My wife and I are planning our first trip to Asia. Several of our friends have said that we'd love Indonesia. We enjoy the "Carribian all-inclusives", but are looking for something new.

Our budget is pretty flexable, by that I mean if it cost a little more to stay a night or two at a hotel near the airport then so be it, but I have been doing reserch on a few resorts that look like they are priced to good to be true. I understand Indonesia is very inexpencive, but some of the cottage type resorts seem incredable for the price can anyone fill me in on why the huge differences between places like the hyatt, and Tegal Sari, and Cendana $100 blows my mind.

We intend on saying for about 3 weeks, and moving around to see the country and staying in different places would be totally cool.

We don't like to go to far from where were staying this trip will be more about pampering and relaxing. Although there will be occasions were we'll want to venture out and see the sites. If you ventured out from your resort where would you go?

I'll keep reading on this site to educate my self, but any first hand personal experiances good or bad will be very appreciated. Oh and what should I expect the weather to be there at the end of Nov beggining of Dec.

Last thing... how should I book? Last minute? Way ahead of time? Can I barter for a better deal/cheaper rate?

Thanks for all the help in advance.

Depends on whether you want beach or mountains etc. We have stayed at Putri Santrian several times and it is fabulous. on the southern end of Sanur. I think it is classed as three star but it is certainly better than that. You can book directly from this site and it is cheaper than going through an agent.
For nice change of pace then go to Ubud, Tegal Sari is great and the duplex room with the spa downstairs is just amazing. Yes the prices are very cheap and, once again, cheaper through this site. If you can't get into these places (they book out early) then check the hotels The 2 Sues recemmended. I trust their judgement as I know them. In Ubud, if you're fit and are prepared to pay more then Tjampuhan has an amazing ambience. we have also stayed at hotel Sanur Beach. lovely but a bit too big and impersonal for me, and also Segara in Sanur which was good although I prefer the Southern end of Sanur as mentioned. To really enhance your experience can I urge you to take some clothes which no longer fit - especially kids clothes. You will find someone you would like to give them too and it leaves space in a suitcase to bring home some new things. It makes you feel fantastic and will really help someone.

I completely agree with Sharon about taking some clothes along to give to the children. I found Sanur Beach to be quite amazing, although it was a bit impersonal. The great thing about Indonesia is that you have a diverse setting to choose from.

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Bali is an island with the scenic beauty, and it is the main destination for pleasure tourists to Indonesia. Nasa Dua is the luxurious resort area, known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. Once in Bali, visit Ubud, the center of Balinese paintings. There are several art galleries and homes of famous artists there. The "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali. Indonesia outside Bali is another twelve islands with the natural beauty, adventure and exciting experience, like a jungle river cruise on the Mahakam river in Kalimantan (Borneo). It is well worth to visit.
If you don’t want to stay in one place and looking for the interesting adventurous trip, use one of the tour operators. I booked my trip to South Asia with Orient Flexi Pax, and they really made it happened for me.