My girlfriend, Kelly, and I are going to be arriving in Bali several days prior(evening of May 26) to our departure for Wakatobi(May30) and I was hoping you might be able to help us out with your suggestions for what to do on the island in between. I have been to bali before and really love it but Kelly has not. Just having a hard time deciding what to do with only a few days. Really want to show her as much of the beauty of Bali as possible.
We are not concerned with night life or clubs/partying. We really like immersion in nature and culture. We would like to experience a little of both in Bali. I was planning on basing out of Ubud and taking trips from there. We would like to see some rice terraced areas, some jungle and a little coast. (not too concerned w/ beach time as we should get plenty at the resort) I Definitely want to go to a really good kecak dance as well as some other(poss barong or legong?) dance.
Friends have suggested trips to ulu watu/bingen, tana lot and amed as possibilities. Not sure if these would be best as day trips or w/ overnight stays. Also considered a trip to a volcano or lake as well as tirta ganga/ujung area? I know that Bali is small but not sure of the driving times from Ubud to the north south east or west.
We would really appreciate any input you have on what to do as well as hotel suggestions. I am in the process of finding a driver as well so let me know if you have any referrals for that.
As far as hotels we would like to get the most bang possible for our buck. Would like to be in the $50-100 range but if there are some incredible places that would be a little more we would consider them. Preferably quiet spots w/ beautiful views of rice terraces or jungle. All in all, we probably won't spend much time at the hotel/bungalow so we aren't planning to go overboard, but a beautiful setting is always nice.
Thanks for any input you have. Namaste,
Julian and Kelly