bali accomodations
Jun 16th, 2007, 07:29 PM
#22
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Tengo to answer some of your questions:
I love the beach in Bali, but it’s definitely not of the white sand, clear calm water pristine variety. In South Bali there are several beach areas: Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur and the long connected beach from Kuta-to-Seminyak. They all have distinct personalities with many repeat customers so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
There are beaches on all sides of Bali (it's a fairly small island) and those in the Northwest, Northeast and far North are less developed, but are either more cove-like -- as opposed to long and sandy -- or black sand. So it’s a trade-off.
Nusa Dua is an enclave that is really just international hotels and resorts. The beach is good but the water is very shallow at low tide. The Conrad is at the far end of Nusa Dua in Benoa. This is a newish property and is built around a series of swimming lagoons. It is very stylish and I would think would be lots of fun for kids. The drawback is that the beach is fairly dismal, mostly manmade and overrun by jetskis.
Jimbaran Bay is a sweeping arc with a good swimming beach, although it’s recently suffered quite a lot of erosion. There are several seafood barbeques on the beach which are popular. The Intercontinental is an older property with lovely grounds but not especially distinctive rooms.
The Ritz is on a cliff overlooking the beach. This makes for great views and lovely sunsets, but to get to the beach you have to climb down (and eventually UP) many, many stairs. The beach itself is small and private – good sand and water but scorchingly hot. The resort is self contained and quite isolated, which can be good as there are several pools and restaurants on the site, or annoying if you want to go anywhere else.
Sanur is on the eastcoast with a long sandy beach that’s excellent for swimming. Many of the resorts have been around for years and years and, in my opinion, are showing their age, but the area’s very popular with families. Plenty of restaurants nearby.
The westcoast beach stretches for miles from Kuta to Seminyak and beyond. The beach is wide and sandy and the surf can be aggressive. Lots of fun if you like big waves, but definitely better suited to strong swimmers. The upscale resorts keep their beaches clean; the public areas are less so. Kuta is the most developed and has a well deserved reputation as the “wild-side” of Bali. Still, a lot of families like it because there’s a lot of action and a lot to do.
I personally prefer the Seminyak area for the beach, the shops and the restaurants. Here I’d recommend the Sofitel and the Legian Seminyak.
The Thai non-stop is about 4.5 hours from Bangkok to Denpasar. The driving time from the beaches to Ubud area is between 1 to 2 hours depending on from where to where. Transportation (private car and driver) is readily available and not expensive.
I love the beach in Bali, but it’s definitely not of the white sand, clear calm water pristine variety. In South Bali there are several beach areas: Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur and the long connected beach from Kuta-to-Seminyak. They all have distinct personalities with many repeat customers so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
There are beaches on all sides of Bali (it's a fairly small island) and those in the Northwest, Northeast and far North are less developed, but are either more cove-like -- as opposed to long and sandy -- or black sand. So it’s a trade-off.
Nusa Dua is an enclave that is really just international hotels and resorts. The beach is good but the water is very shallow at low tide. The Conrad is at the far end of Nusa Dua in Benoa. This is a newish property and is built around a series of swimming lagoons. It is very stylish and I would think would be lots of fun for kids. The drawback is that the beach is fairly dismal, mostly manmade and overrun by jetskis.
Jimbaran Bay is a sweeping arc with a good swimming beach, although it’s recently suffered quite a lot of erosion. There are several seafood barbeques on the beach which are popular. The Intercontinental is an older property with lovely grounds but not especially distinctive rooms.
The Ritz is on a cliff overlooking the beach. This makes for great views and lovely sunsets, but to get to the beach you have to climb down (and eventually UP) many, many stairs. The beach itself is small and private – good sand and water but scorchingly hot. The resort is self contained and quite isolated, which can be good as there are several pools and restaurants on the site, or annoying if you want to go anywhere else.
Sanur is on the eastcoast with a long sandy beach that’s excellent for swimming. Many of the resorts have been around for years and years and, in my opinion, are showing their age, but the area’s very popular with families. Plenty of restaurants nearby.
The westcoast beach stretches for miles from Kuta to Seminyak and beyond. The beach is wide and sandy and the surf can be aggressive. Lots of fun if you like big waves, but definitely better suited to strong swimmers. The upscale resorts keep their beaches clean; the public areas are less so. Kuta is the most developed and has a well deserved reputation as the “wild-side” of Bali. Still, a lot of families like it because there’s a lot of action and a lot to do.
I personally prefer the Seminyak area for the beach, the shops and the restaurants. Here I’d recommend the Sofitel and the Legian Seminyak.
The Thai non-stop is about 4.5 hours from Bangkok to Denpasar. The driving time from the beaches to Ubud area is between 1 to 2 hours depending on from where to where. Transportation (private car and driver) is readily available and not expensive.
Jun 17th, 2007, 07:30 AM
#26
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Marmot,
Thank you for the info. It saved us tons of time and research.
Another question please:
Checking room rates it seems like the Spring, or at least February/March rates, are much lower than summer rates in Bali. Is this because of school vacation worldwide or, is February-March-April not a good time to visit Bali weather wise?
Also, the Legian looks incredible, if expensive. Pictures of the Conrad also look beautiful.
Thanks again.
RK
Thank you for the info. It saved us tons of time and research.
Another question please:
Checking room rates it seems like the Spring, or at least February/March rates, are much lower than summer rates in Bali. Is this because of school vacation worldwide or, is February-March-April not a good time to visit Bali weather wise?
Also, the Legian looks incredible, if expensive. Pictures of the Conrad also look beautiful.
Thanks again.
RK
Jun 17th, 2007, 01:58 PM
#27
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tengo -- jan, feb, march into april are if you check weather sites, the rainy seasons in Bali, so prices are going to be lower. that said, we went in mid january and only had one day with a huge downpour -- tropical rain also tends to be brief and intense, not necessarily an all day affair. it's going to vary year to year, I think march this past year was very wet.
that said, fewer people and lower prices during the "off season" and from what I heard, prettier with all the green/vegetation.
that said, fewer people and lower prices during the "off season" and from what I heard, prettier with all the green/vegetation.
Jun 17th, 2007, 04:46 PM
#28
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Tengo, Since the foremost travelers to Bali are Europeans and Australians the heaviest traveled months are August and December. After that, it's Easter, Lunar New Year and the international school holidays, then the Islamic holidays after Ramadhan which will be in mid-October this year.
The rainy season is roughly November through March though it's the tropics and it rains all year. You can get long sunny dry spells and long (2-3 day) grey and rainy spells at any time. Mostly, however, as Jen says, storms come and go quickly and dramatically.
Bali is entering a period of excessive development right now. Villas are everywhere and there are far more of them then there are tourists. Aside from the big name properties, all rates are negotiable. Persist.
If you like the Legian and the Conrad, take another look at the Sofitel. It's a good value with a great location and excellent facilities.
The rainy season is roughly November through March though it's the tropics and it rains all year. You can get long sunny dry spells and long (2-3 day) grey and rainy spells at any time. Mostly, however, as Jen says, storms come and go quickly and dramatically.
Bali is entering a period of excessive development right now. Villas are everywhere and there are far more of them then there are tourists. Aside from the big name properties, all rates are negotiable. Persist.
If you like the Legian and the Conrad, take another look at the Sofitel. It's a good value with a great location and excellent facilities.
Jun 17th, 2007, 05:59 PM
#29
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mar....if you had to name one beach area as the best of bali, with wonderful white sand, not lots of people, few touts and salespeople, but yet convenient to restaurants and nice accomodations---WHAT WOULD IT BE??
in short the best.....legian??
in short the best.....legian??
Jun 17th, 2007, 10:05 PM
#30
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Bob, the Legian's still my favorite and I've stayed there maybe 200 nights in the past 12 years.
Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect. There is not one beach in Bali that offers clean white sand, clear calm water and deserted vista. Seminyak beach can get crowded and, depending on how the tides come in from Java, somewhat laden with flotsam and jetsam.
The Legian's beachfront is quite wide and sandy. They keep it raked and tidy. They can't keep the touts off the beach but they keep them moving.
The resort grounds are green and shady. You can sit all day in a beach chair almost on the beach without actually being on the beach. If you want to get closer there are bales right on the beach. The pool and beach attendants are very attentive.
I guess that's what I like best: if you want to get involved in the lively beach scene, it's there. If you want to withdraw you can move back under the palms or camp out on your balcony.
If you want to walk or run you can go miles in either direction which is especially compelling at sunset or early morning.
The Legian is beautiful at night with the torches lit around the pool. They have jazz cocktail hour on weekends and beach barbeques once or twice a week.
Unfortunately, the restaurant dinner menu is overpriced and underwhelming. Since the last time I was there they have a new chef so maybe things will improve. There are so many choices in the area (La Lucciola being my favorite) that this is hardly a handicap.
The Legian spa is quite nice, but I think also overpriced. There are plenty of other choices, including beach masseuses.
I think as a group GHM which includes Legian and Chedi is one of the best managed in Asia. They are related to the Aman group and the Alila group and they have real commitment to service and aesthetic. And despite my constant honking on their behalf I'm not on the payroll
I represent an East Coast fortune 500 company and over the years I've sent scores of colleagues to the Legian. These are sophisticated, well traveled executives and I don't think I've ever had a complaint.
Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect. There is not one beach in Bali that offers clean white sand, clear calm water and deserted vista. Seminyak beach can get crowded and, depending on how the tides come in from Java, somewhat laden with flotsam and jetsam.
The Legian's beachfront is quite wide and sandy. They keep it raked and tidy. They can't keep the touts off the beach but they keep them moving.
The resort grounds are green and shady. You can sit all day in a beach chair almost on the beach without actually being on the beach. If you want to get closer there are bales right on the beach. The pool and beach attendants are very attentive.
I guess that's what I like best: if you want to get involved in the lively beach scene, it's there. If you want to withdraw you can move back under the palms or camp out on your balcony.
If you want to walk or run you can go miles in either direction which is especially compelling at sunset or early morning.
The Legian is beautiful at night with the torches lit around the pool. They have jazz cocktail hour on weekends and beach barbeques once or twice a week.
Unfortunately, the restaurant dinner menu is overpriced and underwhelming. Since the last time I was there they have a new chef so maybe things will improve. There are so many choices in the area (La Lucciola being my favorite) that this is hardly a handicap.
The Legian spa is quite nice, but I think also overpriced. There are plenty of other choices, including beach masseuses.
I think as a group GHM which includes Legian and Chedi is one of the best managed in Asia. They are related to the Aman group and the Alila group and they have real commitment to service and aesthetic. And despite my constant honking on their behalf I'm not on the payroll
I represent an East Coast fortune 500 company and over the years I've sent scores of colleagues to the Legian. These are sophisticated, well traveled executives and I don't think I've ever had a complaint.
Jun 18th, 2007, 09:16 AM
#31
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thanks Mar......can always count on good advice from you....
in sanur what place do you like?? and how about ubud....??
thanks again...
i think we need to try legian, so i can see if i can come up with a complaint...haha
which fortune 500?
in sanur what place do you like?? and how about ubud....??
thanks again...
i think we need to try legian, so i can see if i can come up with a complaint...haha
which fortune 500?
Jun 18th, 2007, 03:48 PM
#32
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Re. a Bali hotel: The Tandjung Sari in Sanur Beach area is the most spiritual hotel I've ever stayed in. When I arrived, no one asked for my passport or credit card right away. Instead, they lead us immediately to our villa and sounded a gong to announce our arrival. This is a small hotel--food and restaurant are wonderful. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Jun 18th, 2007, 05:02 PM
#33
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Bob, I have a hard time with Ubud accommodation. Everything's either too this or too that. I always stay at the Alila because I LOVE the so-called "suites". They are actually large rooms with wrap around terraces hanging over the river valley. The regular rooms are a bit cramped (but still well designed.) The grounds and public areas are lovely and the pool is spectacular.The service is good and the organized cultural activities and nature trekking excellent.
Other than that in the Ayung River area I'd recommend Kayumanis for an upscale villa with plunge pool and Alam Sari for a family-like Bali culture experience. The latter is owned by two New Zealanders who are longtime residents of Jakarta (they teach at the international school) and they really take good care of their guests.
In the town of Ubud I like Komeneka which is owned by the scion of the museum family -- very stylish and very arts oriented. I'd also highly recommend Ketut's. This is a family run outfit which is really like being in a Balinese compound, everybody gets involved. My son recently stayed there with a group of his college friends and even though he's well versed in Indonesian culture he said he benefited a lot from Ketut's events planning. He even had the boys cooking a Balinese meal with the grandmother!
I'm also a great fan of the Amankila over on the East Coast but that's a whole other cost structure. I get a resident discount, so it's not TOO bad but otherwise it's wildly pricy. Right next door is the Alila Manggis which is a very nice property -- lovely grounds, OK beach, great food. I understand that Alila guests have access to some of the Aman's facilities, but I'd double check that information.
I haven't stayed in Sanur for some 20 years (I'm a sunset fanatic) but most of the places that I stayed in then are still around, so they definitely have ardent fans. Although I appreciate history as much as the next guy, in Indonesia and the tropics in general, new is generally better for resorts as maintenance and housekeeping are very demanding; otherwise mold and mildew move in fast.
I like the Four Seasons in Jimbaran (again a bit pricy) and there are several new villa operations, like The Bale, in the Bukit that look lovely. The Bukit is the cliff area between Nusa Dua and Jimbaran and although you don't get easy beach access, you get fabulous views.
I'd rather not name my employer, but it's an East Coast retailer and believe me these people are discerning (read: picky!).
Other than that in the Ayung River area I'd recommend Kayumanis for an upscale villa with plunge pool and Alam Sari for a family-like Bali culture experience. The latter is owned by two New Zealanders who are longtime residents of Jakarta (they teach at the international school) and they really take good care of their guests.
In the town of Ubud I like Komeneka which is owned by the scion of the museum family -- very stylish and very arts oriented. I'd also highly recommend Ketut's. This is a family run outfit which is really like being in a Balinese compound, everybody gets involved. My son recently stayed there with a group of his college friends and even though he's well versed in Indonesian culture he said he benefited a lot from Ketut's events planning. He even had the boys cooking a Balinese meal with the grandmother!
I'm also a great fan of the Amankila over on the East Coast but that's a whole other cost structure. I get a resident discount, so it's not TOO bad but otherwise it's wildly pricy. Right next door is the Alila Manggis which is a very nice property -- lovely grounds, OK beach, great food. I understand that Alila guests have access to some of the Aman's facilities, but I'd double check that information.
I haven't stayed in Sanur for some 20 years (I'm a sunset fanatic) but most of the places that I stayed in then are still around, so they definitely have ardent fans. Although I appreciate history as much as the next guy, in Indonesia and the tropics in general, new is generally better for resorts as maintenance and housekeeping are very demanding; otherwise mold and mildew move in fast.
I like the Four Seasons in Jimbaran (again a bit pricy) and there are several new villa operations, like The Bale, in the Bukit that look lovely. The Bukit is the cliff area between Nusa Dua and Jimbaran and although you don't get easy beach access, you get fabulous views.
I'd rather not name my employer, but it's an East Coast retailer and believe me these people are discerning (read: picky!).
Jun 19th, 2007, 08:36 PM
#34
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Bob -- just a quick note to say I hope you and the Pandas have a great time in Bali -- knew I couldn't add anything formative to the hotel discussion from my personal experiences and you'd be in good hands with marmot's suggestions.
I did find some great shopping opportunities if there's anything specific you were thinking about hunting down - would be happy to share.
I did find some great shopping opportunities if there's anything specific you were thinking about hunting down - would be happy to share.
Jun 20th, 2007, 05:40 AM
#35
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jen---always interested in shopping....what were your two best finds....karen did buy tons of straw/ratan stuff last visit...
mar---thanks so much for all of that info.....do we have a large retailer left on the east coast?? ha ha i understand your feelings...
mar---thanks so much for all of that info.....do we have a large retailer left on the east coast?? ha ha i understand your feelings...
Jun 20th, 2007, 06:46 AM
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Bob-
Putu Arnawa who you recommended to us took us to some very high quality shops.
The two best jewelry stores were Prapen in Celuk (large, good selection) and Alamkara on Monkey Forest Rd (small, unique and stylish items).
The best (and very pricey) workshop for wood carving is the world renown Njana Tilem Gallery in Mas. Worth a visit to see the magnificent pieces even if not looking to buy and view the archived pieces in the gallery.
Say Hi to Putu for us.
Putu Arnawa who you recommended to us took us to some very high quality shops.
The two best jewelry stores were Prapen in Celuk (large, good selection) and Alamkara on Monkey Forest Rd (small, unique and stylish items).
The best (and very pricey) workshop for wood carving is the world renown Njana Tilem Gallery in Mas. Worth a visit to see the magnificent pieces even if not looking to buy and view the archived pieces in the gallery.
Say Hi to Putu for us.
Jun 20th, 2007, 07:17 AM
#37
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Why would you want to spend some days near the airport? When I arrived at the airport, I just got a private driver to drive me directly to Ubud. There was a board up with the prices on it of different locations. I stayed at a place called "Prada" in the heart of Ubud...December 1998. It was $45/$50. then including breakfast. I liked that it was at the corner of the main drag, but it wasn't noisy. There were only about 6-8 rooms at the place and it was new then. Happy Travels!
Jun 20th, 2007, 12:02 PM
#38
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Oh, I forgot to add that Prada was the good place where I stayed. The bad place was across the street from Prada. The staff at the bad place even recommended that I move to Prada and made my reservation and carried my luggage over there and all. Happy Travels!
