seafly

I'm planning a trip in December, and was looking at Bali because it'll be warm, it's relatively inexpensive, beaches and outdoor activities (when it's not raining!).

I'd love to get any and all advice y'all have! Is this a terrible idea? Are there other places to consider instead? What are your Bali tips and recommendations?

Annalisa12

Good idea? It depends on what you want out of a Bali trip.

Also, look at what area you want to say in. All are very different - Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud etc..

First Time in Bali ? Where Should I Stay? Which Part of Bali is Best for Me?

I like Bali at the moment because I have a hip injury and can't do much so I just like relaxing at the beach, villa or hotel pool and reading a book. I like the occasional sight seeing trip, eating great food, getting foot massages, sleeping in and having drinks in a local bar. The exact reasons some would hate going to Bali.

Jaimito Cartero

It depends on when in December. Hordes of Aussie’s descend on Bali the week before Christmas. So it gets pretty crowded, and rooms more expensive.

Overall, Bali is a good destination. No volcanic activity that I’ve heard about, lately. Airbnb has some good options if you’re wanting a villa.

In the past, I really liked staying at the Bali Hyatt in Sanur. It’s been closed for an extended remodel, but is supposed to open in the summer, as a Hyatt Regency.

wolfpacktrojan

I just visited Bali in late December and had a great time. I had read that the weather could be awful, but I think it only rained twice during my 5 day stay, although they were about two-hour long torrential downpours. I spent 4 days in Ubud and my final day in Seminyak. Accomodations were incredibly cheap; I was able to nab villas at both locations for about $90 per night (I booked a few months in advance so I doubt the Mt. Agung situation had anything to do with it). If you're a beach person, I would recommend Seminyak due to its proximity to the water and nightlife. I'm not that big of a beach person, so I personally found Ubud to be far more entertaining with all of its cultural offerings. If you find yourself in Ubud, be sure to check out Balinese dance (I liked kecak the best) and eat a lot of local food! I found the bebek (duck) and babi guling (pork) to be exceptional. Ubud is also a fantastic base for day trips to more remote parts of Bali like Jatiluwih, Ulun Danu Beratan, etc. if you're interested.

usmsbow

I went to Bali around Christmas a few years ago. Would never do it again. Traffic was awful, everywhere was really crowded. Weather wasn't bad though. Rained a bit, but there was also plenty of sunshine... And if you go in early December, it won't be crowded at all, should be fine.

ExpatSomchai

We just came back. TBH this was our fourth and probably last trip there. It is now too over commercialised in the beach resorts and traffic is horrendous. It does however depend on what you are looking for in a holiday?? i will add that maybe the Northern beaches are worth exploring but if i head out that way again it will probably be to Lombok or Gili or if the finances can stretch to it Raja Ampat.

manneca

I'm a diver, so what I'm saying could be completely irrelevant. You might want to consider Nusa Lembongan. It's about 45 minutes boat ride from Sanur. There are few cars, lots of scooters. It's quieter than Bali. You can go almost everywhere on foot or some of the restaurants will send a "car" for you. There are some neat smaller places to stay. It's beginning to get more Chinese tourists (and tourists in general). I was there last Novemer/December and the weather was fairly good. If you want to try diving, go to Two Fish.

Another quieter place is Gili Air. No cars or gas scooters. It's off Lombok.

glennaa11

My trip was in October so I don't know how the weather compares. But event a few years ago the traffic was already heavy all the time. And the narrow roads didn't help.

I much preferred Ubud and other parts of the island to the resort areas like Nusa Dua. But I liked Jogjakarta even more. Depends on what you are looking for.

MattHall

Do you want a beach or not? If not, I would completely ignore the south coast and head to Ubud. It’s a great place in itself and you can also use it as a base explore other areas.

We visited in April and loved it. I have no interest in seeing the south coast tourist areas, however. I would return and stay in the North and combine with Lombok.