Last night my wife entered a raffle at an event and won an all-expense-paid trip for two to Bali in Indonesia. I do not have any details beyond that yet such as for how long, what airline, what hotel, etc. We do have a year to use it. I first asked if it was a sales pitch scam thing and she said no as this was a fancy, well-known event she attended. Still, once I get all the details I will treat it with pure suspicion until I see all the details.

In limited research, I am not that excited or feel I even want to do it especially with the fact other people have offered to buy it from my wife.

Seems like just an island with beaches, jungle, and temples. Then there is the warning of the water. Don’t get it in your mouth when showering, no ice, only bottled water, don’t eat raw things even a salad, don’t eat fruit unless it can be peeled and you peeled it, etc. I saw the term “Bali Belly” for it being known for getting sick. Oh then god forbid you bring a medication not allowed, you are talking prison time. Sounds like another place we have heard of on this forum.

Anywho, I would rather hear from people who have actually been there and liked or disliked it, and why. Then anyone who hasn’t been there, but says “He’ll No!” And hear why.

The Gilley islands off Bali are one of my wife’s favorite places. (She traveled extensively for work before getting married.).

See if the resort lets you fish. Otherwise, you can get excellent massages very cheap - see if you can get a pt plan set up to deal with any injuries?

I know we will head there eventually- I think we might wander that way at some point as part of doing a complete circumnavigation.

Never been there but I’ve heard a lot. Always wear shades while there or you’ll get busted looking. It’s a hot bed for very attractive younger female ladies from all over the world. The bikinis are almost like dental floss now.

Never been, but know about a dozen people who have been. The beaches are supposed to be great, the snorkeling is supposed to be great, and the scuba diving is supposed to be world class.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Then there is the warning of the water. Don’t get it in your mouth when showering, no ice, only bottled water, don’t eat raw things even a salad, don’t eat fruit unless it can be peeled and you peeled it, etc. I saw the term “Bali Belly” for it being known for getting sick. Oh then god forbid you bring a medication not allowed, you are talking prison time.

All are typical warnings for international travel to Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, etc. A few things missing are:

you need to brush your teeth with bottled water.

you need to check your vaccination status on CDC's travel site and the list is too long for me to screen shot. The good news is "No malaria transmission in the resort areas of Bali or Java, the Gili Islands, or the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu"

have a box of pepto bismol pills/tablets with you in case of traveler's diarrhea (ie. the generic international travel name for “Bali Belly”)

have a box of electrolytes packets with you in case dehydrated from traveler's diarrhea.

check the US embassy in Indonesia and every airport you are traveling through for medications. For example, I bounced off Germany my last 3 international trips (i.e. it wasn't my destination) but I still checked the US embassy website for medications.

I've been to both Africa and India in the past 2 years, followed all of those precautions on 2 week business trips, had to take malarone for Africa, had to get a vaccination ahead of Africa trip, and I'm here to talk about it.

My advice is go and give your wife the trip of a lifetime.

Don’t forget your first two days there will be awful simply because of the time difference. You will be tired and have trouble sleeping.

It's probably legit BUT likely doesn't cover the airfare and some other associated travel costs.
In 1999 I won a MC Trip to New Zealand. Turns out, it covered one person and my wife wasn't going to let me go alone. Also only covered the tour. So my "free" vacation ended up setting me back about $5,000 in 2000. Having said that it was worth every penny as it prompted us to go somewhere we never would have on our own.
Hope yours is a similar experience.

I have always wanted to go to some place like Bali, Fiji, or somewhere in the South Pacific. Please let us know how the trip goes and have fun!!!



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quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Never been, but know about a dozen people who have been. The beaches are supposed to be great, the snorkeling is supposed to be great, and the scuba diving is supposed to be world class.

Ditto. A couple of my co-workers went to Indonesia to work on a deal. Afterwards, they took a couple of days and went to Bali. When they came back, they raved about Bali non-stop for weeks.

Life is short. Go have an adventure.

I spent about a week there in the late 70’s so I’m sure things have changed significantly since. Anyway, I had a good time; the beaches were nice and the food was decent. I rented a motorcycle and rode around the island- lots of nice scenery. Since you will be in the area I recommend also spending time in Yogyakarta in western Java.

quote:

Originally posted by jaaron11:
Life is short. Go have an adventure.

This.

Well finally got details. 7 day trip and airfare is NOT included. Only hotel and food is included. So for me, screw that and thanks, but no thanks.

It might make a nice gift to someone who perhaps lives in the region. Like a friend or family that lives in Asia.

Even still, I’d imagine the airfare is considerably more value than the hotel and food.

Too bad, I was looking forward to a trip report. Sounds exotic.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Well finally got details. 7 day trip and airfare is NOT included. Only hotel and food is included. So for me, screw that and thanks, but no thanks.

I mean if transferable. Sounds like a sweet karma!