Indonesia - seeking the perfect beach hut...

Howdy everyone.

I'm off to Indonesia at the end of May for a month with my gf. We're both quite experienced travellers but as we don't get to see each other very often we'd like to have the perfect beach hut experience before going off trekking volcanos etc. Can anyone recommend anything? We've never been to Indo. before.

We're most interested in finding a beach hut in Bali. Just a great beach, nice private hut (if it open up to the sea that would be perfect!) with things to do/places to eat not to - you know, the perfect tropical relaxation experience. We're both budget backpackers (not keen to pay more than maybe £10-15 each?), but hell I'd stretch it out for sure if it's for something really good.

Would very much appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

PS - we're probably headed to the Gili Islands later on, so if that's the place to really find this kind of thing, should we hold off till then?

I don't have any advice but questions If you were going to do the volcanos plus beach, that would be in Bali? Is it a few hour drive from there?

[ Edit: Edited on 13-May-2009, at 11:04 by andy_d ]

Hmmm, I can't think of any bungalows that open on to the beach that aren't crazy expensive in Bali, but you'll definitely be able to get that on the Gili Islands.
There are some good value mid-range hotels that have character usually opposite or a 2 min walk from the beach - all with their own pools, of course! I really like the 3 Brothers Inn and Puri Raja in Legian. The second option is a bit more expensive, but it's right on the beach, has 2 pools and a great breakfast! Both have big bungalows that are split into 2 or 4 rooms, but the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Plus they're only a few seconds walk from restaurants and shops.

Andy - Bali does have beach and volcano options. It's easiest to get between the two if you hire scooters and explore the island. Alternatively, Lombok (a 5 hour ferry ride away from Bali) also has a famous mountain that's popular to climb (Mt. Rinjani) and is littered with beaches. If you're in the area, I would definitely recommend checking out the Gili Islands, they are like tiny tropical paradises!

Hi,
Pulau Weh Island off Banda Aceh has diving, snorkelling and beach huts on stilts over the water. Absolute paradise- check out this website for details on how to get there, where to stay etc
www.rubiahdivers.com
Here are my photos of Iboih where Rubiah Divers are situated.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/558520606BXoFNK

There is another diving operation at Gapang called Lumba Lumba but there website link is broken at the moment.

There are a couple of volcanoes outside Brestagi that one can climb or maybe Gunung Merapi near Bukittinggi. ( not to be confused with Gunung Merapi in Central Java.)
Pamela.