Recommendations for 3 spare days in Bali?

[Ross_Gazza]

Hello I'm going to Bali next month, spending two days in Sanur, probably going to try and see the mola mola and manta point, then flying to komodo for a 5 days liveaboard.
Returning to Bali on Monday and then flying back on friday.
I thought of going to Gili, but it looks like the transport is difficult, and would only get a full day there if I went on tuesday and returned on thursday.
Any recommendations for other places? I guess Padang Bai and Tulamben both seem popular?

 

[chillyinCanada]

I'm starting to think that Sanur might be a better idea for you, as long as you're guaranteed to dive SD as a third dive. The boat ride from Sanur is just as long a trip (45 minutes) as from Padang Bai but Sanur to airport much closer.

That said, from what I understand, it may be a bigger pain in the butt getting to the point where you are actually sitting on the boat heading for Manta Point, than it would ever be from Padang Bai.

Tulamben is even further from the airport than Padang Bai.

 

[howswedeofme]

I agree, Tulamben is a bit far but is very relaxed if you decide to make the trek. It was 2.5 hours from the aiport. We liked Padang Bai. Good dive ops, good diving. The downtown is busy with loads of restaurants, shops, activities. Vincents in Candidasa is about 15 minutes away and the best restaurant we experienced on the island. I'm guessing you're looking for some top side places to visit before flying out too? We really enjoyed Ubud. We only had two days there and wish we would have had at least 3, probably 4. It's about 90 minutes from the airport. Any way you do it, you're going to be doing a decent amount of transfers around the island either by boat or by car.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Tulamben would be good if you happened to like muck diving. The Liberty wreck there sounds like it's a running goat F with the crowds.

 

[billt4sf]

Tulamben would be good if you happened to like muck diving. The Liberty wreck there sounds like it's a running goat F with the crowds.

Yes, lots of crowds, but it's a large, busted-up wreck and I have enjoyed it every time I have been there. Sunrise is a great time to get in.

It's almost worth it to go if only to see the women carry multiple tanks down to the shore on their shoulders and heads, walking with bare feet or flip-flops.

- Bill

 

[billt4sf]

You might want to do some touristing topside. Many people go to Bali just for that. The rice fields around Ubud are wonderful when they are green. August is the highest of high seasons then, though -- traffic will be horrible in Ubud.

- Bill