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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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Fofazoju
Joined: 09 May 2006
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:49 pm Post subject: Bali (Ubud) and other info |
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So Im planning a stay in Bali and have tried the search function here but we all know where that gets us.
I was wondering if anyone had any must-see things or things to-do. I am planning most of my trip in Ubud (am gonna be in Bali for 2 weeks almost). Does anyone have any good (ie. budget) places to stay in Ubud they can suggest?
I'd appreciate any info on all of Bali (am planning Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak possibly, Lake/Volcano Batur, Bukit Pennisula).
How is the transportation situation? I understand you can hire cars for a somewhat decent price however I am going alone and although I'd like to pretend I could, I can't afford a private driver for all 2 weeks. HOw is the taxi services/bus services etc.?
Thanks  |
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Moldy Rutabaga

Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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I liked Ubud very much but three days or so is enough. It's not that big, and once you've relaxed and seen the monkeys and walked around you've done it. There are plenty of places to stay and finding one will be simple.
Kuta's great for some; I like seeing people and going to interesting restaurants and sitting on the beach. Others can't stand the noise and the incessant hawkers. A little south of the Seminyak-Legion-Kuta area is Jimbaron. Nice beach, AWESOME seafood restaurants, and somewhat quieter. Recommended.
To get to the next island, Lombok, you need to take a grubby ferry, and Sengiggi is not very tourist-friendly, but the beach and sunset is beautiful, and it's very quiet as well.
Bali is easy and relatively cheap to get around in. Wherever you go (and it gets irritating, believe me) there will be taxi drivers calling you. Get an idea from other tourists what things should cost so you don't get overcharged, and just wander around the island wherever you like in the taxis. This is the best and easiest way, rather than trying to park or trying to navigate a motorcycle (not safe).
Pictures: http://keneckert.com/pictures/southasia/bali/bali1.html
Keep your departure card when you arrive in Bali, or the officers will try to fish a bribe from you when you leave. Don't let the crooked staff at the airport sour you on a wonderful island.
Ken:> |
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Fofazoju
Joined: 09 May 2006
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:05 am Post subject: Bali bungalows |
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One more thing...
Any recomendations for places to stay in Ubud? I want to spend between 10-25. 30 if it is perfectly heaven And stay somewhat central but does not have to be.
Thanks again  |
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J.B. Clamence

Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:23 am Post subject: |
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| Kuta Beach is a world-famous destination for surfers. If you've never surfed, this is your chance. There are lots of places that offer cheap one-day surfing lessons. There is also some great diving if you're into that. IMO, the best diving in Bali is at Nusa Penida. The USS Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is also world-class. |
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Delirium's Brother

Joined: 08 May 2006 Location: Out in that field with Rumi, waiting for you to join us!
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:23 am Post subject: Re: Bali bungalows |
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| Fofazoju wrote: |
One more thing...
Any recomendations for places to stay in Ubud? I want to spend between 10-25. 30 if it is perfectly heaven And stay somewhat central but does not have to be.
Thanks again  |
There was a thread about a months ago. Okay, I found it. Look here. |
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Fofazoju
Joined: 09 May 2006
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:26 am Post subject: |
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oops that was meant to be a PM
I know, I saw that thread but I am looking for a place to stay in Ubud specifically....not things to do in Bali.
Thanks tho  |
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Delirium's Brother

Joined: 08 May 2006 Location: Out in that field with Rumi, waiting for you to join us!
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:37 am Post subject: |
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There's a massive gorge that runs through Ubud. Some of the hotels on the main street have balconies and walkways that look out over the gorge. They are clean, and cheap ($US30/night); and very romantic. The one in particular that I am thinking about has its access by walk-way, past a breakfast restaurant (5). Just walk down the paved path beside the restaurant. It's on the same side of the street as the main temple (1), and across the street from the really expensive Western-Asian fusion restaurant (2); and the bookstore/pharmacy/variety store (3). There is an expensive hotel beside it where each room looks like a miniature temple (4). It has a pool but, you should probably stay away from that because of the cost. You can use the pool if you stay at the place that I'm suggesting anyway. That's about as much specific detail as I can remember, sorry can't remember the name... it was six years ago. I'm guestimating the price. It was cheaper in 2000, and included breakfast and access to the neighbouring pool. If you have a map of Ubud already, scan it, and send it in a PM, and I can show you exactly which one I mean. Nevermind, I drew a map:
peace, |
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Fofazoju
Joined: 09 May 2006
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:21 am Post subject: Visa |
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What exactly is the visa situation for Bali? I am from Canada and from what I understand, I can get a visa upon arrival (for max stay of up to 30 days and for $45US).
OR I can get it here at the Indo Embassy....correct?
What is the best way? If need be, can I get it at the airport or is this asking for trouble (IE. taking forever, as well as I get in at 11 pm-ish, so not sure if it will be open).
Is it better to get it here?
Any info is appreciated ...thanks
I'd ask my travel agent but he sucks balls! |
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J.B. Clamence

Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:26 am Post subject: Re: Visa |
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| Fofazoju wrote: |
What exactly is the visa situation for Bali? I am from Canada and from what I understand, I can get a visa upon arrival (for max stay of up to 30 days and for $45US).
OR I can get it here at the Indo Embassy....correct?
What is the best way? If need be, can I get it at the airport or is this asking for trouble (IE. taking forever, as well as I get in at 11 pm-ish, so not sure if it will be open). |
Canadians and Americans pay $25 (USD) for visa on arrival (30 days). Here is the website for the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa:
http://www.indonesia-ottawa.org/page.php?s=0630index
I went a year and a half ago. The line for the visa was pretty long. I think I waited for about 30 minutes. There was no trouble though. If you got a visa at the Indonesian embassy before going, you could bypass this line and go straight to the immigration line, but would going to the embassy be more convenient than waiting in the line at the airport? It's up to you, but I don't see the value.
If there is an international flight arriving, then the visa line will be open. I can't imagine why it wouldn't be. |
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jaganath69

Joined: 17 Jul 2003
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: Visa |
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| J.B. Clamence wrote: |
| Fofazoju wrote: |
What exactly is the visa situation for Bali? I am from Canada and from what I understand, I can get a visa upon arrival (for max stay of up to 30 days and for $45US).
OR I can get it here at the Indo Embassy....correct?
What is the best way? If need be, can I get it at the airport or is this asking for trouble (IE. taking forever, as well as I get in at 11 pm-ish, so not sure if it will be open). |
Canadians and Americans pay $25 (USD) for visa on arrival (30 days). Here is the website for the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa:
http://www.indonesia-ottawa.org/page.php?s=0630index
I went a year and a half ago. The line for the visa was pretty long. I think I waited for about 30 minutes. There was no trouble though. If you got a visa at the Indonesian embassy before going, you could bypass this line and go straight to the immigration line, but would going to the embassy be more convenient than waiting in the line at the airport? It's up to you, but I don't see the value.
If there is an international flight arriving, then the visa line will be open. I can't imagine why it wouldn't be. |
Don't bother. A visit to the Indonesian embassy is potentially one of the most infuriating experiences of your life, quote my Indonesian wife on that as well as me. I tried to get a tourist visa there in 2004 only to be told that those qualifying for the visa on arrival could not. You could go for the 'sosial/budaya' visa, but you need a guarantor and they are for longer stays. |
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jaganath69

Joined: 17 Jul 2003
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: Bali (Ubud) and other info |
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| Fofazoju wrote: |
So Im planning a stay in Bali and have tried the search function here but we all know where that gets us.
I was wondering if anyone had any must-see things or things to-do. I am planning most of my trip in Ubud (am gonna be in Bali for 2 weeks almost). Does anyone have any good (ie. budget) places to stay in Ubud they can suggest?
I'd appreciate any info on all of Bali (am planning Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak possibly, Lake/Volcano Batur, Bukit Pennisula).
How is the transportation situation? I understand you can hire cars for a somewhat decent price however I am going alone and although I'd like to pretend I could, I can't afford a private driver for all 2 weeks. HOw is the taxi services/bus services etc.?
Thanks  |
I'd say a trip up Kintamani is well worth it, as is a dinner at Jimbaran bay. Ubud itself can keep you occupied for a few days, depending on how you like galleries and shopping. Apart from that, its a great place to just simply chill out. Since you have two weeks, I would also suggest on seeing the lesser-visited northern part of the island. Legian/Kuta/Seminyak offer the usual tourist resort temptations of nightlife and shopping and some decent beaches. What exactly do you want from this vacation?
As per transport, you can get a car for around 40-60 bucks a day depending on where you want to go. For public transport (read bemos) it is dirt cheap, but beware the bule (whitey) tax and hang onto your valuables like there is no tomorrow. If you are feeling really brave, hire a motorbike or moped, but have a few notes handy to give to the boys in brown when they shake you down for some imagined infringement of the non-existent Indonesian highway code. Hope this helps. |
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