5 Foods You Should Try in Bali [Sponsored Post]

by BootsnAll | July 6th, 2011   Tweet

This post is brought to you by Flight Centre Australia. For more information on sponsored posts read here.

There are several memories you will bring back from your Bali holiday — the sights of the varied and stunning terrain, the smiles of the warm and welcoming people, and the sounds of the waves crashing against the shoreline. One thing you may not anticipate is the distinctive and exciting cuisine. There are several fascinating Balinese foods you should try during your stay. Here are the top 5:

This is a uniquely Indonesian dish which is essentially a vegetable mixture covered in a peanut sauce. This is an incredibly common menu item from hawkers or stalls on the side of the road. While you can try this meal in Indonesian restaurants around the world, it is unique in Bali for its plethora of sauce. Not just a light dressing, the sauce covers and coats each single ingredient. The sauce is so common, in fact, that you can buy blocks of the paste in grocery stores and simply add hot water to make. Purchase a block as a souvenir to create your own Gado Gado when you return home!

This is a traditional dessert from Bali, and is a rice porridge. What make it different from Western rice porridges is that it is made from a local black rice. Coconut milk is also a major ingredient, making the entire dish incredibly rich and creamy. This is certainly the most popular dessert dish among visitors to Bali, and if you have a sweet tooth you absolutely must try it.

You may not be able to tell what Godoh Gedang is until you take a bite. After that first taste, however, it’s impossible not to know that you’re eating a delicious fried banana. It is a very common snack sold by food vendors in Bali, as well as other Indonesian and Singaporean locations. This battered and then fried banana was introduced to the area in the 16th century by the Portuguese, and it has caught on to become almost a national dish. Try it covered with cinnamon sugar or fresh cream for a filling and sweet afternoon snack.

Although you might not ever even consume this fruit while you are in Bali, you will most certainly smell it. Known as the “king of fruits,” durian has a powerful odour that is most often described by visitors as highly unpleasant. However, locals consider it a delicacy, and the potent fruit has been said to have a nutty or custardy flavour. Bali holiday packages that include local day tours often include a fresh market stop where you can purchase the fruit. Try it if you dare!

This is a must-try food for every visitor to Bali. Many tourist restaurants and hotels will offer a special night complete with a roasted suckling pig, but for a true Balinese experience try it in a local restaurant instead (and save quite a bit of money, while you’re at it). The pig roasts on a spit for around 5 hours, and then in carried into the restaurant. Act quickly, because it may be gone within the hour–locals flock to the best places to fill up early!

What’s your favorite Indonesian food?

Photo by: Kazue Asano

Keep it Clean in Bali

by Barrie | June 28th, 2011   Tweet

I find it quite unbelievable that people, tourists if you like, wherever they travel in the world tend to lose the ability to comply and respect the country they visit. I’m not talking about ‘everybody’ per sae, just those tourists who have a blatant disregard and do something they wouldn’t dream of doing in their own country. In regard to discarding rubbish [empty bottles, cigarette butts, candy wrappers and the ilk] it seems the ground is a logical place.

So often I have seen this on a daily basis in Bali and to me it is being disrespectful not only to a beautiful island but its people also. Heck, to be fair, I have seen a lot of Indonesians other than Balinese doing exactly the same. The basic problem with Bali is the obvious lack of rubbish bins. The ones I have seen are placed outside major shopping centres. Sure, there are those small drums the Balinese use to toss out their garbage, but how many tourists realise what they are. Not many.

Bali is a small island and already it is getting overcrowded big time not only by tourists but Indonesians coming from other islands. Basically, Bali does not have the capacity or technology for recycling or any infrastructure for just this. It will only get worse and even though the streets are swept by poorly paid workers and the rubbish collected on a daily basis, the problem of garbage will be a major concern,

As tourists and travellers, we should do a few things to help. Firstly, put your rubbish in the bin when you can find one. Another good idea and one that I have used wherever I have travelled and that is to carry a small plastic bag and put your garbage in that and then when you return to your hotel throw it in the bin there. As visitors to Bali we have an obligation to do our part and keep Bali clean.

Hari Raya Kuningan

by Barrie | July 16th, 2011   Tweet

Today in Bali is Kuningan. Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Kuningan is the end of the most important of the regular religious ceremonies for the 10-day Galungan period. During this period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them.

Those families who have uncremated deceased ones buried in the village cemetery must make offerings at the graves. Kuningan takes its name from the fact that special offerings of yellow rice (nasi kuning) are made by colouring ordinary white rice with tumeric (kunyit). It is a time for family groups, prayers, and offerings, as their ancestors return to heaven.

Unlike the more public processions of village temple ceremonies and cremations, most Kuningan celebrations take place in the privacy of the home, in the shrines of the family temple and house compound. The day after Kuningan is a time for a holiday, visiting, and having fun.

Photo of the Day: Twin Lakes – North Bali

by Barrie | July 14th, 2011   Tweet

Almost everybody who visits Bali inevitably heads north to view the ‘lake on the water’- Pura Ulu Danau Bratan. As stunning as this temple complex is, there is an even more stunning attraction not far from there. A half hour drive north of Pura Ulu Danau Bratan on the road to Singaraja, there is a sharp turn-off to the left. You can’t miss it because there are heaps of monkeys on the road where people stop to feed them.

Take the turning to the left and follow the road for about five miles and you will see on your left-hand side the twin lakes of Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan. The lakes are located around 55 km north of Denpasar. There is plenty of places to stop and take photos here and the scenery is spellbinding. These two lakes are two of the four lakes on the island of Bali which have become tourist attractions. Of the two lakes, Lake Buyan is the bigger with an area of some 4.93 sq km wide.

Photo Journal – Puri Taman Ujung, East Bali

by Barrie | June 30th, 2011   Tweet

One of my favourite places to visit in Bali on the east end of the island is Taman Sukasada; more commonly known as Puri Taman Ujung. Surprisingly it is a place not frequented by tourists on a large scale. This delightful place is located 5 kilometres south of Amlapura. Built in 1921 by the last Raja of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah, Taman Sukasada with its recent renovations is a pleasure to visit.

I can well remember a few years back it was in a sad state of disrepair, however, now it is a pristine and attractive destination firmly secured on the tourist routes. Of the water palaces in Bali this is the largest and set in beautiful gardens with spectacular lakes and pavilions. Puri Taman Ujung is a definite must-see when you visit Bali and one that you will enjoy. This picturesque park is open from 7am to 6pm and the entry fee is only Rp10,000.

7 Things to Avoid in Bali

by Barrie | July 10th, 2011   Tweet

Bali is without a doubt a budget-travellers mecca in South-East Asia and at the moment Bali is buzzing with tourists and it’s a great time to visit this beautiful island. The weather is perfect and even better, the exchange rates for most currencies is higher than it has been. The shopping is ideal and bargains abound at every corner. Even better, great deals are to be had for package tourists.

Unfortunately in Bali there can be a lot of hassles. Apart from the usual getting ill from eating a bad plate of prawns or getting in a collision on your motorbike, there are several other things you should be aware of. Don’t misunderstand me, Bali is perfectly safe but like anywhere you travel in this world, shit happens. Here are just seven of the things to avoid so your holiday isn’t marred.

Arguments with Customs: Most of us at one time or another have been hassled by Customs at Ngurah Rai International airport upon arrival. It is useless to argue with them if they want to check your bags even though you know you don’t have that extra bottle of booze stashed away or that extra carton of fags. Arguing with them or refusing them will only give you more headaches. The best thing to do is be polite and comply with their requests.

Taxis that don’t use the Meter: It has happened go me on occasions and you can argue with them till you are blue in the face but it will only end up in big hassles, not only from their ‘friends’ but from the cops. Before you enter a taxi it is best to ask them to use the meter. In fact, to avoid all hassles with crappy and devious taxis, just use the Bluebird taxis. They always use the meters and the drivers are polite.

Unregistered Money-Changers: Find yourself a good moneychanger and make sure they are registered. You will definitely know this as their exchange rate will be the same as most of the other moneychangers. Any one that has an exorbitantly high rate is guaranteed to rip you off.

Walking Home by Yourself at Night: Always be careful walking back to your hotel late at night. It is far better to get a recognised taxi and if you have to walk, then walk back with friends. There are unscrupulous people out there who would take advantage of a lone woman under the influence of alcohol.

Avoid Flashing Money: Definitely don’t flash your money in public. Opening your wallet or purse in an obvious manner for all to see will only invite trouble. Yes, there are pickpockets and thieves in Bali. Let’s get this clear, it’s NOT the Balinese but others who come to this island to make money and, do it anyway they can. If that means ripping off tourists then they will do that without feeling guilty whatsoever.

Buying Drugs: Never carry drugs into Bali or the rest of Indonesia. There is a high probability that you will be caught. You only have to read about those people squandering in Bali prisons to realise it is fucking stupid. Also, don’t buy drugs on the streets. Nine times out of ten you will be arrested.

Hustlers on the Streets: It’s an unfortunate part of travelling in developing countries that you will be hassled by street beggars. Maybe some of them are genuine but, a majority are not. Giving money to them is actually not going to them per sae but another party. The same applies for those kids on the streets trying to sell you leather wristbands. They get a mere pittance from their ‘boss’.

Avoid the Heat of the Day: It can get really hot during the middle of the day and late afternoon. If you are not drinking enough fluids [and I don’t mean beer!] then dehydration can set in quicker than you realise. If you are going to walk around the streets shopping then do it first thing in the morning or at night.

Serious Warning for Travellers to Bali

by Barrie | July 3rd, 2011   Tweet

It seems that just about every day the government of Australia is issuing warnings about travel to Bali. Each one of course should be taken seriously. For about the umpteenth time the warning about Dengue Fever is one to take heed of. According to the article in the West Australian: Thousands of West Australians heading to Bali for the school holidays are being warned about potentially fatal infections, after an increase in dengue fever and people needing anti-rabies treatment.

The article then went on to express the Health Department’s views: The department said people who were bitten or scratched needed immediate medical treatment to clean the wound and often a course of injections when they returned home. Once symptoms developed, rabies was universally fatal.

Other related articles:

Staying Healthy in Bali
Bali Belly

Balinese Food – Sate

by Barrie | July 2nd, 2011   Tweet

The selection of Indonesian foods available in Bali is amazing; and so are the range of restaurants and warungs. It’s pretty safe to safe to say that a popular dish for any traveller to Bali is sate. You will find it on every menu on the island. This delicious bbq meat on bamboo sticks covered with peanut sauce comes in many forms of the meat. The most popular is chicken but goat meat is delicious if cooked correctly.

There are many places besides the restaurants and warungs to find this Indonesian delight. Sate is sold by vendors in the street and at local markets and night markets. But my favourite place for sate is in the countryside when you travel outside of the tourist areas. You will see people huddling around a tree at crossroads and you can guarantee sate is being sold.

Other places to try sate are in the warungs in small towns and villages. You will also find that sate is always on the menu at temple festivals.

Today in Bali – Galungan

by Barrie | July 6th, 2011   Tweet

Today in Bali is the ceremony of Galungan. This occurs once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days. Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is celebrated by all Balinese at the same time.

During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed. So, prayers and offerings must be made for them. Also, those families who have ancestors that have not yet been cremated [but are still buried in the village cemetery] must make offerings at the graves.

Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan holiday the day before. This is the time where families are busy preparing offerings and cooking for the next day. Days before, women create beautifully woven ‘banten‘ – offerings made from young coconut fronds.

The men of our village are usually engaged in the slaughter of a pig together with their neighbours. Once done, the meat is prepared and then the finely diced pork is mashed to a pulp with a grinding stone, and moulded onto sate sticks that have been already prepared by whittling small sticks of bamboo. Chickens may also be chosen. Delicate combinations of various vegetables, herbs and spices are also prepared by the men to make up a selection of ‘lawar‘ dishes.

On Wednesday, the day of Galungan, one will find that most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. This is a very special day for families, where offerings are made to God and to the family ancestors who have come back to rest at this time in their family temple.

As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months. The day after Galungan is a time for a holiday and visiting friends. Everyone is still seen to be in their traditional dress as they take to the streets to enjoy the festive spirit that Galungan brings to Bali.

‘Friends of Komodo’ Concert

by Barrie | July 13th, 2011   Tweet

The island of Komodo located between Sumbawa and Flores, is the home of the Komodo Dragon which is the largest monitor lizard in the world and is he sole survivor of the dinosaurs in Indonesia. The island is surrounded by some of the most treacherous currents around and that combined with the arid tropical savannah has kept people away. The Komodo Dragons were only discovered in 1912 when some fishermen were forced to stop there.

These endangered species dragons are the world’s largest lizards and possess razor sharp teeth. Their mouths are a bacteria pit, containing more than 60 different disease inducing nasties Deer and other mammals are prey to this creature and after one vicious bite, nature and the humid climate take care of the rest. Even more so now these fascinating creatures are critically endangered.

For those wishing to give support to the dragons and you are in Bali at the end of this month then there is a great concert planned for Saturday, July 30th on Kuta Beach at 6:00 p.m. This concert is part of a nationwide “Komodo Awareness” campaign. Komodo Island and its environs need protecting as do the inhabitants; dinosaur-like as they are.