In Reply to: Planning first trip to bali posted by 188traveller on Tuesday, 27. October 2009 at 15:42 Bali Time:
Hi there,
It's much of a muchness if you go through a TA or do it yourself. I've done both for about the same price. Can get it a tad cheaper doing it yourself. Things like hotel transfers are dear with a TA. but you can always opt out of them and get the taxi to the hotel. Sometimes the TA can get a better hotel price for you. If you do go via a TA, take the quote to flight centre, they will always do better for you.
If you're not intending to buy anything, just say no. Don't say, not today, not at the moment, another time, another day. Coz they will be onto that. They won't forget you, and they will say, you say another time.... etc etc.
As some people around the hotel what price they've got XYZ for, so you have an idea.
OR
Alternatively you could go to a couple of fixed price shops to get a gauge. Dianne shop in Tuban or Ketut in Garlic Lane legian.
Always use the "bluebird" taxi's. They use the meters. The other taxis can be (but not always) rip you off by not using meter and charging you more than you should pay.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Do as much as you can, you will have a blast. Eat at lots of good places, there's heaps of references to eateries on here. Un's, Poppies, Nero bar to name a few. (most taxi drivers know where they are.
Dress lightly for the landing, if you're going in colder weather, you're gonna die when ya get out into the heat there. But that's all in the experience, I love it. As well as the smells and gamelan the music.
I am sure if you have any other questions, they will be answered on here.
Good luck with it all.
Cheers
Lisa