Goway Experts Get You Up to Speed on Bali
Three Goway destination experts recently returned from Bali. Here, they break down the appeal of this famous island destination and offer some tips on how to sell Bali to your clients.
Where is Bali and how do you get there?
Bali is an island province of Indonesia that lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is just east of Jakarta, which is the Indonesian capital.
We flew on EVA Airways with a very easy connection via Taipei, Taiwan before arriving at Denpasar International Airport. Goway Idyllic Islands Expert Michelle Culham says, “I use Eva Airways and this particular routing all the time when putting together a Bali itinerary because of the easy connection. As well, the airline itself is great, with very clean planes, fantastic service, and good food.” Other popular airlines that connect travellers from North America are Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Airlines and Emirates.
Where did you stay in Bali?
We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay at some beautiful properties during our visit to Bali, located in different regions of the island, all offering different and unique experiences from one another. Some of our highlights included staying at The Indigo Seminyak, Maya Ubud, Alila Ubud, Fairmont Sanur, and the Renaissance Uluwatu.
You visited multiple regions in Bali; where did you go and how do those regions differ from each other?
Idyllic Islands Expert Kelly Marshall says “While in Bali, we travelled to many different areas and found there is so much to offer. There really is something to cater to everyone’s needs.” Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular destinations and what each has to offer:
Michelle Culham says “Seminyak is a beach resort area at the southern end of Bali. It has great surfing conditions, tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs, and offers many shopping areas as well as plenty of luxury spas to choose from. It’s very popular with the younger crowd.”
Kelly Marshall says “Ubud is more centrally-located inland, set amongst rice paddies and jungle rivers. The area is classified as a cultural centre, offering markets for shopping and local restaurants. As well, this is where you will find the Monkey Forest, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year, making it a must-see.”
Negin Shaker has the following to say about Sanur: “Sanur is a small seaside town located in Southeast Bali. It is home to beautiful long stretches of beach, where you will find tons of colourful fishing boats lining the shore. It is also not nearly as busy as Seminyak, which makes for a great alternative and offers tons of dining options, art galleries, and shopping on every corner. It is very easy to relax and walk around here.”
Michelle Culham continues with her thoughts on Uluwatu, which is “located at the Southwestern tip of Bali. It’s a very popular spot for surfing and is home to some of the best-known temples in Bali. Many resorts are cliffside, which makes for some stunning views. The area also offers gorgeous sunsets.”
What are some of your favourite highlights?
Without a doubt, all three of us would have to say Ubud! We loved everything about this area. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the country’s cultural centre, you’ll love Ubud.
Kelly Marshall says “It offers so much from the markets and food to inexpensive massages and other treatments on every corner.” Michelle Culham continues by saying, “I loved the scenery. I just couldn’t get over how stunning the rice paddies are. A lot of the hotels in the Ubud area offer rooms with large terraces and private pools overlooking the tropical jungle or rice paddies. It really adds to the overall experience in this area.” Negin Shaker sums Ubud up with one word: “Unreal!”
What are some tips you would recommend to travel agents selling Bali as a destination?
Negin Shakers’ tip of the day: “I would recommend that clients stay in a minimum of two places: Ubud or Uluwatu and one of the beaches. For younger clientele, I’d suggest spending a day or having lunch or dinner at the Potato Head Beach Club Bali as it has such a great vibe.”
Kelly Marshall’s tip is for travellers to pack their patience when travelling around Bali, as the island is very busy and congested, which makes transfers sometimes frustrating, but in the end well worth it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing people-watching from the comfort of your air-conditioned transfer.
Michelle Culham finishes by giving her two cents when visiting the Monkey Forest: “Don’t look the monkeys in the eyes, don’t panic, and don’t hide any food. These are very cheeky monkeys you are dealing with.”
For assistance in creating the perfect tailor-made vacation, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of Goway’s experts in Bali.
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| Kelly Marshall 1.800.387.8850 ex 5973 Email: [email protected] |
Michelle Culham 1.800.387.8850 ex 5690 Email: [email protected] |
Negin Shakers 1.800.387.8850 ex 5937 Email: [email protected] |
