First time trip to Bali

lozza1974

Went to Bali this time 2 years ago on honeymoon...fabulous place. Stayed in Seminyak which has a totally diiferent vibe than Kuta, much more laid back and trendy (if that's your thing...as we were on honeymoon for us, it was!).

Had no probs getting a visa but we booked a VIP meet and greet at the airport which meant we got off the plane after 17hrs from LHR and got taken to a nice lounge whilst somebody got our bags and did our visa for us...took about 20mins, well worth the money.

I realise you are doing a stopover but for 1/2 nights its probably a waste of time, you'd be better off staying in a city like HK or Singapore. 1/2 dasy won't do it justice. If you can extend to say 4 nights I would definitely recommend it. Use Singapore Airlines if you can, fastest flights from LHR, 17hrs (!) all in.

DebtSniper

I LOVE Bali. It's been a few years since I've been, but I have lately been pining to go back. It's a very large island, so there are plenty of different types of places to stay.

As has already been mentioned, Kuta is a bit like Benidorm with an Aussie accent. That said, the surfing - or more accurately, repeatedly falling off a surfboard :rotfl:- is great fun. Yes McD's and Hard Rock Cafe are right on the beach, but walk up the beach a bit and you won't even see them. Anyway, a night on the razz in Kuta isn't the worst way to round off a day at the beach.

I haven't spent much time in Sanur, but it is more peaceful and upmarket than Kuta. Nice resorts and clean beaches.

Lovina is nice and quiet. May be too quiet for some. The black sand is not the most attractive, but it's still a good beach and a good place for dolphin-watching trips.

And if you travel around the island you can see some beautiful scenery, including terraced rice fields, Hindu temples and the odd volcano.

And if Bali doesn't suit your needs, get over to Lombok, the next island over. There are three tiny islands just off its shore - Gili Air. Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Great diving in an idyllic setting.

And you currently get over 14,000 Rupiah to the £, which is a better rate than I got, so food and drink should still be very cheap.

Sigh. I want to go to Bali.

adindas

If you are just going there for sand bathing then yes. Go somewhere else ...
Bali is not just about beach. It is a cultural tourism as well ...

Bali has a lot temples, the majority of people are Hindus.

A lot of places to see rather then just beach ...

Also do not forget about seafood ... fresh , cheap .....


ADINDAS

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

LOOK AT THE VISA FEE's! $25 even for 1 night (From a few months ago)

www.tunehotels.com (2 on Bali)

My advice, don't bother with Bali. The main beach areas are a MacDonalds and the Hard Rock cafe by the sea NOT swaying palms and golden sand,
much of the sand is black when you get away from this area and it's nothing special there.