In Reply to: Bali Virgin! posted by sarah_bali on Friday, 7. January 2011 at 15:33 Bali Time:
1. Have never been to safari park so can't help with this one
2. Love waterbom park great fun
3. I think Legian is a good starting point for Bali virgins, and as some one else suggested I would go to Ubud for a day trip and you can always go back there on your next trip! If you do decide to stay in Ubud I would reccomend Tegal Sari.
4. The Gili's are fabulous but if you are only going for 10 days you will have plenty to do in Bali, I would suggest you do this on another trip when you have a bit more time. Lembongan is closer to Bali than the Gili's.
5. Don't worry too much about Bali belly, just buy hand sanitiser (available in mini marts in Bali and much cheaper than here) but don't get paranoid about it. My hubby used to always get sick in Asia but I think he used to talk himself into it!!!! He always takes Ciproxin antibiotics with him our doctor says they will cure almost anything!!!!
6. I don't worry about vaccinations and have travelled all over Asia, I think most docs recommend tetanus/hep A at least but it is up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
7. Thailand/Bali hard to compare as both have good/bad points but Koh Samui is quite similar to Bali. The differences are that Thailands beaches are much nicer but then I don't like the sleezy side of places like Phuket, Pattaya. Thailand is probably a bit more laid back but depends what you like. I prefer Bali, hubby prefers Thailand so our next trip in March we are doing 1 week in Phuket and 1 week in Bali so we are both happy!!!!
8. I buy the local Autan spray, and buy some mozzie coils from the supermarkets and put one out on your front balcony at night.
9. Take a sense of humour. I always just take a carry on bag with just my undies and swimmers and then buy a few cheap dresses and all my toiletries when I get there. You can buy a big bag there to bring back all your shopping!!!
10. Just go with an open mind, have fun and don't forget your travel insurance!!!!!