Laurieco's Bali & Singapore Trip Report
Oct 3rd, 2006, 03:27 AM
#21
Craig, we ate upstairs at Ary's too and it was great. I really enjoyed that meal. Next time we'll go for lunch so it will be light outside and we can see more of what is going on down below.
Pura Besakih is worth going to. The hawkers didn't really bother us, I've encountered much worse, in Bali and other places. It was where we bought the tickets to get in that they tried to get us to hire a guide. One man followed us for a bit but we just ignored him and acted as though he wasn't there so he eventually went away. I know that sounds mean but I learned long ago that if you engage these people, you will never get rid of them. I wish I remembered that lesson with the lady on the beach in Seminyak selling the schematas!
I'm glad my feelings about Mosaic have been confirmed. At first I thought, am I being cheap? But the whole thing just seemed so ridiculous to me. I'd rather (maybe) spend the money on Kobe steak in Japan.
Marmot, I've never gotten a non-stop from JFK. I think they only fly from Newark non-stop to Singapore. From JFK, SQ code shares with Lufthansa so there is always a stop in Frankfurt. It's better than Cathay Pacific's stop in Vancouver though. (But at least Cathay honors seat assignments, as does every other airline. SQ seems to stand alone on that one).
HT, I hope we do meet up in Japan. That would be fantastic. I need someone to jump start my shopping mojo ;-) I'm waiting for air prices to come down. American usually has a sale from JFK to NRT in the winter for spring flights. We have two $150 vouchers from American (compensation from one of their many screw ups)that we need to use before they expire in August. I'm not into paying $1400 R/T per person when I paid a bit over $500 2 years ago.
Pura Besakih is worth going to. The hawkers didn't really bother us, I've encountered much worse, in Bali and other places. It was where we bought the tickets to get in that they tried to get us to hire a guide. One man followed us for a bit but we just ignored him and acted as though he wasn't there so he eventually went away. I know that sounds mean but I learned long ago that if you engage these people, you will never get rid of them. I wish I remembered that lesson with the lady on the beach in Seminyak selling the schematas!
I'm glad my feelings about Mosaic have been confirmed. At first I thought, am I being cheap? But the whole thing just seemed so ridiculous to me. I'd rather (maybe) spend the money on Kobe steak in Japan.
Marmot, I've never gotten a non-stop from JFK. I think they only fly from Newark non-stop to Singapore. From JFK, SQ code shares with Lufthansa so there is always a stop in Frankfurt. It's better than Cathay Pacific's stop in Vancouver though. (But at least Cathay honors seat assignments, as does every other airline. SQ seems to stand alone on that one).
HT, I hope we do meet up in Japan. That would be fantastic. I need someone to jump start my shopping mojo ;-) I'm waiting for air prices to come down. American usually has a sale from JFK to NRT in the winter for spring flights. We have two $150 vouchers from American (compensation from one of their many screw ups)that we need to use before they expire in August. I'm not into paying $1400 R/T per person when I paid a bit over $500 2 years ago.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 04:49 AM
#22
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Laurie,
Great report - thanks for sharing. I'm going to Bali for the first time in approx. 4 weeks - can you tell me what the weather was like while you were there and also the types of clothing you wore? I've been getting all kinds of advice, from wearing long sleeves and skirts to wearing shorts and tanks. I just want to be comfortable without being offensive to anyone. Any suggestions?
Great report - thanks for sharing. I'm going to Bali for the first time in approx. 4 weeks - can you tell me what the weather was like while you were there and also the types of clothing you wore? I've been getting all kinds of advice, from wearing long sleeves and skirts to wearing shorts and tanks. I just want to be comfortable without being offensive to anyone. Any suggestions?
Oct 3rd, 2006, 05:54 AM
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You can check the weather at www.weatherbase.com
As with the other traditional cultures in Asia, don't wear things that are too revealing, particularly when you are visiting temples. You don't have to wear long sleeves, but no tank tops, please. And remember that the dance performances are part of the religious tradition in Bali - no tank tops or bare midriffs there either. On the beach and at your beach hotel, you are welcome to wear shorts and tank tops. Typically, hotels request that you do not wear swimsuits in the restaurants.
As with the other traditional cultures in Asia, don't wear things that are too revealing, particularly when you are visiting temples. You don't have to wear long sleeves, but no tank tops, please. And remember that the dance performances are part of the religious tradition in Bali - no tank tops or bare midriffs there either. On the beach and at your beach hotel, you are welcome to wear shorts and tank tops. Typically, hotels request that you do not wear swimsuits in the restaurants.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 04:33 PM
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mscleo, the Balinese have seen it all (literally) and are not easily offended. The only real restriction is for temple festivals at which a waist sash is required and a sarong is preferred. I've never heard of any Balinese restriction on arms and leg covering, but they themselves dress modestly so it just makes good sense.
It is generally hot all the time, especially midday. In the Ubud area it can get a little cooler at night. I like loose natural fibers and prefer to stay covered up for sun protection but you will see plenty of people in shorts and tanktops.
It is generally hot all the time, especially midday. In the Ubud area it can get a little cooler at night. I like loose natural fibers and prefer to stay covered up for sun protection but you will see plenty of people in shorts and tanktops.
Oct 4th, 2006, 01:57 PM
#27
I see some people have answered the clothing question and all have given good advice. The only thing I can add is that I did wear tank tops while walking around Seminyak and Ubud but they weren't terribly revealing. I was not at all out of place nor did I feel like I wasn't dressed properly. It's too hot to worry about keeping arms covered unless it's required. I also wore shorts a few times but basically stuck to long cotton pants.
Oct 4th, 2006, 05:43 PM
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Thanks everyone for the advice regarding clothing - I had planned on taking long cotton pants and a couple of skirts, but hadn't decided on the tops. I'll just pack a variety and play it by ear when I get there. At worst, if I need to, I can always purchase something while I'm there. Thanks again - I'll post my report when I get back.
Oct 5th, 2006, 04:20 PM
#29
Last installment of my trip report:
After 4 nights in Ubud and 10 days in Bali with perfect weather, we flew to Singapore. We had never been to Singapore except for the airport several times, and I was looking forward to something new. We were only spending 2 nights here, just to see if we would like it. We still don’t know! I have no feelings about Singapore one way or another. It’s very clean and pretty and orderly but I didn’t like it or dislike it.
We stayed at the Marina Mandarin Hotel which recently was refurbished. It was a nice enough hotel but I wouldn’t stay there again. All the rooms face an atrium and at night, until after midnight, they had a live quartet and you could hear it in the room. Not good when you want to sleep. The hotel is attached to a shopping mall which is convenient.
We had our worst meals of the trip in Singapore. I know Singapore is known for its food so I guess we just chose wrong. Actually the first night’s dinner was the only good meal. We ate at Indochine, the one on the river, and it was very nice. I have to say, the prices in Singapore were rather shocking coming from Bali. The price of food at Indochine wasn’t terribly high but beer was pricey. We were used to paying an average of $2.00 for a beer in Bali; in Singapore, the average price was $8.00 (even more than in NY!) That’s U.S. $ by the way, not Singapore $. Indochine was the only restaurant I could recommend. The others were terrible. We made the mistake of eating at an Italian restaurant on the other side of the river across from Indochine the next night and it was awful and expensive. We should have realized it would be a tourist trap. One lunch we had was in Chinatown and it was mediocre. One thing about the Chinese restaurants in Singapore that annoyed me is that they nickel and dime you, something I abhor. First, they don’t give you a regular napkin, they give you one of those wet wipes and charge for it. The charge is nominal and you need a napkin so you pay it. The thing that really annoyed me was the “picky” which is a tiny bowl of peanuts that they put on the table and charge each person $1.00 whether you eat it or not. It reminds me of the days in Europe where they put bread and butter out and charged by the piece. At least in Europe you only got charged for what you ate. In S’pore, you pay either way. And if 6 people were at one table, they would charge $6.00 for the same stinking bowl of nuts! When we went to Jumbo Crab the next day, we told them to take the picky away at the beginning so we didn’t get charged. Sorry but I don’t feel like putting something in my mouth that has probably been handled by who knows who because it’s been passed around from table to table. Our meal at Jumbo Crab was okay, nothing special but we didn’t have the chili crab. Maybe we should have.
Two things I enjoyed were the Orchid Garden at the Botanic Gardens, the bumboat ride we took. Our first day, we had a half day tour included. It was just the two of us with the guide and driver. The guide was good and gave us an overview of the city and took us to the main sights. We went to the oldest Chinese temple in S’pore, the waterfront, Botanic Garden, and Little India and Chinatown. We passed by Orchard Rd but we didn’t stop there.
I think the best time we had was when it rained a bit that afternoon after lunch so Eric and I decided to go to Raffles to the Long Bar for some drinks. Of course I had a Singapore Sling. We had several drinks and hung out there for a couple of hours and had a good time.
We’ll probably go back to Singapore another time to give it a fair chance. We really never got our bearings there. I really have no opinion of Singapore and neither does Eric. It was nice to be able to walk around without getting gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe though ;-)
After 4 nights in Ubud and 10 days in Bali with perfect weather, we flew to Singapore. We had never been to Singapore except for the airport several times, and I was looking forward to something new. We were only spending 2 nights here, just to see if we would like it. We still don’t know! I have no feelings about Singapore one way or another. It’s very clean and pretty and orderly but I didn’t like it or dislike it.
We stayed at the Marina Mandarin Hotel which recently was refurbished. It was a nice enough hotel but I wouldn’t stay there again. All the rooms face an atrium and at night, until after midnight, they had a live quartet and you could hear it in the room. Not good when you want to sleep. The hotel is attached to a shopping mall which is convenient.
We had our worst meals of the trip in Singapore. I know Singapore is known for its food so I guess we just chose wrong. Actually the first night’s dinner was the only good meal. We ate at Indochine, the one on the river, and it was very nice. I have to say, the prices in Singapore were rather shocking coming from Bali. The price of food at Indochine wasn’t terribly high but beer was pricey. We were used to paying an average of $2.00 for a beer in Bali; in Singapore, the average price was $8.00 (even more than in NY!) That’s U.S. $ by the way, not Singapore $. Indochine was the only restaurant I could recommend. The others were terrible. We made the mistake of eating at an Italian restaurant on the other side of the river across from Indochine the next night and it was awful and expensive. We should have realized it would be a tourist trap. One lunch we had was in Chinatown and it was mediocre. One thing about the Chinese restaurants in Singapore that annoyed me is that they nickel and dime you, something I abhor. First, they don’t give you a regular napkin, they give you one of those wet wipes and charge for it. The charge is nominal and you need a napkin so you pay it. The thing that really annoyed me was the “picky” which is a tiny bowl of peanuts that they put on the table and charge each person $1.00 whether you eat it or not. It reminds me of the days in Europe where they put bread and butter out and charged by the piece. At least in Europe you only got charged for what you ate. In S’pore, you pay either way. And if 6 people were at one table, they would charge $6.00 for the same stinking bowl of nuts! When we went to Jumbo Crab the next day, we told them to take the picky away at the beginning so we didn’t get charged. Sorry but I don’t feel like putting something in my mouth that has probably been handled by who knows who because it’s been passed around from table to table. Our meal at Jumbo Crab was okay, nothing special but we didn’t have the chili crab. Maybe we should have.
Two things I enjoyed were the Orchid Garden at the Botanic Gardens, the bumboat ride we took. Our first day, we had a half day tour included. It was just the two of us with the guide and driver. The guide was good and gave us an overview of the city and took us to the main sights. We went to the oldest Chinese temple in S’pore, the waterfront, Botanic Garden, and Little India and Chinatown. We passed by Orchard Rd but we didn’t stop there.
I think the best time we had was when it rained a bit that afternoon after lunch so Eric and I decided to go to Raffles to the Long Bar for some drinks. Of course I had a Singapore Sling. We had several drinks and hung out there for a couple of hours and had a good time.
We’ll probably go back to Singapore another time to give it a fair chance. We really never got our bearings there. I really have no opinion of Singapore and neither does Eric. It was nice to be able to walk around without getting gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe though ;-)
Oct 5th, 2006, 04:48 PM
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Just curious as to the names of the other restaurants you ate at. I have been eating at Indochine,for years, but at the Club Street one...there are 3 or 4 of them in different areas...and I also like the food there. I personally haven't gotten any bad food in Singapore. You'll probably have better luck next time. Happy Travels!
Oct 5th, 2006, 06:04 PM
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Laurie, I'm sorry you didn't find good food. I have so many restaurants in Singapore that I love. It is true that the prices have increased a lot as the US dollar as fallen so much. It's not like the old days when it was US$1=S$2, then Singapore was a real bargain!
Glad you enjoyed the orchid garden; I visit it every time I'm in Singapore.
Glad you enjoyed the orchid garden; I visit it every time I'm in Singapore.
Dec 6th, 2006, 09:28 AM
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Laurie
Don't know if you're still checking in but wanted to top this and ask a few questions.
You were in a group so you may not know but what were the taxi fixed rates like from the airport? What I'm finding on line seems to translate to about .50 so I just know I'm off on my zeros. If you remember yours at least I'll have a guide.
Being in Seminyak, did you notice Ku de Ta? They seem to have an interesting ceviche grazing/after app menu.
I'm going to trust the "hire driver in Bali" suggestions -- as Putu seems to be awol -- I've written him 3 times (boy I am not lucking out with drivers this winter !!) Maybe I have to take the "don't work with this crazy american" note off the back of my emails ??
anyway ... am curious what it's like around Jimbaran -- all the guides say good sea food restaurants, but I want to believe I can escape the 4 Seasons and find someone to drive us out on the main road?
re: Sing Air and seats -- last time I flew them I noticed they said you could choose seats if you booked on line with a Kris Flyer membership. I took the time to set that up this year and after paying for my tickets was taken through seat diagrams of all my flights. Maybe this will just be a 'request' -- but I seem to remember last year dealing with them over the phone and that's when they mentioned the request part.
I am getting excited. Feels great to have finally made a decision. We're doing a two day stop over in Sing on the way back. Maybe I'll finally buy a good watch
Don't know if you're still checking in but wanted to top this and ask a few questions.
You were in a group so you may not know but what were the taxi fixed rates like from the airport? What I'm finding on line seems to translate to about .50 so I just know I'm off on my zeros. If you remember yours at least I'll have a guide.
Being in Seminyak, did you notice Ku de Ta? They seem to have an interesting ceviche grazing/after app menu.
I'm going to trust the "hire driver in Bali" suggestions -- as Putu seems to be awol -- I've written him 3 times (boy I am not lucking out with drivers this winter !!) Maybe I have to take the "don't work with this crazy american" note off the back of my emails ??
anyway ... am curious what it's like around Jimbaran -- all the guides say good sea food restaurants, but I want to believe I can escape the 4 Seasons and find someone to drive us out on the main road?
re: Sing Air and seats -- last time I flew them I noticed they said you could choose seats if you booked on line with a Kris Flyer membership. I took the time to set that up this year and after paying for my tickets was taken through seat diagrams of all my flights. Maybe this will just be a 'request' -- but I seem to remember last year dealing with them over the phone and that's when they mentioned the request part.
I am getting excited. Feels great to have finally made a decision. We're doing a two day stop over in Sing on the way back. Maybe I'll finally buy a good watch
Dec 6th, 2006, 03:08 PM
#35
Hi jenskar,
We actually had private transfers included to and from the airport. It wasn't with a group but it was included in the price we paid for the entire package so I can't help you with the price.
We didn't go to Ku De Ta. There are just so many eating oprions in Bali and it's impossible to get to all the recommended ones. I've heard good things about it, though it's supposed to be quite expensive by Bali standards.
Hiring a driver is a good idea. I thought about hiring Putu in advance but decided I didn't want to be tied down in case I woke up and decided I didn't feel like touring that day. That happened in Bangkok but since we made advance reservations, we couldn't just cancel even though we were not feeling well. It's really east to hire a driver once in Bali so I wouldn't worry about not getting Putu.
I went to Jimbaran for seafood three years ago. We weren't staying at the Four Seasons though but I'm sure you'll be able to get someone to take you around.
I hope you have better luck with Singapore Airlines than I did. Generally, they are a decent airline but right now they're on my s--- list for the various reasons posted above.
Have a great time and don't forget to post a trip report!
We actually had private transfers included to and from the airport. It wasn't with a group but it was included in the price we paid for the entire package so I can't help you with the price.
We didn't go to Ku De Ta. There are just so many eating oprions in Bali and it's impossible to get to all the recommended ones. I've heard good things about it, though it's supposed to be quite expensive by Bali standards.
Hiring a driver is a good idea. I thought about hiring Putu in advance but decided I didn't want to be tied down in case I woke up and decided I didn't feel like touring that day. That happened in Bangkok but since we made advance reservations, we couldn't just cancel even though we were not feeling well. It's really east to hire a driver once in Bali so I wouldn't worry about not getting Putu.
I went to Jimbaran for seafood three years ago. We weren't staying at the Four Seasons though but I'm sure you'll be able to get someone to take you around.
I hope you have better luck with Singapore Airlines than I did. Generally, they are a decent airline but right now they're on my s--- list for the various reasons posted above.
Have a great time and don't forget to post a trip report!
Dec 6th, 2006, 06:54 PM
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Thanks for the answers laurieco -- I've been reading through your report and taking notes And I didn't even notice the type-os.
This time reading through the thread I was half expecting Craig to say he always wore a long skirt ... creative, typing, reading, it's half the fun of forums, no?
And I didn't even notice the type-os.This time reading through the thread I was half expecting Craig to say he always wore a long skirt ... creative, typing, reading, it's half the fun of forums, no?
Dec 7th, 2006, 09:35 AM
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Singapore Air is a great airline but I must admit Laurico is right abou the seat reservation thing. You do get ASSIGNED seats on other airline- so you are assured that you won't wind up in the middle. Now of course airlines can make changes- they sometimes change aircraft, and yes the bulkhead seats may need to go to a family but by and large you get your assigned seats. We could not get assigned seats when we flew Singapore - and for long over the ocean flights no one wants to play seat roulette- you want assigned seating!
Dec 7th, 2006, 03:22 PM
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Laurie-YOur report is wonderful-We have a time share trade in Kuta next October. I looked on the map of Bali and I see Seminyak is not far. We have another couple going with us so will probably rent a car.Thanks again Chris
Jun 21st, 2008, 10:38 AM
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Laurieco,
We are thinking about a return to Bali in October (were there last July at a villa outside Ubud, combined with Amanjiwo). I am thinking about Royal Pita Maha because I want GORGEOUS valley views and spacious accomodations (we'll be staying a week). Do all of the pool villas at RPM have great views? Are there any you would specifically recommend? We are also thinking about the suite at Alila Ubud, Kuyamani or FS. RPM quoted a very good rate.
We are thinking about a return to Bali in October (were there last July at a villa outside Ubud, combined with Amanjiwo). I am thinking about Royal Pita Maha because I want GORGEOUS valley views and spacious accomodations (we'll be staying a week). Do all of the pool villas at RPM have great views? Are there any you would specifically recommend? We are also thinking about the suite at Alila Ubud, Kuyamani or FS. RPM quoted a very good rate.
