Posted by steve sue on Monday, 26. October 1998 at 07:52 Bali Time:
our family of 4 returned from a 10 night stay last thursday. it was our first trip to bali and our first overseas holiday. basically, we had a fantastic time and plan to go again soon.
we stayed at the LTI Patra Jasa Hotel at Tuban. it is close to the airport to the south of Kuta and was excellent for a family holiday but probably a bit too far from the action for those wanting to enjoy the nightlife and the regular hussle and bussle of the Kuta area. having said this, a cab fare into kuta was only about 5000 rp or the equivalent of about $1 aud. the pool area and facilities at the Patra Jasa were of a high standard and the level of service was high.
as first timers, we found our first trip into kuta quite a culture shock. we paid too much for caps and perfume the first time we went shopping. do not buy perfume from the street hawkers...it is not the real thing...it smells like glue!
here are some tips for first time travellers to bali
- the airport is quite primitive but we had absolutely no problems. the airport porters do charge to carry your bags but do not have a problem with a polite "no thankyou"
- taxis are cheap in bali. where possible use a metered cab, preferably a blue gov't taxi, and ask the driver to use the meter. private cars negotiate a fee which is usually 2 to 3 times higher than a taxi fare. mind you, we are not talking vast sums of money as the average fare would be say 4000rp (about $1 aud). i often paid an extra dollar if the driver was pleasant and talkative.
- try not to eat at your hotel restaurant. there are many reasonable quality restaurants in close proximity to all hotels. we fed our family of four 3 course meals with drinks for an average of 75,000 rp. the best places are in the lanes off the main streets. try poppies lane off legian street. also try "bali too" restaurant in melasti st for a breakfast buffet for 7500 rp each.
- don't barter for goods you don't want to buy. if not interested, just avoid eye contact and keep walking. don't get frustrated with the hawkers as it makes no difference. just ignore them and they will eventually stop following you. it would be agood idea not to shop for the first few days until you get an idea of what things should cost you. (ask other tourists what they paid for items)
- don't be afraid to talk with the locals. they are warm and friendly people who will tell you allyou want to know about bali and its customs and ways. this was the part i most enjoyed about our visit.
- we did not suffer bali belly (two adults, 15 yr old and 8 yr old). we ate evrything including seafood, fruit and ice. we stuck to restaurant food and did not eat from the vendors carts.
- if travelling with children, it is a good idea to take cereals, instant noodles, baked beans, chips etc as snacks. pack them in your spare suitcase and then you do not have to fork out for endless snacks around the pool at the resort.
- the matahari shopping centre at kuta square is excellent for grocery shopping, especially low price beer!
I have more to report but will do so at a later time.
you can e-mail me for any info you think i may be able to help with.