If not Ubad in Bali where to Go?
Sep 5th, 2009, 07:02 PM
#21
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Katie; When were you in Central Java? I ask relative to what changes may have occurred not obviously in the scenery but in the commercialization as occurred in Ubad just between 2001 and 2005 and folks say from the above even more now.Also might the resort not be as 4-5 star as you experienced? I wonder.
Sep 5th, 2009, 07:50 PM
#23
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Here is Robbie's trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...art-i-java.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...art-i-java.cfm
Sep 6th, 2009, 08:10 AM
#25
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Stan, here's a map
http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/cen...a-map-high.png
The area around Jogjakarta, Solo, Semaramg is what I am recommending. There are way too many places to visit in the time you have, you'll have to choose on the basis of your interests. The Losari website has some suggestions, but I'd get a good guidebook so you can do exactly what you want to do. The suggestions I made (above) are not listed on the Losari website.
http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/cen...a-map-high.png
The area around Jogjakarta, Solo, Semaramg is what I am recommending. There are way too many places to visit in the time you have, you'll have to choose on the basis of your interests. The Losari website has some suggestions, but I'd get a good guidebook so you can do exactly what you want to do. The suggestions I made (above) are not listed on the Losari website.
Sep 6th, 2009, 10:30 AM
#26
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Katie; Sorry I had not read Robbie's report before I replied. It sounds like the resort is quite suitable though maybe a liitle more than we need if we are going to be touring for 5, 6 or 7 hours a day. but, a little more is better than a little less with no knowledgeable information. I really try to avoid hotel/resort arranged tours as I said earlier. They are more expensive and they are structured into a pattern "they think" the guest wants to see no matter what you ask for. I have been right on this point, unfortunately, probably 75% of the time. In bali I had a recommened guide & driver on both trips and it was on our terms and I knew he was licensed and we paid about 40-50% of what the resort was asking for a guide and driver.
The challenge will be to find a first class guide who speaks good English and is licensed, I suppose.
The challenge will be to find a first class guide who speaks good English and is licensed, I suppose.
Sep 6th, 2009, 11:20 AM
#27
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I don't use hotel-organized trips. You should be able to find a driver and guide who speak good English. I always arrive and wing it, but you could contact a local travel agency, or ask the hotel for a recommendation.
Sep 7th, 2009, 02:50 PM
#28
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Katie; I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. we had lovely weather in NJ Friday, Sat. and nice weather Sat. and today. Barbeque and all.
Since I cannot likely get to Robbie I have at least one more question.
If we have 3 full days can't wee visit most of the village areas Robbie spoke about as well as the Mt. B With a troubling knee we cannot hike though walking a mile one way on a flat path or in a village is fine. Is it worth going to Mt. B if one is not going to hike up and while we drove up for the sunrise leaving our hotel at 3:30AM on Maui to the volcano sunrise which was lovely but we would have missed it if hikeing was required.Also, we prefer not packing and unpacking and after the 14 day cruise 4 nights and eke out 3 1/2 days in Central Java plus the 3 days of flying and 1 day in Singapore we will be tapped out of funds (this "boutique" cruise is on Zegrham Expeditions and is too pricey but it gets us to the snorkel and dive locations we have missed in Asia) and energy.
Since I cannot likely get to Robbie I have at least one more question.
If we have 3 full days can't wee visit most of the village areas Robbie spoke about as well as the Mt. B With a troubling knee we cannot hike though walking a mile one way on a flat path or in a village is fine. Is it worth going to Mt. B if one is not going to hike up and while we drove up for the sunrise leaving our hotel at 3:30AM on Maui to the volcano sunrise which was lovely but we would have missed it if hikeing was required.Also, we prefer not packing and unpacking and after the 14 day cruise 4 nights and eke out 3 1/2 days in Central Java plus the 3 days of flying and 1 day in Singapore we will be tapped out of funds (this "boutique" cruise is on Zegrham Expeditions and is too pricey but it gets us to the snorkel and dive locations we have missed in Asia) and energy.
Sep 7th, 2009, 03:36 PM
#29
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I would stay in one place in central Java. I can't comment on Mt. B, as I didn't do that, but I'm guessing given your limitations you should skip it. There is plenty more to see and do that is more accessible.
We had monsoons here in Seattle for Labor Day. Oh well, my garden appreciated it.
We had monsoons here in Seattle for Labor Day. Oh well, my garden appreciated it.
Sep 10th, 2009, 06:48 PM
#30
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Oh, how great. you're doing the Zegham Expeditions, StanKase! I rec. their catalogs in the mail, just got one re south Pacific! Also, the Explorers Club does some great cruises in Indonesia via a small ship, same ship that ZE uses I believe. Hope to hear your thoughts on some trip notes posted!
Re Batur, it's a tough hike up....
Re Batur, it's a tough hike up....
Sep 10th, 2009, 06:56 PM
#31
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AbbyG; Yes we are going on the "Best of Indonesia"-Voyage 2-Deparing Singapore on March 2. 2010.But, as I mentioned in an earlier post a bum knee limits me to no hiking but we can walk paths and through villages in Central Java that do not require much more than 1 mile in each direction. I realize I will miss a few things but as Katie has been so kind to suggest kew magnificant beauty of flora and fauna to see I welcome any and all suggestions. My only limitations are we will likely stay at Lorasi resort and have 3 8-10 hour days to tour with a guide/drive in a 4 wheel van or car.
Sep 16th, 2009, 04:11 PM
#32
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Not that Katie kas not given me enough to do for 3 full days but I welcome any other suggestions of day trips from losori resort to see natures magisty in flora and fauna as well as local villages possible where different customs may influence the manner in which the locals live, work and have a good time. I realize in 8-10 hours in a car/van I cannot go too far and with a troubling knee I can walk a mile or two but cannot hike.
THANKS again.
If anyone has not realized it yet Katie has helped us travel through Asia in the past.
THANKS again.
If anyone has not realized it yet Katie has helped us travel through Asia in the past.
Sep 17th, 2009, 03:31 PM
#33
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I am thinking of flying from Bali to Solo Airport but today's major success of the killing of a world terrorist is comforting except the AP report said "Solo is a region of terriorist/millitant Islam" with the capture/killing of "Top" a success his followers are all around the region of Solo I presume. From the reports this "cell" has been there for a number of years. Therefore, my question is considering that the airports are all within 60-90 minutes of each other should one be concerned to travel to Central Jave now or in 6 months. My limited reading tells me followers of a leader who has been deposed or disposed can become more fanatical. Do you agree this is a consider I should seriously consider???
Sep 17th, 2009, 09:05 PM
#35
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Short answer: No, the chances of a traveller being affected by terrorism in Java, or anywhere in Indonesia, is extremely low.
Long answer: Indonesia has harbored militant Islamic extremists for decades. But, in a country of over 240 million souls -- 90% Muslim -- the actual number who espouse violence is extremely low, in the parts per million as my friend the scientist says.
Outside of Jakarta and Bali, religion plays an important part in daily life in the community and Islamic groups are the backbone of the community. For the most part, Indonesian Islam is moderate and retains many aspects of the "old" religions that preceded it in Java including Hindu, Buddhist and Animist traditions. Tropical Islam is a kinder, gentler version of the religion that is practiced in the Middle East. Women are not marginalized. Other religions are tolerated.
In the past decade, in Central Java and some other parts of Southeast Asia there has been an influx of influence from the Arab world which encourages a more conservative, absolutist branch of Islam. Most of these groups are benign, but some are aggressively violent. The good news is that the Indonesian government, with the overwhelming support of the Indonesian people has steadfastly gone after the terrorist element. Yesterday's event was a major accomplishment.
Long answer: Indonesia has harbored militant Islamic extremists for decades. But, in a country of over 240 million souls -- 90% Muslim -- the actual number who espouse violence is extremely low, in the parts per million as my friend the scientist says.
Outside of Jakarta and Bali, religion plays an important part in daily life in the community and Islamic groups are the backbone of the community. For the most part, Indonesian Islam is moderate and retains many aspects of the "old" religions that preceded it in Java including Hindu, Buddhist and Animist traditions. Tropical Islam is a kinder, gentler version of the religion that is practiced in the Middle East. Women are not marginalized. Other religions are tolerated.
In the past decade, in Central Java and some other parts of Southeast Asia there has been an influx of influence from the Arab world which encourages a more conservative, absolutist branch of Islam. Most of these groups are benign, but some are aggressively violent. The good news is that the Indonesian government, with the overwhelming support of the Indonesian people has steadfastly gone after the terrorist element. Yesterday's event was a major accomplishment.
Sep 18th, 2009, 08:16 AM
#36
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marmot: That's for the clarification. But, if I preferred to avoid Solo but still fly from Denspar to Central Java and be within a 60-90 minute car/van drive of Lorasi Resort might you suggest another well traveled regional airport and hopefully Silk Air fies the route non0stop. My hang-up on Silk Air is only that I am flying omn singapore air from NY and I have always found it easier to stay with the same airline especially in cases of delays or cancelled flights.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sep 18th, 2009, 09:29 AM
#37
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>>>I am flying omn singapore air from NY<<<
(And warm congrats on your fine choice of airline, and yes, personal / professional reasons, to be sure.)
If not already a member, do register for SIA's KrisFlyer programme over on that wondrous singaporeair dot com. Singapore Airlines, forever, indeed.
Can't help you much with Bali other than some magical nights at those two Four Seasons resorts. (The FS Sayan property, most special for us.) Will always give thanks to the FS organization for a few 'comp nights' in Bali and a gratefully accepted 'double' upgrade to a FS 'cabana room' upon our eventual return to Bangkok. (Oh yes, every now and then, hotel / airline business travel loyalties can 'pay off' on holiday.)
Please feel free to ask more about that cherished Asian airline -- and have fun.
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
(And warm congrats on your fine choice of airline, and yes, personal / professional reasons, to be sure.)
If not already a member, do register for SIA's KrisFlyer programme over on that wondrous singaporeair dot com. Singapore Airlines, forever, indeed.
Can't help you much with Bali other than some magical nights at those two Four Seasons resorts. (The FS Sayan property, most special for us.) Will always give thanks to the FS organization for a few 'comp nights' in Bali and a gratefully accepted 'double' upgrade to a FS 'cabana room' upon our eventual return to Bangkok. (Oh yes, every now and then, hotel / airline business travel loyalties can 'pay off' on holiday.)
Please feel free to ask more about that cherished Asian airline -- and have fun.
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Sep 18th, 2009, 02:49 PM
#38
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As far as culture, the whole area -- Solo, Yogya, and the countryside around Losari and Borobudur -- is exactly the same so you gain nothing by switching airports.
Does Silk Air fly from Denpasar to Solo, or from Denpasar to anywhere in Indonesia? That's a surprise to me. Or are you talking about flying from Central Java to Singapore?
From Bali I think its best to fly into Yogya on Garuda, but you may have more current informaiton.
Does Silk Air fly from Denpasar to Solo, or from Denpasar to anywhere in Indonesia? That's a surprise to me. Or are you talking about flying from Central Java to Singapore?
From Bali I think its best to fly into Yogya on Garuda, but you may have more current informaiton.
Sep 19th, 2009, 09:35 AM
#39
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marmot; you could be right about about Silk. But out of Central Java we would fly to Singapore on Silk Air then back to NY.
When you say the countryside is the same do you mean that after a day say of 10 hours of seeing nature at it's best we cannot go in another direction to see different aspects such as undulating vallys in one area and greener than green mountains forever in another direction?
When you say the countryside is the same do you mean that after a day say of 10 hours of seeing nature at it's best we cannot go in another direction to see different aspects such as undulating vallys in one area and greener than green mountains forever in another direction?
Sep 21st, 2009, 06:42 PM
#40
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Katie; In addition to the above question is being out at Losari a mistake in that from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM we will be out touring and is it so remote that getting to the scenic places and villages we may want to see makes the location not ideal. Also, I read in a report on the resort though it was lovely it was quite noisy with a nunmber of guests not pleased with their rooms being on a road near the village that was not quiet. I realize you did not stay there but is there another place that is 4 Star+ that is remote but not as remote since we are not going to take advantage of the spa or the infinity pool etc.
Thanks.
Thanks.
