At the moment Bali is buzzing with tourists and it’s a great time to visit this beautiful island. The weather is perfect and even better, the exchange rates for most currencies is higher than it has been. Besides that, Australians have a plethora of airlines vying for your bum on one of their seats on the Bali-Denpasar route. The price war couldn’t be better for us all.
Newcomers to Bali will, at first, be overwhelmed at the culture and the commercialism of the island; as well as ALL those tourists. There are so many things to do on the island that the ‘greenie’ to the island really cannot grasp all these places with strange names and the amazing choice of places.
However, there are a few things the newcomer should be aware of regardless of your age and so I have listed a few ‘don’t’ and thrown in a few must-do’s for travelling in Bali.
DO:
Enjoy yourself! The shopping, nightlife and nature of Kuta is electric. There are a few big department store complexes you can visit but for the newcomer one can’t go past the Discovery Mall in Tuban; fabulous restaurants and cafes and a great place for the shopaholic in you.
Try the local cuisine. Besides the ubiquitous Nasi Goreng you have a vast array of Balinese foods and one highly recommended is Babi Guling. The choice of fresh tropical fruits will astound you and all at ridiculous prices.
Go to Jimbaran Bay for a sunset dinner. Your choice of warungs and restaurants from budget to pricey is at hand along the beach strip. Grab a table near the water’s edge and feel the ocean lapping at your toes and you gaze in awe at a stunning sunset whilst imbibing in a seafood feast.
Visit a temple. There are a thousand odd temples on Bali and many of them are on organised tourist trips. Immerse yourself in the Balinese culture and religion for a wonderful experience that will leave you amazed.
Sit on the beach at Kuta and watch the sunset disappear on the horizon; all around the colours of a spectrum will hold your gaze and leave an everlasting image. Afterwards, take a moonlight stroll along the beach.
DON’T:
Get into a taxi that is not metered. You will get ripped-off big time. In my opinion you can’t go past Bluebird Taxis. The drivers are always polite and they use the meter.
Definitely don’t flash your money in public. Opening your wallet or purse in an obvious manner for all to see will only invite trouble. Yes, there are pickpockets and thieves in Bali.
When changing money at a money-changers only use those that are authorised. The others offer a high rate of exchange and that’s a sure sign you will pay a hefty commission.
Never carry drugs into Bali or the rest of Indonesia. There is a high probability that you will be caught. You only have to read about those people squandering in Bali prisons to realise it is fucking stupid. Also, don’t buy drugs on the streets. Nine times out of ten you will be arrested.
Always be careful walking back to your hotel late at night. It is far better to get a recognised taxi and if you have to walk, then walk back with friends. There are unscrupulous people out there who would take advantage of a lone woman under the influence of alcohol.
