In Reply to: leaving for Bali tomorrow - any tips? posted by ames on Thursday, 28. December 2006 at 07:49 Bali Time:
* Little Johnny (AKA- KETUT)Bali mobile number: 081 79770737
lives in Nusa Dua- works Tuban
Our driver is available at around - 250k per day( $35 AUS- which is around $3 per hour for a 12 hour day) -he has beautiful manners and takes you where ever you want to go (not places where he may pick up a sly commission, as we have found many do)He also will not expect any meals and is so grateful for the business.
He will go out of his way to bargain for anygoods you may like as he can get Indonesian price -not tourist- and believe me ,We always save lots- He will always alert you if he believes someone is trying to take advantage RE: tour/ dive operators etc.
He will even take you to the factory shop where all the watch sellers
get there stock- this is sooo cheap and handy if buying for gifts- and you wont get scammed or harrassed.
He is also very trustworthy and will take you to reputable money changers and change money if you like- saves a lot of sweat.
* Sunscreen with high SPF is very expensive in Bali- best to buy at
home and take
* Visa on Arrival- can be paid in Aus $-
not sure why travel agents say US Dollars
* We have just returned Xmas day from a month in Bali
It only rained over night and once on the 20/12/06
Beware the heat is on -and humid
1st time I have heard the locals complaining how HOT it is
* Melasti Beach Spa on Padma Utara would be a recommendation.
We have been to many and find there prices and service very good.
very close to Mandira.
Facials/ massages -1 hour- around 10$ and they use
Martha Tillar products
* taxis are cheap for short trips $5000 RP for first km
(less than a dollar)- make sure they have meter on.
* Internet access is far cheaper at net cafes
(and they are everywhere) than hotel....
around $2AUS dollars for 30-45 mins
So hope this is handy....Be sure to try out the driver as a guide-
it sure makes our trips stress free- and I have been there 4 times in the past 12 months.