In Reply to: expectations of drivers/guides posted by Jenni C. on Saturday, 10. April 1999 at 13:41 Bali Time:
We have found it better to go and choose a driver/guide, at the crossroads in Ubud, or whereever you happen to be. Then test him on a short visit somewhere, get him to speak as much as possible, get him to explain about what you are seeing etc. See whether he drives carefully, what his language skills are like and then get him (if you have liked what you've seen so far) to take you further afield, and don't always take his recommendations, get him sometimes to stop where you see something fascinating that you would like to look at. One driver/guide this year took us around dozens of silver outlets, hoping to find for us exactly what we were looking for. He failed poor chap, but I think that that was only because what we wanted wasn't available on Bali. But he didn't lose out, we gave him a good tip for trying. If you don't fall for the first driver who asks you "you wan' transpor? If you stand back and look at the vehicles and drivers on offer, then you can do very well. Price isn't everything I will also add.