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stevelad_83
Joined: 13 Oct 2008
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 Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:47 pm Post subject: Indonesia |
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Has anybody been recently? Did you have any major security problems/annoyances? How sis it compare to other Asian destinations? I'm hoping to visit Sabah and Kalimantan, and maybe hop over to the Komodo National Park.
Any advice?
Thanks! |
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Drew345
Joined: 24 May 2005
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| Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:33 am Post subject: |
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I went to Java last year. Had a great time. Nice people, Christians and Muslims living together in the same neighborhoods, beautiful mountains, was great. Previously been to Bali, Sulawesi, Sumatra and a few smaller islands.
Never went to the Island of Borneo where you seem to be interested, but I am sure it is nice there in Sabah (Malaysia) and Kalimantan.
Security: Well, there was some civil unrest in Poso on Sulawesi when I was there that made me change my travel plans. I never felt any security problem in Bali, but we all know what happened.
Annoyances: The temples of Bali have some of the most annoying necklace sellers I have ever seen in the world. My older friend said he wanted to just skip the next temples. I found the pony wallahs at Mt. Bromo annoying too; nobody in the town did any work (cooking, cleaning) but everyone had a pony and they would follow you kicking up dust.
Overall: Indonesia is a world class travel destination and it is huge. Really can't go wrong with Indonesia. If Borneo isn't what you hoped, get down to Java or go to Bali and start island hoping around. |
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stevelad_83
Joined: 13 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:00 pm Post subject: Indonesia |
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| Thanks Drew! I'm also looking in to the Gili islands. Can't wait! |
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bixlerscott
Joined: 27 Sep 2006
Location: Near Wonju, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Indonesia |
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| stevelad_83 wrote: |
Has anybody been recently? Did you have any major security problems/annoyances? How sis it compare to other Asian destinations? I'm hoping to visit Sabah and Kalimantan, and maybe hop over to the Komodo National Park.
Any advice?
Thanks! |
I spent 2 weeks in Bali during September and had a great time. Avoid Egypt if you are concerned about corruptian and annoying hassles. I plan on returning. I knew and had a hunch it was so good that upon landing, I felt elated, laughing, and just celebrating by clapping hands and exchaning pleasantries with other passengers who were like 20 to 30 years older with my seat mate being an American doctor. No problems in Bali nor any intimidating con men other than the Kuta beach area is crazy where both men and women roll up on you on small motor bikes offering drugs and sex usually late at night after you rock out to ultra cool bands near the Sari nightclub memorial.
I highly recommend going directly to Ubud to begin your holiday instead of Kuta or Denpasar. Most of those corrupt crazies working the Kuta beach area aren't even Balinese, but are just foolish idiots trying to make tourists dollars doing illegal rubbish though not too bad as I had no problems taking up their motorbike taxi rides though negotiation is necessary. Kuta is a young partying surfer scene while Ubud is very mature non party scene for the arts.
The people, food, art, music, dance shows, ceremonies, and nature are quite phenomenal and reasonably priced along with very sincere friendly service in Bali. No hassles nor issues with scams and conmen in my experience. I even met nice friendly people in the Kuta beach area as well so Kuta is not all bad despite it's gritty annoying hassle ridden atmosphere full of hassles though not too frustrating, scary, or offending. I highly recommend getting a LP, Googling, and just go this Winter. Try staying with families in one of their guest housing rooms for only $10 a night in their traditional styled compounds including a temple and ornate architexural design to gain insight into the real Balinese people and lifestyle. I scored a great room in Ubud without prebooking by just meeting local men where the bus dropped me off. It turned out lovely. Hanoman street in Ubud is full of family compounds where you want to stay. I felt very comfortable in Bali unlike in many other countries where I was under much pressure due to being viewed as a wealthy man or had awful communication issues.
To compare Bali to other South Asian countries. Bali offers much more traditional arts and cool things to do than other South Asian countries and is considered to be the most special holiday destination by millions of repeat customers. Because it's a very isolated island, it was able to retain it's ancient arts and culture centering around elaborate ceremonies for every event during life. Try a Barong and Kris dance show at one of the temples, especially the 9:30AM show in the village of Batubulan for a a viewing of a really beautiful and special art form. It's not uncommon to meet other tourists who've been 10 or even 40 times though only 7 million actually went last year which is considered a good number of tourists who are mostly Australian and American of age. |
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