Just looking for some general travel advice. I've been told it's difficult to book day tours - prices not displayed, making it hard to. Compare different agents. Thoughts?
Travelling in Bali
Lnakahanap on 30/03/2015 - 20:53
Comments
There is heaps of info on Bali.. depends what you want out of your trip and who's going.
Give us some more info to save me writing out a shopping list of advice :)Source: Live in Bali Half the year.
"Give us some more info to save me writing out a shopping list of advice :)"
Yeppers, Amen to this. One thing I can assure you of, is that it is not 'difficult to book day tours' in Bali. In fact, it's a major part of their income stream, so they go out of their way to make it particularly easy.
Having lived in Bali for 6 months I'm sure that obe353 will be able to give you some really good pointers, if you provide a few details. My basic/initial advice would be to avoid Kuta altogether, at least at first, after landing there; you can always head there later/check it out, once you're a bit more comfortable/settled. Most Aussies seem to think that after landing in Denpasar they 'should' get a taxi to Kuta. This is completely wrong. Heading anywhere else would be better/cheaper-to-stay/more fun/more relaxing/more enlightening/etc..
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowForum-g294226-i7220-Bali.h…
Plethora of information
I'm heading there for the first time soon as well
Ubud first to relax, next to a paddy field/
Then to Legian beach which looks ideal, as its quite central to everything - ie walk to the south for trashy Kuta, walk up north for a bit more upmarket Seminak
Legian beach also gives you access to a lot of places you might want to see ie Waterbom is in Kuta, different markets in arounnd bali
Just came back! Should cost you from 450K - 500K Rupiah (40 to 45 $US)for full day…. driver pays for parking, you pay park entry fees. This will give you clean modern vehicle, driver who knows his way around and speaks passable English. He will turn up at your hotel at any pre-arranged time and return you at the day's tour end. As part of a deal you can arrange to be picked up at the airport on arrival and after a mini tour on the last day, delivered to the airport for book-in (great if you haven't got "transfers").
NB: make sure the driver is a licensed tour guide or, YOU will be paying a police fine!
Most drivers seem to think you will be intensely interested in their temples(they are an extremely religious bunch, as the Hindi "offerings" all over the streets, in the car in your room etc, will attest)…. I would suggest you do one temple, for the experience sake, and tell your driver…"no more temples thanks!". It's best to go to Trip Advisor and/or get a Bali map and suggest were you want to go each day and collaborate with your driver to set a program.
If you want to contact of a private licensed driver that I have used, let me know and I will pass on an email address.
If want to try:
Scenery: Kintimani Batur Mountain, Lake…. Tanah Lot Temple…. Twin Lakes…Northern Hot Springs…waterfalls..everywhere!
Local culture: Alawatu for Kecak Dance, Ubud Monkey Forrest, Babi Guling (roast pig) all over Bali let me know if you find a good one I've tried 5 and they were all crap!)
Night Life: Kuta, Legian
Beaches: The Nusa Dua Strip (from Geger down coast)
Sunsets: Alawatu, Kuta
Booking these trips when you get there? There's thousands of groups offering day trips, clearly stating what you see and how much. Or hire a private car for the day, about $50. Or ask your hotel/villa staff and they'll organise it for you. Easiest thing you can do.