Advice for 2 week Bali honeymoon
Jun 3rd, 2007, 07:29 PM
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Advice for 2 week Bali honeymoon
We are traveling to Bali the last week of August for 2 weeks. We are in our mid-30's and want to avoid the tourist traps. Any advice for places or itineraries that you would recommend that we not miss...or definately miss?
Jun 3rd, 2007, 07:59 PM
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Places to miss: Kuta beach, Nusa Dua
Spend some time at a beach location and some time at an inland location around Ubud.
There is lots to see and do on Bali, but as someone said on another thread about Bali, the most memorable experiences will be the ones you can't plan.
Read some of the trip reports on Bali. You'll certainly want to hire a car and driver for some of your days in Bali.
Spend some time at a beach location and some time at an inland location around Ubud.
There is lots to see and do on Bali, but as someone said on another thread about Bali, the most memorable experiences will be the ones you can't plan.
Read some of the trip reports on Bali. You'll certainly want to hire a car and driver for some of your days in Bali.
Jun 3rd, 2007, 08:23 PM
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get a driver, like putu---often mentioned here on this board---to drive you around some....he will take you to places that you never would see on your own...
aside from kuta i did not see anything resembling a tourist trap...
aside from kuta i did not see anything resembling a tourist trap...
Jun 3rd, 2007, 09:09 PM
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Definitely avoid Kuta (including Tuban and Legian) and Nusa Dua. Kathie's suggestion is spot on. For beaches, I would suggest Seminyak or Sanur. Seminyak is close to the Kuta 'zoo' in case you're curious, but far removed from the craziness, and also has some of the best restaurants on Bali. Try the Samaya if you can afford it, or Resor Seminyak if you're on a budget.
Sanur is not completely devoid of touts and t-shirt sellers, but they're not bad enough to ruin your trip (as they can be in Kuta), plus, the beach in Sanur is about the best for swimming I've seen on Bali. The restaurants there are also very good (and, some might say, without the snootiness of some of the Seminyak places).
Jimbaran is another nice area, but the posh resorts there tend towards the all-inclusive variety.
In and around Ubud are a lot of nice places. I recently reviewed an extremely secluded small accommodation (click my name to see my other posts). I also loved the Komaneka properties.
Sanur is not completely devoid of touts and t-shirt sellers, but they're not bad enough to ruin your trip (as they can be in Kuta), plus, the beach in Sanur is about the best for swimming I've seen on Bali. The restaurants there are also very good (and, some might say, without the snootiness of some of the Seminyak places).
Jimbaran is another nice area, but the posh resorts there tend towards the all-inclusive variety.
In and around Ubud are a lot of nice places. I recently reviewed an extremely secluded small accommodation (click my name to see my other posts). I also loved the Komaneka properties.
Jun 3rd, 2007, 10:32 PM
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so Bali won out over Croatia 
agree with everyone on what to miss
what I noticed about the other beach locations - Sanur is more laid back, faces east so you get a sunrise, Seminyak is trendier, faces west with booming surf. both have walkable shops and restaurants, some of the best "foodie" type restaurants at the beach are in Seminyak
definitely spend time in Ubud -- village environment, easier to stumble upon wonderful festivals, great jumping off point for day trips to the volcano, small villages
do get a driver -- we used Dean (his contact info and my January trip report is under my nickname in here somewhere) -- you'll want to do some exploring just to see all the varied scenery. if you tell more what you like to do you'll probably get some more specific suggestions. you have time to say, go out east and try one of the more remote boutique hotels, or go north and swim with dolphins, two things we did not do but wish we would have.
agree with everyone on what to miss
what I noticed about the other beach locations - Sanur is more laid back, faces east so you get a sunrise, Seminyak is trendier, faces west with booming surf. both have walkable shops and restaurants, some of the best "foodie" type restaurants at the beach are in Seminyak
definitely spend time in Ubud -- village environment, easier to stumble upon wonderful festivals, great jumping off point for day trips to the volcano, small villages
do get a driver -- we used Dean (his contact info and my January trip report is under my nickname in here somewhere) -- you'll want to do some exploring just to see all the varied scenery. if you tell more what you like to do you'll probably get some more specific suggestions. you have time to say, go out east and try one of the more remote boutique hotels, or go north and swim with dolphins, two things we did not do but wish we would have.
Jun 4th, 2007, 07:26 AM
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I used to spend a lot of time in Jakarta on business and would fly to Bali for long weekends. If you have any sense of adventure, you may want to rent motorbikes/mopeds to visit the island and explore on your own -- I usually based myself in Ubud, and found great rice paddy terraces, cockfights, temples, etc. just be driving around by myself (or with a friend). I wouldn't want to see the island from inside a car.
Do you have time for a several day sidetrip to Komodo Island -- its a rough trip, but very interesting, and I would get very bored (even on my honeymoon) with two weeks in Bali. If not to Komodo, you may want to look into sidetrips to Lombok or Java (if you can fly to Yogjakarta (sp?), you can see Borobodor).
Do you have time for a several day sidetrip to Komodo Island -- its a rough trip, but very interesting, and I would get very bored (even on my honeymoon) with two weeks in Bali. If not to Komodo, you may want to look into sidetrips to Lombok or Java (if you can fly to Yogjakarta (sp?), you can see Borobodor).
Jun 5th, 2007, 03:55 AM
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I love the beach in Bali. I go there regularly and usually stay at the Legian in Seminyak. (This can be confusing, because there is another Legian in Legian Beach. You want the one in Seminyak.)
Bali's Southwest beaches stretch for miles and miles from Kuta to Seminyak and beyond. Big waves, spectacular sunsets, broad sandy reaches for walking and everything else that people do on the beach.
All of Bali's beaches are touristy because they are, guess what, full of tourists. You don't get the pristine, white sand, limpid water, deserted beach feel in Southern Bali. You may find more seclusion in a less traveled part of Bali, but it's always a tradeoff as the beaches aren't as nice as they are in the South.
I'd pick the resort over the beach. There are so many choices in so many budgets that you first need to narrow down what you're looking for. As I said a room at the Legian with a big balcony overlooking the sea meets my needs but other people like other areas.
Ubud as others have said is a must visit. There are also zillions of choices in all price brackets. I like to stay outside of Ubud in the area overlooking the Ayung River valley. There are several resorts along this and other ridges which are isolated and scenic but still have reasonably easy access to the cultural attractions of the area.
I'm personally very fond of Bali dance and drama. If I had to pick one don't miss it would be the Kecak dance in Janganan village outside of Ubud. If you go to the Ubud tourist information center in town they will give you instructions for transportation.
I would also second the idea of spending a few nights on Java at Borobudur monument. This is one of the world's greatest architectural/artistic achievements and if this may be your one and only trip to Indonesia you should try to get there. You can fly from Denpasar to Yogyakarta on Garuda.
Bali's Southwest beaches stretch for miles and miles from Kuta to Seminyak and beyond. Big waves, spectacular sunsets, broad sandy reaches for walking and everything else that people do on the beach.
All of Bali's beaches are touristy because they are, guess what, full of tourists. You don't get the pristine, white sand, limpid water, deserted beach feel in Southern Bali. You may find more seclusion in a less traveled part of Bali, but it's always a tradeoff as the beaches aren't as nice as they are in the South.
I'd pick the resort over the beach. There are so many choices in so many budgets that you first need to narrow down what you're looking for. As I said a room at the Legian with a big balcony overlooking the sea meets my needs but other people like other areas.
Ubud as others have said is a must visit. There are also zillions of choices in all price brackets. I like to stay outside of Ubud in the area overlooking the Ayung River valley. There are several resorts along this and other ridges which are isolated and scenic but still have reasonably easy access to the cultural attractions of the area.
I'm personally very fond of Bali dance and drama. If I had to pick one don't miss it would be the Kecak dance in Janganan village outside of Ubud. If you go to the Ubud tourist information center in town they will give you instructions for transportation.
I would also second the idea of spending a few nights on Java at Borobudur monument. This is one of the world's greatest architectural/artistic achievements and if this may be your one and only trip to Indonesia you should try to get there. You can fly from Denpasar to Yogyakarta on Garuda.
Jun 10th, 2007, 11:20 AM
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Thanks again for the great advice!
We figured we would start our trip in Seminyak and work our way around Bali from there. There are so many areas that seem so interesting!
It seems that a few areas are a good base for day trips. Of course we would love to visit/epxerience as much of Bali as possible but I don't think that is feasible.
For this 2 week adventure any suggestions on limiting our stay over the island to 3 or 4 areas and then doing day trips? Also, how many days do you recommend for Ubud?
We figured we would start our trip in Seminyak and work our way around Bali from there. There are so many areas that seem so interesting!
It seems that a few areas are a good base for day trips. Of course we would love to visit/epxerience as much of Bali as possible but I don't think that is feasible.
For this 2 week adventure any suggestions on limiting our stay over the island to 3 or 4 areas and then doing day trips? Also, how many days do you recommend for Ubud?
Jun 10th, 2007, 01:15 PM
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2 weeks in Bali...so jealous! It is fine to stay in 4 areas but 3 areas would be my way to go. Ubud is my favorite so I would spend more days there than other areas. I like it because:
-It feels less crowded
-You can have all the luxury you want (or not)
-Bargain shopping around Ubud market
-Good restaurants
-Close to villages to experience Balinese culture
-Views of the Ayung River and rice patties
-Romantic
Jimbaran is a great place for sunsets. You can have a sunset seafood bbq dinner along the beach, or just watch the sunset while relaxing in the resort's infinity pool. Usually I put Jimbaran as the last part of my trip because it is close to the airport.
-It feels less crowded
-You can have all the luxury you want (or not)
-Bargain shopping around Ubud market
-Good restaurants
-Close to villages to experience Balinese culture
-Views of the Ayung River and rice patties
-Romantic
Jimbaran is a great place for sunsets. You can have a sunset seafood bbq dinner along the beach, or just watch the sunset while relaxing in the resort's infinity pool. Usually I put Jimbaran as the last part of my trip because it is close to the airport.
Jun 10th, 2007, 05:41 PM
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The town of Ubud itself you can explore in a day - maybe two if you like to browse galleries. But, the town also makes a good base for some adventure and exploration.
On the adventure side, I really love rafting the Agung river, which runs right past Ubud, so it's an easy thing to arrange. You can also easily explore Lake Beratan and the north side of the island from Ubud.
You should also take a trip up the east coast to the Bali Aga villages and Besakih temple. There's a sort of 'standard' tour from South Bali that takes in these, and is quite good. Or you can hire your own guide and driver.
Since you have two weeks, if you're at all culturally minded, you might consider flying off to Yogyakarta for a couple of days, to see Borobodur, the Prambanan and batik arts.
On the adventure side, I really love rafting the Agung river, which runs right past Ubud, so it's an easy thing to arrange. You can also easily explore Lake Beratan and the north side of the island from Ubud.
You should also take a trip up the east coast to the Bali Aga villages and Besakih temple. There's a sort of 'standard' tour from South Bali that takes in these, and is quite good. Or you can hire your own guide and driver.
Since you have two weeks, if you're at all culturally minded, you might consider flying off to Yogyakarta for a couple of days, to see Borobodur, the Prambanan and batik arts.
Jun 10th, 2007, 05:59 PM
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Bali must be such an amazing place...we can't wait!
Our goal would be to venture to Central, Eastern, Northern Bali for day trips or overnight trips if possible and stay at 3 or 4 areas on the island. We are going to hire a driver as well but would like to have a basic initerary planned.
It seems that we would spend the most time in Ubud. These areas also caught our interest.
1. Seminyak
2. Pemuteran for snorkeling: Menjangan Island best snorkeling? I also heard this is not feasible as a day trip.
3. Munduk
4. Jimbaran - seafood and sunsets
5. East Bali as day trip? or stay Amed?
I think we are going to pass up Gilli Islands/Lombok. Anthing we left out or should pass up???- ANY advice is deeply appreciated and we can't thank you enough!
Wishing you health and happiness!
Jenna and Luis
Our goal would be to venture to Central, Eastern, Northern Bali for day trips or overnight trips if possible and stay at 3 or 4 areas on the island. We are going to hire a driver as well but would like to have a basic initerary planned.
It seems that we would spend the most time in Ubud. These areas also caught our interest.
1. Seminyak
2. Pemuteran for snorkeling: Menjangan Island best snorkeling? I also heard this is not feasible as a day trip.
3. Munduk
4. Jimbaran - seafood and sunsets
5. East Bali as day trip? or stay Amed?
I think we are going to pass up Gilli Islands/Lombok. Anthing we left out or should pass up???- ANY advice is deeply appreciated and we can't thank you enough!
Wishing you health and happiness!
Jenna and Luis
Jun 12th, 2007, 05:57 PM
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You could do a few days in Pemuteran...due to the time it takes to get up there, it is not a day trip at all. After that, drive along the north to Lovina and head inland to Munduk. Spend at least a night there. From there, head down the east coast, and spend a couple of nights in Amed.
Jun 13th, 2007, 03:10 PM
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Another possile itinerary based on your intersets:
Seminyak (3N)- relax on beach on arrival. Tour South including Jimbaran.
Munduk (3N). Hike/bicycle/tour lakes, rainforest, and mountain areas. Day trip to Pemuteran for snorkeling.
Eastern Bali (2N)
Ubud (6N)- Base here to tour central region, enjoy art, dance and restaurants. Relax before departure.
Seminyak (3N)- relax on beach on arrival. Tour South including Jimbaran.
Munduk (3N). Hike/bicycle/tour lakes, rainforest, and mountain areas. Day trip to Pemuteran for snorkeling.
Eastern Bali (2N)
Ubud (6N)- Base here to tour central region, enjoy art, dance and restaurants. Relax before departure.
