Staying at The Oberoi Lombok need advice for Gilli acco.

Hi! My wife and I plan to stay in the Oberoi Lombok for three nights beginning April. We would like to spend another three to four nights in a good hotel in any of the Gilli Islands, preferably in a quieter place.

Would any of you be able to advise us on the right hotel to choose?

M%26amp;M

Staying at The Oberoi Lombok need advice for Gilli acco.

the best hotel in gili air is giloi air hotel at the north of the island.

gili trawangan has a mixture of good hotels but it is noisy at night on the east coast and quieter on the north and west of the island. alam gili has been getting good raves but i haven%26#39;t stayed there.

though this isn%26#39;t your direction but another good hotel is the novotel in the south of lombok.

Staying at The Oberoi Lombok need advice for Gilli acco.

thanks mate! what about the Beachhouse? Its seems to be getting great reviews here in the forum? Is it too noisy?

Beach House is good and has a variety of rooms and also a few small villas with plunge pools - it also has a small general pool. It is though in the more crowded corner of the island and the beach is not so good there. I didn%26#39;t find it noisy, many rooms are back abit from the action and the AC blocks some noise also. Their restaurant does an excellent seafood BBQ in the evening. The island is small enough to explore during the day and hang out at a better beach up northern end.

Alam Gili is further north and is operated by the same Balinese family that owns other small places in Ubud and has always had a good reputation.

There are some pretty good small hotels in the smaller Gilis but you may find it a little toooo quiet. Suggest you book a Hotel on Gili T but at the quieter end. Its an easy walk to the restaurants and pubs. Yes, Beach house is nice but it does have a fair bit of human traffic as it is near the entrance of Villa Ombak.

For a little luxury, with a great beach and some quiet, I reccomend Villa Almarick.

Wow! thanks for all the great inputs guys. I%26#39;ll check up on both Alam Gili and Villa Almarick on Gili T and try and book the rooms on the net.

thanks again, really appreciate it.

as was said the beach house is in the noisy area. i haven%26#39;t stayed there but it looks good. people who stayed there said they didn%26#39;t hear the noise. maybe thicker walls.

here is some info on beach house:

www.beachhousegilit.com

beachhouse@elombok.net

62370642352

studio rooms us$35 322 500 r US$42 nett (440 000 r)

2 bedroom pool bungalow us$100 950 00 r US$ 121 nett

the last rooms mentioned looked good. there is no beach in front of the beach house at high tide. but there is a quiet long stretch of sand to the south 200m and to the north about 400 m. it also has a pool which is great because sometimes the water is full of stinging jellyfish

Just a thought, the Beach House have just opened some additional villas south of Beach House and should be a nicer beach - called Ko Ko Mo and the link is on their website, they would be a 5 - 10 minute stroll to alot of the main restaurants.

good for oily skin

A Good Massage

Hi im staying at the Febris next week, have heard they are really good at massages, what sort of price would i be looking at paying and do i bargain? Dont want to insult anybody but not sure if im expected to bargain..

Thank you Jan

Counting down now

A Good Massage

Most massage places and spas are set price. Many will have their price list displayed outside.

If it%26#39;s a massage on the beach or similar, make sure you know how much the local massage shops are selling theirs for and if they quote a higher price, then haggle.

We stay in Sanur and pay 50,000IDR for an hours, good, traditional massage. Different areas have slightly different prices, depending on tourist traffic etc.

eye makeup

Pool Bar @ the Besakih?

Does anyone know if the Besakih has a swim-up pool bar?

Pool Bar @ the Besakih?

bump....

Pool Bar @ the Besakih?

yes, its beachside

Thanks heaps

There was a swim up bar at Besakih, but it was not manned at anytime during our 5 day stay. It looked like it hadn%26#39;t been used for a long time.

we stayed there for a week and the pool bar was not in use.

Lovely hotel but the pool bar wasn%26#39;t open when we stayed. Was rather funny one day, one of the ';trainees'; was behind the ';swim up'; bar - we all got quite excited only to find he was just standing there, doing what, who knows! I%26#39;d stay there again cause the staff are excellent and the whole resort is small but very welcoming. We%26#39;re staying at the hotel next door next month and it does have a swim up bar (Griya Santrian).

Help with hotel choice Besakih, Inna Sindhu or La Taverna?

Hi

I can%26#39;t decide between Besakih beach resort, Inna Sindhu beach or La Taverna, any help from people who have stayed at any of these hotels, or viewed them would be much appreciated.

Nat

Help with hotel choice Besakih, Inna Sindhu or La Taverna?

Besakih has a smashing beachfront pool, but when I walked through the grounds, it just seemed to be some 2 storey blocks, nothing that special. Haven%26#39;t stayed there.

I%26#39;ve stayed in La Taverna twice, in the standard and superior garden rooms. They are very basic but have a certain scruffy charm. No TV, you%26#39;re lucky to get a mirror in the room, bathrooms are clean but feel old. But, when you get past that, it%26#39;s a good hotel; lovely manicured grounds, nice pool, friendly staff, nice food, distinctly Balinese feel to the architecture, and an excellent location. Beach outfront is always well maintained, clean, modern comfortably sunbeds, and no hassle from the hawkers until you leave that bit of the beach. Very security conscious hotel too.

Help with hotel choice Besakih, Inna Sindhu or La Taverna?

The Inna Sindhu Beach is an older, motel style lowrise building without much character and I don%26#39;t think it has a pool. Its on a side road at the northern end of the beach.

La Taverna has just redone the front of the hotel and they were working on the beachside restaurant last week and it looks great. Everything looks new and shiny! Lots of new sunbeds on the beach. A few photos here.

鈥ebshots.com/photo/2386201480013752363hNASna

Besakih was also working on the front of the hotel last week, new fence and landscaping taking place.

hi i have just returned from staying at the besakih hotel and absolutely loved it. the pool was beautiful and staff amazing with a hearty complimentary breakfast. the best location in my opinion and the grounds are beautiful!! i know where i would stay-Besakih all the way

I must agree with Franipanigirl about the Inna Sindhu. It is operated by the Indonesian Government and is empty for about 90% of the year and then completely over run with Indonesian Government officials for the other 10%.

This is sad because it has a wonderful beachfront location, a large grassed area at the front and with a small bit of work could be turned into a great hotel.

I walk past it at least twice a week and wonder about the under-use of this wonderful location. From the front of this hotel you can see Mount Agung, Lembongan Island and sometimes across to Lombok however the place is mostly forlorn and deserted.

Thank%26#39;s guy%26#39;s, you are all fantastic to get back to me so soon. I have been doing my head in trying to find a nice place to stay on Sanur beach.(within my budget)

I think I will stay at La Taverna for my holiday in June with my mum.(first holiday away without the kid%26#39;s) Then I will be returning to bali with my family at Christmas, and I think I will choose the Besakih for the great pool scene, %26amp; I think the kid%26#39;s will enjoy the pet cat%26#39;s, dog%26#39;s and turtles that they have there also.

Thanks for your great imput.

Cheers

Natalie

Glass frames

Going to Bali and KL and wonder what the frames are like for glasses in either Nusa Dua, Sanur and Kuta Want to buy a selection and get prescription filled. I know prices will vary but are they cheaper and do they have a modern range to choose from than home in Australia. Appreciate any info.

Glass frames

if you do a search on the forum you buying prescription glasses in bali you will be able to read many previous posts (some recent) regarding buying glasses in bali. you will also see names and addresses of where to shop. generally they are quite a bit cheaper than here in oz. i have not bothered to try KL only bali and phuket for glasses and what i purchased was a lot cheaper. the quality is A1

Glass frames

I went to a couple of optical shops in Centro.Designer frames eg..Dior,Guess Armani etc etc.all at around the $300AUD mark.That was for multi focals,with my own script.Multis do take a full week to be made though,so order early.(just bought a pair of Guess Multis in Melbourne ....$950...grr.

Thanks for your response...my quote in Aussie for one pair of glasses was close to $900 which is ridiculous in comparison.

yes prices are very high in australia compared to bali. do get to the optometrists early to order your glasses as a lot of lenses are not in stock and take 5 day minimum to complete your order. i have had some single vision lenses made within 45 minutes while i shopped just depends on what you are after.

Borobudur day trip from Nusa Dua

I am considering staying in Nusa Dua in July and would like to see Borobudur if possible. Are there day trips from the major hotels in Nusa Dua (i.e. Club Med) for a day trip and how much would it cost? Is it worth the trouble to see it in 1 day from Nusa Dua? I%26#39;m assuming it would include a flight to and from Borobudur. Thanks for any helpful information.

Borobudur day trip from Nusa Dua

I suppose it is possible to have a day trip to Borobudur from Nusa Dua (Bali). Mind you it will involve two flights of about 1 hour and fifteen minutes each way. You will have to incorporate the time it takes for the land transport. E.g.: I checked Garuda schedule as follows:

- Denpasar (Bali) 12:10 pm - Yogyakarta (Borobudur) 12:20 pm (there is a time difference between Bali and Yogyakarta).

- Yogyakarta 7.20 pm - Denpasar 9.35 pm.

- This will allow you about 5 hours in Yogyakarta, which I think is sufficient to see Borobudur.

- You can contact the major hotels to engage you with reliable tour providers who will be able to arrange this trip for you. Unfortunately I don%26#39;t know what the cost is.

- I checked the ticket cost it is approximately $200.

Yogyakarta is an amazing tourist destination by itself, personally I would provide more than a day there myself. If you have more time in Indonesia, I suggest that you stay for a couple of nights there to see the palaces, the other big temples (Prambanan), etc.

Happy traveling!

Borobudur day trip from Nusa Dua

Last time we were in Bali, we did a day trip to Yogyakarta, arranged through a travel agent in Sanur.

It included transfers from the hotel %26amp; back, flights, guide and driver for the day.

We flew early morning and returned home late, about 10 or 11 hours there.

It cost us 拢215 for both of us, September 2007.

Borobudur is stunning, one of the most amazing places I%26#39;ve ever seen, but you should also visit Prambanan:

yogyes.com/en/鈥?/a>

If you%26#39;ve got the time, I%26#39;d do it as a 2 day trip.

But if you%26#39;re tight on time, I%26#39;d say it was worth doing for the day.

I suppose you could do it, but its a wasted opportunity.

The best way to see Bobodudur is to visit at sunrise, and watch the sun rise over Merapi. Its stunning.

An overnight at the Amanjiwo is perfect. Keep in mind the Amanjiwo is quite expensive, but perhaps one of the best resort hotels in the world.

Amanjiwo just raised its price to USD 1000 a night. Yikes!!!

If you are staying overnight for the sunrise, there%26#39;s the Manohara Hotel which is in the grounds of the Borobodur.You will be able to see the sunrise and visit Borobodur before the hordes of tourist get there. And yes, it will be a pity if you just breeze through Jogja.

The Prambanan temple is well worth the time and again, a pity if you miss it.

Thanks to everyone who responded. This is very helpful in deciding and planning my itin. It also has confirmed my desire to see Borobudur and now I%26#39;ll investigate Prambanan. Thanks again.

All of your responses have helped me decide to change my itinerary to stay for 2 or 3 nights in Yogyakarta to see Borobudur and Prambanan and other sites. Let me know if anyone knows of a good guide or tour company to see these sites from a hotel in Yogyakarta. Thanks again!

WSJ reporter Patrick Barta filed a report today on Bodobudur which includes some low cost accommodation alternatives suggestions.

鈥sj.com/article/SB123723865832847043.html鈥?/a>

I would cross check his suggestions against TA reviews -- sometimes the reporters don%26#39;t actually use the places they suggest.

emo hair

4 Days 3 Nights in Jakarta and need help

Hellow fellow VTers,

I will be leaving for Jakarta on 5th Feb with my wife. Expected to arrive in CGK around 12pm

Now i got 2 choices for hotel. which one is better based on my planned agenda below?

1. Millennium Sirih

2. Ibis Tamarin

Agenda:

1. sightseeing

2. massage %26amp; spa

3. shopping (a must when going with the wife)

4. live concert - indonesian band like dewa, so7, etc (hardrock maybe?)

5. any other recommended activities?

Based on my planned agenda, can you guys please advise what, where and when to go?

Regards,

Matt

4 Days 3 Nights in Jakarta and need help

Hello,

some world to illustrate the hotel:

1. Millennium Sirih: 4star, standard sized room, furniture never been upgraded, business hotel type.

2. Ibis Tamarin: solid 3 star, rooms are of Ibis size (a.k.a. small), popular with tourists.

Location wise, Ibis is more strategic (even though both hotel are only few hundred meters apart, but Millennium is located in less touristy area).

Based on your agenda, I can recommend something for you:

1. Sightseeing: what is your interest? Museums? For first timers, can go to Old Batavia (old town), seeing buildings from Dutch Colonial era, you can also visit National Monument, symbol of the city).

2. Most 5-star hotel have it. (beware, the spa at Millennium is infamous for certain type of client only). Good spa in the area is Taman Sari Spa at Jalan Wahid Hasyim.

3. Shopping: which one? Cheap stuff shopping at wholesale price? Then go to Tanah Abang (9-storey full of fashion stuff from textiles, clothes, shoes, bags, Muslim wear etc) If you feel to shop at upscale place like Suria KLCC, then go to Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia, all branded goods are there. Hard Rock also located at Plaza Indonesia complex.

4. currently no upcoming live concert is scheduled. You can catch them on TV though. Hard Rock and other cafes do have resident band playing, but they%26#39;re not those famous bands.

5. Other activities: what really you want to try? Something that makes your adrenaline rush? Something cultural? Please give us more hints...

4 Days 3 Nights in Jakarta and need help

cirque,

you never failed to give brilliant replies! i have been a followe to this forum but never post anything.

to give you some hints...

1. sightseeing - i am not into museums.. i admire buildings, scenery and culture.

2. massage %26amp; spa - i dont care if millenium hotel appeals to certain type only as long as they dont make any advance on me. But i would appreciate if you can give me some ideas where are the recommended spas and massage parlors. and also, which spa should i avoid - i mean the ones that offer hanky panky stuffs... can you please give some indication what%26#39;s the price like?

3. shopping - tanah abang is a must. do they accept credit cards or prefer cash? i dont like to bring a lot of cash. Upscale ones are ok if there us a significant price difference compared to KL

4. live concert - any other venues that has dewa concert between 5 - 7 february? I really wanna see those guys in live!!!

5. recommended activities - culture, something new that they dont have it in KL... i am open for anything basically. I basically would like to do %26#39;things that without it my Jakarta trip is not complete%26#39;.

6. I got Ibis for MYR420, and millenium sireh for MYR840. I dont mind the difference if it is really recommended to stay in millennium. However, if it is not worthy, i dont mind staying at ibis tamarin either... so i need your expert advise.

Cheers...

Matt

Hello matt,

First of all, the price for the hotel you get, Ibis for RM400 something and Millennium RM800 something, izzit for the whole stay or just one night?

I recalled that Ibis%26#39; prices are within RM200 per night only for standard room. Izzit for 2 days? If you got budget up to RM800, I would highly recommend to check out other 4-star hotel that is better (location wise and service-wise) than Millennium. Just few meters from Ibis, there is Pan Pacific Jakarta, also 4 star.

Again, to answer you question:

1. Sightseeing: you can go to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah where it showcases traditional houses from all provinces in Indonesia. It%26#39;s like miniAsean in Melaka or Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching. You can go inside each house and if you%26#39;re lucky, you can see dances and stuff. Join a tour where you%26#39;ll be picked up from the hotel. (GrayLine, MAS%26#39; Golden Holiday, or Air Asia Go Holiday all have the tour)

2. Taman Sari spa is good, as well as other spa at well-established hotel. At the place like this, 60mins massage will cost approx Rp350,000-Rp400,000

3. If you%26#39;re adventurous, from Ibis/Pan Pacific, you can go to Tanah Abang by taking bajaj (something like tuk tuk in Thailand), the distance is quite short. Oh, you can also shop for souvenirs at Sarinah Department Store, next door from Ibis and Pacific. It has wide range of souvenirs from all over Indonesia. Branded goods (except local made) are more expensive as import tax for these goods are very high in Indonesia.

4. I can%26#39;t get any info about Dewa, maybe you can check out Jakarta event listing on the web.

5. At FX Lifestyle Mall, you can take slide that will bring you down from 4th storey to ground floor of the mall. http://fx-generation.com/icon.php

Oh one more thing about shopping, not every shop at Tanah Abang accept credit card. So it%26#39;s always convenient to bring some cash when you go to places like this. At shopping malls, most shops do accept major credit card.

However, at big shopping malls, money changer is now a major feature, besides ATM center. (and the exchange rates are pretty good too!).

For shopping, you can also take your wife to Pasar Baru, a street lined with shoes and textile shops. The shoes here are mostly local made. Nearby, there is the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, Istiqlal Mosque.

cirque,

I got that package for 4 days and 3 nights.

Pan Pac will cost me MYR400 per nite... any idea of an excellent website with excellent rate to book from?

Wow... your findings is quite a bargain... I usually buy through travel agent or for the case of some international hotel chain, directly through their website (especially the one with tag %26#39;best rates guarantee%26#39;).

Through Agoda, I also find good deal for The Sultan (ex Hilton). They give rates USD68 per night (without tax). It%26#39;s 5star property located slightly to the southern Jakarta with big gardens. Many shopping malls nearby, approx 15-20mins to Tanah Abang.

Cirque,

Yes, i thought the rates are quite a bargain too...

So, between ibis and millennium, which one do you advise?

Matt

hi

in my opinion, if u don%26#39;t mind with Ibis room size, I will go with Ibis Tamarin. Millenium is not really in the middle of the ';happening crowd'; at night and the surrounding is more quiet at night. While Ibis like cirque explained is basically have more food and shopping options

If your choice is down to Ibis or Millennium, I would go for Ibis.

Location wise, the area around Ibis is more happening. You still can wander around at night and it%26#39;s still lively. Besides, it%26#39;s easy to get everywhere from Ibis.

thanks cirque and verdim!

The reason i chose ibis and millennium is because i read somewhere in this forum that these two are the best for my budget. But I am still open to any other areas... so, please advise! my budget is around MYR 200-250 per nite. Goals: Eat, shop, massage %26amp; spa, seightseeing.

Many thanks!

Matt