I'm just starting to plan a trip. We've (my boyfriend and I) been to Thailand two times and decided we want to try Bali next. Where should we go? I know that's a blanket question, but to give you an idea:

We like adventure. ...
We live in Hawaii now, but still love the beach....
We are young and don't have loads of money...
We aren't backpackers, but don't need the Marriott either...
I'm a serious bargain shopper... but not a cheapskate.

Where would you tell a newbie to go?

Thanks!!!

P.S. We can go for about two weeks......

Staying Kuta would probably be your best bet.

Maybe staying at somewhere like The Bounty Hotel, aircon room with ensuite, daily maid service, swimming pool, etc. starting from US$65 per night includes buffet breakfast.

It is close to all the action eg shopping, beach, restaurants and night life.

Action stuff to do could include:

morning walk up Kintamani - Volcano;
water sports at Nusa Dua;
white water rafting;
Bali Bike Tour;
WaterBom Park;
Bungy and Slingshot.

Cheers,
Larry

As Larry has said, you cant go wrong with Kuta!

I wouldnt bother with the Bounty hotel though, the drinks are well over priced, they shut the pool and turn off the music at 10 pm and they wont let you drink your duty free booze by the pool.

Too many rules!

Dont tell any Balinese sellers or street touts your real name and say you will come back later as they will remember it and you for life.

Den

Depends very on what you want to see and do. . .
.
If you like hanging by the pool with drunk Aussie's, Kuta is your place. Party hearty every night, dance your brains out, lots of cheap trinkets and ****e in all the local shops. You will be harassed by street peddlers and hawkers (think Waikiki on steroids suffering a bad acid trip).

If you move inland a bit (Ubud), the pace is much more relaxed, there actually are fragments of the Balinese culture remaining. Beautiful rice paddies, very relaxing. Go West to the Amed area if you want to get away from it all (and go diving).

Get a copy of the Rough Guide, its just been updated


Cheers!

John N