Time:Bali is on Central Indonesian Time, 8 hours ahead of GMT.Tour & Travel Agents:A number of travel agents offer a variety of tours with knowledgeable, multi-lingual guides, including a half-day trip or day-long tours including lunch and visits to shops, temples and performances.
Tipping:This is not a general practice in Bali, in the larger hotels a service charge is already included. In smaller hotels & restaurants tips are not expected. However, if the service has been good, a token (Rp.1,000-Rp.3,000) would be appreciated. Porters at the airport should receive Rp.5,000 per bag.
Airport Taxis:The airport taxi service goes to Kuta, Sanur, Denpasar, Nusa Dua and Ubud. Prices are fixed, pay the cashier at the desk in the airport and give the coupon to the driver. If you don't have much luggage, you can walk out of the airport to the main road and catch a public bemo (minibus) to Kuta or Denpasar.
Rental Cars:Rental car with or without driver available at the airport or hotels. Families or small groups can charter a minibus with English-speaking driver/guide.Public Transport: Many minibus are now air-conditioned. Stopovers and side-trips can be planned and this is an ideal way to experience Bali at your own pace.
Getting Around:You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.
Clothing:Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.Bring a bathing suit and extra clothingsWhere to Stay:There are many accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays along Kuta-Legian road. You may choose one of them to stay.If you're including backpackers tourist, and looking for cheap accommodation in Kuta, just go to Poppies Lane Alley 1 & 2 where you can find cheap accommodation and restaurants.
Street Wise:The Balinese have a reputation as extremely honest people. Unfortunately, not everyone on Bali is Balinese and there has been an increase in petty crimes - especially in Kuta. keep a tight grip on your purse or camera, Never leave any bags (whether valuable or not) unattended in your car, on the beach or by the pool, use the hotel safety deposit box, don’t go down dark deserted gangs (alleys) and don’t count money in the open. Not so hard. Nonetheless Bali is still far, far safer than most large cities in this world.
Outward Bound:On the way out of the hotel, keep a little extra money handy. All tourists leaving Indonesia from Ngurah Rai International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rp.100,000. That said be advised that it is against the law to leave Indonesia with more than Rp.10,000,000. Departure for domestic travel is also taxed (Rp.20,000) though most of the time this has already been included in the ticket price - but every so often you are surprised... (and even if you're not you can always make a donation to the local Red Cross or charity du jour).
Tourist Information:Tourist Information Centers (Kantor Pariwisata) in Bali is extremely helpful in providing current calendars of events, performances and tour informations
The real Bali
If you want to see the real Bali: go to North Bali. So much more authentic than the Southern area. Lovina is a good spot to discover the still undisturbed 'black' beaches and green mountains of the quiet Bululeng province. It is not difficult to join an amazing ceremony, like a cremation here. There are many places to stay from high end luxury villas till the most basic homestays. The same with restaurants. A real must is a dolphin safari with a local fisherman in the early morning. But the sunsets with the vulcanoes of Java in the background are also wonderful 'wow' moments. We stayed more than a week in Villa Bali Breeze, a beautiful private villa on the hill above Lovina, with a superb view and great swimming pool. The only negative remark are a few hawkers on the beach. But you must realise that they are very poor and their earnings food mostly a complete family.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)