| * 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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 !!!' |
| LINKS - Like to know more about Bali? - read a Bali story or two? - look at some photos of Bali? Here is a link to our Home Page where you can pick from a dozen or so options including money advice, eating and shopping guides, things to do and see and more. Here's a link directly to travellers recommendations which have been made on the BaliTravelForum. |