In Reply to: JBR Part 3 posted by Kasandre on Thursday, 8. May 2008 at 22:04 Bali Time:
Things I would have done differently as a first timer
1: Stayed in Kuta, closer to everything depending of course on what you want to do.
2. Preorganised an XL sim card, i think they are easy to get but its just nice not to have to worry about it. I hear u can get them on Ebay.
3. Stayed in Ubud for a few days.
4. Went to a chemist first.
5. Get a recommended driver for the time you are there. Book him before you go. It would have been nice to have someone from Day 1.
6. You cannot use the Premier lounge if u are flying Garuda :( Not that it matters but just so u dont waste time looking for it.
Things I loved:
1. The people
2. The lifestyle
3. The heat
4. Service, try not to be annoyed by it, most of the time they truly do want to help.
5. Bintang & Mee Goreng
6. Centro- Revlon lady is lovely and so very cheap, we became lifelong friends.
It's ok to....
1.Pack light, You dont need jumper or jeans unless you are coming from the sun then you may get cold.
2. Take only thongs unless you are cycling/hiking or god forbid going to a gym.
3. Be yourself, they dont care they love you being there. Smile with them, love them back.Its the people of Bali that make your trip what it is. Newbies you wont understand this until you return and get home to crappy service regimented rules and people judging you.
I came home with 27kgs and paid no excess luggage. My onboard luggage was way over also but no one checked.
I flew home Garuda and we had a really loud knocking noise at the back of the plane when we were taxing out, no one said anything so I just assumed we were just running over the side of the runway or something.We had the softest landing back home and then the knock started again! Is this normal? Can someone let Garuda know they may have a flat tyre? Oh well........
BTW I didnt realise til i got home, i bought home too many smokes. We bought back 2 cartons each instead of 1. I thank my lucky stars customs were a non event coming home also or i would have been in strife.
I have started saving for my next trip already and can't wait to get back. Thanks everyone for all your help and i hope next time to meet some of you and learn more about this magical place.
Newbies, practise showering with your mouth closed and brushing your teeth with bottled water :)