On Thursday, August 03, 2000 8:40 PM, Andy Johnson wrote:

Viv wrote:
> >Where exactly will you be? Island, hotel, etc.

> I think it's the Grand Bali Hyatt - no idea where that is !!!!

Hi, Andy!  As Michael and Robert Delfs have already indicated, the Nusa Dua
complex is an enclave of five-star hotels and resorts that's about as far
removed from the real Bali as it's possible to get and where what 'culture'
there is is somewhat sanitised and expensive.  It's also a bit of a trek
into the nearest villages - or to Kuta.  (I like Kuta. Mainly 'cause I've
discovered that the easiest way to stop being hassled by T-shirt saleswomen
is to say that I want my hair braided!  "Hah!  Only hair on your body long
enough to braid are the hairs in your ..."  Never mind where she said.  :-)

Sanur - to my way of thinking - is a better proposition than Nusa Dua,
mainly because you're exposed to a greater variety of Balinese culture.  But
it is quieter than Kuta.

I've never stayed in Ubud, but friends who have say that it's wonderful.  At
least one of the hotels feature rooms with their own private swimming pool
and stunning views across the valley of green terraces and gardens.

Also - as Viv says - it'd be worth while catching up with Michael
Cortenbach, of Bali Hi  Diving Adventures.  While there are any number of
dive operators in Bali, Michael's  is a family business that's established a
good reputation.

Strike