In Reply to: Bali advice 2008??? posted by marcE on Monday, 29. September 2008 at 17:09 Bali Time:
Don't know about the word doc you're talking about, but here's a few tips from a novice:
-Don't let the porters touch your bags at the airport. Regardless of how much you're willing to pay them they'll want more. They do bugger all work, so save your generosity for those who deserve it.
-When you can, use the sky blue Bali Taxis...avoid the others. Again, although most of us are happy to give a bit extra, they always want more then you offer, and they usually find a longer route to take.
-Don't accept the scratchy cards that are offered by the "Im not selling anything" people. And don't agree to 'help' the really friendly survey people. It's a time share or holiday apartment scam that at the very least will tie you up for 3 or 4 hours. Even if you think you're strong enough not to be sucked into a time share apartment, it's really boring and not worth the early morning calls to your hotel room accompanied by the free trip to Nusa Dua.
-Don't give the kids your Ozzie coins. They don't make jewellery from them. They give them to adults who in turn ask some other tourist to do them a favour and exchange their coins for rupiah...
-If using ATMS, check how much you can withdraw first. Several small withdraws result in several fees charged by your bank at home. The CBA ATMS wil allow 3 mill rupiah in one transaction.
On a positive note, things to do:
-The Waka Land Cruise Tour - Expensive in comparison (we paid $89 US)but excellent. (No visits to comission paying shops/ restaurants etc)
-Bali Safari Park - The drugged baby lion and tiger were a downer, but the rest is excellent.
-Nusa Lembongan Island for a few days. Hire a bike,snorkle, surf, relax. If you book your accomodation before you go you'll save on the boat ride and transfers, plus you'll get the snorkling etc free once you're there.
-The Bali Hai or Bounty sunset cruise/dinner/cabaret. The Bounty one was $45, Bali Hai $37 US. We've done both and they're both excellent and well worth it.
-A pork knuckle at Mamas...they're increased the price to 100k, but its the best piece of roasted pork fat you'll find anywhere!
Hope that helps a bit.....