O.K. Bali forumites! Especially all those who have assisted others on their ventures! This is my first posting and trip to Bali, so please forgive me for my questions. However, I need your help. I'm planning to go to this piece of heaven Feb.1th/2005 and stay for 3 and half weeks—from many of your descriptions, I can almost taste the Bintangs now! What's the weather like—is the whole month within the rainy season? We're travelling from South Korea via Singapore(stay here for 3 days and then on to Bali- anyone have suggestions on a hotel in Singapore--$50-$80 U.S.). I'll be traveling with my Korean girlfriend . Here's our tentative itinerary:
1)Going to stay in Candi Dasa for 3 days and thinking of staying at the Rama Candi Dasa Hotel—What's it like -What room should we ask for?—any better suggestions would be appreciated -What should we do for activities—of course drinking and laying about is a given--is it smart to travel to Mt. Agung from here—we're up for most things—except scuba diving. What about places to eat and massages?
2)Next it's off to Ubud and stay here for 7 or 8 days . First few days we're staying at the Pertiwi Bungalow Hotels— Is this the right place to stay -Your suggestion are welcomed if you have something better in mind—Should we get the deluxe room—or what? Has anyone stayed here? Within that time we're planning on doing some shopping (what about silver and gold jewelry-where should we go—or is it cheaper elsewhere?), the Monkey Forest , and a couple of days at a cooking school—any suggestions?? Has anyone heard of the Casa Luna Guesthouse—is it a cool place to stay?? What about the Ubud Sari Health Spa- expensive? Are there comparable places we should consider for less money?
3)It's on to Kuta/ Legian area for 6 days. No decision on hotels—this is where it would be very helpful for any suggestions—price range $36-$50 U.S. Beach would be nice,but comfortable room and pool is important—relaxing and friendly atmosphere—we're up for partying—but we'd sooner go to the parties than have them at the hotel we stay at—I realize the choices are endless-that's what is so confusing—I've also found a sight that offers private homes—http://www.balirealestateagents.com -anyone heard of this sight—and are they reputable? --found a 1 bedroom house for a good price in Jimbaran area—is that far from Kuta? Of course shopping, eating, and drinking( I'm Canadian-hahaha) are on the agenda—. What about buying silver here as opposed to Ubud? What about made to order leather wear-How long does it usually take for a jacket/ vest( made for cold weather-insulated)—or shoes and where should we start our hunt ?
4)Off to either Sanur-Tanjung Benoa-or Seminyak—was thinking of staying at the Grand Mirage if we go to T.B.— is this the right choice? -opinions weclomed—same price range as above.
5)Oh Yeah! Would it be wiser to go to the Kuta area after CandiDasa and then Ubud—or is our schedule good the way it is?
6)Finally, want to spend our last two nights at a better hotel—maybe $60- $90 -anyone have an idea that would assist our decision—romance is in order—maybe a private pool. And where should we go for our final delicious meal—either-Balinese-or seafood?
Has anyone used asiaroom.com to book there holiday--are they O.K and is it a safe site ?
7) Thanks to all of you, in advance, for your assistance. I want to make this a fun and romantic trip for my future companion in life. If you can think of anything I may have missed, please don't hesitate to relay your wisdom. By the way—Australia is next on our agenda. If any of you are going to be in Bali at the same time—let's hook up and have a few Bintangs together. My better half is a Korean jazz pianist—and I'm but a mere Canadian English professor.