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* i am not an agency for these accomodations. do not ask me for bookings etc. please google them for reviews. and visit their website for bookings. you may contact www.lagunatrip.com for bookings.

Guest House/ Hostel / B&B

Bumina nie nie Guest House starts from $26
Alley Backpacker Hostel starts from $10
de’Tropis GH. starts from $24
Rumah Ebo GH. starts from $9
Cassadua GH. starts from $10
Rumah Asri GH. starts from $25
Rumah Tawa GH. starts from $18
Rumah Teras GH. starts from $22
Retaneta Homestay. starts from $26
Kusuma Residence
My Family Guest House
Puri Bernadi GH.
Gelanggang Generasi Muda (GGM). Jalan Merdeka no 64, just beside Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP) shopping centre. Rp 240K/night for a room for 5 people (2 double bed & 1 single bed, n bathroom), orRp 125K/night (double bed, TV, AC, n bathroom), and extra bed Rp25K/night. Tel : +62 -22-4203155, Fax: +62 -22-420975.
Neina GuestHouse. Jl. Cigadung Raya Tengah 63, Bandung. Telp : 022-2506569
Sewa Rumah Bandung. Rp270k/6persons. 150m dari PVJ. 0818 646 008 / 0813 2281 4824 / 022 9209 6599.
Cigadung Inn. Rp 400k-450k/5 persons. Jl. Cigadung Raya. 08112004418/08112004419.

Apartment

Grand Setiabudi Apt starts from $40

Grand Setiabudi starts from $42

Gallery Ciumbuleuit starts from $42

Hotels

Topas Galery Hotel starts from $53
Jl. Dr. Djundjungan No. 153, Bandung
Ph. 022-6042631 Fax. 022-6042632

Endah Parahyangan starts from $24
Jl. Raya Cibeureum 14
Ph. 022 – 6034934, Fax. 022 – 6034936

Guci Hotel
Jl. Pasar Kaliki No. 53-55
Phone: 022 – 6042380, Fax: 022 – 6015053

Perdana Wisata starts from $55
Jl. Jend. Sudirman POBox1666
Ph: 022 – 4238238, fax: 4232818

Royal Dago starts from $25
Jl. Ir. Juanda 169 – 156
Ph:(022) 2502200, 2504222 Fax:(022) 2500565

Sukajadi starts from $56
Jl. Sukajadi no. 176
Telp. (62-22) 2033-888, 2033-777 Fax. (62-22) 2034-020, 2033-729

Bilique Hotel
Jl. Sersan Bajuri 100
Phone: 022 – 2011330, Fax: 022 – 2004668

Hotel Geulis starts from $82

Grand Hotel Lembang starts from $36
Jl. Raya Lembang No.272 Lembang
Phone: 022-2786671, Fax: 022-2786829

Karang Setra starts from $52
Jl. Bungur No. 2, Sukajadi
Ph: +62-22-2031900 Fax: +62-22-2039424

Kedaton Hotel
Jl. Suniaraja , Bandung Telp. (62-22) Fax (62-22)

Mitra
Jl. W R Supratman No.98
Ph.022-7207245 Fax.022-7207245

Nalendra
Jl. Cihampelas No. 227 – 229
Ph. 022 – 2038703 Fax. 022 – 2033640

Panghegar starts from $76
Jl. Merdeka , Bandung
Telp. (62-22) 4232286 Fax (62-22) 4205554

Panorama Lembang
Jl. Raya Tangkuban Perahu
Ph.022-2786030 Fax.022-2786780

Patra Jasa Bandung
Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 132
Telp: +62 22 2502664 Fax: +62 22 2504995

Permata International Bandung (Permata Bidakara)
Jl. Lemahneundeut No. 7 Setrasari
Telp. (62-22) 2015730,2015731, 2011000
Fax. (62-22) 2015667

Putri Gunung Hotel starts from $70
Jl. Raya Tangkuban Perahu
Telp. (62-22) 2786450

Royal Merdeka
Jl. Merdeka No. 34, Bandung
Ph. (022) 4200555, 438235
Fax. (022) 4238210

Royal Palace
Jl. Lembong No.21 Bandung
Ph. (022) 4208372 – 6
Fax. (022) 4240376

Sari Ater starts from $50
Jl. Raya Ciater Subang
Phone: 0260 471700
Fax: 0260 470890

Augusta Hotel starts from $16

Villa

istanabungavillasandcottages starts from $160

* i am not an agency for these accomodations. do not ask me for bookings etc. please google them for reviews. and visit their website for bookings. you may contact www.lagunatrip.com for bookings.

Bed & Breakfast/ Guest House / Hostel

• Cemara 6. from $25/night. Menteng (recomended!!!)
• Bangka Bed & Breakfast. from $25/night. Bangka
• Wisma Tujuh. from $30/night. Salemba
• Josephine GH. from $35. IskandansyahKebayoran Baru.
• Kamar Kamar for backpackers. from $15. Fatmawati
• Blessing Residence. from $25. Karet Setiabudi
• Ri’Z GuestHouse. from $15. Tebet.
• Barkah. from $ 18. Tebet.
• Fontana. from $31. Tebet.
• SunnyDays. from $21. Karet Sudirman.
• Yannie International Guest House. from $20. Cikini Menteng.
• Tamara Guesthouse. from $35. Lebak Bulus.
• Jakarta B&B. from $25/person/night. Cilandak
• Kamboja GH. from $30. Radio Dalam.
• Borneo Hostel. from $7. Jaksa
• Hostel 35. from $10. (Jalan Kebon Sirih Barat i No. 35 (near Jaksa). tel 021 3920331
• Bagus. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat Dlm VI Central Jakarta
• Bloem Steen. from $4. Jl. Kebon Sirih Timur Dalam No. 174 Central Jakarta. Telp: (021) 323 002
• Bahtera. Jl. Kebon Sirih I No. 11 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 322-135
• Delima. Jl. Jaksa No. 32 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 392-3850
• Destania. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat IX/19 North Jakarta. Telp : (021) 391-5530
• Wisma Nely Murni. from $18.  Jl. Anggrek Nelly Murni A/9, Kemanggisan, Slipi, West Jakarta. Cell:+6281388718871 (Budi)
• Esha. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat X/4 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 390-2944
• Kebon Sirih. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat Gg. I No. 10 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 314-2526
• Lia. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat VIII No. 47 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 316-2708
• Norbek. Jl. Jaksa No. 14 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 330-392 / 392-1621
• Pendawa. Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat Dalam Gg. X No. 16 Central Jakarta. Telp : (021) 335-609
• GuestHouse Bunga-Bunga. Jl. Antara no 13-15, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta. Telp (021) 35832026
• also, check out the other accomodation in Jaksa

Two Star, rates starting from $25 a night:

• Hotel Le Margot. from $15. Jaksa
• Hotel Sofyan. from $30. Tebet&Cikini
• Hotel Cemara. from $ . Menteng
• Hotel Melawai. from $44. Blok M.
• Hotel Jatra. from $26. Bandengan Selatan West Jakarta.
• Hotel Alpine. from $35. Gunung Sahari.
• Hotel Atlantic. from $32. Salemba
• Hotel Plaza Mangga Dua. from $22. Mangga Dua. ($30 for 6 person)
• Peninsula hotel. from $33. Mangga Besar.

Three Star, rates starting from $40 to $100 a night:

• Atlet Century Park.
• Mercure Slipi Hotel.
• Ibis Tamarin.
• Raddin Hotel.
• Ibis Arcadia.
• Ibis Mangga Dua.
• Ibis Slipi.
• Ibis Kemayoran.
• Raddin Ancol Hotel.
• Sparks Hotel.
• Sahid Jaya Lippo Cikarang Hotel.
• Quality Hotel.
• Jakarta Airport Hotel.
• Batavia Hotel

Four Star, rates starting from $50 to $110 a night:

• Gran Mahakam.
• Crowne Plaza.
• Sari Pan Pacific.
• Mercure Rekso Hayam Resort.
• Ciputra.
• Aston Atrium (Lumire Hotel).
• Millenium Hotel.
• Alila.
• Le Grandeur Hotel.
• Mercure Convention Centre Ancol Hotel.
• The Jayakarta Jakarta Hotel & Spa.
• Aston Rasuna Hotel.
• Allson Residence.
• Grand Flora Hotel.
• Grandkemang Hotel.
• Santika Hotel.
• Menara Peninsula Hotel.
• Novotel Mangga Dua Hotel.
• Redtop Hotel.
• Manhattan Hotel.
• Harris Tebet Hotel.
• Ambhara Hotel.
• Holiday Inn Hotel.

Five Star, rates starting from $120 to $200 per night:

• Dharmawangsa Hotel.
• InterContinental Midplaza.
• Mulia.
• Four Seasons Hotel.
• JW Marriott Hotel.
• Shangri-La.
• Mandarin Oriental.
• Borobudur.
• Gran Melia.
• Aryaduta.
• Imperial Aryaduta Hotel & Country Club.
• The Sultan Hotel.
• Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuningan.
• Ritz Carlton Hotel Pacific Place.
• Aston Sudirman Hotel.
• Kemang Icon By Alila Hotel.
• Hotel Arcadia Jakarta.
• Park Lane.

Belitung Island

How to get there

1. Flight from Jakarta: Batavia Air and Sriwijaya Air. Price range from Rp 450k – Rp 1,2mill (round trip). 45 minutes flight.  Soekarno-Hatta Airport Tax Rp40k, Tanjung Pandan Airport Tax Rp 11k.

2. from Jakarta take PELNI Ship (only goes there once in two weeks). 24h ride. around Rp 150k(oneway)

3. from Bangka Island, take fast boat (KM Bahari) to Belitung Island. Goes there once everyday. 4h. around Rp 170k (one way).

Places to stay

in Tanjung Pandan(10 minutes from Airport):
1. Hotel Martani. Ac Standard single Rp108k. AC Standard double Rp118k. AC Lux Rp258k. AC VIP Triple Rp308k. Super VIP Rp288k. (0719)21433
2. Pondok Impian 1&2. if you stay in Pondok Impian 1 (we stayed here) please bring earplug due to the Dangdut Bar in front of the rooms. not suitable if you are traveling with children. 150k/250k/300k/AC room/night. Pondok Impian 2 is nicer but also have higher rates Rp 350k/400k, located in front of the beach, but the beach is not really nice. extrabed Rp 100k. Phone: (0719) 22076, 25298, 23190. Fax: (0719) 22381.
3. Hotel Bunga Pantai. not far Pondok Impian 1&2. looks small but cozy. cost about Rp 150k/ac room/night. +6271924524. Jl. Pattimura no.25.
4. Billiton Hotel. Standard Rp500k. Deluxe Rp650k. Suite Rp900k. (0719)22887

in Tanjung Kelayang (20 minutes from Airport):
1. Kelayang cottages (it was full during our trip, looks cozy, not expensive,located directly in front of the beach). starts from Rp100k

in Tanjung Tinggi (20 minutes from Airport):
1. Lor In Seaside. Deluxe Rp600k. Jr Suite Rp 1.200k. (0719) 24100

in Tanjung Binga (35 minutes from airport):
1.Bukit Berahu Resort. Cottage-Double/Twin AC Room Rp 242k, extrabed Rp75k. Bungalow Rp 726k, Breakfast for 4, allows more than 4 people staying. 5 cottages and 2 bungalows. CP: Lisa 081933349818 (Manager), Fax: (0719) 21277.

click here to see the pictures of the accomodations

Places I’ve visited
Day 1: lunch in Bukit Berahu, Tanjung Tinggi Beach (Laskar Pelangi – Movie Scene Location)
Day 2 (the best part of the whole trip): Island Hopping (depart from Tanjung Binga Port. Rp350k) to Pulau Lengkuas (LightHouse), Pulau Burung, Pulau Babi. Ps: There’s no F&B in these islands, so bring enough food,  snacks, drinks for the whole day!!! buy them in the center of the town.
Day 3: Pantai Burung Mandi, lunch in Bukit Batu (the restaurant only open during weekend.average food), Vihara Dewi Kwan Im
Day 4: Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Tinggi.

Other places you might want to visit:
1. Gantung (town, 20km South of Manggar), to see the Pice Dam built by the dutch in the 19th century.
2. Kelapa Kampit (town, 50km East of Tanjungpandan), Old underground lead/tin mining.
3. Membalong (village 54km South of Tanjungpandan), from Teluk Gembira port in Membalong, you can take a boat to go to Seliu Island, a unique small island.
4. Punai Beach (1.5-2h from Tanjung Pandan) and Punai Island. from Punai beach you can walk to Punai Island during the low tide. best to find seafood.
5. Samak

How to get around:
1. rent a private car (Avanza/Xenia/Kijang/Innova, fits for 6-8 persons). around Rp 350k (included driver, not including gas). gasoline around Rp200k for three days. other cost: driver’s F&B and tip.
2. rent motorbike Rp 30k/day.

Places to eat:
1. go to the center of the town. lots of cheap food. 5k for a plate of Bangka Noodle soup. you can find KFC there, next to BCA Bank office.
2.  Bukit Berahu Resto & Resort. the indo-chinese food here is really tasty (my favorite is Cap Cay and Ayam Saos Mentega). each plate is enough for 2-3 persons. we ordered some fish and a dish called Udang Arak (which is 8 Prawns cooked with local wine), the fish were okay, but the Udang Arak was not our favorite.yuck! both were really expensive, the Udang Arak were Rp80k. they have no price on the menu. so it is best to ask how much the price and how big the portion of one plate is before order something, so you would know how much you will spend. i spend around Rp27k for  sharing Cap Cay, Ayam Saos Mentega, nasi goreng bukit berahu, nasi putih, nasi goreng ikan asin, mie goreng special.
3. Sari Laut. Seafood Restaurant. the situation is the same here with Bukit Berahu Restaurant. no price on the menu, the portion of one plate. so definitely ask about the price and the portion. i like the Cumi-Cumi Goreng Tepung,but the price was Rp45k. Scheiße!!!!(read:sh!t)

ps: i really have big problem eating in a place where they have no prices on the menu. so the best way is to take note on how much it is before ordering. and when it turns out to be expensive, i would say say ohh crap,what a shitty price…i’m in a budget you know… but i like to eat so ordered up!!!!
oh yeah remember to order food for your drivers by yourself, you dont want the restaurant to order food that are out of your budget, do you!

also, if you’re really in a budget (let’s say 8-20k/meal), it is better to buy some food in the center of the town for the whole day (trip), coz it is hard to find food when you go farther from the main town. like for day 3 and 4 on our itinerary.

source: our own experience traveling in Belitung on May 2009, www.belitungtimur.com, www.belitungisland.com, and www.belitungkab.go.id

The Beautiful Indonesia

West Java (Jawa Barat)
Sawarna Village (7 hours from Jakarta by car): beaches, caves, waterfall, surfing, trekking
Thousand Island (2,5 hours from Jakarta by boat):  islands hopping, snorkling, diving, camping
Green Canyon (1 hour by car from Pangandaran. Pangandaran is 6 hours away from Bandung by car):also known as Cukang Taneuh, swimming, jumping from cliffs
Tangkuban Perahu (Crater) (1 hour by car from the center of Bandung City): sightseeing, trekking
Kawah Putih (White Crater) (2 hours by car from the center of Bandung City): sightseeing, tea plantation nearby, place to camp nearby.

Central Java (Jawa Tengah)
Karimun Jawa (6 hours away from Jepara by ferry): snorkling, diving, trekking, islands hopping, swimming with sharks.
Dieng Plateau (3 hours away by car from Yogyakarta): see the sunrise, trekking, hindu temples, lakes, craters
Borobudur: a world heritage site, temple, sunsets
East Java (Jawa Timur)
Sempu Island (4 hours by car from Surabaya): trekking, beach,camping, beach
Bromo (5 hours by car from Surabaya): see the sunrise, trekking, savana, dessert

Bali
Kuta beach: surfing, swim
Uluwatu Temple (1 hour away by motorbike from Kuta): sunsets
Blue Point beach (15 minutes away by motorbike from Uluwatu Temple): surfing
Nyang-Nyang beach (40 minutes away from Kuta, 20 minutes away from Uluwatu temple): surfing, 479 steps(stairs)
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (40 minutes away by motorbike from Kuta): Statue, Traditional dance
Dreamland Beach (15 minutes aways from Garuda Wisnu Kencana): swim, surfing
Ubud: traditional dance, monkey forest
Goa Gajah (20 minutes away from Ubud): temple
Amed beach (2,5 hours away by motorbike from Kuta): diving, snorkling, dolphins
Gitgit Waterfall (1 hour by motorbike from Lovina)

Lombok
Gili Trawangan island (1 hour by boat from Lombok Island): party, snorkling, diving
Gili Meno (15 minutes away by boat from Gili Trawangan): beach, snorkling

Sulawesi
Bunaken: snorkling, diving

Sumatra
Belitung Island: beach, snorkling

========================================================================

Places i want to go:

Sumatra (Sumatera)
Teluk Kiluan: beach.
Sikuai Island: beach
Cubadak Island: beach
Pulau Weh (Weh Island): diving, beach
Pagang Island
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park: trekking, Sumatran Tiger
Kerinci Seblat National Park: Sumatran tigers, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sumatran Elephants
Gunung Leuser National Park: Orang Utan, rainforest, national park
Mentawai Islands: Siberut National park, Mentawai people, surfing
Bukit Lawang: Orang Utan
Toba Lake

West Java/Banten
Ujung Kulon (National Park): see Javan rhinoceros, camping.
Krakatoa : camping
Badui Village: trekking, camping, people
Gede Panggrango national park: camping, Cibereum waterfalls
Halimun: camping
Batu Karas: beach, surfing
Citumang (near Pangandaran): river, climbing, swimming.
Ujung Genteng: beach, caves, turtles preservations, Cikaso Waterfalls

Central Java
Merapi: one of the world’s most active volcanoes
Wediombo: beach, fishing

East Java
Plengkung / G-Land: Surf, beach
Alas Purwo National Park: trekking
Ijen Plateau: Ijen Crater, trekking

Bali
Bukit Campuhan
Lovina Beach
Tegal Wangi Beach
GreenBall Beach

Lombok
Sengigi
Tanjung Aan: beach
Sindang Gila (in Senaru): waterfall
tiu keleb: waterfall
Kuta Lombok: beach, surfing
Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani/National Park): national park, camping, Senaru Village, Tiu Keleb Waterfalls, Sindang Gila waterfall, hotsprings, lake Segara Anak

Sumbawa
Sekongkan: where surfing spots of Yoyo and Scar Reef are located, village
Moyo Island: Savana, diving
Satonda Island: diving

Flores
Kelimutu national park: Kelimutu three coloured lakes

Nusa Tenggara Timur
Rote Island

Komodo
Komodo Island: National park, Komodo (Komodo dragon), diving, Papagaran Coral rehabilitation, Pantai Merah/ Pink Beach, Gililawa Darat, Castle Rock/ Taka Toko Toko, Taka Mataram
Borneo (Kalimantan)
Tanjung Puting: Orang Utan
Betung Kerihun National Park: Orang Utan
Derawan Islands;Kakaban Island: diving, Jellyfish lake; Sangalaki Island: Diving, Manta Ray, Turtle

On the way to the tiny island of Sangalaki, hosting a few bungalows and an exclusive dive resort. Photo Credits: Alex Popescu

On the way from the boat to the white sand beach of Sangalaki Island. Photo credits: Alex Popescu

Sulawesi (Celebes)
Wakatobi Marine National Park: diving
Taka Bone Rate Marine National Park: diving
Togean Marine National Park: diving
Tana Toraja: the famous burial rites
Luwuk: beach, diving, Pulau Peling
Lore Lindu National Park: Red-Knobbed Hornbill and the Giant Civet. 227 bird species have been observed in the park, 77 of which are endemic to Sulawesi. In addition to the rich wildlife, the Bada Valley located in the park also contains stone megaliths dating from ca. 1300. source: wikipedia.com

Lore Lindu National Park. Photo credits: Attila Nagy

Mollucas (Maluku)
Kei Islands: white sand beach, Pantai Ngurbloat
Banda Islands/Banda Neira: diving, snorkling, Fort Belica, Pulau Ai or Pulau Ay, Run Island
Widi Islands (in South Halmahera): diving
Papua
Raja Ampat: diving, Wayag
Lorentz National Park: marina, mangrove, alpine areas, and equatorial glaciers
Baliem Valley: Dani people/tribesman
Wasur National Park: savana, mangroves

The video below is a slideshow video of beautiful places in Indonesia. Photographer: Nixon.

Source: nixonglenn.wordpress.com and/or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71u7Y0xqzM0)

You can find the maps of each city here

Jakarta (1-2 Days). (the melting pot of Indonesia): Monas, Kota (Old Jakarta), the nightlife in Jakarta or coffee and tea with Jakarta CSers (we are the main attractions…lol)
then take 2-3 hours trip (by car,shuttle bus, bus, train to Bandung)

Bandung (2-3 Days): Kawah Putih Ciwidey (White Crater), Tangkuban Perahu (Crater). dont forget to try the food here(Surabi Enhaii, Roemah Nenek, any Es Duren/Durian Ice Cream in Jalan Riau, Nasi Timbel Dago). lots of Fashion Factory Outlets here; if you are looking for branded clothes with cheap price, check the clothes before you buy)
optional (6 hours from Bandung by bus): Pangandaran Beach, Green Canyon(my fave), Batu Karas.
take a morning train to Yogyakarta (9 hours)

Yogyakarta (cultural city) 3-4 Days: Keraton (Palace), Water Castle, Borobudur, Prambanan.
optional (3 hours from Yogyakarta by bus): Dieng Plateau.

Surabaya (2-3 Days): The Sampoerna House Museum, try the food here (Rujak Cingur,Tahu Campur).
optional: Bromo (about 5 hours from Surabaya by car), Pulau Sempu/Sempu Island (4 hours from Surabaya by car), Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater, but ive never been here).
(if you’re not goin to take the tour package) then take bus/plane from Surabaya to Denpasar,Bali

OR From Yogyakarta to Bromo (there are no direct public transport to Bromo from Yogya, have to take train/bus/plane first Surabaya-East Java then take buses to Bromo or it’s much easier just to take a package of Bromo+Bali in Yogyakarta, available in tourist information in Sosrowijayan road in Yogyakarta).

Bali: Beaches in Kuta, Uluwatu, Sanur, Amed, Cultural events in Ubud, Gitgit Waterfall,etc
then go to Lombok by bus+ferry or plane.

Lombok: Gili islands (Gili Trawangan,Gili Meno,Gili Air), Sengigi Beach, Kuta Lombok, Mount Rinjani,etc
then take a plane or bus from Lombok to Jakarta.

so the route is Jakarta-Bandung(+Pangandaran)-Yogyakarta-Surabaya/Bromo(+Sempu Island,Kawah Ijen)-Bali-Lombok-Jakarta..takes about 2-3 weeks
You can find the maps here

*we didnt take the public bemo to go to Gili Trawangan from Padang Bai. there were 8 of us. at the tourist information in Padang Bai Harbor, we bought a package (consisting of P.Bai-Lembar ferry ticket, a car shuttle from Lembar to Bangsal, and boat to Gili Trawangan) Rp 85.000 (yes! we bargained! hard!). and when we arrived in Bangsal, they dropped us in a restaurant (Waroeng Bangsal), they sorf of forced us to order lunch (not free!) here, and when other shuttle has come (lots of other tourists coming), they told us to hurry up eating coz the communal boat would leave any soon (in fact the communal boat is available pretty much every 30 minutes). my suggestion is bring your own food n drinks enough for you n friends. we departed from Kuta around 7.30am. took the 9am ferry. arrived in Gili Trawangan around 5pm.

tips:
Go buy the boat ticket at the official ticketing office which located at the sea front. many touts come to you when you arrive at the port (Bangsal). if you already have the boat ticket such as from Perama Tour, people would say “your ticket is no good”, some would take you ticket and dissapear. ignore these people, just go straight to the sea front side of the port (where the ticketing will be). The “Ticket Office” on the main road is NOT official ticketing office. only buy or show your ticket only at the official office at the sea front.

if you take the public bemo, you will be dropped at the main road from where you will be advised to take Cidomo. you may take this and pay about Rp 3000. or you can walk for 15 minutes to the port.

near the port there’s a small restaurant called Waroeng Bangsal. lousy food, lousy service, small portion of food&drink, packed with people trying to sell you tickets or other things. i hate this place.

there are boat shuttle between the islands (Gili Air-Gili Meno-Gili Trawangan), go check the schedule and fares at the official ticketing office.

Accomodation contact number: (only a few of lots of accomodation which scattered along the beach and in the village)
Beach Wind Bungalow +628123764347 (Rp 200.000/room-2 double beds-5 people, AC/Inside Bathroom/TV/DVD, this is the price for low season, my friend stayed there in Februari 2009)
Blue Beach +62370623538
Warna +62370623859
Lisa Homestay +081339523364
Terawangan Cottage 62370623582
Jessica +6281806139768
Rumah Saga +6281805714315
Rumah Purnama +6281339536047
TrinacriaVillage +6281338434211

north from the landing site.turn right as you land many guesthouse are located left on the road. but theres an accommodation near the registration office located behind a tourist agency, next to the road entrance to the accommodation. do not stay here!!!… The worst Guest house and the worst staff. They are very pushy to sell drugs and expensive transport. Stay away. i dont remember the name of the accomodation.North from the landing place. BUT this is only my opinion about the guest house. go try to stay there with your own risk

if you go north, about 150 meters from the landing site to the right, there will be a guesthouse named Milani, the bedroom n bathroom is big, good enough for 4 persons, cost Rp 200.000/ 4 persons (a high season price). it is located behind a small clothes/accessories/gift shop.

or you can also go look for guesthouses to the south, turn left from the landing site (as you land), the accommodations will be on your rightside. the other probably cost about Rp 30.000-Rp 75.000/ person for low-middle class accommodation.dont forget to Bargain!!!. coz we went there during the high peak, New year (2009) the price exploded up to 100%-300%.

if you want free accommodation, you can just build your tent on the beach, you just have to ask the permission when you register (visitor/tourist mus register) at the registration office near the dropping off point after you took the communal office.

you can walk around the islands, would take you about 2 hours with a nice walk and photo sessions.

you can rent a bike (not motorbike, no motorbike here) or take a cidomo to go around, but i think walking is the best way to go around, definitely nicer,no cost,and healthier.hahaha.

the best bar to hang out is at Tir Ta Nog (Irish pub). Happy hour 7pm-10pm. wednesday is party nite. Thursday is ladies nite (free drinks for the ladies..yippey).located south from the landing site.

try swimming at around nite-ish (i did at 2am at the shore in front of Milani Guesthouse) , when we swam there were some glowing planktons, like the ones in The Beach, the movie.

This is stupid, dont try this! (as not allowed-we didnt know!), but we (3 girls) swam (geared with 3 lifevests and 1 kayak) from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno, and swam way back to Gili Trawangan without taking a break. we were stung by jellyfish and the current were strong. took us about 2 hours. but when we go back, about 150 meters away from the shore (Gili T), the local boatmen offered us a ride to the shore as they were worried coz the current is getting strong (it was around 3pm).we took their offer coz we were so damn tired. it was stupid but we’re so proud to have accomplished such thing and it was on January 1, 2009.

to get back to Kuta from Gili Trawangan
1. take boat Rp 10.000 to Bangsal.
2. rent a car from Bangsal Rp 200.000/car, can fit 5-7 persons.(or take public bemo/bus)
When you leave the islands and now in Bangsal, if you want to use Cidomo from the port to the bus/bemo stop, you must mention to him to go all the way to the main road. the driver may take you to the parking lot, just outside of the port, telling you it is the public transport centre. The public bemos stop is about 2km away from Bangsal. or from this port walk to the terminal/or take cidomo then take mini van Pemenang-Cakra (Rp10.000)-Lembar(Rp 10.000)
3. Ferry from Lembar to Padang Bai Rp 32.000
4. take a shuttle van from Padang Bai to Kuta Rp 40.000-Rp 50.000(go bargain!). they will drop you off in Bemo Corner, Kuta. about 100 meters away from the end of Legian Road.

FYI:  the word “Gili” means island in Sasak Language (the language of lombok ethnics)

Enjoy!!!!

Prost!!
Mariza

Best to do in;
Kuta:

best to learn surfing. but in rainy season, not
really good waves due to the current and wind. the
wind takes the trashes to shore in Kuta Beach (at
least when i went there last time in
December/January).

Party…Club hoping.
best Bar: Espresso for their cheap beer
and best live music from 10pm to 2am (when people
starts to come)..lol
best reggae bar: Apache
top clubs in Legian Rd: Paddy’s,
Bounty’s,and Sky Garden (lounge/bar)
top club in Kuta Beach Rd: Ocean Beach
Club

best place to stay in Kuta
a budget place but with
relaxing vibe and great facilities: best breakfast so
far, free wifi, good swimming pool, nice staff (the
lady in the restaurant has a grumpy face but she is
nice), free pick up from the airport, can do booking
via website. www.hotellusakuta.com
if you are looking for cheaper place in Kuta, you can
find them scattered in Poppies 1 & 2 Lane, and
Benesari Lane.

Best sandwich in Kuta: Tree house restaurant in poppies 1.

The most famous Javanese food place in Kuta: Warung Nikmat. Jl. Bakung Sari – Kubu Anyar, next to Bakung Sari Hotel. open during lunch time.

My top budget restaurant (but yet taste good): Bamboo Corner in Poppies 1 and Gong Corner in Gg Ronta n Warung Pama in Gg. Sorga – Gg.Ronta. juices starts from Rp 4000(for the latest currency exchange go to XE.com), pancake Rp 7000. there’s indonesian, chinese, hollands, european, thai, italian, and indian food.

The cheapest internet cafe (warnet) in Kuta area: it’s located in Gg. Lingga Murthi in Legian Road. from Poppies 1 (the end of Poppies 1 thats heading to Legian rd) take left, around 150 meters there’s Gg Lingga Murthi on your right. about 50 meters inside from the main road (legian road) to the Le’Gaia warnet(should be on your left). Rp 4000/hour. There’s another internet cafe if you walk farther ahead then turn left.

Seminyak:
place near Kuta with more posh clubs and upper class accomodation than Kuta. the Hackett Bungee Jumping is located in this area.

Jimbaran:
best place to have dinner by the seaside/shoreline during the sunset. The best restaurant in Jimbaran Beach: Menega Cafe. look for a guy named Robin, a really helpful guy from the restaurant,

Uluwatu:
located southern part of Bali. lots of
hidden beaches, lots of professional surfers go here
due to great waves…(some you can go
snorkling)…definitely more secluded than kuta beach.
i.e. Padang-Padang, Nyang-Nyang, Blue Point,Dreamland.
Go see Garuda Wisnu Kencana (the rumour is that this
statue will be the biggest statue in the world..and
you can see some traditional dance performance here).
go to Uluwatu Temple: the best temple to see the
sunsets and there’s a kecak dance performance that you
shouldnt miss at the temple..starts around sunsets
time.

Nusa Dua: beach with lots luxurious, expensive hotels. but the beach is much quite compared to Kuta beach. and the water is clear blue.

Sanur: i never spend here that much…usually can
see the beaches otw to Sukowati/Ubud from Kuta.

Ubud: go see Pura (temple), Art galleries, Monkey
Forest, Rice paddies, traditional dance performances,
cooking class, traditional market. and dont forget to
eat the best Nasi Campur (contains pork and Balinese
veggies) in Indonesia at Ibu Oka restaurant. located
near the Ubud traditional market(about 100 meters
away).

Sukowati: located on the way to Ubud from Kuta.
best known for the traditional market. tips on how to
bargain: go to Matahari Department store (located in
Kuta Square) or any other department store in Kuta.
see the stuff you like there, make notes about the
prices. when you go to Sukowati Market, you should get
the price about 1/3 of the price from the Department
store.like the price in department store is Rp
100.000. usually the price should be around Rp 30.000
at the traditional market. Start bargain from
Rp15.000

Guwang Market: i like this market better than
Sukowati market…because they have cheaper prices
than in Sukowati…due to less tourists…easier to
bargain. OTW to Sukowati from Kuta, located around 10
minutes before Sukowati.

Amed: (Tulamben) famous for the diving spots. went here from
ubud by motorbike..it was a long ride but worth to
do…but dont do it if you’re alone. when i went here
i stayed on Sunrise (Cafe, Rooms, Restaurant). great
beach front view room. and from the restaurant you can
see the dolphins swimming around like 200 meters away
from the restaurant.(well at least that what happened
when i got there). the price around Rp 150.000 for a double bed room
(just bargain)

other place you might want to see: Tanah lot Temple
(great sunsets too), Elephant Cave, Pura Besakih
(biggest temple in Bali), Bedugul Lake, Gitgit
waterfall & 3in1 waterfall, Floating Garden, and lots
more i couldnt remember right now…lol

im looking forward to go to:
1. Bukit Campuhan in Ubud; best to see during in the morning or before sunset, there are birds fying around
2. an island called Serangan Island (Pulau Serangan),mangrove swamp also known as turtle island, it’s otw to Sanur from Kuta.
3. Northern part of Bali

Transportation:
The Taxi in Ngurah Rai Airport has fixed price on fares to go to areas around Bali such as Kuta (about Rp 55.000), Seminyak, Sanur, Ubud, etc. if you are goin to stay in Kuta area, and looking for cheaper cost on taxi, go walk to the exit of the airport, about 200 meters from the domestic terminal heading to your 2pm(clock). find a Blue Bird Taxi. it’ll cost you about Rp 20.000-Rp35.000 to go to Poppies 1.

if you want to rent a motorbike. usually it cost around
Rp 200.000/week. just bargain!
if you are traveling alone, and cant ride a motorbike.
just rent a car with or without a driver(this one is
better, cos you will be less tired and enjoy the
view). or you can take a day trip tour package to some
places i mentioned above and below. lots of tourist
informations in Kuta area.

When driving around Bali (selfdrive), equipped yourself with map and compass. and when you get lost, then just ask the local people.

When driving try not to honk a lot. dont honk, especially when a religius ceremony is ongoing and also, dont forget to slowdown.

Other tips:
- never step on the Sesajen (offering) on purpose

Flights:  from/to Flores and Bali check these airlines: Merpati Airlines, Pelita Airlines, or go check them out directly in Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport. also, Yes it is possible to go to Flores overland by public transportation+ ferries.  but it definitely takes lots of time and energy.

so, any other questions?

Have Fun in Bali!!!

Prost!
Mariza

2. AP inn (0361) 765662. Fan Double/Twin 100rb/125rb. AC Double/Twin 150rb/175rb. semua kamar belum termasuk ppn 16%. ada kolam renang. breakfast lumayan. vibenya lumayan. pilih kamar yang diatas aja.ada parkiran mobil.

Yang uda gw coba, sebagai back up aja kalo yang kesukaan gw lagi penuh:
1. Losmen Cempaka 3 (0361) 757408. Poppies 2 Gg Benesari. Fan S/D 100rb/80rb. harga singlenya lebih mahal dari double, aneh yach?! tempatnya keliatan baru, bersih, adem, tapi ga ada kolam renang. enak untuk yang harga segini yang dua orang perkamar. ga muat buat mobil.(kalo ini yang coba temen gw). mulai tahun depan mungkin dah ada yg AC.

2. Sari Bali Cottages (0361) 756911/753065.Poppies 2. Fan S/D $10-$14/$13-$17. AC S/D $22/$24. dengan harga segini mending Hotel Lusa Kuta. soalnya breakfastnya biasa bgt, dan kamarnya masi bagusan Hotel Lusa Kuta.

3. Beneyasa 1 & 2. (0361) 754180-755469.poppies 2. Fan Double 150rb. biasa aja. ada kolam renang. ga coba breakfastnya.

Yang uda gw coba, tempatnya biasa, tapi harganya murah bgt, cocok kalo lagi bener2 pengiritan:
1. Kamini Cottage (0361) 752774.Jalan Benesari Gg Kamini. Fan S/D/T(no extrabed) 50rb/75rb/100rb. AC 95rb/125rb (gw coba ini di bulan April 2009).  target market mereka adalah orang Jepang, jadi hampir 90% semuanya yang tinggal itu orang2 jepang.  rumornya sebenarnya mereka cuman terima orang jepang. Bli-nya ramah2 bgt. sepertinya dibelakang penginapan byk bgt ayam, jadi kalo subuh byk ayam yg berkokok. i know this karena gw baru mulai tidur jam 4 pagi abis hang out di legian…hehehe.
2. Arthawan (0361) 752913. Poppies 2. Fan S/D Rp 40rb/50rb.kamarnya kaya kos2an.tapi murah banget.sarapannya biasa bgt.ga ada parkir mobil.deket ke legian.

Yang belum pernah gw coba, tapi dari luar keliatan bagus, coba liat aja, tapi cek kamarnya dulu:
1. Tunjung Bali Inn (0361) 762990.Poppies 2. Fan Double 150rb. AC Double 300rb. Keliatan bagus. ada kolam renang.ada parkiran mobil

2. Dua Dara inn (0361) 754031.Poppies 2. Fan Double 100rb. AC Double 200rb.

3. New Arena Hotel (0361) 752974. Poppies 1 Gg Sorga. ada TV,AC,Bathtub,swimmingpool. AC double 300rb/hari(2 hari). 250rb/hari (>3 hari). ada parkiran mobil.

4. Bendesa (0361) 754366.jalan legian,belakangnya nembus jalan benesari. http://www.bendesaaccommodation.com/. swimming poolnya bagus. Fan Single/Double 100rb/150rb. AC S/D Rp 200rb/300rb. ada parkir mobil.

5. Lili Garden Cottages. kecil. no relax vibe. udah lupa harganya. skitaran 100rb untuk fan Double.

6. Komala Indah 2 (0361) 754258.Jalan Legian. Fan Double/Triple Rp100rb/125rb. AC double 200rb.

7. Kamini Accomodation 3 (satu grup, beda manajemen ama Kamini Cottage) (0361) 761629. Bli Made. letaknya di Gg Troppozone (Bank Panin Ground Zero). AC D/T 150rb/175rb(diskon dari 200rb). ada swimming pool,hot water, tv. (survey April 2009)

8. Kedin’s 2 (0361) 763554. Poppies 1 Gg Sorga. Fan D/T 150rb/200rb. ada swimming pool.

9. Komala Indah 2 Cottages (0361) 765783. Fan D Rp100rb+10%ppn. AC D Rp215rb+10%ppn.

10. Surya Beach inn. Gg Troppozone (Bank Panin, GroundZero) (0361) 751054. AC,TV,Telephone, SP, Hot Water, Refrigerator. Double Rp 17rb. (survey April 2009)

11. Tri Sakti Cottages. Gg. Tropozone (Bank Panin, GroundZero) email: contact@trisakti-kuta.com. fan S/D 120rb/150rb. AC S/D 150rb/200rb. extrabed 50rb. look nice and clean. hot&cold water, refrigerator. (survey April 2009)

12. Legian Village Hotel. dekat perempatan legian-melasti. www.legianvillage.com . range harga Rp 350rb-500rb. ktnya temen gw kamarnya kecil.(survey april 2009)

13. Gemini Star Hotel. dekat Warung Indonesia / Joe’s place poppies 2. (0361) 750558. Fan S/D/T 105rb/115rb/145rb. ada TV, SP. ada AC juga. email: aquariushotel@yahoo.com

14. Kedin Inn. (0361)  756771. Poppies 1. near Tree House Restaurant (best club sandwich). Fan S/D/T 60rb/70rb/90rb. 100 meter dari Mcd.

Yang belum pernah gw coba, dari luar keliatan okay, coba liat aja, tapi cek kamarnya dulu:
1. Puri Rama Cottage. (0361) 411781 / +6281805408944.  email: info@purirama.com. seingat gw tarifnya 300rb utk AC double. mahal. dan impression gw ttg tempat ini, kynya tempatnya boring,dan yg tinggal orang2 yang tua2, ga fun. (survey April 2009)

2. Komala Indah 2 Sunset. (0361) 751670. letaknya pas dpn pantai, jalan raya kuta.Fan S/D 85rb/95rb, 85rb/110rb, 95rb/110rb, 95rb/125rb. extrabed 50rb. AC S/D 145rb/180rb +10%.

Gw ga mau disini lagi kecuali terpaksa:
1. Taman Mekar (0361) 753798.poppies 2. mahal, kamar gelap, kurang bersih, kamar mandi kotor. harga 28-29Dec 2008 Rp 150rb/2 orang(double). no relax vibe. terpaksa nginep disini.soalnya semua hotel dah penuh.ga ada parkiran mobil.kalo malam kadang2 ada banci di depan penginapannya.
2. LA inn.(0361) 750616.Poppies 1 Gg Kembar FAN S/D 80rb/100rb. jelek. gw ga mau disini lagi.

Penginapan di Amed:
Sunrise Cafe n Accomodation (0363) 23477. Jemeluk Beach. Sunrisejem@yahoo.com . Fan Double Rp 100rb. kamarnya beach front view. 2-3 meter dari pantai. skitar 100 meter dari cafenya suka keliatan lumba2 muncul. mantap abis. friendly people. my favorite di Amed.

Penginapan di Ubud: (gw blum pernah coba semua),(survey pas April 2009)

1. Jati 3 Bungalows and Spa. (0361) 973249. gw suka tempatnya. deket bgt ama forest monkey, tapi letaknya di ujung gang kecil, ga bisa dimasukin mobil.  AC S/D rp100rb/rp150rb

2. Adi Cottage. looks nice and expensive.

3. The White House. (0361)974855.  namanya ngga bgt sech. dapet referensi dari orang Belanda, cuma kynya dia kebanyakan high, jadi ngobrolnya kaga nyambung gitu.hahaha…pas gw liat okehh juga, ada ricepaddiesnya n swimmingpool, tapi liat di website2 laen kok referensinya tidak memuaskan. range fan-AC: 150rb-300rb +15% tax.

4. Puri Ulun Carik.

PS:
Semua penginapan yang disebut diatas semua dapet breakfast, usually kalo ga pancake/roti panggang dengan teh/kopi. yang paling enak di Hotel Lusa Kuta.
Harga diatas berdasarkan survei pas 28 Dec 2008 – 9 Januari 2009. jadi harga kemungkinan berubah/lebih murah (kalo juga bukan pas musim liburan/high season), atau harga mungkin juga sama.
Ini baru sebagian kecil penginapan yang ada di daerah Kuta (poppies1-Poppies2-Benesari-Legian), coba silakan survei penginapan2 yang laen.

Tips:
Ditiap hotel, coba cek kamarnya dulu (kebersihan,tempat tidur,kamar mandi,dll). kalo suka baru check in. kalo ga suka, bilang aja saya mau liat2 yang laen dulu.
kalo nginep setidaknya satu minggu di satu tempat, coba tanya diskon, biasanya dapet diskon skitar 10%.

Buat yang mau sewa motor di Kuta:
Lumbung Sari Car and motorbike rental 0811385274. langganan gw. 30rb/24jam atau 200rb/minggu. motor matic. motor bisa dianter ke tempat loe nginep. bilang tau dari Mariza.

Sewa mobil Karimun 130rb/24jam, bisa lebih murah lagi kalo sewa lebih dari 2 hari.  Xenia/Avanza/APV rp 210rb.  Bli Kadek +6285238113305 atau Bli Ketut +628123940688 / +623618500920

Total Distance = 1040 km

South Route
Bandung-Nagreg-Malangbong-Tasik-Ciamis = 115 km,
Ciamis-Banjar-Majenang-Wangon = 105 km,
Wangon-Sumpiuh-Gombong-Kebumen-Kutoarjo-Purworejo = 116 km,
Purworejo-Magelang-Yogyakarta = 81 km,
Yogyakarta-Klaten-Solo = 58 km,
Solo-Sragen-Mantingan-Ngawi = 74 km,
Ngawi-Caruban-Nganjuk-Kertosono = 88 km,
Kertosono-Jombang-Krian-Surabaya = 96 km,
Surabaya-Sidoarjo-Gempol-Bangil-Pasuruan = 64 km,
Pasuruan-Probolinggo-Situbondo-Ketapang = 246 km,
Gilimanuk-Negara-Tabanan = 108 km,
Tabanan-Denpasar = 26 km,

Total Distance= 1177 km

source: bismania.org