What Makes Bali Unique...
A combination of the friendly Balinese people, the natural
attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the
year-round pleasant climate, and the diversity of landscapes. Then
there is Bali's special "magic", which is very difficult to explain.
When you first step off the plane at the airport you might sense a
'difference'. In the villages you visit you will notice the peace,
calm and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect
in the children. Old men sit at the road side chatting, watching the
passing parade of Bali life while caressing their prized fighting
cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through villages, rice
fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the temple.
There is always a smell of flowers and incense, and in the distance
you may hear the sound of the ever present gamelan music. Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life
for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung - Bali's holy mountain - is
internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the
world. This may be more than a coincidence. Watch out though,
because the moment you feel the magic of Bali, you're addicted for
the rest of your life to this 'Islands of the Gods'.
What you need to know about Money...
The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah and you will become a
millionaire the day you arrive. Once you have got your head around
all the extra zeros it's fairly easy to work out the prices in your
own currency.
Bring travelers cheques or cash but if you bring cash you should
bring large denomination notes (ie US$100, AUD$100, NZ$100 etc) but
be aware of the following: Notes must be the new ones with no tears
or ink markings. Lower denomination notes may bring a smaller
exchange rate. And always remember that many moneychangers are there
to cheat you so be alert and watch them carefully. Never change
money where the moneychanger is operating a booth inside another
shop. The rate is usually higher and you may be short changed by
sleight of hand. Use establishments which are authorized
moneychangers only and count your money in front of the staff before
you leave.
The best rate is obtained from ATM machines. These are now
everywhere and they don't try to rip you off either! However - be
aware that the local ATM machines do not automatically spit your
card out with money and receipt so it is very easy to leave your
card inside the machine. After withdrawing your cash you must wait
until the screen asks "Do you want another Transaction - Yes or No".
Press no and out pops your card. Why the local machines operate in
this fashion is unknown but 100s of cards must be lost daily. You
have been warned!
Getting Around Bali...
Taxis in the southern tourist areas are plentiful and cheap but make
sure the cab has a meter that is working and ensure that the driver
turns on the meter. If he refuses and tries to set a price, get out
and take another taxi. Usually the act of opening the door or
demanding he let you out is sufficient for him to suddenly realize
the meter is, in fact, working again..
For day or half day trips you can negotiate for a minivan or 'bemo'
but for just two or three people a taxi is often the most
comfortable and coolest option. Bargain directly with a driver of a
new looking taxi and you will be surprised at how cheap a 6-8 hour
booking can be especially if you also offer to fill up his petrol
tank.
Local buses are the cheapest way of getting about but they are
usually overcrowded with people who could do with a shower and the
bus will be hot and stuffy as none of them have such modern devices
as air conditioning. They also have the rather charming habit of
stopping with no warning nor do they attempt to move off the road so
there is always the worry of a following vehicle running into the
rear end.
Driving Yourself
Providing you have a valid International Drivers License you may
rent a car or motorbike. Both are cheap by international standards
but there are a couple of points you should be aware of. Road
conditions are dangerous! Indonesians do not sit for a license
test, they simply buy it! Accordingly driving skills are low.
Nobody knows about, let alone obeys, traffic rules and early
indications of turns and sudden stops are rarely given. Indonesians
drive on the left side of the road, but with one wheel over the
centre line, and larger or older vehicles have right of way. i.e.
trucks and buses have right of way over cars, and a beat-up old
Toyota has right of way over a new BMW, and cars have right of way
over motorbikes and bicycles.
The roads around the southern tourist areas are extremely busy but
even the scenic but small country roads have their pitfalls such as
dogs, children, chickens, loads of sand, drying rice and the quaint
habit the villagers have of sitting on the road for a chat.
As a visitor, in the event of an accident, you will be accorded the
courtesy of being at fault (no matter what the circumstances) and
you will be required to pay for any damage to either vehicle. As no
less than 100% concentration is required when driving, the driver
doesn't get to see much of the scenery, so if you wish to relax and
take in the scenery it is far better to hire a car and driver,
especially if your aim is a stress-free holiday!
Medical Services...
Indonesia, and therefore Bali, is a developing third world country
and medical services are not to the standard of Western countries.
Be wise, play it safe and arrange travel insurance with your ticket.
There are two good clinics on the By Pass Ngurah Rai just past the
Simpang Siur roundabout at Tuban/Kuta who can provide treatment, and
if required can also refer you to the best local specialists and
hospitals or, in the case of serious illness or accident, they can
arrange a medical evacuation. These are the Australian B.I.M.C (Bali
International Medical Centre) and the International S.O.S. Clinic.
All taxi drivers know the clinics and can take you there without any
problems. |
