We are going to Bali for 12 days during Christmas/New Years this year. We definitely want to spend time in Ubud (about 8 days - is that too much?) but are having a hard time deciding on a second place to visit/stay. Should we
1. stay in Bali and go to either Seminyak or Jimbaran? Which one?
2. go to Lombok instead?

Is there enough to do around / in Ubud for 8 days? Or is it too much?
Ideas?

I was just in Ubud for 6 days and could have stayed longer! But I would suggest you plan to take some out-of-town day trips with a driver.

I think the second area you choose is dependant on your interests... I found northern and eastern Bali to be scenically beautiful and more interesting than the beach areas (Seminyak, at least). Next time I will plan to spend a few nights in one of those areas.

Personally, I think I would prefer Sanur over Seminyak, and either over Jimbaran. Not that there's anything wrong with Jimbaran, it's just that it's heading in the direction of Nusa Dua, with a bunch of high end enclaves.

Poliana, this is a big "it depends" situation. Personally, I could fill up 8 days in Ubud easily, but then I'm really into the arts and culture and find the natural beauty overwhelmingly appealing.

Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur and Lombok all have good points and bad points. I like Seminyak because I like the lively beach scene with access to restaurants and shopping, big waves and glorious sunsets. BUT, only in balance with the serenity of Ubud.

Lombok has some fine beaches, better, really than Bali. I've been there a few times but I'm less inclined to go back since the travel time and aggravation isn't, to me, worth the trade up on the beach.

Christmas and New Years is actually my least favorite time at the beach in Bali. It's crowded, rates go up, resorts want 5 day (at least) stay minimums and they hook you into joining their New Year's celebrations which are way over priced. Even more reason to concentrate on Ubud.

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. Bali would be the last stop of our 3 month sabbatical in Asia which ends Jan 6, so we will need to spend x-mas and new years somewhere in Asia. Some of you mentioned how this is a bad time to visit... Any other places that could be a good spot to relax and end the trip on a high note before going back? We chose Bali because we heard it was the perfect place to relax...

Another question, what are some good spots in Northern/Eastern Bali that we could stay? It sounds like the beach is not the highlight anywhere. And we are not really looking for a beach spot unless it's beautiful (we've lived in Puerto Rico for the past 2 years...) So should we go to another village instead of Seminyak or Jimbaran and skip the beach?
Thanks!

Poliana, any of the upscale resorts will do a nice Christmas. It's a fairly lowkey holiday in Indonesia.

New Year's is more of a problem because many of the resorts insist that you join their celebration (i.e. will bill you even if you don't attend). And if you manage to excuse yourself you still have the problem of every restaurant being in a holiday mode.

I guess it depends how you feel about New Years Eve. If you like to party you'll have plenty of company (and choices). If you're more quiet and reclusive you need to inquire about the resort's policies. I'd guess that most places in the Ubud area would be accommodating.

Poliana, another thought to end your trip on a high note would be to go to Central Java and see Borobudur. It's a profoundly beautiful and intensely spiritual area, not just the monument but the surrounding countryside as well.

The Amanjiwo there is, to me, one of the most satisfying luxury resort plus cultural experiences anywhere.

Are you still planning Amanwana?

I reckon Jimbaran is good. It has an excellent beach, plus restaurants on the beach. I stayed at the Pansea Puri, which was very cute.

While Seminyak has some nice resorts, I have always been wary of the beach which can sometimes have pretty strong rips.

I note someone said Sanur. I loved it when I stayed there some 10 years ago. and re-visited it again about 2 years ago. It had become very sad and shabby....mainly, I guess, because of the decline in visitation due to the bombings.

My own view is that 8 days in Ubud is too long for a total 12 day Bali stay. Though it is still a 'must see'.

If you like quiet, the Alila at Candi Dasa is wonderful. Plenty of day trips, complimentary entrance to the facilities at the nearby luxurious Aman Kila. Not much beach though (the Balinese say it is not visible at high tide, but that's really Balinese for "it's also not their at low tide"!

The pool is exquisite, and the restaurant serves some of the best food available in Bali. Rooms are smallish, but very confortable.

Can't speak in relation to Lombok, as I have never been there.

As with many posts, Poliana, yours asks for a subjective opinion. Only you have the best answer for yourself. So without knowing your preferences, I personally would spend 8 days in Ubud perhaps at two different resorts as I love to wander about the town, villages and countryside and love architecture, art, good food and peaceful surroundings. There are several easy day tours you can do from Ubud depending on your interests and energy level.

I'd spend the remainder in Lombok for the quiet beaches or even better the countryside around Borobudur as suggested previously. It is quite unique and magical and should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. For me, I found this area to as totally unique and captivating as Bali and suggest that it should not be missed. If I can answer any questions about the Magelang area around Borobudur for you just ask.

If Amanjiwo is not in your budget there are other options outside of Yogya in Java to consider like the Losari.

You are at the end of a three month trip and I would imagine you may want to be away from the major tourist areas of Southern Bali. Don't forget many travel to Bali on holiday at this time and stay primarily in the south.

You have said elsewhere that this is your "lifetime trip" and not experiencing another culture either in Lombok or most especially around Borobudur I think would be to missed opportunity.

Follow your instincts Poliana and you'll make the right choice for you.

I should add that the Alila Group has the Alila near Candi Dasa and one at Ubud. Both are excellent properties.

The Candi Dasa one used to be known as the Serai, and the one at Ubud used to be known as the Chedi.

I believe that if you stay in both you get a special deal.