In Reply to: Please help posted by Arakattack on Thursday, 20. January 2005 at 18:22 Bali Time:
We bought 3 x 7 metre bamboo poles complete with the traditional curved end along with a whole heap of Balinese furniture etc from a supplier in Sydney last year. To be certain the poles would be secure we bought one and a half metre lengths of 'plastic' ag pipe and cemented at least half a metre of the pipe below ground. The rest formed an above ground sleeve for the bamboo poles which I painted to blend in with the garden.
One by one the bamboo poles snapped in big winds. We've replaced them with 5 metre conduit poles (buy the larger diameter)which we've just slipped into the sleeves. They have been secure in gale force winds and are supported for appox a metre above ground so have not drooped - even in 40 deg + heat. The umbul umbuls ('flags') fit over the plastic sleeves.
Good luck with yours, they add a wonderful touch of Bali to your garden.