Sri Lanka or Bali
 

This is a general query and I'm just looking for some general thoughts from people who may have visited both or either of these countries.
I will be getting married next August and I'm trying to plan a honeymoon. I have brochures on both these destinations but would really appreciate any input that you may have. I will be looking for a nice beach reosrt but would also like to go sight-seeing to get a feel for the country and it's people. Any words of wisdom will be much appreciated!

That is a very interesting question and would be a tough choice. I have been to both, Bali many times and Sri Lanka once about 10 years ago. I just did a quick search and August is good weather-wise for both. Sir Lanka is very undeveloped in terms of tourism, which can be great in terms of no crowds or tourist traps, and also not so great if you are expecting certain service levels or luxury hotels. I think the quality of hotels has improved a lot, especially in the last few years, but you won?t find the quality that you will find in Bali, where you are quite spoiled for choice.

I find the Hindu influence in Bali really wonderful, and would have to say the Buddhist influence in Sri Lanka also lends a special quality to a visit there. If you like wildlife, you are better off in Sri Lanka, IMO, as you would many more opportunities there. I would also say that the beaches in both are pretty, but not spectacular; if you want powdery white sand beaches and turquoise water go elsewhere. In fact in either place if your primary focus is beach and taking the odd afternoon to explore the country, either place is a LONG way to go just to sit on an OK beach. Someplace like Hawaii or the Maldives might be a better choice for a pure beach vacation.

I would also ask where else you have been in Asia. If you have never travelled in Asia, then Bali is probably a better choice as the tourist infrastructure is very well-developed and it is easy to get around on your own. I am not sure I would put a first-timer in Asia into a place like Sri Lanka. Like India, it needs a bit of a more seasoned Asian traveller or you may not appreciate it.

Also consider how much time you have and how long the flight is from your originating destination. Sri Lanka may require three or more changes; for Bali you can get non-stops from Hong Kong and if you can get a non-stop from the US to Hong Kong, the overall travel time may be considerably shorter.

Also would you consider adding other destinations. India is a logical choice for Sri Lanka, but I would not go to India in August unless you go to hill station areas and even then I don?t think it is a great idea. From Bali you can easily do Singapore or Hong Kong, or even Thailand.

i think bali would be a perfect place...there are wonderful hotels at every level of expense and several different areas you could visit...the sights are wonderful and the people are just great....lots of cheap shopping as well....you can stay in the hotel for the day and relax or you can venture out as the day seems to dictate....hiring a driver for a few days allows you great latitude in visits to the countryside....many of us here have used putu with great success....just do a search for him on this board...
i too would like to visit sri lanka but hae not to date....i'm sure it is far less developed...

Thanks Cicerone for the quick reply! It sounds like Bali would be more our scene.
We are in Ireland so the weather is a big influence for me too. The only other part of Asia that I have been to is Hong Kong so maybe Sri Lanka would be a bit underdeveloped tourism wise for us.
I'm not particularly bothered about the beach as long as there is a nice pool at the hotel. I would definately like to visit some of the less touristy parts of Bali.
I think your suggestion of doing a 2 centre holiday to maybe Singapore or even Malaysia might be the way to go.
Many thanks for your ideas.

Thank you both for that. It sounds like Bali would be perfect for us.

If you are considering Singapore and Malaysia, look into going to the east cost of Malaysia which is perfect in August. You could fly into Kuala Terengganu (via a change in Kuala Lumpur), hire a car and drive down the gorgeous coast, stopping along the way at the various villages on the way down to Singapore. For a splurge, consider staying at the Tanjong Jara Resort. This is a gorgeous 5-star resort, built of teak in Malaysia long-house style. They have a spectacular infinity pool. Take a look at http://www.tanjongjararesort.com or the website for Small Luxury Hotels of the World at: slh.com. Also consider one or more nights at the more down-scale Rawa Island with its even more gorgeous beach. Take a look at rawasfr.com.
You could spend a week along the coast, or could spend 4-5 nights going down to Singapore and 2 nights in Singapore. From Singapore, you can fly to Bali, where I would recommend splitting your time between mountain areas around Ubud (2-3 nights) and beach areas. The less developed beach areas are along the north east coast in the Candidasa and Mangiss areas and further north. Run a search here, as there is a lot of info on Bali, a popular destination on this board.

Check to see if Malaysian Airlines offers service from Dublin and look into package prices for Dublin-Kuala Terenganu-Singapore-Bali-Dublin. You may also be able to do this itinerary on Singapore Airlines. Try to take non-stop flights whenever possible, esp to Bali where connecting flights means almost a day lost in travel each way.

You could of course spend the entire 2 weeks in Bali which would be a wonderful trip as well.

I agree....Bali gets my vote. Happy Travels!

While I am not disagreeing that Bali may be the right choice for you I do not quite agree that you make this choice because tourism and infrastructure in Sri Lanka is not well developed. I was in Sri Lanka twice last year and was amazed both times at how well oiled the tourist machinery is. The island offers amazing options - eco lodges, wildlife, cultural retreats, tea estates, Colombo city is quite charming for a few days, restaurants, shopping - I agree with Cicerone the beaches are not well developed. I also agree that I would not go to Bali for the beaches. From Ireland Sri Lanka will be probably a shorter flight for you - and if you wanted to combine it with something enchanted you could consider a few days in Kerala. Having said that I ADORE Bali so this is a very tough decision. I think to do justice to Sri Lanka you need more time (the island is larger so transfers take a bit longer, also there is more to do - Colombo, tea plantations, elephant orphanage, beach are just some of the things) and you have not mentioned how much time you have. Weather wise yes - Bali def scores as Aug will be rainy in Colombo tho the end of the monsoon (as it hits earlier coming from the southeast).