Please Critique My Bali, Sulawesi, and Java Itinerary
Aug 26, 2016, 10:49 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 127
Thank you, Glen. I think it will work out flying into Denpasar, and out of Surabaya. I'll plan on getting a ticket for about three weeks, and work out the details later. I'll post a detailed itinerary at a later date. Thanks again for all your help, and the great trip report.
Sep 1, 2016, 2:39 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,648
My trip in August 2013 was 9 nights on Bali in 3 different locations then 7 nights on central Java. We flew DPS JOG for $50 Then we had a driving tour in the area for 5 days, 4 nights and spent the last 3 nights on Jogya at the Phoenix Hotel. I really enjoyed Java far more than Bali. We saw very few western tourists. What you will see are hordes of Chinese tourists, they are everywhere. After Jogya we took a short flight to Jakarta for our flights home on JL via Tokyo. We flew over on CX via HKG and these were award tix.
If you are interested I can give you the name of the 2 different drivers we had for each place. private tours are the way to go.
Susie
If you are interested I can give you the name of the 2 different drivers we had for each place. private tours are the way to go.
Susie
Sep 25, 2016, 5:16 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 127
Thank you, susiesann. Yes, that would be great if you could supply the name of your drivers. Did you use an agency, or book direct?
Why did you prefer Java to Bali? Was it the fact that Bali had too many tourists? I agree with you about tour groups. Even the most polite of them are annoying--they block doorways, and make too much noise.
Why did you prefer Java to Bali? Was it the fact that Bali had too many tourists? I agree with you about tour groups. Even the most polite of them are annoying--they block doorways, and make too much noise.
Sep 25, 2016, 11:51 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bargara Australia
Programs: VA, SQ, IHG, HH,ALL, Europcar
Posts: 1,530
Sounds like a great trip.
Ubud is quite busy so if you want to stay there - try a hotel that is out of town a little - so its really peaceful for you.
Try one of the ridge walks - maybe the one that ends up at Sari Organic Restaurant - make sure you make a reservation - it can only be accessed by motor bike or walking.
I would suggest maybe the Sideman Valley - if you want rural peaceful Bali
As far as Surabaya - switch that to Yogyakarta - and visit both Borobodur and Prambanan - they can be done in a day.
Borobodur is one of the wonders of the world and if you are nearby this is a must visit.
Ubud is quite busy so if you want to stay there - try a hotel that is out of town a little - so its really peaceful for you.
Try one of the ridge walks - maybe the one that ends up at Sari Organic Restaurant - make sure you make a reservation - it can only be accessed by motor bike or walking.
I would suggest maybe the Sideman Valley - if you want rural peaceful Bali
As far as Surabaya - switch that to Yogyakarta - and visit both Borobodur and Prambanan - they can be done in a day.
Borobodur is one of the wonders of the world and if you are nearby this is a must visit.
Sep 26, 2016, 8:56 am
#21
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,283
I think the problem with Bali is that it takes a long time to get between places due to the small roads and volume of traffic.
I liked Yogya a little better because I really enjoyed my driver who was a really nice kid. And getting from place to place was just a little easier I think.
I liked Yogya a little better because I really enjoyed my driver who was a really nice kid. And getting from place to place was just a little easier I think.
Sep 26, 2016, 9:43 am
#22
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,648
Thank you, susiesann. Yes, that would be great if you could supply the name of your drivers. Did you use an agency, or book direct?
Why did you prefer Java to Bali? Was it the fact that Bali had too many tourists? I agree with you about tour groups. Even the most polite of them are annoying--they block doorways, and make too much noise.
Why did you prefer Java to Bali? Was it the fact that Bali had too many tourists? I agree with you about tour groups. Even the most polite of them are annoying--they block doorways, and make too much noise.
[email protected]
This is the company who put together our 7 day Java trip:
[email protected]
I found both drivers through recommendations on Fodors. Bali is very touristy although you can get away from the busy area if you like. Java was much more "real" Indonesia. Absolutely go to Borobudur.
Sep 26, 2016, 4:35 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bargara Australia
Programs: VA, SQ, IHG, HH,ALL, Europcar
Posts: 1,530
Bali is different to the rest of Indonesia, culturally
Indonesia is the worlds most populated Islamic nation, YET the island of Bali is predominately Hindu, a different Hindu variation from Indian Hindu - what is known as Balinese Hindu.
So there is a very different way of life, attitude and culture.
Yes Bali attracts lots of tourists - but even when you get really off the tourist trail - the little roads are busy with locals on the motor bikes and in cars trucks etc going about their daily life
Indonesia is the worlds most populated Islamic nation, YET the island of Bali is predominately Hindu, a different Hindu variation from Indian Hindu - what is known as Balinese Hindu.
So there is a very different way of life, attitude and culture.
Yes Bali attracts lots of tourists - but even when you get really off the tourist trail - the little roads are busy with locals on the motor bikes and in cars trucks etc going about their daily life