In Reply to: Packages posted by Gubsy on Wednesday, 13. April 2005 at 14:38 Bali Time:
I always go to Bali on a cheap package deal which includes return air fares for up to 35 days and whatever accomodation I want to include. Last August I went for 31 days with 10 days pre-booked [should have been 30 days but the travel agent stuffed it and begrudgingly paid for her mistake-----won't use her again!], August 2003 went for 35 days with 6 days pre-booked. Never been a problem. If an agent tries to give me a hard time, then I'll go elsewhere.
I heard a similar story from a Perth man last time I was in Bali, so I phoned Air Paradise on my return. They told me that they would do package rate for up to 35 days return with a minimum of 3 days pre-booked. I understand that other airlines may have different requirements so do your homework, but do it by contacting the airlines yourself and not relying on the competence and/or honesty of an agent.
Of course if you get someone's alleged "super-special" there may well be conditions applicable. If in doubt, get everything in writing and, if in WA, contact the Consumer Protection Dept. Presumably other states/territories would have similar govt depts.
You could also consider going to the media. Let the agent know what you are thinking of doing and that alone may do the trick.