Vacation ideas? Beaches near Bali ...

[BobStrauss]

The "Nicest Beaches in Indonesia" thread got me thinking about my next trip to Bali. I'm headed there from Aug 28 - Sep 12, but I have nothing planned from Sep 6 - 12. I will be alone during that stretch, and would love nothing more than to visit some incredible beaches in more low-key areas of Indonesia, relaxing with some good books and some grilled fish.

Would a trip to Sumba, Sumbawa, or Flores be a good idea? And how expensive would those trips be if departing from DPS? Perhaps there are some other islands I should check out instead? I thought of Nusa Lembongan, but I've heard so-so reports. I'll already have visited the Gilis.

Any suggestions are welcome.

[newgabe]

If you dont have much time for travelling, how about the south of Lombok? Easy from DPS.

[Hombre de Maiz]

The best beaches in Indonesia are not in Bali. In fact, taken as a whole Bali's beaches are at best mediocre. The country's best beaches are in the eastern side of the archipelago.

South Lombok has stunning beaches, but access outside the Kuta area requires your own transport and time.

[BobStrauss]

okay. well, i'm looking to fly out of DPS if possible, and wouldn't mind a half-day overland trip as well to get to a good spot.

i saw that merpati has regular flights from DPS to all of ..

a) waingapu in sumba
b) bima in sumbawa
c) maumere, ende, and labuanbajo in flores

would these be reasonably nice places to check out, or would i be better off looking somewhere else?

[Hombre de Maiz]

Fly to Waingapu, spend the rest of the day getting to the Sumba Nautil Resort. Gorgeous beach just down the road. What's your budget?

Are you acquainted with Hombre's Rule no. 1 and no. 2 of Indonesia travel?

[BobStrauss]

my budget isn't super-high .. preferably less than 500k/night hotels.

and no sir i am not familiar with your rules of travel.

[Hombre de Maiz]

Hombre's Rule No. 1 of Indonesia Travel
Travel in Indonesia requires time and patience

Hombre's Rule No. 2 of Indonesia Travel
Travel in Indonesia outside of Java and Bali requires even more time and patience

[gffgold]

Note that Sep 6-12 coincides exactly with the peak of the Lebaran holiday, so don't assume you can pick up flights or hotels at the last minute. Even distinctly non-Muslim areas see heavy demand at that time.

[BobStrauss]

Note that Sep 6-12 coincides exactly with the peak of the Lebaran holiday, so don't assume you can pick up flights or hotels at the last minute. Even distinctly non-Muslim areas see heavy demand at that time.

well, as of right now flights are still available to all three of the islands i previously mentioned. not sure yet about hotels, though.

[Hombre de Maiz]

Bima is the only city where Muslims make up the majority so that might get a bit clogged. Another option is LBajo, and from there to pulau Kenawa or pulau Seraya.