Malaysia and Bali

[beerman2420]

We just returned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bali. Both packages were auctions on LL. Malaysia was a mystery auction package to stay at Carcosa Seri Negara. We stayed at Tugu Hotel in Bali. Both places were terrific in all areas from service to food and rooms. We got Carcosa Seri Negara at $600US for 5 nights, with transfers from airport,breakfast, afternoon tea and one dinner. When we got there, they upgraded usto their best suite priced at $500US. It also came with a butler 24/7. Tugu Hotel in Bali, was a 7 day auction that we won. Came with lots of extras, spa credits,transfers, breakfast, dropoff service to other cities. Also a special dinner and afternoon tea. We needed to have additional days because of our flight arrangements. Tugu charged us their minimal room rate for the 1 full extra day we need. Then cut that in half for the next day because we were not flying out till late the second day. The whole experience was fantastic and everything we were promised in our packages were delivered. No suprises. Thanks Luxury Link. Oh, by the way. The weather was great and what a beautiful part of the world.



beerman2420

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Beerman: Great update. So glad your LL packages worked smoothly. Did you coordinate your own transfers between the properties or did you have the properties coordinate? Was this your 1st visit to this region? The prices on your packages were amazing! Thanks for your assistance.

[beerman2420]

Hi Bonniejoy- We did our own transfer's between Malaysia and Bali. This was our first visit to these locations.

[Syrene-1]

Beerman,



Sounds wonderful! Please tell us more about your trip! I've never been to that part of the world and would love to hear more about what you did with your time there. Also, can you describe the differences between the three places that you visited.

Whatever you would like to share would be appreciated!



Thanks and congratulations on getting such an amazing deal!

[kyshel]

Beerman--I remember when you won that mystery auction--I was soooo jealous, but not ready to go to Asia yet. I recall seeing the KL hotel on Amazing Race.
SO, we're off to AKA resort in Thailand next month AND, if you don't mind--tell us [me actually] more about the trip--particularly Bali and Tugu Hotel and Ubud and everything you can think of, please!
Once we make the trip I know we'll get hooked and have to return at least once more. I'm hoping the Kupu Kupu Barong property in Ubud comes back at auction--I could kick myself for not buying it, but I just wasn't prepared to commit.
SO, when you get the time--spill!! Thanks a bunch!

[beerman2420]

Syrene,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was a beautiful modern city. Lots of the major oil companies do business there. Petronas Towers are quite a site to see. We did things like visit Batu Caves ( Hindu temple ), Royal Selangor an internationally known pewter factory. There is also an elephant sanctuary and a rainforest walk on canopies up in the trees. Lots of shopping.

Bali was very interesting in the fact that it had so many different types of beaches. Different parts of the island had your typical smooth white sand beaches. Then in other areas there were steep cliffs with small beaches. Then volcanic sand on others. The Indian Ocean is pretty rough, which means you see lots of surfers. There are lots of different temples to see. Interesting food and restaurants and your money goes far in Bali. We stayed outside of Densepar (airport) in the Canggu area. There are so many small towns you can visit. We did this on trips to Ubud (major city). You can rent a driver and guide for the whole day for $25-$30US. Lots of shopping in Bali and lots of people. Hiring a driver is a good idea, because the traffic is pretty crazy. The only down side of this whole trip was how far away it was for us. We live in Atlanta Ga. US and we had a direct flight to Seoul Korea (15 hrs) . Then its 6 hrs to KL, or 7hrs to Bali. Take care.

[beerman2420]

Kyshel,

As I stated in an earlier e-mail Tugu Hotel was terrific. The entire property is full of art work and anything that has to do with ancient Bali. It is right on the Indian Ocean. We had the second floor suite, which ment we had a view of the ocean and lots of surfers. The food was very good, but we stayed there for 9 days. So around the 5th day you were ready for other choices. The good news is there are a lot of other places to eat . The resort will drop you off and you get a taxi back. If we go again, we would split our time between Tugu and another place in Ubud. If you like golf there are a few really nice courses. We visited a monkey forest in Ubud, and there was so much shopping everywhere you go. High end or bargaining, whatever you like to do. I wish you a great and safe trip to Thailand. This was our second year in a row that we went to Asia. Last year we went to Thailand (Bangkok) and to Bhutan. As I told Syrene, the only down side for us was how far away that part of the world is for us. I think we will stay a little closer to home for awhile. Take care.

[claassenam]

Hi Beerman,

Your trip to Malaysia and Bali sounds great. How was the weather at this time of year? Also, I am so curious about the remarkable prices in Bali right now. Were there many other tourists around? I am definitely interested in a future trip to Bali/Indonesia and wondering how the tourist areas are doing right now, do you think that they are suffering at all from a lack of tourists due to terrorist concerns? The lowered prices and low number of tourists are actually a great appeal to me right now.




Message Edited by claassenam on 09-24-2007 05:02 PM

[beerman2420]

Hi Claassenam,

The weather was in the 80's and humid. You always had a breeze because of the ocean. Tugu Hotel was about 70% full while we were there. They only have around 22 suites. They were going to be full the week after we left. There are quite a few tourist's. Not a lot from North America. They told us they don't get a lot of US or Canadian, but the numbers have been down since the bombings. People in general also don't like to travel that long to get there.We met two other couples at Tugu who were US. We felt safe while we were there. They go out of there way to make you feel safe. There is a lot of security people everywhere you go or stay. They do stop cars going into the shopping centers and large resorts and do a security check. This is such a beautiful place in the world. Diffinitely worth the long trip. We were so glad we went. Take care.

[Syrene-1]

Wow. Thanks for your posts, Beerman. It really sounds great. I love going to places that are so completely different than the US. I love all the different sights, sounds, food and people. We also love to see animals in their natural habitats so this sounds perfect.

I just did a quick check on air - 22 hours from NY. And pretty expensive. I guess you spend more an air and less on everything else in this sort of trip. I will keep an eye out for a good package there.



Thanks again.