Where to stay in Bali??

I always stay in Cempaka II..............behind the Barong hotel on Poppies 2 (down a little alley)

only Rp 30.000 a night ($3 US) including breakfast and very clean

But there's plenty of hotels/losmen around poppies 2 for a similar price...........pay a little bit more and you'll get a pool

Loads of GHs in poppies II, Jalan Benasari would be more quiet...

Please forgive my ignorance. What are GHs?

I´m also heading to Bali probably for July and August. Are there reef breaks for intermediate surfers? Obviously it depends on swell size. Looking for a place where I can surf without too many crowds and and work on some paintings. I`ve read that kuta is packed...

Cheers,
fred

GH = Guest House

I dont like Kuta at all so Im predjudiced but Kuta - I donno--I gues otheres do though. Padang Bai is cool and it has a beachfrontwith cool fish shaped boats of all colors. Its not a real beachy beach but the local kids have fun there and theres a wild beach or two nearbay for hanging out on but not for insecure swimmers or surfers but good snorkling and eaten.

If it is only for two weeks - it might be worthwhile splashing out 125.000 rupiah per night. This gives you a clean room with airco down in Kuta's Poppies I - only two minutes from the beach. However, less fancy but suitable accomodation saves you pennies.

Kuta has plenty of solo bars. However, I found some a bit dirty/tarty/taggy. There is a good reggae bar which is enjoyable.

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<hr>Are there reef breaks for intermediate surfers? <hr></blockquote>

Get the boat from the beach out to Kuta reef.............30.000 rupiah round trip

Just tell the driver how many hours to come back

Kuta Reef is very popular, but definitely not for a beginner.

Many more good answers to your questions at www.balitravelforum.com where hundreds of Australians post information every day.