Indonesia: Bali and Lombok - where to stay? (best, place, culture)

[califantastic]

I am planning to go on vacation in Indonesia and plan to spend about four days in Bali and four days in Lombok. Bali and Lombok are islands, not cities, so it is very unclear to me which city is the best place to stay in each island. I am mainly interested in seeing cultural, historic, and scenic places and things. I do not plan to spend time at the beach. I have looked at travel guides but they do not indicate the which are the preferred places to stay, they just list the alternatives.

If anyone could suggest the best city to stay in at Bali and the best city to stay in at Lombok given my situation I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[minibrings]

For culture in Bali.. your best bet is in Ubud. Hand down. Kuta is beachy. Nusa Dua is high end and beach. Enjoy the balinese artwork at the galleries up there and its a little cooler than the coast. Last time I was there I happened to witness a funeral.. it was fascinating esp. with the cremation and the ceremony involved...

[henrikky]

bali also has a naked beach...it is located around jimbaran bay area

[bebeklonia]

Bali has better infrastructures and hotels, but lombok is cheaper. They're close thou.

[Rach1966]

when do you plan on going?

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by califantastic

I am planning to go on vacation in Indonesia and plan to spend about four days in Bali and four days in Lombok. Bali and Lombok are islands, not cities, so it is very unclear to me which city is the best place to stay in each island. I am mainly interested in seeing cultural, historic, and scenic places and things. I do not plan to spend time at the beach. I have looked at travel guides but they do not indicate the which are the preferred places to stay, they just list the alternatives.

If anyone could suggest the best city to stay in at Bali and the best city to stay in at Lombok given my situation I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

On Bali Island, UBUD is the one for culture, and KUTA is the crazy beach spot.

I'm curious though if anyone knows a third option...one that has beaches and culture but not the agressive touts and such that I hear haunt Kuta...

[califantastic]

Kuta is a dump. Not sure why anyone would want to stay there.

There are some very nice areas in the northeast but there isn't much culture there.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by califantastic

Kuta is a dump. Not sure why anyone would want to stay there.

There are some very nice areas in the northeast but there isn't much culture there.

Yeah, I've heard Kuta is real bad. Just aggressive sellers everywhere and real young Aussies getting drunk everywhere.

Did you find another beach that is pleasant to spend time....?

Ubud is a must...but thinking of a beach option as well...but not Kuta. Any suggestions?

[califantastic]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Yeah, I've heard Kuta is real bad. Just aggressive sellers everywhere and real young Aussies getting drunk everywhere.

Did you find another beach that is pleasant to spend time....?

Ubud is a must...but thinking of a beach option as well...but not Kuta. Any suggestions?

That is about as good of a description of Kuta as one will ever hear.

I stayed somewhere around here in northeast Bali and it was pretty cool. But all natural beauty, not much culture. All the culture is in Ubud anyway.
**Hidden Paradise Cottages - Amed Bali Beach Hotel-Indonesia**

[chielgirl]

Leeper is a great snorkeling place.

There are homestays all over the place in Ubud. Just go and walk around. No need for advance bookings.
Kuta is just another city but has some good accommodations.
If you're looking for sarongs and stuff to send home, try jalan 66.