tansmets

I have finalized most of our Bali itinerary and many thanks to this board.

We have our first night where we arrive at 1:30 am still unbooked. From there we have 3 nights at the Alila Soori and then 3 at the Hanging Gardens. To get the rate i wanted at the Alila it was a 3 night stay, so the night we arrive very late, we will stay closer to the airport. After looking at a map, Seminyak seems "on the way" to the Alila, but maps are often deceiving. If so, I think we will spend that first night in Seminyak, wake up early the next morning and check out the general area briefly (so I can have a better idea next time we return to bali ) If I am wrong, I know Jimbaran is close to DPS, so we will stay there or in Kuta - its just a night- before heading to Soori.

As for going to Alila Soori, the hotel has quoted $60 USD for a one way airport transfer - is this an ok price? it is 90 mins - 2 hours from DPS. Also any time of day to avoid the drive due to especially bad traffic?

I know this board recommends the driver at 'my bali friend'. Before contacting him I want to have a better idea of our day trips. One day trip we want to do is possibly hiking one of the 2 volcanoes, the smaller one. We're in our ealry 30s and in decent shape, I like hiking but not for 8 hours - so Batur seems more appropriate. Any thoughts? Which hotel, either the Alila Soori or hotel in Ubud is more convenient to get to Batur? Again, I'm asking experts here because maps are often deceiving. Also if you don't recommend Batur or have another similiar hike...any tips are greatly appreciated...as well as things to do near the Alila, I know there isn't much there...which is part of the reason we are going I suppose.

rhkkmk

i would work with the driver by telling him what you want to do and take his suggestions and fold them into yours rather than dictate to him your whole plan..

sanur is another place to stay upon arrival..

marmot

Seminyak is in between the airport and the Alila Soori. I'd suggest The Colony in Petitenget. Go to breakfast at La Lucciola or KuDeTa. Take a walk on the beach.

Don't stay in Kuta. You won't like it.

I believe Hanging Gardens is closer to Batur than Soori, but either is workable. There are so many good walks/hikes in Bali, especially in the rice paddies and river valleys of the Ubud area. The resorts will recommend them and arrange a guide or you can leave it up to your own guide.

Aside from Tanah Lot, there are no major "destinations" in the area around the Alila. The beach is wild and dramatic and the inland area is incredibly scenic. The "journeys" listed on the Alila site are typical, low key but charming. Not significantly different from the Ubud area, though.

I'm guessing that a taxi from the airport to Soori would be about $30-40. If you decide to go directly to the Soori, I'd go for the hotel's rate and avoid the aggravation. A taxi from Seminyak or Kuta to Soori to would be around $20 +/-. Once you get beyond Kerobokan there won't be traffic. Tell you driver that you do NOT want to go through Denpasar.

Transportation, food, spa treatments, excursions are all more expensive when arranged through a resort (plus they add 21% tax) but I guess that's the price you pay for isolation. When you stay in more populated areas you have more choices, but also more people, so it's a trade off.

tansmets

Hi, Thanks very much for the advise. I am excited to be able to check out Seminyak for the day.

As for hikes in the Ubud area can one go alone or do we need a guide? Can a driver or taxi just drop us off and wait for us?

I agree there doesn't seem to be too much around the Alila. I chose it because a) I got a great rate b) I have never been to a black sand beach before, and this looked special. I might have a guide pick us up at the Alila then for an excursion or to go to Tanah Lot rather than do one of the hotel's pre planned excursions. Thanks again for the advice.

marmot

There are many, many places for casual and informal walks all over Bali. Balinese culture is everywhere.

A guide makes hiking easier because they know the way to the most scenic spots and can arrange a drop off at one point and a pick up at another. They will also point out floral and fauna that you might not be aware of on your own and provide entree to temples and family compounds.

But wherever you are in Bali you can just get out and wander around. It's safe and people are friendly, though you do have to watch out for dogs in small villages.

tansmets

Any recommendations for an inexpensive (under US $150 a night) hotel in Seminyak very close to shopping/restaurants? As we are just there for a night I want to listen to your recommendation and check out the town/shops rather than the beach the next day.

marmot

As I said, I like The Colony or anyplace nearby. Some of the best restaurants are in Petitenget and Kerobokan. The shops extend from Kerobokan to Kuta along a long, hot road.

There are many budget hotels along Sunset Road, but they're pretty low on atmosphere.

Seminyak is more beach than town. It's a fairly compact area so anywhere you stay will be accessible to the shops, spas, restaurants.

Pick up a copy of The Yak magazine for a map of what's in the area.
http://theyakmag.com/wp-content/YakMap_Issue34.pdf

bombayteddy

If you can stretch your budget a bit, try The Oberoi in Seminyak. You may never want to leave!
You may get The Royal Beach Seminyak (formerly the Sofitel) for under USD 150....and its close to everything.