In Reply to: 1st Trip to Bali in 2006 posted by bswift on Wednesday, 23. February 2005 at 07:12 Bali Time:
May weather : we usually go end or May - you might get the odd bit of rain but then its fine, fine, fine. So, good time.
We also want to experience Bali rather than watch it from a balcony in a hotel. But you will need to start somewhere so suggest you get a package of flight and hotel for say 3 nights so you can check out other either local or distant accomm. A good driver could be useful here if you are wanting to stay in the area in which he operates/ lives. There are lots of good drivers mentioned in this Forum. Do a search. And a good guide book - we prefer Rough Guide and Lonely Planet - has lots of info on accomm. Be prepared to check them out personnally before committing - you may have to say NO several times so practice this if you find it difficult - ( I do). As a guide, we pay 150,000 - 250,000 rupiah ($us16 - $us28) for basic but pleasant accomm. in a Balinese establishment. That's for a room, bathroom, fan or a/c maybe balcony usually a pool - for 2 people. Breakfast - simple - included. Depending on your taste, there are plenty to choose from, you just have to check them carefully before signing up.
Avoid KUTA - you don't need to go there, or if you want to buy something in particular, do a search here and ask to be driven by Blue taxi or course to the shop, get it, and get out. You can go to Kuta on your second trip!!
Allow 300,00 for dinner for 4 at say Lemon Grass resturant (just looked up the bill - yum!)- quite classy - we only go once or twice each time. so half that for reasonable but basic place. 150k for lunch and breakfast is included, so $us50 a day total food bill for 4. Not bad. And don't forget plenty of WATER - in bottles.
Some People will only rip you off if you let them, so be very alert. Most people will give you a good deal, so expect this first.
Do plenty of searches for stuff here. Pick a place to go and read all about that place. or pick an activity - bike riding and read all about it here. Then ask specifics but be prepared to explore and get a few knocks AND thrills. Have a great time.
S