| J Hook |
29 January 2004 |
Stayed at Qunci Villas - Lombok, Indonesia.
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There is not much to do on Lombok, hence removing the need to charged around and do anything at all! This makes the island laid back and relaxing. However check the transfers from Bali to Lombok carefully. I ended up on the night ferry (or nightmare ferry), which takes and incredible 5 hours to journey 35km! To be avoided!
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| W Poerner' |
29 January 2004 |
Stayed at Taman Harum Cottages - Bali, Indonesia.
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In Ubud you should visit the Neka Museum which shows many great paintings from Balinese and other Indonesian artists. Bargaining is a must: reasonable price is maximum 20 % of first quote!
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| W Crewe |
27 January 2004 |
Stayed at Balihai Resort and Spa - Bali, Indonesia.
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The only downside is the location of Bali Hai as it's not too near Kuta itself or other restaurants and shops (although there are some just outside). However, taxi prices are so low - it's only about $1.50 to Kuta - that it's not a big problem. If you want to eat out, there's a range of restaurants along the main Tuban road to Kuta (Jalan Kartika Plaza). We had an excellent Indonesian meal at the Bali Terazo there as well as reasonable meals at other restaurants in that area. Made's Warung in Jalan Pantai Kuta is famous - deservedly so - and serves excellent local food at reasonable prices, too.
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| I Karim |
24 January 2004 |
Stayed at Novotel Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
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Yogjakarta is a great city, cleanest compared to Bandung, Medan and Jakarta. Borobudur while interesting is overhyped. Nothing compared to Angkor Wat. Needs better facilities and knowledgeable guides. Kraton was worth the visit as it displayed the lifestyle of the Sultans. The temples at Dieng are nothing to look at, not restored and just mounds of stones left, no written history. Same at Prambanan.
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| J Brownjohn |
21 January 2004 |
Stayed at Melia Bali Villas and Spa Resort - Bali, Indonesia.
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Third time in Bali and still surprisingly charming, despite the hyped-touristy image. Worth another visit, exploring with a hire car and staying away from the big three resorts we've already done.
Telumban dive site is worth a visit but 3 hours drive(!) from southern resorts. As an alternate to the volcano I recommend Bedugul.
To my surprise and despite I enjoyed the freelance entertainers at Jimbaran; grilled fish also pretty good.
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| P Bhattacharyya |
21 January 2004 |
Stayed at Park Lane Jakarta, The - Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Best way to get to the hotel is to call them to book a bluebird cab on arrival from the airport at fixed all-incl rate of Rp 120,000 and do the same thing on your way back.
The Indian food at Ganesha Bar & Restaurant on the BRI-II is superb, they also have traditional dances with music to make your dinner enjoyable.
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| G Pigott |
06 January 2004 |
Stayed at Hard Rock Hotel Bali - Bali, Indonesia.
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Kuta is fun and tawdry-if you want to go shopping, go clubbing and hang out on the beach or by the pool, it seems fine. Not exactly an inspiring destination however but may be a nice pit stop before, during or after other travels; or if you are not too adventurous and just want to hang out without breaking the bank.
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| K Coyle |
29 December 2003 |
Stayed at Atlet Century Park Hotel - Jakarta, Indonesia.
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I made the mistake of not using the Silver Bird counter on arrival at the airport and used another taxi counter instead. This turned out to be more expensive and while the driver spoke excellent English the car was rather tatty. Best to use the Silver Bird desk when exiting the arrivals hall or find the Silver Bird queue outside. Avoid the touts at all costs.
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| J Moyer |
26 December 2003 |
Stayed at Novotel Coralia Benoa Bali - Bali, Indonesia.
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Places we visited: went to the monkeys forest in Ubud. The kids loved it of course, Mom had a good time shopping. We also did a wild water rafting day. Great fun for all. We have a 6 year old who was just fine with it. Snorkeling was not the greatest because the weather was bad. We visited the restaurants outside of the hotel a few nights and had great meals.
Went to the Galleria by shuttle from the hotel, it was o.k. but because I have lived in the area I did not think it was the best shopping ever. If you are visiting from abroad, it is the place to go.
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| W Chen |
23 December 2003 |
Stayed at Ibis Malioboro Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
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Tour in the morning!! Less people, cooler.
I used a private car for Borobudur, and then got to Prambanan by myself. You don't save much going by yourself but it definitely is more of an adventure. The bus station in the South of town is a pit - very dirty and garbage everywhere. Get out as fast as possible.
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Indonesia travel tales 
