redseal1tx
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THANK YOU TSandM FOR YOUR HELP.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A LONG TRIP REPORT.
Part 1: Travel, Travel Tips
Part 2: Resort Accommodations and Diving
Part 3: Photos
TRAVEL:
A group of 24 divers traveled from Austin, Texas to Wakatobi S.E. Sulawesi, Indonesia flying with United Airlines from Austin to Houston. Singapore Airlines whisked us from Houston to Bali. Actually there wasnt much whisking on a trip like this since the Houston to Moscow leg was 11 hours and the Moscow to Singapore leg was 12 hours. There was a 5 hour layover in Singapore before we flew to Bali. We spent 3 days in Bali which was truly a cultural event that should not be missed if you have the chance. The flight from Bali to Wakatobi was about 3 hours. We saw the most amazing turquoise water and atolls between Bali and Wakatobi. Make sure you have your camera with you for the 3 hour flight. There is a 8 minute air conditioned jeep ride from the Wakatobi air strip to the pier where one of the Wakatobi dive boats transported us to the Wakatobi resort; about a 20 minute boat ride.
We flew Singapore Airlines in Economy class. Dont freak out, Economy class has 37% more legroom than any U.S. airline. Im 62 and my knees did not touch the seat in front of me. The reason we didnt upgrade to Business Class was the cost. Economy Class cost approximately $1,700 per person; Business Class on our flight was in excess of $7,000 per person. We figured that we could save the money to buy t-shirts in Indonesia.
When flying Economy Class on Singapore Airlines you are limited to ONE carry-on bag; not one carry-on (rolling bag) and a personal item (back pack, briefcase, messenger bag, etc.). The one carry-on bag must not weigh over 15 pounds and cannot be over 45 cubic inches (length+height+width). Economy Class Checked Baggage is limited to one bag no larger than 62 cubic inches and a second bag no larger than 45 cubic inches. Each checked bag cannot weigh more than 44 pounds. If luggage exceeds the weight limitation or size limitation the penalty starts at $160 per bag. The weight penalty also applies to your carry-on bag.
We flew United Airlines from Austin to Houston. United is a Star Partner with Singapore Airlines. When we got to the United ticket counter in Austin, I requested that our bags be checked all the way through to Bali. Although it took a bit of time, the United representative was able to check the 4 bags from Austin to Bali. (By checking our bags directly to Bali we avoided having to handle our bags in Houston, and we didnt have to pay the bag fees from Austin to Houston because we were on an international flight; saved $140).
SINGAPORE AIRLINES PROVIDED AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF SERVICE. The Flight Attendants were ALWAYS pleasant, ALWAYS smiled, and were falling all over themselves to make sure we were comfortable and having an enjoyable flying experience. Singapore Airlines service is second to none.
BALI. We were lucky enough to have the services of an English-speaking travel guide named Merta for our three day stay in Bali. Merta was fabulous dealing with 24 travelers and educating us on Balinese customs, traditions, language, etc. Merta was most informative and very amusing. We had several choices of excursions in Bali that included an the Barong and Keris cultural dance at Batubulan Village (amazing), the Rice Terraces at Tegallalang Village, tours of several temples including Gunung Kawi Temple, lunch in a restaurant that overlooked a Mount Batur Volcano in the Kintamani District (the food was buffet style and was excellent), a trip to the Baboon sanctuary, exploring a local wood carving establishment, a tour of the finest quality silver jewelry shop, elephant rides through the jungle at Carang Sari Village that lasted about an hour, and local shopping. For tour information and prices please see the information provided at Bali Volcano Tour
Travel Tips:
1. Moscow Airport
When you fly Singapore Air from Houston to Singapore, there is a 45 minute layover in Moscow. We were required to exit the plane into the Moscow airport. Follow the Yellow Signs that say Transfer/Transit (the signs have several translations including English). The walk is good to stretch your legs. Go up the escalator or stairs that take you into a secure lobby area. Get in line and do a 180 to go back through a security screening area where a helpful Moscow airport employee will check your Passport and Singapore Airline Seat Ticket stub (MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR TICKET STUB OFF THE PLANE). After our Passport and Seat Ticket Stub was checked, we passed through a security checkpoint that requires an x-ray of your carry-on luggage. When we passed through the x-ray machine we were met by two more Moscow Airport Security Guards who will check your Passport and Seat Ticket Stub. Once we passed the last two security guards we re-entered the terminal and walked to the Singapore Airline gate to board the same plane we just exited. THERE ARE VERY LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO PURCHASE FOOD AND WATER IN MOSCOWS AIRPORT. When we got to the Singapore Airlines gate, we had to show your Passport and Seat Ticket Stub. Our carry-on bag was searched by another Moscow Airport security guard.
2. Singapore Airport
Singapore Airport is a city trapped in a large building. The stores in the airport are numerous to say the least. You can find a 7-11, numerous restaurants including Dim Sum (outstanding), Tiffanys Jewelers and everything in between. The airport also has a Transit Hotel where a shower costs $8.00 USD or rooms are available to rent for a minimum of 6 hours at a time. The Transit Hotel has a Standard single room which rents for $76.51 Singapore dollars which converts to $62.61 USD. The Budget single room is $47.08 Singapore dollars which converts to $38.53 USD.
Each airline gate has its own security screening area before you get to the jet way. We made the mistake of buying bottles of water at the 7-11 for the flight to Bali only to find out that we couldnt take the water through the security gate. There are no food, beverage, or restroom facilities in the waiting area at each gate.
3. Bali Airport
Our travel group was fortunate to have a Balinese tour group representative waiting for us when we landed. The tour group rep took each of our passports and $25 USD each through the line where Balinese Visas are purchased for short term visitors. Having the rep help our group benefited us by not having to wait in line with hundreds of other travelers waiting to get Visas. After the Visa fees were paid, we were guided by airport security to claim our luggage. The rep took us through the International terminal and to a waiting bus to take us to Sanur Beach Hotel. This process was extremely smooth.
4. Travelers Intestinal Distress
We had no problems with travelers intestinal distress related to the food or water. We always drank bottled water and asked that the bottle be brought to us so that we could open the bottle ourselves. As a preventative measure, we chewed 2 Pepto Bismol tablets on our first day in Bali and never had a problem with the food or water. I recommend the tablets over the liquid because they are easier to pack in your carry-on bag and dont weigh anything (remember you are restricted to 15 pounds for your carry-on bag).
5. Dress Code in Indonesia
We were informed by our guide that if women travel outside the resort, either Bali or Wakatobi, women are required to cover their shoulders and their thighs. If women wear shorts outside the resort, a sarong is the most convenient wrap to cover their legs. My wife wore something called Capris which look like pants that spent too much time in the dryer; Capris are acceptable outside the resorts.
6. Money Exchange:
I got to be a millionaire twice while we were in Bali. We exchanged $150.00 USD into Bali Rupiah. Each time we made the conversion we received 1,485,625 Rupiah. We had the best success with the highest conversion rates at the local Currency Converter facilities that did not charge a commission.
We stayed at the Sanur Beach Hotel Bali which offered a lower conversion rate than the local Currency Converter facilities. If you walk out of the hotel and down the hotel entrance road you will come to Jalan Danau Tamblingan (the road outside the hotel entrance); its any easy walk. This road has many shops, restaurants, massage facilities, and Currency Conversion facilities. Each Currency Conversion facility offers different conversion rates for the USD so do a little shopping.
7. Electrical Current Converter
If you are traveling from the US, make sure you have both grounded and ungrounded electrical converters for your electrical equipment. A helpful resource for locating electrical converters is Voltage Valet scroll down the page to locate Indonesia click on the B and GUB links to see the type of converter you will need. The converters will cost $10.00 with a $10.00 shipping charge. If you buy both converters from Radio Shack they will cost in the $25 dollar range.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A LONG TRIP REPORT.
Part 1: Travel, Travel Tips
Part 2: Resort Accommodations and Diving
Part 3: Photos
TRAVEL:
A group of 24 divers traveled from Austin, Texas to Wakatobi S.E. Sulawesi, Indonesia flying with United Airlines from Austin to Houston. Singapore Airlines whisked us from Houston to Bali. Actually there wasnt much whisking on a trip like this since the Houston to Moscow leg was 11 hours and the Moscow to Singapore leg was 12 hours. There was a 5 hour layover in Singapore before we flew to Bali. We spent 3 days in Bali which was truly a cultural event that should not be missed if you have the chance. The flight from Bali to Wakatobi was about 3 hours. We saw the most amazing turquoise water and atolls between Bali and Wakatobi. Make sure you have your camera with you for the 3 hour flight. There is a 8 minute air conditioned jeep ride from the Wakatobi air strip to the pier where one of the Wakatobi dive boats transported us to the Wakatobi resort; about a 20 minute boat ride.
We flew Singapore Airlines in Economy class. Dont freak out, Economy class has 37% more legroom than any U.S. airline. Im 62 and my knees did not touch the seat in front of me. The reason we didnt upgrade to Business Class was the cost. Economy Class cost approximately $1,700 per person; Business Class on our flight was in excess of $7,000 per person. We figured that we could save the money to buy t-shirts in Indonesia.
When flying Economy Class on Singapore Airlines you are limited to ONE carry-on bag; not one carry-on (rolling bag) and a personal item (back pack, briefcase, messenger bag, etc.). The one carry-on bag must not weigh over 15 pounds and cannot be over 45 cubic inches (length+height+width). Economy Class Checked Baggage is limited to one bag no larger than 62 cubic inches and a second bag no larger than 45 cubic inches. Each checked bag cannot weigh more than 44 pounds. If luggage exceeds the weight limitation or size limitation the penalty starts at $160 per bag. The weight penalty also applies to your carry-on bag.
We flew United Airlines from Austin to Houston. United is a Star Partner with Singapore Airlines. When we got to the United ticket counter in Austin, I requested that our bags be checked all the way through to Bali. Although it took a bit of time, the United representative was able to check the 4 bags from Austin to Bali. (By checking our bags directly to Bali we avoided having to handle our bags in Houston, and we didnt have to pay the bag fees from Austin to Houston because we were on an international flight; saved $140).
SINGAPORE AIRLINES PROVIDED AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF SERVICE. The Flight Attendants were ALWAYS pleasant, ALWAYS smiled, and were falling all over themselves to make sure we were comfortable and having an enjoyable flying experience. Singapore Airlines service is second to none.
BALI. We were lucky enough to have the services of an English-speaking travel guide named Merta for our three day stay in Bali. Merta was fabulous dealing with 24 travelers and educating us on Balinese customs, traditions, language, etc. Merta was most informative and very amusing. We had several choices of excursions in Bali that included an the Barong and Keris cultural dance at Batubulan Village (amazing), the Rice Terraces at Tegallalang Village, tours of several temples including Gunung Kawi Temple, lunch in a restaurant that overlooked a Mount Batur Volcano in the Kintamani District (the food was buffet style and was excellent), a trip to the Baboon sanctuary, exploring a local wood carving establishment, a tour of the finest quality silver jewelry shop, elephant rides through the jungle at Carang Sari Village that lasted about an hour, and local shopping. For tour information and prices please see the information provided at Bali Volcano Tour
Travel Tips:
1. Moscow Airport
When you fly Singapore Air from Houston to Singapore, there is a 45 minute layover in Moscow. We were required to exit the plane into the Moscow airport. Follow the Yellow Signs that say Transfer/Transit (the signs have several translations including English). The walk is good to stretch your legs. Go up the escalator or stairs that take you into a secure lobby area. Get in line and do a 180 to go back through a security screening area where a helpful Moscow airport employee will check your Passport and Singapore Airline Seat Ticket stub (MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR TICKET STUB OFF THE PLANE). After our Passport and Seat Ticket Stub was checked, we passed through a security checkpoint that requires an x-ray of your carry-on luggage. When we passed through the x-ray machine we were met by two more Moscow Airport Security Guards who will check your Passport and Seat Ticket Stub. Once we passed the last two security guards we re-entered the terminal and walked to the Singapore Airline gate to board the same plane we just exited. THERE ARE VERY LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO PURCHASE FOOD AND WATER IN MOSCOWS AIRPORT. When we got to the Singapore Airlines gate, we had to show your Passport and Seat Ticket Stub. Our carry-on bag was searched by another Moscow Airport security guard.
2. Singapore Airport
Singapore Airport is a city trapped in a large building. The stores in the airport are numerous to say the least. You can find a 7-11, numerous restaurants including Dim Sum (outstanding), Tiffanys Jewelers and everything in between. The airport also has a Transit Hotel where a shower costs $8.00 USD or rooms are available to rent for a minimum of 6 hours at a time. The Transit Hotel has a Standard single room which rents for $76.51 Singapore dollars which converts to $62.61 USD. The Budget single room is $47.08 Singapore dollars which converts to $38.53 USD.
Each airline gate has its own security screening area before you get to the jet way. We made the mistake of buying bottles of water at the 7-11 for the flight to Bali only to find out that we couldnt take the water through the security gate. There are no food, beverage, or restroom facilities in the waiting area at each gate.
3. Bali Airport
Our travel group was fortunate to have a Balinese tour group representative waiting for us when we landed. The tour group rep took each of our passports and $25 USD each through the line where Balinese Visas are purchased for short term visitors. Having the rep help our group benefited us by not having to wait in line with hundreds of other travelers waiting to get Visas. After the Visa fees were paid, we were guided by airport security to claim our luggage. The rep took us through the International terminal and to a waiting bus to take us to Sanur Beach Hotel. This process was extremely smooth.
4. Travelers Intestinal Distress
We had no problems with travelers intestinal distress related to the food or water. We always drank bottled water and asked that the bottle be brought to us so that we could open the bottle ourselves. As a preventative measure, we chewed 2 Pepto Bismol tablets on our first day in Bali and never had a problem with the food or water. I recommend the tablets over the liquid because they are easier to pack in your carry-on bag and dont weigh anything (remember you are restricted to 15 pounds for your carry-on bag).
5. Dress Code in Indonesia
We were informed by our guide that if women travel outside the resort, either Bali or Wakatobi, women are required to cover their shoulders and their thighs. If women wear shorts outside the resort, a sarong is the most convenient wrap to cover their legs. My wife wore something called Capris which look like pants that spent too much time in the dryer; Capris are acceptable outside the resorts.
6. Money Exchange:
I got to be a millionaire twice while we were in Bali. We exchanged $150.00 USD into Bali Rupiah. Each time we made the conversion we received 1,485,625 Rupiah. We had the best success with the highest conversion rates at the local Currency Converter facilities that did not charge a commission.
We stayed at the Sanur Beach Hotel Bali which offered a lower conversion rate than the local Currency Converter facilities. If you walk out of the hotel and down the hotel entrance road you will come to Jalan Danau Tamblingan (the road outside the hotel entrance); its any easy walk. This road has many shops, restaurants, massage facilities, and Currency Conversion facilities. Each Currency Conversion facility offers different conversion rates for the USD so do a little shopping.
7. Electrical Current Converter
If you are traveling from the US, make sure you have both grounded and ungrounded electrical converters for your electrical equipment. A helpful resource for locating electrical converters is Voltage Valet scroll down the page to locate Indonesia click on the B and GUB links to see the type of converter you will need. The converters will cost $10.00 with a $10.00 shipping charge. If you buy both converters from Radio Shack they will cost in the $25 dollar range.