Travel to Bali
May 24th, 2012, 06:12 AM
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Travel to Bali
I have never traveled to any Asian countries, and I am wondering how difficult/safe it might be to travel alone from China to Bali for a 3-5 night stay. I will be in China for 2 weeks with a group, then would like to venture out while I am on the other side of the world. I am a woman in my 30s, and am not sure what to expect in this area.
Thank you!
Thank you!
May 24th, 2012, 06:29 AM
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Bali is very safe if you simply use a bit of common sense. But I wouldn't travel from China for a mere 3-5 days. IF you want to go to Bali, plan to spend a good week there, dividing your time between a beach and inland near Ubud.
May 24th, 2012, 08:55 AM
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I'm not the expert here on Bali accommodations, but if you give us a price range, many others will jump in with recommendations. For a beach area, I am fond of Sanur. The Hyatt there is lovely set in an award-winning garden.
How to travel? Well, you can get a taxi from the airport at Denpasar to your hotel. You will want to hire a car and driver for at least a couple of days so you can explore the island. I've laways just hired a driver once I got there (your hotel will have recommendations), but some here like to reserve a driver ahead. If you look at other threads here on Bali, you'll see Putu recommended and you'll find contatc info.
How to travel? Well, you can get a taxi from the airport at Denpasar to your hotel. You will want to hire a car and driver for at least a couple of days so you can explore the island. I've laways just hired a driver once I got there (your hotel will have recommendations), but some here like to reserve a driver ahead. If you look at other threads here on Bali, you'll see Putu recommended and you'll find contatc info.
May 24th, 2012, 10:57 AM
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Kathie's recommendation of the Bali Hyatt at Sanur is very sound. Its an old, large hotel with beautiful gardens; east-facing so you dont get the famous Balinese sunsets but, if youre lucky, you may get to see a moonrise over the ocean!
About twice the price, there is the Oberoi Bali at Seminyak on the south-west coast (yes, with those sunsets!) and is one of the most civilised, peaceful hotels I know, with its own "magic" and steeped in history and Balinese culture....in fact, with its own open-air amphitheatre on the grounds, offering fascinating performances of Balinese dance-theater. Yet close to all the "happening" restaurants and bars. Is it worth the extra? Oh yes, every penny! It is so relaxing, you never want to leave. Check it out online to see what I mean.
Either hotel will arrange an airport pick-up, which I would recommend over taking a taxi.
As for going around, I would suggest Bali Discovery Tours, run by an American called Jack Daniels (!) since about 20 years, utterly professional, offering guided tours and cars with reliable, English-speaking drivers.
And before I forget, 5 days would be a minimum!
About twice the price, there is the Oberoi Bali at Seminyak on the south-west coast (yes, with those sunsets!) and is one of the most civilised, peaceful hotels I know, with its own "magic" and steeped in history and Balinese culture....in fact, with its own open-air amphitheatre on the grounds, offering fascinating performances of Balinese dance-theater. Yet close to all the "happening" restaurants and bars. Is it worth the extra? Oh yes, every penny! It is so relaxing, you never want to leave. Check it out online to see what I mean.
Either hotel will arrange an airport pick-up, which I would recommend over taking a taxi.
As for going around, I would suggest Bali Discovery Tours, run by an American called Jack Daniels (!) since about 20 years, utterly professional, offering guided tours and cars with reliable, English-speaking drivers.
And before I forget, 5 days would be a minimum!
May 24th, 2012, 04:06 PM
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It's fairly easy to get to Bali from China. Depending on where you end up after your tour, you can fly non-stop or connect through Hong Kong or Singapore. Getting there will take up most of a day, however, so take that into consideration when planning your time. I agree, that it's best to have your hotel arrange an airport pickup on arrival.
There are lots and lots of choices in accommodations at all price ranges. The first determining factor would be the number of days you have: whether you have enough time to split between the beach and inland or whether you need to concentrate on one or the other. The second would be your price range. And lastly what are your interest? Nature, culture, shopping, beach, hiking, arts and crafts, performing arts, food, wellness?
Bali is safe for a woman traveling alone, but a lot depends on how much time you want to spend by your self and your need to interact with fellow travelers. There are plenty (too many, really) options for day tours, just you or with a group. These are great ways to see Bali, but it's best to leave some down time just for wandering.
If you don't feel comfortable going to restaurants alone you may prefer a larger self contained resort with several in-house restaurant options, a spa and other facilities. If you're more adventurous you could choose a smaller place in a lively neighborhood and venture out for dinner, nightlife, spa treatments and shopping.
Bali has a wide range of activities but one of the best is just staying still and letting Bali come to you.
There are lots and lots of choices in accommodations at all price ranges. The first determining factor would be the number of days you have: whether you have enough time to split between the beach and inland or whether you need to concentrate on one or the other. The second would be your price range. And lastly what are your interest? Nature, culture, shopping, beach, hiking, arts and crafts, performing arts, food, wellness?
Bali is safe for a woman traveling alone, but a lot depends on how much time you want to spend by your self and your need to interact with fellow travelers. There are plenty (too many, really) options for day tours, just you or with a group. These are great ways to see Bali, but it's best to leave some down time just for wandering.
If you don't feel comfortable going to restaurants alone you may prefer a larger self contained resort with several in-house restaurant options, a spa and other facilities. If you're more adventurous you could choose a smaller place in a lively neighborhood and venture out for dinner, nightlife, spa treatments and shopping.
Bali has a wide range of activities but one of the best is just staying still and letting Bali come to you.
May 24th, 2012, 07:47 PM
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There is no need to spend more than the Hyatt in Sanur and the Oberoiyou might find a bit stuffy though from having lunch there the service is quite good but the cost is just excessive. The Hyatt is very large and that is the ONLY rap I would give it. But you do have the great opportunity of meeting many other people. I would make the reservation directly with the hotel and NOT through Hyatt Central Reservations. You might get a better rate or upon arrival a better chance of a room at no charge (if not you can ask upon ckeck in because you are one person and usually the room is used by 2 persons) Make a request to be in the first bulding but not too close to the entrance. It is that larege that the 3rd building is a bit of a walk. If they offer a Balinese show and dinner do not miss it. I usually avoid them for they are like a carnival not well done. But this one is excellent. I think it is worth hiring a guide and a fellow named Putu who also goes by the name Bali friend can be found by searching right on this Forum. We used him and he is very knowledgeable. Last year he carged 650,000RP. and now the USD is stronger so even though it is a year later his rate should not be the different. He will tour for 10 hours for that amount. You can use my name because I wrote him recently to use him again in Dec. before going on a 12 day liveaboard in the Raja Ampat Islands. He can be quiet so you have to ask him questions and he will not hesitate to respond. Tell him you do not want much time (maybe 1-1.5 hours) in the tourist shops of Ubud, 2 hours in Temples, then the restof the time out to the volcanoes to see the rice fields and other natural beauty. You might even want to use him for 2 days but on the second day only tour for 6 hours so you can enjoy the lovely Hyatt-Sanur.
May 25th, 2012, 10:58 AM
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I agree with Stan re the first building in the Hyatt at Sanur. The others are a LONG walk away....though you do get a lovely view from the last (third) building if you book an Ocean View room!
As for the Oberoi being "stuffy" I'm not sure what he means. The service is courteous and professional but not "in your face"; the people you meet are similarly cordial but not gushingly "friendly". Perhaps exactly what a girl (or guy, for that matter) needs when on a solo trip, looking for quality R&R. And if she (or he) needs excitement, the hip "Ku de ta" is just next door!
As for the Oberoi being "stuffy" I'm not sure what he means. The service is courteous and professional but not "in your face"; the people you meet are similarly cordial but not gushingly "friendly". Perhaps exactly what a girl (or guy, for that matter) needs when on a solo trip, looking for quality R&R. And if she (or he) needs excitement, the hip "Ku de ta" is just next door!
May 26th, 2012, 11:22 PM
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Ubud is lovely and has a lot to offer.
Seminyak is great for restaurants and shopping.
Nusa Lembongan is worth checking out too - you catch a ferry across from Sanur. The beaches are small, but you can hire a boat and find your own beach and the snorkelling is great over there. Depends what you're after...
Seminyak is great for restaurants and shopping.
Nusa Lembongan is worth checking out too - you catch a ferry across from Sanur. The beaches are small, but you can hire a boat and find your own beach and the snorkelling is great over there. Depends what you're after...
