In Reply to: Thanks Rex I was hoping to hear from you posted by Charlie on Monday, 6. June 2005 at 17:16 Bali Time:
on your way to Amed. You can put it to the hotel people in Candi Dasa that you MAY be back in a few days and, if you are, then you MAY be interested in staying at their place, so what's their best deal? I'm not ruthless, BTW, I'm always happy with "good for you, good for me" as the Balinese say.
I feel that having aircon and a pool is certainly helpful. Don't let your driver come into the hotel with you to "assist" with the negotiation, as he will be after commission. Just do your own thing. Kubu Bali is about in the middle of the main street on the inland side. You can pick it by the large statues of Balinese ladies along the frontage. Let your driver take you as far as the reception, as it's still a bit of a climb up to the accomodation chalets.
Get them to write their best price including breakfast on a business card and tell them to give it in Aussie dollars or Rupiah. They will try for a deposit, but don't give it unless you are very sure that's what you want.
Near the entrance to Kubu Bali off the street on the same side is Warung Puspa, a good cheap place for a nice meal. Say "Hi" from Rex if you go there.
If you decide on Resor Prima you will have no trouble at all getting transport back in the evening. Candi Dasa does not have a metered taxi service, but plenty of drivers all trying to make a dollar.
Your driver from Seminyak may prefer to take you the easiest way from Candi Dasa to Amed and that would be past Tirtagganga. That's worth a look if you're not in a hurry. And some beautiful rice terraces ideal for photos on the way. When you leave Amed for Candi Dasa, come down on the coast road past Ujung. Very undulating and scenic.
Hope this helps.