Just a quick week in Bali, on the south east coast in Candi Dasa. A lovely little town with plenty of great sea front bungalows at great prices. Definately worth bypassing the over commercialised Kuta (unless you just plan to get bladdered non stop) and head to the quieter countryside towns and villages. All along the coast the towns and villages are easily accesible by bemo or taxi. I have a suggestion for a great peaceful stay with friendly and v.helpful staff, but i need to remember the name first!! I feel slightly disappointed that Candi Dasa is so quiet and all in the village are desparate for trade, from the restaurants and shops through to tour guides and taxi drivers. You do not however feel bullied into choosinf eating places or taking tours but it does put visitors at a major advantage for bartering prices way down, so low in cases that i feel visitors were really taking the piss out of locals trying to make a living.

Ubud is stunning too, and Padang Bai is bustling but not full of British drunken louts. Mainly backpackers and people looking to pick up the pace a little before doing some island hopping.