In Reply to: FOR SIMON posted by Sue H on Sunday, 31. December 2000 at 10:45 Bali Time:
I'm really happy to give info as I've lived there for a long time and the only westerner to do so.A lot of the guide book's info is innaccurate,so it's a pleasure to help.On a budget you have two main choices of beaches to stay on. There are only four with accommodation, and the other two are much more expensive.(US59 to over US300 a night for room with double bed). Jungut Batu Beach is the cheapest with rooms starting from around Rp50,000.Not so good for swimming as it is tidal/shallow and full of sea grass farms, and I'm ashamed to say a little trashed out presently due to ongoing local feuds re rubbish collections.Mainly frequented by surfing fanatics as it has breaks 200m offshore on the Lembongan reef, but definitely the cheapest. Around 14 guest houses there,so you do not have to book at any time of year.(Most do not have tel anyhow).To get there you can catch a public outrigger from Sanur near the Bali Beach Hotel,at around 7am.About Rp 30,000.(Departs as soon as it is full)Takes about 2-3 hours depending on strength of tides.There are other options which range in price from US 24 to US 70 each return incld your hotel transfers, but they do not go to J.B. Beach, instead to offshore Chelegimbai area,where you can transfer to other places.The other choices would be to go to Chelegimbai (search Lembongan Discovery for photos). The Coral House could be a consideration here as it is on the beach, good to sit and watch the children.Their Coral House has a big family room upstairs with 2x dble beds and a single (and is on two levels) It is around US 59 per night. The other choice there is Kokopalms, which is back off the beach about 30m,and rooms sleeping up to 5 people(1xdble and 2x sngle beds) are around US 22 per night. Your safest and cheapest transport options to this bay are by Quickcat (40 mins)US 39 each return incld transfers or by Lembongan Express (40 mins)US 24 return incld transfers and children under 14yrs half price.I can pass on bookings to any of the above at no charge,and currently provide the service to those who have no email or other communications. Don't hesitate to ask for more direction if need be,Happy New Year to your family.Ps. This has to be one of the safest places around,and your children will be adored and looked after,so that mom and dad have a holiday too!