Unique Sights for 2nd Trip to Bali in Oct.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 04:52 PM
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Unique Sights for 2nd Trip to Bali in Oct.
We were in Bali and toured forv5 full days i 2003. We visited many rice terraces, saw women carrying fruit bouquets on their heads to several temples as sacrifices, toured some art galleries and "genuine" antique dealers. It was great. We were in Bali for less than a day this pass March and the group had a 3 hour bus tour of Sanur and we saw what had been commertcialized to the streets in downtown Ubud. When we were there in 2003 there were maybe 10+ shops now it looked like 100+. But we want to return to see some out-of-the-way unique sights and local cultures prior to going to S,E. Sulawisi for 2 weeks of diving. Can you suggest where to go and why and a great guide with a comfortable 2008-09 car/van for $60-$75 USD/day? We like to tour for 8-9 hours each day. Obviously fluent English is necessary. Thanks to everyone who can help us.
Jan 24th, 2011, 05:28 PM
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I am surprised but based upon no response I may have seen much of Bali considering hiking though I would love to do it is out do to a severe knee limitation. We will just overnight in Bali between Java and Sulawisi.
Jan 25th, 2011, 05:11 PM
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Stan, Plenty of neat places of the "out-of-the-way" variety in Western, Northern and Eastern parts of the island. Depends really on what you are seeking. Suggest you contact a favorite driver of many on this board Putu Arnawa (www.balifriend.net) and work with him to choose the places that appeal to you the most. Putu is of the same caliber of Weidy and Rohmad who I recommended to you in Java a while back and is in your price range for a full day's travel.
You can also find Putu on Facebook at Balifriend Tour - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Balifr...r/194955409105 and see some location photos to get ideas.
You can also find Putu on Facebook at Balifriend Tour - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Balifr...r/194955409105 and see some location photos to get ideas.
Jan 26th, 2011, 03:41 PM
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Stan,
I've used Putu twice now, most recently for a trip in January 2010, and can recommend him. He has a very comfortable white van (2009 ish), and his rate was approx. 55-65USD/8hours. Typically, however, you're touring with him for more time than that. I know my days with Putu averaged around 10 or so hours. His English is perfect, he's fully insured and licensed as a tour guide, and I swear he knows every spot in Bali. For example, he took me to a location where they're in the process of building a new temple. Talk about off the beaten path; to me, even the road we were travelling on had not been completed! When I asked him how he knows these places, he told me that he actively scouts locations to take tourists when they come to visit, so that they can really see what Bali is like.
All you will need to do is tell him the type of tour you are looking for and he will customize it for you. I'm an amateur photographer, and on this last trip, I asked him to take me on a photo tour. I ended up with seeing some of the most beautiful scenery, and not once was I subjected to a museum or places that I wasn't interested in seeing. And...if you ask, he will also take you to his family's compound so you can see how a typical Balinese family lives.
Becalm gave you Putu's information. If you choose to use him, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Happy and safe travels to Bali.
I've used Putu twice now, most recently for a trip in January 2010, and can recommend him. He has a very comfortable white van (2009 ish), and his rate was approx. 55-65USD/8hours. Typically, however, you're touring with him for more time than that. I know my days with Putu averaged around 10 or so hours. His English is perfect, he's fully insured and licensed as a tour guide, and I swear he knows every spot in Bali. For example, he took me to a location where they're in the process of building a new temple. Talk about off the beaten path; to me, even the road we were travelling on had not been completed! When I asked him how he knows these places, he told me that he actively scouts locations to take tourists when they come to visit, so that they can really see what Bali is like.
All you will need to do is tell him the type of tour you are looking for and he will customize it for you. I'm an amateur photographer, and on this last trip, I asked him to take me on a photo tour. I ended up with seeing some of the most beautiful scenery, and not once was I subjected to a museum or places that I wasn't interested in seeing. And...if you ask, he will also take you to his family's compound so you can see how a typical Balinese family lives.
Becalm gave you Putu's information. If you choose to use him, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Happy and safe travels to Bali.
Jan 26th, 2011, 04:45 PM
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Thanks. In fact I have referred Wiedy to 3 travelers and they all were heaping accolades on his itineraries and either Rachmad or his guide services in Central Java. I am having Wiedy host us in Central Java for 2 days and then go to Eact Java for 2.5 days. It was after that that I was interested in either 2 or no days in Bali prior to Sulawisi. I think based on the comments I should give Bali 2 days of 8+ hours/day. It looks like Puta is the fellow to use. To me while I do not want to spoil it for the next person a rate of $65 or $70 USD makes little difference. If it is an o.k. 2 days I tip appropriately, if it is a great time why not share my happiness.
I plan to stay near, Ubud not right in-town,and since we will tour from 9-6 the hotel facilities are not important but the quality and comfort of the room with A>C is quite important. We find ourselves after 8-9 hours of touring at age 65+ in no shape to have a long dinner and a night on the town. When I looked at Agoda.com I see a number of places that did not exist 11 years ago at rates of $175-$190+/_ USD that are listed as 4+ star. Can you suggest 2-3 places near Ubud, maybe on the way toward Denpasar though that is not critical, that are quality 4+ star and are $200+/- with tax since all we want is a quality sleepimg experience and a good breakfast and may by a light dinner there or 100 or so yards away. Thanks. I am up for the experience and will contact Puta.
I plan to stay near, Ubud not right in-town,and since we will tour from 9-6 the hotel facilities are not important but the quality and comfort of the room with A>C is quite important. We find ourselves after 8-9 hours of touring at age 65+ in no shape to have a long dinner and a night on the town. When I looked at Agoda.com I see a number of places that did not exist 11 years ago at rates of $175-$190+/_ USD that are listed as 4+ star. Can you suggest 2-3 places near Ubud, maybe on the way toward Denpasar though that is not critical, that are quality 4+ star and are $200+/- with tax since all we want is a quality sleepimg experience and a good breakfast and may by a light dinner there or 100 or so yards away. Thanks. I am up for the experience and will contact Puta.
Jan 26th, 2011, 05:45 PM
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Both times I stayed in Sanur and toured the Ubud area with Putu, so unfortunately, I cannot recommend any Ubud hotels. I used the Aston Bali hotel chain for my stay, and when I checked, I did see that they have a location in the Ubud area. Here is their website http://astonbalihotels.com/, so you can see what the hotels/villas looks like.
Hopefully, someone that has stayed at a hotel in Ubud will chime in with a recommendation for you.
Hopefully, someone that has stayed at a hotel in Ubud will chime in with a recommendation for you.
