Posted by ANDY ROBERTS on Thursday, 8. October 1998 at 23:37 Bali Time:
We got back a few weeks ago and we'd like to thank all the contributors who helped us enjoy our time on Bali.
AT THE AIRPORT avoid any one who tries to take your bag the taxi and tour reps are literally 50 meters from the baggage claim. On your way out make sure you get dropped at the right terminal and if you have to change planes in Jakarta you will have to pay both international and local departure tax.
We stayed at the Intercontinental on Jimbaran Beach and it was everybody's idea of a tropical beach and virtually deserted. There are great places to eat on the beach about 100 meters to the left from the hotel and fabulous sunset views. Fish is sold by weight and the meal is priced on the weight of the fish. Cafe Bagus is the most popular and is sold out some nights so get there about 6. Breafast in the room can be economical if you don't want a full size meal.
We also booked a tour with Tour east before our arrival and our guide Santosa was brilliant. It was expensive but we saw things that we'd have missed on our own. The tour included stays in Ubud(Champlung Sari) and Candidasa (Rama) this was a lovely hotel with very obliging staff and a good base for exploring the east end of the island. Some fabulous views on the descent into Candidasa. We loved Ubud and can endorse previous recommendations for the Milano Salon massage and the Cafe Wayan. Both these are on MOnkey Forrest Rd on the way down near the football pitch (Milano Salon ) and just a bit further on the other side of the road for the cafe. Best seats are in the garden through the shop. Bali buffet night is expensive by local standards but a good way to try local dishes. Leather goods and most other arts and clothing are good value in Ubud. Also film processing.
Denpassar is also worth a visit and the Mata Hari department store has some good shopping.
WE visited a number of sights as we toured the island the best was Besakih. Some guide books suggest this is quite a difficult climb but this is an exageration it is up hill but you'd have to be very unfit to find it difficult. There are many stalls on the way but no pressure to buy. Drink sellers charge 500rp for water bottles but don't for coke etc so make sure you know what you are buying and establish the price first.
Gunung Kawi was also interesting but this a serious climb in hot weather on the way back from the tombs.
In Kintamani to view lake Batur and volcano avoid most of the sellers by going further up the road and stop at a cafe have a beer and admire the view.
The Court an Klung Kung is fascinating as are the museums nearby.
The only place we got seriously hassled by street vendors was at the bat cave Goa Lawal and unless you really like bats this is not worth the effort.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first time in BALI and can't wait to come back it is a lovely country.
Please contact me if you want any other advice.