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.

A Few Things You Should Bring to Bali

by Barrie | February 18th, 2011   Tweet

Bali is a crazy strange place for first-time arrivals and besides being overwhelming [that includes starting at the airport] it is a full-on experience. For those of us who have years under-our-belts it’s a bit of the ‘ol ho-hum usual. There are several things new travellers to Bali could bring with them that would be helpful during their stay on the island.

Of course good common sense and sometimes logic helps but of course it is a matter of letting-go and stop ‘thinking western’ and expecting everything to be just like home because it just isn’t. If you can let yourself go and immerse yourself into the fascinating culture then an awesome experience awaits you. However, it is the material things that help when you visit Bali (besides money!].

First Aid Kit: Without a doubt the first thing you should throw into your suitcase or backpack, and, make sure it is up-to-date. Suggested medications to include in your first aid kit are analgesics (Tylenol, ASA, codeine), antimalarials (discuss with medical professional), antidiarrheal (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol); antibiotic such as Cipro, Zithromax), rehydration salts (Gastrolyte), antihistamine (Benadryl), sunscreen and the usual prescription and non-prescription medications used regularly. Others to be included in your kit should bandaids, tensor bandage, tweezers, Swiss Army knife, insect repellent. Or, if you don’t want to make up your own then simply buy one from any Red Cross store.

Guidebook and Balinese / Indonesian Phrase Book: There is a literal plethora of these in any bookshop in the city where you live. It’s best to purchase these at home as they can be expensive in Indonesia. Before you leave for Bali, browse through the guidebook and obtain some idea of the paces you want to visit. Learn from the phrasebook even if it’s only the usual greetings etc. A few words of the local lingo will unlock many social encounters.

As far as guidebooks are concerned, I prefer using Rough Guides because they are very nuts & bolts oriented, listing guest houses, places to eat, festivals and good all round information.

International Driving Licence: It is very true that your mode of transportation is one of the main factors that will affect your trip to Bali. So, if you fancy taking on the crazed road skills of the local drivers and the terrain then having an International Driving Licence will allow you to rent cars and motorbikes. Make sure to obtain insurance when you rent the mode of transport you choose.

Laptop or Notebook: I wouldn’t leave home without mine! Besides being handy for detailing the events of the day, they are also a great for downloading all your images from your digital camera. Most internet cafes on the tourist strip accommodate for laptop use. The size is up to you but a 15” like the one I use is excellent. They are also for recording all the special people you meet and names of cool places you encounter.

Ear plugs: These are easily purchased at any chemist or camping store. The reason I have added earplugs to this list is because they are useful if you wind up in a hotel on a busy street. Also, most of the 5 star hotels have ‘theme nights’ and these can be quite rowdy through until the early hours.

A Few Things to Do in Ubud

by Barrie | February 17th, 2011   Tweet

Ubud is peaceful. It is a place where you could spend your entire holiday in Bali and it is also a great place to base yourself for exploring the rest of the island. There is so much of interest on offer in Ubud and the surrounding areas. Being a relatively tranquil place, it is a haven for tourists, lovers of art and a delightful area to spend a whole day. The centre of town is Jalan Raya Ubud and it is along this stretch of road where you can find some fabulous restaurants and warungs, and, great places to shop.

One of my favourite places in the surrounding area is the village of Petulu. Set in one of the most scenic areas on the island and directly north-east of Ubud, the village of Petulu is famed for its artists, dancers and carvers of wood and stone. No one really knows why the Herons, who first began roosting there in 1966, chose Petulu as their nesting site. Ask any of the elders in the village and they will tell you that the birds are in fact reincarnations of the tens of thousands of men and women who died during the civil unrest throughout Bali in 1966.

There are so many places to visit and here are a few things you could do:

1. Take time to check out a few of the great museums – Neka, ARMA, Seniwati – and learn about traditional Balinese art.

2. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest but be aware that the monkeys are not as friendly as their relatives in the Sangeh Monkey Forest.

3. Take a dawn rice paddy hike along one of the many routes on the outskirts of town. If you like cycling then take one of the many tours available in the area.

4. Sample the fine food available in places such as Casa Luna, Ary’s Warung and Murni’s Warung. My favourite is Café Wayan!

5. Indulge in adventure white water rafting with one of the many reputable companies such as SOBEK in Sayan.

6. Watch an evening dance performance at the Ubud Palace on Jl. Raya Ubud.

7. A visit to Pasar Ubud traditional market is a must-see and an ideal place to find that cool souvenir that might have eluded you.

8. Do visit Museum Blanco. This magical place will astound your cultural senses.

9. Visit one of the many temples in the area of Ubud.

10. Take a walk to Nyuhkuning and see some of the most beautiful rice terraces on the island.

6 Offbeat Things to Do in Bali

by Barrie | February 10th, 2011   Tweet

There are numerous adventure companies in Bali offering a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities. A few I have already experienced and I am looking forward to completing my list of crazy and adventurous things to do.

There are the mundane and less adventurous activities like going surfing at night or getting lost in the Bali Barat National Park [been there, done that and wouldn’t recommend it to anybody!] or even diving alone off any of the reefs around the island. However, there are those activities that will give you a buzz and get the heart pumping.

Walking in the Ocean: Imagine if someone said to you that you could walk right on the bottom of the ocean and be down there with all the sea life. This is a unique diving system, fully escorted as you walk down deep into the ocean. It is totally safe and an exciting underwater adventure run by Sea Walker. You can observe the underwater world up to a depth of 15 feet without certification, and without getting your hair wet. Crazy, but, you actually walk on the bottom, rather than swim.

Climb Gunung Agung: There are two established trekking routes to get to the summit. The first is from Pura Besakih, meaning a 2.5 hour drive from Kuta, and a long climb lasting several hours to get to the summit by dawn. This route gets you to the highest point on the crater rim. Always take a local guide and negotiate their fee before taking off on the climb. However, from Pura Pasar Agung on the southern slope you can hike without a guide, but there are a few guys hanging out just in case. The climb is a straight shot up a 40 degree slope. No bends or switch backs. Climbing Gunung Agung is very hard on the knees and not recommended during the wet season. Don’t forget to carry 4-5 liters of water per person and food.

White Water Rafting: Sobek really has cornered this market and in my opinion offer the best of the best as far as service is concerned. Whether you are 5 or 85, a natural or a novice in rafting, white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River is a breathtaking experience to be enjoyed.

Bungy Jump: Not one for those who suffer from vertigo but if you can overcome you fears and experience the exhilarating free-fall into thin air, then head down to AJ Hackett’s place on Jl Double Six. Located in the grounds of the Double Six nightclub, you could always have few shots of Dutch courage and toss yourself into the abyss.

Submarine Dive: Odyssey has an excellent small but quite safe submarine where you can view the exotic sea below the waves, so to speak. People of all ages and physical condition can experience the delights of the ocean in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. The sightseeing Submarine is battery-powered so as to pose no threat to the marine environment and what is great is the sub is air-conditioned and can carry 36 passengers to depths of 150 feet. Safety is assured in this highly sophisticated vessel.

Helicopter Ride: You have probably seen them flying overhead as you chill-out on Kuta beach. There are a few companies that do these tours of the island and it is a fantastic way to get an aerial tour that will show you the best of Bali. Most of them will give you a bird’s eye view of volcanoes, lakes, stepped rice fields and remote beaches.

Top Things to Bring to Bali

by Barrie | November 2nd, 2010   Tweet

Bali is a crazy strange place for first-time arrivals and besides being overwhelming [that includes starting at the airport] it is a full-on experience. For those of us who have years under-our-belts it’s a bit of the ‘ol ho-hum usual. There are several things new travellers to Bali could bring with them that would be helpful during their stay on the island.
Of course good common sense and sometimes logic helps but of course it is a matter of letting-go and stop ‘thinking western’ and expecting everything to be just like home because it just isn’t. If you can let yourself go and immerse yourself into the fascinating culture then an awesome experience awaits you. However, it is the material things that help when you visit Bali (besides money!].
Guidebook and Balinese / Indonesian Phrase Book: There is a literal plethora of these in any bookshop in the city where you live. It’s best to purchase these at home as they can be expensive in Indonesia. Before you leave for Bali, browse through the guidebook and obtain some idea of the paces you want to visit. Learn from the phrasebook even if it’s only the usual greetings etc. A few words of the local lingo will unlock many social encounters.
As far as guidebooks are concerned, I prefer using Rough Guides because they are very nuts & bolts oriented, listing guest houses, places to eat, festivals and good all round information.
International Driving Licence: It is very true that your mode of transportation is one of the main factors that will affect your trip to Bali. So, if you fancy taking on the crazed road skills of the local drivers and the terrain then having an International Driving Licence will allow you to rent cars and motorbikes. Make sure to obtain insurance when you rent the mode of transport you choose.
Laptop or Notebook: I wouldn’t leave home without mine! Besides being handy for detailing the events of the day, they are also a great for downloading all your images from your digital camera. Most internet cafes on the tourist strip accommodate for laptop use. The size is up to you but a 15” like the one I use is excellent. They are also for recording all the special people you meet and names of cool places you encounter.
Ear plugs: These are easily purchased at any chemist or camping store. The reason I have added earplugs to this list is because they are useful if you wind up in a hotel on a busy street. Also, most of the 5 star hotels have ‘theme nights’ and these can be quite rowdy through until the early hours.