First Trip to Bali: ?s on itinerary/Aug crowds
 

My husband and I are visiting Bali for the first time the last week of Aug/first week of Sept. We have been told by friends who visted Bali many years ago that it is typically packed during this time. I am sure much has changed. Is this true as of late? Has tourism picked up again? If so, can you suggest less crowded areas for this time period? We need not be by the beach and would prefer more traditional areas to touristy ones.

Two other questions:
1. Must visit locales on Bali?
2. Most overrated excursions?


Thanks in advance for your help!

From what I've read, tourism has picked up slightly in Bali but no reason to panic. Here is the link to my six part trip report from July '03: http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200307/11747.html There is a link to each section at the end of each part. Post if you have questions.

The crowds are mostly concentrated around Denpasar and the Kuta Beach area. If you go across the island to the north shore you will find a much quieter environment. Go to Singaraja then west to the Lovina Beach area, it's quite nice and very peaceful there. Also, consider taking the ferry over to Lombok from the east side of the island south of Candi Dasa. You will find more isolation there if that's what you want. Inland in Bali is Ubud, a wonderful village with much to see.

WOW. I love Bali. ENJOY. Ubud is a MUST do. I was in Bali in peak tourist season of Dec and found it quite bearable i.e. not teeming with people. Think u shd be ok in Sept. U should go to the Bali forums for better info - www.baliforum.com or www.balitravelforum.com. For a beach u can consider Sanur or Nusa Dua. Avoid Kuta.

For a nice relaxing visit to Bali, head for the east coast.
Our favorite place to stay is the Blue Moon Villa. www.bluemoonvilla.com
There are no crowds there nor vendors trying to sell you anything. How pleasant
The Lovina beach area is nice also.
When we were last in Bali,5/03, there were very few tourists anywhere. Hopefully that has changed some by now.

Hi Im Andre ( Indonesian ). The first week of September is not a holiday season in Indonesia so you don't have to worry about it.There's so many places in Bali for you to see, like a traditional villages, traditional dances, historical places and many more.

Snorkelling to see coral on the peninsular just north of Nusa Dua is not worth the money. Coral is bleached and just not pretty!
Touts at Kintamani and at the Mother Temple are aggressive, but the scenery is worth it. Lots of info., mostly from young travellers on www.balitravelform.com.

Watch out for motorbike riding bag snatchers - I KNEW this, but still got caught.
Bali is however, marvellous.