In Reply to: Lonely Planet Guide to Bali and Lombok posted by GaryD on Sunday, 13. March 2011 at 21:17 Bali Time:
to have so much info in one book saves a lot of hassle and gives a great place to start planning from. the cultural info is a must-read and there's heaps of great ideas.
without it, would we have ventured to tirta gangga/ padang bai/ munduk bangli and amed and stayed at each place for so long?
we didn't use the guides often for accommodation,but this section is useful, too, giving an indication of costs and availability in different places; although we never did find one of the 2 listed places to stay in bangli, which was a pity, but at least we knew in advance that the accommodation was going to be basic.
i also like to have a look at the various german and dutch guides as they offer different perspectives. the maps were also of some use and little things, like explaining how the amed area is set out, was useful.
naturally, it is personally sad when your fav place is suddenly listed in a new addition, but it's a great thing for them ( thinking of the puri alam bali in munduk here).