Hi

me and the other half are off to bali and borneo at the start of november for 18 nights. we've got 4 nights at the rasa ria in sabah booked and want to take a trip over to sepilok orangutan sanctuary - does anyone know which is best - a tour operator or are we better booking independently? if tour operators are best who's the one we should go with bearing in mind we need transfers to and from the rasa ria to the airport?

also any suggestions for what we should do in bali? we have 14 nights at the melia bali in nusa dua...

Thanks!

Laney

I haven't been to Borneo yet--we are leaving for Malaysia Sept. 22 and after 3 nights in KL, will be flying to Sandakan. We are going to do the Orang-Utan Sanctuary on our own as it is fairly close to Sandakan. I think you will be much farther, close to Kota Kinabalu if I am not mistaken, which is quite far so you may want to use a tour operator or consider spending a night in Sandakan.

As for Bali, are you sure you wnt to spend 14 nights in Nusa Dua? It's nothing more than a tourist enclave of Western hotels with absolutely nothing Balinese about it. You may want to consider spending 4 or 5 nights in Ubud, which should not be missed. Another highlight for me was Tanah Lot, a stunning sea temple. Hire a car and driver to take you around and make sure you see the gorgeous terraced rice fields. Skip Kuta, which at best is good for a few hours just to say you were there. It's a sleazy back packer haven with no charm at all.

thanks laurieco.

I've heard that nusa dua is just a resort but if i'm perfectly honest it was a way to get to and stay in Bali cheaply! we got a deal to stay at the Melia. we'll definately look into hiring a car or a driver if thats more appropriate as we do want to see some of the sights. Tanah Lot and Ubud are on my list along with gunung kawi and the water palace at tirtagangga.

any other suggestions gratefully recieved! I'm looking possibly using discovery tours in sabah for the sepilok trip - anyone heard of them?

I'm also headed to Borneo, though won't be going until November. From my research, it appears very easy to book whatever you need (transport, guide, etc) from Borneo. And of course, it will be MUCH cheaper than doing it through a travel agent or tour operator ahead of time. I'm sure the people at the Rasa Ria can help. Only if you are going to one of the small jungle lodges to stay do you need to book ahead. The jungle lodges fill up quickly (even the very primitive ones) so you would need to make those reservations in advance.

I also agree with Laurie about Nusa Dua. Personally, I wouldn't stay there at all, but certainly don't stay your whole time in Bali at Nusa Dua, you won't even feel like you've been to Bali! And no matter where you choose to stay do get a car and driver for at least a few days to really see the island.

Laney, you and I were posting at the same time. If staying at Nusa Dua is the way you spend time on Bali, then do spend perhaps half of your days touring the island. Get a good guidebook to Bali - there are many - and plan what you want to see for sure. Your driver can also suggest out of teh way places you may not have read about.

I have a friend (Japanese) who just got back from a week at the Melia Bali. She just loved it. For a resort kind of place, I wouldn't fault it.

Do venture out of Nusa Dua, though. Bali is diverse and you will be amazed at how beautiful the other areas are. You will easily be able to arrange a driver to take you anywhere you like. Your hotel should be able to help you find a good one...probably has them on staff or on call. One thing you might want to be aware of...cars that are not licensed to carry tourists are routinely stopped by police and the driver has to pay a bit of money to continue. Licensed tourist transport is not likely to be inconvenienced in this way.

You might find that 14 days is a bit long one place...not sure of your travelling style. You say you got a good price, so I would recommend that you consider spending a night or two somewhere else...and just keep your room at the Melia. There is a multitude of places well under $100.00/night that are lovely. An night or two in Ubud would not disappoint you.

Tegal Sari is very reasonably priced and gets rave reviews. Booking is highly advisable as they are often full. We love Alam Sari, which is about 10 minutes outside of Ubud. Both places have rooms with breakfast for under $60.00/night and both are lovely. If you do a search here on Alam Sari you'll find lots of what I've written before about our stay there last December. Both Tegal Sari and Alam Sari have websites that are completely accurate and the photos are exactly what you get. Spending an additional $150.00 for a couple of nights at one of these places wouldn't break the budget one bit, and would give you an entirely different perspective.

If you were interested to spend a bit more, Maya Ubud does some very nice packages that include room, breakfast, and various activities. Their website outlines their offereings very well. The Komaneka Resort is right in the center of Ubud but is a lovely place as well.

For day trips with a driver there are lots of things to see and do. A drive through the Sideman area is absolutely stunning. The road up the east coast is reportedly beautiful...we haven't been there yet but will spend 6 days in Amed in January. Alam Sari's web page lists some really nice driving tours that you could use a reference even if you don't stay there.

I would also recommend that you do a search on this board on Bali...you'll find lots of detailed information that I'm sure will be interesting and useful to you.

Your trip will be great, I'm sure. Don't prebook tours, as you will have no trouble doing whatever you want, whenever you want. You will never be at a loss for transportation, that's for sure (once you are in Bali, you will know how true this really is). The best advice I can give you is to relax and be open to exploring, and to really try and arrange at least a night or two outside of Nusa Dua.

Hi, we had the pleasure of staying at the Sutera Harbour Resort - recommended to anyone who wants 8 star service. However if you're after a beach, this place is not for you, but the pools and pool bar is where we spent our time. I would recommend getting your hotel to arrange a driver for you. I cannot remember the price, but it was sooo cheap and great experience. We had a great driver, even took us to meet his family and see his house. If you don't want to do the big trip... you can see Orangutans at one of the resorts at KK (Kota Kinabalu). Recommend you must eat at Little Italy... food and service great. Otherwise try the Spice Island Restaurant or any at Sutera Harbour for a wow with the taste buds. Enjoy! You will.