Hello All,
Please pardon the length of this post and the inevitable typos. Please keep an open mind.
I am posting from the US. I have travelled a bit in Asia, and will be arriving in Bali in early May. I have loosely followed this forum for some time, and have learned plenty--THANX. I was able to get in on the $629 R/T airfare from LA thanks to a post here.
I have some specific questions, but I also want to give a summary of my views on vacationing in Bali, so anyone who might want to respond can decide if their advice will be helpful. I have put that section at the end, so you don't have to read through it unless you like.
Questions:
1. Has anyone used the services of a guide named Putu Arnawa? He has a website and has been given great reviews by references he provided. He sounds like a candidate for sainthood (LOL), so I was wondering if he is widely known. He sounds like a very spiritual person and may be someone who would not care for the faster-paced and jovial nature of me and my wife. Are there any guides who are transplants from the US/Europe/Australia and who may be more at ease with folks who are not as serious-minded? What is a reasonable fee to pay for a first-rate guide with strong English skills and lots of knowledge? Is this rate related to how much driving is involved? I am thinking Ubud to Amed, etc. Are there female guides in case my wife wants to go shopping or to salon?
2. I am looking for a place in Ubud that has a nice view, clean rooms, private bathroom with hot water, A/C, and excellent staff--something a bit upscale. A clean pool and affordable bar/restaurant would be nice also. I am looking for the absolutely best place I can get for under about 700,000rp a night for two people with tax and breakfast. Sadly, many of the properties listed online have five or ten different prices posted for the same room, spread over several websites. My email and faxes seem to be getting little response (and they are much briefer than this post). Any suggestions or places you can recommend? Please include the room or villa number if it is a winner. Has anyone had recent experience with the Bali Spirit Hotel? Their informational materials seem well done, but I have heard that the location is noisier and less scenic than you are led to believe. What about Cahaya Dewata, Puri Bunga, Siti Bungalows, Ulun Ubud, Agung Raka or Pringga Juwita?
3. Do designer clothing stores in Kuta or elsewhere stock larger men's sizes? I am a 44/46 US or 54/56 European and I would love to come home with some new Versace clothing. Is it likely to be real or knock-off? Has anyone had luck with having leather clothing other than short jackets or vests made? I am thinking of more involved work similar to Gaultier or Versace long coats. What about men's suits or dress shirts in silk or linen or wool?
4. Does brem taste like sake?
5. How much do drinks like Margueritas cost in touristy cafes or bars?
6. In Amed, if you want to keep things cheap, but would like some A/C and hot water, where do you stay?
7. Is the WaterGarden Resort near Candi Dasa as romantic as it is touted to be?
8. The plane is set to arrive at 8:10 pm. How long should I count on being stuck at the airport. Should I go ahead and go to Ubud, or just find a cheap place near the airport for the first night?
9. Does anyone have connections with local jewelry makers? I am tempted to bring scales, test kit, and technical specs and try to get a few things made. Any leads would be helpful.
My views are somewhat different from those often expressed here. I am much less of an idealist than many of the regulars. I am a bit amused by the over-romanticization of almost every topic on here related to Bali (except hawkers...LOL).
The recurring theme of the local contact as "noble savage" seems both a bit misguided and a bit condescending on the part of the visitors. Certainly there are plenty of nice Balinese people, and their culture is apparently built on respect and cordial behavior. On the other hand, many of the interactions described in this forum involve the exchange of money for services. To steal the quote of someone I met through the forum, this makes for a "noble captitalist," not a "noble savage." My point is that I would like to have an enjoyable vacation, meet interesting people, and maybe make new friends, but I would like to get the most and best services for the money I spend--just as if I were vacationing in Europe or here at home.
I am also someone who tries to show respect for local standards of behavior, but I intend to indulge in my share of drinking and partying in those areas where it is appropriate. If you made it this far through my post and believe we may have similar tastes, please let me know of any clubs that may be of interest while I am there....I like them loud, busy, and friendly.
My wife and I will be on our honeymoon, but hope to mix in plenty of wild antics with our more romantic activities. We are youngish--both about 30, educated, and terribly liberal thinkers. We seem to fit into an odd category of tourist that is not represented much on here. We don't have kids and don't particularly care to be around them while we are on vacation. We are not looking for some kind of moving spiritual experience or new age serenity as a result of our trip. We are considerate but probably not unduly environmentally friendly. We are not looking for a five room villa for $6 US, but we can't bring ourselves to stay in Nusa Dua, even if we can afford it. We don't mind being around other tourists, but prefer being left alone or being able to mix with the locals in some place other than just a shop or eatery. Most of the folks that seemed to voice opinions like ours tend to get pummeled in the forum and I am not sure why.
I have a host of other questions about things I am genuinely curious about--from prostitution to marine fish harvesting to stylistic issues of Pentjak Silat--but I believe they are too far off the beaten path of political correctness that this forum seems to support. I dont want to get flamed for asking and figure I won't get any credible responses. One last thing--I know this post sounds kind of preachy, but I don't mean it that way--I am just trying to be candid.
Email me or post a follow up and thanks for your time,
Michael