worldatlarge

Long report from my trip to Bali at the beginning of December 2016. After two and half nights of fun in Bangkok (the half is that I landed at 1h am and just got the time to see the dismantling of Patpong night market before going to bed!) Thai Airways brought me to Bali. (Good service by the way!) Ryanasia had given nice recommendations (Thank you Ryanasia!) but I had to go with Expedia and decided on the “gay-rated villas” recommendation on Travel Gay Asia, Blue Karma Resort. (http://bluekarmaresort.com/our-hotels/seminyak/ ) A 600 sq ft villa with one bedroom and a private pool very well appointed at 120 USD per night. Be careful when checking prices because there is a 23.5% tax added so above rate is really 145 USD per night. It adds up fast if you decide to take a more expensive room. For 20 USD each way I booked the airport transportation directly with the hotel. They were waiting at the exit of the arrivals and the drive to the hotel was comfortable in a mini-van even if it took 40 minutes due to traffic. Traffic is quite bad in Bali (but worst in Jakarta!) The rate includes Wi-Fi and breakfast. They leave some cards on your bed so you can choose one of the 5 breakfasts they prepare; Indonesian, Australian, Japanese, continental and forget the last one (!) But even if you do not choose any they will make you eggs and they have buffet of fruits, yogurt and toast. The good thing about the hotel is it is well located at crossroads of 2 main streets so lots of boutiques and restaurants close by as well as only 1000 feet from all 4 gay bars. A 5 minutes’ walk. They also have a golf cart that will bring you to the beach by the Anantara Hotel. Once installed, we walked to the beach and decided to continue trying to find the gay beach. Best way to find it is to find the Seaside restaurant. It’s right across. If you go by taxi, they will drop you at the end of Jl Arjuna (Double Six street) as they cannot circulate on the beach road. From there it is a 270 m (1000 feet) walk. No more gay flag but parasols with Bali Joe bar publicity gives it away. Waiters are really fun, smiling at attentive even if not talking a lot of English. Beers are cheap at 2 USD and they can offer some food too. Not a lot of people as rainy season was starting. All 5 days were cloudy with not much blue sky. But it was 31 degrees C (88 F) so who complains considering I had left at minus 5 C (23 F)! Beach fills up close to sunset. People are just coming with friends and taking a beer and look at the sun coming down. Mainly straight as there are many other bars on the beach. During the rainy season there is a natural phenomenon that makes sea currents bring all stuff from other islands. So a lot of wood (and I mean big branches and even trunks of tree are being swept on the beach. Naturally and sadly it also means it brings all the plastic people are throwing away. Bottles, bags even shoes are found on the beach. People working on the beach shops are cleaning but it is a difficult battle. True that the water itself is clear as Ryanasia mentioned but still a bit a downer to have plastic around your legs sometimes. I did not go to other islands and/or beaches so I cannot comment but must say that even the main beaches are clearer than Pattaya. After a rest at the hotel, it was time for dinner. I think there are more Italian restaurants than Indonesian ones in Bali! Really the cuisines are really mixed due the variety of tourists I assume. It’s an international destination after all. During our stay we ate; Italian, Indonesian, French, Indian and Balinese. Food price is cheap but your bill is always twice the food price because of the alcohol! Dinner for 2 were always between 80 to 100 USD inclusive of the drinks. Less the last night. At Chandi restaurant, we had some appetizers, a Balinese satay hot plate for 2 (10 brochettes/each) for about 40 USD and dessert (about 65 USD for the food) which is really reasonable, but ended with a bill of 155 USD due to drinks and bottle of wine!! In any case, we ate quite well during all our time there. An 11% sales tax is added as well as service of about 5 to 7% is included most of the time. They do not expect more tips. The other gay beach is by the W hotel. Was going there by taxi at the end of Jalang Batu Belig street and then turn left on the beach road Jl Petitenget a bit rocky road but the taxi still brings you to the beach restaurant/bar called Cantina just before the hotel. Much quieter area. Not too many people but guys bring their boy of the day to eat and swim a little. Long chairs are rented at about 4 USD for the day (same price as the other beach). They also have a good menu and many people go to eat. The staff is friendly and will even call you a taxi. Taxi is about 3 USD per ride. Drivers will round up and not give you little change back. When called they have a minimum fee of about 2.30 USD. Funny thing about this place is that the Wi-Fi will let me enter and see all of Grindr and Hornet which I was not able to do at the hotel or the other beach. At the hotel I could log on but did not see any thumbnail pictures or profiles but since I was logged-in I was receiving messages but I was not aware. Nice fellow told me that I needed to download a free VPN so we can go around the blocked sites. I kept to GR which I was able to connect at all places. Too bad I had to respond to the messages after having left! Regarding those apps, the Indonesian are fast on their keyboards!! Wow did I get messages in no time! Difficult to answer all! Many cuties and many not money boys (or so they say) but you also get offers of massage and other MBs. Can certainly fill your days easily there!! And, unlike Ryanasia, I can say there are many twinks in Bali and Jakarta considering the quantity of messages received. Different facial features than Thais so it is a question of personal taste but still some quite nice! Which brings to the gay bars. Or I should say bar (singular) as I got to go only at Mixwell. Entered there are quarter to 11 and we got seated right away by nice smiling staff at one of the tables close to the street. Not too busy at that time. Price for beer is good at about 2 USD. Was quite good considering we had a good view of both stages the drag queens use to their shows. More little performances of one or 2 songs and they go away and come back 20 minutes later. So not one full show but spread during all evening. Quite good and even with dancers. At one point there is a 3 go go boys dancing on the bar. Very nice specimen of men but too short a show! By quarter after 11 the place was packed and I was glad to have the table we had because it was not walkable. Just going to the bathroom was an adventure but a fun one considering you HAD to rub against everyone going there. So I had to excuse myself quite a few times due to “being pushed” on people!! ☺ Very good bar. Waiter were always close by to get us new drinks. Party on a Saturday night was entertaining. Lots of cruising too. Was so fun we did not even move to go see the other 3 bars that are all beside each others. I was also glad the hotel was closed by because the rain started and after too many “let’s take another drink until the rain stops”, we decided we really had enough and decided to make a run for it. No matter it was only the equivalent of 3 blocks, we were drenched even to the shoes and socks! Apart from the routine of breakfast, beach, siesta, shower, dinner and bed, we took a private tour from the hotel (54 USD). Only the 2 of us with a driver/ guide which accommodated us with things we wanted to see. But there again the traffic is the limitation to things you can visit because it takes a lot of time out of the day. Just for the first village to see the handcraft of batik, it took one hour for a distance that should take less than half that time. Then to the wood carving while skipping the silver crafts considering I had my share of silver from the last trip to Mexico. From there to the Indian temple (Pura Tirta Empul) and then Mount Batur volcano and its 2 calderas. We skipped the Ubud Palace at our driver’s suggestion as we wanted to go to Pura Tanah Lot temple which is normally on a separate tour as it is on the west coast and all the previous is on the east side. And we needed the time because it was more than 2 hours to get there. We did stop at the Tagalalang Rice Terrace on our way so we certainly saw all we wanted to see. A long day from 8h30 to past 7pm but quite interesting. So very nice time in Bali even if I would probably choose another time than December considering the weather. Definitely it could be even more entertaining if going alone! From there we flew on Air Asia to Jakarta. Quick flight, good service. Lots of traffic in Jakarta and pollution too. Not much to see but we did have a little tour to main National Monument, National museum, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia (Istiqlal Mosque) right in front is the Jakarta Roman Catholic Cathedral, the port Sunda Kelapa with their old schooners and the Jakarta History Museum in the Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town). Lots of shopping can be done as many large malls are in the Central Jakarta along with hotels. Last day was quiet in preparation of the 30 hours return via Bangkok and Beijing. Also that food was getting on my stomach but that’s another story (which won’t be told!). Final comment is; leave plenty of time before your flight. Google map was saying 45 minutes to the airport when we left the hotel but it quickly changed and we did one hour 40 minutes. So, as Ryanasia asked, would I come here again? No need for Jakarta. It was more of a “we are closed by” and we should see something else of Indonesia kind of thing. But I will place it in “Check the box, been there, done that” category. For Bali, I am not sure. Maybe if in the area at a less wet time, I could drop by again but considering the quantity of people even in December and cloudy skies and cannot imagine how crowded this place must be at high season. So maybe also see other islands instead. Guys wise, I think one can find some company every day. Just a matter of preferences of each one but surely you can find someone to your taste!

Happy new year to everyone. A lot of HEALTH and the rest will follow!

Mr. Thailand; no contest!

I agree with Orson that the buffet breakfast is good at Le Meridien. But this is what I wrote their management when they requested my comments and review; "understandably the quantity and quality offered justify that price, but since nobody can eat even a small piece of everything in the buffet unless eating all day (!) it might be better to lower the offering with a smaller price tag." In any case, the next day, the breakfast was at Foodland for 11% of the Meridien price and it was enough to get me through dinner!

I just used thelimopattaya on my trip 3 weeks ago. Request sent by email, promptly answered and confirmed. They waited even if the flight was delayed and it was about one hour later that I got out with my luggage. Considering it was past 1am, it was good service. Safe ride in Honda van into the city by the toll road and to Le Meridien on Surawong Road. Return to airport from the hotel was at 6am and they were right on time even at an early hour like that. A Camry was used for the return. Pricing at 800 thb. Tipped 100 thb for the waiting and good service. So yes they still good and recommandable.

I tried the fast track services of Siam resorts Bangkok Airport Transfer Services (or aka Bangkok Airport Limousine) https://www.limousine.in.th/fast-track-immigration.html on my last trip to Bangkok, beginning of December, mainly for the buggy service and also because my trip continued from Bangkok to Bali and Jakarta (see other thread for a trip report) and the return from Jakarta to Canada had tight connecting time in Bangkok, on 2 different airlines and 2 separately purchased tickets meaning, according to email from customer service of Thai Airways, I could not check my luggage in Jakarta to go all the way to Canada, even if both airlines are part of Star Alliance. (Jakarta-Bangkok was on Thai Airways and Bangkok-Beijing-Montreal was on Air China,). So it meant going through immigration, picking up my luggage and then walking to check-in at Air China counter, pass security and immigration again and walking to the gate in only 2 hours and half at 10h30 PM meaning possibly a lot of people in line. The idea was that buggy and fast immigration service would cut on time and I also added a porter so that I would not have to carry the bag all the way to the Air China counter. I decided to take the service on the way to Bangkok too, just to see if it worked properly. The service is good, effective and attentive. If the expense is worth it will depend on each one. Cost on the first entrance to Bangkok was; Fast track (1200 THB) + Golf cart (1299 THB) total of 2499 THB (just under 70 USD). Cost on the return was the same plus 349 THB for the porter (total 2848 THB or about 79 USD). Golf cart can be used by up to 3 persons. So individual cost can be cheaper. In my case we were 2 persons so individual cost was really 1850 THB (51.50 USD) and 2024 THB (56 USD) on the return. Which is not too bad considering less legwork and time saved. Reservation is made on their website and you get an email confirmation asking you to pay on Paypal or Paysbuy. Once completed you receive another email with your service voucher which they say you need to present at time of service but were never requested on site (!) They are waiting with a sign with your name at the arrival gate, buggy ready to bring you to immigration area. Another person brings you to the diplomatic/crew counter and you breeze through the official review and then the porter is waiting behind the counter to bring you to the correct carrousel to pick up your luggage and help you bring it to your taxi/limousine service. You can book their own limo service to downtown Bangkok for 900 THB which would lower the fast track by 150 THB. I did not use it because I previously reserved with Limo Pattaya but it might be a good thing to take everything with them as they have a special parking area which is closer to the terminal and they might have newer cars. Booking for the limo service is on a different form on their website. All in all, it is a very swift and easy process. I am sure I saved quite a bit of time as the line on the regular counters was long but not super long considering it was 1h00 AM. Now, as things do not necessarily work as they should when you are talking of air travels, here are the details that made it not as good an expenditure as it should have been! Nothing against the service itself as they execute as promised and time is saved. Just that on this trip thing went a different way and return on money was not totally there!! On the way in, we landed about 45 minutes later than programmed. Instead of being parked at a gate, we were at a remote area and brought to the terminal by bus. The area where the bus arrive is right in front of the immigration counters area. So the golf cart is not necessary since it is not far to walk. Even if the gate had changed, they were waiting with my name on a sign and the (funny) driver made the best of not having to use the cart by saying we would be waiting for our luggage anyway so he might as well show us the airport and drive us around for awhile!! After 10 minutes of going around he brought us back to the immigration counter and we sailed through. On the other side, the porter, which was not requested, was waiting anyway!! He brought us to the carrousel and we waited for close to 20 minutes for our luggage. So, time lost at immigration line may mean shorter wait at carrousel. The porter brought the luggage to the limo waiting area (close to gate 3 and 4 outside the arrival area), gave the cart to our driver and service was completed in an effective way and lots of smile with it! So, with a good record on the way in, I was looking forward to the return and was expecting easy transfer. Things changed there too! When we are checking in for our flight Jakarta-Bangkok, I mention we have a connection and wanted to ask the favor to have the bag tagged with a priority delivery since we have to go through immigration and pick-up our bag before checking-in to the other flight and that we have limited time. The Thai Airways supervisor and clerk look at us and say we can surely connect your bags to your next flight and you wont have to go trough all that. They ask for the flight number and right away say it can be done. We now have only to go directly to the transit area counters of out connecting airline. Still having doubts, after all Thai Airways Canada/USA customer service had told me it was not possible to do, by 3 times I reconfirm the bags will make it trough the other 2 airports connecting flights. Their answer is just to show me the luggage ticket showing all 3 flights with final destination Montreal. They then add, to make sure the agents of Air China include the ticket number into their system so the bags are directed to each flights. So, we are off to Bangkok, wondering if this will really work, but also realizing that the fast track service was not required anymore but paid and could not be reimbursed. This flight too was brought to a remote area and we were bused to the terminal making the golf cart useless again if we would have gone to the immigration counters. But it came in handy, as I told the driver we did not need the fast track service but still wanted him to bring us to the transfer area. That area ended up to be quite far from the arrival door, it would have been a long and tiring walk. The driver showed us to the security check point and waited for us upstairs and brought us (short walk) to the transfer counter of Air China. Again effective and friendly service but really a steep expense considering it was not used in full (no immigration fast track and no porter service). But, still, I prefer to have made the expense considering the hassle that was waiting if we needed to go through all that in 2 hours and a half. I am quite sure it would have gone very smooth. I might even have taken the departure service considering the wait at security and immigration when leaving Bangkok. All in all, I lived a good experience even if I have mixed feeling on the return on my money. But there was no way I would have known the arrival would be to a remote area and the entrance beside the immigrations counters making the golf cart useless. Or that it is in fact so fast to go though immigration that you have to wait for your luggage. But I also now know the cart can be useful as the airport is so big and the service works perfectly. I’d probably do it again only because it is a worry free arrival! Oh, and as a final note, the bags did make it to Montreal without problems. And sorry for the lengthy post.

ME3 also have good prices (in economy) out of Canada and service is supposed to be good but is it good idea for a gay male to go through Dubai or Doha?

In fact I am Expedia Gold+ and get upgraded in only some of Expedia's hotels.Sorry to push on the subject but I just rechecked Expedia now and all the rooms at Meridien have free Wi-Fi. ...and, Vinapu, after a night out at Jupiter, Fresh Boys and DJ Station, I do not get up before 9am not even for a 1 $Cad saving (hihihi!)

I was at Le Meridien last week and wi-fi is free. Room was great as I was upgraded to the Vista corner room with the round bed. Breakfast buffet has a very large selection. In fact too large because nobody can eat everything on display. Price is steep at 850 bht but considering the offering it makes sense. Foodland Patong makes mores sense with their 89 bht breakfast. Naturally the best is the location. Easy access to everything around. I could not test the guest policy so I cannot comment.

Was at Jupiter2002 on Tuesday for first show at 22h15. I must agree with Jasper; "Jupiter boys are all muscular and fine specimen of a male beauty." #69 who was in the big cock show at end of presentation is quit something to look at. But more compact numbers 35 and 23 were better for my taste! 35 got my tip because he was on my side of the stage as i left. Show is good even if the guys are not into it and that is little saying!. The ladyboys do a great job. But overall it is too long for little to see and those long transitions are mood killers. From there went to Fresh Boys and I died a little!! Those guys have it all for me! Sad there were only 7 customers which went down rapidly to only 3. About 15-20 boys. Probably only 3-5 I would not take with me! A little one was trying to get my attention, smiling and cooing and making cute eyes to me. Even going upstairs and making signs from the mezzanine. It seemed my number for the night was 35 which was also his. Sweet guy no problem but just over that was number 6 with slim body and nice pecs and great ass. Also a cute smile. All the others were cute twinks. Due to lack of clientele, i assume, the mamasans were a bit overzealous on drinks offering and having guys sit at our table. But cant blame them on trying. They were quite nice about it tough and explaines eell. Their second show consist only of one ladyboy song and 3 big cocks So nothing special there. But those beautiful boys on stage were all I could ask even if could not off that night.So left to continue the birthday party of aa friend to DJ Station which was quite busy on a Tuesday night. Was really fun and closed the bar passed 2am. The cure for my hangover told on the Arena thread! Quite a fun night!

Went to Arena this afternoon. Thank you to all for your posts that helped for great experience! True that when you are arriving to 3rd floor the welcome by all the men passing their time out of the facility can put you off but they are just an inviting bunch! The mamasan (Art?) gave me the price list 590 for an hour) and explained the tips to the masseur and asked me to choose between the (at least) 20 guys in the room. Chose Nam because of his swimmer's body with nice pecs and, as per posters advice, the smile I got from him. A bit mischievous compared to the all out movements of the others trying to get my attention. The mamasan indicated a higher pricing for tip to 1500 bt as "he does everything "! I can just say that it was not a problem all worth it! So off we go for an hour massage. He let me shower alone first and tell me to lay on the table. He showers after. And that's when I saw that I chose good! His bubble butt is exquisite and the baby skin so soft to the touch. The massage was the way I like it. Strong and he got rid of the knots I always get at the shoulders. Sensual also with all the smooth movements. He turned me on my back and continued strong at my legs. Got up and sat on me to continue to my chest. I am not sure if it was really the time to change to the second part of the activity but we went to that second part anyway! It became reaallly sensual and can say he does do everything! Very willing boy. And that bubble butt in my hands was just so great! We showered together or I should say he showered me. Soaping me, willing to play a bit more. It was just great. Too bad I am leaving Bangkok too early tomorrow because I would have gone back for another massage but definitely 90 minutes if not a 120 minutes one! Yes, it was that great and walked back to the hotel with a very content smile on my face!!!

The time indicated is not a flight duration. It is calculated from the door of the house to the door of the hotel room so includes all traveling to airport, waiting time to board and layover time too. Leaving on Air China from Montreal via Beijing to Bangkok. Actual flight time are 13.5 hr to Beijing. 2 hours layover and 5 hours to Bangkok. I decided to leave earlier from house too anxious of waiting so its beer time in the meantime! Good way to fall asleep on the plane!

Glad it is going back "close to normal" as i am leaving for the airport in one hour for the 26 hours ride to Bangkok! Where are the cutest twinks gogo bar these days? Hot male, Fresh Boys, Dreamboys, X-Size (or is it X-Boys) or Jupiter2002?

Also good is the_limopattaya@yahoo.com www.thelimopattaya.com +66(0)85 739 49 49 Cost from Pattaya to Bangkok airport was 1200 bt last year which should be the same now as they are charging me the same amount as last year for airport to Bangkok hotel (800 bt)

Glad to hear! Only 16 days before landing in Bangkok! Will make for good vacations!

After all the chatting about BBB In, i went to there website which is a bit confusing....The bell boys are also giving the massage?...

One thing for sure, you place yourself right beside the gay bars of Bali with "cyber travel" GPS of GR and you get a lot of messages with offers and Quickshare requests. And not all money boys or so they say! Naturally it is a bit difficult to know for sure when sitting in your living room on the other side of the globe but it is quite interesting conversations sometimes! ...and it open doors for when overthere!

Thanks for the report anddy. Will rely on it for my time in Bali in December. Same tour already booked with Dani too so glad it is good. Dani is really responding fast on the queries. Question about the beach: which is best or most crowded (...with cute guys!

Yes welcome back numazu. And, yes, you have to finish the thread! Sad that you are going back only at the end of december whislt i'll be touring the gogo bars at beginning of it. Touring under your guidance would have been an experience! You talked about Tawan for muscles men, Dreamboys for good show and offable boy and Jupiter 2000 for cuties "but dont touch me too much" guys and was wondering if you (still) had time to visit other gogos with other types too? Any comments on X-Boys, X-Size, Golden cock? Maybe my question might be for another post. Not sure of the rule here...

Just saw it on his Line! Quite something. Seems it was quite a party and people went all out for costumes! I hope he'll not be that "zombiesque" on the tour i booked with him in December!!

From z909 Short time 1000~1300 Long time 1500~1800 How would it compare for Bangkok?

I will be on my way to Bali via Bangkok (2 nights at Le Meridien) early December but can't quite decide on hotels on Expedia or villas by people I can't check prior to going. I do not want to get scammed (!) For me the beach is important and one day visit for the temples and other sights would be nice. Will contact Dani of Siamroads for that. But any suggestions about hotels would be appreciated or things to visit too I hope i'll have a bit more enthusiasm than Ryanasia once i am actually there!!!!

Yes, Vinapu has it correct....my sleep was delayed because of this new post. Numazu is mean at not letting us sleep our regular hours! ...on the other hand it gives us opportunity to get accustomed to not sleeping when in Thailand or Cambodia !! So, keep posting Numazu! Your posts are really enthralling

The Banyan Tree on Sathon is great. Was there November 2015 and got good rate (around 140 USD) on Expedia and got upgraded due to gold status. Lovely and big room. No idea about joiner fee as I was not alone on that trip. Walkable to Silom and close to Prince and other massage places. You must at least have a drink at Moon bar or splurge on a dinner at Vertigo both on the roof of the hotel on the 61st floor. Good food, great service and expensive but so worth it considering the greatest 360° view of Bangkok on a warm night. Even with a large tab it was worth it considering I would have remorse of not having done it shouls i have decided not to try it. But next time a drink or 2 will suffice! Here is picture of the room. On the other, should I be able to go back to Bangkok I might decide to be a bit closer to the night life.

Anybody tried Men's but as hotel? Rooms seem nice. http://www.mens-resort.com/index.php