Bali in 2011

[claassenam]

Wow! It has been a long time since I posted here. Nice to see some of the same contributors from years ago and I hope that you well-traveled folks can help me out. Several years and two kids after our last great adventure, my husband and I are ready for an adults-only vacation again. Our top choice is Bali, and Luxury Link seems to have some excellent packages there. Also helpful is the fact that we have enough miles to fly business class on Singapore Air - a dream of mine!

I have two questions: 1) Has anyone yet stayed at Hotel Tugu Bali? If so, what was your experience? We are eyeing it because it looks wonderful, is a great price, and the location in Canggu is excellent as my husband surfs and he could walk outside the hotel for surf. Somehow this has turned into a surf trip for him and it is strangely difficult to find a location with easy to access surf plus a very luxurious hotel (which is what I want!).

2) We will only have 7-8 nights in Bali total. Will we be completely missing out if we stay at the beach the entire time and don't spend any nights in Ubud? Although I realize it is a great cultural center, I have also heard that it has become quite overbuilt and touristy in recent years. Is it something we could see during a day trip from Canggu?

Any advice is much appreciated!

[kyshel]

We did Bali a few years ago and I have kept up all my resources handy since we're going back next year.
the beaches really are not the best in that part of the world--Lombok or Gilli Islands supposedly have much better. Bali is primarily volcanic and many sandy beach areas are overrun with vacationers from Oceania.
I would not miss Ubud and the luxe properties like Puri Wulandari villas and from experience, the Royal Pita Maha--truly outstanding place. I could spend my time at the "resort" river gorge, valley, hills and private pool, stellar service and access to sacred pools,, nearby temples and yes--that Monkey Forest is cool--beware--they love the shiny stuff and are not timid!!
The spas in Ubud are so varied but even the upscale open air ones are very inexpensive. Dance and music is so special--and food--OMG--Ibu Oka roast pig restaurant!!!
I think the better surf areas are far west (as in a few hours MAX) or north near Lovina. There is a place on the northt coast west of Amed--not a good choice for surf BTW
[email protected] and I believe they have some decent surfing there.
I have some references for expat/Bali travel websites if you want.
I personally could never spend that much time at a beach resort whne there are so many otehr incredible places to see inland.
I also have some driver recommendations but they are plentiful!! PS--if you want alcohol--bring it from the airport duty free (unless you like local beer)

[kyshel]

YAY!!! We got the Royal Pita Maha package again! 3 years and one day later; almost same price! Used a $500 GC last time, but price is down, so the $250 worked as well!

We're going back! This property has so much to offer. We missed the guided trek, so it's a must-do this time.

[kyshel]

Classenam--the Temple at Tanah Lot is about 20 minutes from Canggu. It's also accessible to Denpasar Market. I read about their cooking class at Tugu and it's highly rated by attendees. I like the idea of taking the "buggy" ride and I was also told to do tour of hotel and their artwork collection. We wasted a few hours at the main Aussie tourist area-it's a Godforsaken abomination of a beautiful country and the culture. Keep tabs on info at tripadvisor and mind the source...
We just got my husband's schedule for Oct and we are cleared to leave early and stay at Tugu for 4 nts!! Major YAY again.