Single white female in Bali .. .. My original intention was 10 - 12 days in Bali, but the failure of AP and loss of $800.00, put and end to that ! My first trip to Bali now needed to be jammed into 6 nights = seven days. THANK YOU TO ALL ON THE FORUM, SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE THAT SUPPLIED ARCHIVE BOOKLET ! The forum comments helped me to collate a list of places of interest, shopping and restuarants. As suggested I cut and pasted (& saved) items of interest and quickly established a clear list of recommended (popular) things I thought I could like to do. I then got some maps and marked these items on the map so I could navigate my way around and most importantly efficently get around in the brief time I had. One good thing with the map & marking all places of interest, I could combine shopping with site seeing and always be guaranteed a good feed at the end of the day. Good luck trying to get a map. Some maps on internet. I printed them, joined them together and if necessary enlarged them. Also good map from 'PERIPLUS' - has regional centres too. No one has the little streets or gangs marked on them so I would suggest you walk along the beach and 'cut inland' when you want to approach shops etc.. I walked so much over the 6 days I lost almost 4kg !
GARUDA: Flight Melb > Adelaide > Bali Plane was only 75% full. Movies going over - Grimm Brothers and Grommit "Were Rabbit", coming back movie was Oliver. Pretty crap movies I thought !
ACCOMODATION: Stayed at Padma Hotel, loved it. First class in every way. Would prefer to pay less per night and stay longer next time. Loved the location - Legian. Checked out the Legian Beach and will stay there next time. Close to Melastie Spa resort where I had great massages for 75,000 Rp for 1 hr. - ask for Ana!
SECURITY: Backpack checked (scanned & looked) - Stayed at Padma Hotel and security obvious and regular, including cars (inside & under). Security also at the Matahari, Galleria and Discovery Malls, however only a cursory check, LOL when I avoided the secuity check accidently by going into Starbucks for a coffee and then entered from the side door. Saw people enter from Matahari carpark unchecked. Good to see security but if evil minds wanna do evil things, nothing will stop them. However dont be miss led, I felt really safe at all times, despite being on my own I had no trouble walking beach and streets day or night.
PHONE: Thought I had organised my Oputs ph to work in Bali, but no workee. Thanks again to Forum, I knew to go to the back wall of Matahari and purchased sim card. Got plenty of credits left for anyone going to Bali, it is a pre-paid sim and will need to be used this year as I understand they are going to change the system. Let me know (email)if you can use the sim card and I'll post to you. Complained to Optus and they gave me one month credit back on my mobile (thought that was pretty good)
DOGS IN BALI: Warning if you are a dog lover, as I am. I found it most upsetting to see so many neglected dogs wandering around. Any vets wanna go on a working holiday? De-sexing a the male dogs would go a long way to reducing the problem !
FIRST VISIT ? On your first visit to Bali - negotiate a taxi for one or 2x 1/2 day, to go to Ubud (Geneva), Tanah Lot Temple and Jimbaran Bay. When you talk with them you can learn so much and get a better idea of how to get around Bali. When I first arrived, I walked until I got lost then just got a taxi back to hotel.
WET SEASON: Dont worry too much about the weather, it is a great way to see Bali without paying peak tourists season prices. It rains each day at sometime but did not stop any of my plans. Stopped and ate if rain heavy, caught a taxi home if really wet, went to Discovery, Galleria or Matahari when wet, also Waterbom park in wet, rode on elephant in wet NO WORRIES it is not cold
HAWKERS - yes they almost chase you, but I found if you get talking to them and ask them about family, children etc.. they become a great part of the Bali experience. Back in Aust, I surprised myself how well equiped I now am to deal with those shopping mall sellers. I took loads of pens, crayons and pencils and after talkng with them, if they had a family, I gave them away. I think on many occassions they were more excited by this gift than the 5000Rp tip I gave them.
RUPIA Vs AUD: I found it best to change AUD into RP before you left. Exchange in Aust was 7900 and in Bali it was 6900. So changed 300 AUD and took $500 in $50. Easist if you change in $100 and tell them how many 50,000rp notes you expect & get them to lay them on the table (check 000's) I was clear and firm and had no trouble
MUST VISIT: Walk the entire length of Legian St.
Cafe Mocca - absolute must for coffee and cake lovers ! ! !
Geneva handicrafts - visit markets and Matahari before and get some ideas of what you want. Geneva is so-o-o cheap ! ! !
Visit Mega Discs, Kuta square and Legian. CD's & DVD's
Waterbom - especially if you are travelling with family, top fun
White Water Raft and elephant ride. Highly recommend Bali Discovery, good quality rafts and tour guides, includes lunch connections to Elephant park. Elephant park great venue and animals well cared for.
Tanah Lot - low tide and go and get blessed ! or at sunset
Jimbaran Bay - seafood to die for, but check the scales.
Ubud - markets, silver shops (know your prices) and try INDUS restuarant, outstanding views, overlooking the Ayung river, you can actually see this restuarant from the river when you are rafting ! ! !
Bombing memorial - and purchase a 'F**K the terrorists' tee-shirt
EAT @: Dont eat in your hotel, despite all warnings about bali-belly I had no trouble with these - Bubba Gump, Padma Club, Japanese 44 and of course Cafe Mocca
DONT BOTHER - Nusa Dua unless you have your heart set on some main-stream tourist water sports. DIVE WARNING - beware they will allow you to dive and fly home on the same day. Refer to warning posted separately on the Forum.
I read the Bali Travel Forum with interest over the past 12 months .. .. My trip to Bali provided me with lots of wonderful memories .. .. Thanks again to all members of the forum - safe travels to you all.
Debby