 26th, 2014 10:21 PM

In Bali I'd recommend Seminyak and Ubud. If you're interested in three locations you could add Pemuteran or Amed for snorkling/diving or another inland location like the area around Munduk.

In Seminyak I like Petitenget. This is where you'll find most of the sophisticated restaurants and clubs, like KuDeTa, Potato Head, Hu'u, La Lucciola, Sarong, Sardine, Mexicola, Mantra, Straw Hut etc.

I recommend The Colony which is a small, boutique hotel near Petitenget temple and Petitenget beach. It's within walking distance of everything in Seminyak.

In Ubud you can either stay in the town itself or in the countryside outside of town. In town I like Uma Ubud. If that's more than you want to spend, there are lots of other choices. Outside of Ubud look at Alila or Alam Sari.

Alila is more upscale and has fabulous views of the river valley. Alam Sari is smaller but charming. Both will arrange all kinds of culture and nature activities in the Ubud area.

Alam Sari also has a homestay program which allows you to spend a night or two in a traditional Balinese village.


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