Extended vacation in early 2007

I have a 30 holiday about to come up at work, and I was thinking about a nice Asian vacation. I was told I should try out Bali, and the more I read about it the more I think I want to see it first hand!

I live in Japan (in the US Navy, so I deploy about 6 months a year), and I want to see more of this part of the world before returning to the States for duty. I have been to Hong Kong, Pattaya, Guam, Singapore, Sydney, Perth, and Busan so far in my time in Asia, but I want to try out some other places. Other places I have been thinking about include Manilla, Vietnam, or returning to Singapore / Thailand...or any combination of the above that I can make work out :)

1) Would around 30 days be too much for Bali? And if so, where else would you suggest going? Not only close to Bali, but anywhere else not listed above.

2) It might be a few of us going at once, so where would you sugegst 4 or 5 bachelors look for a hotel on the island? We will want to party some nights at the clubs, some nights in our rooms, some days just chill at the beach...basically do a little of everything. We would range from 23-30 as far as age goes.

3) What is (or isn't) available for people in Bali? Boats, jet skis, cars/ motorbikes? What kind of fees are attached to such rentals?

I understand that the time frame I am looking at includes the day of silence. It sounds like a very unique experience that I would love to be a part of...Anything else I should know about the March time frame?

Thanks in advance for anything you can share.

John

Welcome to the forum sailor! :D Bali is an amazing place and I am sure you will find any information that you need about Bali from one of the many Bali Expats living there and on this forum. I am not any expat but have travelled to Bali half a dozen times the first time from a military transport from Guam after Vietnam in 1977. I can reccomend one hotel in Kuta that I like a lot and that has very reasonable rates. Hotel Wina is located right across from the beach and near everything in Kuta. Buffet breakfast is included in the bill and is better than most buffets you would find at a Marriot or Holiday Inn. It has two pools and it is set back away from the main beach road with adequate security and traditional balinese architecture. It is a very nice three star hotel and the buffet is great. I think I remember paying around $20-$25 a night including the buffet and that was in the high season of August-september. You can check out Asiarooms.com to get a more specific and detailed explanatation of the hitel as well as others around the island. I would suggest travelling around the island and visiting different locales for three or so nights at a time so you get the "whole Bali vibe." Dont miss out going to North Bali especially since it is much more low key and not so touristy. If you have any questions i am sure someone else will be along to supplement what I have written.

“The Navy can lose us the war, but only the Air Force can win it. The fighters are our salvation, but the bombers alone provide the means of victory.”
-Winston Churchill

[tintin]

Hi John,

Thirty days in Bali is either too short, or enough, or too long, depending on your interests. So far, from what you write, you seem of the curious-type who wants to see as much as possible, while taking into account the realities of life (like working and pursuing a career).

The scenarios for a visit to the area are almost limitless, but let's try.

In Bali.
You mention some partying: few days in Kuta should do the trick, even for a sailor, unless you are extremely “thirsty” and/or sex-starved :) . For beach activities: Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua (boating, jet skis, parasailing, bungee jumping, etc).

If you dive or snorkel, you are in luck, as there are some world-class diving places (Nusa Penida/Lembongan, Candi Dasa, Pemuteran, Tulamben).

Ubud. No partying there, but strategically located for exciting day-trips to visit the Island.

I would suggest two or three days in Yogyakarta (Central Java), where you can see several of the wonders of the world: Borobudur and Prambanan, and also an exciting environment, quite different from that of Bali (but no partying there).

If you are adventurous, I would take this opportunity to pay a visit to the Komodo dragons, on Rinca and Komodo Islands, a 3-day trip. A unique experience.

You might also enjoy few days on the Gilis (Three islands located in neighboring NW Lombok? (easy access from Bali).

Don’t bother about Singapore: good food but dull-town. You’ve been to Hongkong, which is many times more exciting and interesting, and offer great food.

Have fun.

[Roy]

Great list of suggestions Daniel. Since John has also asked about other parts of Asia, and SE Asia, I would throw in two more places to consider.

One would be Macau. It is now the Las Vegas of the East, and it can be a great place to hang out “Vegas style” for a few days. Excellent culture there as well...the left overs being from the Portuguese. All the colonial buildings have been fully restored and the city square is very impressive. There is no need to go through Hong Kong anymore as it has its own airport with direct flights into Macau from many other Asian and SE Asian points.

My other suggestion would be Malaysia. Langkawi and Kuching are especially fantastic, but there is much more to Malaysia. If you decide on Langkawi, be sure to let me know if you want to stay at the Four Seasons Resort, as the GM is a good friend and from Texas. I’m sure he would be delighted to fix you and your buddies up really good if you decide on that.

John, my uncle made a career out of the Navy, finally retiring in the late 70’s from the Joint Chiefs. When I was 12, he was Captain of the Jacksonville Naval Air Base, and we went to see him and go to an air show. I got to meet all of the original Blue Angels and even got to sit in the cockpit of one of their jets. That was a thrill any 12 year old boy would never forget, and I surely haven’t. My father’s youngest brother was also in the Navy during WWII, stationed aboard the USS Missouri. He actually climbed up on the conning tower to take photographs during the Japanese surrender. My dad’s bit was B-17 bombers out of England.

Good luck with your trip. If you decide to spend some time here in Bali, you are welcomed to send me a PM with details. It would be my pleasure to buy you and your buddies a few drinks at our favorite expat hang out...Naughty Nuri’s Warung in Ubud.

[nayusari]

John,
In addition to others have posted, you should try Kajane Mua in Ubud and eat out in Jimbaran for fresh seafood - yummy!

TinTin is right, 30 days could be too short, too long or just enough. To me, it'll be too short as I have tons of interests in various things, from rafting to scuba diving. As a diver, I must say, Bali offers stunning dive sites, Tulamben and Menjangan Island are my favs. Mimpi Resort is my twice a month resort to stay in Tulamben (rate is about $50 per nite during high season).

Guaranteed you will have a blast in Bali!