Shopping
There are three main shopping situations/locations:
They will always ask at least 2½ times more than they will accept but you must barter! It’s no good making your final offer first because they want to barter.
Also there is an air-conditioned department store named Matahari where very well priced clothing can be purchased. You may have trouble finding off the rack clothes if you’re fairly tall, just as I did because of my gut (although I could find business shirts OK and you may also).
This shop and all shops in Kuta Square are fixed price and frankly it’s nice to shop without that hassle sometimes.
Tailors are everywhere and you will probably need to look around and choose one on your first day and have something easy and cheap made so that you can check out the quality, etc.
Don’t forget to barter!
When negotiating prices with various street sellers etc., always remember that if you end up fighting over 3000Rp you are trying to save 60 cents!!
Bali Padma Hotel
This is our recommendation as a great place to stay. You will love it and the staff are fantastic.
The Padma is a Five Star Hotel and has it all. Great location, great staff, excellent service and it has all the amenities you could ask for.
If you are to stay here, ask for a “Deluxe Chalet” which are a little more expensive (A$12 per head per day) but worth every dollar.
If you have breakfast included at the Padma in your trip then I suggest that you go mostly to the Batavia Restaurant near the pool for breakfast. It is quieter and more upmarket.
