My friend & I are flying Garuda from Auckland on the 7th Aug. (2 single women, 30-32) I have been reading this site and many others and am feeling fairly swamped! Our plans are arrive & head to Sankari in Tuban for total relaxation. After 4 nights up to Ubud where we're trying for the Champlung Sari which is supposed to be very nice (awaiting confirmation). 2 nights up there, where we were thinking local cultural stuff, elephants, monkey's & temples etc. Also Zen Body Holiday. Then down to Kuta for the last 4 days staying at the Oasis so we can shop till we drop in the hustle of Kuta.
I plan to print of lots of the tips on this & other forums and so far have decided the following:
1. Blue cabs where possible or reccommended drivers on this site
2. Don't talk to anyone about timeshare!
3. Few cheapie items to give to Bali kids when dealing with parents
4. Care with the water, have first aid kit planned for suitcase
5. Bargain & expect their first offer to be as much as 4x worth? Don't bargain without purchase
6. Try this Bintang everyone is talking about
7. Carry only what I need with the rest locked in the safe
8. Copy all documents ie passports etc
9. Use Kodak shops as money changers
Are there any things that are so obvious I may not have even thought to ask and no-one mentions because of the obvious!
Any other tips or suggestions of sites that have convenient lists of tips to print?
And thanks to everyone here for all the info, thank god I found this site before going!