In Reply to: Arriving on Saturday - A few questions posted by jaaustralia on Thursday, 10. January 2008 at 08:45 Bali Time:
1. Has anyone booked their holiday through Garuda Orient Holidays? We have our land portion booked through them, and I am supposed to be getting a Hotel Transfer to Nusa Dua, but am wondering how the whole Transfer thing works - will they have a sign with my name on it? Where do they transfer people usually wait when you leave the airport? And any other hints that may come in handy?
not booked throgh them before. the hotel usually has your name on a sheet of paper at the airport out the front. relax when you see them all, there are generally plenty of them out there.
2. Is it worth while for me to change some money over here before I go to Bali so I have some Rupiah on me, or do it all when I get there? Will there be any difference in exchange rate?
I always change about $20 in aus just to have with me when i get there. The exch rate in aus will be lower, thats why i use only 20. i also get $25 USD for entry visa when you get to bali, it is just easier for me to use the correct amount in USD.
3. Is the beach at Nusa Dua OK to swim in, I am petrified of sea creatures great and small and some idiot at my work thought it would be appropriate to tell me there are sea snakes in Bali, so now I am freaking out like a child! So in all seriousness, what are the chances of a sea snake trying to consume me whilst I swim?
cant answer that as havent stayed there in years
4. Is there plenty of transport available on the spot if we wanted to go into Kuta, Jimbarin Bay etc. of an evening for a meal, or is this something you have to pre-arrange to make sure you can get there and get home?
use the blue taxis only, and make sure they put the meter on. Jimbaran is a must to go to at one stage in your trip. but i found it disapointing, but you do need to go for the experience. you will generally get a taxi home too.
5. And finally, I really would appreciate any other hints and tips for a first timer, or any info you have about Nusa Dua that you would be kind enough to share?
get to celuk if you like silver. if you look in the archives or search engine for drivers, you will get some good deals for a driver. i got one for half a day for 250,000 rp. make sure you get aircon. a good half day i did was, garuda wisnu park with all th huge statues, uluwatu temple, dreamland beach and then jimbaran for dinner on the way home, that cost me the 250000 rp, about 4 hours'ish
also don't worry about being on your own, you will meet heaps there, i travel alone too, and always end up mixing and meeting heaps. going back in may this year with those i met last year.
check the archives here for things to do, theres so much.
enjoy!!! thats the main thing.
Lisa