In Reply to: No other place like Bali??? posted by LynneeD on Thursday, 23. November 2006 at 18:48 Bali Time:
Bali is probably my favorite island, but there are lots of other cheap places where you can just turn up and find a hotel with nice friendly locals.
In Thailand, I found Phuket expensive. Ko Samui is a bit cheaper, but very touristy. A great cheap alternative is Ko Chang - a four hour bus ride or a shot flight away from Bangkok. Ko Phi Phi is small but a really beautiful, cheaper alternative to Phuket. Also, Ko Phangnan is nice - full of parties on one side of the island, but there is also a lovely quieter side with stunning beaches.
In Malaysia, there are some beautiful cheap islands. Personally, I wasnt very fond of Penang, but loved the east coast islands. Tioman island is lovely (no shopping, but nice restaurants and lovely beaches and snorkelling). The Perhentian islands are absolutely stunning as well - there are two islands, one quite backpackerish, and one more upmarket, resort style. Very cheap, but can get quite busy.
If you want any more info about any of these places (I would recommend them all as a great alternative to Bali - different but great nonetheless) email me (remove the no spam).
Camille