Posted by Keith on Monday, 12. October 1998 at 16:06 Bali Time:
Hello all at the forum:
I thought I'd try something a bit different and provide a daily report of my stay in Bali. So here goes..
DAY 1 - October 11, 1998.
Arrived last night about 9:30 pm local time (Oct.11) after a relatively short 5 hour flight from Saipan via Guam. Was quite surprised to find exchange rate at 7,500/US dollar in airport. Found out later that I could have received 9,200 in Kuta.
Tried to get a room at the Ocean Blue Hotel, but they were asking US $ 60/night. I offered $35/night for 3 nights with full payment up front but they wouldn't budge. Even my taxi driver was surprised!
Finally stayed at the Mastapa Hotel in Kuta. $30/night with continental breakfast. Decent lodging.
Moved over to Adi Dharma Hotel in Kuta this afternoon. Much nicer than Mastapa for same price. Will continue looking for better rates as week goes on.
Found my way over to Kuta Beach this morning for some boogie boarding. Haggled down to 10,000 rupiah for one hour. Also indulged in 1 hour massage on beach for 20,000. Pretty good rub, but I was surrounded by about 10 women hawking all kinds of goods by the time I was finished.
Kuta hawkers not bad. Seen worse in Mexico, and after all they're looking to make a living just like you and I.
Better go now. I'm hooking up with some forum members at the Ocean Blue bar in 2 hours.
Will report again tomorrow.
Will be headinf gradually north as the week progresses.
Keith.