5 Days in Bali with friend, where to stay?
Mar 29th, 2010, 01:01 AM
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5 Days in Bali with friend, where to stay?
Hi guys, I'll be in Bali for 5 1/2 days (flight on the 6th day is at 8pm) and I'm struggling to figure out where I should stay. My girl friend and I are mid-20s, and we'd like to enjoy some beautiful beaches for snorkeling/surfing, experience a little nightlife (not our main priority in Bali, but would like to at least see what it's like), and of course check out the culture, arts, and nature.
I've heard Kuta is great for nightlife, Sanur's got great beaches, and Ubud is the center of culture, but I'm not sure how I should split up my time between all of that in 5 days. I don't want to have to keep moving my luggage around everywhere, so any suggestions? Not sure if I should just stay put in one place and hire a driver each day to take us around? Thanks!
I've heard Kuta is great for nightlife, Sanur's got great beaches, and Ubud is the center of culture, but I'm not sure how I should split up my time between all of that in 5 days. I don't want to have to keep moving my luggage around everywhere, so any suggestions? Not sure if I should just stay put in one place and hire a driver each day to take us around? Thanks!
Mar 29th, 2010, 02:47 AM
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Not sure what your expectation is for "beautiful beaches." Bali beaches have a lot to offer, but they're not the white powdery sand and crystal clear waters type. Snorkling requires a special trip, so maybe cross that off your list.
For mid-20s I'd head to Seminyak. Long sandy beach -- somewhat aggressive surf, but plenty of people swim as well as surf. The upscale nightlife has also migrated from Kuta to Seminyak so I'm guess that you'd find what you're looking for there as well. Lots of good choices in restaurants, spas and shops.
Five days is hard to split, but it's difficult to experience Ubud without being there. So I'd accept the inconvenience of packing and moving and do 2/3 with the extra night whichever place has the most attraction for you.
For mid-20s I'd head to Seminyak. Long sandy beach -- somewhat aggressive surf, but plenty of people swim as well as surf. The upscale nightlife has also migrated from Kuta to Seminyak so I'm guess that you'd find what you're looking for there as well. Lots of good choices in restaurants, spas and shops.
Five days is hard to split, but it's difficult to experience Ubud without being there. So I'd accept the inconvenience of packing and moving and do 2/3 with the extra night whichever place has the most attraction for you.
Mar 29th, 2010, 02:52 PM
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Combined, we don't want to spend more than $40-60 a night if possible. We don't mind hostels either, as long as they're clean, safe and convenient. I was looking at The Island Bali, which is situated in Legian, and runs each of us about $30/night. Would that be a good option, since it's somewhat close to Seminyak, or are there better places to stay in Seminyak?
Right now, I'm considering 3 days in Legian (or Seminyak if that's better and feasible on our budget?) and 2 days in Ubud. Does that sound reasonable?
Right now, I'm considering 3 days in Legian (or Seminyak if that's better and feasible on our budget?) and 2 days in Ubud. Does that sound reasonable?
Mar 29th, 2010, 06:33 PM
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I’m not familiar with The Island, though the location at Jalan (street) Double 6 is centrally located for shops, restaurants etc. A little more raucus than Seminyak but very close by.
My son and his 20 something friends usually stay at the Padma (moderate) or the Masa Inn (low).
http://www.masainn.com/
http://www.hotelpadma.com/default.php
The Masa is barebones (probably like the Island) but has a good reputation for cleanliness and safety. The Padma is a little more upscale. I’d go for the Padma if you can afford it.
In Seminyak I’d look at Taman Ayu Cottages. These are a little farther from the beach (but still walkable) but in a very nice area.
http://www.tamanayucottage.com/index.html
For the best value ON THE BEACH, try the Sofitel. More than your budget, but hey you’re in Bali!
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-5551...li/index.shtml
There are lots of choices in Ubud. First you have to decide if you want to stay in town or in the countryside. The advantages of town are that you can walk to restaurants, shops and performance venues. The advantages of out of town is that it’s really beautiful. My recommendation would be go for the country side, but both are fun.
Alam Sari would be my top pick for nature and culture and very nice people. The Waka resorts are also a good value and have locations all over Bali.
http://www.alamsari.com/
http://www.wakaexperience.com/
Once you reserve your room in Ubud you can ask your resort to pick you up at the beach. You just have to make sure that “transport” is included in your room rate, whether it’s from the airport or the beach doesn’t make much difference. Or you could take a taxi.
My inclination would be to do Ubud first, then the beach so you’ll be closer to the airport on your last day. 2 Ubud, 3 Beach is fine. You’ll wish you could stay longer.
My son and his 20 something friends usually stay at the Padma (moderate) or the Masa Inn (low).
http://www.masainn.com/
http://www.hotelpadma.com/default.php
The Masa is barebones (probably like the Island) but has a good reputation for cleanliness and safety. The Padma is a little more upscale. I’d go for the Padma if you can afford it.
In Seminyak I’d look at Taman Ayu Cottages. These are a little farther from the beach (but still walkable) but in a very nice area.
http://www.tamanayucottage.com/index.html
For the best value ON THE BEACH, try the Sofitel. More than your budget, but hey you’re in Bali!
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-5551...li/index.shtml
There are lots of choices in Ubud. First you have to decide if you want to stay in town or in the countryside. The advantages of town are that you can walk to restaurants, shops and performance venues. The advantages of out of town is that it’s really beautiful. My recommendation would be go for the country side, but both are fun.
Alam Sari would be my top pick for nature and culture and very nice people. The Waka resorts are also a good value and have locations all over Bali.
http://www.alamsari.com/
http://www.wakaexperience.com/
Once you reserve your room in Ubud you can ask your resort to pick you up at the beach. You just have to make sure that “transport” is included in your room rate, whether it’s from the airport or the beach doesn’t make much difference. Or you could take a taxi.
My inclination would be to do Ubud first, then the beach so you’ll be closer to the airport on your last day. 2 Ubud, 3 Beach is fine. You’ll wish you could stay longer.
Mar 29th, 2010, 11:28 PM
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Thank so much for all your help! I considered going to Ubud first as well, but our flight gets into Bali at night, so I thought it might be too much traveling to drive another hour+ to get to Ubud (especially since it doesn't sound like there's much happening in Ubud in the evenings).
How much would a taxi cost from Legian to Ubud? I've heard of a bus that goes to Kuta to Ubud, but I haven't been able to find any details on what the best way to get to Ubud is.
How much would a taxi cost from Legian to Ubud? I've heard of a bus that goes to Kuta to Ubud, but I haven't been able to find any details on what the best way to get to Ubud is.
Mar 30th, 2010, 12:38 AM
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Public transportation is fairly sporadic in Bali and taxis are fairly cheap. I'm not sure how much a taxi to Ubud would cost. Maybe US$25? Your best bet is to negotiate "transport included" when you confirm your room rate. All of the resorts are quite used to doing this.
It's really nice to wake up in Ubud after arriving late, but you're right -- the town closes early.
It's really nice to wake up in Ubud after arriving late, but you're right -- the town closes early.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 01:18 AM
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Yea, I read up on these "bemos", and they don't seem very reliable. I suppose I'll arrange transport with the hotel.
I've been emailing the hotel in Ubud back and forth--do you think I can negotiate via email? Not sure how receptive they are to it. I've heard of travelers negotiating the hotel rates in person, but not sure how it works when doing it online.
I've been emailing the hotel in Ubud back and forth--do you think I can negotiate via email? Not sure how receptive they are to it. I've heard of travelers negotiating the hotel rates in person, but not sure how it works when doing it online.
