Beyond Bali

[billt4sf]

Hello Indo-people:

Emily and I have been living in Bali on and off for 18 months. The issue is starting to arise in our minds: if the whole volcano thing gets worse (or maybe even if it doesn't), where should we base ourselves in SEA for a few months or maybe even a year or so?

Looking for ideas.

Requirements: decent access to an airport, (no more than one hop to an international airport), good tourist comforts (including good beds and aircon), pool, good internet, our own kitchen, things to do like either a great beach or good city life like restaurants and things to visit like temples. Low-key lifestyle. Regular diving would of course be lovely but is not required.

Looking for suggestions for a few months, or maybe a year if it is really great.

Share your fantasy!

Thanks,

Bill & Emily

 

[Dan]

Check out Solo (Surakarta): Home

 

[flyboy08]

I like the Philippines.....south of Manila.

 

[Trailboss123]

+1 for the Philippines- I would consider the Puerto Galera area on Mindoro Island. Meets your criteria + the benefit of great diving at your doorstep.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Chang Mai is a lot like Ubud where I think you've been living. Great Thai food and western food also. Just a quick plane ride to Bangkok.
I'd go with somewhere in Thailand over the Philippines because the food is better and more culture.
The diving in the PI is better than Thailand if that's the #1 point.

 

[Wingy]

I agree with Dirtfarmer - Koh Lanta, Krabi Khao Lak would be southern spots I'd check out.

 

[billt4sf]

GREAT suggestions! Keep 'em coming.

Krabi Khao Lak and Kho Lanta sound like Phuket without the people?

- Bill

 

[Wingy]

Bingo I used to live in Ao Nang in Krabi - its developed a lot but is still nowhere near Phuket. Anywhere along the Koh Phangnan peninsula on the Andaman Gulf side should hold some interesting options. I have a friend who has an investment long term rental villa on Lanta so there are some nice options around as far as "Western" standard housing goes.

 

[Trailboss123]

I'd concur with @Wingy and @dirtfarmer that Thai culture and food rule and cost is on par with the Phillippines! I have spent or lived more than 2 years of my life in Thailand over various decades (going back to 1983 and more recently in 2012) and 6 years total in other countries throughout SE and West Asia.

If you have the flexibility, you might consider 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the Philippines. They have opposite monsoon seasons. Thailand dry season season is roughly October through March and thus the best time to dive. As you are probably already aware, Indo and Philippines dry season is the opposite. Worth considering maybe, unless you have a ton of stuff to move, in which case it might be too inconvenient?

 

[Centrals]

1. There should be no language problem in Philippines.
2. Typhoon is the most concern for visitor from May to Nov in Philippines. But this shouldn't be a problem for long term stayer as long as they are staying in safe places ie sturdy built houses instead of bamboo hut with thatched roof.
3. Except in few places, dive sites are quieter in Philippines.
4. Manila is the main get away city in Philippines. The other three are Cebu City, Clark(Angeles) and Iloilo(very limited international connection).
5. PG is a good suggestion but the place is too hectic!
6. Pinoy's food is nothing to write home and quality FRESH vegetable is hard to find with very limited selection.
7. Historical buildings? You don't come to Philippines for these!!!!!!!

Singapore is my suggestion.