Posted by jg on Sunday, 4. October 1998 at 21:40 Bali Time:
In Reply to: 1st time in Bali...so much to know posted by Ken on Sunday, 4. October 1998 at 13:57 Bali Time:
Ken,
I just got back from my first trip to Bali (& is planning my next trip) - my advise is do not hire a car !!!!! Melbourne & Sydney peak hour trafic is a non-event compared to Bali. I hired a driver for 2 days for AU$50, and he took me where I wanted to go, as well as giving me some hints to what to see. Why have the hassel of driving yourself, when you can sit back and enjoy the trip??
As far as money goes, just take AU$'s and if you have a credit card with international access - so much better. I took AU$300 in cash & my citybank card & had no trouble at all. - just one word of advice - Rp10,000 & Rp20,000 notes are fine when shopping ect, but when you go to temples ect make sure you have small notes as the enterence fee is often about Rp1,000 & they have no change for large bills.
As far as whitewater rafting ect goes, don't book at the hotel - look in the local resturants or bars, you can often get 10-20% discount from the same company.
Most of all - ENJOY - and take every opportunity to talk to the locals, that is how you find the best deals.