@ dcd: I suspect that the number of mosquitos you encounter will depend on exactly where and when you are out and about, but I must admit to being a complete wimp when it comes to those little buggers. I slathered (and reslathered) myself with picaridin and wore long-sleeve UV-protecting blouses and full-length pants except when I planned to visit a temple (when I wore a sarang and doubled up on the picaridin). I also took a full course of a malarial preventative, and made sure I was up-to-date on all relevant vaccines. Have you checked the CDC website or spoken with your physician? I would recommend that.... Sorry i can't be more helpful! I'm sure you'll find much to enjoy in Bali!

kja, the vaccines are current.

Now I'm getting nervous about prescription drugs. There's a 250 post thread on TA about that starting in 2012 and going thru the present time. Seems like my wife and I might need a doctor's letter of some kind, plus the prescription. Have no idea what's meant by "prescription" since the meds have already been filled. Do you have any info on these issues?

@ prashnatnative: I agree – public transportation in Singapore is excellent!

@ dcd: I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can help. I wasn’t ever asked for information about the prescription medications I carried, but those included only an emergency supply of Cipro and (before I reached Bali) the last few doses of my antimalarial, and I did have copies of the actual prescriptions -- something I ALWAYS take when I travel. In other words, I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but I’m also fortunate enough to live without routine prescription medications. You might try an embassy or consulate, the CDC, or perhaps a travel clinic. Good luck!

I've never heard of anyone having trouble bringing prescription medicines for personal use into Bali or anywhere in Indonesia. In emergency many branded and generic medications can be purchased over the counter (without a prescription) at pharmacies (apotiks) in Bali.
Mosquitos can be a problem early morning or early evening, but less so during the day unless you're in a forest or rice paddy. I find that a quick spray on the ankles does the trick. Off! is readily available in Bali.

@ marmot: Thanks for providing your expert insights!

Thanks kja and marmot!

Great Post
 

Thanks for the information this really helps my planning.

I'm glad to know you're finding it helpful!
Enjoy your time in Bali -- it is a delightful place. :)

Hi jka, your TR has been very insightful. We are planning a trip in early October which includes my wife and our 8 year old son. We have a rather tight schedule on the island and can spare roughly 2 days for Ubud. I know that 2 days doesn't do much justice to Ubud but we are trying to make the most of it. We want a cultural immersion in Ubud. Which temple would you recommend we visit in Ubud, where we can participate in a certain activity? Since we are Hindus from India, is there a special consideration for us in any temple? We also want do the rice fields and may be a museum. We are planning to watch the Kecak near Uluwatu, how is this going to be any different from the one in Ubud?

Can you suggest a brief itinerary for 2 days for Ubud? and lastly, can I get in touch with Amir? Any contact details?

Hi, nandanshah0047 -

I'm so glad you found my TR insightful! Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be of much help as you plan what I'm sure will be a delightful time in beautiful Bali.

First, my driver: I was exceptionally pleased with my driver, Amik Bagoes; I wholeheartedly recommend him! The last contact information I had for him is:
https://www.facebook.com/amix.bagoes
If you can't reach him, you might try the Alam Indah group, which might be able to recommend a reliable driver at competitive rates.
https://www.alamindahbali.com/

As for temples: The only temple I visited that was actually in Ubud was Pura Taman Saraswati, and even then, my visit was limited to the entry area -- which is absolutely lovely and well worth a half hour or so, especially because you can combine it with a break at the Lotus Cafe or Starbucks. When I was in Ubud, most of the temples were closed to visitors, or at least non-Hindu visitors. I don't know whether you and your family would be granted access.

If visiting temples is a priority, then I would recommend that you work with your driver (once you find one) and/or with guidebooks -- or maybe even my trip report! -- to identify the ones that hold greatest interest for you and that work best in your limited time frame.

I'm sure you realize that the Jatiluwih rice terraces are not in Ubud. They are, however, well worth seeing, IMO! In Ubud itself, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is (or at least was) very pleasant.

The only performance of the Kecak that I saw was the one in Junjungan Village, so I can't speak to how it might compare to the one near Uluwatu.

For a cultural experience in Ubud, I would recommend a legong performance at the Ubud Palace, if they are still offered.

I'm sorry that I really can't answer most of your questions! You might want to start a new thread specifically about your trip. In my experience, Fodorites who are familiar with Bali are quite generous in sharing their knowledge.

Best wishes for a delightful experience.

jka, you visited the Neka art museum. Are there any works for sale here? Are there any uber-lux spas you would recommend? :)

By the way, I was able to get in touch with Amik who in turn put me in touch with his colleague as he is not available in Bali for our travel dates.

Hi again, Nandanshah -

I'm so glad you reached Amik and that he was able to recommend one of his colleagues! Thanks for letting me know.

Once again, I don't feel equipped to answer your questions, but I'll do what I can!

I though the Neka Art Museum delightful! It has a gift shop, and I purchased some nice small items there, but the things I purchased were more on the lines of local crafts or mementos; if it held actual works of art for sale, I don't remember them. (I think the Rudana Museum, between Ubud and the Denpasar airport, does offer art for sale.) If you aren't fully committed to purchasing a painting or sculpture, I would strongly encourage you to look at Threads of Life, a store that sells textiles and a few other crafted items made by Indonesian women. I'd call some of its textiles true art works!
https://threadsoflife.com/

As for spas, I don't know what would count as an "uber-lux" one. I can say that I truly enjoyed my experience at the Tamarind Spa (at Murni's), and, according to tripadvisor, it recieved some "lux" spa awards
https://www.murnis.com/tamarind-spa/treatments/

I hope these answers help!

A few years later (better late than never) I found your TR while researching for an upcoming trip. All I can say is wow! and thank you! I took copious notes and I need to go back and re-read it, such a wealth of information. What an amazing trip you had!
I don't know if you mentioned it already and I've missed it...did you arrange for your drivers in advance? Or when you got there via your hotel?

I will also read your planning posts, but...did you consider other islands, too? And eliminated them due to logistics and/or time? Or didn't consider them? I'm asking because we want to include Komodo National Park on Komodo for the dragons and Tanjung Puting National Park on Kalimantan for orangutans. I know this will mean less time on Java and Bali, but...these are the choices we need to make in life when we don't have unlimited time and finances. This process of deciding what to keep and what to "let go" is the hardest part of planning. That, and logistics of getting from A to B...you gave me some good ideas, thanks again!

@ xyz99: Thanks for your kind words! To answer your questions: I did not arrange for drivers in advance; instead, I worked with my hotels to engage them once there. I would love to see more of Indonesia -- it's a fascinating country with so much to offer! As you say, travel requires some difficult decisions about what to skip and what to include on any specific trip. Good luck with your plans!