In Reply to: First Time In Bali Tips? posted by brooke on Wednesday, 12. September 2007 at 20:07 Bali Time:
Here's the list I give to first timers friends. Many of the references are for the Legian area so may not be suitable if you are not staying in that vicinity.
DI's Do's & Don'ts
Last updated 31/5/07
Do Cut and Paste BTF information onto a word doc then literally paste sections into a small note book -sort into groups ie restaurants, tours, shops,language for basic survival, I also sort into areas too like shops in Seminyak, Legian , Kuta & Ubud . I also took the larger info folder that I had gathered and I would look over it at night.
In my book I had a wish list and sizes of things - like cushions , kids measurements etc, I carried it almost everywhere with a trusty tape measure . During the year I jot down names of DVD's I wish to purchase and it makes it easier knowing what you wish to buy. I also had a space to write down names & addresses of shops etc that we would pass enroute to somewhere else- so I could go back later.
Do make a simple currency conversion table. Best to have rupiah to your currency.
Cheat Sheet to make conversion sheets http://www.oanda.com
and also Filo's sheets are great http://www.filosbali.net/CheatSheetsW.htm
Make up a couple as you will wear one out in the first few days . I keep mine in a plastic sleeve attached to an elasticised expanding string (just like the id tag some wear at work) or take a simple small calculator and simply divide the rupiah cost of the item by the rupiah exchange rate - this will give you the dollar cost eg cost 200000rp for dinner - exchange rate for $AU is 7100 - divide 200000 by 7100 and that's how much in $AU ie $21.17 aprox
Do take care when exchanging money . I only exchange in $100 lots so that all I have to do is add 2 ( 00's) to the exchange rate. If it is 7500rph to the $ you should get 750,000rph. There are many stories about cleaver money changers. I insist on receiving large notes or I won't deal and I am always the last to touch the money. I do not chase an exchange rate to save a few dollars because you are often duped. Many recommend the Kodak shops to exchange.
Don't carry lots of cash - use the hotel safe - I used 2 small cheap wallets - I carried 5000's 10000's & 20000's in one and 50000's & 100000's in the other - I looked at the 50000 as nearly $10 - I didn't carry all my cards and licences etc only money and my Visa card or ATM card but not both at once - I have a Visa & a savings card and they are linked so if I lose one I can still withdraw money . I wear denim shorts and my wallets can be chained to my pockets or chained to my shoulder bag via silver curtain rings I have sewn in - very simple to do and I like having hands free.
Do remember that ATM'S don't return your card till after your money so if you take the money and forget your card it may ask do you want another transaction and anyone can press YES without needing to know your pin. I use an ATM in Rum Jungle Rd that gives you 3 mill at a time.
Register your travel plans with DFAT (Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade) https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/homepage?Openpage . Takes 4 or 5 minutes per person. Have your passport ready for reference.
Don't point your bags out to the airport porters - just go and retrieve your own and politely decline their help. I don't mind using them if I have extra bags of donations as they are there earning a living. If they do insist on carrying them a fair payment of 10,000RP or a gold coin per bag. . I believe the advertised rate is 1500rp per item.which is a pathetic amount as the sign is an old sign. It is rumoured that if you use porters when leaving Bali you may not get slugged with excess baggage. Didn't work for me in March 06 or 07 but has in the past. The porters can't take you as far into the airport now.
I did use airport transfers the first time I returned after a long absence and I guess it was the safest but I would never again - so expensive $25 + p/p is what the TA will charge you . You can get a Taxi for around 50,000 to Legian. I am happy to pay my organised driver $10 - 70000rp to know someone is waiting and I am leaving straight away. I have heard some amazing stories about waiting hours at the airport for other passengers to be found by the shuttle driver and those passengers have already left.
Don't convince yourself on the way from the airport that you are going to die in the traffic- enjoy the first time scenes and smells .- you will remember them for the rest of your life. Tell the kids to count how many bikes with 4 or more people on them.
Do try to use metered taxis - the light blue ones are metered They have "Bluebird Group" on the windscreen and "Bali Taksi" on the doors. Always ask that the metre run and try to have a general idea how much it will cost - before you get in say 'how much to ---------?'. Before you leave your hotel ask how much might it cost - many guests or reception staff will know. Remember that light blues are not in every area so don't wait forever for a cab that's not going to come. I give all taxi's my business but I insist on the metre running or I negotiate a price before I get in.
Don't buy everything the first day - just look & smile - They can pick a new arrival a mile off - unless you
Do go to Geneva Handicrafts ASAP and there you can buy all sorts of things at fixed prices. This is a great place to buy all those take home presents for family & friends. Jl Raya Kerobokan No 100 Kuta www.genevahandicraft.com . Three floors and pay separate on each level. Some people like to book the taxi to return & pick them up. These days its much easier to hail a taxi outside.
Do keep all dockets & receipts - not for exchange purposes but for future reference - esp if you intend to return- I make a list when I get home of addresses & phone nos etc This is how many of the forumites share their info. I now keep a folder of business cards.
Do find a driver you can feel comfortable with - not a pushy one - remember you are the boss you are paying for service. (I can recommend one you may want to contact and meet) he won't insist on taking you to all the places he gets commission on . If there were 4 of you using him for a day you could all contribute 100000 per day and he would give you day trips - shopping trips and nice company He will also drive you to a bank escort you in and sit with you while you change money safely. Let me know if you want the drivers details. We have used him each trip and trust him with our family's safety.
Do have at least 1 breakfast at La Luciola- On the beach at Pettitengget. Jl. Laksmana - to die for and worth it even if breakfast is included in your hotel tariff. (hash browns amazing).
If you are early rises like me do visit the local markets on the corner of Jl Melassti & Jl Legian (big green tin fence around it)amazing - I buy fruit & flowers there and gifts of sweets for the hotel staff. I also buy the drivers a few local newspapers.
If you go to Ubud go on to a little village called Tegallalang- amazing the prices and very unusual things - I bought xmas decorations (wood- very light) and lamp shades so cheap and lots of different things. Get the driver to drop you at the top of the road and he can follow you down as you crisscross the road. About 15 minutes from Monkey Forest road. Beautiful scenery on the way too. Also an excellent place in Ubud for lunch is Cafe Wyan set in beautiful gardens .
Have plenty of beauty treatments and massages I never do it at home but so cheap . I usually use the Melasti Spa but that's cause it's where I sometimes stay. You can e-mail them spabali@biz.net.id for a list of treatments and prices. You can also make friends with a few locals and some will come to your hotel for massage either in your room or by the pool.
Have the Sunday baked dinner at the Garden View Cottages Padma Utara phone 751559 and book - 50,000 all you can eat . Also a Baked dinner at Bali Aussie Wed & Sun
Eat at as many places as possible some budget some more expensive .(The first time I went we mostly ate at the hotel - boy did I miss out) There are plenty of good places where it can cost you between $5 & $10 and some really amazing ones that will cost $20 + but here it would be $100 to $150. My favourites are Ma Jollys and Drops but there are so many . I have been to ones that are strongly recommended on BTF and been disappointed but as Darryl says 'you never never know if you never never go'
Do be aware that there are a number of seafood restaurants in Jimbaran Bay that are not very honest with their weight /scale system . Some people check them with a bottle of water - a 600ml bottle of water weighs aprox 600gms.
Do check out Bali Deli's website before you go - www.balideli.net .There are a couple of other good delis too - Mamma's Jl Legian.They have all sorts of yummy goodies www.bali-mamas.com and also check out Dijon deli http://www.dijon-bali.com. These days I find I can buy almost all I need at Bintang Supermarket on Jl Legian
Do get somethings made - there are many tailors recommended on BTF. I have decided to buy few clothes in Oz- just take photos and go to Bali each year and have them made to fit . So if you see some one lurking in the ladieswear at Myers with a camera say 'hello Di. Ask the tailor to come to your hotel for fittings in AC comfort.
Don't be frightened to have conversations with all - the young people love a yarn even with a "mature gal" - all a chance to learn and practise their English
Do decide to learn 1 simple phrase each day . perhaps start with 'Nama saya_ _ _ _ ' 'My name is _ _ _ _' or 'lihat saja' - only looking or 'terima kashi' - thankyou - there you are - 3 days worth as a starter
Don't be frightened to say no . I say 'tidak terima kashi ' as I believe tidak on its own is impolite. Don't start bargaining if you don't intend to buy. If the seller agrees to your price it is expected that you will purchase and remember you are Bargaining NOT Bartering (unless you swap something)
Don't stress over 1000 or 2000 rupia -it's only 20 or 30 cents but one or 2 meals to the person you are trying to bargain with.
Don't end up sounding like those pitiful people you will hear bragging about how much they paid for things. It's fun to get a bargain but the bragging sometimes means that a child eats one less piece of fruit or goes without shoes one more month
If there are no tea making facilities in your room go to the Matahari or Bintang Supermarket in Seminyak and buy a plastic jug or a cup prong (I take some teabags and equal with me and an old mug ).
Do consider buying a power convertor ( Euro adaptor ) as only 220 volt not like Aus 240 volts. Most rooms only have enough points for things already in the room so consider taking a double adaptor or small power board to charge mobile phones, cameras etc. Can purchase at large bag shops at home, some say also at Matahari.
Don't take too many "good clothes" it's very casual and very hot and you will buy plenty there. I head straight to the tailor and in 3 days I have new clothes. I take some older clothes and wear them the last few days & leave them there.
Don't be like me the first trip and wash everything out in your room - getting the laundry done is a couple of dollars - so get it done every couple of days.
Do take a couple of pairs of swimmers/costumes as they take a while to dry. I also take an old thin beach towel and leave it there too.
Do get a map of the vicinity of your hotel with a few blocks of streets and carry it with you esp the first few days. I always try to get a copy of a free magazine called Bali Tourist Advertiser as it has good maps in it and other interesting reading.
Don't buy 12 pairs of ' Reboks' like I did and carry them home only to find the sons & hubby won't even wear them fishing. The warning is try everything on and check the bag to see you are given the correct merchandise . I have had watches break as soon as I clipped them on BUT I have some watches still going since 1999.
Do be aware you will on many occasions be offered a free gift or similar (timeshare seminars). It's up to you - you may wish to sit through a 2 hour presentation. You can say 'sudah membeli' (already bought) or if they have the survey say 'sudah menulis' (already filled it out).
Do consider carefully before getting Henna Tattoos as there are many chemicals substituted for henna including a toxic chemical/dye called phenylenediamine- PPD. Many people have reported serious skin reactions but this poison may also affect other organs. Some forumites have reported hospitalisation.
Do carry tissues or toot paper everywhere - rest rooms are constantly improving but some places still don't provide it.
Don't be frightened to buy from Ricky Martin, Mel Gibson or Bob Hop - just jot down all the beautiful names and it's a great memory trigger later. Hello Vera and Gordon Blu are 2 of my favourites and another was my driver hearing a young bloke his age saying to his friends 'I'm Knacked!' and Buda says to me 'No he's not - he's got clothes on'
Don't take heavy fancy designer suitcases. I weighed my nice new suitcase to discover it was 7.4kilos. I sure ditched it when going to Bali . I now take large black nylon sports bags- so lightweight I can bring 7 more kgs back .
Do take a couple of material shopping bags- I have a wonderful shoulder bag that holds as much as 3 plastic bags and my hands are free
Do consider using a mobile phone but check to ensure that your sim card is not blocked by your provider( you will be unable to use another sim). Global roaming can cost a fortune so not a good option. I purchase a Bali Sim card available everywhere - you get a new phone number but only while you use the Bali sim card .
Don't drink the tap water or clean your teeth in it . Be careful of using straws in some sus places - there have been claims that some places recycle straws. Ice is safer now but drinks floating in the large blocks of ice & slurry in eskys is to be avoided.
Do take a set of floaties for your child as some pools are not too kiddie friendly. Take a pool noodle for yourself- makes relaxing in the pool very easy.
DON'T buy any drugs from strangers on the streets or in pubs - many are undercover police -' don't be a drip forget the trip' and be satisfied with getting pissed. Drunkenness does not carry the DEATH PENALTY .
ENJOY! ENJOY!
And from Kiwi Carol
Do take paper 'outline' patterns of the feet for those you wish buy footwear for.
Do be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, as this will be inevitable, so don't judge Bali by your first couple of days there.
Do expect your digestive system to react to the healthier food and extra fruits in your diet; this is not Bali belly, just your system adjusting. (Believe me, you will know for sure if you get Bali belly).
Do tie a cloth over the cold tap in the bathroom to remind you not to rinse your toothbrush under the tap water or drink from it - keep bottled water in the bathroom for that.
Do take sunscreen, wipes and extra loo paper with you on outings.
Do buy a phrase book and try some of the lingo; it will be appreciated and it is great fun.
Do take a camera with you at all times; you never know when a photo opportunity will present itself - a cage of rainbow coloured chicks, a family of five on a motorbike, a perfect flower floating on a pond...
Do take spare clothing no longer needed in the biggest suitcases you can find, as the villagers there will appreciate your kindness, and you will want all that suitcase space for all the goodies you bring back home!
Do write a JBR (Just Back Report) when you get back - we who have been many times find a Bali 'virgin's JBR a delightful treat!
AND FROM BALIMAGIC
We use zip cable ties on unnescessary luggage compartments that we don't use and then a combination lock on the main zipper.
We use large number 6 Bali Bags to travel with as they weigh nothing. Apparantly these come in size 7 & 8 as well. They fit so much in, they are huge.
We take clothes we've grown out of to give away.
We take a small medical kit.
We use $100 Aus notes, that aren't graffitied or damaged in any way.
We also take a credit card and ATM card but they must say maestro on them or they won't work.
We don't change money at small dark and dingy or lane way places, we only use banks, kodak shops or department stores but still always check before leaving the shop.
We place notes in envelopes of what we want to spend for each day and take out of room safe daily so we keep track of how much we are spending.
We always lock up valuables in room safes or desk safes. Camera's etc..included.
This also helps cameras because of being in the humidity and heat and then air-con. room.
We photocopy our passports and credit cards before we leave and give a copy to parents at home and keep one separate from our passport when travelling in case of theft it can be replaced quickly.
We always give contact numbers of where we are staying to family at home incase of emergency.
We always use a Bali Pre-Paid Sim Card or you'll end up with a huge phone bill.
We never walk the beach of a night time, (just common sense)..
We make sure when we carry a money bag or hand bag it is on the shoulder or side away from traffic as there has been cases of motorbikes doing drive by theft. Also watch in large crowds for pick pocketers.
Always make sure you have comfortable shoes, don't try breaking in new shoes in Bali. Your feet swell with the heat and because of all the walking you'll get blisters.
You need shoes to go White Water Rafting, some places will sell them to you there but are more expensive.
We normally buy one DVD or Video of activities and then dub when we get home to keep the price down a bit.
Never brush your teeth or drink their water or wash your sinuses (yuk) but I know a traveller who got a nose infection because of it.
Never p*ss in the water at the pool bar....
Never say when you want to get away from a seller, tomorrow or I'll be back, cause they will remember you and hold you to it.
Don't ask a price if you don't want the haggle to begin.
Don't look in the eyes of the beach sellers if you want to get away quickly without buying, just put your head down and if talked to just
shake it no and keep walking. Sometime like in Sanur you have to cause no or no thankyou doesn't mean a thing.
Don't let children eat chewing gum walking around the streets, as they have a tendency to pull out and in the mouth with fingers and this caused cause a tummy upset from germs.
Strong black tea will help tummy upsets.
And last but not least - NEVER give your hubby the key to your room of a night time when he is busy in the pool bar drinking and then go out shopping without him, cause there's a chance you will come back and be locked out of your room with him curled up in bed snoring not hearing you..It is safer to leave at the reception..LOL...