OK, we leave on our trip to Australia, Bali, Bangkok and Buma in a couple of weeks.

Our plans are mostly settled for all our stops except Bali. I have hired Putu for a day of touring when we move from Manggis to Ubud. He has given me a list of places we can try to see that day. The day we leave we will combine a little more touring of another area with the trip back to the airport for the 4PM flight to Bangkok.

The rest of the time we want to stay close and just enjoy the hotel and whatever is near by.

My question is for the day we get there. We arrive at noon and the hotel is providing a car and driver for the ~90 minute transfer to Manggis. I have requested and received several extra hours. if we want them, with the car/driver to see some sits on the way. Just don’t know what places are worthwhile. Places that sound interesting are:
Bob’s cloth market ---same town where the "old court of justice" and museum
Candidasa Beach
Historic Tenganan
Silver village Celuk

Any thing worthwhile...or any other suggestions for a trip to Manggis.

Thanks,
Carolyn

Hope you don't mind me posting this.

I've never hired a driver simply on recommendation, because unless you've seen a photo of the driver it could be a substitute driver who turns up. He might be as good, but he might not be. And apparently it happens a lot in Bali...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...d_up-Bali.html

I think if you visit those places you will have used the time up..

When we were there in the fall the justice bldgs were being restored.

LL - I am sure that happens. However I have used drivers recommended by several frequent posters on the Fodors Asia forum...rhkkmk for one. His advice on services, things to do and see has always been very helpful and suited to the things we like. Plus he used this driver just recently. Putu and I have exchanged several detailed emails on the plans for the day. I will hope for the best.

rhkkmk - I wasn't really thinking there would be enough time to make all the stops...is an hour or two extra enough to stop along the way? The justice buildings area is of interest especially based on what you said about the fabric market...I love unique fabrics.

Is the silver village interesting or is it more of a tourist trap?

Thanks for the help.

The regencies of Klunglkung and Karangasem are full of beautiful scenery and charming villages. It's hard to pinpoint specific destinations are there are few Big Attractions -- just miles of ocean, rice paddies and mountains interspersed with sleepy villages. The area is known for exquisite textiles.

The Hotel Komune just north of Denpasar on Keramis Beach is a good vantage point to watch surfing, have lunch, take a swim.

Candidasa has some okay restaurants, but not much of a beach. The area seems a little run down to me.

Klungkung is a fairly large town (as well as a regency) and best approached with a specific destination in mind. Kerta Gosa is worth a visit. If you head inland at Klungkung the area around Sideman/Selat Valley is profoundly beautiful

The Bali Aga (traditional) village at Tenganan -- just inland from Candidasa -- gets mixed reactions. It's an interesting and photogenic area, but your enjoyment may depend on how knowledgable your guide is.

The water palace at Tirta Gangga is quite popular, but I've always been somewhat underwhelmed.

Celuk (for silver) and Singapadu (for wood carving, especially masks) have a range of workshops -- some are high quality; some are not. Both villages are probably better as day trips from Ubud.

My advice would be to tell the concierge at your resort in Manggis what you're interested in seeing or buying, and let them plot out an itinerary for you. I'm sure they could recommend specific silver and textile workshops.

PS, You could also ask the concierge if there will be any processions or temple ceremonies in the area. There's something going on most every day all over Bali, in large and small temples and on the beach, especially at new and full moons. You will be welcome to observe, but you should wear a sarong and sash which your driver can provide for you.

Marmot - Thanks for your comments on the various sites. The places I mentioned were ones the concierge had sent me. We are interested in textiles and nice scenery.

I will check out Kerta Gosa and the area around Sideman/Selat Valley, sounds like an area we would enjoy seeing. Will look up Tirta Gangga too.

I will also contact the concierge about any processions or temple ceremonies in the area that day. That would definitely be a treat.

Thanks again.

we love prapen silver... contact john hardy and schedule a tour of his factory and shop--fab

Thanks...that is already on my list thanks to your earlier trip report.

Marmot, or anyone that has done this....I have read about the Sideman/Selat area and Tenganan. These sound like scenic/intersting areas we would like to see.

The hotel has said 90 minutes direct to Manggis, but we want to detour to see some of the countryside on the way. Plus we have 3 hours before check in.

How long should we allow for the drive from the airport to Manggis going along the coast, turning towards the Sideman/Selat area and then on to Manggis with a stop for Tenganan if time allowed.

We don't have a given time we must be anywhere and want to use this necessary travel time to a good advantage. Since we have never been to Bali, we want to see as much as we can with a nice mix of time to relax at the resort and seeing the island.

Thanks

VERY roughly, I'd figure 2.5 hours from the time your flight arrives to the border of Karangasem Regency, 1.5 hours for lunch, and 2.0 hours for exploring the area. So 6 hours in total, plus or minus.

You can expect rain, sometimes heavy, in February which may affect your plans. The good news is that the countryside is very green and lush.

Try to get the Periplus Guide to Bali. They have good maps and good photos and descriptions of scenic places.

Wonderful...just what I wanted to know. I will try to get the guide you mention before we leave.

We leave in a few days, but are taking a "slow boat" to Australia before traveling on to Bali. So it will be into March before we get there. Not sure that will help or hurt us as far as rain is concerned, but we don't mind getting wet...we went to Darwin in the WET several years ago and loved it.

Thanks again,
Carolyn

March will be drier and sunnier, though you'll still get some rain. I don't mind rain in the Ubud area but find it tiresome at the beach.

Will you be in Bali for Nyepi, March 21?

No, must be something good though, we leave Bali the evening of March 18.

Glad to know it will be getting drier while we are there. The yearly average weather forecast looked fairly promising, though I know this is the rainy time in that part of the world. We can't seem to manage to get there except in the Feb-April time frame.

We were in India's Golden Triangle two years ago in April again which is not the best time!

I did order the guide you mentioned..it will be here on Tuesday...just in time.

Thanks for your help.