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Bali: The OnLine Travel Guide - FAQ
Much of the information contained within this document
was sourced directly from the authors WWW pages...
- Wayne Reid
- Eka Ginting
January 1998.
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Money & Exchange Rates - S T O P P R E S S !
What is happening to the value of the Indonesian Rupiah? Is my
$100 going to make me filthy rich in Bali?
Many Asian currencies are currently experiencing their lowest
values against western currencies, and the Indonesian Rupiah
has experienced frequent devaluations.
As a result, it is wise to check newspapers frequently to
obtain the latest rates - and to be very aware that many of the
values and prices you will see on the Web will be out of date
due to the frequent revisions.
On the downside for the traveller, many prices of goods and
services will rise to keep pace with foreign currencies.
Hotels, food and transport, and especially services aimed at
tourists will experience price rises. This is especially so
in the larger international hotels and other establishments
that quote prices in US Dollars.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 GEOGRAPHY
1.2 CLIMATE
1.3 PEOPLE & CULTURE
1.4 VISA
1.5 MONEY
1.6 ACCOMMODATION
1.7 FOOD
1.8 HEALTH
2. TRANSPORTATION
2.1 PUBLIC BUS (BEMO)
2.2 HIRE CAR / MOTOR BIKE / BICYCLE
2.3 OTHER
3. PLACES
3.1 SOUTH
3.2 EAST
3.3 CENTRAL
3.4 WEST
3.5 NORTH
4. OTHER RESOURCES
4.1 GUIDEBOOKS
4.2 WORLD WIDE WEB
4.3 USENET NEWS
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1. OVERVIEW
1.1 GEOGRAPHY
Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia, and lies only about
8 degrees south of the equator in the Indian Ocean, to the east
of the Java and north-west of Australia.
The northern part of the island is dominated by a series
towering volcanos that range its entire width. The tallest is
Gunung Agung, which literally translates as "The Majestic
Mountain". Gunung Agung is revered as the navel of the
universe, the stepping stone of the gods and the goddesses when
they descend from heaven.
Area: 5620 Sq Km (140km by 80km).
Capital: Denpasar.
Highest point: Gunung Agung (over 3140m).
Time: GMT plus 8 hours (Central Indonesia Standard
Time).
Measures: Metric.
Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 Hz (European style two pin plug).
1.2 CLIMATE
The climate of Bali is tropical. There are only two distinct
seasons, the "dry" and the "wet". The distinction is not
entirely clear-cut however, as it is warm to hot year round,
and it rains year round. In the wet season it is generally
hotter and wetter.
Month Max temp Rain Humidity Season Best
(Deg. C) (mm) (%) time
Jan 32 350 70 Wet *
Feb 32 250 70 Wet *
Mar 32 200 65 Wet ***
Apr 34 80 60 Dry *****
May 34 100 55 Dry *****
Jun 33 50 50 Dry *****
Jul 32 40 50 Dry *****
Aug 33 30 45 Dry *****
Sep 34 40 45 Dry *****
Oct 35 100 50 Wet ****
Nov 35 125 55 Wet ***
Dec 33 250 65 Wet **
The "Bali: The OnLine Travel Guide" star rating indicates the
relative "best times" to visit Bali.
1.3 PEOPLE & CULTURE
Population: 3 Million
Language: Bahasa Indonesia (Official language). Balinese
languages are also widely spoken by the local population.
English is widely spoken, especially in popular tourist
areas. Dutch, German, Swedish and Japanese languages are
spoken in some places, such as hotels etc.
Religion: Primarily Hindu Bali. Hindu Bali is a religion that
owes its origin to India, but has developed quite differently
from its ancestor. For starters, Hindu Bali tends to
emphasize and dramatize rituals. Christianity, Islam, and
Buddhism are also practiced, but mostly by non-Balinese.
Bali Aga: Bali Aga is essentially a subset of Bali people
frozen in time several centuries back. By discouraging
fraternization with the outside world, the people of Bali Aga
live their lives the way they have been living them for
hundreds if not over a thousand of years.
Temples: The rituals and religious practices and believes of
the Balinese make temples an aspect of Bali that is
paramount. There are more temples than any other
architecture, including houses. And when they come to life in
a festival, the entire community celebrate and rejoice with
the gods and goddesses.
Dances: Dynamic and agile, filled with sharp
corner-turnings, and intricate coordination of eye ball,
finger, and shoulder movements, while at the same time
elegant and captivating. Traditionally performed only as part
of rituals, but have now included secular performances.
Music: Similar dynamism and agility as the dances, as
music is needed to accompany the dancers. Each village that
can afford it owns their own gamelan orchestra. A night
stroll into the village 'banjar' (meeting place) with the
crisp sound of the gamelan orchestra in the background, and
the air filled with the fragrance of the waringin tree in the
middle of the village or the cempaka blossoms decorating
women's long, dark hair - this is what Bali is about.
Theatres: Owing its origin to the Javanese shadow puppets,
the Balinese again develop their own style of wayang. Night
time performances are strictly entertainment, while day time
performances are usually for religious purpose.
Paintings: The traditional style depicts religious life or
mythical characters, painted in somber color or sometime
plain coal. Contemporary adaptation of external influences
has resulted in new themes that is different yet uniquely
Balinese, from the use of vibrant colors to the variety of
topics.
Arts & Crafts: Peasant by day, artists by night. From
wooden masks to panels, from paras stone to silver and gold -
the Balinese are masters in expressing their religious
beliefs and rituals into items of great artistic values.
1.4 VISA
All travellers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport
that is valid for at least six months past the date of arrival,
and must and have proof (such as tickets) of onward or return
passage.
Visas are not required for nationals of these countries:
Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Brazil, Brunei,
Canada, Chile, Denmark,
Egypt, Finland, Greece,
Germany, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Kuwait,
Liechtenstein, Luzemburg, Malaysia,
Malta, Morocco, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Philippines, Singapore, South Korea,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand,
Turkey, United Kingdom, U.S.A.,
United Emirate Arab, Venezuela.
For others, tourist visas can be obtained from any Indonesian
Embassy or Consulate.
The maximum stay permitted for tourists is two months, and is
not extendible. Those intending a longer stay must contact the
Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their home country before
leaving.
Entry and exit must be through certain specified gateways:
Denpasar airport (the extensively renovated Ngurah Rai
International airport), and the seaport of Benoa are valid
entry and exit ports for international arrivals.
International health certificates for smallpox and cholera are
only required for travellers coming from infected areas.
1.5 MONEY
Bali, being part of Indonesia, uses the Indonesian currency,
the Rupiah (abbreviated, Rp.) as its monetary unit.
Banknotes come in a range of denominations, including the
commonly available Rp.50,000, Rp.10,000, Rp.5,000, Rp.1,000,
Rp.500 and Rp.100 notes. Useful coin denominations are Rp.100
and Rp.50.
All of the notes and coins are reasonably distinctive, but take
care while you are getting used to dealing with the cash as
there are a mix of styles in circulation.
Exchange rates currently run at above Rp.7,000 to one U.S.
dollar, or above Rp.4,400 to one Australian dollar. Always
check your local newspapers for current exchange rates.
At the time of this edition, the Rupiah is still suffering in
terms of value against most western currencies. Exchange rates
are likely to be very good, although a lot of high cost goods
will be priced in $USD to reduce falling values.
Authorised money changers can be found in the airport, as well
as in almost all of the major tourist centres. Generally the
money changers offer better exchange rates than the banks. A
passport is usually required to change money or travellers
cheques (checks). Exchange rates will be advertised on signs in
the money changers office. Always count your Rupiah after it is
converted, and before leaving the counter of the money changers
office. Try to handle disputes in a firm but friendly manner.
Most major credit cards are acceptable at hotels, large
restaurants, department stores, travel agencies and many
businesses that cater to the tourist trade.
There are some auto-tellers that pay cash advances on major
cards, but remember, you pay high fee's for the convenience. Be
sure to ask your bank or card agent for details before you
leave home. Don't rely on auto-tellers as your main way of
accessing funds.
Consider converting a small sum of money to Rupiah before you
leave home so that you are cashed-up and able to beat the crowd
to the taxis at the airport.
A sign is posted at the airport near the arrivals area, listing
the suggested price for a taxi journey to most of the islands
popular tourist destinations. Look for the sign so you know how
much to pay before boarding a taxi (non-metered taxi cabs
require a negotiated price).
How do I barter?
I think you mean, "How do I bargain for goods?". Bartering is
something completely different.
How do I bargain for goods?
Many places in Bali still trade in the traditional way, where
the buyer offers a price, the seller scoffs indignently, asks
a higher price, the buyer offers somewhere between and
eventually the sale is made somewhere within the range of the
openning bids.
Many places however, will have fixed prices and bargaining is
not welcomed. Most shops will have signs indicating "Fixed
Prices".
Markets, stalls and small shops will allow bargaining, and
all of the people selling in the streets will accept far
lower prices than their initial ask.
If you try bargaining, you cannot always expect to pay a
third or a half of the price asked by the seller, although
this may be a good place to open the negotiations. Always
retain a level of visible good humour, and don't be too
aggressive. Try to make your purchases early, as "morning
prices" are a traditional way of inviting a good day's
trading for the seller - to successfully sell to the first
customer of the day is good for luck.
The secret is to know what is a fair and reasonable price. If
you like a painting, and you think $10 is a fair price, you
could start your bidding at $5. The seller will ask for $20
(of course). With a friendly and carefree attitude, offer $7
- this should invite a response of $15. Offer $9 as a last
price - final (remember to stay cheerful). This should return
a final response of $12 from the seller. Now it is a matter
of who will yield - $12 is probably fair, so you could buy
for that, but hold firm for just a little longer.
You may get an offer for $10 or $11, but not always.
If you agree to a price, you are obliged to pay. Remember,
you engaged the seller by responding to an offer - that was
your committment that you were a genuine buyer.
Bargaining is sometimes known as haggling.
Isn't all of the stuff they sell fake or junk?
Some of it is junk, and plenty is fake - even in shops. But
there are some good items, including artworks, clothing,
shoes, tapes, CD's, electrical items and watches. You will
have to identify the good stuff among the junk, although a
pretty good indication of an items likelihood of being
genuine is simply where it is being sold from.
Examine the packaging, the lables and so on. Badly printed
lables are a dead giveaway.
The tapes and CD's sold in large shops are legal (royalties
are paid to artists these days). Quality is good. The
watches? Well, do you really think that Rolex you bought for
Rp50,000 was the genuine article?
1.6 ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is readily available throughout Bali. The biggest
problem for the traveller is the wide choice.
Prices for accommodation range from very expensive for a room
in a luxurious hotel with all mod-cons, to ridiculously cheap
for a basic hut on the beach with a cold shower and a bed.
There is also a large variety in between.
Typically, tourists will choose to stay in the large hotels,
having purchased a package deal to Bali including airfare and
accommodation. Consult a travel agent to find the current
prices for the style and location of the hotel you prefer.
The smaller privately run accommodations; losmen, bungalows,
homestays and cottages are not available in package deals, and
are preferred by independent travellers who wish to find their
own way around without the burden of schedules and bookings.
There are many places of this kind and a room will always be
available somewhere. There is no need to book ahead.
Low cost is generally the order of the day for these styles of
accommodation, often being just a few dollars per night
(breakfast included). Expect to pay as little as Rp.8,000 to
Rp.15,000 for two, although larger rooms or those with better
facilities may cost more.
In the heat of the tropics, cold showers are not a problem!
If you have the taste for independent travel, but have never
been able to summons the courage, you will find Bali to be the
ideal starting point, due to the great variety of
accommodations, and their relativly high standard (for budget
places).
What about finding a place for my first night - will I have a
problem?
If your flight lands before about 9:00 PM (local time), you
will have plenty of time to find a place to stay in the Kuta
Beach area (or the nearby tourist areas). Most places,
including the smaller private accommodations will be open -
try Poppies Lane. If you arrive later, you may find it more
practical to stay in a larger hotel (not necessarily
expensive - many budget hotels will be available, and they
are well aware of the times when flights arrive). Note that
Kuta is only a few minutes from the airport, and a sign
posted at the airport arrivals area shows the correct taxi
fares.
What about specific hotel information?
If your only options were a few jewels among the proverbial
junkheap, it would be fair to provide detailed information.
We have decided that your options are so rich, that it would
not be practical, nor possible to answer questions about this
or that place. Search the WWW, or contact your agent.
1.7 FOOD
Food in Bali is relatively plentiful, and the variety is
enormous. The preferences of tourists however tends to hide the
local cuisine somewhat, and the typical restaurant will serve a
mixture of Chinese and Indonesian food, seafood or even pizza,
German or Swiss cuisine.
You may choose to eat in a five star hotel restaurant, or you
may prefer a breezy open sided bamboo hut style restaurant,
which are almost everywhere.
Even more simple, are the warungs, the snack bars and the
mobile carts that cater mainly to local workers and adventurous
travellers who have discovered that low cost hawker meals
really can be safe to eat.
The night markets are traditional outdoor eateries that come to
life at dusk, and are famous all over Southeast Asia. Even if
you cannot work up the courage to eat in the markets, you must
visit one to experience the thrills, the smells, the sights and
the noises that define this part of the world.
Nasi pisang (fried bananas) are a great starter if you want to
sample night market food. These are a local favorite, and are
fairly safe to eat! You'll come back for more. We do!
Rice is a staple dietary item. Amongst the most popular meals,
are Nasi Campur (plain rice with with meat or vegetable
accompaniments and spicy condiments), Nasi Goreng (Indonesian
fried rice with a fried egg on top) and Mie Goreng (fried
noodles with egg), Satay (skewered meat with a spicy peanut
sauce) and Gado Gado (an Indonesian salad, served with spicy
peanut sauce).
Soups (soto, kuah and bakso), usually with noodles or meat and
fish balls may be bought from the warungs (stalls) and the food
carts that circulate in the streets in the late afternoon. Some
warungs serve the more traditional meal of Nasi Campur (Mixed
Rice, with chicken or meat, and vegetables).
There are a wide variety of exotic fruits, such as; mangoes,
mangosteen, bananas, jackfruit, rambutan, markisah, pineapple,
papaya, logan, melon, oranges, custard-apple, and of course,
the fabled durian. (Readers of alt.tasteless will be familiar
with this tropical delight).
If you are ever unable to find a suitable place to eat, visit a
market and buy fresh fruit (bananas are an ideal total food
source, which is worth remembering if you ever have to miss a
meal).
A special Balinese treat that is widely available, is black
rice pudding (Bubuh Injin). This is a desert made from natural
black glutinous rice, served hot, in a sweet sauce of palm
sugar and thick coconut cream.
Can you recommend a good restaurant?
No, there are many, but your taste may be different to mine.
You cannot walk a kilometer in any tourist area without being
overwhelmed by the number and variety of restaurants.
What about a cooling drink?
We discuss the health aspects of the local water in the
health section that follows, but it is very important to
remember to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of
dehydration in the tropical heat. Bottled pure water is
readily available at low prices everywhere (supermarkets sell
for the lowest prices).
Beer drinkers will not be disappointed either - plenty of
beer is sold in Kuta and in other popular tourist spots.
Smaller cafe's will sell a large bottle of quite acceptable
local brew for about Rp.4,000 to 5,000, but you will pay more
in larger hotels and for imported brands. If you are lucky,
the beer will be cold! Note: The cheapest prices are at
supermarkets in places like Kuta and Ubud.
Those who prefer cocktails, spirits and mixed drinks will be
used to paying high prices, and Bali will be no different to
back home. There are some local variants however, such as the
ubiquitous "Arak Attack". This is a firey cocktail made from
a local rice spirt. Brem is a rice wine that is also widely
available. Many locals drink a fermented palm flower juice,
"tuak", that matures during the day into a horse-kicking
cloudy concoction of variable taste and strength.
1.8 HEALTH
Immediately dangerous (but more annoyances than show-stoppers)
to all travellers are sunburn, heat exhaustion, and even cuts,
scratches and abrasions from minor accidents. Take appropriate
precautions and carry a basic first-aid kit.
Road accidents, including vehicle crashes and pedestrian hits
are one of the most significant causes of death and injury to
tourists. Always take care when walking near roads, and when
driving or riding.
Beware that vehicles in Indonesia drive on the left side of the
road - always look both ways when crossing streets.
Travelling in any underdeveloped country and eating food that
is kept and prepared in different conditions than you and your
stomach normally get can expose you to the risk of intestinal
bacterial infection. The condition may be referred to as "Bali
Belly", or Traveller's Diarrhoea. Common symptoms include an
abrupt onset of painful abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhoea.
Agents used to control diarrhoea include antibiotics and
Imodium to relieve the symptoms. If the condition is severe, or
does not respond to treatment within 24 hours, a doctor should
be consulted. Note: antibiotics should be taken only if really
necessary.
Don't drink tap water. Even in the smallest guest houses
throughout the island there will be a thermos bottle of hot
boiled water to make tea or coffee, and cold boiled water for
drinking. Bottled fresh water is available almost anywhere.
Drink plenty of water to replenish your body of fluids lost due
to sweating in the tropical heat.
While Bali is a rabies-free zone, there are many dogs in the
streets, and there have been reports of foreigners being
bitten. Similarly with monkeys around temples like Sangeh. Take
care, as dogs and monkeys are potential carriers of many
diseases.
The debate rages on about the benefits of malaria prophylaxis.
The final decision on which drug (and whether to use
prophylaxis at all) is yours. Discuss this with your doctor or
a specialist travellers medical centre before leaving home.
Some malaria prophyaxis are reputed to cause side affects
including stress, nightmares, and increased sensitivity to
sunburn.
The best advice is to protect against mosquito bites by using
strong insect repellents (with at least 20% DEET, or
citronella), by wearing long pants and sleeves at dusk (when
the mosquito is most active) and by using mosquito nets while
sleeping. If you choose to burn mosquito coils, be very careful
not to set your room on fire.
Mosquitoes are also carriers of disorders including; Dengue
Fever, Arboviruses and Japanese Encephalitis.
Other illnesses to be aware of are Cholera (there is no useful
prophylaxis), Typhoid (an oral vaccine now exists for
protection), Polio (Sabin oral vaccine), Hepatitis A and
Tetanus. More dangerous are Hepatitis B, C and non-A/B/C
strains, as well as HIV.
NOTE: The information above is provided for background only.
You must take personal responsibility for your own health, and
it is highly recommended to you consult a doctor to discuss all
aspects of travel health and related issues.
Is it so bad that I need to know all of that?
Not really, but you need to know enough to realise that even
in a tropical paradise (especially in a tropical paradise),
dangers and health risks exist. Be careful.
2. TRANSPORTATION
2.1 PUBLIC BUS
Public transportation is provided by cars, bemos (including
Bajai, three-wheeled 8-seater, funny-looking vehicles),
mini-busses, even open utility trucks. There are public bemos
which ply set routes, and private bemos which serve as taxi
cabs. Always be certain whether the bemo is public or private,
as the price for a ride will be significantly different.
Many local entrepreneurs operate private transport as charter
vehicles - these are the private bemos. Some will accept short
trips, acting as taxi cabs, while others will prefer to carry
passangers on day-trips at a negotiated poice.
Private bemos must be chartered, usually at an agreed cost, and
once hired, will take you to your chosen destination or even on
a round-island tour. It is wise to have an idea of the "right
price", generally found out by attempting to obtain the best
offer from amongst several operators. Consider Rp.50,000 for
several hours to be a low price for a car with driver.
Around town these days there are plenty of taxi-cabs with
meters. Many people feel more confident of paying the correct
price if the cab has a working meter (insist that the meter is
used, even if the driver claims it's broken). The flagfall will
cost about Rp15,000.
Public bemos are the local form of public transport. They will
continue to take on passengers until they are full (and then
some). Set fares are payable to the collector at the journeys
end (agreed as you get onto the bus). Try to pay the same price
as the locals (ask other passengers or watch what they pay).
Travelling in this way will enable you to get to any part of
Bali, and although the trip is usually much longer than by
private bemo, gives the opportunity to mix with the local
people in a way that is difficult to achieve any other way.
2.2 HIRE CAR / MOTOR BIKE / BICYCLE
Hiring your own transport is possible from most of the larger
tourist centres, and although a more expensive option than
using bemos, offers greater flexibility.
Hire cars, usually tiny but robust Japanese vehicles cost about
Rp.50,000 and up, per day. They of course have the advantage
that up to about four to six people may be carried. An
insurance premium may be required (in addition to the hire
rate), and you must have an international drivers licence
(minimum age conditions may also apply). The vehicles almost
always have manual transmissions, and are right-hand drive (you
must drive on the left side of the road). Never forget that
golden rule!
Some price bargaining may be possible on car hire, but really
low prices are usually only available from unlicenced hirers.
You may be prepared to take your chances to save a few dollars,
but be aware that you will probably have no insurance etc.
Motorbikes may be the answer for the do-it-yourself traveller
who can ride one. A motorbike will take you to any part of the
island at your own pace, and you'll see many interesting things
that you couldn't get to see any other way. A licence is
required.
Many villages have a place where you can hire a bicycle for
about Rp.5,000 to Rp.10,000 per day (sometimes a lower price
may be negotiated, especially if the bike is old) An additional
deposit may be required. Weekly hire rates are probably less.
2.3 OTHER
Tour buses and coaches are often unpalatable to independent
travellers except for undertaking the longest journeys, however
some package tours include a complementary trip to the
mountains, or to a special cultural event for instance. If
required, tour bus tickets may be purchased at some hotels and
almost any travel or tour agent in Bali at advertised fixed
rates.
A few transport companies provide a medium cost long distance
travel service which are well short of the luxuries of the
large coaches, but far more convenient than the crowded public
buses. Keep these in mind for transferring to a village on the
other side of the island for instance. All prices are listed at
the travel agencies (such as Perama Travel) and are fixed.
3. PLACES
3.1 SOUTH
Including Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, and the
southern peninsula.
Of Bali's nearly one million visitors every year, the majority
choose a package deal holiday that includes hotel accommodation
in the southern resort area of Bali. This is the place of world
class hotels, leather and cassette tape shops, boutiques, bars,
discos, restaurants and of course, the beaches. It is also the
place of enthusiastic holiday revellers, indulging in sun,
surf, beer, pub crawls and disco party-nights.
Denpasar is an interesting city, especially for someone who has
not experienced the hustle and bustle of an Asian city. There
are plenty of department stores and shops, as well as markets,
museums and of course, heat and noise.
Most of the famous beaches and surf are in the south,
especially around Kuta and the southern peninsular.
Kuta is an overgrown village, bursting beyond the capabilities
of its' limited infrastructure, and a strange mix of culture
and decadence, department stores and hovels - hated by some,
loved by many others. Its' near neigbours are a little more
upmarket, and are rapidly expanding to deal with the largest
portion of Bali's increasing tourist trade.
Nearby is Sanur, while further south are Nusa Dua, Benoa and
Jimbaran. All of these palces attract a more upmarket crowd -
price being the major driver. Here, the word is liesure, or
perhaps it's luxury. Certainly, this part of Bali is far more
sanatised than elsewhere.
Is Kuta as good/bad as everyone says?
Depending on your taste, you may love Kuta, and never wish to
see another part of Bali. If you like pubs, nightclubs,
disco's and the party lifestyle, Kuta is for you.
Others will hate the place - those who wish to experience the
culture, the art and people of Bali will find there are many
parts of Bali that are truely unspoiled - but they will have
to make just a little effort to get away from Kuta and the
busy tourist areas. These people will probably choose to stay
in a small family run losmen in one of Bali's many rural
villages to obtain their reward.
Yes, Kuta is that good/bad.
3.2 EAST
Including Candidasa, Padand Bai, the Bat Cave, Klungkung,
Besakih, Gunung Agung and Tirta Gangga.
The spectacular coastal road of eastern Bali is an adventure in
its own right, with tall mountains on one side and stunning
cliffs and ocean views on the other. Few eastern cities and
villages encounter large numbers of tourists, and may be ideal
for those who wish to avoid tourist crowds.
There is good diving along the East coast, and Gunung Agung is
the site of the largest and most revered of Bali's temples.
Padang Bai is the ferry port and stepping-off point for Lombok
and Nusa Tenggara.
Is it worth visiting Lombok or one of the smaller islands to
the south of Bali?
Very much so - Lombok is very different to Bali, especially
culturally. The people of Lombok are mainly Muslim, and have
many different customs and practices than the Hindu's of
Bali (although there are many historical links between these
neigbouring islands - especially on Lombok's west coast).
Lombok has only recently begain building tourist
infrastructure on a large scale. As a result, many people
describe Lombok as though it were the Bali of 20 years ago.
Of course, that is not really the truth - Lombok is
different, and will always remain different to Bali, and is
certainly different to the Bali of that fondly remembered
era.
Accommodation, food and transport on Lombok are no problem to
the visitor, and every taste and budget are catered for.
3.3 CENTRAL
Including Ubud, Celuk, Gianyar, Bangli, Mas and Tampaksiring.
Strangely remote from the madding crowds of the Southern
region, yet only a couple of hours away by even the slowest
mode of transport. A stay in the Central part of Bali should be
considered by everyone whose pursuits lean even slightly
towards the cultural rather than the carnival.
Ubud is one of the most popular places in Bali, and has grown
significantly in recent years. Highlights include beautiful
jungle walks, stunning mountain vista's over terraced rice
fields and relief to see villages that have not yet totally
succumbed to the trappings of the tourist trail.
If you visit Ubud, try to obtain a copy of the locally produced
"Bali Pathfinder". This booklet and giant map will help you
find your way around the village and its' environs, and offers
plenty of good advice and local wisdoms. For instance...
"Be a villager.
Be a villager? O la la! What if your fellow citizen says that
to you? Sounds romantic doesn't it? But not when you are in
Ubud. The village will subtly show you how. Once in a
lifetime experiencing simple villager worth stacks of
textbooks for 'the occupant of the ivory towers'.
Nevertheless, BEWARE OF SARONG FEVER. Your body is not merely
a clothesline to hang it. Wear your sarong clean, neatly and
properly, otherwise the Ubudians will consider you a 'not
funny clown'.
"Your attention please: Tropical climate with its' heavy
humidity can easily change your sweat into an undescribable
body odour. It might disturb others and hurt your neigbours'
noses. Hurting defenseless persons is considered a crime.
Therefore, have a wash before going to a (traditional)
performance.
(Quoted from the "Bali Pathfinder" by Silvio Santosa.)
Do not forget that there is more to central Bali than Ubud.
Many of the villages and towns in this region see very few
tourists, but are ideal as an escape from commercialism and the
tourist trail. There are always places to stay and eat, and the
cultural performances and rituals are part of the genuine
practice - not public performances.
3.4 WEST
Including Gilimanuk and the West Bali National Park.
Western Bali is often ignored by all except those travelling to
Gilimanuk for the ferry to Java, however nature lovers should
consider the Bali Barat National Park for a spot of
bird-watching.
Surfers will also be lured to the south western coast of Bali,
where there are good waves, and few tourists to contend with.
This will change in time, as new resorts incorporating golf
courses etc. are being built even as you read this FAQ.
3.5 NORTH
Including Bedugul, Batur, Kintamani, Git Git Falls, Singaraja
and Lovina Beach.
Travelling through the central area of Bali to the northern
coast and the province's second city - Singaraja, one can see
the amazing contrasts of this tiny island; from the lush
tropical forests of the central area, the cool sub-tropical
highlands further north, and the open coastal hinterlands.
Although very popular, the Lovina beach area is not always the
pristine paradise that the visitor might expect. Reports
indicate that the dolphin spotting could also be better
described as dolphin chasing.
4. OTHER RESOURCES
4.1 GUIDEBOOKS
The Lonely Planet guidebook to Indonesia has been recently
reprinted in an entirely updated edition. It incorporates a
detailed section about Bali. The same publisher also has a
guidebook dedicated to Bali and Lombok. These books are always
reliable and contain plenty of good advice.
Moon publications has also released a new edition of their own
detailed guidebook for Indonesia, written by Bill Dalton - one
of the legends of travel. Bill's guide to Bali (Bali Handbook)
is an excellent source in information.
Rough Guides book on Bali and Lombok may not be as big a seller
as the other two, but it is worth a look. The style of the
Rough Guides and the detailed content have earned their books
great respect.
All of the above publishers also have guides to Southeast Asia,
which are necessarily less detailed, but if you are considering
a journey throughout the region, the information they provide,
along with your previous experiences should be sufficient.
The above books are highly considered by travellers to this
region, and any of the publications specific to Indonesia would
be satisfactory for a visit to Bali.
If you find a copy of "The Bali Pathfinder" book and map set,
which is sold mainly around Ubud, then buy it. Published
locally, this guide shows many popular walking trails around
Ubud, and has a few wise words for all of us about lifestyles
and life in general.
A few other publishers have books about Bali and Indonesia that
should be of interest. Look for the Passport Regional Guides,
and the Insight Guides (APA) series. These publishers present
books that lack details of places to eat and stay, but offer
far more in terms of history, cultural information, and above
all, magnificent photography. I (Wayne) actually prefer these
books to the detailed guidebooks. Read about the people, their
culture, and their part of the world. Decide where you want to
go based on the wonderfully descriptive text and their
breathtaking pictures, and accept the chalenge of finding your
own places to eat and stay!
Peter Moore's definitive tome, No Shitting in the Toilet is
possibly the only guidebook the serious traveller will ever
need. Maybe that's because after a few chapters, the urge to
travel will be totally supressed. Those who do make it to the
end however, will have learned that travel can be a very
valuable experience - for everyone well adapted to extracting
the poor travellers every last cent that is. Perhaps that's
what Peter meant when he said his book is for travellers
"who've really lost it"!
4.2 WORLD WIDE WEB
Bali: The OnLine Travel Guide WWW site.
This WWW site written by Wayne Reid is provided as a resource
for travellers intending to visit Bali. Included are maps,
photographs, sounds and descriptions of the region, as well as
details about finding accommodation, travelling around and
prices. Health issues are also described more thoroughly than
in the FAQ.
Bali Online WWW site.
Eka Ginting is assembling a comprehensive WWW document that
provides information about Bali. Eka's pages contain valuable
information describing Balinese culture, and list many events
including ceremonies and temple festivals. There are also
listings of hotels, including phone numbers etc.
This site should be visited prior to making a visit to Bali so
that you can be sure of experiencing the best festive occasions
while you are there.
Bali Villas
Bali Villas offer a comprehensive site that promotes their
accommodations, but also offers plenty of up to date and
relevant advice to any would-be traveller.
Bruce Briscoe's WWW site.
Bruce has put together some information and pictures taken
during his recent visits to Bali. The information is written as
Bruce encountered the holiday island, and will interest anyone
planning a similar trip.
The Moon Publications WWW site.
The Lonely Planet WWW site.
No Shitting in the Toilet WWW site.
There are others - email to wreid@mira.net if you know of
any high quality informative WWW resources about Bali.
4.3 USENET NEWS
The most appropriate place to post requests for information
about Bali is...
rec.travel.asia
Many people with experience of Southeast Asia read this
newsgroup, and often reply with useful advice and answers to
specific questions. Typically, replies are made to the
newsgroup if the answer is of general interest.
Another group that may provide specific answers to questions
is...
soc.culture.indonesian
This group is dedicated to discussion of Indonesian culture,
and should not be used for random tourist advice and requests.
Posts relating to commercial opportunities, advertising or
other promotions of a commercial nature should be restricted
to...
rec.travel.marketplace
The charter of the other groups in the rec.travel hierarchy
reject commercial postings, and it is considered to be bad form
to blatantly advertise in groups other than the marketplace.
*********************************************************************
COPYRIGHT NOTICE.
Copyright (c) 1995-1997, Wayne Reid and Eka Ginting.
All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: All information is provided in good faith,
but is not guaranteed to be correct. No responsibility
will be accepted by the authors under any circumstances.
Much of the information contained within this document
was sourced directly from the authors WWW pages...
*************************************************************************
Following the common practice of the Internet, this document may
be freely redistributed without modification, however the
information provided within this document is the property of the
original author(s).
As the document will be updated from time to time, please contact
the authors if you intend to distribute this FAQ so that the
latest version may be provided.
All distributions must retain the copyright notice.
The authors reserve the right to the exclusive use of the terms
"Bali: The OnLine Travel Guide" and "Bali Online".
This document may not be sold for profit or included in any
commercial documents (eg: books, including guide books, magazines,
WWW-pages, or any other printed or electronic form) without the
prior written permission of the copyright holders.
This permission is only valid for the published version at the
time the permission was granted and does not extend into the
future.
Please direct questions, suggestions and / or comments to...
wreid@mira.net
Ends.