Better than Bali

[revhappy]

..

[Asdracles]

Absolutely agree with Jpatokal. Impossible (or very difficult) to find a place where you can find beach-relax-nightlife-rich culture all in one.

Of course, everybody has a own set of priorities. If you are ready to give up the beach, can suggest Bangkok. If you give up the culture then Tioman or Phuket....

And the bad things written about Bali, are not worse than 90% of the other possible destinations. There is no perfect place, of course

[durain]

i think i will just goto pulau ubin .

[ranch]

It really depends what you look for.

Halong bay, Railey beach, phi phi are much more beautiful.

Karnataka's beaches are much more laid back.

Goa has better nightlife, Phuket better restaurants

Rawa is just around the corner...

[jhuerta]

Boracay.

In terms of beach, no doubt, Boracay by all means. If you are looking for a nice resort, with an incredible long white crystal beach, I have no doubt, Boracay. To me, with regards water/sand/scenery/walking (under the sun ), Boracay would be my most preferred swimming beach in SE Asia.

There is quite a number of resorts, from luxury to backpackers.

Diving, snorkeling, kite-boarding, banana boats, water ski and all those water activities also present in the island.

Food is good, as there are many seafood and grill restaurants.

Price, I would say quite cheap, and all depends on how much you want to spend.

Bars, restaurants, night live, also, depends on the season, as much as you want.

The only cons I see ... you need to take 2 planes, one to Manila, and one to Boracay.

Other than that, I'd love to find a similar beach (in terms of water, sand and quality of swimming) to Boracay that is near to Singapore.

Kindly advice

[Girl_Next_Door]

I second Boracay as well, though the last time I was there, was 3 years ago. Friendly people, great beach, cheap food, crazy parties but hard to get to. Even though its in Philippines, it involves 2 flights and 1 boat ride to get there.

Another of my favorites is Hoi An (in Vietnam, fly direct to Da Nang via Silkair and take a 1-hour cab). The ancient town is somewhat touristy but not in an aggressive way. Good and cheap food, though the party scene is not really in existance (at least when I was there early this month!). Nha Trang is another place that I like as well, but there is no direct flight.

Lombok is nice as well but its a quiet and private environment. No party scene for sure. Gili T is a tiny island which you can complete running around it in approximately 15 mins 48 seconds.

To be honest, you can find cheap, quiet and private environment in some parts of Phuket as well. Obviously not in Patong, Kata and Karon area, but there are a few smaller resorts that are quite nice and peaceful around Surin and Bang Tao and Nai Harn area.

Many have said Samui is a nice place but for some weird reasons, I have never been there. I am sure many have been to Samui so you can share your personal experience?

[gravida]

Samui is OK. Average. You will find both bars and nightlife and private beaches, depends what do you like. One thing - crappy airport. I mean, it really looks unique with all the huts as gates etc., but the only airlines that fly to Koh Samui form Sg are Bangkok Airlines (at least that was the case couple of years ago). They are not good, the flight from Sg has been delayed, but... what had happened on the way back was worse. The flight has been delayed. There were no information on the displays, nor the ground staff could help. They've told us to wait until the info will appear on screens. There is no shelter area other than few bars/restaurants which were full on the day of our flight. So, we and hundreds of other travelers were sitting on the grass in full sun waiting for about 4 hours. Finally, our flight number was on the screen, the gate number there... But hey, there are no clear numbers on the gates/huts itself, so good look with finding the right one, especially when there are so many people around and everyone is confused. Our friends were coming back to Singapore the day after and they were only visiting SG. On the Samui airport they got into trouble, because they didn't have the return tickets (from Singapore to their country, not from Samui to Singapore!!!) and they were said they will most likely try to illegally reside in Singapore. The customs staff also told them that since they are Russians they need visa to Singapore, well they were not Russians... Anyway, finally they got back to Sg, as we did.
So, I could go back to Samui, but not with Bangkok Airlines and with plenty of patience and an extra leave day taken for the day after the original arrival date.

[revhappy]

We are travelling to Langkawi during the end of march. Was considering bali and phuket but the flight tickets were expensive.

I got return tickets for a couple on Tiger airways for 146$ for Langkawi. Isnt that gr8

I would like suggestions for good resorts along Cenang beach.

[durain]

easily accessible from singapore by sea - www.nikoi.com.

[ozchick]

I second Boracay as well, though the last time I was there, was 3 years ago. Friendly people, great beach, cheap food, crazy parties but hard to get to. Even though its in Philippines, it involves 2 flights and 1 boat ride to get there.

Another of my favorites is Hoi An (in Vietnam, fly direct to Da Nang via Silkair and take a 1-hour cab). The ancient town is somewhat touristy but not in an aggressive way. Good and cheap food, though the party scene is not really in existance (at least when I was there early this month!). Nha Trang is another place that I like as well, but there is no direct flight.

Lombok is nice as well but its a quiet and private environment. No party scene for sure. Gili T is a tiny island which you can complete running around it in approximately 15 mins 48 seconds.

To be honest, you can find cheap, quiet and private environment in some parts of Phuket as well. Obviously not in Patong, Kata and Karon area, but there are a few smaller resorts that are quite nice and peaceful around Surin and Bang Tao and Nai Harn area.

Many have said Samui is a nice place but for some weird reasons, I have never been there. I am sure many have been to Samui so you can share your personal experience?

Did Koh Samuie only 8 weeks ago. The beach hawkers sold loud fire-crackers to anyone who wanted to buy them and disturb the nights of all and sundry. Police try but fail with this. Never again Koh Samui. Yeah the issue is what you actaully want to do. For partying types- don't go to e.g. Gili. No action, cars or noise there....but I like it cos I crave peace and quiet. Looking for similar places, if I can find it....

[ozchick]

We are travelling to Langkawi during the end of march. Was considering bali and phuket but the flight tickets were expensive.

I got return tickets for a couple on Tiger airways for 146$ for Langkawi. Isnt that gr8

I would like suggestions for good resorts along Cenang beach.

Heard good things about the Datai there, not sure which beach.....
That's good prices yeah?! Is now a good time of year there?

[QRM]

We are travelling to Langkawi during the end of march. Was considering bali and phuket but the flight tickets were expensive.

I got return tickets for a couple on Tiger airways for 146$ for Langkawi. Isnt that gr8

I would like suggestions for good resorts along Cenang beach.

Heard good things about the Datai there, not sure which beach.....
That's good prices yeah?! Is now a good time of year there?

Datai is lovely, though getting a bit long in the tooth now, the only problem, if you are expecting clear blue waters with white sandy beaches, you wont get it the water is often opaque brown.

[EADG]

Disagree on a couple of counts - the airport is charming, with some nice shops and restaurants, and much of the island is idyllic, and in some places, hip. Some nice high-end places there and the people seem different from Phuket, more friendly, better command of English, and more laid back.

Bangkok air which services Koh Samui has fantastic service.

re ozzchick's experience, 8 weeks ago was before New Year's so that might have had something to do with the fireworks. Either that or you were on Cheweng beach, which is about as peaceful as Patong beach. Which is to say, not.

And Phuket, which despite the well-know over-development, is still a great place, you just have to know when and where to go.

Samui is OK. Average. You will find both bars and nightlife and private beaches, depends what do you like. One thing - crappy airport. I mean, it really looks unique with all the huts as gates etc., but the only airlines that fly to Koh Samui form Sg are Bangkok Airlines (at least that was the case couple of years ago). They are not good, the flight from Sg has been delayed, but... what had happened on the way back was worse. The flight has been delayed. There were no information on the displays, nor the ground staff could help. They've told us to wait until the info will appear on screens. There is no shelter area other than few bars/restaurants which were full on the day of our flight. So, we and hundreds of other travelers were sitting on the grass in full sun waiting for about 4 hours. Finally, our flight number was on the screen, the gate number there... But hey, there are no clear numbers on the gates/huts itself, so good look with finding the right one, especially when there are so many people around and everyone is confused. Our friends were coming back to Singapore the day after and they were only visiting SG. On the Samui airport they got into trouble, because they didn't have the return tickets (from Singapore to their country, not from Samui to Singapore!!!) and they were said they will most likely try to illegally reside in Singapore. The customs staff also told them that since they are Russians they need visa to Singapore, well they were not Russians... Anyway, finally they got back to Sg, as we did.
So, I could go back to Samui, but not with Bangkok Airlines and with plenty of patience and an extra leave day taken for the day after the original arrival date.

[aster]

I really liked Bali and went there for a third time a few months ago. It's a wonderful place that beats Phuket hands down in every regard but one (the obvious one). Price-wise your money also goes further, and for the same amount you can get a MUCH better hotel in Bali - no comparison really.

Frankly I think Nusa Dua is overrated, you get the peace and serenity that have become the hallmark of this closed-off part of the island, but after a couple of days you just want out. The Laguna Resort is great, as are the hotels next door from the Westin to the Melia Bali, but a few days there is enough.

Personally I love the Hard Rock Hotel, can't get enough of it. It's in Kuta which is great as long as you stay away from the el-cheapo clubs/bars. Some good restaurants there within walking distance, like the Bluefin, as the ones at the Hard Rock should be skipped (unless you like that kind of food).

Best place is supposed to be Ubud though, have heard this from a handful of close friends.

P.S. Has anyone been to Penang? They recently opened up a Hard Rock there and I was wondering if the island is a good place to visit overall?

[Girl_Next_Door]

easily accessible from singapore by sea - www.nikoi.com.

Silly question, maybe. Is there air-con in the rooms of nikoi? From the photos, it looks like there is no doors, no windows, purely open door-system.

I have been thinking of suggesting this location to a friend, for his wedding. It seems like a cool idea to have a wedding on a small private island with close friends and families only. But for a wedding, considering there are old folks, people from cold climate, guys in tux, bride in wedding gown, etc, they might prefer a place that work beyond natural air.