Hi,
I am flying into Bali early December with the idea of staying on the island, or around it, for a 9-month period. I am a writer and would like to find a quiet house/bungalow, fairly close to nature, with internet access, basic accomodation (no swiming pool, no ac, no jacuzzi, just a simple and clean place to live in a nice environment, near the sea if possible, or at least the mountains), in order to work. As I will be there alone, I would also like to be near like-minded people (motorbike ride kind of nearness, for example), in order to socialise once in a while.
Since I decided to try Bali and bought my ticket, I have been having a lot of second thoughts, reading this forum and others. I really don't want to be in a party-place (such as Kuta or the south of the island), nor in surfer's paradise, nor mixing with the Western-style villa high-lifers and tourists. I had the idea that Ubud might be the right place to head, but I have been reading that things have truly changed there lately, becoming more touristy and organised. Also prices are probably more than I want to spend (around 2 million IRP per month on rent).
So I seem to be left with the north and perhaps the east of the island. Is that right? Could somebody enlighten me a little bit and tell me if it is possible to find the kind of place I am looking for and where should I be looking? Should I disregard Ubud? Is Lovina a good alternative? Are there other places in Bali that I should consider? Or should I cross over to Lombok or even to eastern Java?
Thank you very much for your help!
I am flying into Bali early December with the idea of staying on the island, or around it, for a 9-month period. I am a writer and would like to find a quiet house/bungalow, fairly close to nature, with internet access, basic accomodation (no swiming pool, no ac, no jacuzzi, just a simple and clean place to live in a nice environment, near the sea if possible, or at least the mountains), in order to work. As I will be there alone, I would also like to be near like-minded people (motorbike ride kind of nearness, for example), in order to socialise once in a while.
Since I decided to try Bali and bought my ticket, I have been having a lot of second thoughts, reading this forum and others. I really don't want to be in a party-place (such as Kuta or the south of the island), nor in surfer's paradise, nor mixing with the Western-style villa high-lifers and tourists. I had the idea that Ubud might be the right place to head, but I have been reading that things have truly changed there lately, becoming more touristy and organised. Also prices are probably more than I want to spend (around 2 million IRP per month on rent).
So I seem to be left with the north and perhaps the east of the island. Is that right? Could somebody enlighten me a little bit and tell me if it is possible to find the kind of place I am looking for and where should I be looking? Should I disregard Ubud? Is Lovina a good alternative? Are there other places in Bali that I should consider? Or should I cross over to Lombok or even to eastern Java?
Thank you very much for your help!