Bali advice for newbie

spicyayam

I don't think Sanur is quiet at night. There are plenty of bars to go out at night. Airbnb is a good option. I would suggest booking a place just for a few days and then look around more when you get here. There are some cheap options available. Look up homestays and guesthouses also on sites like booking.com

harryopal

Good morning Jonn, If you do go to Sanur you might find Agung and Sue's Watering Hole No 2 a reasonable place at around $20 Aus. It is a short walk to the beach and the main drag. Staff are pleasant and helpful. You enter from a narrow lane and as you arrive at the office on the right hand side, directly ahead is a small building with rooms. First floor upstairs has a little balcony that looks onto the small but attractive swimming pool. Nice spot. http://www.wateringholesanurbali.com/ Good luck.

jonn

Spicyjam, davita, harryopal Thanks for the welcome and the comments – I think I will try Sanur as it sounds perfect for me and I will look at the other visa option and the waterhole looks a good option :) I am looking forward to seeing somewhere new :) Jonn

jonn

Hi guys - apologies as I'm sure this has been asked a million times :) I am a 53 yo guy from the UK and looking to visit Bali when I finish working in 2 months, I am planning to visit on the extendable visa system and just see what happens - it will be my first time in Bali and I need some advice on where to stay at least initially I enjoy exercise, water sports, walking and trekking so it would be good to be close to a beach I also like a beer at weekends and it would be good to be somewhere a bit lively hopefuly with some live music but not too raucous or loud - I don't need top class dining as simple is good for me I've been reading online and I think Kuta might be a bit too lively for me and Sanur a bit too quiet - any advice would be welcomed Also I have been looking on airbnb for apartments and there seems to be options available with a price of 15-20 USD per night - is this realistic and is airbnb a good choice? with thanks Jonn

dav733

Hi john,I am in Sanur on a regular basis,,come for a month at a time ,next time 2 months with a paid visa,,usually stay Inna grand Sanur beach 14 days,then go to Merpati Studios ,,Google it and ask Kirene for a month price ,,they are great apartments,,and cheap,,,modern very comfortable ,,small kitchen,,bring your international licence,hire a scooter,,Merpati can organise ,,on a scooter 5 mins to beach and main Street,,find Randy's bar ,Jalan DanauTamblingan,,good honest money changer opposite Randy's,it's a book shop,as well,,,,have a beer and watch it all happen on the way to Hardy's ,,try Grill market Warung,,great seafood,, Been 11 times to Bali ,,Sanur is great ,,on the bypass so close to airport ,Kuta, Goodluck Dave

davita

Hi Jonn from UK and welcome to the forum. I see you plan to arrive on a 30 day VOA and extend for another 30 days but I would advise you get a 60 day visit (Tourist) visa while in UK. You can do that using this info....http://indonesianembassy.org.uk/en/consular/visa-info/tourist-visa/. This means you do not need to mess about after arrival as extending the 30 day VOA is a bit of a hassle at the immigration offices in Bali. It also means you can extend more than 60 days if required. I agree with Spicyayam that Sanur is now a more lively place without the raucus of Kuta. Sanur is a one street town about 3-4 miles long and full of bars, hotels, shopping and is parallel to the beachwalk which I'm sure you'd enjoy just cycling/walking up and down people-watching. There's plenty of watersports available. Accommodation in Bali is varied but cheap...Spicy suggests booking somewhere first for a couple of days (hotels available for less than USD40/day) then walk the street looking for homestay/guesthouse (much cheaper) you can inspect as some may not be suitable. You might get 'Sanurised' so moving to Legian/Seminyak may create some variation for you but you will know your way around by then. Most people rent a scooter/motorbike so bring an appropriate international driver's licence from UK.

davita

Hi Jonn from UK and welcome to the forum. I see you plan to arrive on a 30 day VOA and extend for another 30 days but I would advise you get a 60 day visit (Tourist) visa while in UK. You can do that using this info....http://indonesianembassy.org.uk/en/consular/visa-info/tourist-visa/. This means you do not need to mess about after arrival as extending the 30 day VOA is a bit of a hassle at the immigration offices in Bali. It also means you can extend more than 60 days if required. I agree with Spicyayam that Sanur is now a more lively place but unlike rowdy Kuta. Sanur is a one street town about 3-4 miles long and full of bars, hotels, shopping and is parallel to the beachwalk which I'm sure you'd enjoy just cycling/walking up and down people-watching. There's plenty of watersports available. Accommodation in Bali is varied but cheap...Spicy suggests booking somewhere first for a couple of days (hotels available for less than USD40/night) then walk the street (grocery store notice boards, expat bar walls) looking for adverts homestay/guesthouse (much cheaper) you can inspect as some may not be suitable. You might get 'Sanurised' so moving to Legian/Seminyak may create some variation for you but you will know your way around by then. Most people rent a scooter/motorbike so bring an appropriate international driver's licence from UK.

jonn

Dave thanks for the tips - I've checked out the Merpati Studios and they look good :) I will buy you a beer if out paths cross :) Jonn