Smeagol

So K and I are still deliberating if we should go to Java for a few days in September OR if we should go to Lombok and the Gili Isles for a few days. I contacted Qinci Villas and they are full due to a wedding when we want to go (gutted as we both really wanted to stay there)
Does anyone have any alternative suggestions in the same vien as Qinci?

Thank you

rhkkmk

how about asking them for a suggestion??

Kathie

Yes, do ask them. There is a place close by (although they may be full as well because of the wedding). Many of the places in the immediate vicinity are small boutique-type places.

StanKase

We found Lombok boring on a visit 4 years ago. We actually cut a 4day stay short by 2 days.If you are interested in a combination of of culture (75%) and natural beauty Central Java I always recommend. The famous Boboburur Hindi temple and 2 others can be magicak if you have interested in anticient history come alive with a good guide plus go out in the country-sideand see sights that rival Bali. Also you can be driven up to Mt. Merapi that is still active, actually a pretty major eruption 3 years ago, is worthwhile as well as observing locals in small villages in 1020 traditions using rudimentary implements to make flour for breads from a type of pAlm tree, tofu sold to major hotels in the city 10-15 miles away including the Aman resort and pottery using akilnsyou would think came from almost the post stone age. In addition the Sulton Palace is worth a visit if you are there on a weekend for at 11:30 on Sat. there The Hyatt is 4+ starand our guide can get a 25% discount or the Phoenix nearer downtown (closes after 7 PM,though) runs $1is an excellent puppt show and Sun. a ballet.

StanKase

If you might want to use the guide we have used on 2 visits one tme we also went to Mt. Bromo you can contact him at Bobodururtourandtravel.com or his home office: [email protected]. I mention him often because he really is one of the best guides we have had in all our travels in Asia.

marmot

The Lombok Lodge has been highly recommended to me. I haven't been there though. I believe it's in the same general area as the Qunci.

http://www.thelomboklodge.com/

Smeagol

Thanks Guys,
Stan we haven't ruled out Java yet, it's just we may just want some downtime, but thanks for your guides info if we go I will contact them for sure. Kathie,Bob I will contact them and ask thanks for the suggestion. Hoping to get suggestions too from anyone who may have stayed nearby too?
marmot I will check it out now, thank you.
I have had some info from the hotel Tugu, which looks nice if a little expensive, anyone know of this place?

marmot

Tugu is an Indonesian institution with properties first in Java, then Bali, now Lombok. They're characterized by extensive and eclectic collections of antiques, art and over the top decorating. A bit too dramatic for me, but they're generally well run and well reviewed.

Smeagol

Tugu is also double the price of qunci! Anyhow, I emailed Q to see if they had any suggestions and guess what, they have had a cancellation. It's a garden room so not the ocean view we wanted BUT we could switch to an OV for the last 2 nights..... Anyway, I am just waiting to see what the rate is ( thinks its cheap though)
Kathie, any one any opinions on the garden rooms?
Although I REALLY want to go to Java and think K and I are leaning towards a more chill out break!!!
Maybe Java with M next November! Or even next summer when I go to see K then.

kmkrnn

Garden view rooms would be fine, esp if you can change for and oceanview the last few nights. We hired a driver and did a tour that lasted most of a day. The rest of the time was just beach and pool. If I remember right it was a good beach to walk on.

Kathie

The garden view rooms are fine. You probably wouldn't spent that much time in the room anyway.

Smeagol

Thanks all. Just going to check out Silk Air flights from Singapore and see how much they are and hopefully they are not too expensive and we can go for it!

rhkkmk

just a note.. is this available and ocean view room in the new part or the old part.

the older is best and there really aren't any, well maybe one, full ocean views..

honestly any place would be lovely and their restaurant was excellent and relaxed by the pool and seaside

Smeagol

Bob, not sure will ask. Still waiting for them to confirm GV rates. Think K wants me to just book the GV room , she is in the US at the mo so I may just snap up that room and then when I catch up with her see if she wants to split the time. To be honest they all look gorgeous to me, so I am happy with getting a room! We may also go and stay on one of the Gili islands for 1 of the 5 nights!
I want to move relatively quickly as ther is quite a good flight price on Silk air and it's the only direct flight from sin.

rhkkmk

gili is generally very rustic--leave muffin at home

Smeagol

Muffin will be at home......

StanKase

If you go to Central Java the Hyatt (4+ stars) costs about %125-$135 for a Superior room or the Phoenix Hotel (3++ Stars) for $105-$119 if olur guide books it and as in most hotels that includes full Amercan or Indonesian style breakfast. I am not sure where you live but after traveling for 10-29 hours I thing soending time in the beach, simething I can do on a beach within 1 hour of my home is wasted valauable time that I could do at home. I live on the East Coast.

Smeagol

I live in the UK so it pretty much rains and is cold all the time, I will be in Singapore visiting my friend (which is the primary purpose of my trip and we both fancy a bit of down time) so will go from Singapore.
I think we are set on Lombok now. We now have Java pencilled in for next year. Thanks anyway Stan. I already had the Phoenix pencilled in and will not your guides details for next year.

Smeagol

that should be "NOTE" your guides details for next year!

monkeypenny

Have a look it Jeeva Klui. It's just a few minutes up the road from Qunci. It's lovely and it's only been open about 2 years or less.