In Reply to: New to forum and virgin Bali traveller posted by Canuck on Monday, 3. January 2011 at 05:09 Bali Time:
and check out the many many kiosks for tours,the prices can be a lot different between the agents and areas.
All tours will pick you up from your hotel and more often than not you will be in a shared people mover(minivan) so drop off after the tour will not always be at your hotel and sometimes a common area close by (hard if you have to walk with luggage)
You can hire a driver with a vehicle for a whole day very cheap if you like going solo.
In and around Poppies 1 lane is traditionally surf/ backpacker land but not so much these days as it is becoming popular with all types of travelers young and old, you will still get your best bargains on tours here.
Late Jan early Feb like Lookoutcuster said will have a majority of Australian holiday makers due to it being the low season with very cheap flights to Bali (my air ticket $129.00 return Jan-Feb)
Some travelers are expecting a tropical paradise and get a shock when they arrive :)
Watch what you pay for things when you first arrive as you will be robbed blind with over charging,the reason i suggest poppies 1 and around for a starting point is because travelers in this area are usually on a bit of a budget so less likely to get ripped off with prices as most do on their first trip.
You are coming a long way for this trip and for a month so it would be a good opportunity to visit the Gilli islands off Lombok,boats leave daily from Bali to the Gillis and Lombok.
Bluewater do a trip to the Gillis with a stopover on Lembongan Island which is a close island to Bali.
"Walk in" accommodation is available but not always the place you like or hotel you like.
It would be best to book a few nights before you leave so you can get the feel of the place for a few days.
There are a few good booking agents on the net but i think you are best to use wotif.com closer to your travel date,that way you have plenty of time to do research on the type of hotel and area you want to stay first.
Bali can be very cheap for everything so dont waste your money when you first arrive spending crazy because its cheap.
Beware of transport drivers who all have a sob story to tell about their wife and small child or baby struggling to make a living,they are experts at it and they just want easy cash. Its good to tip but dont fall for the sob stories.