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Honeymoon Help Please!- Bali and Hong Kong

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October2008bride

October2008bride

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
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Hi everyone!!

I was wondering if I could get some input for our honeymoon!!

After considering Thailand, Aruba and Mexico, we decided to go with Bali!!! We are probably going to go for about 12-13 nights (it is a looonnng flight from Toronto, so hopefully that is enough time there!)

The plan is this - fly to Bali. Stay at the Intercontinental Bali in Jimbaran Bay (the beach area). http://www.bali.intercontinental.com/

Included in our package is 2 full day tours and one half day tour, breakfast, two 90 minute massages, and a few other ''perks''.

We would then go to Ubud (in the mountains) and stay at Kayu Manis http://210.15.230.6/Index.aspx?id=AboutUs for 3 days. That one is a bit more private and luxurious than the Intercontinental, and includes breakfast etc and limo service into the town of Ubud as often as we want to tour around. The other option in Ubud is this place: http://www.ghmhotels.com/hotels/hotel_home.asp?hotelid=12&section=home

We would then head home, with a layover in Hong Kong.

So here are my questions:

1. Has anyone been to Bali? Any recommendations on things to do/see/etc?
2. Does anyone know anything about immunziations I would need for that area?
3. What do you think between the two hotels in Ubud?
4. Do you think we should try to extend our layover in Hong Kong to two nights?
5. For those of you who have been to Hong Kong - any recommendations on relatively frugal hotels in a decent area for some quick site seeing?

Phew. A lot of questions!!! Thanks in advance for any help!! I know Pscopers are well travelled so I''m hoping someone can help!
 
Congratulations.

This website (Govt of Canada - I am assuming you are Canadian?) should get you pointed in the right direction:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/236_e.html

Good luck
 
You could certainly entertain yourself for 2 nights in Hong Kong!! Amazing food, night markets, museums, shopping, the harbor (along with nightly light shows on the skyscrapers), etc. The public transportation is really good too. We stayed at the Sheraton which was the nicest Sheraton I''ve ever seen. I''m not sure how much the cost is though.
 
HI:

Its been 25 years since I''ve been to Ubud--but what I recall is that we walked everywhere, even to the evening open air theatre (Ramiana ballet); so much to see on foot, little markets and the like. Make sure you have a massage on the beach--the sand sticks to every part, but it is worth the experience! Devine part of the world--good choice!

Your local Community Heath Dept--aka travel clinic--should be able to consult with you in regard to immunizations and +/-need for Malaria medication.

cheers--Sharon
 
I dont know much about bali, but I went on a business trip to HK and it is amazing!! Tons of shopping and sight seeing. I stayed in the Shangri-la and loved it but i think its a decent amount of $$$. If you have the opportunity definetly check out HK.
 
I was in Mainland China and I imagine the immunizations are the same.
Here is a website that might help: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/indonesia.html
All your regular shots should be up to date like Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (one shot) and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (one shot). I needed a booster so keep that in mind.
The site recommends getting immunized against Japanese encephalitis, but don''t. The disease is very fatal and very rare. The vaccine kills one in every 300 people who get it.

This sounds terrible, but don''t worry. I was in Rural China and I went to rural Mexico without any special immunizations and didn''t get sick. Just be smart, especially about what you eat and drink and you should have a perfect time.
 
Thank you all for your help so far! I will definitely check out those sites for immunization info.

Any more Bali or Hong Kong experiences?
 
1. Has anyone been to Bali? Any recommendations on things to do/see/etc?
I've worked a lot in Indonesia and been to Bali a few times. I actually much prefer Ubud to the beaches. The beaches in Bali tend to be littered with hawkers who dont leave you alone. I'd ask via email, if the Jimbaran Bay is a private beach and if they allow hawkers on it. If they do have hawkers, I'd find another hotel with a private beach. The hawkers I experienced do NOT leave you alone and you can be asleep on the beach and they'll tap you on the shoulder until you wake up, so ask before deciding on your hotel.

Ubud is up in the mountains in the center of the island and is the arts/cultural center of Bali so there's a lot to see/do. I'd stay away from the obvious tourist traps. For example, if you see a sign for a wedding or a funeral, they're usually tourist traps. I highly recommend renting bikes and just riding around and getting lost down side roads, etc. People are very friendly and you really wont be too lost in any one direction. Just enjoy the scenery and food! You could also look into learning a craft or finding some small artist's coop to check out. Any concierge can steer you in the right direction but I'd recommend a Lonely Planet book and anything else you can find in the way of guide books on Bali. The food is fab!

The puppet theatre is called "Ramayana" and it tells the story of Rama and Sita and is sort of like a mixture of Romeo & Juliet meets the Battle of Good and Evil. A genuine Ramayana is held on the night of a full moon and takes the entire night, but they have shorter versions and any hotel will be able to tell you where to see one. That's also a good day trip, going to a puppet workshop to see how they puppets are made. Some are shadow puppets - wayang kulit - made of buffalo hide...There are also Ramayana versions done in shadow puppet, which is very cool as they have to perform behind a big white sheet, in front of an open flame to create the big shadows needed...Or you can see how the regular puppets are made. They have so many arts and crafts and music in Ubud it's difficult to say where to go. Get an updated guide book for starters...

2. Does anyone know anything about immunziations I would need for that area?

You need to call a traveler's clinic in your area and ask them. Ask your MD for a recommendation if you dont know where a local travel clinic is.

3. What do you think between the two hotels in Ubud?

Dont know either one. But I just looked at the sites and I'd choose the Chedi simply because it looks more like Traditional Balinese decor, and the other one is more contemporary in its decor. When I'm in Asia I prefer to stay in places that LOOK like I'm in Asia. If I want contemporary, I can get that elsewhere, you know? I'd choose Chedi. It looks fabulous!

4. Do you think we should try to extend our layover in Hong Kong to two nights?

If you've never been, then yes! But...remember, Bali is very m.e.l.l.o.w and Hong Kong is fastfastfast! If it was me, I might do HK on the way out, and then Bali because if you're blissed out and totally mellow coming out of Bali, HK might kill your buzz with its fast pace..Just something to think about. But yeah, if you've never done HK, take the extra time and go for it. Again, amazing food! I'd do most of my shopping in Bali though as HK doesn't have the bargains it once did.

5. For those of you who have been to Hong Kong - any recommendations on relatively frugal hotels in a decent area for some quick site seeing?
Cant help there but check out those Fodors books for some mid priced hotels...or check out the chains like Sheraton, Hilton, etc. Oh! See if they have a Crowne Plaza in HK. It's the Holiday Inn's nice end chain and they have nice mid priced hotels in Asia. I only know the Peninsula, Conrad or Shangri-La and they're more expensive chains.
 
Oh my goodness! Thank you Surfgirl for the detailed reply! I will definitely look into those activities in Ubud for sure! And I will find out about the hotel in Jimbaran - hopefully it will be private!

I will start out by getting a guide book like you recommended. I know I have lots of time to figure out that stuff, so I''m glad about that!

The agent we are working with is booking us with Cathay Pacific - any experience with them? It will be economy level for sure!

Thanks again Surfgirl - I really appreciate it!
 
I flew coach on Cathay Pacific direct from Los Angeles to HK. It''s rated a top airline, and for good reason. The food was good, they had snacks available at the flight attendant stations the entire flight, and they gave out mini overnight kits including lavender scented eye masks to block out sunlight. Each seat had it''s own TV with movies, TV shows, games like solitare, and a music player that allowed you to make a playlist of all the songs you wanted to hear. All in all, a great experience.
 
Date: 1/15/2008 11:21:49 PM
Author: CaliCushion
I flew coach on Cathay Pacific direct from Los Angeles to HK. It''s rated a top airline, and for good reason. The food was good, they had snacks available at the flight attendant stations the entire flight, and they gave out mini overnight kits including lavender scented eye masks to block out sunlight. Each seat had it''s own TV with movies, TV shows, games like solitare, and a music player that allowed you to make a playlist of all the songs you wanted to hear. All in all, a great experience.
Click to expand...
Thanks Cali!! That is actually making me really excited!! Of course I read the travel warning that the Canadian government has out about Bali and it makes me a tad nervous - but I think that has been up since the bombings in 2005.

I don''t sleep on flights, so I think the tv/snacks etc will make it more bearable!!

Thanks so much!

I''m not sure if Surfgirl is still around, but if you are SG - how far is Jimbaran from Ubud? I gather the whole place is quite small, but I''m not sure how long it will take to get there.

Thanks!
 
October - Bali is beautiful! I loved it there...but unfortunately I can''t really remember what exactly I did there or the names of anything. But I can tell you that it''s beautiful, the food is good, and shopping fun. :D Just make sure to travel "smart". Beware of pick pockets, drink bottled water (if your stomach is sensitive), try to stick with reputable vendors (i.e. if someone off the street offers to take you for a taxi ride or a guided tour it''s probably not a good idea). Of course the resorts there are just pure bliss but if you want to get out into town take into consideration those things.

As for HK - I would tell you to stay longer than 2 days (but not for a Honeymoon trip). HK is my hometown but I don''t think it''s that great for honeymooning. Fantastic for vacation but like surfgirl said, it''s "fast fast fast". There are part of HK that are "quaint and mellow" but I personally find the hecticness of and metro life of the city part to be the REAL HK experience.

2 days will definitly give you a nice fun flavor of HK. I don''t know the names of any frugal hotels, but I can give you the names of areas to go check out. BTW, the public transportation in HK is a DREAM (crowded, yes, but to-die-for convienent). Oh normally I wouldn''t mention this to people asking for "sight seeing" recommendations but HK has GREAT jewlery stores (everywhere)!!! I know ppl on PS would definitly consider that some good sight seeing. :D (Go to Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central for streets lined with jewlery stores)

Causeway Bay - it''s the Times Square of HK (literally - we have a mall area called Times Square, even drop an apple for new years). Good street shopping (need to bargain!), good mall shopping (even if you don''t buy anything you should go check it out), Good FOOD (although I think eerywhere in HK has good food). And beacuse this is PS

The Peak - take the tram, take a bus, take a cab, whatever. Yes, it''s a tad of a tourist trap, with a big mall and some gimmicks. But the view is BREATHTAKING, plus the tram is a fun experience - think super steep hill trolley like SF. (I personally like the view at night best because the skyline view with the lights is so beautiful - and they have a fancy bar/restuarant with an all window view). http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=the+peak+hong+kong

Ngong Ping 360 - Brand new cable car ride. Now I know you''re like, Cable Car ride??? But this thing is pretty cool. It''s about a 20 min car ride (i think) and it takes you over mountains to the world''s largest Buddha on Lantau island. You have to share the car with other people and sometimes the lines are long but the ride has some amazing views, and it can still be romantic even if you are in there with 6 other people haha. Plus you get to go way out into the not city area of HK. here''s the link http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/front/index.asp

Ok those three are some of the biggest attractions in HK but it depends on what you want to do. I hope this helps!
 
October, I cant give you an actual time for how long it takes to get from Jimbaran to Ubud but Bali is a small island. That said, there are lots of traffic delayers like animals in the road, little Bajaj (auto rickshaws), bicycles, etc. so it might take longer than it looks on a map. Speaking of which, if you''re inclined to bike around Ubud, get a map from here because you can usually get better maps. I think Lonely Planet makes a Bali map that might be quite good. If you cant find it in your local bookshop, check online.

Cathay Pacific is one of the top airlines in the world and even in economy, I''m quite sure you''ll be comfy. Now, when you check in for your Cathay flight, I would DEFINITELY tell the check in counter person that you''re newlyweds on your honeymoon and ask her if there are any complimentary upgrades that she can perhaps offer you? Smile when you ask. And be polite and well dressed at check in. If you show up in crappy sweats they wont be as inclined but if you look nice and are friendly, you never know...Also, have you ever been on a flight that long? If not, I would advise you to bring some "house clothes" in your carry ons. Like nice sweats, comfy pants, and shirt/sweater - something you can curl up and sleep in. I usually change right after take off so I''m comfortable for the flight.

There''s a series of books called "Insight Guides" and I recommend one on Bali so you can better understand the Balinese culture before you get there. There are many cultural differences and you want to be as respectful as possible. The more you blend in, the more access you will have to the real Bali. For example, you''ll see doofus tourists wandering around town in a bikini top and a sarong because they''re on vacation and they think everyone wears sarongs all the time. In fact, wearing a bikini top and sarong anywhere in Indonesia is equivalent to walking around in your underpants and bra in public as that is what most Indonesian women wear when they go to have a bath. So just cover up if you''re going from beach/pool to shopping or whatever. The Insight Guide will fill you in on all the details.

Oh, and of course there''s Gunung Agung, Bali''s highest peak. We used to sit on Lombok where I was working, and watch the sunset while gazing across the Straits of Lombok at Gunung Agung, so I imagine that you could do the opposite if you can figure out which beach faces Lombok, you can watch the sunset over the mountains on Lombok. And speaking of, I know you can do this from Lombok so perhaps you can do it from Bali but we rented a little boat and the boat guy took us snorkeling in the Straits of Lombok and then you can have lunch on Gili Menos, a tiny coral island off the coast of Lombok. If you can get a boat trip there from Bali it makes a nice day trip. If I think of more, I''ll let you know!
 
October,


1. Has anyone been to Bali? Any recommendations on things to do/see/etc?

I haven''t been to Bali, sorry.

2. Does anyone know anything about immunziations I would need for that area?

I''m assuming it would be like traveling to many other Asian countries so you might want to talk to your doctor about getting:
*Hepatitis (especially A)
*Typhoid
*Malaria (Malaria pill regiment. If you get malaria, try to use the arteminisin based treatment instead of the quinine treatment.)

You should also make sure all of your vaccines are current.

Also, make sure you bring bug repellent. I would recommend bringing the high powered "deet" variety as well as the safer herbal variety. I used the tropical scented "Off!" so I can stand being around myself and while I slept, I used this Botanical lotion that had bug repelent properties. The bug repellent will help combat Malaria and Dengue fever.

3. What do you think between the two hotels in Ubud?

Without knowing either, I would choose the 2nd hotel. The first one looks like going to a day spa here. I love the terraced hillside.

4. Do you think we should try to extend our layover in Hong Kong to two nights?

Yes!!!!! If you do, you could visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island (it is a day trip thing) or Disney Land Hong Kong (I went a month after it opened and I have to tell you, after going to D-land LA and D-world, the lines are so much shorter. Also, the D-land train station is the nicest one you will ever see)


5. For those of you who have been to Hong Kong - any recommendations on relatively frugal hotels in a decent area for some quick site seeing?


I have been there several times and my FI has been there even more. I would recommend the Prudential Hotel. It is the best balance between cost effectiveness and accommodations. It is located in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) overlooking Nathan Road, one of the most famous streets in Hong Kong. The best part is that it directly on top of a shopping mall and a train station (MTR - Jordan Station). Taxi drivers know were it is they don''t have problems driving there. I once stayed in a 5-star hotel in Hung Hom which was really nice, but when it was getting late, not all of the taxi drivers would go there since it was hard to pick up other fares where the hotel was. Although this is illegal, they have to take you, complaining to a higher power is not going to help you at 2am.

This is now our first choice hotel since it is nice and the location can''t be beat. Some of the other hotels that are near a train station are either not as nice or more expensive. Their online reservations are about $100/night. Walk-ins are more expensive.

If you wanted to, you could walk to Times Square, but it is much easier to take a train. Also, I would recommend getting a tourist MTR-train pass. It can be purchased from the sky-mall on the plane or at the MTR kiosk at the airport.

I would also recommend Cathay Pacific, check out their
deal of the month or I would recommend Singapore Airlines. Both are great!
 
Re shots: go to a travel clinic on the early side to get started on the TwinRX vaccine in time for it to be effective. Then let the EXPERT determine what you should take / what should go in your arm based on very local conditions.

April D said: " drink bottled water (if your stomach is sensitive)"

Uhm, drink bottled water. Period. Even people with ''non-sensitive'' stomaches can get dysentry and cholera. It''s not a sensitive stomach / unfamiliar bacteria issue, it''s a "they don''t treat the water, so don''t frakking drink it" issue. Local people who can avoid it don''t drink ''tap'' water either. They boil it or drink bottled. Or, they get dysentery, cholera, e-coli, hepatitis A, etc, and then they often die. Dysentery is the world''s number 1 killer of children, if I recall correctly. So, just don''t drink it. Period.

The rule in less developed countries is that NOTHING goes in your mouth, no matter how posh the restaurant or resort, unless it has been boiled, cooked, or peeled (preferably peeled by you).

If you''re traveling for a long time, you may as well get careless and just deal with the ensuing sicknesses. But on your honeymoon, I think vigilance would probably be worth it. Nothing like a tummy full of amoebae to kill the romance.
18.gif


That said, SE Asia is my very favourite part of the world. You''ll have a blast!
 
Date: 1/16/2008 3:23:20 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Re shots: go to a travel clinic on the early side to get started on the TwinRX vaccine in time for it to be effective. Then let the EXPERT determine what you should take / what should go in your arm based on very local conditions.


April D said: '' drink bottled water (if your stomach is sensitive)''


Uhm, drink bottled water. Period. Even people with ''non-sensitive'' stomaches can get dysentry and cholera. It''s not a sensitive stomach / unfamiliar bacteria issue, it''s a ''they don''t treat the water, so don''t frakking drink it'' issue. Local people who can avoid it don''t drink ''tap'' water either. They boil it or drink bottled. Or, they get dysentery, cholera, e-coli, hepatitis A, etc, and then they often die. Dysentery is the world''s number 1 killer of children, if I recall correctly. So, just don''t drink it. Period.


The rule in less developed countries is that NOTHING goes in your mouth, no matter how posh the restaurant or resort, unless it has been boiled, cooked, or peeled (preferably peeled by you).


If you''re traveling for a long time, you may as well get careless and just deal with the ensuing sicknesses. But on your honeymoon, I think vigilance would probably be worth it. Nothing like a tummy full of amoebae to kill the romance.
18.gif



That said, SE Asia is my very favourite part of the world. You''ll have a blast!
Click to expand...


Also don''t use ice unless you know it is safe, most likely they use tap water for the ice. I remember FI''s brother once ate a desert with shaved ice from a hawker stand in Asia, soon after his tummy was not happy.
 
Indy and gtn are right. When I said if you have a sensitive stomach I did not by any means drink the tap water! I think I was referring to street foods (although in Bali I wouldn''t eat street food). When I am in HK I eat street food ALL THE TIME and have never once had a problem with it. However, I''ve had friends come to visit me who couldn''t eat that stuff.
 
Date: 1/15/2008 11:08:26 PM
Author: October2008bride
Oh my goodness! Thank you Surfgirl for the detailed reply! I will definitely look into those activities in Ubud for sure! And I will find out about the hotel in Jimbaran - hopefully it will be private!

I will start out by getting a guide book like you recommended. I know I have lots of time to figure out that stuff, so I''m glad about that!

The agent we are working with is booking us with Cathay Pacific - any experience with them? It will be economy level for sure!

Thanks again Surfgirl - I really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
I have stayed at the Intercont at Jimbaran and the beach is definitley not private. In fact less than 100 metres from the hotel a number of beach restaurants were bombed about 3 years ago.
I used to get up in the morning and walk along the beach and you would see all the fisherman out and it look idyllic. But this was about 1 year after the first Bali bombing and I couldn''t help but be a little concerned that all these hotels had ready access point and of course that exactly what happened one year later.
The intercont is fantastic and the spa is gorgeous.
I would go again in a heart beat but my DH is too paranoid!
 
Oh yeah, for sure! There is definitely the ''unfamiliar bacteria'' issue too. In that regard, I''m lucky to have a gut of steel. And I always take streetfood on a case by case basis. You can usually tell if something looks fresh and hot. And in Thailand, sometimes they cook stuff up for you right in front of you, and then you pretty much know it''s safe.

Mmmmm... streetfood.
3.gif
Huuuungry. How many hours till dinner?!?!
 
Date: 1/16/2008 4:18:07 PM
Author: katebar
I have stayed at the Intercont at Jimbaran and the beach is definitley not private. In fact less than 100 metres from the hotel a number of beach restaurants were bombed about 3 years ago.
I used to get up in the morning and walk along the beach and you would see all the fisherman out and it look idyllic. But this was about 1 year after the first Bali bombing and I couldn''t help but be a little concerned that all these hotels had ready access point and of course that exactly what happened one year later.
The intercont is fantastic and the spa is gorgeous.
I would go again in a heart beat but my DH is too paranoid!
Click to expand...
Yikes - I hate hearing stuff like that - makes me paranoid too! I know that the ''warning'' has been around for a few years now and that security is pretty tight. My first instinct was to think that there are warnings for a lot of honeymoon destinations (Thailand, Mexico, etc) so maybe I shouldn''t be so worried...but hearing this makes me a bit more nervous.

When was it that you went? Is there another hotel in that area that you would recommend?
 
Don''t get paranoid! If your govt''s foreign affairs website doesn''t say "Don''t go!" that means there''s no reason not to go. Just go. The chances of lightening striking twice are exceedingly remote. I mean, you''re more likely to get struck by lightening.
 
Date: 1/16/2008 11:46:17 AM
Author: April Diamonds
October - Bali is beautiful! I loved it there...but unfortunately I can''t really remember what exactly I did there or the names of anything. But I can tell you that it''s beautiful, the food is good, and shopping fun. :D Just make sure to travel ''smart''. Beware of pick pockets, drink bottled water (if your stomach is sensitive), try to stick with reputable vendors (i.e. if someone off the street offers to take you for a taxi ride or a guided tour it''s probably not a good idea). Of course the resorts there are just pure bliss but if you want to get out into town take into consideration those things.

As for HK - I would tell you to stay longer than 2 days (but not for a Honeymoon trip). HK is my hometown but I don''t think it''s that great for honeymooning. Fantastic for vacation but like surfgirl said, it''s ''fast fast fast''. There are part of HK that are ''quaint and mellow'' but I personally find the hecticness of and metro life of the city part to be the REAL HK experience.

2 days will definitly give you a nice fun flavor of HK. I don''t know the names of any frugal hotels, but I can give you the names of areas to go check out. BTW, the public transportation in HK is a DREAM (crowded, yes, but to-die-for convienent). Oh normally I wouldn''t mention this to people asking for ''sight seeing'' recommendations but HK has GREAT jewlery stores (everywhere)!!! I know ppl on PS would definitly consider that some good sight seeing. :D (Go to Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central for streets lined with jewlery stores)

Causeway Bay - it''s the Times Square of HK (literally - we have a mall area called Times Square, even drop an apple for new years). Good street shopping (need to bargain!), good mall shopping (even if you don''t buy anything you should go check it out), Good FOOD (although I think eerywhere in HK has good food). And beacuse this is PS

The Peak - take the tram, take a bus, take a cab, whatever. Yes, it''s a tad of a tourist trap, with a big mall and some gimmicks. But the view is BREATHTAKING, plus the tram is a fun experience - think super steep hill trolley like SF. (I personally like the view at night best because the skyline view with the lights is so beautiful - and they have a fancy bar/restuarant with an all window view). http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=the+peak+hong+kong

Ngong Ping 360 - Brand new cable car ride. Now I know you''re like, Cable Car ride??? But this thing is pretty cool. It''s about a 20 min car ride (i think) and it takes you over mountains to the world''s largest Buddha on Lantau island. You have to share the car with other people and sometimes the lines are long but the ride has some amazing views, and it can still be romantic even if you are in there with 6 other people haha. Plus you get to go way out into the not city area of HK. here''s the link http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/front/index.asp

Ok those three are some of the biggest attractions in HK but it depends on what you want to do. I hope this helps!
Click to expand...
I''m definitely going to print this out and take your recommendations!! Thanks! I talked to the TA today and she said it shouldn''t be a problem extending the stay by another day. Even though it will kill the ''relaxation'' mood - I think it is definitely worth it since I''m all the way over there!

Thanks!
 
Date: 1/16/2008 4:54:00 PM
Author: October2008bride

Date: 1/16/2008 4:18:07 PM
Author: katebar
I have stayed at the Intercont at Jimbaran and the beach is definitley not private. In fact less than 100 metres from the hotel a number of beach restaurants were bombed about 3 years ago.
I used to get up in the morning and walk along the beach and you would see all the fisherman out and it look idyllic. But this was about 1 year after the first Bali bombing and I couldn''t help but be a little concerned that all these hotels had ready access point and of course that exactly what happened one year later.
The intercont is fantastic and the spa is gorgeous.
I would go again in a heart beat but my DH is too paranoid!
Click to expand...
Yikes - I hate hearing stuff like that - makes me paranoid too! I know that the ''warning'' has been around for a few years now and that security is pretty tight. My first instinct was to think that there are warnings for a lot of honeymoon destinations (Thailand, Mexico, etc) so maybe I shouldn''t be so worried...but hearing this makes me a bit more nervous.

When was it that you went? Is there another hotel in that area that you would recommend?
Click to expand...
I went in 2004 and there were no patrols on the beach. Front of house had guards but it was pretty lame. The bombings near the Intercont were in 2005. On the beach there every night little outdoor restaurants set up very casually. It was a major tourist draw card because of the fresh seafood. Hawkers would be up and down the busking and selling stuff.
I think the bombers were disguised as hawkers.
I don''t know if they have upped security but I gather they have.
I adore the Balinese people they are the most gentlest and spiritual people. The bombers were not Balinese but were from Java I think.
If it was me I would hire a villa. There are heaps of stunning and affordable ones complete with cooks drivers and your own private pool. This one is in Seminyak which is the upmarket beach area. Here is a link Bali villas
 
Date: 1/16/2008 3:23:20 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Re shots: go to a travel clinic on the early side to get started on the TwinRX vaccine in time for it to be effective. Then let the EXPERT determine what you should take / what should go in your arm based on very local conditions.

April D said: '' drink bottled water (if your stomach is sensitive)''

Uhm, drink bottled water. Period. Even people with ''non-sensitive'' stomaches can get dysentry and cholera. It''s not a sensitive stomach / unfamiliar bacteria issue, it''s a ''they don''t treat the water, so don''t frakking drink it'' issue. Local people who can avoid it don''t drink ''tap'' water either. They boil it or drink bottled. Or, they get dysentery, cholera, e-coli, hepatitis A, etc, and then they often die. Dysentery is the world''s number 1 killer of children, if I recall correctly. So, just don''t drink it. Period.

The rule in less developed countries is that NOTHING goes in your mouth, no matter how posh the restaurant or resort, unless it has been boiled, cooked, or peeled (preferably peeled by you).

If you''re traveling for a long time, you may as well get careless and just deal with the ensuing sicknesses. But on your honeymoon, I think vigilance would probably be worth it. Nothing like a tummy full of amoebae to kill the romance.
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That said, SE Asia is my very favourite part of the world. You''ll have a blast!
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Good idea on the TwinRx - It wouldn''t hurt to have it anyways so I will definitely get on that. As far as bottled water goes - I am all over that one!

I am a little anal about food/cleanliness/proper cooking etc. so I promise to be vigilant! If my FI thinks I''m nuts, I''ll tell him that the girls at Pscope told me so!

Thanks for the tips - I am really excited (minus the minor nerves regarding the whole saftey issue!).
 
Date: 1/16/2008 5:02:06 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Don''t get paranoid! If your govt''s foreign affairs website doesn''t say ''Don''t go!'' that means there''s no reason not to go. Just go. The chances of lightening striking twice are exceedingly remote. I mean, you''re more likely to get struck by lightening.
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Thanks IG - I have a feeling you are right. I''m just usually one to abide by the rules! It just says (and has said for a few years) to ''avoid all non-essential travel''.

That doesn''t say "don''t go" now does it?
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Our goverment warns agains travelling to Bali but has dones so since the first bombings in 2003. But thousands of Australians still go and I would but I would be cautious.
This forum is helpful for getting and idea of whats going on places to rent etc. Bali travel forum
 
You may have to decide to get a leeeeettle less anal about cleanliness if you're going to travel in SEA!
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Handy tip even for non-clean-freaks: Purel is your new best friend. Bring some! You'll be oh so glad you did. Use early. Use often.

ETA: Hold on, does it say 'avoid all non-essential travel'? hmmmmm... that makes me wonder. You know what? Here's what I would do. Go on line and find the number for your embassy in Jakarta. Call them or send an e-mail. And just ask. That's what your taxpayer-dollars are paying them for.
 
Date: 1/16/2008 5:14:42 PM
Author: Independent Gal
You may have to decide to get a leeeeettle less anal about cleanliness if you''re going to travel in SEA!
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Handy tip even for non-clean-freaks: Purel is your new best friend. Bring some! You''ll be oh so glad you did. Use early. Use often.

ETA: Hold on, does it say ''avoid all non-essential travel''? hmmmmm... that makes me wonder. You know what? Here''s what I would do. Go on line and find the number for your embassy in Jakarta. Call them or send an e-mail. And just ask. That''s what your taxpayer-dollars are paying them for.
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Hahaha so true. I will definitely bring some!

Thanks for the idea - I''ll see if I can find the info and contact the embassy. I''m sure it will be fine, but I''ll let you know!

It''s great having all these experts on here! Thanks everyone!
 
Date: 1/16/2008 5:13:15 PM
Author: katebar
Our goverment warns agains travelling to Bali but has dones so since the first bombings in 2003. But thousands of Australians still go and I would but I would be cautious.
This forum is helpful for getting and idea of whats going on places to rent etc. Bali travel forum
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Thanks Katebar - I''ll take that into account. I''ll also check out those villas you recommended! Are they in a good area?

Thanks for the forum link as well :-) I''ll definitely be using that!
 
Hi Octoberbride!

I''m actually going to get married at Bali in August!!! So if you''ve some more questions, feel free to ask. We''ve been to Bali a couple of times before, once in August 2002, just before the bombing. I do think there''s no reason to feel afraid now. Just as IG said, chance of getting struck by lightning is higher.
Indonsia has the largest Muslim communities of all countries, but the Bali community is mostly Hindoe. People here are lovely, very relaxed and you will have a great time.

Bout the hotel choice in Ubud, I would definitely pick the one from GHM hotels. We''re actually getting married in the other GHM hotel the Legian (not to be mistaken with hotel Legian Beach at Kuta). This hotel is in Seminyak, one of the ''newest'', most upcoming villages of Bali right now. Lots of new restuarants and stuff. They do have a combined package with the Ubud hotel, so maybe you can do a combination of both these hotels.
Our friends and family are going to stay at the Sofitel Seminyak, cause of the high prices of the Legian hotel.

Bout immunizations, we had to get hepatitis A shots, plus DKTP (cocktail shot). This ito s all depending on any prior shots you had and your age. Malaria pills are not necessary. But again, of course you would always have to check with your own physician.

Things to do: go to some artist villages like Celuk (famous for its gold and silver) and visit some dance performance like the kecak dance (monkey dance). Some people love Tanah Lot, some don''t, so check it out for yourself. Most large hotels will do some ''Indonesian night'' with a rijsttafel (Dutch word, translates to rice table) and a 30 head gamelan orchestra. Rijsttafel is originated from leftovers, which were served the next day. Nowadays it stands for a lot of different dishes (from 10-25 different dishes) served with rice or nasi (fried rice). Really nice and you can try a lot of different tastes at once. These nights are somewhat tourist traps, but still nice to hang out at your hotel for a little while...
I love to walk at the rice fields (sawa''s) too! And don;t forget shopping! Negotiate about the price and you can get nice sandals for less than $5!
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You can also hire a car and drive around yourself (be prepared to bribe some police officers so you don''t receive ridicules fines haha)

All our family members will be flying Cathay as well, as far as I know, nothing wrong with that airline! Our honeymoon will be extended with some extra days Bali, afterwards we''ll go to Singapore, Hongkong, Seoul, Hanoi and finally beachy Thailand
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! I''ve never been to Hongkong before, but I''ll be planning at least 5 days here, cause we want to go to Macau and visit some surrounding islands as well.

Pffew, I apologise for this long post, so let me know if you want to know something specific!
 
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