Bali or Phuket

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Mar 13, 2012 | 9:41 am

#16

Camflyer

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Cambridge, UK

Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum

Posts: 1,456

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyjacky

There's no shortage of idiots at any major tourist area. Patong and Kuta are particularly vile and American tourists aren't the problem. wj

Totally agree. Patong has many problem but Americans aren't one of them (apart from the last time I was there and a US Carrier Group had been there the previous week for shore leave - the island was still picking up the pieces). It's mostly Australians, northern Europeans and increasingly Russians who cause the trouble.

Having said that once you realise that Phuket is a large island and Patong is only a small part of it then there are plenty of other places to stop and it's a great base for exploring the region. Phuket's downside is that is is relatively expensive compared to other parts of SE Asia.

I'd echo the recommendation of Penang and Langkawi as they are so close to each other yet so totally different. Fly into one, stop a few nights, take the ferry to the other, stop another few nights then head onwards. Georgetown, Penang is one of the most interesting cities in SE Asia (beaches are rubbish though) and Langkawi is one of the most peaceful, relaxing places I've ever been to.

Mar 13, 2012 | 10:15 am

#17

whackyjacky

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Snooky

Posts: 2,507

If you want to go someplace gorgeous, try Palawan in the PI. Shorter flight for you and a quick hop from Manila. It's got it all - underground rivers, crystal clear lakes, gorgeous beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wreck diving, kayaking. It's even got a bunch of those islands with the beach on the inside (like Leo's 'The Beach') You can get a decent place on the sand in El Nido for $40. Right up there with the most beautiful places I've ever been and kinda untouched - for now. Food sucks though - except the fabulous lechon ! ps: PM me if you want to see my pics. wj

Mar 13, 2012 | 3:43 pm

#18

BKKROP

Join Date: May 2006

Location: BKK.DPS

Programs: P THAI,Diamond HYATT

Posts: 3,290

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyjacky

We were all over Lovina and saw only black sand. There was something I didn't like about the beach in Sanur. I think it was only swim-able at high high tide. A couple hrs a day max. In Candidasa we dove off a rock wall below the pool and it was great. We saw no sand at all. Rocks and pebbles only, everywhere. The only decent beach we experienced was in Nusa Dua at the Sheraton. Good beaches on the next island Lombok though. wj

You are most unkind about our favorite spots but when you said you loved Nusa Dua, I met someone only 3 years ago, who was related to a person with bad acne, and they said they had overheard someone saying the same thing.

Mar 13, 2012 | 9:36 pm

#19

whackyjacky

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Snooky

Posts: 2,507

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKKROP

Huh ? Don't really understand you and I'm pretty sure you don't understand me. I don't love Nusa Dua. Pretty sterile IMO. It's the only decent beach we saw on the island. They probably truck the sand in. Loved Candidasa and Lovina. I have no problem with pebbles, black sand, and rock walls. Bali is great. Might not be the best idea in Dec though. We went then once and saw a lot of rain. wj