Hi Y'all!!
I'm sorry, in advance, for the following request--but--I'm freaked. I've been inundated with grading my university students' exams and theses--AND-in between- going into information overload from the Bali Forum. Never before has it been so difficult for me to decide on a holiday schedule. I usually just go with the flow, but this time I want to make sure a few angles have been covered( I don't want to disappoint my Korean lady friend-it's her first time to travel-you know--make it memorable I'm a Canadian in my 40's and she in her 30's--but feel like kids at heart). Well, I'd really appreciate your assistance and advice--so--here I go with my ideas:
1) We arrive in Bali on Feb. 2nd at 19:10 (after flying for 10 hours!)-do you know of any drivers that would take us to Candi Dasa (how much will it cost?)-I'm thinking of staying at the Kubu(one of the suites-- can you suggest a room?)- ( in Candi Dasa) for 3 nights,and 2 nights at the Resor Prima( any particular room?)--or--should I reverse the hotels ( 1st the Resor and then the Kubu?) . From here I think we'd like to tour the east coast Amed and a few small villages-is the mountain worth a tour --any suggestions? Should we contact a driver there or before we go--any suggestions?
2) Then we plan to go to Ubud and stay at the Tjamuhan for 3 or 4 nights( any particular room?) . I'll ask a driver if he'll take us and hopefully show us some sights along the way. We don't want too many touristy places--I'd like to experience the real Bali. Then we'll probably stay at Ketut's Place or the Honeymoon guesthouse for 2 days. We want to take a couple of cooking courses. From Ubud my lady friend mentioned that she would like to ride an elephant and visit the Bird park--of course she'll want to shop for some antique masks,paintings,jewelry, spas,and maybe a trip up to Lovina---any suggestions maybe another side trip?
3) Now comes the west coast--Do you suggest Seminyak-Kuta -or Legian? Time to spend shopping,laying on the beach,swimming pool,spas,drinking, and eating. Hotels shouldn't be too noisy, so I'm gathering information from the forum--if you have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated--under $55 U.S. I'm sure wherever we stay will only be a taxi ride or walk away from the shopping and eating areas. I'm collecting a list of eateries to try. Have you ever eaten at the Mozaic in Ubud--I'm thinking of this for Valentine's Day --or do you know of something closer to Kuta/Seminyak/Legian that's comparable?
4) Then it's time to chill out and find somewhere quiet and beautiful. I've been looking at the Sri Phala in Sanur--it looks cool. As well, we may split the last 5 days between Sanur and Tanjung Benoa-the Grand Mirage has been given good reviews.
5) Now it will be time to say good bye--we leave Bali on Feb.23rd-off to Singapore for a couple of days before heading back to Korea.
Again, I'm really sorry to have done this to all of you--but--I feel that all of you are well travelled Bali-ites-and I would respect your advice. If you think of other areas we should discover--Tanah Lot, Singaraja, Manduk etc. ,please feel free to mention your ideas. May you and your families be blessed with a very Healthy,Happy, and Loving 2005. I know this is going to cost me one hell of a JBR--hahahahaha--.
Oh Yeah!!-- Last thing--do you know of a school I could contact--I would like to volunteer a couple of days to teach English to the kids--and my lady friend would like to offer a couple of days of piano lessons too--if they're available--we're going to try and gather some books and stuff for the kids. That's it my new found friends--Take Care--I look forward to your response--if you dare-hahahahaha!! Last but not least--if you're going to be in Bali during this time let us know--and we can tip a few bintangs together!
Your--Ray of Sunshine!!!!