Barrys compilation of Just backs and price information
BALI AFTER DARK
Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors
wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning –
even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the
IN-places often become crowded after midnight.
There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night
owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them
visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you
plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and
midnight there are not many places we can recommend.
Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and
the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem
around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu
malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who
compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more
popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various
"Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.
As reported in our BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali.
However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be
found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl
next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please
the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun
if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with, beforehand. Most will be
yours for the whole night for about 200,000 Rupiah although they CAN vary from
50,000 Rupiah to 500,000 Rupiah and more depending upon the time of night and
the situation".
SANUR & NUSA DUA
Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan
and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close
around 1:00 a.m.
The JAZZ GRILLE, located at the Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 15/16 at the
By-Pass opposite the Radisson hotel, was opened in February 1999 and attracts
tourists and locals alike with live bands (from 9:30 to 12:00 p.m.), a smallish
menu, and a billiard table upstairs. KAFE WAYANG in the same building has life
music with a good local band and jam sessions with foreign guests every Friday
– no wonder it's very popular with many residents. JANGER is currently the
only disco in Sanur. Most tourists and even the expats living in Sanur prefer to
go to "Kuta" if they look for some fun.
The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are
mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make
the 30 minutes drive to Kuta. Outside the hotels but in the centre of Nusa Dua's
restaurant strip is a branch of Legian's popular POCO LOCO Mexican restaurant
(well-known for great Margaritas and good music).
THE "KUTA" AREA
Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to
"Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7
kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian,
Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places
offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be
looking for.
Close to the center of the original Kuta village are places such as CASABLANCA
etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies
courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan
Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and
Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge
(air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and
younger foreign visitors.
Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy,
over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S RELOADED not
far from the original PADDY'S. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the
morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until
sunrise.
For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have after your dinner a
couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at POCO LOCO in
Legian, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS
Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in
Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar &
Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.
Something more outrageous and only for open-minded people is HULU CAFE between
Jalan Padma and Jalan Melasti in Kuta/Legian, a place which calls itself the
"only real gay bar in all of Bali" with drag shows starting at 11:00
p.m. three times per week. The performances are actually kind of funny!
You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of
Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many
singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy,
too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at
the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the
band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until
11:00 p.m. In mid-1998 they had excellent musicians, nowadays you'll see often
bored locals playing their instruments until they are allowed to get on their
motorbikes and go home. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.
The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts
many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the
sometimes horrible bands and singers. LA BOHEME (ex EURO CLUB, ex CRUSOES) is
located right next to DOUBLE SIX on the beach in Seminyak. There are tables
outdoors, several bars and a dance floor on different levels indoors (no
air-con). The whole place is designed and decorated quite well to give you a
kind of South Pacific feeling. Most evenings the life music – Reggae, Salsa,
etc – starts around 10 p.m. until 3 in the morning.
Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun at night is nowadays probably
SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu No. 11 (also known as Gado Gado Road
or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails, a surprisingly
good wine list (you have to ask for it, but the prices are very low for Bali
standards), and a menu offering local, Mexican, and Japanese dishes as well as a
choice of pizzas around the clock and the friendly service attract many visitors
until the early hours. If you feel too hot downstairs, you can move to the
air-conditioned "Wine Lounge" upstairs where you find also a rather
good choice of wines to take home.
Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q Bar
("for the alternative lifestyle"), Antique Bar, SPACE, THE GLOBE and
"A" BAR. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all
the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights.
Just walk down the road and check them out !
Later, from 2:00 until after 4:00 a.m., it's party time at DOUBLE SIX, a large
open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. It's located
on the beach in Seminyak and charges an entrance fee of 30,000 to 50,000 Rupiah
(depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here you'll
find most of Bali's night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30
a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been converted into a
restaurant.)
Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing
special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting
Parties, etc, etc. If these "parties" are announced to the public
(even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You'll have to pay
for your drinks, therefore, don't be shy.
UBUD
Don't expect too much here. We are not Ubud nightlife experts, but names
frequently mentioned include PUTRA BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (every night live
music ranging from Reggae to rock), MAGIC BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (live music and
sometimes great atmosphere), JAZZ CAFE, Jl. Tebesaya (live music and jam
sessions on different nights), EXILE BAR (Saturday nights only, great music),
and FUNKY MONKEY (early hours cafe).
Posted by AussieAngel on Wednesday, 13. October 2004 at 13:47 Bali Time:
I posted this the other day but just thought I would post it agaon for those who
missed it....
BUDGET PER DAY:
2 meals - 15.000rp each 30.000rp
6Bintangs 12.000rp ea 72.000rp
2 taxi rides 10.000rp 20.000rp
1 x massage 40.000rp 40.000rp
1 x pkt cigs 10.000rp 10.000rp
1 x sunglasses 20.000rp 20.000rp
2 x B'bong blk mkt t's 80.000rp
1 x wallet 10.000rp 10.000rp
1 x boardshorts 30.000rp 30.000rp
6 dvd's 10.000rp 60.000rp
TOTAL - 372.000rp = $57.ooo Aus Dollars give or take.
WATERSPORTS:
Where:S&S on the beach
Contact: ketutsuparta@hotmail.com or ketutsuparta1968@yahoo.com.au his mobile is
0812 398 6249.
Prices: white water rafting , rp, 225.000
parasailing, bananaboat, and jetski only rp, 160000 per person,
glass bottom boat, snorkling, and turtle island only 165000 rupiah
Where: Tanjung Benoa for water sports.
Prices: glass bottom boat to Turtle Island 120,000 each; banana boat 75,000 each
and jetskis 90,000 each
Where: Bali Adventure Tours at Nusa Dua
Contact: George
Prices: Parasailing, jetskiing, banana boat riding. All for $25.00AUD per
person.
DAY SPA'S
Where: Bali Mystique
Contact:
Prices: 1 Hour massage RP50,000 for an hour
Where: Green Garden Spa in Tuban
Contact:
Price: 242,000 rupiah. '3 hour treatment called the Royal Bali for Her'. This
included a foot scrub, 1 hour body massage, mini facial, body mask and scrub,
flower bath, jacuzzi, steam room and swim. Also you are served a cool drink to
start and ginger tea and snack after the flower bath.
Where: On the Beach
Contact:
Price: 30,000rp Massage for 40 min's.
Where: hairdresser/beauty salon off Poppies Gang 1
Contact: Email me at cammy1982@hotmail.com if you want to see any pictures of
what my hair looked like.
What: Hair Extentions.
Price: 250,000 rupiah and it took four hours for two (sometimes three) girls to
do it. If you want shorter extentions they charge anything from 150,000.
Where: shop off poppies 1. when u walk down a street, u get women saying, plait
yiur hair? hair extensions?
Contact:
What: Hair Extensions
Prices: 150,000rp and 30,000rp to get them out.
Where: MBR
Contact:
Prices: Massage 1 hour 75 000 1/2 hour 40 000
manicure 1 hour 75 000 1/2 hour 40 000 (same for pedicure)
body scrub or facial 75 000
foot or head massage 1 hour 75 000 1/2 hour 40 000
cream bath (thisis for the head too) 75 000
hair plaiting short/med 75 000
long 100 000
extensions 350 000 (you can get this cheaper elsewhere)
acrylic nails 200 000
waxing 50 000 and up
COCKTAILS:
The prices range from 4,000 rupiah to 50,000 rupiah
What: Arak Attack
Price: 4000 big glass 10000
What: International Cocktails
Price: 30000
Where: Paddy's
Prices: 15.000
TAXI'S
FARES IDR -RUPIAH $AUS NOTES
Taxi – All day 200,000 – 350,000 rp $31 - $55
Tuban - Kuta 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Kuta -Legian 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Legian - Semniyak 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Tuban – Nusa Dua 35,000-40,000 rp $5.35
Kuta – Tanah Lot 60,000 rp $9.27
Kuta - Uluwata 80,000 – 90,000 rp $13.00
DRIVERS
blue cab and paid him RP200,000 for the day out.
MARKETS
Tootsie's market shop (fixed price)
dvd's 8,000 rp
,louie ventton bags 65,000rp
t-shirts & singlets about 30,000 rp
kimonos from 45-55,000 (depending on length & material);
DVDs 10,000 each
short (skirt) sarongs 15-20,000;
long sarongs 20-25, "nappy" shorts 20,000
Louis Vuitton and Burberry handbags 55-70,000 for small ones,
Paul Frank tops (teenage girls understand!) 20-25,000;
crochet net cardigans 30,000.
cushion covers 30-35,000 each,
table wear, silver jewellery (e.g. dangly earrings 25,000),
Bintang singlets for RP20000
Nokia 1110 fro RP700,000
GENERAL
Coke (cans) 3,200 RP 0.40c
Water (Bottle 500ml) 3,200 RP 0.40c
DVD Player Hire 100,000 rp $15.45 1 week
COMMON MERCHANDISE
Wood placemats 12,000 rp $2.00
Baskets (Weave) 1,000-,5000 rp 0.2 c – 0.75c
Caps 15,000 rp $2.25
Collared Shirts 20,000 rp $3.09
Jeweler boxes 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Leather belt 15,000 rp $2.25
Beach Bag woven 28,000 rp $4.00
Beach Towels 25,000-50,000 rp $3.80-$7.72
Placemats 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Wooden Bowls 5,000 rp –15,000 rp 0.75 - $2.25
Dresses (summer) 25,000-40,000 rp $3.80-$6.18
Leather Jackets 500,000-700,000 rp $77.24-$108.14 Short Style
Bathers 150,000-200,000 rp $25-$30
Levi's 501 75,000 rp $11.00
Louis Vuitton bags 180,000-200,000 rp $25-$30 Overnight bags
120,000 –300,000 rp $18-$47 Handbags
Photo prints (digital) 1,000 – 1,500 rp 0.02 c
CF Card to disk 25,000 rp $4.00
Sneakers 40,000 – 60,000 $6.18 - $90.00 Fake or orig
Cd's 10,000 rp $1.54 Discounts for volume
Dvd's 10,000-15,000 rp $1.50 - $2.50 Buy 10 -2 free
Earings 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Necklaces Under 10,000 rp Under $1.54
Perfume 15,000 rp $2.25 Fake
PS2 or Xbox games 15,000-35,000 rp $2.25-$5.40 Copies
Sandals 25,000-40,000 rp $4.00-$6.18
Sarongs 10,000-15,000 rp $1.54-$2.50
Sunglasses 15,000-25,000 rp $2.50-$4.00
T-shirts 10,000-30,000 rp $1.54-$4.63
(Billabong, quicksilver, rip curl, nike)
Watches 15,000– 30000,000 rp
Sunglasses 25.000- 30.000
Leather belt 15.000 CD 10.000 (no cover)
Crochet hat 15.000 Hematite bracelet 2 for 10.000
T-shirt- white 15.000 Levi 501s 75.000
Surf T-shirts 25.000
Timber steering wheel 150.000(with boss kit)
Placemats material 5.000 Watches 25.000- 30.000
Wood placemats 12.000
Wrap pants 30.000
Cushion covers 15.000
Cigarettes 66.000 a carton
AUD$ coin bracelet- Rp20,000 plus 2 Aussie gold coins at Bali Aussie Restaurant
Baby t-shirts/singlets - 10,000rp
Bamboo Wind chimes: Small 10-15,000 and Medium 15-20,000.
Bead necklaces- From Rp5,000
Caps- Rp15,000
Collared shirts - 20 000Rp
Earrings - 5000rp or less
Glitter/sequined Thongs Rp 25000 - 30000
Imitation perfume- Rp30,000
Keyrings: 10,000 for 4 pack
Kids t-shirts/singlets - 15,000rp
Leather wrist bands: 12,000 for 4 pack
Music CDS 15,000 each
Necklaces / bracelets - 5000rp or less - more for the big shell ones
Photos onto a CDR Rp 25,000
PS1 games -Rp4,000
Ps2 games -Rp15,000
Rp 25000 for nails, feet and hands done.
Sequin bags 25 000rp
Sarongs: 10,000 - 25,000 depending on which type.
Shell belts - around 20,000rp
Sim cards at Matahari Kuta. Simpati ones for 100,000 with 80,000 credit and
500rp per sms.
Stubby holders- Rp4,000
Sunglasses- Rp15,000-25,000
T-shirts: XL - 15-20,000 and bigger sizes 20-25,000 each (depends how many you
buy)
Watches- Rp30,000-35,000
Wind socks: 25,000 each
Wrap around pants - 30,000rp
There's a fixed price shop on the corner of Jl Legian and Poppies Lane 2 - it's
also a Kodak shop.
Geneva Handicrafts. 100 Jalan Raya. 3rd floor over the top of Geneva furniture
Kerobokan. Closed on Sundays.
Woven placemats 4.900
Cane placemats with wooden insert 11.900.
Crochet hat 12.500,
Bracelets 2.380,
Hacky sacs 3.500,
Surfboard keyrings 980,
Oval pottery bowl (30cm) 10.000,
Bead lamp 28.000,
Masks 9.100 + 14.000.
Shell bowl 35.000, platter to match 27.000
Also have shadow puppets, and other types. Many bowls, pots, garden ornaments,
bags, baskets, chessboards, candles.
fixed prices are Rp5,000 for necklaces, Rp4,000 for anklets and Rp3,000 for
bracelets.
Some of the shell necklaces are dearer, like the big shell pendant ones etc.
From memory, they were around Rp15,000 each at that shop.
Sunglasses 25.000- 30.000 DVD 15.000
Leather belt 15.000 CD 10.000 (no cover)
Crochet hat 15.000 Hematite bracelet 2 for 10.000
T-shirt- white 15.000 Levi 501s 75.000
Surf T-shirts 25.000
Timber steering wheel 150.000(with boss kit)
Placemats material 5.000 Watches 25.000- 30.000
Wood placemats 12.000 Wrap pants 30.000
Cushion covers 15.000 Cigarettes 66.000 a carton
AUD$ coin bracelet- Rp20,000 plus 2 Aussie gold coins at Bali Aussie Restaurant
Baby t-shirts/singlets - 10,000rp
Bamboo Wind chimes: Small 10-15,000 and Medium 15-20,000.
Bead necklaces- From Rp5,000
Caps- Rp15,000
Collared shirts - 20 000Rp
DVD Rp 15000 buy 10 get 1 free
Earrings - 5000rp or less
Glitter/sequined Thongs Rp 25000 - 30000
Imitation perfume- Rp30,000
Keyrings: 10,000 for 4 pack
Kids t-shirts/singlets - 15,000rp
Leather wrist bands: 12,000 for 4 pack
Music CDS 15,000 each
Necklaces / bracelets - 5000rp or less - more for the big shell ones
Photos onto a CDR Rp 25,000
PS1 games -Rp4,000
Ps2 games -Rp15,000
Rp 25000 for nails, feet and hands done.
Sequin bags 25 000rp
Sarongs: 10,000 - 25,000 depending on which type.
Shell belts - around 20,000rp
Sim cards at Matahari Kuta. Simpati ones for 100,000 with 80,000 credit and
500rp per sms.
Stubby holders- Rp4,000
Sunglasses- Rp15,000-25,000
T-shirts: XL - 15-20,000 and bigger sizes 20-25,000 each (depends how many you
buy)
Watches- Rp30,000-35,000
Wind socks: 25,000 each
Wrap around pants - 30,000rp
There's a fixed price shop on the corner of Jl Legian and Poppies Lane 2 - it's
also a Kodak shop.
Geneva Handicrafts. 100 Jalan Raya. 3rd floor over the top of Geneva furniture
Kerobokan. Closed on Sundays.
Woven placemats 4.900
Cane placemats with wooden insert 11.900.
Crochet hat 12.500,
Bracelets 2.380,
Hacky sacs 3.500,
Surfboard keyrings 980,
Oval pottery bowl (30cm) 10.000,
Bead lamp 28.000,
Masks 9.100 + 14.000.
Shell bowl 35.000, platter to match 27.000
Also have shadow puppets, and other types. Many bowls, pots, garden ornaments,
bags, baskets, chessboards, candles.
fixed prices are Rp5,000 for necklaces, Rp4,000 for anklets and Rp3,000 for
bracelets.
Some of the shell necklaces are dearer, like the big shell pendant ones etc.
From memory, they were around Rp15,000 each at that shop.
FOOD
Gateway to India and we met up with Mr and Mrs Madonbali and some friends.
RP45000 pp for buffet indian dinner on every Sunday night.
Nothing special, pizza, gado gado and rinks RP62000
DVD's
DVD's - After advice on this forum we placed our order with Helgi and he
supplied us about 100 DVD's. They are all great quality so we are totally
satisfied. He is a really nice guy and also hires DVD's players at about a
quarter of the price inside the hotels. His website for a list of available
DVD's is mcshop@hotmail.com
THINGS YOU SHOULD DO and NOT DO!
1st ~ get a nice hotel, then -
Go to the Elephant park.
Go for a couple of nights to Hai Tide Huts, Nusa Lembongan.
Go to Poppies in Poppies Lane 1 for lunch (or dinner).
Go to La Lucciola for dinner and watch the sunset.
Go to the Monkey Forest in Ubud
Go to Waterboom Park
Go to a Monkey Forest
Go Swimming
Go Diving
Go Shopping
Get a Massage
Buy a fake watch
Buy some fake purfume
Buy a leather jacket
See a Barong Dance
See a Kecak Dance
See a Legong Dance
See a shadow puppet show
Go to Ubud
See the rice terraces
"Dont" drive yourself anywhere - get a Driver and / or Guide
(do a "search the forum" on Paja - he's my pick anyway)
Buy some copy DVD's
Eat some Satay
Go White Water Rafting (watch out for flaming coconuts)
Do a Bungi Jump
Go to Elephant Cave
Go to Kintamani
Walk up to Besakih
Ride the elephants
Say "no, only 20,000 - not 40,000" for the 68th time
Buy some silver jewelery in Celuk
Do the Bali Hai sunset cruise (and see the boygirls)
Go on Nusa Lembogan Island Day Cruise
Eat more Satay
Drink some Bintang
Have a cocktail
Buy a T'shirt with F#@* Terrorists printed on the front
Go to Tanah Lot
Eat seafood at Jimbaran Bay
Water-Ski at Lake Bratan
See the black sand of Lovina Beach
Buy another copy watch (you forgot to take the last one off when swimming)
Then, head to the airport (cry) and fly home.
-Ask people about themselves, they are really nice and have the most amazing
stories to tell.
-Say "hello how are you" to anyone that greets you (hawkers and all)
but don't be afraid to still say no or Tidak!, just be nice back!
-Listen to what they are saying, don't dismiss everyone as trying to sell
something. But be warned there are a bunch of guys giving out cards for a
competition, and it's basically a timeshare scam, we were lucky you have to be
over 27, so we just said we were too young.
-Talking with your hands helps alot.
-Smile at everyone
-Don't step on the offerings on the footpath, be respectful.
-Try and go see the memorial to the bombings...it makes you think
-Ask a couple of cabbys some basic works in indonesian, it's fun!
-TAKE ALL YOUR SPENDING MONEY IN AUST $$ IN CASH!! Don't bother with a visa card
most places just use cash anyway. Change into rupia over there much better rate.
And if you want cash out of an account or Visa card, you have to get to a bank
and wait half an hour or use an ATM and risk having your card chewed (this is
common apparently).
-Change money at the Kodak shops, don't risk the others.
-go on an ocean cruise and don't chicken out of snorkling there are no sharks
and thousands of the most beautiful tropical fish and reef.
-Try a swim up bar in one of the resorts, it's heaps of fun.
-There's a great little resort in Tuban the Green Garden. Good for a more quiet
holiday, great day spa!
-Melasti Beach Resort is nice, a bit far away from the action though very cheap.
-Buy one of the Chalak! statues :)
-take cancer council sunblock and use heaps of it.
-Go on volcano tour, it fun but don't get out of the car up the mountain, the
hawkers are really really desparate and bad up there. Monkey forest in Ubud is
beautifull, monkeys not to cheaky!
-Dont do anything in the resort (ie. use internet, hire DVD player burn CD's
make phone calls) big rip off, you can get any of these things way cheaper in
the shops.
-The Blue cabs were the most honest but the white cabs were the most fun, just
make sure you ask them to put the meter on and you'll be fine.
-Don't bother walking too far cos the cabs are so cheap (we got caught in
traffic for over an hour and it only cost about $4) and the airconditioning is
very welcome.
-Don't freak out about the roads. There are road rules, even if they are less
obviouse, they are very very good drivers/riders.
-Great eats (costs for 2 people including alcoholic drinks):
La Monde Padma St 130000 (lots of Aussies)
Uncle Norms Melasti St 120000
La Porchetta Legian St 130000 (transfers to and from hotel)
Posers Padma St 140000
and for a laugh try their KFC, it's really different.
-Go partying in Legian st early in holiday. We went to the Bounty, stacks of
fun!!!
-Get a fake tattoo just before you come home and freak out your mum/kids/hubby
etc. They are great and really realistic!
-Always use detol wipes before eating or drinking anything.
-If you want to take a picture of someone, ask them first.
-Arak is a rice wine made over there, very potent (40% alcohol) don't drink too
much of it the night before going on a boat ride, but it's a really great drink
in moderation! :)
-Bintang was not my thing, but they have a beer called Bali Hai in most places,
same price but a bit more of a girls beer.
-If you have airconditioning in your room, leave it on while you sleep cos it
doesn't get cool at night like it does in Oz
-you will swim so much that if your hair is dyed, it WILL temporarily turn
green, but it's a funny talking point :)
SHOPPING:
-When shopping you will more than likely get ripped off at first no matter how
prepared you are (you end up just feeling sorry for them), but don't fret you'll
get better.
-Don't shop on your very 1st day in Bali, just chill out or you'll end up
stressed out.
-Start shopping in an area that is fairly busy (like poppies lane or legian st)
they are not so desparate and hence not so scarily pushy.
-Don't get sucked in by someone who calls out a price for some thing (especially
if it sounds really cheap) once you show interest the price will start to go up.
Pick what you want, ask the price, then start bargaining, anytime the process is
any different to that, don't get yourself into it.
-Worst hawkers I found were the women wanting to braid my hair, they would grab
my hair and are alot harder to get away from, so get braided early on, cut it
short or tie it up well.
-Don't pay more than:
15000Rp Hats
30000 Shirts
10000 DVD's
30000 Sunnies
50000 Watches
50000 Perfumes
20000 Sarongs
15000 Shell Jewelery (bit more for mother of pearl or marble)
and I got a fully reinforced cow hide motorbike jacket made from a picture for
1000000Rp. (excellent quality)
In some of these cases this might still be a bit high, just use your judgement
and try and divide the price by 6000 to get approximate dollars.
-My Jacket was made by Mr Bobby email:boby_helmi@hotmail.com
Ph: 08123919485 Kuta Square Block E 11 He was very considerate, excellent job
and very reasonable price.
-go the extra 10000 rupia, it's only like $1.50 (don't be too harsh)
-We brought home 200 DVDs and had no probs mainly because we bought in one of
the shops, a couple of disc pouches that you put the cover in. Just ask your
local friendly DVD guy, we got ours from Multidisc at #4 Padma Utara in Legian,
ask for Harry, he's a legend!
-if they say "I sell this watch for 350000 normally" say either
"But I'm not japanese" or "maybe to a first timer". The
japanese apparently just pay the first price, they don't bargain.
-the balinese are really nice, they are only happy to sell something to you for
too much if you are happy to pay too much, if you're not sure about a price,
show your discomfort they will pick it up straight away and will become much
more reasonable.
-don't be afraid to go into a shop with a price in mind and if they wont give it
to you for near that price walk away. There are no doubt a hundred shops with
the same thing, so the next time you put your price up a little bit.
-Once the business end is over with have a talk to the person, they are great
company, we even asked advice on what to pay for something that was in another
shop. They will bend over backwards to help you, and when you see them a week
later they'll remember your name.
TRAVELAN are new tablets out , you can buy from your pharmacy for $24.00 au , you take one 20 minutes before you eat , they are natural and prevent bali belly, come in 30 tablets a pack , 10 day supply , prevention is better than cure, see you in 10 days , love kaz ...........
The saftey deposit box's won't hold a video camera.
We have stayed at the Bounty 22 times and have never had a problem.
We have heard of a couple of instances where things have gone missing from
rooms, yet it was discovered that the occupants had visitors in their rooms,
both local ladies and other tourists or had left the door open!!!
The staff are very honest and value their jobs more than anything!!
We leave mobil phones and digital camera in the room, we even leave the odd
amount of money on a desk and has never been touched.
If you wish to leave a tip for the room cleaning staff tho, put 5 or 10,000 Rph
on your pillow and they would appreciate this.
I think that you could easily get by on $50. Eating, you can pay a little or a lot, that is up to you, it's the drinking & partying that will eat up the money.
Depending where you stay....you'll most likely have breakfast included in
your hotel, if you order lunch from the pool, or eat in a small rest..........
nasi or mei goreng, or club sandwich, something like that, it will cost about
25,000-35,000 rupiah. A small bir is probably 10-15,000 rp..
If you look in archives you can see costs of clothes...that really all depends
on you. If you want name brand, surf shops, etc. clothing, it is much more
expensive than the t-shirt, shorts and things they have at all the other shops
and markets, so that is all up to you, and your budget.
If you can afford to have a back up stash of cash or a card to use at the ATM, I
would bring it, so that you can enjoy what ya want, when you want, not make your
mind have to think about money..
A massage will vary greatly, depends where you go, I like Milano Salon, on Dbl
6..(I think that's the name, they have one in Ubud, also a Italian name.)They
charge about 85,000 rp for an hour massage.
Enjoy and pamper yourself, if you really want something go for it. Everything is
costing more and more every year, Bali is still a place that you can live like a
princess, and cash $100...and get over 600,000 of their dollars....wow, you're
nearly a millionaire.
My first trip to Bali, the USD was about 1,700 rp (1994) to the USD, the next
time I went it was 14,000 rp to the USD, (1998)wow, everything was really cheap.
When it was 1,700 rp to the dollar, costs were similar to what they are today,
believe it or not, maybe even more. Things that cost a lot in our country that
allows you to really pamper yourself, (spa, manicure etc.) are very inexpensive
in Bali. BUT........ Don't let all those 0000's fool ya.
Hey guys I just want to say the biggest thank you to all of the Forumites
that helped me through my holiday. I had a ball and I'm planning to go back next
winter. Only went for a week this time, we'll make it 3 or 4 next time though
and take friends. Anyway I thought I'd do one big post of all the things I
learned while it's still fresh, Sorry it's really really long. So here goes:
-Ask people about themselves, they are really nice and have the most amazing
stories to tell.
-Say "hello how are you" to anyone that greets you (hawkers and all)
but don't be afraid to still say no or Tidak!, just be nice back!
-Listen to what they are saying, don't dismiss everyone as trying to sell
something. But be warned there are a bunch of guys giving out cards for a
competition, and it's basically a timeshare scam, we were lucky you have to be
over 27, so we just said we were too young.
-Talking with your hands helps alot.
-Smile at everyone
-Don't step on the offerings on the footpath, be respectful.
-Try and go see the memorial to the bombings...it makes you think
-Ask a couple of cabbys some basic works in indonesian, it's fun!
-TAKE ALL YOUR SPENDING MONEY IN AUST $$ IN CASH!! Don't bother with a visa card
most places just use cash anyway. Change into rupia over there much better rate.
And if you want cash out of an account or Visa card, you have to get to a bank
and wait half an hour or use an ATM and risk having your card chewed (this is
common apparently).
-Change money at the Kodak shops, don't risk the others.
-go on an ocean cruise and don't chicken out of snorkling there are no sharks
and thousands of the most beautiful tropical fish and reef.
-Try a swim up bar in one of the resorts, it's heaps of fun.
-There's a great little resort in Tuban the Green Garden. Good for a more quiet
holiday, great day spa!
-Melasti Beach Resort is nice, a bit far away from the action though very cheap.
-Buy one of the Chalak! statues :)
-take cancer council sunblock and use heaps of it.
-Go on volcano tour, it fun but don't get out of the car up the mountain, the
hawkers are really really desparate and bad up there. Monkey forest in Ubud is
beautifull, monkeys not to cheaky!
-Dont do anything in the resort (ie. use internet, hire DVD player burn CD's
make phone calls) big rip off, you can get any of these things way cheaper in
the shops.
-The Blue cabs were the most honest but the white cabs were the most fun, just
make sure you ask them to put the meter on and you'll be fine.
-Don't bother walking too far cos the cabs are so cheap (we got caught in
traffic for over an hour and it only cost about $4) and the airconditioning is
very welcome.
-Don't freak out about the roads. There are road rules, even if they are less
obviouse, they are very very good drivers/riders.
-Great eats (costs for 2 people including alcoholic drinks):
La Monde Padma St 130000 (lots of Aussies)
Uncle Norms Melasti St 120000
La Porchetta Legian St 130000 (transfers to and from hotel)
Posers Padma St 140000
and for a laugh try their KFC, it's really different.
-Go partying in Legian st early in holiday. We went to the Bounty, stacks of
fun!!!
-Get a fake tattoo just before you come home and freak out your mum/kids/hubby
etc. They are great and really realistic!
-Always use detol wipes before eating or drinking anything.
-If you want to take a picture of someone, ask them first.
-Arak is a rice wine made over there, very potent (40% alcohol) don't drink too
much of it the night before going on a boat ride, but it's a really great drink
in moderation! :)
-Bintang was not my thing, but they have a beer called Bali Hai in most places,
same price but a bit more of a girls beer.
-If you have airconditioning in your room, leave it on while you sleep cos it
doesn't get cool at night like it does in Oz
-you will swim so much that if your hair is dyed, it WILL temporarily turn
green, but it's a funny talking point :)
SHOPPING:
-When shopping you will more than likely get ripped off at first no matter how
prepared you are (you end up just feeling sorry for them), but don't fret you'll
get better.
-Don't shop on your very 1st day in Bali, just chill out or you'll end up
stressed out.
-Start shopping in an area that is fairly busy (like poppies lane or legian st)
they are not so desparate and hence not so scarily pushy.
-Don't get sucked in by someone who calls out a price for some thing (especially
if it sounds really cheap) once you show interest the price will start to go up.
Pick what you want, ask the price, then start bargaining, anytime the process is
any different to that, don't get yourself into it.
-Worst hawkers I found were the women wanting to braid my hair, they would grab
my hair and are alot harder to get away from, so get braided early on, cut it
short or tie it up well.
-Don't pay more than:
15000Rp Hats
30000 Shirts
10000 DVD's
30000 Sunnies
50000 Watches
50000 Perfumes
20000 Sarongs
15000 Shell Jewelery (bit more for mother of pearl or marble)
and I got a fully reinforced cow hide motorbike jacket made from a picture for
1000000Rp. (excellent quality)
In some of these cases this might still be a bit high, just use your judgement
and try and divide the price by 6000 to get approximate dollars.
-My Jacket was made by Mr Bobby email:boby_helmi@hotmail.com
Ph: 08123919485 Kuta Square Block E 11 He was very considerate, excellent job
and very reasonable price.
-go the extra 10000 rupia, it's only like $1.50 (don't be too harsh)
-We brought home 200 DVDs and had no probs mainly because we bought in one of
the shops, a couple of disc pouches that you put the cover in. Just ask your
local friendly DVD guy, we got ours from Multidisc at #4 Padma Utara in Legian,
ask for Harry, he's a legend!
-if they say "I sell this watch for 350000 normally" say either
"But I'm not japanese" or "maybe to a first timer". The
japanese apparently just pay the first price, they don't bargain.
-the balinese are really nice, they are only happy to sell something to you for
too much if you are happy to pay too much, if you're not sure about a price,
show your discomfort they will pick it up straight away and will become much
more reasonable.
-don't be afraid to go into a shop with a price in mind and if they wont give it
to you for near that price walk away. There are no doubt a hundred shops with
the same thing, so the next time you put your price up a little bit.
-Once the business end is over with have a talk to the person, they are great
company, we even asked advice on what to pay for something that was in another
shop. They will bend over backwards to help you, and when you see them a week
later they'll remember your name.
Everything is autoclaved, shop is clean and my husband is very particular about his tattoo's, his comment on Mr Dolphins shop is that it is as good as any place you will find here, they own 5 tattoo shops in Bali and each time we went there they were always busy. Two of our friends also had tattoos done there and are also very happy. Gary had no problems with his, no bleeding, no scabbing etc. Mr Dolphins is highly recommended.
you can have a good meal in any of the lesser expensive restaurants for
around 15,000 to 20,000rp that equates to around $A2.00 to 3.00 per meal.bintang
around $1.00 and fruit drinks around .50c.if you are game you can eat off the
carts for around 5,000rp per meal.a good little place to eat (where the locals
eat)is just behind sammy and susies under the big banyon tree.we ate the all the
time and never got sick.we have also had many meals off the carts with no bali
belly.shopping is up to you.check archives for prices. have fun.
AUSTAR COMMUNICATIONS
As I start to plan my second trip to Bali, I feel the need to share this advice with first timers - BRING A BOTTLE OPENER WITH YOU! BRING SEVERAL! I was without one, and there is a shocking lack of stores that sell them, so I was forced to buy one with a wooden penis attached for a whopping 50000rp! No Bingtang for you without one.
Filo and Made at Retro Cafe, Sanur
Down poppies 2 just kinda across the road from "Bagus Pub" (from
memory)somewhere round there,there is a group of Alternative style shops with
wild T-shirts in the kinda BikerXRockXgothXpunk Drink till ya drop style thing
lotsa black...ther's and little alley/Acarade kind of thing that goes to a small
band room and Bar this is your only chance of Metal/Rock that I know of.
Though when I was there it was more Alternative/punk was awesome though some
orginal bands and also some suprisingly good cover bands and they really get
into it,One night I saw a band playing Rage against the machine songs,sung in
Indonesian and the chorus in English..
Call an ambulance by dialing 118, but it is quicker to hire a taxi. Most
hotels have on-call doctors. For "Bali Belly", Lomotil and Imodium
eliminate symptoms, but not infection. A fever along with above symptoms,
require doctor prescribed antibiotics. Drink as much liquid as possible. For
discomfort, diarrhea and cramping, drink strong, hot tea; avoid fruits and spicy
foods. Day-biting mosquitoes carry dengue fever, but this is not a problem
tourist areas. Bali is non-malarial and prophylaxis is not required. Mosquito
bites, cuts or abrasions easily become infected in the tropics. Treat them
immediately. Drink only bottled or boiled water (air putih). Peel fruit before
eating, avoid raw vegetables except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants
is safe.
Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun. Use sunblock and a hat. AIDS
and sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in Indonesia. Local sex workers
have multiple partners from around the world. They are not checked sexually
transmitted diseases. Act responsibly and use condoms, available over the
counter at pharmacies.
Watches 40000 - 270000 (depending on the quality)
Sunglasses 20000 - 50000 (depending on the brand)
T-Shirts 40000
Shorts 40000
Sarongs 20000
Ladies Bali top 40000
Paintings 140000 - 600000 (depends on the shop)
Shoes 40000 - 60000 (depends on quality)
Louie Vitton Bag Sml 50000
Louie Vitton Bag Med 60000
Louie Vitton Bag Lge 200000
(overnight Bag)
Handbags 40000
Photo Albums 40000
Photo Frames 20000
Place matts 20000
Cushions 40000 EA
Table Runner Sml 50000
DVDS 10000 ea
Kites 80000
Taxi's 10000 - 40000 (depending on where to and including tip)
Bikini's Sequince 40000
Versace Jeans 99000
Suitcases 100000 - 420000
Bali Bags Lge 40000
Bintang Can Cooler 6pk 30000
Silver Braclet 60000 - 450000
This is all I can think off at the moment but I am sure more will come to me
over the next few days.
We also highly recommend the following restaurants as well:
Poco loco - legian/Seminyak
Trattorias - Seminyak
Neros - Legian
Lagoon Bali Cafe - Jimbaran Bay
Nyoamands - Nusa Dua Village
The Stadium Cafe - Kuta/Tuban
Poppies 1 - Poppies Lane Kuta
A FEW SPECIAL THINGS WORTH A MENTION:
VIPVOA - Great service, very fast and I highly reccomend them. The airport was
very hot that day and I was glad not to have to stand in line.
TAILOR - I had a males suit made at NIA TAILOR in JL Melasti. Alex was just
billiant and he charged me 700,000 RP ($90 AUS) for a suit jacket and 2 pairs of
pants in a material I chose from his swatches. What struck me though was the
workmanship, it was just awesome. I will definately be going back to Alex next
time for probably 3 suits or more. In AUS I reckon that suit would have cost me
about $450. My boyfriend is just over the moon with it. I took the original suit
with me and he just copied it. (strongly suggest you do this) Turn around time 4
days.
Jl. Melasti Gg. Artika No 6
Legian Kelod
Kuta Bali
Telephone (0361) 750026
GENEVA HANDICRAFTS AND FURNITURE:
Go there on your very first shopping day. We bought a whole trolley of stuff and
you will NOT find prices cheaper than here.
Jalan Raya in Kerobokan. Legian Street becomes Jalan Raya once you head north to
Kerobokan. It's a 3 storey building with furniture being built on the ground
floor. It's on the left side of the road when travelling North. The sign is red
with white writing. Have fun!
RASPBERRY CORDIAL: - We never got sick the whole time we were there. We were
careful, but not overly cautious. Though we did drink a straight nip if not more
of the raspberry cordial each morning. Not sure is this the key, but will
certainly do it again!
HELGIES DVD'S - Helgie came to our hotel and dropped off our ordered DVD's. He
is the nicest young guy you could meet and nothing was too much trouble. I even
hired a DVD player from him (which he came and set up for me) for 35,000 RP per
night. His service was impeccable and he speaks very good english also. I would
use Helgie again no problems at all.
Helgies email - mcshop@hotmail.com
BALI HAI REEF CRUISE - Book this in Bali. We paid $120 AUS for this cruise and
it was about $70 AUS in bali. This was the best reef cruise I have been on. I
have been on 4 out of Cairns and Townsville and this was better! The boat was
way cleaner and the service incredible.
Watches 30,000 females - 50,0000 males (depending on the quality)
Sunglasses 20000 - 30,000 (depending on the brand)
T-Shirts 30,000 Quicksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl (anything else, nothing over
25,000)
Shorts 30,000
Sarongs 12,000 (JL Double Six - I call it Sarong road, don't buy anywhere but
here)
Ladies Bali top 15,000 - 20,000
Paintings 140000 - 600000 (depends on the shop)
Sandals 30,000 females - 60000 males
Louie Vitton Bag Sml 50000
Louie Vitton Bag Med 60000
Louie Vitton Bag Lge Cabin Bag - 80,000 - 140,000
(overnight Bag)
Handbags 40,000
Photo Frames 20,000
Place matts 20,000
Cushions 40,000 EA
Table Runner Sml 50,000
DVDS 10,000 ea
Kites 80,000
Taxi's 10,000 - 40000 (depending on where to and including tip)
Bikini's Sequince 40,000
Versace Jeans 99,000
Suitcases 100,000 - 420,000
Bali Bags Lge 40,000
Bintang Can Cooler 6pk 30,000
Silver Necklaces 60,000 - 450,000
Ok This is my first time doing a jbr, will see how I go..
My boyfriend and I flew over to Bali on 26th October from Adelaide - very
excited as this was our first holiday overseas.. We had booked to stay at the
Kuta Lagoon Resort, we had a pool access room which we had absolutely no
complaints about. Comfy bed, very clean bathroom with a 'western' toilet which
by the way I had no idea how much I'd appreciate by the end of the holiday!! and
very cold air-cond.
First day there we dumped our bags and went for a wander down Legian St, and the
first shop we went to was a tattoo shop. (Boyfriend has a tattoo on his arm of a
skull - 17 and pissed, wanted to get it covered up) The tattoo shop we stopped
at was the Tattoo Gallery, Tattoo's by Gungde, the guys we met there were
excellent. I have no doubt that if we had stopped at another tattoo shop that
our holiday would have been completely different to what it was. They showed us
around their shop and explained how they are 'safe' to use, with fresh needles
and fresh paint every time, and we made a time to come back the following day
when the artist would design a tattoo to cover up the old one.
After we left the tattoo shop we went for a walk down to Edward Forrer to buy
some sandals.. Shoe heaven! That was it for the first day as it was all a bit
overwhelming..
I get tatts in bali, makes sure that they do these things to you
one: pour the ink from the bottles into a CLEAN tray
two: wash the tat area with Alcohol or Disinfectant BEFORE they start
three: take your OWN razor and if they shave an area make them use yours as
Hepatitis C is very easy to catch and can be a death sentence.
four: MAKE SURE THEY USE NEW NEEDLES (open the needle pack your self)
five: the gun they use must have been sterilised in an autoclave (purple light).
The place we went to did. Read the JBR below! it's Tattoo Gallery, just
opposite Action Sports Retailer on Legian. Great guys, very clean.
..
Set in lush tropical garden, "The Bounty" a resort hotel, is situated
15 minutes drive from Denpasar Int'l Airport a short walk to Kuta Beach and the
famous shops on Legian Street.
This Unique Balinese architectural hotel features 166rooms, all with balcony,
3 channel TV, in-house Video Movie, IDD Telephone, Fridge with Mini Bar,
Individual air-conditioning, pressurized hot & cold water and built-in
hairdryer.
In-house facilities feature 2 swimming pools with spa, 2 Pool Bars, Games Room,
24 hours Room Services. Outside facilities include complimentary entrance at
Double Six Party Club, which is Bali's favourite beach night club and the famous
Bounty Restaurant - Legian
Complimentary entrance at :
Double Six Party Club,
at north Legian Beach
Bounty Restaurant
10% Discount meals only
Bali Rock Cafe at Melasti Street
10% Discount meals only
A.J. Hacket Bungy Jumping Bali
10% Discount
Bali Safari Rafting
10% Discount
The Bounty Ship
10% Discount meals only
Hann Restaurant
10% Discount meals only
Paddy's Pub
At Legian Street
I was also looking for a dentist and looked through the archives. here is some
information from all the good people on this forum that I have cut and pasted:
(A big thank you to those people for their valuable information)
Bali Dental Clinic which is located at Simpang Siur, a couple of doors away from
the BIMC. The clinic was very modern with all of the equipment that you would
find in the west. The Dentist himself spoke fluent English, and I have since
recommended the clinic to my friends here. The dentist was Rudyard Salindeho,
and the clinic is open from 12.00 until 21.00, and no appointment is needed.We
contacted BIMc who put us in touch with a dentist in Kuta. His clinic is a few
doors up from the medical clinic oposite the Gallaria Duty Free at the
roundabout.
Rudyard Salindeho was fantastic. His equipment and his surgery left own own
dentist in Australia for dead.!
You can find them on the net at :- balidentalclinic.com They also have and ad'
in the local yellow pages.
Also Bali911 Dental Clinic, Jl Patimura No 9. Ph 249 749. Go past the Bird
Market on Jl Veteran & turn right at the end. You should see it on the left
side. It's a couple of doors away from the BMIC, see note 3 above. This clinic
is open from noon to 3 pm. No appointment is required. English is spoken -
clearly. The equipment is as you would expect to find in the best practice in
your home town.
Dentist – Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No 81, Nusa Dua. 771 324.
Also Sucipto, near the Bali Bank in Jl Diponogoro, 150 A32/34, Denpasar. Ph 222
541. Very good dentist and quite cheap but in a very scruffy looking shopping
area. Appointments required.
I hope this helps Shazy
Regards
kristy
Yes, there is a shop on Jl Kartika Plaza. Opposite side of the street to the
Dynasty heading towards the airport.
I saw a few planes there in September but I have no idea what prices they were.
It's only a small shop & mainly sells remote cars (electric & petrol)
which were definitely cheaper than here in Aust.
I have the email address here somewhere & will post it if I find it. The
owner's name is Peter.
There is also another shop in Kuta Galleria (where there's actually a track) but
they didn't have as much.
- nice young bloke who actually talks seriously to grey geriatrics. E-mail
jinggashop@yahoo.com or adhiwishnu@yahoo.com, Mobile +6281 338 577 693.
The shop is just about opposite the Dewi Sri Restaurant on Jl Kartika Plaza
(which looks like a converted badminton hall at the front but has an enclosed
back area for Japanese and other discerning patrons and serves up a fantastic
seafood meal).
Peiter claims to be an RC specialist but the shop seems to focus on cars.
don't have any luck you can try phoning Woolworths customer service centre and
ask which stores stock Maraska raspberry syrup.It's the real deal apparently and
comes in a 1 litre bottle I think. In the process of doing this myself as the
one we used to use(Garden Fresh from Coles) has been discontinued nationwide.
Another option is Bramble Farm. They will post to you from Victoria. Sorry don't
have details on me but if you search the archives for bramble farm you will find
all the info you need.
Good luck!!
Found out about this from a post here on forum . The original poster used to
use Sunraysia but it was discontinued so they used Maraska and said it worked
just as well. Maraska has 65% raspberry and is imported by Marco Polo Foods in
Campsie NSW Ph 0297188922, they can give you your nearest outlet.
We used Bramble Farm Raspberry juice/syrup last year with good results, just a
little bit more expensive.
Hope this helps
Freckle
A general rule of thumb is to ask the seller's price first, divide by
approximately 3 & work up in small increments. You'll soon reach a price
which is acceptable to both parties. But you must remember it is not worthwhile
wasting your time to get them down that last 10000 Rp. It is only $1.60 or so.
If you cannot get the price you think is reasonable, simply walk away. The
seller will call you back if your last price is close to the mark.
Hope this helps a bit.
Start by asking for "Morning Price" even if it is not morning. But if
it is morning it is bad luck for Balinese to lose the first possible sale of the
day. Never agree to buy anything until you offer a price and the merchant says
"Bankrupt". On Bali this means that the merchant will "lose
money" on the deal. My experience is that they never use this word unless
they will actually lose money at that price. Another technique is to get the
merchant down as low as possible and then walk-out of the shop while saying to
the merchant that you will try the "Beach Market". The merchant will
immediately drop the price to as low (or nearly as low) as it will ever get. At
this point if you offer a lower price the answer will probably be that classic
line "Bankrupt"; then you buy the item.
It is easy to hurt a poor person's feelings.
If you start to look at the goods, this is taken as interest. Once you start to
talk, this is taken as definite interest. So be careful to avoid doing these
things, unless you are in the market, genuinely.
If, for instance they say 100,000, you do your sums and know that the price is
around 40,000. You offer 20,000 with a smile. They laugh and come quickly to
60,00 just for you! After this, still smiling, you barter a bit more for a few
minutes until you decide that maybe 50,000 is a happy price for you both;
getting the 40,000 takes a long time and can get hurtful to both sides. After
all, are you in Bali to spend twenty minutes earning $1.50 or less? I think not!
Enjoy your Bali.
Posted by AussieAngel on Wednesday, 17. November 2004 at 14:29 Bali Time:
In Reply to: I will be near the end of december posted by callkthulu on
Wednesday, 17. November 2004 at 13:31 Bali Time:
You get off the plane and wander around the coriders until you get to the VOA
section. They stand to teh right hand side at the front with your name on the
card....
Then you go to them and say hello and give them your passport.
They give that to a little lady in an office and take you to get your bags.
The little lady comes out and gives your passport to you along with your receipt
and you pick up your bags and off you go.. while everyone else is in the line.
When you pay online you have to give at least 3 days notice.
You pay via credit card and the billing company sends you a receipt instantly.
A couple of days later you will receive an email from the VIPVOA people letting
you know that they have confirmed everythign and will meet you where I have
mentioned.
Its all really easy. As I said as long as your bags are out fast enough it woudl
perfect. I would suggest getting to teh airport to board your plane to Bali
really early. As it seemed I was late to the airport and anyone else waiting for
their bags arrived at the airport around the time I did.. So it seems ot make a
different. If you get their late your bags get off late. If oyu get there early.
Your bags get off early..
Hope that helps.
BEGINNERS BALI.
A Long-Time Visitors Guide to BALI.
Bali is firstly shopping and eating - even for the long-time traveller!
Magnificent and varied sight-seeing follows.
Interaction with the Balinese people is a reward to be savoured.
Shopping will certainly feature large on the first-timers program.
While Bali has supermarkets, department stores and local shops, shopping at the
villages and markets which abound and where great bargains are to be found will
be a daily event for you.
Nothing (except more experience) will prepare a westerner for shopping in these
places. Bargaining is the order of the day and you might think you can handle
this but remember that it is the way of life on Bali and the person you're
dealing with has perhaps been doing it since the age of 5 or 6 years.
They are the real experts!
Don't bargain for 'fun'. It's considered to be very rude to enter into the
process with no intention of purchasing and just walk off when your amusement
wanes.
Keep a perspective on the price being offered. Remember that a few hundred
rupiah above your desired price is really only a few cents.
Remember also that a 'few cents' can feed a Balinese family for a day!
Make bargaining a happy and even a theatrical event. You will enjoy it and so will the Balinese. And after all, didn't you come on holidays to be amused, entertained and to be happy?
Prices given here below are in A$ and are based on an exchange rate of about Rp4500 to A$1.00 . It's handy to bear in mind that Rp50 is worth about 1 cent, Rp100 (their smallest bank note) is worth about 20 cents. Rp10,000 - ten thousand rupiah – (sounds a lot doesn’t it!) is worth a bit more than $2.00 !!
A small ready reckoner like the one to be found by using the link buttons in
the right column of our opening screen (see the link at the bottom of this page)
could be very handy to keep in your shirt pocket. Try 'ConvertCurrency ' and
'Shoppers Aid'.
When you start bargaining for an 22 carat Thai gold bracelet, with an opening
price of 150,000 Rupiah you’ll know where you are - that's under $30.00.
I well remember bartering for a very good quality, but un-finished painting
(about 1m x 0.8m in size) from Made (pronounced Mardee) Karmayasa in the Monkey
Forest, UBUD.
The opening price was one and a three quarter million rupiah! (Rp 175,000,000).
Ones first reaction is two take two steps backward very quickly. The final
purchase price though was under $300 and well worth it for over 2 months of his
work.
Street money changers (they all claim to be Authorised) may offer a few more
rupiah to the dollar but be warned. They have lapses in counting sequentially,
their calculators are unreliable, they are better than David Copperfield at
making notes disappear and swift counting can easily see you end up with a
bundle of 5,000 rupiah notes instead of a bundle of 50,000's. Try to always have
someone with you when you change money and check it before you even stand up to
leave, and then don't let the money changer get near it again. If he does then
count it again.
Department stores now frequently have in-store moneychangers who are reliable, if not offering the best rates. They are a good place to start if you're a bit nervous. Kodak shops are getting into it and are very reliable.
Internet cafes and access to computers at many hotels make it easy and cheap to keep in touch with friends (and brag about the weather, the bargains, the scenery etc etc). However, unless you can remember all of the addresses in your computer it’s a good idea to print a copy of your Address Book file and take it with you. Some people set up a bulk mailing list on Hotmail before they go, which makes general mailings easy, but I still like my Address Book details for special queries such as “Can u find the price of a leather jacket at home for me?”
When you’re packing to go to Bali think of things in 3 groups – things you’ll NEED in the first 3 days (you can buy or have things made beyond that), - things you’ll consume or leave there as gifts, - things you’ll have to bring back again. Keep the latter to a minimum as you'll buy lots of stuff there and have to bring those goodies home also.
Have some business cards made and exchange them where you can and when appropriate. The Balinese shop keepers ususlly have cards, even the beach watch sellers have very fancy ones they will be happy to ginve you and they're good reminders when you get home and yours are often impressive and helpful there.
LEATHER GOODS.
Beware of goat skins, poor thread quality - generally you only find out about
this later - and poor zips. You can get VERY cheap leather wear but you only
ever get what you paid for!
Leather handbags $20 - $30 or up to $100+ for brand names.
Elephant Temple (excellent buys and goods)
In the Kuta Market and up the street from Kuta Market
Leather Jackets - approximately $A120
Dolphins - Melasti Street Legian (next district to Kuta) Always quality gear.
Highly recommended for made to measure skirts, coats, shoes etc. Good but not as
expensive as some others.
SHOPPING.
Matahari Department Store (Denpasar & Kuta). - Also the jewellery store on
the acute corner opposite the entrance to the Kuta Marahari store is well worth
a look. Don’t be put off by the expensive look.
Ramayana Department Store (Denpasar) - Platinum Multimedia (within store) for
computer software CD's at about $10 per Cd for programs such as Windows 98, MS
Office Premium, Macaffee virus programs and so on. Most common PC programs are
available but the range for Macintosh is limited - try pc_Mac at Jalan (street)
Imam Bonjol 266, Denpasar. They will make up multi programe discs for you. Try
to check the discs file in a computer. I’ve had two (in more that 40) that
were not true to the outside label. Tough at $10 each, eh!? E-mail platinum@dps.mega.net.id
for lists before you go.
Also good for make up and perfume at Tax Exempt Price. Excellent for Kids
clothes
Nintendo games (need an adaptor to make work) Sony Playstation Games (approx
$2.00 each) – work on modified playstation systems
Kuta Market - Excellent for everything
Harrys Computers, Jalan (Road) Teuku Umar 173 Denpasar, Email dwiufo@indosat.net.id,
is also good for computer stuff. Check the latest version numbers of programs
that you want before you leave home because some programs (anywhere in Bali) can
be a bit old.
Depensar Department Stores - try tins of Lipton Iced Tea for a pick-me-up.
Ask the shop girls to pick you some good fruit!!
"John Farnam" - watches - front of Kartika Beach Hotel, TUBAN.
Wood Carving - Nyoman Sujana - Holiday Inn Hotel, TUBAN
RESTAURANTS.
(Note - The Jungkung right on the seafront at Tuban is now called the Pantai -
but the service, price and food are still good. The managers name is Fransiskur
Ruben, and if you want to make a hit take a small present for his little
daughter, Maria Christani Ema.
Going to the toilet before you leave the hotel is always good advice to follow.
When you come across good toilets let them know how much you appreciate this,
and the good quality will spread. Likewise let them know, gently, if you don't
like their toilets.
If you're booking, ask about free pick-up and return.
Green Garden Kuta
TJ's - Mexican Poppies Lane KUTA - watch out for the chilli!
Bali Seafood, Kuta (a little expensive)
Rama Bridge Kuta (opposite market) good & clean toilets. Prices increased in
’99 for some reason.
Sunset Cafe Tuban (Beach) Did not seem as popular in 2000.
SA Cafe, Tuban. Just great. Always reliable. Try an icy Bintang here on a hot
afternoon.
Pantai, Tuban. On the beach front near Bali Hai/Dynasty hotels
Hard Rock Hotel, Legian - Expensive - and you have to ask for your change!
The Pub Legian (don’t waste your time!)
Dolphins Legian. Next to Dolphins leather. Good breakfast/snacks.
Mama Lucia’s Legian Street (fantastic Italian food).
Palm Garden Kuta (general eating).
Kin Khao Kuta (Thai food – excellent).
Kori Rest. Poppies Lane 2 - (absolutely the best place I have eaten at. says
Nell.)
The Hann Rest. Jl Pantai Mengiat 88 , BUALU, NUSA DUA. Walking distance from
Hilton Hotel. Not a happy experience for us in 2000. We will probably frequent
the numerous cafes along the main road to Benoa in future.
Lotus Garden Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Monkey Forest,Tuban, etc.
Puri Ayung Ubud. On the side of a forest valley. Nice people, good food when the
chef is 'IN'.
AND MANY, MANY OTHERS!!
Take photos, with the manager in the group, and try to get a copy back to him/her. Great PR if you want to use them again, or for the next Aussies.
TRIPS.
Take a Bemo (small 4 wheel drive, 6 or up to 8 small people, for longer trips) -
Try Wayan Suka Ph 411965.
Tanah Lot (1/2 day)
Kinatmani Volcano
White Water Rafting
Bali Hai Cruise - Day or Sunset
Ubud (excellent watches) & Monkey Forest
Uluwau (temple on cliff) & excellent monkeys
Elephant Temple
Hot and Cold Springs
Git Git Water fall
Bedugal/Lake Bratan – Water Temple (just beautiful).
OTHER SHOPPING IN SUPERMARKETS, SHOPS OR MARKETS.
Watches coloured approx $7
bracelet $10
Dive Watches $10
Men’s bracelet $15
Leather bags $15
T-Shirts $4
Shorts $4
Reeboks/Nike shoes – beware Reboks/Nikee. $8
Caps $1
Sunglasses $4
Belts $6
Leather sandals $9
Women’s shoes coloured $4
Women’s shoes embroidered 7
Try Bali Crystal natural deodorant. $2
Computer software (pirate) $10/disc.
BOOZE.
Soft drinks, Beer & Bottled water are cheap. Take with you, from home, casks
of wine and glasses (in suitcase) and Fruit Boxes. If you have kids take plastic
bowls and spoons, with a day or so supply of long life milk and packets of
cereal so they can get fed early in the morning.
Also take lots of nibbles and biscuits for kids to take on trips e.g. small
packets of chips, fruit tingles etc.
Wines and spirits very expensive - take your own and buy mixers in Bali - We
often take a hip flask and fill it up with duty free booze and then use it
whilst out at tea. Most hotels have a Happy Hour(s). It pays to get to know the
bartenders (Shayesta at Holiday Inn). Be happy and polite and leave a tip.
Balinese love a story or a joke.
Many restaurants are happy for you to drink your own wine if you’re friendly
& you've bought a beer or two from them first. Invent a birthday and invite
the manager to join you in the first toast.
Have some small notes (Rp5000 – about A$1.00) for cover charge/tip if service
is exceptional. Most restaurants have a service charge already on the bill.
Tipping is not required. If you want to give, do it discretely and directly to
the person who has pleased you so much.
Take a photo!
MONEY.
Change travellers cheques or cash at Money Changers in street - this is where
you can get the best exchange rate. However, take a friend, count your money and
check the exchange rate on your own calculator - they are 'Javanese' and will
usually try to cheat you!!!!
Don’t hesitate to walk out if they do, and don’t go back.
Don’t leave if they say they’ve ‘run out’ of the last small notes,
unless you take your cheque/notes with you.
If they don’t try to cheat you leave a small tip as encouragement.
The Exchange Rate is marginally better for cash notes than for T.C's.
Most people will not take coins because they can not change small quantities at
the banks.
Make sure you take some small Australian notes ($5) to give to the porters in
the airport. Use the porters as they will get you through customs and into a
‘taksi’ very quickly.
TRANSPORT.
Catch Bemos (small 4x4) - need to barter hard. Establish a rapport with one, use
him frequently and negotiate a day rate. We estimate a very good day rate - one
that they are happy with is about Rp200,000 which includes the cost of fuel.
They will take you wherever you want to go, wait for you, carry shopping for you
and look after your belongings if you go sight-seeing.
Taxis are very good now (particularly Blue BirdTaksi) and they are
air-conditioned (sort of - but it's better than nothing)! Insist that the meter
works (get out if not) and pay only what is on the meter rounded up to 1000
(20c) for a tip if the service is to your liking.
Good for short trips, shopping, for 3-4 people.
OTHER THINGS.
Learn a few words - not Salamat datang (welcome) on the streets as the Balinese
think it a bit strange when you, the visitor, welcome them to their own country.
Use it if the tailor comes to your hotel room. They will say Salamat datang to
you on the streets or in their shops, and you could respond, - Matur suksimu -
thank you.
- or -
Salamat pagee Good morning (to about 10 am)
Salamat siang 10.00 to 2.00
Salamat soree Good afternoon 2.00 to 6.00
Salamat malam Good night
( - the Salamat is often dropped .)
Salamat tingaal Goodbye
Salamat jalan Bye - bye (more informal)
Apa kabar How are you?
Bagus (Bagoose) Good
Be happy and friendly and the Balinese will respond. They like a good joke,
within the bounds of the language difficulties. 'Javanese' or 'off islanders'
may not respond in the same way but this is probably the result of a different
upbringing rather than a desire to be rude.
Ask about their families and children. Small gifts, especially for their
children, are always well received. Stock up on little 'Aussie' things before
you go.
Go down to the beach in the morning and have a relaxing local massage. Rp
50,000 ($10) for the first time, perhaps reducing to 25,000 if you are a
regular. Bring a friend, make a booking for tomorrow at a quiet time. Ask about
their children and bring a small present (coloured pens/pencils/crayons
balloons, used T-shirts, shorts etc). Give them a bottle of your favourite oil
and leave it with them - similarly nail polish, lipstick etc.
Look for Wayan or Mystri or Adi in front of the Dynasty/Kartika Beach Hotel at
TUBAN. Tell them 'Papa' from Adelaide sent you.
For hand crafted, beautiful kites try Peter in front of the Holiday Inn –
dearer but much better quality than in markets. Real works of art.
Try the local fruits. Anything you can peel before eating should be safe no matter where you buy it. The large passion fruit are unbelievable, bananas taste more ‘bananery’ than you would believe, salaks are easy to peel with the finger nails and their crisp white flesh segments, with large brown seeds like loquats, is very refreshing. Mangosteens are orally orgasmic! In the supermarkets the assistants will select good quality, ready to eat produce for you, just ask with a smile.
The local beers, Bintang, Anker, Bali Hai and San Miguel (about $3.20 for a
large chilled bottle served or about $2 from a village store), are usually
quickly served, icy cold and in frozen handle glasses. They are a great defence
against dehydration! ;-))
DON'T DRINK TAP WATER. Be especially careful of this in the bathroom, showering
and cleaning your teeth. Pure bottled water is easily available and cheap
- much cheaper than a bout of 'Bali Belly'.
HAVE A GOOD TRIP.
Lay back and relax! Don’t get uptight – remember you left all your
worries behind you.
Let it all wash over you and soak up the local flavour.
Log on to ‘balitravelforum.com' for a week or so before you go.
Check the current exchange rates to see what they are, and if they're going up or down.
Look at 'Bali With Kidz' on the link list at our Home Page. You might consider yourself a big kid if you're planning your first trip.
Look at 'Bali Travel Forum Recomendations' in the links list below if you think you can handle more detailed and very current information. Feel free to print off a copy of all, or just part of this, and take it with you just in case.
Above all - ENJOY!
JANELLE AND PHIL with a little help from Billy.
'You buy one more - I give you special Monday morning price !!!'
“ MALAM –
6pm to midnight.
“ TINGAL – Goodbye.
” JALAN – 'Bye
Bye'.
Sampai jumpa – ‘See you’ – (informal).
Salamat DATANG – Welcome, - (a guest
to your hotel room.)
Terimah kasih - Thank you.
Sama Sama – You are welcome.
Jalan jalan – Walking.
Apa kabar? – How are you?
Ayo – ‘Hi’, ‘Hey’, ‘Hello’, (informal).
Baik or Baik baik saja – Good, thankyou.
BAGUS – Great!, Splendid!, Fantastic!
Ma’af – Sorry.
Permissi – Excuse me.
Cepat cepat – Hurry! (But don’t expect
any change to‘Bali time’.)
SHIRT-POCKET PHRASES FOR BALI.
Intended to slip into your shirt (or blouse) pocket, or your wallet or purse, or
stick it onto the back cover of a Spirax 541 Note Pad as a memory jogger when
the right words just escape you. Particularly intended for older and unreliable
memories.
Salamat PAGEE - to 9 am.
“ SIANG
– 10 to 12.
“ SOREE -
1 to 6 pm.
“ MALAM –
6pm to midnight.
“ TINGAL –
Goodbye.
” JALAN
– “Bye Bye”.
Sampai jumpa – ‘See you’, –
informal.
Salamat DATANG – Welcome, - (a guest
to your hotel room.)
Terimah kasih - Thank you.
Sama Sama – You are welcome.
Jalan jalan – Walking.
Apa kabar? – How are you?
Ayo – ‘Hi’,
‘Hey’, ‘Hello’, (informal).
Baik or Baik baik saja – Good, thankyou.
BAGUS – Great!, Splendid!, Fantastic!
Ma’af – Sorry.
Permissi – Excuse me.
Cepat cepat – Hurry! (But don’t expect
any change to ‘Bali time’.)
Salamat PAGEE - to 9 am.
“ SIANG –
10 to 12.
“ SOREE -
1 to 6 pm.
“ MALAM – 6pm
to midnight.
“ TINGAL –
Goodbye.
” JALAN –
'Bye Bye'.
Sampai jumpa – ‘See you’ – (informal).
Salamat DATANG – Welcome, - (a guest
to your hotel room.)
Terimah kasih - Thank you.
Sama Sama – You are welcome.
Jalan jalan – Walking.
Apa kabar? – How are you?
Ayo – ‘Hi’,
‘Hey’, ‘Hello’, (informal).
Baik or Baik baik saja – Good, thankyou.
BAGUS – Great!, Splendid!,
Fantastic!
Ma’af – Sorry.
Permissi – Excuse me.
Cepat cepat – Hurry! (But don’t expect
any change to‘Bali time’.)
.
Salamat PAGEE - to 9 am.
“ SIANG –
10 to 12.
“ SOREE -
1 to 6 pm.
“ MALAM –
6pm to midnight.
“ TINGAL –
Goodbye.
” JALAN –
'Bye Bye'.
Sampai jumpa – ‘See you’ – (informal).
Salamat DATANG – Welcome, - (a guest
to your hotel room.)
Terimah kasih - Thank you.
Sama Sama – You are welcome.
Jalan jalan – Walking.
Apa kabar? – How are you?
Ayo – ‘Hi’, ‘Hey’, ‘Hello’, (informal).
Baik or Baik baik saja – Good, thankyou.
BAGUS – Great!, Splendid!,
Fantastic!
Ma’af –
Sorry.
Permissi – Excuse me.
Cepat cepat – Hurry! (But don’t expect
any change to‘Bali time’.)