BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm planning a trip from Australia to Europe either September this year or next year and on my way back home I want to stop off for about 5 days for a relaxing end to my trip. I was thinking Phuket, but in my reading it seems Bali might be a better option.

I am looking for a quiter area where I can stay at a nice hotel or Vila on the beach and have my choice between relaxing on the beach or doing some cultural trips.

I am not a surfer so prefer a flat water beach, and looking for something that is not crazy busy, but not only for couples as I'll be on my own.

I've heard places like Padangbai or Gili Trawangan or Candi Dasa or Lombok are supposed to be nice.

Anyone have any suggestions?

thanks

Just my opinion, but I think you're more likely to have a relaxing time on a Thai Beach. Quiet seclusion tends to come with a high price tag (and equally high walls) on Bali.

If you go to Bali though, you might want to try Lovina instead of the Kuta craziness. It's definitely more laid back there. Candidasa is quiet but it doesn't have a beach to speak of. Lombok is a good choice. The beaches aren't as nice as in Thailand, but it was certainly quiet when I was there.