Bargain to Bali and HK

My husband, Fos, and I took a trip to Bali, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, China, April 3-23, 2008. Although we usually travel independently, we chose this package because we were unable to match the prices that Escapes Unlimited (2012 Lerner Ln., Santa Ana, CA 92705; 800/243-7227, www.escapesltd.com) was offering for air travel.

The package included economy airfare from San Francisco to Denpasar, Bali (with a stopover in Hong Kong), on Cathay Pacific (reasonably good food plus free wine); five nights at Sri Bungalows in Ubud, Bali; airport-hotel transfers in Bali, and one night in the BP International Hotel, Hong Kong.

The total price was $1,155 per person, which included $256 for U.S. taxes and fuel/security surcharges. In short, this was an unbelievable bargain.

At additional cost, we extended for several days in both Bali and Hong Kong, which Escapes Unlimited accommodated flawlessly.

All services were provided as promised, with plenty of tips/information on our destinations offered in advance. Our rep was Jane, and she was a pleasure to work with. We were totally pleased with this trip.

Bali was a truly fascinating place. Sri Bungalows, although located on a busy street in the heart of the shopping/restaurant area in Ubud, actually opened in the back to rice paddies and was unbelievably quiet and restful.

There were many lovely restaurants offering food both local and international, the people were warm and welcoming, and prices were unbelievably low.

There was a great deal to see: artists of every description (woodcarvers, batik artists, ikat artists, silversmiths and more), performances of traditional dances and theater, unbelievable landscapes (rice terraces, volcanoes, monkey sanctuaries) and, if you chose a beach destination, all the diving and snorkeling you could hope for.

In Hong Kong, we found more than we had anticipated. The city was extremely busy, but calm and lovely countryside were only a tram/bus/train or ferry ride away. The harbor was busy with ferries and cruise ships day and night.

Neighboring Macau rivals Las Vegas for gambling opportunities, and a short walk from the casinos is Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, Lantau Island with its Bronze Buddha is not to be missed.

We loved this trip!

GALE POOLE

Vallejo, CA