dmpi99

My fiance and I have decided we want to go to Bali for our honeymoon (last 2 weeks of next May). I think we would like to split our time between the Sayan region and the Nusa Dua/Jimbaran Bay area. Can someone please recommend some wonderful romantic hotels we can look into as well as interesting activities we can look into in both areas? We would like to take in the local culture, explore the temples but also relax, be pampered at some wonderful spas and enjoy the beach, sun and water activities. We've heard mixed reviews on the beaches there but I'm interested to hear some experienced point of views. Thank you!

rhkkmk

to view the countryside i highly suggest that you engage a driver...we used putu arnawa...contact him at [email protected] ...he is reasonable and very likable and has excellent english and a nice large suv toyota...his max charge in june was 400,000 rp for 10-12 hours as i remember...at the time that was $40....
he will take you all around and explain bali and its customs to you

hotels: many like the four season, esp. the one at sayan

i stayed at the conrad just north of nusa dua and at the bali hyatt at sanur...sanur was quite nice because it was a medium size town with restaurants and shopping and bars and activities rather than being stuck in a hotel setting all the time...the hyatt is older but very nice...the conrad is brand new and fabulous...both are quite large...

hobbes

Can you please advise your budget?!

maico

I'd have to say that you don't go to Bali for its beaches, but rather for the culture, countryside, temples, shopping and its people.
Don't know what your budget is but the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay is fantastic! Private villas and the service, well close to perfect. The Intercontinental Hotel is located at Jimbaran and is also very, very nice. Their category of rooms range from standard to suites to villas. Spa is good but nothing like that of the Four Season. The grounds at the Intercon are also very beautiful and so is the pool. You are located right on the beach so you'll have easy access for nice, beach walks. Next door they have some Warungs(sp?) - several outdoor restaurant/cafes that serve nothing but fresh fish.

Craig

We did a 2-week trip to Bali in July 2003. I don't know what your budget is but for some ideas, please see my 6-part trip report at:
http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200307/11747.html

kuluk

Congratulations!

The area around Sayan has many lovely hotels, depending of course on your budget and what level of luxury you want. At the top of the list could be Begawan Giri, Amandari, Four Seasons or Uma, or a little further away the Maya or Ibah or Pita Maha. There have been so many good new 4 star hotels that you can't really go wrong with any of these.

Also depending on what you like to do I could suggest the following:

(Other than time you want to spend lounging around your hotel grounds)

Walk through the rice fields and some villages to see the views and and a feeling for regular Balinese life...
and of course attend any ceremonies going on.

Temples/monuments: possibles are Gunung Kawi, Tampaksiring, Kerta Gosa, many many more.

Drive to the Botanical Gardens and see the breathtaking views from Pacung and the Temple-in-the Lake

Perhaps do the river rafting

At a spa do try the "mandi lulur" which is a special Balinese massage and spice rub...the best spas are not always in the hotels but again depends on how much you want to spend.

view the art museums such as Puri Lukisan and Neka Museum which are in lovely landscaped grounds.

I do strongly recommend you do hire a private car and driver instead of driving yourself or taking any tours. In Ubud there are no metered taxis allowed so it's best to hire a free-lance driver that comes recommended (I do know several). A full day including gasoline would come to about US 40 dollars in a Toyota Kijang (similar to a Cherokee)and would give you the freedom to go anywhere and stop as often as you like. Also, the locals drivers can escort you to ceremonies and help you with the clothing if any ceremonies are going on while you are there (even if they are not from that village).

I do live very close to Sayan so if you have any other specific questions feel free to ask.

Sorry I'm not much help with the beach areas, other than I really recommend the Jimbaran Seafood dinners!

rhkkmk

as mentioned above the seafood dinner, while delicious, is an amazing event in and of itself...thousands, it seems, eating al fresco on the beach from the freshest of fish, cooked over open grills....our delicious dinner for 3 was $13 US as i remember...our driver mentioned above took us to his favorite restaurant there...