visiting bali in June, photography trip

[timk]

Hi everyone, just introducing myself as I'm new to the forum. I'm an Australian who has a trip planned to Bali from 16th - 25th June this year and I'm after some advice on places to see. I'm particularly interested in making this a photography trip and I shoot mostly black and white film. I've been to bali back in 2004 and I've done Kuta/Seminyak/Sanuar/Ubud to death so I can safely say I've had enough with that and would prefer to venture out a bit during this trip.

I've only just started planning so have been sifting through the LP looking for ideas. What appeals to me most are some of the inland areas, particularly around the central mountains/volcanoes areas as they look like they would make good landscape photos. Also I've seen some pictures of rice terraces / rice fields which I'm also interested in photographing. Temples and stuff like that are also good.

I'm 25 and relatively fit so a hike up a mountain doesn't really bother me as long as I don't need specialized climbing gear or anything.

So I know this is a broad question but... which areas I should visit for the best photography? Any suggestions of areas to see. What time of day is usually the clearest to see the mountains as I've heard fog/haze can be an issue.

Also, in terms of transport, I tend to like to stop on the road to take photos so what's the best way to get around (I was thinking motorbike but I haven't ridden in my life so that could be a problem). Another option would be bicycle but I'm not sure about the distances or if it's plausible.

Also, I'm traveling alone so if there is anyone on the forum who might be interested in seeing similar places and is traveling at the same time please drop me an email with your details as I would love a traveling companion. tkohlman - at - bigpond.net.au

Cheers, Tim

[ronb]

So I know this is a broad question but... which areas I should visit for the best photography? Any suggestions of areas to see. What time of day is usually the clearest to see the mountains as I've heard fog/haze can be an issue.

There are several road from south to north - all will give you plenty of opportunities. The road from Ubud to Kintamani is good and then you can spend time around Lake.
Going west, the next road from Mengwi through Bedugul to Singaraja will also be good. Plenty of opportunites along the way especially at Bedugul with the lakes, the Botanic Gardens etc.
Further west the road through Pupuan to Seririt is famous for the views of rice terraces.
My other suggestion would be to cross to East Java and go to Ijen Crater which is not far from where you get off the ferry. It's lake, with,sulphurous fumes, is constantly changing. People aim for early morning for the clearest views - but even then you need some luck.

Also, in terms of transport, I tend to like to stop on the road to take photos so what's the best way to get around (I was thinking motorbike but I haven't ridden in my life so that could be a problem). Another option would be bicycle but I'm not sure about the distances or if it's plausible.

A motorbike would give you freedom - but if you took a fall on your first or second day it would really mess up a holiday. However, if you would be confident on a push-bike, why not get the small motorbike and go at push-bike speeds. The other alternative is a car and driver at around Rp400,000 to 500,000 a day depending on how big and how new the car is. Some drivers are a pain in stopping at every place where they could get a commission if you bought something.

[noodles]

Hi, Tim

Im interest it, and available at that time, but Im not sure qualified to take photographs as travel companion :wink: here is attach temple pic that I take at Tirta Empul

8)