In Reply to: Four First Timers, 50+ posted by Peb on Tuesday, 18. January 2005 at 08:17 Bali Time:
on your first trip to Bali.
I would say that shopping would have to be a hit with women and there is a multitude of browsing in Mataharis supermarket (great finds) to mataharis department store to the more upmarket Galleria Bali mall (near the bypass road and big statue).Heaps of cheap shopping.
Instead of paying too much at the markets....take a trip up to Seminyak to Geneva warehouse (keronbokan road and directions for all in archives) and buy there.Is air conditioned too.
Next would be the mandatory trip to Ubud. Very arty place, peaceful and different sorts of markets. Monkey forest also.Nice places to eat. The Casa Luna cooking school will give you all a cooking lesson and the owner is Australian married to an Indonesion.You could stay overnight or do a day trip....is about 1 1/2 hours.
Up that area is Kintamani volcano.....very pretty views.You could swing by on your way to Ubud. watch the sellers there though, very persistant.Tidak means no haha.
Many restaurants to enjoy in Kuta....in Poppies lane 1 and poppies lane 2 in particular are some favorites and cheap too.
Many more ideas will come, but they are just a few of mine.
Tours include traditional dancing shows and Ullawatu (beautiful sunsets and monkey temple and lace) and the ones mentioned.
Bali bird park is great.As is the Zoo.
Seafood Dinner (more expensive)at jimbaren bay, heaven on earth, get there around 4.30,5pm and sit and watch the sunset.I like Sharkies.
Bali is the sort of place that is a shock to the system at first, be patient, you will grow to love it i am sure.
Never drink the water there.
Don't hesitate to get "their" medicine if you get sick, much stronger than ours and better suited in my opinion.
Watch the zero's in the money....5000 rp, 50000rp, 500000rp.you can easily become confused and short yourself money.
Best places to change money is in the Kodak shops and Mataharis.
Hope i have helped a little.
I love Asia, beautiful people and lovely cultures.