Please help. In September, we will be on Bali for eight nights, four at Amankila and four at COMO Shambhala. Per the websites of both resorts, it appears that we will have the opportunity to participate in many of their sponsored (and free) activities. To make sure we have a good flavor of island life, we're considering hiring one of the highly-recommended driver/guides listed in this forum for one full day of touring from each resort to visit Bali's must-sees (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Mount Agung, Besakih, Lake Bratan, etc.)? Does that make sense or is that overkill, given what the two resorts will provide us already? If we do hire a driver/guide, should we use him (not being sexist but we have not come across a female guide in this forum) one day at each resort or both days at Ubud? We understand Amankila is at the eastern end of the island and not particularly conducive to sightseeing.

While I have been to Bali, I have not stayed at the Aman nor the Como but if they are all-inclusive as per their reputation, then you should be able to arrange a customized tour that would include the destinations you mentioned. However, you should understand that the Bali experience is not really about going to these tourist sites but rather going out to the villages (usually with a guide) and experiencing real Bali life. I believe that both Aman and Como will go out of their way to do this. As for the Aman's location in east Bali, that is probably a positive rather than a negative as the east is less touristed. All depends on what you want from your vacation.

Make sure that you get to wander around Ubud. The market in the early morning is for the locals and definitely worth a visit. It switches over to a tourist-oriented market that is nothing special. My guess is that you can arrange a visit to the market and a walk through the rice fields for a moring.

i have been twice to bali... both times i used a guide/driver to ferry us around and both times i found it very rewarding...

the 'free' offers by your hotels will be nice, but i sense that they will in no way compete with what you would see with a guide...

i have used putu and highly suggest that you contact him...

if this is for sept 08 you may be too late to secure anyone..

MrZee, I've stayed at Amankila several times. Never actually stayed at Como but I've visited a lot. Both resorts offer plenty of activities, on the grounds of the resort, in the immediate area and all over Bali.

The list of the free activities, however, is fairly slim. Do take advantage of whatever they offer gratis (for example the Aman boat/snorkling trip is a really nice way to see the coastline.)but be aware that you can get much much better rates outside the resort.

If money doesn't matter to you then by all means use the resorts' services. They will be topnotch and effortless.

I agree that part of the Bali experience is moving slowly and absorbing the local culture. Getting out and wandering through the villages and rice paddies. Try not to spend too much time driving. After a while all temples, villages will look much the same to you.

Ulu Watu for example is in the far south and, in my opinion, not worth the hours and hours in the car. Since you've chosen not to spend time in South Bali, stay with your resolve and concentrate on the areas around your resorts.

Also, don't feel that you have to leave the resort every day. The peace and pampering that the resorts offer internally is also part of the Bali experience.

A lot Balinese culture takes place at night -- the festivals, dramas, masked dances -- so it's feasible to spend the day at the pool or the spa and to venture out in the evening.

East Bali IS just as beautiful and culture-rich as central Bali, plus you have the marine element. It's also one of the most develop areas for textiles.

Balinese are very limited in their geographic exposure. All the guides know the famous sites across the whole island, but only know the hidden gems in their own "neighborhoods." Consequently the resort excursion menus can be very helpful.

Many thanks to all for your excellent advice. We feel it's important to extend beyond the pampering the resorts will undoubtedly offer and explore local life in Bali. Therefore, we will opt for a guide and hope that we can secure a reliable one for our upcoming visit. Happy travels to everyone!

Hi
To add to the suggestions you've all ready received, touring one day from each resort (area) does make the most sense to me and not overkill. Eastern Bali is most definitely worth exploring. Amankila is fabulous btw.

Uluwatu is stunningly situated on cliffs overlooking the ocean and worth visiting if convenient. Since it is very close to the airport, you can consider visiting on your arrival in Bali before heading to your resort (as we've done) or just prior to your departure depending on the time of your flights.

The above suggestion of experiencing village and rural life is excellent as is the suggestion of Putu Arnawa as a guide/driver who excels at providing these experiences in every area of the island. [email protected] www.balifriend.net

Attending temple ceremonies are highly recommended especially those that take place on the full moon or for temple anniversaries. Of course, attending traditional dance performances especially in villages are very enjoyable.

Oops, I gave the wrong email address.
The correct one is [email protected]

Thanks "Becalm." We will follow your suggestion and contact Putu. By the way, we found your other postings regarding your visit to Amanjiwo. We will be staying there after our eight nights on Bali. Thank you for your insights on Amanjiwo, and we will definitely get our massages on Bali before heading off to Java.

To save me the time of researching becalm's excellent posts, can you satisfy my curiosity? What's the issue with massage at the Amanjiwo. I've had GREAT experiences at their spa -- and in my room.

Java is the massage headquarters of the world. Even moreso than Bali. (Actually many of the spas -- and resorts -- in Bali and owned and operated by Javanese. The Amans included.) Whenever one of my office staff has a medical problem -- from a broken limb to bronchitis -- they get a massage. It's the panacea for everything.

Mr. Zee, we'll be expecting a full report.

Mr Zee,

Have you booked your room at the Como? I've stayed at the Begawan Giri, the old name for the Como before it was taken over by the Singaporean group, and really enjoyed the Wanakasa residence. I've stayed and toured the other residences there but I would have to say the Wanakasa was the best IMO. If it's not too late do try and book a nice suite at the Wanakasa.

Hi Marmot

I can't really say that there was a problem with the massages my wife and I had at Amanjiwo but we both independently felt that our massages there were just average based on our experiences elsewhere. Interestingly, we each had a different person for our massages.

Perhaps because we found everything else at Amanjiwo to be so exemplary, our expectations were too high and we were disappointed. Or perhaps it was the type of massages we chose.

Anyway, its good to know your massage experiences there have been great. We'll have to give Sean's staff another go, next visit.

Mr Zee, glad you found my posts of some help. However, Marmot is a frequent visitor to Amanjiwo and I have only stayed there once so I defer to her on massages there. Incidentally, she was one the Fodor folks that were instrumental in our staying at Amanjiwo and her advice is typically impeccable in my experience.

Becalm, Well, I wasn't fishing for compliments but it's always nice to hear that my experiences in this weird and wonderful country can be helpful.

First, I am absolutely thrilled with all the sound advice I've received. Many, many thanks to all! Specifically, my deep appreciation to "Hanuman" for the Wanakasa residence suggestion at COMO/Begawan Giri. We plan to contact the resort and explore our options. And yes, "Marmot," I will definitely post a report after returning from my Bali/Java holiday.