Que Sera Sera Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Any hotel recommendations ? Areas to avoid etc? Any info great fully received :wubclub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I will move this to holidays. One of our mods is currently there so hopefully when they are back they may have some tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Went at Easter. Stayed in Seminyak, nice area with lots of restauarants. Nusa Dua looks like a great area to stay too, so depends where about you want to stay. Do recommend the Bali Breezes in Seminyak if you want a really relaxing resort holiday at a reasonable price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noworriesmate Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I will move this to holidays. One of our mods is currently there so hopefully when they are back they may have some tips. Actually, I'm back - had a totally awesome time staying in a hotel in Nusa Dua (Nusa Dua Beach and Spa). We needed a holiday that was a total break (not looking for night life or activities etc) so we were looking for a great beach & pools etc. The deal we got was with living social and it included spa treatments, breakfast & dinners, Afternoon cocktails. So basically all-inclusive in a 5star resort $3,000 for 10 days plus flights for the two of us which we got with Jetstar from Adelaide for $1,200-00 NWM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishgirl1 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I fly out 2 weeks today, we are staying in Nusa Dua (first time) and Legian which I love, depends what you want really, busy busy or a bit more relaxed, lots of the hotels are excellent, 4 star are very good and you can check trip advisor, Air Asia from Perth I just got the 4 of us Airfares and 6 nights for $1800 with insurance, we are going again in April, some hotels are a lot more expensive if you want right on the beach and a lot cheaper if you don't mind being a 5-10 minute walk inbetween all the mayhem, it is scary at first with the motorbikes and traffic, but the people are amazing food is fantastic some amazing places to visit. We don't go between Dec and March really humid and their rainy season if you need anymore info just PM xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) You will love it Cath, only been to Nusa Dua but it was great...like Laney says noisy/scary driving etc but the resorts are excellent. Going back next April, got airfares for $500 just for 3 of us in Air Asias sale...just the accomodation to book. Easy to get around, friendly but need your wits about you as to not get ripped off outside of hotels...quite a corrupt country in my very limited experience... we stayed at the Grand Mirage which was just perfect for us Edited July 27, 2014 by HappyHeart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacaranda Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Stay away from area's known to p***** up abroad aussie areas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeegieDave Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I must be the exception.. I've been twice, Kuta which was like a third world version of Magaluf then Seminyak which was rather boring unless you like lying in a resort type hotel / villa for the full holiday. Didn't like either and would never go back to Bali. Your almost guarenteed a dose of the sh!ts there too. Sorry to sound like Mr negative but IMO it's the most over rated place I've ever been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishgirl1 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 That's it Weegie you either Love it or Hate it, it is a third world Country I think most know that, it's seeing through all that and getting to know the people and their Culture, the hotels resort can be amazing and you don't have to leave some of them, never had Bali Belly so been very lucky just watch what I eat, no need to be sorry it just didn't float your boat, we are all different I think Melbourne is the bees knees and I love it there but some say it that it is a horrible place x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Thats the thing isn't it..it is a third world country, much poverty, filth outside of the touristy areas...the architecture I thought was stunning, we went into Denpasar for our visas which was a very interesting journey, lots to see...never had Bali belly, the restaurant strip out of the complex was clean, cheap and quiet(ish) there were a lot of Russians in the hotel...the staff were so obliging, the service was 2nd to none...I thought the airport officials were bents as...was fuming on way home as we were nearly ripped off of our unopened bottles in luggage and a couple tried to get a backhander out of us...also was unaware of the exit tax which caused much hassle////overall though, we were naive but would go back in a heartbeat..just choose area wisely..I know Kuta would not be for me..not sure about Legian...Nusa Dua was great though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeegieDave Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Definitely each up their own. I just never felt comfortable there. I can see why it appeals to many West Australians though given it's locality and low cost. Maybe I just had bad experiences as I found the service very poor and I didn't want to drink spirits when I was out as I was weary about methanol poisoning which is rife over there. Things to look out for is people trying to carry your bags for you at the airport upon arrival. Decline and keep a hold of your case! when getting a taxi always ask the driver to put his meter on. If he doesn't have his meter on he will rip you off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slean Wolfhead Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I must be the exception.. I've been twice, Kuta which was like a third world version of Magaluf then Seminyak which was rather boring unless you like lying in a resort type hotel / villa for the full holiday. Didn't like either and would never go back to Bali. Your almost guarenteed a dose of the sh!ts there too. Sorry to sound like Mr negative but IMO it's the most over rated place I've ever been. I liked Nusa Dua, very quiet though and a bit artificial behind the gates. The rest of it....I'd think I'd rather go to Thailand. If you're going to put up with the hustle and bustle, Thailand does it better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Definitely each up their own. I just never felt comfortable there. I can see why it appeals to many West Australians though given it's locality and low cost. Maybe I just had bad experiences as I found the service very poor and I didn't want to drink spirits when I was out as I was weary about methanol poisoning which is rife over there. Things to look out for is people trying to carry your bags for you at the airport upon arrival. Decline and keep a hold of your case! when getting a taxi always ask the driver to put his meter on. If he doesn't have his meter on he will rip you off. RE spirits - hardly rife. A couple of incidents with horrendous outcomes yes. But not rife. but just stay away from Arak and you'll be ok. As for the guys carrying your bags - they are porters and charge less than $1 per bag. I think if can shock people at first, the 'developing country' side of it. But once you get over that it's fine. If you can get over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikey Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 If you like being ripped off, hassled, salmonella, dengue fever (without any public warning), extreme poverty and open sewers then Bali ticks all of the boxes. Not my favourite place and I agree that Thailand does the same thing much better. If you really really are set on the place then this Dua place seems to be good and if you stay on a complex then naturally you wont be exposed to the above. I did meet some lovely locals.....one in particular who brought me fresh coconut every day when I was ill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) Unlike most on here I absolutely hate Nusa Dua. Fake feel, boring 4/5 star resort hotels which could be anywhere in the world. I suppose it depends on what you want from your holiday. (Although I suppose if your from aussie and you want to lay around a pool all day in a hotel resort bali makes sense, it's the Europeans and Americans that do it that confuse me). I love bali. A week in the south, kuta / seminyak or legian for a bit of hustle and bustle - yes its busy but as soon as you step inside your hotel you are in a tranquil paradise. Following that, a week elsewhere, either a villa in cangu or a quiet laid back hotel up in Lovina. Maybe a couple of days on the gili islands or lembongan. What do I love about bali? The people, the culture, the vibe, the smells. Everything. Just a word of warning - be prepared to haggle with vendors. They may quote 1m rupiah for something that's only worth 200k. Most of the stuff in the streets is going to be fake. A driver for a day should be around 600k ish. Give or take. If your hiring a motor bike - 50k per day. Day trips - no more than 400k per person. On that note - a brilliant day trip not to be missed is the bike ride from the top of kintamani volcano down into ubud. Nearly all downhill. Wow. Totally amazing scenery and a brilliant day out. Edited July 27, 2014 by benthomas010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeegieDave Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 RE spirits - hardly rife. A couple of incidents with horrendous outcomes yes. But not rife. but just stay away from Arak and you'll be ok. As for the guys carrying your bags - they are porters and charge less than $1 per bag. I think if can shock people at first, the 'developing country' side of it. But once you get over that it's fine. If you can get over it. No, a few incidents with tragic circumstances involving young Australians but it is known to happen frequently with people ending up in hospital on a drip. Most cases going unreported though. As for the guys carrying the bags, they are corrupt and don't officially work for the airport and tried to intimidate me into handing over the equivalent for $30 AUD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcworld Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 You can add me to the probably would never go back list! We stayed in a villa in Seminyak. Other than a few standout restaurants and the obvious beach bars the place has very little appeal. The beach was absolutely filthy which is the norm throughout and at the tail end of the wet season from what I read. I had heard so much about Seminyak...the 'Toorak of Bali'...honestly, what a crock! Hideous beach, streets lined with dodgy dudes selling what they purport to be Viagra and other medicinal aids and for a tourist mecca it is still filthy with crumbling streets and pavements. Yes it's in the third world, but Thailand is vastly superior in this respect (and every other actually). Even arrival at DPS is a trauma. The so called 'porters' should not be allowed in the sterile part of the arrivals hall but they are there, grabbing bags without permission and leading off the gullible to an ATM for a whole lot more than a dollar a bag! My OH was led off by two of these guys having no idea who they were or what they wanted. And then there's Ubud...often romantically (and imaginatively) referred to as 'the real Bali'. Another crock! It's just an inland version of Kuta. Hire a driver for the day, you'll get taken where he wants to go i.e. where he earns a commission, rather than where you want to...it's all about tourist traps here. Contrary to what I expected we actually found Legian (and even Kuta!) more appealing than Seminyak. Sure there are legions of people whose entire wardrobe seems to consist of Aussie flag clothing but at least the beaches seemed to be somewhat looked after. Nusa Dua would probably be fine for a holiday where you stay within or around your resort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 If you like being ripped off, hassled, salmonella, dengue fever (without any public warning), extreme poverty and open sewers then Bali ticks all of the boxes. Not my favourite place and I agree that Thailand does the same thing much better. If you really really are set on the place then this Dua place seems to be good and if you stay on a complex then naturally you wont be exposed to the above. I did meet some lovely locals.....one in particular who brought me fresh coconut every day when I was ill. Someone had a bit of a culture shock. Lol. you only get hassled if they think you'll buy Extreme poverty you saw was most likely well placed beggers who actually don't live on the street at all. And aren't poor. It's simply their job and the babies are borrowed / hired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikey Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 No, a few incidents with tragic circumstances involving young Australians but it is known to happen frequently with people ending up in hospital on a drip. Most cases going unreported though. As for the guys carrying the bags, they are corrupt and don't officially work for the airport and tried to intimidate me into handing over the equivalent for $30 AUD. Oh almost forgot! Watch out for scams if u hire a motorbike. U get run off the road then second man holds your bike for u shilst flicking the switch by the steering column. Then you ride off but lose power. U make it to the next village who very conveniently have a spare part and will fix for a charge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeegieDave Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 You can add me to the probably would never go back list! We stayed in a villa in Seminyak. Other than a few standout restaurants and the obvious beach bars the place has very little appeal. The beach was absolutely filthy which is the norm throughout and at the tail end of the wet season from what I read. I had heard so much about Seminyak...the 'Toorak of Bali'...honestly, what a crock! Hideous beach, streets lined with dodgy dudes selling what they purport to be Viagra and other medicinal aids and for a tourist mecca it is still filthy with crumbling streets and pavements. Yes it's in the third world, but Thailand is vastly superior in this respect (and every other actually). Even arrival at DPS is a trauma. The so called 'porters' should not be allowed in the sterile part of the arrivals hall but they are there, grabbing bags without permission and leading off the gullible to an ATM for a whole lot more than a dollar a bag! My OH was led off by two of these guys having no idea who they were or what they wanted. And then there's Ubud...often romantically (and imaginatively) referred to as 'the real Bali'. Another crock! It's just an inland version of Kuta. Hire a driver for the day, you'll get taken where he wants to go i.e. where he earns a commission, rather than where you want to...it's all about tourist traps here. Contrary to what I expected we actually found Legian (and even Kuta!) more appealing than Seminyak. Sure there are legions of people whose entire wardrobe seems to consist of Aussie flag clothing but at least the beaches seemed to be somewhat looked after. Nusa Dua would probably be fine for a holiday where you stay within or around your resort. yes, you pretty much share the exact same experiences / opinions as me... each to their own though. The Aussies seem to love the place for whatever reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 No, a few incidents with tragic circumstances involving young Australians but it is known to happen frequently with people ending up in hospital on a drip. Most cases going unreported though. As for the guys carrying the bags, they are corrupt and don't officially work for the airport and tried to intimidate me into handing over the equivalent for $30 AUD. So how do you known about all these unreported incidents? It happens yes. But it's a rarity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikey Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 yes, you pretty much share the exact same experiences / opinions as me...each to their own though. The Aussies seem to love the place for whatever reason I DO love the bars in the pools though and outdoor bathrooms :-) very exotic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 You can add me to the probably would never go back list! We stayed in a villa in Seminyak. Other than a few standout restaurants and the obvious beach bars the place has very little appeal. The beach was absolutely filthy which is the norm throughout and at the tail end of the wet season from what I read. I had heard so much about Seminyak...the 'Toorak of Bali'...honestly, what a crock! Hideous beach, streets lined with dodgy dudes selling what they purport to be Viagra and other medicinal aids and for a tourist mecca it is still filthy with crumbling streets and pavements. Yes it's in the third world, but Thailand is vastly superior in this respect (and every other actually). Even arrival at DPS is a trauma. The so called 'porters' should not be allowed in the sterile part of the arrivals hall but they are there, grabbing bags without permission and leading off the gullible to an ATM for a whole lot more than a dollar a bag! My OH was led off by two of these guys having no idea who they were or what they wanted. And then there's Ubud...often romantically (and imaginatively) referred to as 'the real Bali'. Another crock! It's just an inland version of Kuta. Hire a driver for the day, you'll get taken where he wants to go i.e. where he earns a commission, rather than where you want to...it's all about tourist traps here. Contrary to what I expected we actually found Legian (and even Kuta!) more appealing than Seminyak. Sure there are legions of people whose entire wardrobe seems to consist of Aussie flag clothing but at least the beaches seemed to be somewhat looked after. Nusa Dua would probably be fine for a holiday where you stay within or around your resort. Have to agree beaches in Jan / Feb / March are pretty filthy as rivers in land are used as dustbins - and this all gets washed downstream ending up on the beach. The tides also bring rubbish into shore. Rest of the year it's pretty much clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee13 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) Just came back this week..weather was great. Cool and not that humid.. This was our 10th trip and we keep finding better and better places to go.. Just last night we had serenity in the valleys outside Ubud with fireflies zipping around the evening. Balinese hindu folk are great, and spiritual..its just the foreigner Javanese that cash in on tourist industry and run scams and many think they are locals unfortunately...and get a bad rep for it..Our host got the village to put on a pig roast and it was lovely..QSS pm me I can assist. Theres something good for everybody...then again something not for everybody if you play the naive tourist card. Doing the research is essential to a good trip there. I agree to avoid Nusa Dua unless you just want a tourist sanitised and culturally plastic experience.. one of the best things is when you get to know and trust a few drivers to take you around. $30 for 5 hours or $50 for all day... to go anywhere... Edited July 27, 2014 by gee13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthomas010 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) Just came back this afternoon..weather was great. Cool and not that humid.. This was our 10th trip and we keep finding better and better places to go.. Just last night we had serenity in the valleys outside Ubud with fireflies zipping around the evening. Balinese hindu folk are great, and spiritual..its just the foreigner Javanese that cash in on tourist industry and run scams and many think they are locals unfortunately...and get a bad rep for it..Our host got the village to put on a pig roast and it was lovely..QSS pm me I can assist. Theres something good for everybody...then again something not for everybody if you play the naive tourist card. Doing the research is essential to a good trip there. I agree to avoid Nusa Dua unless you just want a tourist sanitised and culturally plastic experience.. Lol. You got scammed into believing everything bad that happens is down the the javanese. This is a huge myth. There are plenty of balinese who will rip you off as well. But you can only be ripped off if you let them wherever they are from. Edited July 27, 2014 by benthomas010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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