Headed to Bali – Hopefully | Frugal Travel Guy

Headed to Bali – Hopefully

October 16, 2012 - Howie

As a continuation to last week’s post on our amazing sub $600 one-way fist class fare from Asia to North America where I mentioned we were hopefully headed to Thailand. For our other trip we’re headed to Bali. Our flights home are set with 23+ hours in Tokyo and about 8 hours in England with hopefully enough time to head out and see the Harry Potter studio tour. Funny thing, the studio tour is the #1 thing on Sara’s todo list for this trip … so I better make it happen.

So right before my birthday we’re going to head to Bali; but how to get there??? My Diamond Status with Delta is completely useless as I need a one-way award; thankfully I’ve been building up my Ultimate Rewards balance. I even convinced Sara to fly on an A380… and for this trip we’re doing it all in First Class (SPLURGE!) Savannah to Dulles (ok, we’re in economy here) but then off to Frankfurt in United Global First (turn-down service???). A three hour layover in Frankfurt to enjoy a nice meal, hot shower and relaxation before we then take a Thai A380 in First to Bangkok (hopefully the size inside the plane helps Sara forget how big the outside really is ). Our final flight is in business of a 2-class configuration a A330 to Bali. We’ve got 7 nights in Bali before we head home. Our goal here is likely very much the same as our trip to Phuket. Rest and relaxation … but trying to do it at a manageable price. Any recommendations while we’re there?

We’ll need a night in Tokyo too; who knows what I should do there.

I’m trying to take a bit of advice from The Deal Mommy on there is only one 22, 32, 42 … but I don’t know if I can be excessively frivelous. Recommendations for Bali to keep it managable? SPG so I can get free Internet / Breakfast? Intercontinental via buying points? Again, I need your help!

This trip and the trip to Thailand were able to be put together through a series of two application batches and some moderate spending in the appropriate categories to maximize my bonus.

Deal of the Day

For today’s Deal of the Day TopCashback is donating $50 cash (to be deposited to your TopCashback.com account) for the best overall travel deal submitted. A great mileage run, mistake fare, partner promo, new card sign-up offer, or the special twist you figured out on a deal today. Add it to the comments section of this post (along with your First Name, Last Initial, and Airport Code) or this afternoon’s Deal of the Day post by TOMORROW at 11:59pm EDT to be eligible to win. That gives you two days to win!

Li Y @ DTW

Wyndham stay 1 night get 16,000 points at 20 new participating locations: wyndhamrewards.com/bonus16. There was a similar promo back in August. This new one good through 12/31/12, and nowhere says it’s targeted. Enjoy!
Jeremyh11

You mentioned possibly SPG in Tokyo. I’m fairly new to SPG, how do you get free breakfast with SPG?? I didn’t see that as an elite benefit.
http://twitter.com/thefarb Lawrence Himelfarb

Did you consider Korean Air from IAD with a layover in ICN? They are a partner of UR also.
CherylD

Howie, we just got back from Bali…if you want a good deal using points – my recommendation is the Bali Hyatt with a Regency club room – 7,000 points per night. You get breakfast and really enough food at the evening happy hour to make a dinner. Not that food is expensive in Bali…but it is very convenient. PM me at CherylD on MP for more advice if you need it.
Spencer

Jetblue is running a 1-day sale (for Bosses Day) on 10/16/12, fares starting at $49. http://www.jetblue.com/deals/the-boss-day-sale/?intcmp=HPHero01_Eng__the-boss-day-sale20120906
Wander L. (SAN)

$60 discount voucher valid on all Lufthansa flights from the USA

https://promotion.lufthansa.com/fall_special_2/

- The voucher can be redeemed between 01/10/2012 and 16/10/2012.- Travel must be between 01/10/2012 and 31/01/2013. Travel between

20/12/2012 and 23/12/2012 and 02/01/2013 and 04/01/2013 is excluded.- Vouchers are only valid for itineraries where all
flights are operated by Lufthansa and Lufthansa Regional Partners (incl.
Lufthansa City Line and Eurowings).- The voucher is only valid for flights departing in United States of America.
Kathryn I – OKC

JetBlue is having a $49 sale for Boss’ Day (today only). The fares are good from October 30 – December 12, 2012. There are some exclusions. Click on jetblue.com for more information.
Dan

Venture afield from the chain stuff in Bali and you’ll have amazing affordability and (really) better locations.

Tandjung Sari in Sanur – you can squeak in for under $200/night (a splurge, really) but it’s amazing.

Puri Lumbung Cottages in Munduk in the mountains – $60/night, very comfortable, perhaps the best views on the island.
Ali

Enjoy the Harry Potter tour at Leavesden. I can tell you that it’s not overrated…it really IS that great. And this from an AP European History addicted teen who also loves Doctor Who and everything else in the UK. I now associate “Watford Junction” with the Hogwarts Express.
jacisme

Jake C – ATL
jacisme

Baltimore, Boston, and Charlotte also all have some $71 one way ($142 RT) fares available on airtran. After value of credits are factored in, the trip is only $67.
Mark

As far as the Tokyo portion goes, JR East has a great deal called Suica + NEX that will get you from Narita to Downtown Tokyo roundtrip on the Narita Express for 5000 yen, which actually drops to 3500 yen becuase they give you a 1500 yen Suica prepaid card. If you wanted to stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo (for example) the NEX will get you to Shinjuku Station (within a stone’s throw of the Park Hyatt) in a little over an hour.
Mark

My mistake, roundtrip is 5500 yen, not 5000. Still a pretty good deal.
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Tim

The ferry ride from Bali to Lombok is 4-5+ hours depending on sea conditions (excluding loading time, so it basically takes a whole day), and though it is cheap (about 4USD) it may be a better use of time and comfort to travel another way. I recommend the 20min flight with Merpati (about 50USD RT), but you can also take a fast boat (there are many, all price fixed at a crazy price of more than 120USD). None of these need advance booking of more than a day or two, and can be done at several places in Bali. Go visit Tanjung A’an and Mawi beaches in the south part of Lombok…stunning raw beauty and fun surf. Email if you want more tips chillvillabali at gmail dot com.

Headed to Bali – Hopefully

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