How to Get the Best Deals on a Bali Accommodation

 

When the wonders of Bali call, some might shy away in fear that a trip to this legendary island destination will cost them more than they can afford. Whilst there is no denying this is a luxurious destination fit for jetsetters and royalty, there is no reason to believe the bank has to be broken to enjoy the wonders in style. When a few tricks of the trade are employed, holidaymakers can enjoy an ideal Bali accommodation even on a veritable shoestring budget.

The key to enjoying the best prices on a Bali holiday is to turn to the Internet for assistance. Here holidaymakers will discover companies that specialise in helping others make their Bali dreams come true. Whether a planned stay will take place in Lombok, Kuta, Ubud or another locale all together, a reputable booking web site can help travellers ensure they get the best possible pricing on not only Bali hotels, but also tours, destinations and more.

So, how can holidaymakers be certain they've found a good site to book a Bali accommodation and extras through?

These things will help the best travel sites stand out:

* Specialty - Bali isn't an average destination. With this in mind, it does pay off to work with travel booking sites that actually specialise in this Indonesian destination and its accommodations and attractions.

* Accommodation variety - Bali has some incredible hotels to choose from and the best travel facilitators should offer a variety of them. Bali hotels, however, are not the only choices in accommodations. The best sites will also give holidaymakers access to Bali villas, resorts and apartments. The pricing offered should cover a wide spectrum of ranges, as well. It does not have to cost a fortune to make a Bali vacation dream become reality.

* Availability of tours - Getting to Bali and having a place to stay doesn't ensure that holidaymakers will be able to take in the island's splendours. Tour packages, however, open the doors on regional landmarks. From Kintamani volcano tours to a full-day tour of the Besakih Mother Temple, the sites and wonders of Bali should also be made readily available at reasonable prices.

* Packages - Bali packages give holidaymakers an incredible way to stretch their money and make sure they still take in all the sites they desire to see. Packages can vary greatly in their actual inclusions, but should at least provide visitors with a Bali accommodation and a major tour or two to enjoy.

* Customer service - Beyond an wide selection of Bali hotels and tours, the best travel sites specialising in Bali will stand out based on the customer service they provide. To judge this, look for secured online transactions and actual contact names and numbers to facilitate holiday plans.

A vacation to the island paradise of Bali is a luxury, but it doesn't mean holidaymakers have to pay like it is. When a good travel web site is used to help plan and book a Bali accommodation, a dream vacation can be enjoyed that falls well within budget.

A Guide to Bali Villa Rates

The ultimate holiday destination can be truly justified by the beautiful island of Bali. It is located in Indonesia and is one of the wealthiest regions of the country owing to its huge tourist attraction feature that sees an influx of foreign visitors into the island all throughout the year. To facilitate the stay of these numerous tourists, the hospitality industry has been on a constant bloom. Just like any other famous and popular holiday destination, Bali Island also provides vast options for accommodations of the tourists. The most famous among them are vacation villas, boutique hotels and resorts. Most tourists appreciate privacy and a lot of space and this is fulfilled by the concept of villas. Unlike hotels which has limitations on space and other amenities is to be shared by all the occupants, villas have an added advantage of being generously spacious and gives a home like feel.

When it comes to rentals, villas again win the race, because they offer more for less. More being the space and facilities and less being the money. The current rental rates for high end villas range from US$280 to US$2000 per night during the normal season. The rates may be applicable per bedroom or per person as well. Most villas charge US$ 120 to US$ 400 per bedroom and US$ 60 to US$ 200 per person. The charges may vary according to the location of the villa, its size, number of bedrooms and the amenities and facilities provided. These amenities and facilities include, a beautiful tropical garden, a private swimming pool, professional trained house-keeping staff consisting of private butler, Balinese housemaids and houseboys, gardeners, security guards and drivers.

The rental rates normally include charges for the cook, maid, houseboys, gardener, security guards, laundry charges, electricity, gas, water, taxes, high-speed internet access and an air conditioned car with driver and free gasoline. What may include as an additional expense would be costs of purchasing your favorite drinks and snacks and the ingredients for the meals that you order your cooks to prepare and finally telephone and fax charges. Hence, as compared to your regular luxury hotels that charges you for the things that villas don't, you tend to save up to US$ 40 to US $ 80 per person per day.

Unlike hotels, you also are entitled to free or almost at negligible costs massages and spa treatments, depending on the package you opt for. You are pampered and made to feel at ease from the moment you exit the airport until the time you complete your vacation and head back home. All the villa staff wears uniforms and name tags for you to easily identify them, and they perform all the routine work for you like cleaning the villa, washing dishes, changing linen and towels, handling your laundry and so on. Villas also arrange tour guides for your excursions and supply commutations like car, boat, helicopter, sea plane or even a horseback. They can also provide you with a tennis coach, a game of golf and arrange diving, fishing and sailing trips at your demand. Private Balinese dance and other traditional programs are also conducted.

Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali

Some people say that Bali is overrated, too touristy, and not worth a visit, while some say it is one of the best experiences in their travels in Indonesia. I guess it all depends on how you want to enjoy Bali. With so many places of interest and beautiful beaches, Bali will definitely still delight you.

Regardless, as time has passed, and places may have grown, Bali is still what it is. If you can look past the many tourists, especially during the peak season and enjoy instead of the many attractions dotted around catered explicitly for tourists, you might fall in love with Bali.

Bali deserves the attention it is still getting, and our top 10 must-visit places list is enough to show why you should not give Bali a miss!

Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur

Uluwatu Temple, a truly must-visit in Bali, is also known as Pura Luhur. Imagine a large rugged limestone cliff with a temple perched on it; to add to its dramatic grandeur it is like a scene from Cliffhanger. It is situated in Bukit Peninsula, which houses Bali’s few best beaches like Balangan, Padang-Padang and Nyang-Nyang as well as many good surfing spots. The temple itself is a majestic structure; constructed and expanded many times since the 11th century. It is perched on a steep cliff of 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. If you go on even higher grounds, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view on either side and sunset over Uluwatu temple itself.

Pura Tanah Lot

Another majestic rock formation lies as a foundation of a popular pilgrimage temple, known as Pura Tanah Lot. It is most popular for its serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with the Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. A travel tip is to visit the place during the low tide so that you can “walk across the water” to the temple for the full experience.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is another must visit temple in Bali, , this one is serenely resting at the edge of Lake Bratan unlike the rest that are perching on rocky cliffs. Imagine a beautifully structured temple with its image reflected on the clear lake doubling its beauty.

Dolphin sightings at Lovina

Another thing to see in Bali is the dolphins! Lovina is one of the best places in Bali to go on a dolphin sightseeing boat trip. You will leave the beach at dawn. Yes it may be quite crowded with other tourists trying to do the same especially during peak season, it is especially worth it when you find a school of dolphins happily jumping out of the sea. Lovina itself also offers many other attractions, activities and even boasts some backpacker scenes where you can chill out in cafes with live music.

Ubud

Yes, despite that one might be trying to escape the “eat, pray, love” trail, Ubud is one place you cannot miss in your visit. It is the heart of Bali, where all the action, people and energy are focused. Ubud is packed with the best of Bali: nature, culture, people, temples, museums, rolling rice fields/paddy fields, human-made gardens, and parks. You may take a bike tour, enroll in a cooking class, do adventure activities like whitewater rafting and abseiling, relax with yoga/meditation, get pampered spa sessions, immerse in the arts and theatres, and last but not least, the shopping. As you see, Ubud has a little bit of everything for the discerning traveler.

Party at Kuta Beach

Kuta is the most popular beach in Bali, which means you can be sure to find life and party scene here. Head here if you are looking to socialize, party and have a good time. You can be sure to find a range of places for different atmosphere and budget, ranging from Hard Rock Cafe to your neighborhood cafe and pub.

Ayana bar on rocks

We had two temples on the cliff, and now we get to drink off a bar perched on yet another cliff at Ayana bar resort * in Bali. This bar is known as the best bar in Bali, with long lines of people trying to get in on a daily basis to have a drink or some bites while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. The bites at this incredibly popular bar are surprisingly good. Imagine the combination of drinking, chilling and dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea stretching behind you to infinity while you watch white water crashing onto the side of the wall creates a spectacular natural show. If you decide which is the one bar you must go to in Bali, Ayana bar on the rocks is the place. You may get special access to the bar as a guest of Ayana Resort and Spa or RIMBA Jimbaran by Ayana *.

Private luxury at Nusa Dua beach

If you have a bit more of a budget to spare, splurge at Nusa Dua beach, where it is dotted with high-end hotels and resorts. You will be rewarded with private pristine beaches for you to slowly soak in the sun and the sea. Nusa Dua is also ideal for couples on honeymoon in Bali or people looking for a private and relaxing getaway.

Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani

Up in a highland in East of Bali, there lies Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani. A climb to the summit (1700 meters) of this active volcano is a great experience for any active travelers and surely a place of interest not to be missed. Many would do the sunrise hike for an ultimate experience, starting from as early as 4 am to reach in time for the 6 am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy, and the treks are quite well marked. From the peak of the mountain, there are views in all directions to sweep you off your feet, not literally, of course.

Coffee plantation at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism

An almost zen place for you to sit back and really appreciate your cup of coffee while An almost zen place for you to sit back and really appreciate your cup of coffee while overlooking the coffee plantation as far as the eye can see. Here you are served with various coffee and tea for tasting. You can also see the process of how the famous and expensive Kopi Luwak is made and get up close to the the civet cats themselves. If you are a coffee lover, do check this place out for the ultimate coffee experience.

So you have it, ten reasons to visit Bali and these are just the highlights. Now you know the reason behind Bali’s popularity, so maybe people can be right sometimes. Come over with an open heart and open arms, a huge ounce of patience and tolerance for the crowd, close an eye to all the touristy things glaring at you and enjoy yourself here. If all else fail, you can always jump on the next available fast boat and escape to Gili Islands or its rival Lombok!