Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bradshaw]

a quick question for any seasoned bali-travelers out there! i'm planning on heading to bali over christmas, but already, accomodation availability is looking tight. i've been told that there are plenty of small family run type of bungalows on the island, but they don't have email addresses, websites, or aren't affiliated with hotel booking websites. we were thinking of just showing up without a reservation in hopes of finding a room at one of these lower key establishments, since it looks impossible to make reservations with them beforehand. has anyone tried this over the christmas holidays in the past?

[topas]

Can't help you out much with this as I haven't been there over Christmas before, but there are a lot of small guesthouses and homestays normally available. You may be able to find contact info for some of them if you do some hunting.

I should also mention that it's worth looking into what parts of the island are best in the winter, as some beaches are better (less polluted, better waves) at certain times of the year (this according to a local).

[Knife]

Its the rainy season........why would you go????

[Treekat]

Hey...

My housemates and I are also planning a trip to Bali. We haven't considered the accomodation yet, we are still trying to get flights. I figure that there will always be SOMETHING available, as it is 2 months in advance. Just try and reap the internet for all it's worth.

Have you booked your flight yet? If so, who did you do it through and what was the cost (if you don't mind my asking). We are having trouble with travel agents.

[Fofazoju]

When i was in Bali, there was NO shortage of rooms and you WILL find something. Bali is a tourist haven, there is no way every single room will be booked. If you go with NO reservation, you will meet ppl who will gladly (or forcefully direct you to theirs.

As for me, I can't speak highly enough of Masa Inn in Kuta. Close enough to the action but far away enough to chill. Nice outdoor pool, electronic safes in each room, balconies - all for $20 a night! In Ubud, I stayed at Ubud Rice Terraces. I had a HUGE nice room with own balcony, $15 a night. It was near Monkey Forest. Anywhere on that street is good as you are never too far away from anything. Those were my main stays and you can essentially do day trips from Ubud elsewhere. TO get to Lavina from Ubud it would literally take you about 2 hours to drive. Maybe 3.

Amed in the northeast is a nice change from everything but the beach is black sand. I was surpised that Bali wasnt the pure white sand I had thought it would be. Sanur was a nice beach. Take a boat and head to Nusa Lembognan if you have time. THAT beach was nice. You can take it from Sanur I beleive. Pendangbai was nice also. Heading inland to the mountain, i forget the name was nice scenery also. Its best to rent a scooter if you are a good driver OR hire one. They will take u anywhere for cheap!

Bali is such a small island that you can see a lot of it in a short vacation.

[bradshaw]

thanks for your input everyone. we've confirmed a seemingly nice room in kuta.

treekat --- yes, we've booked and paid for our flights. we went through shoestring travel. while i've found they're typically more expensive on every flight i've purchased through them, i find them to be one of the most professional travel agencies in seoul. it cost 950 000 including taxes, which was around 80 000 more than we were originally quoted. fuel taxes skyrocketed between the day of quoting and ticket issuance. very pricey indeed, but it is christmas afterall. good luck!