More Problems in Bali

[rugbypopsie]

More bad news for the Balinese today...just when everything was back to normal..5 people (suspected terriorists)shot dead in the tourist areas of Kuta and Sanur. They were suspected of planning a terror operation this Thursday during the Hindu New Year celebrations.

 

Stand by for announcements from the cruise lines re the port call. They will cancel if there is any perceived danger to passengers.

 

Sue

[K-Roo-Zers]

Hi Sue,

 

Thanks for posting. We visited Sanur five days ago and had a wonderful time.

 

Glad to hear no visitors were in any danger.

 

All going well on Sea Princess, and are looking forward to visiting Hong Kong, the day after tomorrow. Enjoying the humid weather prior to arriving in Shanghai and Pusan.

 

Nicki

[Sutho]

Arcadia is due there tomorrow.

 

I visited Bali as part of the 2002 Aurora World Cruise. Everywhere we went we had a police escort that held up traffic for our coaches to get right of way all around the island. Visited kehen Temple, Mas Village, Kintamani Volcano. The tour was excellent and an eye opener. It is certainly not the type of place I would pay to go and stay at for any amout of time and was only a stop of opportunity from the cruise.

[rugbypopsie]

I spent two weeks in Bali last August after visiting on our Diamond Princess cruise. I enjoyed it very much and would not be overly concerned about visiting again. Although I would pay attention to warnings issued by our Government. Once you get out of the total tourist traps its beautiful and the people friendly.

 

I am very sad that the Balinese people have again had this evil scourge of terrorism placing their livlihoods in danger. They told me that things were very very difficult for the ordinary people following the Bali bombings.

 

Sue

[ceejay3377]

We too visited Bali on a cruise in January. Up until that point, I wasn't that keen on a holiday there. I thought it was over rated. But after visiting I added it to my growing list of places I wanted to explore further - particularly Ubud and the inner part of the island. In fact, last week I bought our return air tickets for a one week winter escape to Bali. We are going in the July school hols. I'm not too worried though, I don't think it will be any more or less dangerous than it normally is. To be honest, I think I will be more worried about crossing the Balinese roads or catching a taxi than terrorism!!:D.

 

On the upside, maybe accommodation prices might take a short term fall? I haven't booked the accommodation yet. As a side question, to those who have been to Bali ... What do my fellow CCers recommend, Seminyak or Benoa? I am currently tossing up between the MGallery in Seminyak or the Novotel in Benoa (I am a silver Accor member, so I get free breakfast, half price meals and drink discounts at these hotels).

 

Cheers

[silverwillow]

Awful! The Balinese are such lovely people. We have a wee winter land cruise booked for the July school holidays also. I do wonder if this will be our last visit though. I am just leaning towards cruising more and all the warnings are there for a reason. :(

[rugbypopsie]

I like staying in the private villas they are absolutely beautiful...we were 5 and rented a 4 bed 3 bathroom villa owned by an Australian in Kuta...despite being 5mins walk from the centre of everything...it was quiet and beautiful in a complex with 24 hour security on the gate....then we spent a week in Ubud which was lovely.

 

I had time share available to me but a hotel is pretty much a hotel...having a car and driver available to us through the vila was a bonus plus the manager who organised everything even laundry..pure luxury for less than the cost at a hotel.

 

 

Sue

[resordanis]

We too visited Bali on a cruise in January. Up until that point, I wasn't that keen on a holiday there. I thought it was over rated. But after visiting I added it to my growing list of places I wanted to explore further - particularly Ubud and the inner part of the island. In fact, last week I bought our return air tickets for a one week winter escape to Bali. We are going in the July school hols. I'm not too worried though, I don't think it will be any more or less dangerous than it normally is. To be honest, I think I will be more worried about crossing the Balinese roads or catching a taxi than terrorism!!:D.

 

On the upside, maybe accommodation prices might take a short term fall? I haven't booked the accommodation yet. As a side question, to those who have been to Bali ... What do my fellow CCers recommend, Seminyak or Benoa? I am currently tossing up between the MGallery in Seminyak or the Novotel in Benoa (I am a silver Accor member, so I get free breakfast, half price meals and drink discounts at these hotels).

 

Cheers

Having been to Bali 9 times (excluding cruises) I would say if that is your 2 choices I would go to the Novotel. I have stayed there twice but not for some time. I am not a fan of Seminyak and prefer Nusa Dua myself, but Tanjung Benoa is also quite nice. Candi Dasa is where we like to go, but it is a long way away and very quiet.

I don't think we will go again. Bali has really changed and not necessarily for the best unfortunately! Cruising is the way of travel for us at the moment, but certainly enjoy you time in Bali.

I have been there as I said, many times. I was there just after the 1st bombing and we were the only guests in the hotel, but I have always felt safe for some reason.

[johndon]

One consolation from this latest incident is that the security forces were on to the "terrorists" before they perpetrated whatever they were planning to do. This would give me confidence to visit Bali knowing the authorities are on their game and obviously have good intelligence on any threats and are able to eliminate any potential threats.

It is still not to say that all threats will be headed off at the pass but it is comforting to know that a top effort is being done to counter any threats.

 

John

[Debsta]

Here here Johndon!

[Sutho]

It looks like Arcadia made it there today.

 

When I went it was before the terrorism and I was never worried about terrorism or problems. The shore excursion was excellent and the visit opportunistic based on a larger cruise itinerary. It just did not appeal to me as a place I would go back to or enjoy.

 

I am yet to find out if my Grandparents got off when they did Radiance around Australia. They are due back on Saturday. I told them an excursion would be well worth it but not to bother going off on their own as they would not see anything that an organised tour could show.

 

When I visited there we went to Kehen Temple, Mas Village, some Barong Dance at a local village and lunch overlooking Kintamani Volcano. The tour was finished with a shopping stop before tendering back to the ship. When I go on holidays that is the type of thing that appeals to me. I do not go on holidays for bars, pubs or heavy drinking and only have those sorts of memories. I know too many Australians only go there for a yobbo type booze week of non stop partying which they can easily do at home. Thats not my idea of overseas travel. I would rather explore the place and see what is there rather than just go and get drunk. I think the above deters allot of would be tourists to the place as like it or not it is stereotypically labelled as a booze holiday.

[rugbypopsie]

When I was there all I saw most of all were families ejoying a tropical holiday.

I dont frequent bars or night clubs so if there was any "yobbo" behaviour going on it wasn't obvious to me. I think the best way to see it on a very short visit is by hiring a private car and driver and doing your research about what you would like to see while there.

 

I hope things settle down and it is still seen as a safe destination.

 

Sue

[ceejay3377]

Having been to Bali 9 times (excluding cruises) I would say if that is your 2 choices I would go to the Novotel. I have stayed there twice but not for some time. I am not a fan of Seminyak and prefer Nusa Dua myself, but Tanjung Benoa is also quite nice. Candi Dasa is where we like to go, but it is a long way away and very quiet.

I don't think we will go again. Bali has really changed and not necessarily for the best unfortunately! Cruising is the way of travel for us at the moment, but certainly enjoy you time in Bali.

I have been there as I said, many times. I was there just after the 1st bombing and we were the only guests in the hotel, but I have always felt safe for some reason.

 

Thanks resordanis et al for the feedback. My husband was adamant that we had to have a quick mid year holiday to somewhere warm, and after doing the sums, Bali turns out to be cheaper than Far North Queensland, once you include the costs of food, drinks and daily activities - especially during school holidays. It had to be cheap, because I still want to do a b2b on the Oosterdam in January, the prices haven't come down yet, (although I am still hoping they will) and my numbers having come up either (and I am still hoping they will!:D)

 

(Btw, rugbypopsie, I am also "this close" to booking myself on the Dawn Princess quickie in May - might see you on board?)

 

Cheers,

[silverwillow]

I also go to enjoy the relaxation and the weather I have never been night clubbing in Bali and I have easily avoided yobbo behaviour.

[resordanis]

Thanks resordanis et al for the feedback. My husband was adamant that we had to have a quick mid year holiday to somewhere warm, and after doing the sums, Bali turns out to be cheaper than Far North Queensland, once you include the costs of food, drinks and daily activities - especially during school holidays. It had to be cheap, because I still want to do a b2b on the Oosterdam in January, the prices haven't come down yet, (although I am still hoping they will) and my numbers having come up either (and I am still hoping they will!:D)

 

(Btw, rugbypopsie, I am also "this close" to booking myself on the Dawn Princess quickie in May - might see you on board?)

 

Cheers,

Hi again,

I think you are going to Bali for all the right reasons. Yes, it is a quick trip, and yes, it can be a cheap holiday. We eat local street type food, and have never had any problems. I have always felt safe, but we do avoid large groups or crowds and are certainly not nightclub people, in fact, stay away from Kuta after dark. Tanjung Benoa (where the Novotel is) is a lot quieter than Seminyak and should be fine.

I think travelling to Bali is just like any other place in the world today. You have to be aware, that some people do not live like us, do not think like us and the world is certainly not as safe as it once was. I think

aware of what is going on around you, you would be okay.

I agree with you about FNQ. My son lives in Cairns so we travel there regularly. Eating and accommodation is very expensive!

As much as we love Australia, and would love to holiday here more, it can be expensive (for us anyway) so that is why we love Asia!

[rugbypopsie]

Thanks resordanis et al for the feedback. My husband was adamant that we had to have a quick mid year holiday to somewhere warm, and after doing the sums, Bali turns out to be cheaper than Far North Queensland, once you include the costs of food, drinks and daily activities - especially during school holidays. It had to be cheap, because I still want to do a b2b on the Oosterdam in January, the prices haven't come down yet, (although I am still hoping they will) and my numbers having come up either (and I am still hoping they will!:D)

 

(Btw, rugbypopsie, I am also "this close" to booking myself on the Dawn Princess quickie in May - might see you on board?)

 

Cheers,

 

Just do it!!!! See you onboard..other friends have booked today too.

 

Sue

[fishtaco]

Arcadia is due there tomorrow.

 

I visited Bali as part of the 2002 Aurora World Cruise. Everywhere we went we had a police escort that held up traffic for our coaches to get right of way all around the island. Visited kehen Temple, Mas Village, Kintamani Volcano. The tour was excellent and an eye opener. It is certainly not the type of place I would pay to go and stay at for any amout of time and was only a stop of opportunity from the cruise.

 

You have to be kidding, Bali is a great place to holiday,we have been going since the 80s.

 

The escort you got was because the tour companies who provide the buses also have interests in higer places;)

 

Its a bit of corrupt society In Indonesia sometimes and money talks to all regardless of position.

 

The Indonesian cruise tour buses get police escorts or you would never get back to the ship because of the horrendous traffic.

 

They had the same police escorts on the tours in Lomboks flowers of Asia cruises because the mayor or head owned all the tour buses used by P&O.

 

 

Den

[fishtaco]

We too visited Bali on a cruise in January. Up until that point, I wasn't that keen on a holiday there. I thought it was over rated. But after visiting I added it to my growing list of places I wanted to explore further - particularly Ubud and the inner part of the island. In fact, last week I bought our return air tickets for a one week winter escape to Bali. We are going in the July school hols. I'm not too worried though, I don't think it will be any more or less dangerous than it normally is. To be honest, I think I will be more worried about crossing the Balinese roads or catching a taxi than terrorism!!:D.

 

On the upside, maybe accommodation prices might take a short term fall? I haven't booked the accommodation yet. As a side question, to those who have been to Bali ... What do my fellow CCers recommend, Seminyak or Benoa? I am currently tossing up between the MGallery in Seminyak or the Novotel in Benoa (I am a silver Accor member, so I get free breakfast, half price meals and drink discounts at these hotels).

 

Cheers

 

 

Seminyak!

 

Take a few days out on Lembongan Island,its only a short boat trip and fantastic after all the day trippers have left and headed back to the mainland island.

 

Bali, Cheap as Chips,Its as cheap for food/drinks etc. as it was in the 80,s,my first trip i got less than 4000IDR for a Dollar now is 9000IDR:)

 

Den

[Kiwi Kruzer]

I was checking out Bali and came across this reference to a new cruise terminal in Bali. All news to me.

Has anyone heard anything about this project?

Where is Tanah Ampo?

It would make a huge difference if ships could dock in Bali.

Is this a real project for Indonesia , or just wishful thinking?

It would be a superb destination for cruises from Australia if it does come off.

Tanah Ampo to serve as main cruise ship terminal in Bali

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/07/tanah-ampo-serve-main-cruise-ship-terminal-bali.html

 

Cruise ship docking bay ‘vital to boosting tourist numbers’

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/12/13/cruise-ship-docking-bay-‘vital-boosting-tourist-numbers’.html

 

Tanah Ampo still lacks cruise docking facilities

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/23/tanah-ampo-still-lacks-cruise-docking-facilities.html

 

 

 

[Debsta]

I was checking out Bali and came across this reference to a new cruise terminal in Bali. All news to me.

Has anyone heard anything about this project?

Where is Tanah Ampo?

It would make a huge difference if ships could dock in Bali.

Is this a real project for Indonesia , or just wishful thinking?

It would be a superb destination for cruises from Australia if it does come off.

Tanah Ampo to serve as main cruise ship terminal in Bali

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/07/tanah-ampo-serve-main-cruise-ship-terminal-bali.html

 

Cruise ship docking bay ‘vital to boosting tourist numbers’

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/12/13/cruise-ship-docking-bay-‘vital-boosting-tourist-numbers’.html

 

Tanah Ampo still lacks cruise docking facilities

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/23/tanah-ampo-still-lacks-cruise-docking-facilities.html

 

 

 

 

They started it a while back..............it's on Bali time.............it should have been completed by now.............however, there are been hiccups. I can't find the links at the moment

[Debsta]

LOL they've moved it again. Now it's going to be in East Bali. This new cruise terminal has been moved so many times. Gotta love the Indonesians! It may get finished by 2020 :p

 

I hope they fix up the road infrastructure to transport people around! Long way from anything in East Bali!

[ceejay3377]

I was checking out Bali and came across this reference to a new cruise terminal in Bali. All news to me.

Has anyone heard anything about this project?

Where is Tanah Ampo?

It would make a huge difference if ships could dock in Bali.

Is this a real project for Indonesia , or just wishful thinking?

It would be a superb destination for cruises from Australia if it does come off.

Tanah Ampo to serve as main cruise ship terminal in Bali

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/07/tanah-ampo-serve-main-cruise-ship-terminal-bali.html

 

Cruise ship docking bay ‘vital to boosting tourist numbers’

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/12/13/cruise-ship-docking-bay-‘vital-boosting-tourist-numbers’.html

 

Tanah Ampo still lacks cruise docking facilities

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/23/tanah-ampo-still-lacks-cruise-docking-facilities.html

 

 

 

 

We stopped at Tanah Ampo in January on our Zaandam Cruise. It is a 10 minute taxi ride from Padang Bai. The dock is "finished", but as I understand it, it is too small for most ships, and by the looks of it too shallow. The Zaandam isn't huge, just a mid sized ship, but we had to tender.

 

We also had to wait to get off as the first few tenders were full of crew, suitcases, packages and gifts! But no complaints:), I thought it was great that HAL put their staff first and allowed them a full day visiting family. They also hosted hundreds of family members who came aboard and got a tour of the ship and had lunch with their family.

 

Here is a photo taken from the tender area looking towards the facilities...

 

 

Cheers,

[redcentre]

Seminyak before Benoa every time. Beach access often difficult in Benoa due to motorized sports etc. And Seminyak has Ku De Ta and La Luciola and the Legian. No contest!

[rugbypopsie]

Not to mention the traffic around Benoa is a disaster! Interesting that they allowed crews families to visit onboard I am sure that will not be a regular thing.

 

Sue

[Aus Traveller]

We stopped at Tanah Ampo in January on our Zaandam Cruise. It is a 10 minute taxi ride from Padang Bai. The dock is "finished", but as I understand it, it is too small for most ships, and by the looks of it too shallow. The Zaandam isn't huge, just a mid sized ship, but we had to tender.

 

We also had to wait to get off as the first few tenders were full of crew, suitcases, packages and gifts! But no complaints:), I thought it was great that HAL put their staff first and allowed them a full day visiting family. They also hosted hundreds of family members who came aboard and got a tour of the ship and had lunch with their family.

 

Here is a photo taken from the tender area looking towards the facilities...

 

 

Cheers,

We have called into this 'port' on the Sun Princess. It was a very difficult port and after that Princess have reverted to Benoa. The water is too shallow for cruise ships to anchor so we had to go ashore by tender to a floating pontoon from where a steep ramp led up to this beautiful jetty. Unfortunately the ramp broke at the start of the day and Princess staff tried to repair it. Eventually after a long delay, disembarkation re-commenced but it was incredibly slow as Princess staff had to manually support the ramp and only one person at a time could be on it. At the end of the day we waited around 90 minutes in the queue because it was even slower for people to walk down the ramp then it had been to walk up. It was very hot but Princess staff handed out cold towels and water. Later in the afternoon when the tour buses returned, people waited up to two and a half hours to enter the tenders. Even though a storm came over while people were waiting, from what I heard people understood that the Princess crew were doing everything they could.

 

Regarding crew getting off with suitcases, I suggest these people would have finished their contract and were returning home. This has happened when we have called into Bali or Indian ports. Its great that HAL allowed family members to come on board to visit.