clm
Hi.As I'm thinking about possible travel and some months stay in Bali in the coming winter this year, I would like to know and understand more about different areas of the island. Or if anyone knows a good source that covers this topic with up to date info, please share.What I have gathered so far is that Ubud - quieter, more IT oriented, rice fields and rain forests, inland; Kuta - party, noise, drugs, more trashy; Seminyak - richer, cleaner, fancier; Changgu - surf, ..? ; Since I haven't been there yet, it's going to be a guessing game where I would find a good fit, and that's why I decided to ask. I'm a kind of a person, who likes to have everything available near by. So when I wish to have a quiet time and enjoy nature, it's not far away. At the same time, still be close to people and activities. But not so much of a party scene (if any at all really). Not a fan of drugs, drinking and unsafe areas. Ocean matters to me quite a lot, so Ubud would most likely be out of the list. The beauty of nice ocean sunsets, warm water to swim and occasional ok/good surf is what I'm more keen on. As I say that I like active places, where there's different options near by (walking or couple km driving distance), the most important for me is quiet sleep. How are the houses, located away from the main street noise?I'm not sure if areas with such criterias exist, or how sparingly, but I would be interested to get to know a bit more from people who have lived on the island and can share their perspective. Also, to add some budget range for a place rental, maybe around 300-350/month. One person, not really need for a fancy villa. So Seminyak is not really on my radar. As I work online (for European company), reliable (no need for huge speeds) internet is important. I understand that there might be legal issues working while staying in Indo. But at the same time I'm not planning to work for anything local, or provide any job for anyone there. Just live and spend. If they don't want that, I can move to a different country and spend there instead. So, hope to gain some insights of where to start. I understand that maybe the best option would to first stay in some accommodation for a bit and explore myself to see what I find suitable. But any research before is good as well.Thank you for any advice!
mugwump
Hi.As I'm thinking about possible travel and some months stay in Bali in the coming winter this year, I would like to know and understand more about different areas of the island.Or if anyone knows a good source that covers this topic with up to date info, please share.What I have gathered so far is that Ubud - quieter, more IT oriented, rice fields and rain forests, inland; Kuta - party, noise, drugs, more trashy; Seminyak - richer, cleaner, fancier; Changgu - surf, ..? ;Since I haven't been there yet, it's going to be a guessing game where I would find a good fit, and that's why I decided to ask.I'm a kind of a person, who likes to have everything available near by. So when I wish to have a quiet time and enjoy nature, it's not far away. At the same time, still be close to people and activities. But not so much of a party scene (if any at all really). Not a fan of drugs, drinking and unsafe areas.Ocean matters to me quite a lot, so Ubud would most likely be out of the list. The beauty of nice ocean sunsets, warm water to swim and occasional ok/good surf is what I'm more keen on.As I say that I like active places, where there's different options near by (walking or couple km driving distance), the most important for me is quiet sleep. How are the houses, located away from the main street noise?I'm not sure if areas with such criterias exist, or how sparingly, but I would be interested to get to know a bit more from people who have lived on the island and can share their perspective.Also, to add some budget range for a place rental, maybe around 300-350/month. One person, not really need for a fancy villa. So Seminyak is not really on my radar.As I work online (for European company), reliable (no need for huge speeds) internet is important. I understand that there might be legal issues working while staying in Indo. But at the same time I'm not planning to work for anything local, or provide any job for anyone there. Just live and spend. If they don't want that, I can move to a different country and spend there instead.So, hope to gain some insights of where to start. I understand that maybe the best option would to first stay in some accommodation for a bit and explore myself to see what I find suitable. But any research before is good as well.Thank you for any advice![/QUOTE]
mugwump
Hi clm, and welcome to the forum,My first inclination was to be a bit of a smart ass and tell you there really wasn't a Santa Claus, but knowing that attitude is unkind and certainly not helpful will try another tack.After 17 years in and out of Bali must advise you to be a bit more practical in your approach as there isn't anyplace with all you wish in one spot. Even before traveling around in Bali you would be best to prioritize what is most desirable, and begin to test different locations. Spend enough time to begin to get a feel of different places and see what appeals most to you.Good Luck!
harryopal
clm " .....maybe the best option would to first stay in some accommodation for a bit and explore myself to see what I find suitable. But any research before is good as well."Jimbaran south of Kuta is away from the most serious excesses but not too far from the airport etc. It is handy to surfing spots with stores and general conveniences. A good place to start might be to google some specific interest "surfing Bali" and then open another Google page and search the place and accommodation for that area.If you find a likely place then you might use Tripadvisor to check reviews of the accommodaton and price lists.Once you have some more considered ideas and more specific questions I am sure you will find useful help and advice on this forum.Good luck
JohnnyCool
Hi clm,I would suggest Sanur as a starting point, to explore from.It's pretty "central", to get to all those places you mentioned.No sunsets, as such, but excellent sunrises.There are also surf spots in the immediate vicinity.Accommodation options vary from very affordable to as much as you'd like to pay.Five or six million Rupiah/month, (your budget), is almost one million a day.Definitely doable.:)
tintin
...Five or six million Rupiah/month, (your budget), is almost one million a day.Definitely doable.:)[/QUOTE]Johnny, you've been drinking again! :):):)
JohnnyCool
Johnny, you've been drinking again! :):):)[/QUOTE]Ha ha. Yes, you're right. I had been, a bit. I didn't really want that last Chivas a friend bought me.On the other hand, I did write "almost".So, the right figure [I]should[/I] have been Rp 200,000/day.Still "doable" (almost).:oops:
clm
Hi everyone,thank you for the replies so far. I totally understand that such wonderlands where everything is present, doesn't exist. Although, experience has also taught me that you can find hidden gems that are maybe sometimes overlooked. For example, I once lived in a place where when going out of the door and turning right, 10 minute walk would put you in a forest or high up a hill with amazing views, turning left, 10 minute walk would put you into the middle of the little town full of tourists and activities. All that in around a small lake, with high mountains right next to them. Anyway, back to the point. It is right that most important priorities come first. For me, surfing is not that important, just a nice activity to do occasionally. But being close to the water, for swimming, enjoying beach, relaxing, etc is more important. As important is a quiet night of sleep. Safety comes high on the priority list. But I wouldn't really want to live in the middle of nowhere where's not much going on. Still like to see some local entertainment, etc. I may be underestimating how crowded Bali is, since I'm in Europe and places that don't have much going on are sometimes almost empty of people.Also, I don't fully know about the size and travel speed to different locations there. Meaning, if stuff is not in reasonable walking distance, yet not like 10km scooter ride away (which can mean hours of driving sometimes?), it's still ok.Regarding housing, I have kept an eye on some facebook groups for cheap accommodations and such, it seems that there are offers and inquiries in such price ranges, among others. It's a matter of finding that gem again I guess, sometimes coming down to some luck. Currently living in a nice small cheap apartment that has everything necessary, nice looking and all, yet only found it through connections, since the owner never advertised it anywhere and only let people rent it through someone they know. So.. bit of luck.If you guys don't mind, would be interested to read short descriptions of different areas and what makes them different from each other. Since like I said in the first post, I didn't really find a good descriptive overviews of the areas there.Thank you very much for any info and advice!
Markit
In my experience the chief reason for most miserable expats is their massive disappointment when their fondly held illusions of Bali are completely unfulfilled and to save face they blame it on Bali and its people instead of looking closer to home. You hear "this is shit" or "the people are all stupid" and when you ask if the people are smarter where they came from or it's less "shit" there they tend to look a bit upset...
SamD
My advice is stop over analyzing everything and just play it by ear when you arrive. Like johnnycool suggested. , Sanur would be a good place to start judging by your comments.
clm
I think that's probably the best idea anyway, since it's about a feeling that different places have. Sanur looks nice, so I might as well start from there and see if I can make arrangements regarding my budget etc.Thanks for the help!
