In Reply to: Recommendations Anyone? posted by Christian on Monday, 19. April 1999 at 10:18 Bali Time:
I have learned from experience. ND is the tourist paradise. It's all perfectly manicured by the hotels. If you want to see and experience the 'real' Bali your best bet is to go to Ubud and base from there.
ND is farther south and can be inconvenient but it depends and where you are going.
To see 'Bali' hire a driver and guide. I can recommend Wayan Nama at namasiwa@hotmail.com. He can show you the best of everything. Shopping, temples, cermonies, villages, whatever you desire. And he knows the 'spiritual' aspect of Bali as well.
It all depends what you are looking for and what type of experience you want.
I would never stay at ND okay maybe if someone else was paying for it. I find the culture in Bali better away from the big hotels and in the backroads of Ubud and the north shore.
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay.