Another itinerary post - Bali

[UFOrb]

I saw your earlier comment about boats -- yeah there are problems from time to time. You will be in a developing country, there is not the sense of safety that we are accustomed to. There was an explosion on one of the Padang Bai / Gili boats several months ago and several tourists were killed. It's not unusual, for example, to see people smoking, even near fuel. That's why I would be careful about which dive operators I choose. I want boats with safety equipment, and radios and someone to call (and a westerner on board). I do not fly budget airlines in a developing country - the country with the worst air safety record. I want cars with good tires and working seat belts. Still the most likely accident is probably a car accident.

Thanks for the heads up Bill! Yeah I'd certainly also be nervous about the Indo domestic airlines. I've used AirAsia plenty and some of the domestic Thai airlines on occasion but never Lion Air (although they do operate in Thailand), and I wouldn't want to use the other 2 airlines that fly between Bali & Lombok. The boat crossing doesn't sound too appealing either now, esp with a 1 year old...hmmm, may have to re-think Gili Air, or do you think it'll be ok as long as we select a reputable company?
Cheers, Rob.

 

[billt4sf]

Thanks for the heads up Bill! Yeah I'd certainly also be nervous about the Indo domestic airlines. I've used AirAsia plenty and some of the domestic Thai airlines on occasion but never Lion Air (although they do operate in Thailand), and I wouldn't want to use the other 2 airlines that fly between Bali & Lombok. The boat crossing doesn't sound too appealing either now, esp with a 1 year old...hmmm, may have to re-think Gili Air, or do you think it'll be ok as long as we select a reputable company?
Cheers, Rob.

Rob:

There is an EXCELLENT chance you will arrive safely regardless of which airline or ferry you choose. The risks are higher than in a developed country though. We always fly Garuda if we can, because it is not a budget airline and if there is a problem like a delay or something they will treat you better than a budget airline for sure.

I still think the biggest risk all divers face is that of a car accident.

- Bill

 

[dirtfarmer]

Better just stay home cause something might happen....
Planes crash...boats catch fire...idiots get elected to office.


Gilli Air is a great place for a family that wants to hang on the beach, snorkel and get some dives in.
But I should point out every once in a while some idiot tries to swim and snorkel from one of the Gillis to the other and they end up lost at sea.

Sorry about my crabbyness I'm in a mood and quickly becoming a hated member of scubaboard.

 

[UFOrb]

Better just stay home cause something might happen....
Planes crash...boats catch fire...idiots get elected to office.

...of course, I'm not planning on cancelling the whole trip but not sure if the Gili Air part is worth the probably uncomfortable & loud speed boat trip with 1 & 4 year old, esp when there issues over safety.
We did the 2 hour ferry crossing to Koh Lipe back in October which was horrible - people throwing up everywhere Luckily my wife & boys managed to sleep & I held it together. Just as well we didn't take one of the fast boats!!
The ride back was smooooth though

You always seem to here about plane crashes in Indonesia too...granted, the risks are probably still relatively small overall.

I'm not that risk-averse, else I wouldn't dive Probably a little more so since I've had kids tho tbh...

Gilli Air is a great place for a family that wants to hang on the beach, snorkel and get some dives in.

Exactly what I'm looking for. Was thinking Amed might do the trick instead of spending the extra time travelling over to the Gilis....along with the safety risks n'all

...idiots get elected to office.

We had our referendum...

Sorry about my crabbyness I'm in a mood and quickly becoming a hated member of scubaboard.

Get to the pub!!!

 

[Luko]

Sorry about my crabbyness I'm in a mood and quickly becoming a hated member of scubaboard.

Was thinking about setting up a club, are you in?

 

[UFOrb]

I still think the biggest risk all divers face is that of a car accident.

Yeah, agreed. Indo cant be any worse than other parts of SEA, Thailand's road safety records pretty horrendous. I drive there when we head over and I'm generally ok with it but it can be a pretty hair-raising at times.
Malta was probably the worst I've experienced in Europe - was pretty much on par with SEA actually.

 

[matts1w]

Exactly what I'm looking for. Was thinking Amed might do the trick instead of spending the extra time travelling over to the Gilis....along with the safety risks n'all

Amed is great, but know the beaches are pretty much rocks and you will need to use a motorbike or taxis/cars to get around much beyond your resort thanks to big hills, no sidewalks and darkness.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Was thinking about setting up a club, are you in?

We could call it the Frenchman and the Farmer speak bluntly. Check your sensitivity at the door.

Yeah, agreed. Indo cant be any worse than other parts of SEA, Thailand's road safety records pretty horrendous. I drive there when we head over and I'm generally ok with it but it can be a pretty hair-raising at times.
Malta was probably the worst I've experienced in Europe - was pretty much on par with SEA actually.

Oh geez you've driven in Thailand? I've rode scooters there when on some island but a car seems almost suicidal. Actually not totally it's just that westerners don't seem to get the share the road concept.
I was getting on a ferry the other day and I was wondering if Asians could only get on boats, busses, planes and pick up luggage like they drive. I'm always being cut infront of because I'm polite.

 

[billt4sf]

We could call it the Frenchman and the Farmer speak bluntly. Check your sensitivity at the door.

Can I listen in? I promise I won't say anything politically correct.

Thanks for your edits, Luko. (Oooops! Was it wrong to say that?)

- Bill

 

[AlMitch]

UFOrb as a regular Indo traveler with a 1 & 4 yr old my suggestion is to pick two or max three places to stay. You really dont want to be jumping from place to place.
My number 1 requirement is that the dive sites are super close to the resort and that they do the SI at the resort. If you stay at Padang Bai/ Sanur/ Nusa Lembongan/ Candidisa you will be away the whole morning for your dives. And if you want to dive Tulamben from Amed then you will be gone most of the day.
Given your requirements Gili Air/ Meno should be top of the list. It really does tick pretty much all of your boxes. The boat trip out is far far safer than any second you spend on the road! So if you are not concerned about driving on the road why are you concerned about taking the boat?

My wife and I love Tulamben and if you stay in town there is some so-so snorkeling around the rocks....but no beach and it is mostly muck focused.

I haven't been up north yet but you could look at Permuteran, a cheap option is Reef Seen. They are right on the beach and the dives seem to be quite close. But I'm sure there are other places to stay.

May is definitely a better time to go than July in terms of crowds.