<p>We are planning an empty nest binge… Vacation in Bali…</p>
<p>Any inputs?</p>
<p>We were there many years ago and absolutely loved it. Got so horribly sun burned the first day that we ended up renting a jeep and exploring the interior rather than hanging out on the beach. Back then it was very unspoiled once you got away from the beach areas. It was over 20 years ago so it may have changed since then.</p>
<p>We also very much enjoyed Thailand.</p>
<p>You are advised by the State Department not to vacation in Thailand because of the unsettling of military coop and political uprising.</p>
<p>If it’s a decadent trip, look at the Aman hotel. Pure bliss.</p>
<p>Bali is in Indonesia, not Thailand. My neighbor is from Indonesia and a year ago went to Bali with her entire family for a reunion. They had a great time. My friends stayed at a vegetarian resort in the mountains first (that resort offered massages every day very inexpensively) and then had the family reunion at a resort at the beach. They had a car with a driver. My friend said that is a must.</p>
<p>Here is a link to info about traveler’s warning about rabies in Bali, however;
[Rabies</a> outbreak in Bali | PRI’s The World](<a href=“http://www.theworld.org/2010/10/14/rabies-outbreak-in-bali/]Rabies”>http://www.theworld.org/2010/10/14/rabies-outbreak-in-bali/)</p>
<p>Can I just say how jealous I am that you are planning this trip??</p>
<p>I’ve been to Bali twice, once with two young children, 5 and 9. It’s a lovely place, full of beautiful carvings and Hindu offerings of flowers and incense a few times a day. Artloversplus, you will certainly enjoy the local art, which is most interesting when it imitates art from other areas, while adding a Balinese touch. Visit the Monkey Forest and feed the monkeys – just don’t let them onto your shoulder and into your hair; I had one rooted there once, a mean one, who had to be bribed with a banana to leave.</p>
<p>Labor is cheap. You don’t need to have a car and driver on call at all times; just wander out front and there will be taxis waiting to take you anywhere, for as long as you’d like. Haggle for a decent day price; it’s expected.</p>
<p>Prices are highly stratified. You may find it worth it to spend $300 a night for some luxury hotel with marble floors and over-the-top details. But you CAN get 80-90% of the charm at places running $25-$75 a night, with cottages set in beautiful gardens. Taxis for the day can cost you twice as much if located in front of a 5-star hotel. If you can take a walk down the street to another cheaper local, you’ll save plenty for the same service.</p>
<p>Avoid the shops that look like they would fit into any large suburban mall – they will charge you several times what other places charge tourists. Usually each item has some ridiculous price tag, best suited for high-end US locations, and they’ll offer you 50% off eventually, maybe 60%. Don’t be fooled: you’ll do much better by having your driver stop at any interesting but less fancy location along the way as you tour. You can still buy hand-made trinkets like earrings for a buck or two, nice wood carvings for $5-$10 and hand-painted T-shirts for about the same. I bought an oil painting, about 8x10 in size, showing Balinese mythology, in some little shop for under $25.</p>
<p>As far as Thailand goes, if you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to go. I was in Thailand once DURING a coup; it was apparently all over the news here at home, but I didn’t hear a thing or see anything unusual while I was in Thailand. Americans too often forget that they live in one of the world’s most dangerous countries per capita; we know enough to not go wandering aimlessly into tough inner-city neighborhoods where most crime takes place. By the same token, unless you’re drawn to watching political conflict up close, the activities which make the international news do not take place in those areas frequented by farangs (foreigners).</p>
<p>If only I could do more than dream … (Bali Hai is calling)</p>
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<p>Do you realize that Bali is not in Thailand? In fact, Bali, Indonesia and Bangkok Thailand are approx. 1400 miles apart.</p>
<p>Sorry if I made the wrong impression. I was merely comment on swimcat’s remark on Thailand post. we have been thinking of Bali for 10 years, of course I know it is in Indonesia…</p>
<p>^^ Thanks @Lore
Your experiences are very helpful, so is everyone here who have made comments.</p>
<p>Anyone else?</p>
<p>^^^^No, my bad. I didn’t notice you were replying to a prior post.</p>