In Reply to: PS posted by jamesf on Monday, 11. June 2012 at 17:58 Bali Time:
James I'd suggest looking for accommodation either Northern part of Legian or southern part of Seminyak. Lots of great clubs and nightlife around Seminyak to suit your age group. Though a lot of places are more expensive there than Kuta, you will find something to suit your budget. I'd trawl the net and book online direct with the hotel for good rates. I would steer clear of Kuta unless you want to be surrounded by bogan aussies. I'm an aussie myself, and heaps of fellow forumites will probs be down on me for saying that, but it's the reality. Us aussies can be very grating when in full bogan mode. Of course, cab rides (always get the bluebird cabs) are super cheap so getting from one area to another for something different any night will only cost you $1 or $2 aust. dollars. (sorry, don't know gbp) Familiarise yourself with the rupiah and what it translates to your pound. A really good 3 course meal and drinks in a nice restaurant may only cost you 30000 rupiah, or you can get great noodles in a wayan (roadside stall) for 5000. If you drink beer, Bintang is pretty nice and will cost you 18000 at the beach bars that pop up on the sand each afternoon, or maybe 25000 rupiah in a restaurant.Cocktails can range from 40000 to 100000 rupiah, depending on how up market the bar is. For a souvineer bintang t/shirt don't pay more than 20000 rupiah. You can hire a personal driver/car for a day trip for about 40 or 50000. You'll have no trouble finding a driver; most balinese, being so poor, usually have a 'day job' and a second job to get by,so don't be surprised if a waiter randomly offers to drive you to see the sights. You'll find that eating and drinking is super cheap, cabs are super cheap, you can walk easily from one place to another in the main party areas which is even cheaper,and even a few obligatory souvineers won't set you back too much. I'm sure other forum users will have great tips for you.