Bali ports - help needed

[Jools789]

I am looking to visit a number of ports in Bali, but may have a limited amount of time at each location.

Can anyone suggest as to what are best places to go to/see in any of the Bali ports?

(Tour companies generally recommend staying in the old parts of port towns) but happy to read other suggestions and/or recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your help.

[burchan]

From the port of Benoa in Bali get a car with english speaking driver and let him take you to Ubud and other important sites but get back to port in plenty of time because of tendering. Expect to pay about $100 all up for a day. Inside port gates are company drivers and outside private drivers.
Please understand that drivers pay for hire of the car and pay for all the fuel so do not be to tight with money.

[woozlebear]

Originally Posted by burchan

From the port of Benoa in Bali get a car with english speaking driver and let him take you to Ubud and other important sites but get back to port in plenty of time because of tendering. Expect to pay about $100 all up for a day. Inside port gates are company drivers and outside private drivers.
Please understand that drivers pay for hire of the car and pay for all the fuel so do not be to tight with money.

In that case would you recommend company or private drivers?

regards
Susan

[John Bull]

Your ship is likely to visit either Benoa or Padang Bai. Padang Bai is a tender port, I don't know about Benoa.
You can pick up a taxi or van at the quayside, expect to pay around $50 for the day from Padang Bai, a little more from Benoa.
I appreciate what Burchan says, but that's actually where the bartering starts.

Worthwhile places to visit include:
- around Ubud, a series of craft villages (wood, stone, art, etc) & a monkey sanctuary where you can wander amongst the monkeys
- or the volcanic mountain & lake area of Kintamani . If you visit there, instead of stopping at the main restaurant where all the tour buses stop, get the driver to stop for a buffet lunch at around $10 at the terrace restaurant overlooking a gorge of paddyfields. The place has a couple of pet fruit bats hanging by the entrance - you can feed them, using a stick, the proprietor will help avoid losing your fingers
- Sempura is a worthwhile 30 min stop if you're in the Padang Bai area.
- There are many many ornate temples on Bali, your driver is likely to take you to two or three, be sure to have something to cover legs (guys and girls) and arms (girls), and a stash of small bills (USD is fine) as donations to the temples.
Your driver will have other suggestions too.
USD will be fine for everything you need.

Balinese people are very gentle, artistic & friendly, once you get away from the rather persistent hawkers at the jetty.

JB

[anandaindonesia]

If you have limited time, do as the previous poster advise : get a car with an English speaking driver (cum guide), he will know where to go to suit your time. Be firm not to let him waste your time in 'art shops' for his commission, unless you are really interested to buy something.

If you have time, do stays in Bali. So many things to see and to experience, some foreigners just forget to leave Bali, and stay there. You have been warned :-)

Just Google, TripAdvisor, or LonelyPlanet to find Bali attractions.

Selamat datang di Bali!

[trackies]

We just returned from Bali and used an excellent driver/guide. Bali Essential Tours operated by Kadek Poneil. We liked him so much we booked a second day with him. He will design a tour to meet your interests for example, we didn't really want to shop so we went to see Kintamani volcano and had lunch the second day overlooking rice terraces and a spectacular view of Mount Agung (also a volcano), I recommend going by the water palace - a truly delightful and magical spot. he will take you to less crowded temples if you ask and also tour you around some villages so you can have a look at rural living. Just let him know your interests and he will design the day to meet them. He is a completely congenial chap - laughs at any problems and is eager to give you a good experience. Cost us 50 US$ plus tip and any donations required for entry fees. He replies to emails and you can also call him on his cell. Cell: +6281805558534 email: kadek_poneil@yahoo.com

this review is based on a tour in September 2012. Have fun - we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

[happyglobetrotter]

I can also recommend Komang at www.bali-go-round.com

Excellent tours (he has 5 different options). Around $40-60 depending on the length of the tour and if it includes lunch or not.

Komang has lived in the States, his English is excellent and he understands the needs and preferences of the cruisers.