Greetings,
We are going to Bali for the first time later this autumn (September/ October).
We can choose between the following destinations (charter):
Benoa
Candi dasa
Jimbaran
Kuta
Legian
Lovina
Nusa Dua
Sanur
Seminyak
Tanah Lot
Tanjung Benoa
Ubud
I have been reading some of the previous postings and have been looking at a map of Bali. However, before making a choice I just wanted to check with other Thorn Tree readers....
We are two couples in our thirties and are seeking a fairly quiet place which at the same time is close to restaurants and various activities, shopping and attractions etc. It would also be nice if was convenient for making day-trips to other places from this spot. Based on this, which of the above places should I look further into?
Furthermore, I prefer not to eat in hotel restaurants every night.
How much should we expect to pay for a meal (in euros or dollars) in a decent local restaurant?
Thanks!
Divide up your time: Most days based in UBUD; plus 2 full days (3 nights) in East Bali (that would be Candidasa on your list or at Amed or Padangbai); and 1 or 2 nights in Kuta (AND/OR you can take taxis between Ubud and Kuta with a group of people for nightlife if you want (or take the Perama Shuttle Bus one-way to Kuta in the late afternoon and take a taxi back to Ubud late at night ). Taxis may be a cheaper option with 4 people because Perama charges PER PERSON for the shuttle service. UBUD is centrally located and you can reach virtually everywhere of interest on Bali within 2 1/2 hours or faster for interesting day trips, but I recommend a few nights based in East Bali.
Padangbai and Amhed-lipah are nice and quiet places. A bit off as base for operation elsewhere but top choices for snorkling and beaches. Tanjung Benoa is a strip of nice beaches but in a all inclusive style of hotels. A lot of bananas, parachute rides and flying fishes and others towed gismos from sun up to sun set. you can find this everywhere on the planet. very far from what you might expect of Bali. For transportation , at 4, deal drivers. it will be cheaper and faster.
For your first time, base yourself in Legian. It's close to Kuta which is the hub of Bali. You can walk from Legian to Kuta and it's there that you bargain for day trips to wherever you want to go. In Kuta you can shop for the ultra cheap and also the ultra chique.
I have always found Ubud to be pretty boring. It's supposed to be for the artist/earthy type. I've been to a number of art galleries only to see the same art over and over again. There may be some places that are true to art, but I haven't seen them.
It's Bali. Have fun, be wary, but see as much as you can and enjoy yourself.
Legian/Seminyak would be a good choice/convenient, but at times too crowdwd with tourist. Ubud is more relax with great views of rice fields,rivers,mountains,gallery,Hindu temples&villages! rent a bicycle to explore more!!
I'd echo the Legian/Seminyak ideas for places to stay. Although we stayed in Sanur. If you are interested in a laid back atmosphere it's pretty good. It's hard to say because all those places really aren't that far from each other. On any given day we could have been in almost all of those places.
Kuta is the hip spot for beach and night life.
I found Ubud to be very interesting. The drive up there was neat enough. because it was like a dotted map of little villages each specializing in their own area of expertise. Silver smithing, wood carving, marble carving, goldsmithing, painting etc.
I don't know, we were in Bali for three weeks with the most time spent in the areas you mentioned and we could have easily spent another month there before getting bored. We have another trip planned for next jan.
I guess, staying in Kuta would be good.. its accessible to all your needs;(shopping, beach, nightlife) but there are places u should explore..
1- Dreamland (Beautiful beach, but u have to check out with the locals wth they are still doing construction by the beach. if so, don't go. the beach will not be clean)
2- Uluwatu (Awesome sunset)
3- Tanah Lot (Sacred Temple)
4- Jimbaran (Good food)
And a meal in a decent restaurant will cost u about 8 EUR..
trusted partner
