Sounds like a dream trip.
I toured China last fall, and took a side trip to Bali to dive. Here a few ideas for you:
In Bali, I was very happy with Grand Komodo and Bali Marine Sports. I booked through Grand Komodo, they arranged airport transfers, 5 day accommodations at the Puri Santrian Hotel (very nice resort), and a day (land) tour. They do live aboards, so they hooked me up with they partner, Bali Marine Sports to do two days of charter dives. Great dive leaders, got in the water with you, found cool stuff, good with new divers, and no language problems.
I got a deal because I knew a guy, but the street price would have been maybe $700-$800 for all that, meals and drinks excluded.
I toured China last fall, and took a side trip to Bali to dive. Here a few ideas for you:
- Don't worry so much about checked bag fees. Most international carriers don't have extra fees (yet), and most American carriers don't apply them to international flights (yet). I had no problem lugging my gear around with me, aside from hassle factor.
- Many airlines will have an "Circle Asia" or "Circle Pacific" airpass programs that allow for flexible travel through an area for a flat fee. For around $3000, they might allow, say, up to 16 legs and 25,000 miles. They typically will divide destinations up into sectors, and allow only one entry and exit per sector (the circle part). All, past you initial booking, they only require 7 days to book subsequent departures.
- Be aware of local regulations, particularly with regards to drugs, alcohol and pornography. Indonesia is particularly strict, with the death penalty for many drug offenses, and prison terms for what they consider pornography. Something as innocent as an R-rated DVD could mean a bucket load of trouble.
- Also be aware that the Denpasar (Bali) airport is listed by the U.S. State Dep't as being unsafe. I did a pretty extensive internet search before going, and could not corroborate. Aside from some porters who used my ignorance of the exchange rate to rip me off ($20 tip per bag!), I didn't see anything too dangerous.
In Bali, I was very happy with Grand Komodo and Bali Marine Sports. I booked through Grand Komodo, they arranged airport transfers, 5 day accommodations at the Puri Santrian Hotel (very nice resort), and a day (land) tour. They do live aboards, so they hooked me up with they partner, Bali Marine Sports to do two days of charter dives. Great dive leaders, got in the water with you, found cool stuff, good with new divers, and no language problems.
I got a deal because I knew a guy, but the street price would have been maybe $700-$800 for all that, meals and drinks excluded.