In Reply to: Massages what price should I pay??? posted by cavalier on Saturday, 3. March 2012 at 18:15 Bali Time:
There are several types of massages you can get in Bali and they're all priced accordingly.
The cheapest is the casual beach massage where you lie on a beachside wooden table (popular in Sanur) or even on the sand.
This type of massage can cost as little as Rp30,000 (but as high as Rp100,000 if you're a poor negotiator).
Generally the quality of massage is not high.
The next type is the typical 'beauty salon and spa' which are prevalent all over Bali. These are usually (but not always) in an aircon salon and the quality of massage also varies greatly but is often better than a beach massage.
Prices vary. The cheapest I've seen in one of these salons is Rp50,000 (non-aircon with maybe a drink of water after) but can go as high as Rp150,000 in a nicer more professional looking establishment (with perhaps a nice cup of ginger tea after).
These are often fixed price but are sometimes open to negotiation if there is a couple of you or if you promise to be a regular patron for the length of your stay.
The last type is the very luxurious 'spa retreat' that you might find attached to a high-end resort up in Ubud.
These are set in gorgeous locations in sumptuous surroundings with a well trained team of practitionersa. Typically they have a large range of ultra professional treatment choices with a variety of oils etc.
Treatments here can start at USD$25 and go up into the hundreds for half or full day experiences and are the very best money can buy.
As for choosing the right one? There are many but it's not difficult.
Competition is high so the better ones are looking to impress.
If you're in the market for a relaxing massage, have a peer into a salon, peruse the menu, if you like the look and feel of the place and the price is right, ask cheekily for their 'very best massager' and away you go.
But don't forget...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.