Private car/driver Nautica, Sydney to Bangkok 2010

[lovetocruise16]

Am in need of recommendations for private car and driver for independent tours in Bali and Semarang. We are on the Nautica, Feb.8, 2010, cruise from Sydney to Bangkok. Has anyone firsthand knowledge of some responsible agencies for us to book? We have our own agenda, so do not wish the standard tours. Also, has anyone taken a private car to Borobodur? The Nautica does not seem to have that listed on their shore excursions, but rather goes to a lesser temple complex called Gedong Songo. With the grueling Indonesian traffic, is there enough time to make it to Borobudur, spend an hour or two, have lunch, and return to the ship before the 5 pm sailing? Perhaps that's why the excursion is not being offered, although pictures on the Oceania site show the temples of Borobudur and imply you can visit it. We have done web searches for independent tours in these locations, but CC has given us great contacts in the past, so would prefer CC recommendations. Thanks!

[willmschen]

We did this cruise last year, and used janstours for both ports. We shared a large comfortable van with another couple. The guides in both places were excellent. We did the trip to Borobudur. Got there and saw most of the temple before the ship's buses showed up. Then we stopped at a beautiful coffee plantation/resort for coffee on the way back. I highly recommend the company.

I would suggest you talk to the tour company about timing because you are in port 1 hour less than we were. Also, we docked at Semarang. If you anchor, it will probbly take you longer to get started. I hope it works out for you. Borobudur is breathtaking.

[Colorado Kids]

We are on the SIN-SYD cruise this December. The Semarang stop is 8AM-8PM, so Oceania is offering a tour to Borobudur. They say it is approximately 9 hours, and costs $199. Maybe your cruise does not offer a long enough stop.

[coldinreno]

Originally Posted by lovetocruise16

Am in need of recommendations for private car and driver for independent tours in Bali and Semarang. We are on the Nautica, Feb.8, 2010, cruise from Sydney to Bangkok. Has anyone firsthand knowledge of some responsible agencies for us to book? We have our own agenda, so do not wish the standard tours. Also, has anyone taken a private car to Borobodur? The Nautica does not seem to have that listed on their shore excursions, but rather goes to a lesser temple complex called Gedong Songo. With the grueling Indonesian traffic, is there enough time to make it to Borobudur, spend an hour or two, have lunch, and return to the ship before the 5 pm sailing? Perhaps that's why the excursion is not being offered, although pictures on the Oceania site show the temples of Borobudur and imply you can visit it. We have done web searches for independent tours in these locations, but CC has given us great contacts in the past, so would prefer CC recommendations. Thanks!

We did this cruise early 2009. In Bali we spent the entire day with a driver we found dockside. Unlike many others waiting for potential customers Mr Wenten was non aggressive waiting in the back of the pack. It is our standard practice to find our own driver on arrival, negotiate a deal by the hour & spend whatever time it takes to see & do the things we are interested in. We have successfully accomplished this all over the world without major problems.
Mr Wenton had a small minibus, he has been doing this for many years & went out of his way to accommodate our every wish. What started as a 3 hour guarantee by us ended at about 7 hours, we saw more than most of the ship tours put together. I kept the card of Mr Wenten, it reads,
I Made Wenton, S. Cell 6281 353 007 885 or 62 363 41785. The minibus was not new but it had good air conditioning. After a little negotiation we paid him $20 per hour then added a good tip at the end.

[coynets]

Originally Posted by lovetocruise16

Am in need of recommendations for private car and driver for independent tours in Bali and Semarang. We are on the Nautica, Feb.8, 2010, cruise from Sydney to Bangkok. Has anyone firsthand knowledge of some responsible agencies for us to book? We have our own agenda, so do not wish the standard tours. Also, has anyone taken a private car to Borobodur? The Nautica does not seem to have that listed on their shore excursions, but rather goes to a lesser temple complex called Gedong Songo. With the grueling Indonesian traffic, is there enough time to make it to Borobudur, spend an hour or two, have lunch, and return to the ship before the 5 pm sailing? Perhaps that's why the excursion is not being offered, although pictures on the Oceania site show the temples of Borobudur and imply you can visit it. We have done web searches for independent tours in these locations, but CC has given us great contacts in the past, so would prefer CC recommendations. Thanks!

Hi,

My husband and I arranged to have a private driver and tour guide recommended on Trip Advisor to see these sights in Bali:

Ubud: Royal Palace and Pura Saraswat in Ubud
Tagallang Rice Terraces (stop for photos)
Gunung Batur (view of volcano for photos)
Batuan Temple
Tanah Lot

Our Bali driver will pick us up at the peir. He can take 2 other people if anyone is interested.

Please note that we are not big shoppers.

Marianne