Indonesia Travel Forum

Coming to Bali in Feb/09-seen in my travel book that it rains a lot in Feb; does it rain all day-any suntanning possible? still worth coming? (I hope so!)Thanks for your response-Darla

My girlfriend and I are going to be arriving in Bali on May 26 and departing May30 and I was hoping someone might be able to help us out with your suggestions for what to do on the island while wew are there. I have been to bali before and really love it but Kelly has not. Just having a hard time deciding what to do with only a few days. Really want to show her as much of the beauty of Bali as possible.

We are not concerned with night life or clubs/partying. We really like immersion in nature and culture. We would like to experience a little of both in Bali. I was planning on basing out of Ubud and taking trips from there. We would like to see some rice terraced areas, some jungle and a little coast. (not too concerned w/ beach time as we should get plenty at the resort) I Definitely want to go to a really good kecak dance as well as some other(poss barong or legong?) dance.

Friends have suggested trips to ulu watu/bingen, tana lot and amed as possibilities. Not sure if these would be best as day trips or w/ overnight stays. Also considered a trip to a volcano or lake as well as tirta ganga/ujung area? I know that Bali is small but not sure of the driving times from Ubud to the north south east or west.

We would really appreciate any input you have on what to do as well as hotel suggestions. I am in the process of finding a driver as well so let me know if you have any referrals for that.

As far as hotels we would like to get the most bang possible for our buck. Would like to be in the $50-100 range but if there are some incredible places that would be a little more we would consider them. Preferably quiet spots w/ beautiful views of rice terraces or jungle. All in all, we probably won't spend much time at the hotel/bungalow so we aren't planning to go overboard, but a beautiful setting is always nice.

Thanks for any input you have. Hope to hear from you soon. Namaste,

Julian and Kelly

I plan to visit Yogjarkarta. I already email local tour agency for tour itinery and prices. Unfortunately, no reply from them. Plan to stay there for 4D/3N include stay 1 nite at Borobudur park, the rest of days be staying at hotel in Maliboro city. Does anyone could recommend tour guide/driver/tour agency? Thanks

I am looking towards visiting Lake Toba for a week with my family in June. But how is Lake Toba as a tourist destination. I heard so many good stories about the beauty and serenity of Lake Toba. But that was probably 10 or 15 years ago. I did ask some of my well-travelled friends and none have visited Lake Toba before and had never considered going there.

When I check on the net, most postings are in 2006 or earlier. The photos look good but the comments on Lake Toba is mixed. Most of the travellers were back packers.I'm still wondering whether Lake Toba is a good destination for families.

Appreciate if I can get some feedbacks on the current stateof Lake Toba. Thanks.

I'll be travelling to Java Island 1st June until 7th June.
Would appreciate if anyone can advise me on where and how to visit a market, a hign school a music school and one or two famous volcanos.
I'll be travelling to Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta or if time permits, Solo.
And also budget and backpackers hotel in these places.

for those who've been to bali, which resorts can you recommend? we're planning on taking a trip in the next month or so, and while we've already short listed several hotels/resorts, i'd appreciate it if you guys can give your feedback.

our short list includes:

bali niksoma boutique resort
rama candidasa resort and spa
waka gangga boutique resort
waka shorea boutique resort

thanks! :)

What are the must go places in Bali? Any recommendation?

I'm having some problems with Lion Air's website, and I've noted some discrepancies: namely that some places on the site they mention flying to/fr HCMC, but that route isn't included on their route map.

I will probably have to figure out how to contact the airline, since several attempts at using the site have ended in frustration, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if anyone knows if Lion flies from HCMC to either Jakarta or Bali.

Any other comments on the airline appreciated.

Thanks!

hi
we have three days to spend around the surabaya region. various VT posts indicate that surabaya is a huge port city and may not merit a three day stay. we have threfore considered malang/batu or probolinggo as extensions. could travelling with a baby prove challenging travelling to probo.

how much could taxi fare cost to probolinggo?

we have received some extremely useful suggestions from some members (harish e.g) but would like to cover mt bromo if possible.

all ideas welcome.
musaphir

hi

i am planning to stay at the katrika graha malang.this hotel claims to be the biggest entertainment centre in malang. is anyone aware of the kind of entertainment facilities available at this property e.g. is is this family entertainment or a karaoke type which might be noise pollutive. how is this property in terms of location - connectivity to the shopping areas and retaurants etc.

is malang (city centre) spread over an expansive area or it could be explored on foot.

what are the similar budget alternatives.
musaphir

I hope if anybody can help to answer my questions as below:

is it possible to fly to Bali and then go to Yogyakarta and Jakarta before fly off Indonesia from Jakarta? I wish not to use flight. May i know how long the traveling period should take and most properly the cost? how many days should i spend for the whole trip? TQ!

im looking for long term, chip accomodation in makassar, starting around october 15th. small house or guest house can b ok....

Me and a couple of friends will be going to Medan on July this year but we haven't book any hotel room. Any recommendation for safe, and good hotel room for less than USD 35 per night?

Thanks;

Hello all
I'm looking for apartment at Denpasar or near about 5 weeks but cheaper .
Thanks for your help .
AL

Dear fellow travelers,

I am going to Bali soon and i am staying in Kuta area. My question:

1) What is the best way to catch sunset at Tanah Lot? mode of transport? it is adviseable to take package tour? how many hours i should be there?
2) Where can i get 'Kecak Dance' and "barong' performance nowadays?

Help!

Whats the best way to get to Krakatau from Jakarta? and has anyone been there? Whats your experience?

I am planning on traveling to Indonesia early June - end of August/early Sept 2008. I am looking for anybody who are planning to travel/be in the area of Medan, Banda Aceh, Flores, Mt. Bromo - so I can synchronize my plan to meet up & travel the particular region together.

hi
we write the enquire about possible accommodation options in malang. what we need is safe, clean accomodation, airconditioned with ensuite bathroom, centrally located.

suggestions solicited please.
regards
musaphir

hi
musaphir would like to know the options for transfer from surabaya airport to malang as malang has been indicated to be a better place to stay.

there will be a baby travelling with two elderly adults.

would train or bus transfer be possible and what are the schedules and costs for these modes of transfer.
regards
musaphir

Hello everyone,
I will fly to Solo on 29th May. From there, will proceed str8 to Yogya as I booked a hotel there. I just need to know, what is the train station nearest to the Solo Airport and Malioboro St. How far are they from the two places? I will reach Solo on Thursday at about 9 a.m. So, are there many trains available to Yogya? How about the crowd at that time?
Thanking all responses in advance.

Xander

hi everybody.i have posted this question in the world forum but with only one reply. so here goes,what is the situation regarding the stray dogs in bali?i have read the relevant internet articles and apparently the issues seem to be being adressed.i am thinking of going there next year but would hate to get there and to see any animal neglect.
i am really interested in seeing and experiencing the culture in bali.
i look forward to your replies.
thankyou and happy travels, laney

Dear all,
I am going to Java Island on 1st June 2008. I'll be there for a week ,leaving on 7th June via Jakarta. My plan is to travel to Bandung from Jakarta. Then take a train from Bandung to either Solo or Jogjakarta. Then return to Jakarta for a flight back to Malaysia.
Would appreciate if someone can advise me on:

1. Places to visit in Jakarta, Banding, Solo and Jogjakarta
2. Cheap hotel or preferably homestay where I can taste the Indonesian way of life.
3. Cheap mode of transport from these towns.
Thank you

Hi guys!

I'm planning a trip to Indonesia next July and I'm wondering if will be easy buy tickets (example, Bali-Yogyakarta) once in the Airport? I'm trying to buy them in advance but seems that the airlines in Indonesia do not offer the option to buy online. Could anybody help me?

Thanks!

hey there!!
i'm going off to Bandung nx month, a trip with my bestfriend. I know it's gonna be awesome.

I'm just wondering on accomodations there.

1) Am looking for a 3-star hotel/budget hotel and easy to email on booking/ website to check on.
2) What is the usual room rate there?

I'm so excited.
Please help. Thanks.

Hi,

I'm starting a six month trip toSsouth East Asia on October. I'm planning on spending Christmas in Pulau Samosir. Do I need to book accomodation beforehand or can I just turn on on Christmas Eve??? Don't want to spend Christmas Day sleeping on the beach!!!!! Any recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks

Sue

Hiya every1 out there...I'm planning a trip to Indonesia from 25 May-5 Jun...should be in Yogyakarta & Bali...would appreciate if any1 can give some advice. ^^

Many thanks & best regards!

Sylviaaa ^^

Is there any nice but affordable villa in Jimbaran and Kuta area. was thinking about Ahimsa beach Jimbaran but it's new so can't find any comments on internet. My budget is around USD400-500 a night.

Hi everyone

We are staying in Legian and would like to attend a cooking class for the day. Any recommendations?

Regards... Princi62

I only have 9 days to spare for the travel and I had bought my tickets. Need some opinion on my plan.

Here's my plan:
Day 1: Travel Kuala Lumpur - Bandung (ETA 1000 hrs)/ Tour city
Day 2: Outskirt Bandung (including Tangkuban Parahu)
Day 3: Bandung - Jogja by train / visit Borubudur
Day 4: Tour city / Prambanan / Travel Jogja - Solo
Day 5: Tour city / Candi Ceto & Sukuh
Day 6: Travel Solo - Surabaya by train
Day 7: Surabaya - Cemoro Lawang
Day 8: Mount Penanjakan view of Mount Bromo / Return to Surabaya
Day 9: Tour city / Return flight to KL (ETD 1500 hrs)

Here are my questions:
(1) Does the abv seems about right?
(2) How long is the train ride from Bandung - Jogja? Solo - Surabaya?
(3) How long will the journey takes from Surabaya - Cemoro Lawang?
(4) Is there any other place that I catch gamelan performance in Jogja & Solo, other than the kratons?

Cheers,
Liz

Can traveler get the VoA at Yogyakarta airport ? I know Bali/Jakarta/Subaraya has this service ? Thanks.