Renting a villa in Bali

[sisca77]

I hope this is the right forum since I figure that Bali is very close to Aussie. Anyone have any experience about renting a villa in Bali? Preferably close to Kuta, Legian or Seminyak area. Looking for 3 bedrooms, price ranges up to $300/night. Will be there around mid June. Anybody's welcome to pitch in her/his inputs. Thanks.

[rendang]

  Lucky you !  Been to Bali a few times, but not recently and never hired a villa. For that money I think you would get something pretty luxurious.
  I have heard that Kuta has gone downhill somewhat over the years, overcrowded overdeveloped etc. and I would consider other area's. I think the monsoon season can determine which is the best area to stay in, at certain times of the year.
  Why not get one of these, a very usefull guide.
                                    http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia 

[sisca77]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for your input. It has been a while since I went back to Indonesia. I had been to Bali several times but never rented a villa. I'll use that link and hopefully will have some luck. Yeah, Kuta's always been very crowded. I think I will consider other place than Kuta. We're also thinking about going to Lombok. I've been to Lombok, too. It was very nice. It was still "untouched" and a LOT less touristy than Bali.

[techno]

Ahhh Bali. I was there last September.

I stayed at a hotel in Sanur. Pretty relaxed and not as touristy as Kuta. A lot more european tourists who seem to prefer to sit around the pool and read. I have never rented a villa but know someone who did. You usually get serving staff, a chef and a driver thrown into the deal. Friends who rented a villa stayed near Ubud. Apparently there are luxury villas there.

I can email you the details of the driver I used. Nice guy with good english and cost about $50 USD for the whole day.

[sisca77]

Yeah, I'm looking at villas in Seminyak, Tanjung Benoa or Legian now. Not that many around Kuta (that available in June). We'll be traveling to Bali (and Lombok hopefully) of total 9 people, so we'll need at least a 3 bedroom villa. As far as renting a car, we'll drive from Jakarta to Bali. Maybe we can stop by in Yogyakarta for a day to visit Borobudur Temple. So, we won't be needing a driver. If you don't mind ask your friend who rented a villa. Maybe I will give Ubud a try. Bali is such a wonderful and beautiful place, I think almost anywhere is fine.

[rendang]

   Get that Lonely Planet, Bali Lombok Guide, you will find it very usefull.