jsblades

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Bali for 10 nights and then to Hong Kong for 4 nights in October 2009.

My thoughts so far are to spend 3 nights in Ubud (hotel TBD) and 3 nights in Nusa Dua at the Conrad (using points). After that we want to fill another 4 nights in Bali but can't decide where. I've heard a lot of good things about Seminyak and Jimbaron. We are in our late 20's and are looking for luxury and relaxation with some sightseeing mixed in. Any suggestions on where we should go for those remaining 4 nights?

Also, is it easy to find transportation from one location to the next, or do we have to set up transportation in advance?

Thanks,
Jeff

Gpanda

I would skip Nua Dusa. It is a very sterile environment. You get no sense of Bali or Balinese culture. It's nothing but big hotels. We hated it. It was in stark contrast to the rest of our wonderful Bali adventures.Try Sanur beach instead. It has some nice hotels and a wonderful beach path.

In truth, I would stay in Ubud for four or five days. It's a centally located spot for exploring all of Bali. In the alternative, you could pick two beach locations. Seminyak and Sanur or maybe something in East Bali. We ran across sveral honeymoon couples all of whom were doing Ubud, East Bali and a beach location.

Kathie

I have to agree with gpanda. Nusa Dua is to be avoided.

I'd suggest you choose just two places to stay on Bali, near Ubud and a beach. That way you'll have time to settle in and relax and enjoy - you won't have to think about packing up and moving in a couple of days. Bali is small enough that you can see the whole island by staying in just one or two places.

jsblades

We are choosing Nusa Dua for a few days only because we have points to use, so it's one way to keep the costs reasonable. I understand it's a sterile hotel environment, but just to start the trip, I'm okay with laying by a pool for a few days.

Regarding beach locations, which would you reccomend as being the best?

Kathie

Ok, I can understand the need to use points.

Best beach location for what? None of the Bali beaches are spectacular (beach isn't really why one goes to Bali). I like Sanur - a small town, pretty good beach, walkable places to eat, accessibility to other places you may want to visit... and there are a good variety of places to stay.

rhkkmk

you will love the conrad, but it is not in nusa dua.....so stay there....it is north of nusa dua in another small area whose name escapes me.....go go bumbu bali for dinner one nite....they will pick you up....

see if you can get the gangga room at alam shanti near ubud....it fills up fast so try now....it is fabulous....about $150++ per nite including a fabulous breakfast served to you in your room or on your sala....

these two area will allow you to travel around the island easily...

i would look to hire a guide/driver for a couple of days....we love putu who is often written about here...about $50 or less per day...

marmot

jeff, I'd vote for Seminyak -- beautiful sunsets, access to lively restaurants and clubs, shops, spas. I especially like the Legian (the one in Seminyak) but there are plenty of other choices in all price ranges. Seminyak is a long sandy beach with big waves and lots of activity. It's definitely not pristine but it's really beautiful in its own way.

You'll have no problem arranging transport from place to place. You can handle different ways: 1. ask your resort to arrange a car
2. hire a car with a guide and sightsee on the way or ask or 3. negotiate transport as part of your accommodation package.

jsblades

Thanks very much for all the advice. Any other hotel suggestions for Ubud? One that I like so far is the Ubud Hanging Gardens. We're looking for somewhere where we have a our own plunge pool and a very luxurious hotel (but not at the very very high end such as the aman resorts).

Suggestions for Seminyak in addition to the Legion would also be helpful.

Thanks!

marmot

Ubud: I've visited the Hanging Gardens but haven't stayed there. It's a severely vertical configuration and you get up and down by tram which was a somewhat off-putting to me. It's also quite a bit farther from Ubud central than the Ayung River valley resorts.

I'd take a look at Kayumanis, Como Shambhala, the Four Seasons.

Seminyak: Semaya, Anatara, Sofitel. All share the same stretch of beach, proximity to restaurants etc. I've never stayed at any (I'm a Legian die hard) but I've had a look. Sofitel is the oldest and biggest. A good value, especially in the villas. Anatara is brand new so I haven't had any reports. Semaya is well liked.

There are also zillions of private villas and villa complexes in Seminyak. I don't recommend any one in particular but if you're interested I'd take a look at Laksmana Villas and Sentosa Villas. You get nice facilities but you're not actually on the beach as you are at the resort hotels.

Robbietravels

I agree Kayu Manis is a winner. There were several honeymoon couples there during our stay in 2004 and the hotel knocked themselves out to give them a great experience. Naturally we never saw them. For our trip next May, I've booked at Kupu Kupu Barong. It met my requirements of a private pool with villa overlooking the river and forest and outside the town center.
Bargain kindly and hard.
I thought The Legian in Seminyak was lovely despite the narrow beach. I found two nights there enough. If you are already having a beach stay at the Conrad, read LP on the north around Lovina. Damai Lovina was a lovely hotel overlooking the sea and the drives to and from Ubud afford great sightseeing.