In Reply to: Leaving in Two Weeks, a few questions. posted by FuryShark on Monday, 13. December 2010 at 14:06 Bali Time:
Don't go to Ubud just to see the Monkey Forest. Ubud is well worth a day trip - be sure to get your driver to take you the scenic route instead of through ugly dusty towns. Get him to drop you off then cruise around the markets & shops for a while. Then take the road through Tegalalang to Kintimani - stunning views, great shops en route. Kampung Cafe is a lovely place for lunch. Kintimani is fairly crass but has wonderful views of the active volcano. You could look at doing a bike ride - lots of info in the archives here - just search.
For monkeys in a natural environment & spectacular scenery you could do a day trip to Munduk via Bedugul - leave early, have brekky at Pacung Indah ("A View To Dine For") then via the Ghost Palace to Candi Kuning Markets - spices, vanilla pods, pashminas are cheap there (after bargaining). Cracker's nice loos. There are Botanical Gardens just before the C K Markets for anyone interested in plants. Then through a monkey forest (stop if you want)up & around the lakes with superb views over the food bowl of Bali & then on to Munduk for lunch. It's cool up there.
You could include a trip to Ulu Watu with another day trip (drivers charge for 8 hours for a day or 4 hours half day). But if you're a surfer you'd probably like to spend some time there. Get a driver for half a day & go via Dreamlands & other surf places.
Tirtgangga Water Palace is easily accessible from Amlapura, Amed & Candi Dasa - not a big deal. Nice but wouldn't spend a day going there, unless you combine it with seeing those places.
I wouldn't bother with Jimbaran - just about anywhere on the beach has the same sunset with good seafood at lower prices - up to you though.
There are several surfboard hire/lessons places along the beach - they will find you.