bali
 

We are planning a trip to Bali in the fall of 2001. Travel agency says fly with taiwanese air to taipei then on to Bali. Stay in Kuta . Vancouver to Bali 1500.00 incl air,hotel, breakfast and 5 tours. Is this readonable? <BR>any info on staying in Kuta area? All info appreciated

I assume that it is $1,500 U.S. a person? That seems very cheap for a week at a nice hotel. (I stayed at Four Seasons last year and it was $500, per night, for a data point.) Also, be aware that services/tax are about 18% as that may not be included. <BR>Kuta can be very hectic. It basically was a small village until about 20 years ago. It is now the most touristy area on the Island. It's safe, just don't expect tropical paradise on that part of the Island. <BR> <BR>

Hi there, <BR> <BR>I went to Bali last August with a my best friend and we had a wonderful time. I didn't like the Kuta area at all (at 28, the frat boy surfer scene was a little tiresome) and it seemed really run-down and dirty. I'd suggest looking at some of the other areas like Sanur or Nusa Dua. You can get pretty good non-package rates and hotel discounts booking online. <BR> <BR>Cathay Pacific has a terrific price for Bali thru their all-asia pass - about CAD$1399 and they have a terrific reputation for comfortable service (plus it's a direct flight from Vancouver to HK and then a connection to Bali). In fact, I think they also offer pretty good package rates to Bali so it's worth checking their website out. <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Radisson Hotel in Sanur for US$49/night, including free aiport transfers and daily American Breakfast so reasonable hotel prices are out there. Also, there a Le Meridien in the South West part of the island that is pretty far from everything but very beautiful with lovely Balinese architecture and nice beaches. Check out Le Meridien's site for Le Passport discounts there. <BR> <BR>You can arrange from any hotel to have a driver take you around for an island tour (usually between $25-45/day) and it's worth the cost. Ubud has terrific artisans and we made a stop at the monkey forest. I brought a package of peanut m&m's to coax them to come see me and the greedy little fellows followed me right back to the car! <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and have a lovely holiday. <BR> <BR>Cheers from Toronto

hi, kuta is great for shopping and the night life is hectic. can definetly recommend the "Kartika plaza beach hotel"

Nusa Dua is a bit isolated and isn't really close by any towns. Kuta is very hectic - I found the town very polluted with lots of traffic, though the beach was gorgeous. For a compromise, I'd definitely recommend Sanur. We stayed in the Grand Bali Beach hotel, and loved it. Sanur is a small town with plenty of restaurants and shops, but much quieter than Kuta. <BR> <BR>Wherever you decide to go - have a wonderful time.

Ooops - sorry, had trouble posting this, then ended up putting it on the wrong thread.

Kuta: Too crowded, too low, too... <BR>Nusa Dua: Nice, but a bit "sterile" <BR>Sanur: my favourite place (suggest the Hyatt) with its beautiful gardens <BR>Do not mix up with the Grand Hyatt which is in Nusa Dua.

Sorry, I meant to write "too loud", but to "low" is not that wrong either. <BR>Kuta is really for the very young crowd, especially surfers.

Even if the tours are included in the price, you may consider skipping the package tours. They are notorious for taking tourists to the most touristy places, insisting they stop at art shops that give the tour operators 50% commission or more, and eating at mediocre restaurants that also give commissions. <BR> <BR>For just $30 a day or so you can hire a private driver to take you where YOU want to go, whether your agenda is just to visit art museums, see the many wonderful temples, or walk through the rice paddies. It is so easy to find great English speaking drivers. <BR> <BR>I always feel sorry for the tourists I see sitting in busses looking miserable because they see Bali through their windows but can't stop the bus and meet the people or follow their own timetable. I have taken tours in other countries where the cost of car hire or cost for taxis is high, or it's difficult to arrange itineraries yourself - and that may justify taking package tours. But that is not the situation on Bali. <BR> <BR>Also, Kuta is considered the "armpit" of Bali. You may be much better off staying in Sanur or Legian. Ubud, of course is not to be missed for the arts, culture, river valley and rice padi views.

I flew with Malaysian Air. <BR>Stayed in Kuta at Sahid Bali in a Bungalow for $576.00AU$ for 8 nights. <BR>Excellent location