I have been looking through old document I had from my old Bali website and came across this it is from 2005 but i think its a great read and there is still some relevant information within this document. This was/is a combination of lots of peoples work all combined into one document

INTRODUCTION

Following is a collation of a few of the many thousand comments on the various Bali forum sites.

They are only the opinions of everyday people.

Most of the information is centered on the Kuta & Legian areas.

Any entries in the bold and italic print are ones I have tried and agree with.

Transport prices may have increased in recent months due to the fuel prices rising

SECTION 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

COMMON PHRASES & WORDS

One of the best ‘ice-breakers’ we have found in Bali is to introduce yourself (and you will be asked who you are, nicely, a number of times) in the Balinese fashion. You are Wayan if you are first born, Made if you are the second child, Nyoman if the third and Ketut if you are the fourth then add your given name. For example; I’m Wayan John and this is Nyoman Betty.
‘Salamat pagi’, Good morning – to 11am. ‘S.. siang’ – 11 to 3. ‘S.. soree’ – to 6pm. ‘S.. malam’ – Good night. The spoken emphasis is on the last syllable, eg ‘Salamat pageeee’. The reply if often simply, ‘Pageeee’.
‘Salamat tidur’ – Sleep well. ‘S.. tingal’, Goodbye (when leaving). ‘S..jalan’ – Goodbye (when you are the one who is staying and a guest is leaving).
‘Halo!’ (‘Ahhloh’), Hello. ‘Ayo’, Hey/Hello (informal). ‘Sampi jumpa’, See you, Bye bye (informal).
‘Terima kasih’, Thank you.
‘Sama sama’ You are welcome – the response to ‘Terima kasih’.
‘Apa kabar?’, How are you? ‘Bagus.’ - Exceptionally good. ‘Baik baik’. – Very Well. ‘Baik’. – Well.
‘Sin can can’ – No problem!
‘Ma’af’ – Sorry. ‘Permissi’ – Excuse me.
‘Berapa’ (pron ‘brapa’) – ‘How much’. Understand that once said you have already entered into the bargaining/purchase process and if the vendor agrees to your last price you are morally obliged to buy the goods.
‘Ya’, Yes. ‘Tidak’. No, (Not polite. Avoid if possible.) ‘Tidak Mau’ – don’t want. ‘Singla pis’ – no money.
‘Hari ini’ – today. ‘Besok’ – tomorrow. ‘Besok besok’ – sometime.
‘Bisa ambil foto?’ – Can I take a photo?
‘Saya belum lancar di Bahasa Indonesia’. – I’m not fluent in Indonesian.
‘Tolong Bicara pelan-pelan’ – Please speak slowly.
‘Saya kurang mengerti’ – I don’t understand.
‘Air panas dan dingin’ – Hot and cold water. ‘Botol air minum’. – Bottled drinking water.
‘Ketas wese’ - Toilet paper. ‘Way-say’ – W.C. Dimana kamar kecil?’ – Where is the toilet?
‘Berapper hargar?’ – How much?
‘Cepat cepat!’ Hurry – But don’t expect any reaction.
‘Apotic’ – chemist - pharmacy.
‘Jalan Jalan’ – walking. ‘Jalan Jalan Jalan’ – walking a long way.
‘Satu’ – one. ‘Dua’ – two. ‘Tiga’ – three. ‘Empat’ – four. ‘Lima’ – five.

WARNINGS

(Mach 2005)

here are 2 Poppies Lane so for those of you that know..we went down the one near the Memorial (there is a corner store selling beaded necklaces and stuff). Anyway...we were cashed up say 1,000,000 each. First stop was beaded shoes, 35,000 each so we got 4 pairs each. Then.. now this is a WARNING...we were walking along and next minute a group of Balinese women stopped us...before we knew it we had one of each grappling our arms and tying leather bands around them. Now they "needed" to cut some length off the bands so they let us down an alley. Before we knew it were were paying for a manicure, pedicure, massage, fake tattoo. All because of those leather bands. Now we could have down some pushing and shoving but...we at this stage had quite a large gathering watching us. Not one single tourist was around that time of morning. You couldn't bargain..there was a lady who looked like she was in drag watching over it all..apparently she's the boss. We rejected all the things they were doing to us as they were'nt pricing it. But because they had "touched" us we had to pay. I went to walk off and a few of them screamed. My sister and I "lost" 700,000 each...plus...they asked us for Aussie gold coins for the 2 little kids sleeping on the ground. I felt a bit sad for the kids so I opened my wallet for a coin and next minute...like a pack of seagulls after your chips...they proceeded to take ALL the coins $30 in total. We spoke to a Balinese friend about this and apparently even if we had reported it we still would have had to "pay". So if you go down Poppies Lane and "Julie" approaches you...just tell her to go away FIRMLY. I woke up the next day and thought I'd been bitten by something on my arm.. I still have the hand print of "julie" on my arm..nice bruising. They all had stories to tell..basically they were the poorest and only get 10% of what they earn, the tranny gets the rest. While we were very bitter..we now see it as "Oh well we lost out on $140".

Heard some more horror stories abut the scam in poppies lane were they put a bracelet on you and drag you into the back of a shop from 2 different couples who got ripped off badly. These people really need to be stopped. I did not even try to venture down here because of these stories.

MARKET APPROXIMATE PRICES (2005)

AUD$ coin bracelet- Rp20,000 plus 2 Aussie gold coins at Bali Aussie Restaurant
Baby t-shirts/singlets - 10,000rp
Bamboo Wind chimes: Small 10-15,000 and Medium 15-20,000.
Bead necklaces- From Rp5,000
Caps- Rp15,000
Collared shirts - 20 000Rp
DVD Rp 10,000 buy 10 get 1 free
Earrings - 5000rp or less
Glitter/sequined Thongs Rp 25000 - 30000
Imitation perfume- Rp30,000
Keyrings: 10,000 for 4 pack
Kids t-shirts/singlets - 15,000rp
Leather wrist bands: 12,000 for 4 pack
Music CDS 10,000 each
Necklaces / bracelets - 5000rp or less - more for the big shell ones
Photos onto a CDR Rp 25,000
PS1 games -Rp4,000
Ps2 games -Rp15,000
Rp 25000 for nails, feet and hands done.
Sequin bags 25 000rp
Sarongs: 10,000 – 25,000 depending on which type.
Shell belts - around 20,000rp
Sim cards at Matahari Kuta. Simpati ones for 100,000 with 80,000 credit and 500rp per sms.
Stubby holders- Rp4,000
Sunglasses- Rp15,000-25,000
T-shirts: XL – 15-20,000 and bigger sizes 20-25,000 each (depends how many you buy)
Watches- Rp30,000-35,000
Wind socks: 25,000 each
Wrap around pants - 30,000rp

Johnny Andreas salon on the top floor of Ramayana's, Creme Bath for 13000; 40 min head massage and conditioning treatment.

Market shopping was the same – get given an exorbitant start price. Make faces, smile “MAHAL’ and eventually get down to a price where you still wonder if you’re paying too much. We bought kids Tshirts 15,000, board shorts 20,000 (kids) 30,000 (adults), Paul Frank singlets 30,000 – we just hit one stall for the whole lot as it’s too hot to stand around all day bartering. Bought a silver Buddha (laying down) 150,000. The best shopping at markets was on the way to visit the school at Sobangan, our driver was determined to get us the best price and he did all our bartering for us. We bought – 2 wooden thatched lanterns for 30,000 each, ceremonial flags 25,000 each, ceremonial umbrellas 30,000 each. I’m not sure of the individual prices but for 52,000 we bought two ‘crowns’ for the lanterns and four ceramic satay grills. We told the driver that we wanted some wooden place mats and some rattan bowls with the pull over net covering, he got some from Denpasar for us. The place mats were 17,000 each and the bowls were 30,000 for a set of three. We also stopped at Geneva and bought some large painted geckos 17,000 each..

Sarongs – kids ½ sarong – 10,000, good quality batik sarong 30,000
Hats – 15,000
Glasses – 25,000
Leather Belts – 30,000 (but someone offered them to me for 20,000 on the last day)
Watches – 40,000
Kids shorts – 15,000 elastic waist, 20,000 fitted waist
Kids T shirts – young boys 15,000; 20,000 for teenage girl T shirts
Sandal shoes – 40,000 pair
Placemats – 10,000 each for wooden/bamboo and 9,000 for edge bound sandalwood (De Art in Legian seemed to have good range)

GUIDE TO MARKET PRICES
Aftershave Blk Mkt (Joop,Yves St.Laurent etc) RP 15000
Belt Leather RP 15000
Bowls Wooden Sml – Lge RP 5,000 - 15000
Beach Towels Sml – Lge RP 25000 - 50000
Beer Bintang (sml bottle) RP 12000
Baskets (Woven) Sml - Lge RP 1000 - 5000
Bracelet made from 2 Aussie Gold Coins U supply RP 10000
Bracelet made from 2 Aussie Gold Coins RP 20000
Bamboo Wind chimes: Sml - Lge RP 10000 - 15000
Bead Necklaces RP 5000
Bags Louis Vuitton Lge Overnight Bag RP 180000 - 200000
Board shorts Billabong Blk Mkt RP 30000
Caps Baseball Peaked RP 10000 - 15000
Cardigans lite weight crochet RP 30000 - 35000
Cushion covers RP 30000 - 35000
Car Timber Steering Wheel (with boss kit) RP 150000
Cigarettes pkt or crtn RP 10000 - 65000
DVD Player Hire (week) RP 100000
Dresses (summer) RP 25000 - 40000
Earrings RP 5000
Games PS2 or Xbox games Blk Mkt RP 15000
Handbags Louie Vetton RP 55000 - 70000
Jackets Leather Tailor made RP 500000 -700000
Jeans Levi's 501 RP 75000
Kids T-shirts/Singlets RP 15000
Kimonos 55,000 (depending on length & material) RP 35000 - 50000
Masks RP 9000 - 15000
Meals – Entrée average (more for seafoods) RP 5000 - 30000
Meals - Mains average price (more for seafoods) RP 15000 - 50000
Mobile Phone Nokia 1110 RP 700000
Music Cd's (discounts for volume) RP 8000
Necklaces beaded or polished shells RP 5000 - 10000
Placemats Woven RP 5000
Photo prints (digital) RP 1000 - 1500
Photo Memory Stick Card to disk RP 25000
Perfumes Blk Mkt RP 15000
Photos onto a CDR RP 25000
Placemats Wooden RP 12000
Singlets RP 25000 - 30000
Sarongs Short (basic printed) RP 9000 - 12000
Sarongs Long (detailed embroided) RP 20000 - 30000
Tops (Paul Frank for teen girls) RP 20000 - 25000
Singlets Bintang printed RP 15000
Shirts Collared RP 20000
Stubby holders RP 4000
Sandals Leather RP 25000 - 40000
Sunglasses Oakley etc… Blk Mkt RP 15000 - 25000
T-shirts Blk Mkt (Billabong,Quicksilver,Nike) RP 10000 - 30000
Watches Blk Mkt RP 15000 - 30000
Wallet Leather Billabong RP 10000

BUDGET PER DAY:

2 meals - 15.000rp each 30.000rp
6Bintangs 12.000rp ea 72.000rp
2 taxi rides 10.000rp 20.000rp
1 x massage 40.000rp 40.000rp
1 x pkt cigs 10.000rp 10.000rp
1 x sunglasses 20.000rp 20.000rp
2 x B'bong blk mkt t's 80.000rp
1 x wallet 10.000rp 10.000rp
1 x boardshorts 30.000rp 30.000rp
6 dvd's 10.000rp 60.000rp
TOTAL - 372.000rp = $57.ooo Aus Dollars give or take.

COCKTAILS:

The prices range from 4,000 rupiah to 50,000 rupiah
What: Arak Attack
Price: 4000 big glass 10000
What: International Cocktails
Price: 30000
Where: Paddy's
Prices: 15.000
MARKETS
Tootsie's market shop (fixed price)
dvd's 8,000 rp
,louie ventton bags 65,000rp
t-shirts & singlets about 30,000 rp
kimonos from 45-55,000 (depending on length & material);
DVDs 10,000 each
short (skirt) sarongs 15-20,000;
long sarongs 20-25, "nappy" shorts 20,000
Louis Vuitton and Burberry handbags 55-70,000 for small ones,
Paul Frank tops (teenage girls understand!) 20-25,000;
crochet net cardigans 30,000.
cushion covers 30-35,000 each,
table wear, silver jewellery (e.g. dangly earrings 25,000),
Bintang singlets for RP20000
Nokia 1110 fro RP700,000

GENERAL

Coke (cans) 3,200 RP 0.40c
Water (Bottle 500ml) 3,200 RP 0.40c
DVD Player Hire 100,000 rp $15.45 1 week
COMMON MERCHANDISE
Wood placemats 12,000 rp $2.00
Baskets (Weave) 1,000-,5000 rp 0.2 c – 0.75c
Caps 15,000 rp $2.25
Collared Shirts 20,000 rp $3.09
Jeweler boxes 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Leather belt 15,000 rp $2.25
Beach Bag woven 28,000 rp $4.00
Beach Towels 25,000-50,000 rp $3.80-$7.72
Placemats 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Wooden Bowls 5,000 rp –15,000 rp 0.75 - $2.25
Dresses (summer) 25,000-40,000 rp $3.80-$6.18
Leather Jackets 500,000-700,000 rp $77.24-$108.14 Short Style
Bathers 150,000-200,000 rp $25-$30
Levi's 501 75,000 rp $11.00
Louis Vuitton bags 180,000-200,000 rp $25-$30 Overnight bags
120,000 –300,000 rp $18-$47 Handbags
Photo prints (digital) 1,000 – 1,500 rp 0.02 c
CF Card to disk 25,000 rp $4.00
Sneakers 40,000 – 60,000 $6.18 - $90.00 Fake or orig
Cd's 10,000 rp $1.54 Discounts for volume
Dvd's 10,000-15,000 rp $1.50 - $2.50 Buy 10 -2 free
Earings 5,000 rp 0.75 c
Necklaces Under 10,000 rp Under $1.54
Perfume 15,000 rp $2.25 Fake
PS2 or Xbox games 15,000-35,000 rp $2.25-$5.40 Copies
Sandals 25,000-40,000 rp $4.00-$6.18
Sarongs 10,000-15,000 rp $1.54-$2.50
Sunglasses 15,000-25,000 rp $2.50-$4.00
T-shirts 10,000-30,000 rp $1.54-$4.63
(Billabong, quicksilver, rip curl, nike)
Watches 15,000– 30000,000 rp
Sunglasses 25.000- 30.000
Leather belt 15.000 CD 10.000 (no cover)
Crochet hat 15.000 Hematite bracelet 2 for 10.000
T-shirt- white 15.000 Levi 501s 75.000
Surf T-shirts 25.000
Timber steering wheel 150.000(with boss kit)
Placemats material 5.000 Watches 25.000- 30.000
Wood placemats 12.000
Wrap pants 30.000
Cushion covers 15.000
Cigarettes 66.000 a carton
AUD$ coin bracelet- Rp20,000 plus 2 Aussie gold coins at Bali Aussie Restaurant
Baby t-shirts/singlets - 10,000rp
Bamboo Wind chimes: Small 10-15,000 and Medium 15-20,000.
Bead necklaces- From Rp5,000
Caps- Rp15,000
Collared shirts - 20 000Rp
Earrings - 5000rp or less
Glitter/sequined Thongs Rp 25000 - 30000
Imitation perfume- Rp30,000
Keyrings: 10,000 for 4 pack
Kids t-shirts/singlets - 15,000rp
Leather wrist bands: 12,000 for 4 pack
Music CDS 15,000 each
Necklaces / bracelets - 5000rp or less - more for the big shell ones
Photos onto a CDR Rp 25,000
PS1 games -Rp4,000
Ps2 games -Rp15,000
Rp 25000 for nails, feet and hands done.
Sequin bags 25 000rp
Sarongs: 10,000 - 25,000 depending on which type.
Shell belts - around 20,000rp
Sim cards at Matahari Kuta. Simpati ones for 100,000 with 80,000 credit and 500rp per sms.
Stubby holders- Rp4,000
Sunglasses- Rp15,000-25,000
T-shirts: XL - 15-20,000 and bigger sizes 20-25,000 each (depends how many you buy)
Watches- Rp30,000-35,000
Wind socks: 25,000 each
Wrap around pants - 30,000rp
There's a fixed price shop on the corner of Jl Legian and Poppies Lane 2 - it's also a Kodak shop.
Geneva Handicrafts. 100 Jalan Raya. 3rd floor over the top of Geneva furniture Kerobokan. Closed on Sundays.
Woven placemats 4.900
Cane placemats with wooden insert 11.900.
Crochet hat 12.500,
Bracelets 2.380,
Hacky sacs 3.500,
Surfboard keyrings 980,
Oval pottery bowl (30cm) 10.000,
Bead lamp 28.000,
Masks 9.100 + 14.000.
Shell bowl 35.000, platter to match 27.000
Also have shadow puppets, and other types. Many bowls, pots, garden ornaments, bags, baskets, chessboards, candles.
fixed prices are Rp5,000 for necklaces, Rp4,000 for anklets and Rp3,000 for bracelets.
Some of the shell necklaces are dearer, like the big shell pendant ones etc. From memory, they were around Rp15,000 each at that shop.
Sunglasses 25.000- 30.000 DVD 15.000
Leather belt 15.000 CD 10.000 (no cover)
Crochet hat 15.000 Hematite bracelet 2 for 10.000
T-shirt- white 15.000 Levi 501s 75.000
Surf T-shirts 25.000
Timber steering wheel 150.000(with boss kit)
Placemats material 5.000 Watches 25.000- 30.000
Wood placemats 12.000 Wrap pants 30.000
Cushion covers 15.000 Cigarettes 66.000 a carton
AUD$ coin bracelet- Rp20,000 plus 2 Aussie gold coins at Bali Aussie Restaurant
Baby t-shirts/singlets - 10,000rp
Bamboo Wind chimes: Small 10-15,000 and Medium 15-20,000.
Bead necklaces- From Rp5,000
Caps- Rp15,000
Collared shirts - 20 000Rp
DVD Rp 15000 buy 10 get 1 free
Earrings - 5000rp or less
Glitter/sequined Thongs Rp 25000 - 30000
Imitation perfume- Rp30,000
Keyrings: 10,000 for 4 pack
Kids t-shirts/singlets - 15,000rp
Leather wrist bands: 12,000 for 4 pack
Music CDS 15,000 each
Necklaces / bracelets - 5000rp or less - more for the big shell ones
Photos onto a CDR Rp 25,000
PS1 games -Rp4,000
Ps2 games -Rp15,000
Rp 25000 for nails, feet and hands done.
Sequin bags 25 000rp
Sarongs: 10,000 - 25,000 depending on which type.
Shell belts - around 20,000rp
Sim cards at Matahari Kuta. Simpati ones for 100,000 with 80,000 credit and 500rp per sms.
Stubby holders- Rp4,000
Sunglasses- Rp15,000-25,000
T-shirts: XL - 15-20,000 and bigger sizes 20-25,000 each (depends how many you buy)
Watches- Rp30,000-35,000
Wind socks: 25,000 each
Wrap around pants - 30,000rp
There's a fixed price shop on the corner of Jl Legian and Poppies Lane 2 - it's also a Kodak shop.
Geneva Handicrafts. 100 Jalan Raya. 3rd floor over the top of Geneva furniture Kerobokan. Closed on Sundays.
Woven placemats 4.900
Cane placemats with wooden insert 11.900.
Crochet hat 12.500,
Bracelets 2.380,
Hacky sacs 3.500,
Surfboard keyrings 980,
Oval pottery bowl (30cm) 10.000,
Bead lamp 28.000,
Masks 9.100 + 14.000.
Shell bowl 35.000, platter to match 27.000
Also have shadow puppets, and other types. Many bowls, pots, garden ornaments, bags, baskets, chessboards, candles.
fixed prices are Rp5,000 for necklaces, Rp4,000 for anklets and Rp3,000 for bracelets.
Some of the shell necklaces are dearer, like the big shell pendant ones etc. From memory, they were around Rp15,000 each at that shop.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO and NOT DO!

1st ~ get a nice hotel, then -
Go to the Elephant park.
Go for a couple of nights to Hai Tide Huts, Nusa Lembongan.
Go to Poppies in Poppies Lane 1 for lunch (or dinner).
Go to La Lucciola for dinner and watch the sunset.
Go to the Monkey Forest in Ubud
Go to Waterboom Park
Go to a Monkey Forest
Go Swimming
Go Diving
Go Shopping
Get a Massage
Buy a fake watch
Buy some fake purfume
Buy a leather jacket
See a Barong Dance
See a Kecak Dance
See a Legong Dance
See a shadow puppet show
Go to Ubud
See the rice terraces
"Dont" drive yourself anywhere - get a Driver and / or Guide
(Buy some copy DVD's
Eat some Satay
Go White Water Rafting (watch out for flaming coconuts)
Do a Bungi Jump
Go to Elephant Cave
Go to Kintamani
Walk up to Besakih
Ride the elephants
Say "no, only 20,000 - not 40,000" for the 68th time
Buy some silver jewelery in Celuk
Do the Bali Hai sunset cruise (and see the boygirls)
Go on Nusa Lembogan Island Day Cruise
Eat more Satay
Drink some Bintang
Have a cocktail
Buy a T'shirt with F#@* Terrorists printed on the front
Go to Tanah Lot
Eat seafood at Jimbaran Bay
Water-Ski at Lake Bratan
See the black sand of Lovina Beach
Buy another copy watch (you forgot to take the last one off when swimming)
Then, head to the airport (cry) and fly home.
-Ask people about themselves, they are really nice and have the most amazing stories to tell.
-Say "hello how are you" to anyone that greets you (hawkers and all) but don't be afraid to still say no or Tidak!, just be nice back!
-Listen to what they are saying, don't dismiss everyone as trying to sell something. But be warned there are a bunch of guys giving out cards for a competition, and it's basically a timeshare scam, we were lucky you have to be over 27, so we just said we were too young.
-Talking with your hands helps alot.
-Smile at everyone
-Don't step on the offerings on the footpath, be respectful.

-Try and go see the memorial to the bombings...it makes you think

-Ask a couple of cabbys some basic words in indonesian, it's fun!
-TAKE ALL YOUR SPENDING MONEY IN AUST $$ IN CASH!! Don't bother with a visa card most places just use cash anyway. Change into rupia over there much better rate. And if you want cash out of an account or Visa card, you have to get to a bank and wait half an hour or use an ATM and risk having your card chewed (this is common apparently).
-Change money at the Kodak shops, don't risk the others.
-go on an ocean cruise and don't chicken out of snorkling there are no sharks and thousands of the most beautiful tropical fish and reef.
-Try a swim up bar in one of the resorts, it's heaps of fun.
-There's a great little resort in Tuban the Green Garden. Good for a more quiet holiday, great day spa!
-Melasti Beach Resort is nice, a bit far away from the action though very cheap.
-Buy one of the Chalak! statues :)
-take cancer council sunblock and use heaps of it.
-Go on volcano tour, it fun but don't get out of the car up the mountain, the hawkers are really really desparate and bad up there. Monkey forest in Ubud is beautifull, monkeys not to cheaky!
-Dont do anything in the resort (ie. use internet, hire DVD player burn CD's make phone calls) big rip off, you can get any of these things way cheaper in the shops.
-The Blue cabs were the most honest but the white cabs were the most fun, just make sure you ask them to put the meter on and you'll be fine.
-Don't bother walking too far cos the cabs are so cheap (we got caught in traffic for over an hour and it only cost about $4) and the airconditioning is very welcome.
-Don't freak out about the roads. There are road rules, even if they are less obviouse, they are very very good drivers/riders.
-Great eats (costs for 2 people including alcoholic drinks):
La Monde Padma St 130000 (lots of Aussies)
Uncle Norms Melasti St 120000
La Porchetta Legian St 130000 (transfers to and from hotel)
Posers Padma St 140000
and for a laugh try their KFC, it's really different.
-Go partying in Legian st early in holiday. We went to the Bounty, stacks of fun!!!
-Get a fake tattoo just before you come home and freak out your mum/kids/hubby etc. They are great and really realistic!
-Always use detol wipes before eating or drinking anything.
-If you want to take a picture of someone, ask them first.
-Arak is a rice wine made over there, very potent (40% alcohol) don't drink too much of it the night before going on a boat ride, but it's a really great drink in moderation! :)
-Bintang was not my thing, but they have a beer called Bali Hai in most places, same price but a bit more of a girls beer.
-If you have airconditioning in your room, leave it on while you sleep cos it doesn't get cool at night like it does in Oz
-you will swim so much that if your hair is dyed, it WILL temporarily turn green, but it's a funny talking point :)

BALI BELLY

Imodium is a common clinical remedy (A$2.00app; take 2 tablets straight away and 1 next morning). Some say this is only a ‘stop gap’ (is that a good choice of words?) for situations where you must travel as it can interfere with the bodily functions and inhibit the flushing out the bacteria and toxins. These antagonists would say that Pepto-bismol is a better way to go.

Another remedy is Norrit, little black tablets available at Matahari Supermarkets in Bali for Rp5500.
Some travellers swear by lots of charcoal tablets from a local ‘Apotic’ (chemist or drugstore).
A recent recommendation with solid (no pun intended) support is Raspberry juice cordial – with at least 30%, preferably more, real juice in the cordial. Mix it strong – 25% cordial: 75% bottled water. Some people have a neat swig every morning before breakfast. In Oz, Coles stock Sunraysia Premium Raspberry Delight – 80% - A$7.99 for 375 ml. Also available from most supermarkets in Bali.

Met some wonderful people over there and I cracked up when I met a lovely woman who was telling me all about the red cordial. Every morning she would give the kids a shot of red cordial and never once, in all the years they’ve been going to Bali, did any of them get sick. Personally I forgot to pack the red cordial myself but I had every other medication under the sun which did come in handy

Bali Belly’ is a pain in the - - - -, for at least 24 hours.
There are many recommended remedies but its best not to get it in the first place. Personal hygiene needs to be watched more carefully than at home, particularly hand washing. You’ll know that you’ve got it about 3-4 hours after you get it – the bug that is. You might not want to believe it at first but a couple of hours later there’ll be no denying it.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THE TAPS!
Be especially careful of this when your guard is down – in your hotel shower and when cleaning your teeth. Keep bottled water in your bathroom at all times. Purchase your own if you are in a cheaper hotel that does not supply it. You must however drink adequate water or you will dangerously dehydrate in the tropical climate. Safe, bottled water is cheap and readily available virtually all over the island. You know you’re on a good thing when you see the locals doing it! Guys (and Gals?) if you use a blade razor to shave do not rinse it under the tap. Rinse it in bottled water also or you might break out in a rash that is not nice in sensitive areas.
Wash your hands after visiting the toilet or handling money particularly. See ‘HEALTH PROTECTION’ below.
Don’t drink using straws as they are washed and re-used in some places.
Don’t buy bottled drinks that are kept cool in ice/water slurry cold chests. Purchase only from refrigerated cabinets.
Ice in the tourist areas is made under government control and should be safe in drinks.
Imodium is a common clinical remedy (A$2.00 app; take 2 tablets straight away and 1 next morning).
Some say this is only a ‘stop gap’ (is that a good choice of words?) for situations where you must travel as it can interfere with the bodily functions and inhibit the flushing out the bacteria and toxins. These antagonists would say that Pepto-bismol is a better way to go. 8 tablets a day, every day, all at once or spread out thro’ the day. Changes the acidity of your gut and drives the bugs out so they don’t multiply faster than your system can handle them.
Loperomide usually works within 1 hour. Others recommend daily Acidophilous tablets as a preventative to ward off the bugs.
Cipro or Ciproxin is a common prescription cure-all anti biotic.
Another remedy is Norritt, little black activated charcoal tablets available at Matahari Supermarkets and many other places in Bali, including many Circle K stores and Mini Marts, for Rp6700 for 40 tablets. 6 to 9 tablets three times a day.
Some travellers swear by lots of Entrostop charcoal tablets from a local ‘Apotic’ (chemist or drugstore). They should not be used with other medication – or at least not within 4 hours as the beneficial effects of both may be cancelled out.
Locals reputedly use SG Tablets from their local ‘Apotic’ (chemist). They are not easy to find and you may be told that they are no longer made. Keep searching.

MONEY EXCHANGE

Kodak shop straight across from Poppies2 for money changing, he’s straight up, all big bills, no BS

Go see Norman at bali aroma (across the road from karika Plaza hotel) show him you passport once then leave it in your hotel safe for the rest of the holiday. He is straight up, no bull**** honest bloke. He will lay the money out for you in 100,000 notes (no tricks) Ive changed near on $5,000 with him the last couple of years and will do so again this year. It is handy to know an honest money changer.

We took AU$ in large clean notes. We avoided small operators and exchanged at places like PT central in Kuta near the Matahari store or at Kodak shops without problems. The money is quite overwhelming at first. We’re not used to a fistful of Rupiah or the large denominations. It would be very easy to get ripped off, so we were happy to take a slightly lower exchange rate with reputable dealers.

You will need your passport when you are changing traveler’s checks

Stick to Kodak express stores

Women money changers generally don’t cheat

BARTERING

Some basic rules: never express any “excitement” about how beautiful an item is or how much you want it. Keep your emotions in check. Before discussing prices you should tell the vendor that you have been to Bali before and that you will not pay some ridiculous high price, but only a fair price. Ask for “morning price”. This expression has importance to the Balinese because it is considered bad luck for a vendor to lose a first sale of the day. The vendor will still quote you a very high price, but perhaps it will be less thaqn what would otherwise be the “first price”. Then offer NO MORE THAN ONE-THIRD of the first price. The vendor will say “bankrupt”(meaning that she will lose money at that price, but that is probably not true)Then tell the vendor that the price she is asking is ridiculous. She will say “How much you pay”. Try to force the price down BEFORE YOU MAKE ANOTHER OFFER. Have some idea about how much you are willing to pay. If you want more than one item you will be able to bargain for a multi-item discount, i.e., 1 for 35,000 rupiah, “how about 2 for 60,000 rupiah? Personally, I will come up a little from the 1/3 I originally offered but never to more than 40 to 45 percent. I rarely finalise a deal involving more that 100,000 rupiah without first walking out of the shop and explaining that I will look elsewhere and maybe come back. Immediately the vendor will drop the price from whatever to the last price. Then from outside the shop you can counter and see what happens. Whatever the price the vendor will say “bankrupt”(meaning she will lose money on the deal).But this is rarely true. At this point you can agree to buy the items, or take another step towards the next shop and the vendor will usually drop the price even further. I rarely feel embarrassed about offering a very low price. After all, the vendor tried to extract an unfair price from me with her first (ridiculous) price! Also remember: Most items are sold elsewhere so it is no big deal if you don’t purchase the item from the first vendor.

Some people never pay more than ¼ of the original asking price. Often start at 80,000rp for everything to get down to 15-25,000rp for T-shits, sarongs etc takes a long time

Paid 30,000rp for something starting at 200,00rp

Cost price is usually a third of the asking price.

Start bargaining at 50-60% lower than the asking price. Do not expect to achieve instant results. If you walk away from the shop, you will almost certainly be followed with a lower offer. If the salesperson agrees to your price, you should really feel obliged to purchase – it is considered very ill mannered to agree on a price and then not buy the article.

Don't stress over 1000 or 2000 rupia -it's only 30 or 40 cents but one or 2 meals to the person you are trying to bargain with.
Don't end up sounding like those pitiful people you will hear bragging about how much they paid for things. It’s fun to get a bargain but the bragging sometimes means that a child eats one less piece of fruit or goes without shoes one more month

the best bargainer is my mum. She says, start at one quarter and see how fast they come down before moving up.
I add the following:
1. If you say you'll come back tomorrow, do it and they'll treat you well.
2. Don't quibble over 50Rp.
3. They will only sell if they are making a profit, no matter what they say to you. The profit may only be Rp1,000, but that won't matter if they are having fun and making friends. Besides, a chump will come along tomorrow and pay two times too much.
4. No matter how much you pay, I guarantee you'll find someone around the corner who would have sold it to you cheaper - they probably wouldn't have, but you may go to them the next time!
5. Remember, smile and have fun and it won't matter how much.
Oh, and there'll be a tourist back at the hotel saying, "you paid THAT much?" Don't pay any attention to them.
Firstly remember to be friendly but firm with them. We have found that having a joke with them is a good ice breaker. Go for a 1/3 of the price and come up to 1/2 but also remember that things are still a good price over there and so you might be arguing over $1.00 that the seller might need far more than you. If you can afford to buy a hat for $15.00 and you know you are getting it a lot cheaper than at home, then is it really worth beating them down for an extra couple of dollars?
We are still going to the same stall (126) in the Art Markets that we have been going to since 1985. (Hi Nyomen) and our last trip, we didn't even bother to bargain with her because we knew she would do us a good deal and that she could do with the money.
Once you find a favourite seller, you will find that they will go out of their way to get you things in if you like them, like a certain brand of tshirt etc.
Anyway, don't be nervous. After the initial culture shock, (usually over by the end of the first day), you will be bargaining with the best of them. Have a fantastic holiday.
HAIR & NAILS

Went to Melasti Spa and had a pedicure, manicure, frangipanis painted on my nails, and had my hair extensions re-done. Next time I would definitely go there and not bother with the beach. It was 350,000 and took 4 1/2 hours but they were very professional. They washed your hair and had 5 people working on you, gave you drinks etc and were very particular

massage on beach, I normally pay 40,000
same for finger and toe nails done

Fingernails/toenails painted 40,000 for both

What: Hair Extentions.
Price: 250,000 rupiah and it took four hours for two (sometimes three) girls to do it. If you want shorter extentions they charge anything from 150,000.
Where: shop off poppies 1. when u walk down a street, u get women saying, plait yiur hair? hair extensions?
Contact:
What: Hair Extensions
Prices: 150,000rp and 30,000rp to get them out.
Where: MBR

just got back from kuta and I'm not sure about getting them for 15000 but possibly 150,000-300,000. Personally, I had mine done twice, the first time for 200,000rp but when the lady asked me to tell her boss I only paid 150,000 I figured I could have believably got it done for that. So the second time, she only charged me 150,000. Thats about $20-28 australian. It was a great job...good colour match and they stayed in for a long time

TATTOO

TATTOOS – Gary and I have been talking about getting tattoos for a long time, but neither of us had bitten the bullet and actually done it. As I was turning 40 in Bali, I decided I was going to treat myself to a Bali tattoo as a permanent souvenir of Bali and my 40th birthday. I did a lot of homework before I left and spoke to a number of people that had, and had not had tattoos in Bali (thanks for the advice Rosalie, Mangotree and Reikiman). I knew what I wanted – a frangipani on the top of my foot, but armed with nothing more than a vision in my head, I hit the back streets of Bali in search of a tattoo parlor that was right for me.

The first one I looked at was good – neat, clean and lots of examples of previous works on the walls and in photo albums. The first time we went there it was closed; the next time it was open and we had lots of people showing us the “flash” (standard tattoo designs on the walls) and talking to us about designs, but the actual tattooist was fast asleep, and remained so, the whole time we were there which was about half an hour. That in itself was not extraordinary except that we were only 3 feet from the couch on which he was sleeping the whole time…hmmm … not too sure about the level of customer service there ….

The next place I visited was down an alley off Jl legian. Although the guy had good reviews I found the surroundings to be a bit dirty and “hippy” if you know what I mean. There were a lot of people, both Balinese and western, hanging around that didn’t appear to have too much to do.

The 3rd place we visited was Bali Bulldog Tattoo Studio in Gang Camplung Mas, Legian (as recommended by Rosalie – thanks so much Rose).
We were greeted by DJ, the owner. 23 years old and the nicest person you could ever meet. He still lives at home with his parents and while he is living there his parents have forbidden him from getting any tattoos himself !! How bizarre – a tattooist who has none!!
Gary and I immediately felt comfortable with him – his designs were good and his sterilization routine was exactly as we expected and wanted. We told him what we were after and he said to call back the next day to check the drawings. We did, and after a few minor alterations we had what we wanted so we booked in for the next day, our last in Bali, at 2pm.

A friend of ours, Dave, is a renal patient, and had given me some of his anesthetic cream which numbs the skin prior to insertion of the dialysis needles, in case it would help ease the pain of the tattoo (hey I’ve got nothing to prove pain-threshold-wise, I’ve had 2 kids. Well, I diligently applied the cream 1 hour beforehand, wrapped my foot in plastic, and headed off to see DJ at the appointed time with my stomach doing flip-flops. Gary was very cool about the whole thing which was a bit disconcerting for me!

It took about 15 mins of prep work before we got started – Gary was up and running first (with DJ’s friend doing the work) and sat there flipping through a magazine while he was getting done, saying that it didn’t hurt a bit . Gary and I got a bit of a discount as we had them done together. Mine was Rp300 000 (instead of 350 000) and Gary's was Rp750 000 (instead of 800 000)

Anesthetic cream? What anesthetic cream? God forbid I ever have a tattoo without it! I swear having the outline of that tiny little tattoo done was the longest 10 minutes of my life. Everyone said the top of my foot was going to hurt … and it did. The coloring in took about 25 mins and then thank God I was done. I expected to have some pain afterwards but there hasn’t been any at all. Gary still had about 45 mins to go at this stage so I mentioned to DJ that while I was waiting, I’d go to Poppies 1 to exchange some DVD’s that weren’t working. “No worries” he said “I will escort you on my motorbike”. So there I was, 40 years of age, recently tattooed, on the back of a bike belonging to a gorgeous 23 year old Balinese man, hooning around the back streets of Legian. That in itself was worth the price of the tattoo.

I got a tattoo while in bali (dec 2004) quality is fine, they even barter with the prices lol. I can't remember where I got it done, but it's turned out perfectly and no complaints what so ever. v. hygenic. You can usually tell which places are a no go, and which places are sanitised etc.

we always use mr wayan tatoo on benesari street kuta opposite barong hotel on poppies 2 about 150metres on right hygeine is excellent dave

Go for it i had 1 done, go see Mr Dolphin he is behind the tourist police office just ask anybody were he is,he uses aust inks and aust neddles cost me about 800.000pr and i was getting about 7.200 to the $
very clean toke me 7years to do it, when i go back i'am thinking about getting 1 more my brother and his mate had 1 each done his guns are in an autoclaver to keep everthing clean lots of design and one adwards you can buy the cream from the chemist and its a lot cheaper than perth

TEMPORY TATTOO

We were in Bali for the third time in September last year and my son and husband had several tatoos each. The one my son had on the back of his neck was stinging him and when we went back to have them touched up before we left, they would not touch that one up. The tatoo faded away but my son still has a very faint scar on the back of his neck in the shape of the tatoo and that is 6 months later. The rest of the tatoos were fine though. I have just read the article you referred to and I agree that the "henna" they used was indeed black. This was done by the tatoo guys just next door to Delangs near Mataharis. It is the same people who own the small Bagus Watch Stall. They were very friendly guys but I don't think it is worth ending up with a tatoo shaped scar. We are going back again in September this year and will be more careful.

A warning to all who have intentions of getting "henna" tattoos. I have just come back from my GP with my 4 and a Half year old son. The tattoo burnt his arm so bad that he may have permanent scaring. Apparently it is quite a common reaction when the stuff they are using is dodgy.
We have been told that they do all sorts of things like mixing it with petrol or peroxide. Anyway , all I know is that my son's arm is a mess and will be for quite a while if not permanently.
I must add that the treatment he received from the Doctor over there was great. He was at the clinic twice a day and they did everything my family GP said they should have done in that initial period.

The fun thing with these tattoos is they affect some people and not others. Last year both sons had big dragons done on their whole back, there was a little kid from Adelaide that had an arm band done at the same time. Next morning at breakfast we ran into his mum who said they rushed to the medical center that night as her son's arm had swollen up. I thanked my lucky stars my sons where'nt affected and told them that they aren't allowed to get them done again. This trip despite the begging and pleading i didn't let them

I do get one every year from Mandira Mick, never had a problem so Im a licky one but yes, I have seen some really bad affects of the dye on some people

MASSAGES

I go to a salon in poppies lane 2 ,next door to Bounty hotel,called margis.
It has a twin bed room if you want a massage with a girlfriend or even husband.Plus you can have flower bath etc and hair done if you wish.
The place is always full of tuberoses so i extra love it (hehehe).
They are very proffesional and very good but as it is not a large place or poshy....so it is reasonably priced.
75 000 for 1 hour aromatherapy massage
95 000 for 1 1/2 hours massage,body scrub and flower bath
205 000 for massage,facial,manicure and pedicure.
Phone number is 753030 and it is a good idea to book.Opens at 10am and closes around 7pm

I should of passed this on a long time ago.
That Plaza where the Duty free, Matahari and Planet Hollywood is. (Not sure what its called)
There is 2 Salons that have what they call a Creambath.
15000rp for 45 min head massage and if you want your Back done for 1 hour after that only 25000.
I get the head, back and shoulder and Foot massage for 40000
The place i go to is Johnnie Andrees.
The other place is fine as well but i like Johnnies better.

Kozy is located in Kuta on the new sunset road. Just down from the large roundabout at Simpang Siur. There is a big sign out the front. Well worth the visit but its very popular due to the environment and price.
On check in you receive a disc man with your choice of music and a small drink menu where you can order what you like. Upstairs there are large sofa's with foot stools and fish tanks
which creates a very lay-back and relaxed atmosphere.
Most people know of Kozy so taxis and drivers should be able to get you there without any hassle.

Sunset Road, Block A/3, KUTA
Tel: 766 762 / 766 743 (bookings essential)
Email: cozytimes@hotmail.com
Open Daily: 11am-10pm
Treatment Prices range from Rp.35,000 - Rp.156,000

Can recommend following treatments ... HIGHLY!

COZY DeLight - 2 therapists, 1.5hrs
"With one at the top and one at the toes, the therapist's hands move in harmony with eachother, creating a pattern of sensations so pleasurable that you feel almost guilty about the indulgence. Includes COZY Shiatsu Head Massage & COZY Foot Reflexology Aromatherapy Massage"

COZY Dream - 1.5hrs
"Unique combination massage."
COZY Take Me to the Moon - 2hrs
"Body massage using lime blossom oil, foot reflexology and head massage".

COZY You Feel - 2hrs
"Beginning with a deep relaxing massage (COZY Dream session) to ease away muscle tension prior to application of body scrub to cleanse & exfoliate".

They also do manicures, facials & pedicures (1hr treatments).

massage on beach, I normally pay 40,000
same for finger and toe nails done

Massage on the beach (neck/shoulders, full body, foot per half/full hour) -- full hour 30 - 40,000

Massages at the bounty are 50,000rp for an hour. It
at Made Salon I had a massage and body scrub for 45,000rp, I think the massage only is around 30,000. These are great prices so I wouldn’t bother trying to haggle with the ladies on the beach

DAY SPA'S

Where: Bali Mystique
Contact:
Prices: 1 Hour massage RP50,000 for an hour
Where: Green Garden Spa in Tuban
Contact:
Price: 242,000 rupiah. '3 hour treatment called the Royal Bali for Her'. This included a foot scrub, 1 hour body massage, mini facial, body mask and scrub, flower bath, jacuzzi, steam room and swim. Also you are served a cool drink to start and ginger tea and snack after the flower bath.
Where: On the Beach
Contact:
Price: 30,000rp Massage for 40 min's.
Where: hairdresser/beauty salon off Poppies Gang 1

Green Garden Spa
Visited the spa recently as it was a special promotion with our package, the cost for Royal Package was rp240000.
Though this was advertised as half price we met people who had negotiated the same price.
The setting is superb overlooking Tuban beach.
The treatment lasted for around 3 hrs.
I have never felt so good as I did leaving the spa that day and would urge others to try just once to experience a truly relaxing treatment.

LAUNDRY SERVICE

I just cam back from Bali and have a whole suitcase of wonderfully fragrant and clean clothes, thanks to AUSSIE LAUNDRY on Jalan Jelantik in Kuta.
The best place so far and I have tried out lots over the years.
The guy there was soooo nice, he delivered the stuff for free to my hotel and was just the nicest person to talk to as well. Highly recommended

We used the laundry at MBR(much much cheaper than here in Aus) but then we used a laundry in a lane nearby that was half the price again. It is so cheap to have your clothes laundered and they come back beautifully ironed/pressed flat and packaged for you to pack and take home. Try it and you will be delighted!

I had mine done at
YEHRING
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
Poppies 2 Street, No. 9B
0361 754031
they are right across the road from the Internet Outpost
I always have mine done here and it smells so great when I pick it up and nicely folded and ironed

ATM’S

used my ATM card all of the time. The maximum withdrawal at the ATM I used was 1.5 million rp. If you are withdrawing from a Savings Account you need to make sure your card has the PLUS symbol on the back of your card, and then make sure the ATM you use in Bali also recognizes the PLUS symbol. I only used Permata Bank ATM's and had no troubles at all. Permata Bank ATM's are located everywhere in Kuta, Legian, Tuban areas, but I am not sure about other regions.

No problems with them at all.
I was able to withdraw up to 1.5 million rp per day and believe me I did
Never had a card swallowed and as for running out of money not very much may have had the odd close down, but there is always another one close by. But... be ware the banks here sting you $4.00 a withdraw as a transaction fee..
Personally I would bring aussie cash and exchange it here from the banks, that was the easiest and safest and you can keep track of how much you are spending in aussie $$

I use dATMS - no problems - the fee was a bit steep but bearing that in mind I always took out the maximum amount and left unneeded cash in safety deposit box until required. Try to avoid withdrawing daily, as then it will add up - I disliked carrying around too much cash.

Not all of the ATM's have the PLUS symbol, so make sure before you put your card in.

the daily limit on most of them is 1250million rups which is about $170 depending upon the exchange rate of the day. I had a St George visa and they charge $4.00 per transaction. Just make sure that you take your card as they dont pop out here before the money but after the money is released. They are usually air conditioned booths everywhere so this will also provide a bit of relief from the heat.

use the credit card at hotel and department stores and boutiques no problems....most of them accept. Makros though only accepts American express and not visa etc.
Do not ever let them disappear with your card though...keep it in your sight at all times so they don't take and copy it.
The bank told me (after my card was copied) to ring the bank 2 weeks before you travel and let them know where you are travelling to and for how long....then when you get home, they will watch your card and if it is used over there and they know you are not there they will put a stop on it and ring you.So you can travel safe.
Also keep the phone number on the back of your card written down (along with your card number etc) so that if your card gets stolen you can ring (and through an operater is reverse charge) and have it stopped etc.
Cash and credit card and you will be covered.
You can use normal account for eftpos also they have atm's around.
Some banks charge fees.

i used my commonwealth keycard a few times, used the atm next to glory restaurant and also in legian, no problems. The atm next to glory took a while to count out the money, I thought there was going to be a problem, but waited and everything was ok, absolutely no problems with the other, this was in March 2005

TOILETS

A Balinese ‘dunny' is a traveller's worst nightmare – and the worst of the worst is probably one you'll be asked to pay for! I've frequently seen stalwart companions-in-need get just inside the door (opening really), do a U turn and exit without perceptible pause, looking pallid and strained.
Don't think for one minute that nice shops, department stores, or even hotels at times, will have anything other than DUNNIES! Above all, don't expect toilet paper. ALWAYS take your own for emergencies. It's as important as money as soon as you leave your hotel. And remember your dear old mother's advice, "Always go before you leave home."BAD

BAD

Matahari dempersar GROSE

The worst toilet in Bali by far can be found at the Sukawaki markets. If demons lived anywhere you could imagine it would be a place like the dark rancid depths of the toilets at the Sukawaki markets.

Found a toilet worse than the one at Matiharis and the Sukawaki markets, only out of desperation did I have to use the one at the markets in Ubud, I prayed I wouldn't have to go back again, it was truly revolting and guess what, you have to pay to use it as well. I have traveled to quite a few Asian countries and that was the worst so far.

The loo at the Elephant Caves is pretty bad , not as dark and disgusting as the one at Klungkung though

for first timers, never, ever, go to the toilets at Matahari!!!!!

As for the worst I can remember it was in Denpasar near the gold shops just along from the KFC, its in a car park under the buildings, I got near and threw my ring and I have a pretty strong gut

Be-rated XXX DUNNIES – (You've really got to be desperate! Take a deep breath, roll up your trousers, tip toe with the utmost care, peep around the corner – and then decide that you can wait.) The Matahari Department Store, Kuta, upgraded in '02 and now probably fitting into the ‘Loo' category. The Sukawati Markets. Rajah's Café near Matahari's. Fat Yogi's restaurant. Denpasar Markets. Bali Rock Restaurant & Bar (but the rats are very friendly). The Elephant Temple (in)conveniences – ‘Dim, Dark and Dank'. Ramayana Department store in Denpasar. ‘Can you use a toilet with only one hand, because your other will be needed to hold your nose.' Don't ever contemplate sitting. Sharkey's restaurant at Jimbaran Bay.

GOOD

best toilet is at the hard rock. lift your bum off the seat and it automatically flushes.

Best restaurant toilet is at papas and then TJ's

RAJA’S RESTAURANT – near Matahari’s, Kuta Square. We went here for breakfast and the food was good, reasonably priced, although nothing spectacular. The highlight of this restaurant however is not the food, but the girl’s toilet. Go see for yourself – what were the architects thinking ???????

My husband thinks Aromas toilets are fantastic. Our daily ritual is to have breakfast and then go for a long walk/shop. Our halfway point is always Aromas, I sit down and order our daily wheatgrass shot and drinks and he disappears for what seems like ages to his "retreat". He thinks it's heavenly. Strange!

For possibly the best (or one of the best) toilets in Bali try the bird park my wife came out singing its praises, i went in to have a look , its fit for a king.

Rated A++ TOILETS – (In which you can take your ease with out concerns.) Papa's Restaurant – "The Best In Bali" according to ‘Mango'. Dirty Duck Restaurant, Ubud. TJ's Mexican. The Holiday Inn, Tuban. You pay at the Bird Park but it's rated at 11/10. Pacung Indah Restaurant, Ubud. Is this the same as the Pacung Indah in Bedugul which Rosemary says is the best in Bali? Bali Qui Restaurant. Carusoes on the beachfront in Seminyak. Poco Loco Restaurant, Legian. Bakery Restaurant at Gazebo Hotel. Lo's Warung. Kori's. Kunyit Restaurant. Ku-de-Ta. Aroma's – cleanest and most attractive in Bali. Macaroni Club. Kin Khao restaurant, Tuban. Aromas Café in Legian Street has new facilities ('02). La Lucciola Restaurant. The ‘Gunnas' restaurant, the Indo-National Bar & Restaurant on Jl Sahadewa 13D between Melasti and Padma streets, Poppies Restaurant in Poppies Lane (‘Gang') I. MacDonald's Restaurants are also good. The Neka Gallery in Ubud is worth a visit for another reason too. Mamas German Restaurant. Paddies Bar – there's even a bloke to hold the hand towel for you, perhaps to ensure you don't pinch it? Peppino's restaurant in Peppito's Supermarket, Jl Kediri 36A, Tuban. 'Floors you could eat off'! Papas on the beach at Kuta. Rumours Restaurant in ‘Eat Street', Jl Laksmana, Kerobokan.

TAILORS

Having worn one of my favorite business shirts on the journey here, I thought I might get some more made up so it was off to see -- Ali Baba the tailor. Now he is in Gang Samudera which runs between Jl Kartika Plaza and JL Wana Segara. He turned out to be quite a find and I now have 4 copies of my old shirt in very good quality cotton. They were excellently put together with double stitching and I am very pleased. Cost per shirt AUD$18.50.

Alus Tailor in Kuta. Asri is the owner. You will get exactly what you want and it will be perfect. She is the best in Bali.

"Alus Tailor and Boutique" is located at Jl Raya Kuta no.40B, phone (local) 753646 and Asri will send her driver to collect you from your hotel if you want.
She has a huge array of materials and will make to your exact measurements. She does quality work and her prices are reasonable for the quality of the work.
I have known her since about 1980 and she is totally trustworthy.

Rizky Leather in Poppies 11. Roni has a tailor now. He's very good. I am very pleased with my stuff. I took my own material but my sister chose material from their samples. He also has lots of pictures, magazines etc to choose your design or just take a picture. very reasonable prices of course. can't recall exactly how much. Y

I get ladies suits made for approx $52Aus and they are great quality. The fabric is good and always washable. I would think that they would do a great job with mens suits and they have a fantastic range of fabrics.

Try Aristo at Merry's collectionfor tailor made men's suits.My husband says his suits are fantastic,the most comfortable he has ever worn (& he is fussy with his suits)
At the prices he charges it is not worthwhile hiring a suit,just go & see him on your 1st day & he will definately have it ready within 6 days. They cost about $100 with 1 pair of trousers or about $125 with 2 pairs.You can choose your own fabric & style of suits & he has excellent quality fabrics.Both Kermy & myself have been to him for ladies clothes as well.The frog had ladies 3 piece suits made for about $65 & I had a large varity of ladies jackets & after 5 wear made a good prices.He has also made a lovely leather jacket for me for $100. I think other forumites have been to him since I started talking about him.
His shop is in Jalan Padma Utara almost opposite a Circle K store.As you come out the Melasti beach resort walk North go around the bend & his comfortable air conditioned show room will be on the next corner - near Bali Coconuts hotel.I am confident that you will be happy with any clothes he may make for you
Janoko in Poppies 2. I had 4 pairs of smart casual trousers and 4 pairs of shorts made, copies of ones I took with me, from material I chose from their good range, for AU$103 the lot.
not sure about the spelling, but its called House of Kamungs, opposite the old Casa Padma. Good quality, great price and probably the most helpful people in regards to suits I have dealt with in Bali …………Agree- they are great. Had a suit made for my son. Great material and cut $100
We used Brisbane Tailors on Three Brothers Lane in Legian and also Janoko on Poppies 2. I'd be here all day if I were to gush about Janoko. We had made mens suits, mens shirts, women's pants made, lined jackets and a few items that were made from modified sketches which ALL turned out PERFECTLY. No alterations were made.
Brisbane Tailors on the other hand, they were quite expensive for what they made compared to Janoko and I had to have several alteration fittings for just one pair of pants.
I had two suites with two extra pants made for $120.00 ozzie dollars
They had a good selection of materials to choose from and I am very happy with the workmanship.
JANAKO in Julan Poppies 2 just down a little from the Bagus Bar and on the same side. They were ready in two days!!
I had a suit made at Brisbane International Tailoring, also a short walk from MBR. This was an interesting experience… you choose your fabric from samples and then they head in to buy it from the markets in Denpasar. For less than A$200 I got a fully lined jacket, 2 x skirts, pants and 2 x shirts, all very well made, nice finish. Once again, I could probably have bargained more, but the jacket alone would have cost me $200 at home…
I had 4 business shirts made last August at C & D Tailors Gang Samudra 59, Tuban (just off Jl Kartika Plaza), Tele 361 674493. Mob 0813 3861 1016.
I took my best fitting shirt with me and asked Ali to copy it and he did a superb job, each one cost AUD$17 and were perfectly made including the "double stiching" I'd asked for. The material for the 2 navy shirts was (and is) superb while the white cotton material was not quite as good. It is up to you if you take material with you however, there is a wide selection there and Ali will go out of his way to find what you want. Although I took my shirt with me he still measured me up as though I was being "fitted".
an excellent tailor is Asri mara of Alus Tailor and Boutique.
her address is Jl Raya Kuta no.40B and her phone number is (local) 753646 (or from here 001162361753646)
she takes very careful measurements and can make anything !
hers is quality work.
she will send her driver to your hotel to pick you up, and is a wonderful woman to boot !
LEATHER GOODS
My wife bought two leather jackets from Rizky leather just off Poppies 2 (thanks Yevisha) and are very happy with the quality of workmanship. One bikie style in brown, crumpled-look leather [cow, more expensive] cost 800,000. Zippers and stitching excellent. The other jacket, a 3/4 length black in goat leather (ve-e-ery soft) cost 900,000. We may have got these cheaper by looking around but didn't want to cross the fine line between cheap price and poor workmanship/materials. It's all about balance I reckon.
We used him for leather jackets and shoes just last week. I know he also does boots. Good service and excellent quality.
on the recommendation of friends I had clothes made at Janoko in Poppies 2 and will certainly go back.
We just got back a couple of weeks ago and I had two jackets made at French Leather, the address is Jl. Sahedewa No 4 C Legian, Kuta. The street runs between Melasti Street and Padma Stree. I took a woolen jacket I had and got them to copy it in Black Leather. It was a 3/4 trench coat style which was double breasted and that cost $120. The other one I got was from a design they had in the store which was a knee length jacket. I had that made in very dark purple leather and that was $130. Both a fully lined, really soft leather and I went into the shop on the Sunday afternoon and picked them both up on the Tuesday afternoon. They had lots of styles to choose from and also books to look at. Also lots of different colours of leather and all of it was very soft. You an take a photo of a style you like and they will copy it.
had a leather jacket made last week at Dolphin leather in Sahadewa st Legian, cost $135 aud. They did a great job, would recommend them
did get mine made from Dolphin Leather Shop in Legian and we got one for a male and one for a female made, they were both to just above the knee with covered buttons and side pockets and they cost $135AUD each and were made from buffalo leather, the prices vary depending on the leather. I highly recommend Dolphin Leather Shop.
When I was in Bali in sept/oct this year I found this great leather place called French Leather Collection. They are made to order - wholesale and retail and their leather is beautiful. The shop is located in Jalan Sahadewa in Legian about half to 3/4 of the way down the street.
They are really professional and their shop is really clean. They have things pre made that you can buy as well. I bought a real leather satchle bags, (the ones that are everywhere in Australia) for $20. They were the only place I could find them. They copy things from Australian magazines. The bag has been really good as I use it everyday.
The guy that owns it speaks fluent English and to me he sounded like he had an Australian accent.
Even if you don't use this guy be sure to have a wonder down Jl Sahadewa they have some great shops down there especially Miss Jenny Shop. If you go in there and ask for any surf brand things like billabong, roxy they will take you down a side lane into their village. In there they have set up a whole shop selling all the copy brand name things. So don't be alarmed when they take you down the side lane because the vilaage is actually a really nice one, compared to the dirty ones.
I had a jacket made and a handbag copied by Matty at French Leather in Garlic Lane.I am happy with my jacket although the zip seemed a little stiff at first.My zip on the handbag was dodgy from the start and I had to have it repaired in Oz.I paid $35 for the bag and thought this was a fair price but then had to pay $15 here to have it repaired and now the zip has broken again.I emailed Matty to let him know about the bag and he has offered to fix it for me when I return next.A nice offer but doesn't help me in the meantime.Just make sure you check things well before you leave Bali.I have heard from this forum many reccommendations for Dolphin Leather also in Garlic Lane ( I think opposite French Leather ).I paid $100 for my waist length black jacket. Hope this helps.
he's a great guy. beautiful workmanship. i can recommend him as i've been a customer for quite a few years now. good prices too. he has a tailor on board now too. everyone who's been there is happy with their purchases.
Hendra at Florence Collection in Benesari St Near rear of Adhi Dharma cottages.(0361765947) is the go. Top quality zips, thick soft leather and perfect fit. Price depends on what type of jacket. As usual negotiate price.

AIRPORT PORTERS

Official rate for luggage handling by porters at the airport is Rp1,500/item. (Approx Aus 35 cents.) The Chief of the Airport Authority requests that porters demanding more be reported to him. However, this is perhaps not the best time to be technically correct but mean spirited.

We weren't prepared when we got to the airport on our first trip. Had no Rup. Got swamped by porters, ended up having to fork out $50.AUD for them to take our luggage to the taxi!!!!
You gotta laugh...

get through better if you use them and i would pay no more than 5000rp a bag and that is the correct price i am sure.
I only use them if i am struggling.

This has happened to us every trip except the first one. I never have had the porters grab our luggage without asking us first but on payment time demanding A$20. They certainly know what bugger off means. I also have never had a porter push pass other passengers to get you through customs nor would I expect them to. Have seen customs go through people,s luggage who don't use porters. I usually give them 20,000rp.

Regarding Porters, in the past we have tended not to use them on the way through customs, but then use them on the return trip and we have always been stopped by customs. We plan to use them both ways next trip, cause we tend to feel that customs don't tend to harras those who use porters. Last time we wanted Porters to carry our bags, but none would cause there were white numbers all over our bags, got busted for bringing in Champagne.

always have a few bags and wheelchairs to off load. I pay 5,000rp per item to the porters and find them good value. I tell the porters how much I'm paying before they touch a bag. This verbal agreement as always worked for me.

5.000 is a fair amount. If you have a few bags though I would pay more. This is not a tip but their wage.
People often make this mistake. This is their wage. If they perform a service you must pay them. A tip is something you get above your wage.
I now always use the porters. They get you through customs quickly. The only time I got searched was when I did not use a porter, coincedence? maybe.

TIPPING

Balinese do not generally expect tips but generosity is appreciated. It is sometimes difficult to tip an individual person in a restaurant as a tip included in the bill often simply goes into the open-ended bucket along with the “Service Charge” that you’ll find on almost everywhere. If you want to single out and show appreciation to a particular waiter then ask them to come back after the bill has been quite finalised, then use their body as a shield from the peering eyes of the boss, give them something, ‘For you’. It is a frequent occurrence that the person who brings the bill is not the person who actually served you but the boss who is hoping you will not be alert and will give him the tip. On the other hand it’s very easy to round up the fare to the next 1000 or 5000 rupiah and thereby give a taxi driver a reward for his (otherwise very cheap) services.

For good and friendly service at our favourite cafes/bars I usually leave the change or 5000 to 10000 and try to make sure that the person who serves us gets it. If they share later then that's up to them.

Also we normally give 10,000 to whoever takes our luggage up to our room when we arrive.

Tip room service guys 5,000rp and they were happy. But tip 30,000 to caddies and they looked disappointed.

SURFBOARDS

Plenty of Mals on the beach in Legian , you can hire for around 15000 an hour or negotiate a day rate, Take your own wax as they never have enough. I would take my own board!

I always hire my boards from Jimmy on Kuta beach at the back of the INNA Kuta (old Natour Hotel) just near Suyets Beach Bar. Just ask at Lifesaving post or Satgas (Security).

You can hire surf and body boards along the Kuta beach area. Quite often they are pretty old and worn out. Another option is to go to the surf board repair places up the lanes off the beach (eg Poppies 1 and 2)- I hired a reasonable body board and fins for 3 days. If you have big feet (like me - size 11) you might have to look around a bit. Get far better rates if you hire for a number of days (and of course bargain!!)

hi there i just rented surfboards of the beach for about 2 aussies dollars for an hour

we don't bother hiring one from the beach anymore.
We've got to know the guys in the surf shop near Warung 96,on the opposite side of the road.It's in the lane that runs off Poppies 2 that heads up to Jalan Benesari. This surf shop is right next door to the open fronted pizza place that has the pizza oven shaped like a beehive.We usually hire it for several days at a time & get it for 20,000 rupiah per day.Shortly after we arrive our son goes in,says hello to the guys he knows & picks out the board he wants to hire & then one of them delivers it to our hotel room on his motor bike.When we are ready to return it we just phone them to come & pick it up.

we pay this year in feb 30.000 for 1 hour for a boogie board . we didnt use our hour and they were rapt that they got them back early but they were well worth it , we had a ball.so about 5 bucks or so for the hour thats nothing.

SURFING

if you were thinking of surfing Kuta reef. You only have to walk out the beach front of the hotel, turn left (south) and walk down the beach to catch a ride with a fisherman (for about 20 000 - 30 000rp return) out to the reef.

Kuta Reef can get pretty hairy (sucks up and gets barrelly), especially on low tide, so if you're not real experienced but keen to surf it I'd look at going out mid to high tide.
I'd say that Kuta Reef is less dangerous than the beach breaks when there is a rip because, being a reef, the waves tend to break pretty consistently in the same place and you can always paddle out to deeper water to get back out. Sit on the shoulder for a while when you get there and watch the better surfers. See which waves of a set they take off on and watch for when closeouts might happen.
It breaks when the swell (south is best) is 1 - 1/2m and can handle up to 2m. It's pretty exposed to wind (south east is offshore) so go out early and it'll be less crowded too. There is a smaller section not so far out as the main break but this gets a lot of bodyboarders on it.

just go to the kuta end of kuta beach and you will see the boat shed just give them 20,000 rupea and they will drop you out at kuta reef just tell how long you want to stay out than they will come back and get you

There are surfing spots in and around Nusa Dua, Ellie, and here they are:
Nusa Dua Reef
Paddle (fairly long) or hire a boat on the beach which lays close to the Aman Nusa Resort. It's a hollow, powerful right hander which works best on an outgoing tide with a SW or SE swell and NW, W or SW wind.
Geger Beach
About 5 minutes from the Bali golf course Nusa Dua, it's another fast and fun reef break that you could paddle out to or take a boat. Works best on incoming or out going tide, NE, E or SE swell and NW, W or SW wind.
Sri Lanka
Another reef/coral fun right hander in front of the Nusa Dua Club Med with a 10 min paddle or a boat. Works best on a rising or falling tide and a southerly swell and SE wind.

Serangan

Turn into a bumpy road from the by-pass and head to Turtle Island. Pass the garbage depot and just keep going straight until you find yourself in a place that looks like a rocky desert. Go to the beach houses which come into sight. A fun (but fairly short) right and left hand reef/coral break that needs a S or SE swell and NW, W or SW swell.
Green Ball
From Nyang-Nyang, go to the Bali Cliff Hotel, turn off to the left before reaching the entrance of the hotel.From the parking lot, walk down to the beach. A right hand hollow reef/coral break working best on a changing tide, SW or SE swell and offshore or no wind at all.
From Nusa Dua, you could travel north to Sanur for more reef breaks and Padang Galak beach, west to Airport lefts and rights or, as mangotree suggested, go to Ulu's, Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland or Belangan. These places aren't that long a car trip and would be much better if there was an easterly wind.
Take booties and an extra leg rope and don't wear green when you surf at Uluwatu (it's bad luck)

The best spot for your surfie mate will be Uluwatu. Even the beach breaks around Kuta & legion are fun to surf & also there are the reef breaks about 1 km out off Kuta . Just catch a boat out to the reefs.You are going to Bali at the best time off the year & will have a ball..

HAWKERS

Here are a few tips to avoid problems with hawkers.

• Let the sellers get used to seeing you, walk past with a simple "hello"
• Saying "no thank you" or "tidak terima kasih" in a friendly way but firmer if they persist.
• Lead any conversation away from selling,
eg
What is your name ?
How are you ?
Where do you live ? Is that far from here ?
That is a pretty .................. you are wearing
Isn't it hot today ?
• Try to use humour to again detract the attention away from selling
• Buy a piece of fruit or drink or bottle of water and offer to buy them one too. I give a hawker on the beach money and she gets me fruit (mangosteen, rambutan, salak, nashi pear, etc) from the market. When she gives them to me, I share the fruit around.
• Don't look at, ask about, ask the price of or enter into any bargaining until you are ready to interact on your terms and you are pretty sure that you will want to buy something.
• Avoid saying something like "maybe tomorrow" or "later" because they will remember.

It takes practise, but once you become experienced and a common respect is established, you can relax and enjoy the company of the balinese people. In many situations, they too will enjoy a good chat

WATCHING FOOTBALL

Try the stadium bar opposite Kuta Art Markets. They have a large screen and vrious small screens around the restaurant. There is a noticeboard at the front of the bar with notification of all games to be screened that day. Ask for a cold glass for your Bintang.

Hi all, just want to know, went to stadium one night for a beer and was hit with 55% tax and service charge, which took 2 bintang drafts from 16,000 each to 50,000 for 2. At other places if they do have tax are never above 15%. I think we should boycott the place, especially when the night manager told me they only have it on the first page of the menu right down the bottom in tiny writing, and don't tell you until you recieve the bill. He said i get aussies all the time. So beware all you sports freaks like me. There are plenty of good sports bars let me know of the ones you find. I like Rhum bar on rum jungle road, big screen anf freezing bintang.

try the bagus pub in poppies lane, its about 60 mt from jl legian. top pub with lots of aussies and real good for footy.

The Pub
situated on Jl Bunasari (which is the southern extension of Legian St) about 50m short of Jl Bakung Sari. (t junction) . Also some of the coldest beer in Bali into the bargain...

Couple of places to watch the footie.
1. Tom's Sports Bar Sanur
2. The Stadium, Jalan Kartika, Kuta
3. The Stadium, Jalan Padma, Legian
4. Bali Aussie, Jalan Melasti, Legian
5. Legian Gardens restaurant, Jalan Melasti, Legian
in Kuta! Great food, staff and very cold Bintang. Also great cocktails Doobette Bagus informs me. The toilets here are fantastically clean (good after all the Bintang and cocktails LOL). In the Ramayana Hotel complex, opposite Kuta Art Markets, on Jalan Kartika Plaza. I was there August last year watched Geelong kick Freemantle's butt. 2 big screens and great atmosphere. Will be back August this year!
MEDICAL TREATMENT
The doctors that the hotel calls usually seen to be OK. We used one once and our son is allergic to most anti biotics but when he got back to Aust and showed the GP here he was most impressed. Also a friend suffers with migraines and was given some medication in Bali that comes from France but not availaqble here.
BIMC, Bali International Medical Clinic is for visitors, but make sure you have a credit card and travel insurance. You have to pay straight away and the charge it $250.00 per visit. A friend had to use them in December and this is what she had to pay up front. She did say the service was very good.
I've had the hotel doctor in twice, cost about $150 on each occasion including injections, antibiotics, etc and always had a good result.
Our son went to the 24 hr Clinic in Tuban. Once again excellent service and very economical. Virtually no waiting.
Called a Hotel Doctor to a smaller hotel in Tuban to help with a youth who had split his foot open & his mates couldn't stop it bleeding. The doc came complete with nurse at about midnight, cleaned and stitched the foot and came back another 3 times to change the dressings, all for the same price of $150.
Should you require medical treatment or need to see a doctor most hotels will have a doctor they can call for you.

The other alternative is to go to BIMC (Bali International Medical Clinic) which is strategically located on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, opposite the large roundabout (Simpang Siur) and Duty Free Galeria, just outside Kuta and central to both Sanur and Nusa Dua. With easy access and just five minutes to the international airport, this location is ideal and well-positioned should medical evacuation be required. The staff here speak English. To contact them
Phone - 62-361-761263.

HAIRDRESSERS

Just returned today friday ,I had a colour and cut at Yopies which is located outside of Mataharies at Denpasar Galleria, salon run by a bunch of drag queens who were very entertaining throughout the process, my friend who was with me is a hairdresser and reckons they are all good at what they do, the total cost was 106,000 which equates to $14.72, cant bet that for value.

I've watched this reasonably hot looking hairdresser at Bodyworks II work his magic quite a few times (never used him myself) and been amazed at how good he is. From what I can gather there are two male hairdressers there, I'm talking about the one with the long hair

I was over in Kuta for 16 months so found a hairdresser I was more than happy with. It is De Luzern, Istana Kuta Galleria,Jl Raya Kuta,and Jl Patih Jelantik. If going by taxi, tell them Central parking, not Bali Galleria. It is in the little group near food court, opposite Planet Surf,near supermarket. Fanny owns it, Jimmy took care of my colour, and Yoyo is briliant cutter. They are all jakarta trained. Tell them Anna from Melbourne sent you, and i will see them in January. Telephone: 0361769168. Ask about taking your own colour first. I have never had a problem and have caramel colour underneath and blonde on top, very cheap compared to Aussie prices and great people .

TRANSPORT

KADEK

This is always a hot topic on the forum and its great that many of us have our own drivers and recommend them to friends and others. Well I am going to give Kadek a bit of a plug to get a bit more business to support his recently newborn little girl. He is a lively but very polite young guy who has a great sporty 5 seater with a great stereo and I often send him CD's with friends that go to Bali and they all love him.
His name is Kadek and his contact details are:
(Ph) 0817552841

We owe the BEST holiday we have ever had in no small way to Kadek. Scotty was right, he does feel like part of your family after a very short time.
Nothing was too much trouble for him. He is not only good for the younger travellers. We enjoyed his humour and our girls (8 and 10) thought he was just fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble for him and it didnt matter if your day trip finished at 4pm or 9pm! We used him 3 times on our trip and each day was an adventure and very memorable.
His car was immaculate and the hardest thing was to be able to shout him lunch on our last day. Thank you Scotty for recommending this wonderful young man.

I too can vouch for Kadek and his ability to be a brilliant driver and entertain you for a whole day.
I was in Bali in November and Kadek took us on two day trips, one which ended at Sharkeys restaurant in Jimbaran Bay, he waited for us to finish our dinner at 11pm and drove us back to our hotel, top guy he is!!!
He can speak fantastic English, an immaculately clean car and the best bit of all was to hop in a car in Bali and hear my style of music playing, thanks to Scotty and his CD's!
Kadek is brilliant!!

Kadek charges 300,000 per day.
Its about $45 for as long as you need him

Kadek was on hand for us pretty much from Day 1 until my last night yesterday when he came to say goodbye before I checked out and he's an absolute legend. As its all been said before, great bloke, great music, great sense of humour, great fun, great value. Anyone looking for a driver, don't go past him! Some of these young guys with young families can use all the support they can get from us and Kadek is a gem. An absolute pleasure to have met him.
Highly highly recommended

Get a driver..... they know the roads and the traffic and the places to go.

Our driver Kadek was wonderful. He took us out for as long as we wanted, had a great air-con car and was great fun to be with.

You can email him on kadek79@yahoo.com

He costs 300,000 (about $45) per day..... for as long as you want. Can't recommend him highly enough. A young fellow, but great with kids as well

OTHER DRIVERS

if you need a really great driver / guide please consider elvy's he is good bloke ,great sense of humour and know just about every about Bali.He has a very reliable car and he is always on time and nothing is too much trouble.He can pick you up either from the airport and take you to your hotel or if you collect you from your hotel for a great day out ,you will fell very safe he also speak very good english ,if you would to contac him ,either email on
made_balidriver@yahoo.com or mobil 081558049784

Wayan Manca (mobile 081805507062, home 0361 751770). We have known Wayan for 8 years and he never lets us down. He was working at the Intan Legian when we first met him and he drove us around on his days off. When the Intan closed down he lost his job and any pay they owed him. Wayan has three kids and really is a hard worker. He also speaks really good English, is an excellent driver and knows Bali like the back of his hand.

I can highly recommend Wayan Sukadana. He is a very responsible driver, has excellent English, is great company( and is great with kids) and will not overcharge you.Call him on 08123806187, you wont be sorry.

I can highly recommend Ketut Musna. He is very reliable, very clean and well dressed, has a 4 wheel drive type car (which is air-conditioned) and has a great sense of humour. He drove us everywhere, and we also have twins (now 12) and an 8 year old, plus 4 adults. Say hi if you ring him from us (tell him we're the stupid ones who missed our plane!)

I need to mention the driver who took us around for 3 days.
He was amazing, reliable and really made our trip memorable.
Took us to Ubud, Kintamani Volcano, Git git, Ubud....anywhere and everywhere.
He even took us to some cock fighting near his village, which was an experience as we were the only westerners there.
The best thing was that it was entirely at our own pace . His name is Made Wardana, but he like to be called Smiley.
English is great, and has an air conditioned Toyota 4WD. His number is +623617565063.
Magnum (Wayan Winasa) - he can be contacted on
081 2376 1977
magnumw@hotmail.com - his web address is www.balimagnumtours.com
He was fantastic last time we were there.... lots of fun, lots of laughs, happy all the time, chatty... great English.... great bemo... we are booking him again for this year!

Our friend Jimmy was there to welcome us home and esky with bintangs(oh yes he is well organized) he can accomadate7 people and yes he is great, speaks english very well, great sense of humour can highly recomend. here is his mobile number 08123970388 sure you will be more than pleased with him.
will pick up from the airport if needed too. email address is jimmyjimbaran@hotmail.com if you like to email him

Had a phone call from Wayan Sukadana, our favourite driver in Bali,after years of hard work and a lot of negotiating with the bank he has bought his own car at last. The leap of faith taken in committing himself to the bank is huge but he is convinced this is the turning point in his business.
SO if you are looking for a driver and like the idea of airconditioned comfort a cd player, great company- Wayan is your man. The car seats 8 adults in comfort and Wayan is a licensed tour guide with great English and great knowledge/
call him on his mobile 081 2380 6187 nothing is too much trouble for him

Wayan Nama is back ;-) Bali´s probably best driver/guide is back in business after a few years absence due to some Villa project. He is 43 years old, married and has a little boy He drives very safely and knows many places in Bali where tourist normally doesn´t come (except with him ;-) ) He speaks very good english and has been to both US and Europe and knows how people think in these areas of the world and what people expect of him when he is they driver/guide. He charges around 250.000rp - 300.000rp for a whole day. he drives either a Daihatsu Van or VW cabriolet (the one on the picture)depending on how many persons are going on a trip. (The VW is good, ´cause you get the smells of Bali while going around) You can contact him at the following adress namasiwa@yahoo.com or by phone 08123956811 If you contact him, please tell him that Jesper from Denmark send you and he will take special care of you ;-)

CAR & DRIVER

Half day hire approx 4 hrs (depends on mileage) RP 150000 - 200000
All day hire approx 6-8hrs (depends on mileage) RP300000 - 450000
Tuban - Kuta RP 6000 - 8000
Kuta -Legian RP 6000 - 8000
Legian - Semniyak RP 6000 - 8000
Tuban – Nusa Dua RP 35000 - 40000
Kuta – Tanah Lot RP 60000 - 70000
Kuta – Sanur Beach RP 30000 - 50000
BLUE TAXIS Airport - Kuta RP 16500
“ - Legian RP 20000
“ - Jimbaran RP 20000
“ - Seminyak RP 25000
“ - Denpasar RP 26000
“ - Oberoi RP 26000
“ - Kerobokan RP 28000
“ - Nusa Dua RP 30000
“ - Sanur RP 35000
(Short trips 4 Persons or less best with metered Blue Cabs)

We pay the same, between 150-200,000 for half day & 300,000 for the full day. Seems like it is pretty much the going rate. Some will surely try for more if they can - good luck to them because it really isn't much divided by 6 passengers.

I tend to only use the driver for day trips generally and taxi's around locally (god forbid I walk! lol). 300,000RP for a driver for a day trip tends to be the going rate and I always give him extra at the end to thank him for a great time & great service

First, Make sure the car you hire for...good AC or not too.
price is ok.
Petrol is increasing now...give tips that make driver happy.

TAXIS

The most reliable taxi service in Bali is the light blue "Bluebird Taxi's". They always use their meter and it always works properly. if you need a taxi just stand out on the street and I can guarantee you a Bluebird will drive past within 5 minutes at the most!

It's a bit of a gamble though if you use white taxis or the darker blue ones - they may not put the meter on, it may be "broken" , or it may even go super fast as has happened to us on several occasions.

TAXI'S
FARES IDR -RUPIAH $AUS NOTES
Taxi – All day 200,000 – 350,000 rp $31 - $55
Tuban - Kuta 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Kuta -Legian 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Legian - Semniyak 6,000 rp –8,000 rp $1.20
Tuban – Nusa Dua 35,000-40,000 rp $5.35
Kuta – Tanah Lot 60,000 rp $9.27
Kuta - Uluwata 80,000 – 90,000 rp $13.00
DRIVERS
blue cab and paid him RP200,000 for the day out.

NUT ALLERGY
we too have a child with a nut allergy. We spent 3 weeks in Bali last June & will be spending 4 weeks there this June. I, too, was concerned about things like nuts in food & satay spoons being used to dish up my daughter's meals, etc. We had absolutely no problems & we ate ate everything from dishes at little hole-in-the-wall warungs through to resort food & take away. there are loads of choices of nut-free foods everywhere in Bali. Peanut oil is no longer widely used for cooking.
We took the usual precautions- carrying antihistamine & 2 epi-pens (along with a letter from our doctor for the airlines - which we have never been asked to produce). We also armed ourselves with the following sentence - kindly provided by someone here on the forum:
"Annaku tidak bisa makan kacang karena nanti bisa masuk rumah sakit" which roughly translates to:
"My child will have to go to hospital if he/she eats any peanut product" - this was widely understood.

We also have had the same problem with travelling to Bali with a child with Peanut Allergy. We take the same preventatives as dromomanic does with the antihistime and epi-pens x 2 we also give our son a half a zyrtec tablet everyday as a preventative measure as he also reacts with contact to peanuts. We have been to Bali twice with him now and are going again in 2 weeks and have eaten heaps of different places with no problems.

In the year 2000 we travelled to Bali with a family that had a child with a life threatening allergy,and what they did was they had a letter type up by their doctor here in Australia, in Indonesian explaining the allergy,we ate anywhere and everywhere and he was fine.
The staff at all the restaurants and hotels were really excellent and totally understood the problem.

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply but I must be honest I forgot and when I remembered I got lost in other peoples posts. We had no problems at all with my daughter's nut allergy. Every restaurant we went to we asked if they cooked in peanut oil and none did and also if there were any peanuts in any of her order. She ate all indo food like nasi goreng, mee goreng, sweet & sour just about everything except satay and any actual nut dishes like chicken and cashew etc. Breaky was fine as was all other meals. So honestly tell your friend to be mindful but not stress. All you need to do is make the chef aware and they are fabulous.

GARLIC LANE

Most taxi drivers do not know what you are talking about when you say you want to o to Garlic Lane. It's correct name is Sahadewa Street/Jalan. Comining up Melasti street from the beach it runs off on he left. Just before the first clump of markets. As mentioned it has great shops/restaurants etc. We never miss a trip to Garlic Lane. The street name is on the pole at the start of the street

runs between Melasti and Padma streets hope you find it some good shops

SECTION 2

SHOPPING

SHOPPING: -

When shopping you will more than likely get ripped off at first no matter how prepared you are (you end up just feeling sorry for them), but don't fret you'll get better.
-Don't shop on your very 1st day in Bali, just chill out or you'll end up stressed out.
-Start shopping in an area that is fairly busy (like poppies lane or legian st) they are not so desparate and hence not so scarily pushy.
-Don't get sucked in by someone who calls out a price for some thing (especially if it sounds really cheap) once you show interest the price will start to go up. Pick what you want, ask the price, then start bargaining, anytime the process is any different to that, don't get yourself into it.
-Worst hawkers I found were the women wanting to braid my hair, they would grab my hair and are alot harder to get away from, so get braided early on, cut it short or tie it up well.
-Don't pay more than:
15000Rp Hats
30000 Shirts
10000 DVD's
30000 Sunnies
50000 Watches
50000 Perfumes
20000 Sarongs
15000 Shell Jewelery (bit more for mother of pearl or marble)
and I got a fully reinforced cow hide motorbike jacket made from a picture for 1000000Rp. (excellent quality)
In some of these cases this might still be a bit high, just use your judgement and try and divide the price by 6000 to get approximate dollars.
-My Jacket was made by Mr Bobby email:boby_helmiAThotmailDOTcom
Ph: 08123919485 Kuta Square Block E 11 He was very considerate, excellent job and very reasonable price.
-go the extra 10000 rupia, it's only like $1.50 (don't be too harsh)
-We brought home 200 DVDs and had no probs mainly because we bought in one of the shops, a couple of disc pouches that you put the cover in. Just ask your local friendly DVD guy, we got ours from Multidisc at #4 Padma Utara in Legian, ask for Harry, he's a legend!
-if they say "I sell this watch for 350000 normally" say either "But I'm not japanese" or "maybe to a first timer". The japanese apparently just pay the first price, they don't bargain.
-the balinese are really nice, they are only happy to sell something to you for too much if you are happy to pay too much, if you're not sure about a price, show your discomfort they will pick it up straight away and will become much more reasonable.
-don't be afraid to go into a shop with a price in mind and if they wont give it to you for near that price walk away. There are no doubt a hundred shops with the same thing, so the next time you put your price up a little bit.
-Once the business end is over with have a talk to the person, they are great company, we even asked advice on what to pay for something that was in another shop. They will bend over backwards to help you, and when you see them a week later they'll remember your name.

Never let them take your goods to the back of the shop and out them in a bag. They will swap it for a faulty item. Always hold onto it and put it in a bag yourself.

Avoid duty free shoppers outlets as all items are reidiculously priced

To get benchmarks for pricing go to MataHari’s and look at goods, quality and prices. Markets will be about ½

Morning price is better – Balinese superstitious and think best sales are after their first customer.

GAMEBOY GAMES

As you know Gameboy Adv games are bloody expensive...some games are around 90 bucks each...
My sister found a 160 game cartridge for 275000 ($38)Rupiah at Matahari or they had 200 games for 290000 rupiah.
Admittedly some of the games are rubbish but there were heaps of really new games including the incredible, Mario 1, 2 3 &4 plus heaps more...I reckon the games are worth over $2000 AUSSIE DOLLARS...

Yes Snakeeyes we bought about 10 games for my little brother while in Bali {oct.04} The single games were only 100000rp{about $15 Aust} These included Scooby do, shrek , power rangers etc, around $80.00 in Aust. We also got a couple of 160 games, we have had no trouble with them and when Mum goes back in Feb. she will be getting some more.

We just got back and brought our Son and Nephew games costing between $15 to $38 the more expensive games have 180 games on them
but checjk the back of the box the games in red will be full games all the other games are like sample games (not that the kids care)
the console where cheaper here

just back and bought lots of single games in Matahari's on 3rd floor in kids department.( eg: Nemo, Shrek 2, Brother Bear... ) 100,000rp each. Had the gameboys too, but didn't check prices as already owned one. They had games with loads of different games on them, but only a few were 'advanced', so wasn't that interested. They were approx Aus $40.00 ea. Saw them in other places, but where we got them was the cheapest.

I bought a 20 games on one. It has battleship and other similar kind of games. Nothing extremely special but interesting nonetheless.
It cost me (I think) approx $20. I got it at Ramayana in Denpasar in the stationery store upstairs - Something different.
We priced the GBA consoles last year at Sakura and they were more expensive in Bali than at home at K-Mart,so would definitely buy the console at home.We did buy 4 Gameboy games though from Sakura and they all worked fine( I tested them all on the console that belonged to the shop before I bought them ),the games were all cheaper ,the best value game was one that has 148 games on it,my 6 year old loves it
bought 3 game boy multi games outside matahari in Kuta Square.They were fixed price and i paid 200.00 ( $28.60) for one 260.00 ($37.15) for the other two.All of them are fine so far for my 10 yr old.The games are 122 in 1 and 182 games in 1.on the 122 games there are Shark Tale,Nemo,and 4 Pokemon games as well as Super Mario etc.Hope this is of some help.Apparently you can also buy the single games inside Matahari in the kids section for around 100.000 each ( $14.30)so they are all good value.
you can get GBA games in Bali. Matahari has them for between 100,000-175,000rp. for single games and multi games that have 6 main games and upto 100 smaller games on them are from about 250,000rp if my memory serves me correctly.
WE purchased about 10 games while there in october last year, saving heaps of money compared to buying over here. Have had no problems with any of them.
WE just got back from Bali, a lot of the DVD shop have them,
my grandson took the machine with him to make sure the games worked, he had GBA SP, worked great, we paid 140,000 for a single, 180,000 for multi games.
The shops have a sign outside saying GBA Playstation and
X Box.
you can get them in Sakura dvd at kuta 100,000rp ($13) for the latest ... I got Herbie . Batman . Madagaska..... also you can get multi games anywhere from 76 --- 180 games on each disc

GOLD JEWLLERY

Can't remember the name of the street (Jalan Hasanudin???)but it's near the main Denpasar market by the river (well, drain really).
Any taxi driver will know the street & will take you to the Toko Mas (Gold Shops). If you want, the driver will wait for you for the return journey.
Gold is normally sold by gram weight, the price for the piece depending on purity and weight. Purity (normally) ranges from 18 to 22 carat. Most will be worked into the usual array (rings, bangles, necklaces, etc) but you can buy small amounts of bullion.
Credit Cards are accepted but there will be a usage "surcharge" if you want to use one, usually 3%-4% of price. I've bought many pieces over the years and all have been valued much higher when I have had them inspected for insurance.
It's also a lot of fun, moving amongst the crowds counter shopping along the street. It may have changed but the were at least 15 stores last time I went into Denpasar.
Combine it with an early morning visit to the market but not too early as the toko mas don't normally open until 10.00am

Gold prices. If you have a home price per ounce dividing this by 30.1034 will give you the price per gram, usually for 24 ct.
Bali gold is usually 22 ct. but the above calculation will be close enough to give you a good idea of comparative prices.
If your purchases are weighed beware of the weight of cheap stones being included in the weight and charged at gold prices. Better quality stones can be purchased and put into your jewellery for the cost of the stone and app Rp25,000 fitting charge.
Price varies daily. It was Rp70,000/gram April '01 and Rp70,000 again in late '02, but varied greatly in between.
18 ct (stamped ‘70%', which is actually 16.9 ct.) is also available and may be preferable in some items where there is a risk of greater wear that the softer 22 ct. will not stand for long.
Bali gold has an orange tinge which is often called 'Chinese alloy'.
You'll pay about 1/3 of the western prices for similar items.
Most of the gold dealers are Chinese or Arab.
Jl Hasanuddin in Denpasar is generally regarded as the ‘gold street' in Bali.

head for Jalan Hasanuddin, Denpasar - near the main market. Any taxi or transport driver will know exactly where to go. Most are happy to wait around but negotiate the return journey and waiting time before setting off.
Gold is sold by weight (grams) and purity (carat) which is expressed as a % (70%, 85%, etc of pure 24 c gold) on the ticket.
Last time I visited Jln Hasanuddin there were about 15 gold shops (toko mas) to explore.
Wander through the various shops and look for pieces that interest you - avoid settings which have (normally) cheap precious and semi-precious stones as you will be charged a premium for them.
Small ingots are also available.
Cash is preferred - credit cards are accepted in some stores but there will be a surcharge, usually (3 - 4%) of purchase price.

We went to Denpasar 4 times.
Gold price was Rp105,000 to Rp 135,000 per g( 18ct).
I bought two necklaces Rp115,000per gram and 1 bangle for bit less than Rp 100,000 per gram

SILVER

Silver rings – 5 for 60,000rp

Grabbed another silver bracelet (50,000rp) in melasti st

The second great shop we found was Cita Silver on Jln Melasti (No 34A). They had a really nice range of rings. I bought 2 and Natasha found one. The prices were in US dollars but SO cheap and they still gave us a discount and of course you pay in rupiah. The rings ended up costing us about $7 each, so cheap for here.

Best shop is Ratu Silver, 373 Jl legion, between Melasti and Padma streets on the left as you head north. Rajawali in Kuta is also recommended.

DFon’t buy silver items from hawkers as they are almost always copper co0vered with a thin layer of silver. Not worth the risk.

Garlic Lane has a really good silver shop that we visited a few times.

The nicest place I've ever spotted however is a recent addition on Rum Jungle Road, in Legian. Its about 50 metres up on the left hand side if you're coming from the Jayakarta Hotel. Can't remember the name but it's easy to spot as the silver in the window is polished and not dull like in so many other shops. Fixed prices but great quality

I loved the range of silver jewellery in Garlic Lane just down from Indo Internatinal. Price not bad, quality OK but style is wonderful!! And a really "easy shop" if you don't feel like running around! Have fun - I get comments every time I wear the silver I purchased on the last trip! (and a monthly "comment" from Visa card reminders!!)

GENERAL

Cajeput Oil, its in the green bottle, costs about 2,000rp or something ridiculous. It is great for insect bites, pimples, sore muscles and even works miracles rubbed on your tummy when bali belly cramps strike!!

Last trip we stocked up on travel packs of baby wipes & they are cucumber scented.

DVD’s

DVD's (and if cheaper in Denpasar)
* Playstation 2 games
Both are 10,000 each & at most stores if you buy 10 you get 2 free. Sorry don't know if they're cheaper in Denpasar.

xbox and ps2 are a bit dearer than dvd. dvds all 10,000 and the others about 20 - 30,000. I gave my list to our shop and came back the next day and collected them and they were in the plastic sleeves. We bought 80 dvds and got 18 free. and they all work - no poblems with them

We got the rest of our DVD’s, Xbox and PS2 games from various places around Tuban and Kuta but one shop worth mentioning is “Megadisc” which had a lot of stuff that we couldn’t find elsewhere, and they also had a reasonable range of software which seemed to be in short supply everywhere else. Their address is Kuta Square Blok E No.19. Ph: 758 737 If you stand in the laneway at the northern boundary of the Pasar Senin Kuta Art Markets facing the beach, Megadisc is in the building on your right, about half way down. Thay also have another store in Poppies Lane 2, opposite the Bounty Hotel.

DVD's range in quality. Some are pitted and scratched. Test at the shop before you buy or look at the surface. They cost 10,000 rp ($1.42)ea and you can get 1 free dvd or cd with every 10 purchased.

I also bought about 100 DVD's most are good, many are ok....some just stop part way through the movie......many times it depends on the DVD player you are using, some are more sensitive than others..I obviously think it is worth the gamble too, but I also admit that the quality of many are not the best..but I am sure I will be buying another 50-100 this next trip..I accept the so-so quality..but if I really want a SPECIAL movie for my collection, I will purchase the original

DVD's - After advice on this forum we placed our order with Helgi and he supplied us about 100 DVD's. They are all great quality so we are totally satisfied. He is a really nice guy and also hires DVD's players at about a quarter of the price inside the hotels. His website for a list of available DVD's is mcshopAThotmailDOTcom

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

You can get PC software from a lot of the DVD shops but the biggest range is outside Mataharis (Kuta Square) at the top of the steps where they sell all the watches and phones and stuff.
They have a good range, I always go there to check out whats new, you should find what your looking for and if you can't see it ASK

Try Fast & Cheap at Discovery mall or computer center across Ramayana in Denpasar, the whole building are shops which sell computer and software.

I believe the computer center across from Ramayana in Denpasar is called Remo Mall. Yes there are many floors filled with stores selling computers and software.

Remo across from Ramayana in Denpasar, as JoanneBali mentioned, is fantastic for computers and software. Went there in April and got everything we needed under one roof. Totally recommend it for anyone looking for this kind of thing.

GAMES

We only paid 10000 for ps2 games in sept. Yes Xbox are dearer we paid 25000 for them

you can buy ps2 games in Bali.
They are copy games & therefore he needs his PS2 'chipped' or it won't play them.
Prices much the same as DVD's..around 10000rp

I just bought a ps2 chip here in bali, paid 320,000 for it but first you have to know the model number....it either starts with a 5 0r a 3 with another few numbers after it, you can find it on the back of the machine. you can also bring your ps2 to bali and have it chipped...not sure on price but i know sakura in denpasar across from ramayana s/c does it

PERFUME

Shoes from Jocelyn in Jln Melasti - sensational and of course perfume from there as it's the best knock off stuff to be found.

MAKE-UP

You may or may not be aware that you can purchase Revlon makeup at a very cheap price in Bali.
You can get Liquid foundation for 65,000 rp, lipsticks & nail polishes for 45,000 rp, mascara and eyeshadows for around 65,000 rp.
You can get the makeup at any Revlon counter in the cosmetics section of Matahari and Discovery Mall.
My daughter found real cheap make-up on the ground level of Ramayana in Denpasar, it is a little stall counter near A&W food chain. Dove cosmetic packs 3 layers 25,000 rp great gifts. They have all sorts waterproof mascara even false eyelashes(she wears them for dancing) worth a look if you are going there

Eterna 27+ 24 hour repair fluid (moisturizer) - 90,000rp
- Love Pat moisturising pressed powder(tawny beige) - 35,000rp (it's about $A26 here!)- wish I'd bought more than 3 of them!
- Big brush waterproof mascara(black) - 35,000rp _ Yes that price is correct!
- Lash Finder lengthening Mascara (black) - 70,000rp
- Smooth on blush compact with brush (sandalwood beige) -65,000rp
- Whitening make-up powder compact(with builtin sunscreen ) - 75,000rp
- Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner & Colorstay lipstick wand - I haven't got the price on the docket but from memory they were both around 60,000rp, which is certainly much cheaper than in Oz.
- 15ml Crystalline fingernail polish - 40,000rp from memory
I didn't buy any of the Colorstay Foundation, but my friend did, and it was 90,000rp, so heaps cheaper than in Oz where it's around $33.
You don't get the full colour range that we have here, but I usually find a colour that's close to what I use.

SUNGLASSES

If you after the Fakes the more you buy the cheaper.
Pay 10000rp-20000rp per pair.

Having seen the harm the sun can do your eyes I will only wear good quality lenes. I bought the best Bolles I have ever owned fom a surf shop in Bali, with international guarantee etc. About AUS$40 on sale. They may have been a superseded style, but I thought they were OK and two years later still good as new!! There are heaps of shops where you can buy, look around first and compare.

We buy both copy and "originals" when in Bali. The copy ones we always pay 100,000 for 10 pairs, either in Legian, Kuta, Jln Sulawesi Denpasar or around Ramayana in Denpasar. We buy up to 30 pairs a trip as they make reasonable work/safety glasses for the type of work we do. Lifespan? anywhere from 3 times to 3 months! Also make good pressies!
For original sunnies, the best prices we have ever got was from the little shop right at the start of Jln Sulawesi in Denpasar.. on the left, opposite the many gold shops. They also fitted a new pair of lenses to old Rayban frames for about A$20.00, took 2 days and they are still fine 2 years later. Quote from a sunglass outlet here to replace lenses was about A$128.00 I think!

ask for oakleys or "the other ones" they will have them in a cardboard box stuffed around the corner. Don't pay more than 15000 rups for a pair - there non worth it they usually break easily - even tho saying that I have a pair that have lasted me for 4 months now. Wear every day.

FAIRY DRESSES & COSTUMES

There's a shop on Jl Double Six - closer to Jl Legian end (Right hand side as you head toward Jl Legian) that sells the fairy dresses. They're a bit more expensive than the market ones but they're a lot better made. I think her regular price was Rp40,000 each, but I bought 3 and got her to sell them for Rp30,000 each. The lady makes them all herself, as well as matching wands and gorgeous little tulle halo/headbands to go with them. I think the head thingies were Rp10,000 each and the wands were about the same. I checked out the market ones and they're cheaper, but the quality just didn't compare.

I think I paid 20 000 or 25 000 for the fairy dresses

I got a spider man + batman + superman for 25,000 each in Feb 2005

we were there in november and paid 20,000 for spiderman suit and 30,000 for the dress. They look great, we bought them for a friends twins, they loved them B : )

I bought a Spiderman costume from a man outsiede Matahari's. He was just walking around selling them and I paid about 25000. THere is a shop about 100m down Poppies 1 on the left walking from the beach side. He has shoes, sequin tops, skirts fairy dresses, Harry POtter capes and hats, wands. The dresses were excellent and were about 30000 and 50000 for Harry Potter. No bargaining needed.

a small store in Poppies 1 on the Northern side of the stret & a bigger store with heaps of stock in Jalan Padma Utara - it's about 5 minutes walk past the Melasti beach resort as you walk north ,just on a bend in the road - on the left hand side.There is a little cafe right out the front of it.If you get to the Circle K store or Bali Coconuts hotel you have gone too far North.
Sorry no idea on prices ,I don't look closely these days - been a hell of a long time since our 18 year old daughter was into fairy costumes !!!

There is a shop in Jln Werkudara on the bend just near the Niksoma and opposite Redline.
Not sure on the prices & it's called "The Fairy Shop"

I was in Bali August last year and came across this wonderful fairy shop with the most magnificant fairy outfits. It was on Legian Street up near Bemo corner almost opposite Poppies Lane (not sure if it was 1 or 2). Not really cheap but as the lady said "Export Quality". I bought for my niece a wonderful purple satin and chule skirt and she loved it!!! Lots of choice wings, head pieces, shoes skirts wands ect... The markets also sell fairy dresses.

in 66 road on the right hand side as you are heading up toward Legian st.The quality is very good and they have a lot of double layered skirts with co0ordintaing colours eg purple and mauve .I got a georgous orange skirt and little lycra top ( with more room for growth) from there last year.Think I paid about 60,000 for it.

The Fairy shop is called "Fairy Shop". Go past the Puri Raja and round the bend off Jl Padma Utara, (Ruko Padma Utara No 1).You can buy off the rack or have them made. I bought 2 fairy dresses one 80000 (with wings)60000(without wings) Fabulous sequined shoes for 60000 and a halo for 8000rp.
The email address is celepoex99@hotmail.com
Our grandaughter won't take them off and should have bought 2 halo's as lots of fights.On the business card you also have Shop 111, Buni Sari St, Kuta and Shop 11 Legian Arcade No 2, Kuta. Love the fairy shops!!!

There is a shop in Jln Werkudara on the bend just near the Niksoma and opposite Redline.
Not sure on the prices & it's called "The Fairy Shop.

$1 & $2 BRACLETS

You can get them everywhere. Every jewellery stand will make them for you. I negotiated RP 30 000 for each. However, i gave them a gold coin for every bangle. They will ask for the coins. But you dont need them.

Ive bought hundreds of these over my trips and as mentioned you can get them everywhere ,,,,but the easiest place for me was the BALI AUSSIE RESTAURANT in melasti street, there are girls in there that take orders for them. Lee and Annie are always the girls i deal thru and Yes you dont really need gold coins i think without the coins they are either 30.000 or 40.000 no more than that and Lee and Annie will give you a day they will be ready or they will call your hotel and come there and drop them off to you. Sometimes a deposit is asked but its not essential ...hope this helps you ..liz

PEARLS – ordered a set of freshwater pearl earrings from “Johnny” on the beach in front of the Dynasty. They were made exactly as I requested (18 pearls in total) and I paid Rp60 000.

BEADS

is at Toko Central in Kuta. From Bemo corner head away from the beach. Go over a little bridge where the road bends to the left. Just past the bend isa TOKO CENTRAL. You can walk it's only 100metres or so from Bemo corner (sorry I'm hopeless with distances) The bead shop is there. You can't miss it. It is piled high with kilo bags of beads. In display cabinets there are 100gram bags for as little as 2.000rp. Mostly locals go there. The place is always full of people. Most staff have little English but just point to what you want and they'll write the price down. They also have flowers, clips etc.

there is a bead shop in Ubud, right across from the monkey forest. Hope I get there before you buy all the good ones!

Hi I also love beads and take home kilo's of them when I go. Their is a shop called HARRY SHOP.
the information I have on the receipt is:
Harry Shop
Jl Padma
Tel/fax: 0062 0361 750931
Telephone: (0361) 762013
Legian Tengah Kuta Bali

This place is huge and has beads floor to ceiling and all through the middle. It is 2 shops in one.
Beleive me you will think you have died and gone to bead heaven. They have glass, resin and precious gems and their prices are really good. Make sure you leave some for me as I will be their in 5 weeks. Their are also a lot of other bead shops just nearby.

DENPASAR DEPARTMENT STORES

Tiara dewsta

This department store is mainly well known for its supermarket, at the first floor. However, you'll easily find many kinds of local handicrafts at the handicrafts outlets while entering this site. At the optical outlets, you can get various kinds of eye- glasses, while you can also have your eyes checked by this outlet free of charge medical service. Entering the inside part of the 1st floor, is the place for clothes, both for men and women, while the clothes for children is provided at the second floor, next to the books and stationeries outlet, where some kinds of musical instruments are also sold. If you want to buy shoes, sandals, and bags at a very reasonable prices, you can also get it at the first floor, next to the food center, where you can taste various style of Indonesian and Chinese foodsBeside that, this site is also a great place to have fun, especially for little kids. Various kinds of joyful game for kids are available, while a special place for the adults is provided to wait for their kids playing around, as they can still keep on eye on them. Some special products with very reasonable prices are often showed at the first floor, next to the cosmetics outlets.

Our driver picked us up after brekkie and we headed out to Denpasar for a big shopping day! First stop Traggia and we were the only tourists we saw the whole morning. Being a department store all fixed price, but so cheap and a greater selection of shoes and bags that you will ever get in Matahari in Kuta. We then headed to Ramayana which was quite busy and lots of tourists. They were having a sale - lots of items up to 50% off so once again I was in my element!
Next stop Matahari in Denpasar and around 4 hours later and a bemo full of plastic bags full of shoes, bags and pressies,

Matahari, Denpasar.
Bali Mall(Ramayana),Denpasar.
Robertsons, Denpasar.
Tiara Diwati (spelling) Denpasar.

I didn't find much in Denpasar this time. Don't be worried about spending a day in Denpasar at the dept stores by yourself. Catch a Bluebird taksi, they use metors and the price is fair. Start at Libbys,then MA’s, then Ramayana, then Tiara Dwata and then Matahari Dept stores. this is the logical sequence for travel.

Changed some money again and headed of to Ramayana in Denpasar. Ramayana is very much like a Matahari, similar lines of products and just as big if not bigger. We then walked to Robinsons (which is directly opposite Matahari – Denpasar) where we had a quick lunch at McDonalds which is right next door. You could tell it wasn't a school day the place was packed with kids; I did say a quick lunch but by no means was it a quiet one!! After wandering around Robinsons for a while we then went on to Rimo Computer Centre. Probably 60% of the shops were closed because of their Gulung holiday but we found that as far as computer components go they are probably 6-12 months behind in technology. So keeping that in mind their new technology which at the same time in Australia (6-12months ago) would have been considered well priced then actually compared to today's prices for the same equipment was rather expensive (hope that makes sense). We then went to Millenia which was mainly a clothing store, didn't think much of it. Walked around Denpasar some more before grabbing a taxi back to Kuta Square.

Matahari and Robinsons department stores are on opposite sides of the road. Nearby are Tiara Dewata and Ramayana. The driver will wait for you in the car parks and you will be able to put all your goodies in the back. Clothing quality is usually very good. Allow at least four hours there. If you are longer don't worry. The drive there is about 1/2 hour depending on traffic.

Into Denpasar for department store shopping - Ramayana was the best, sooo cheap and a nice range of everyday clothes and jewelery. Also good shoes and childrens clothes. Matahari there was also good and had nice shoes and the best range of childrens clothes. We bought about 7 nice shirts for our 9 y/o daughter for $5 each! Robinsons also had good shoes, and some nice teen clothes. We didn't have time to check everything out there though.

DISCOVERY MALL – KUTA

Just wanted to send you a quick update on the Discovery Mall. Eva and I headed there after a quick coffee stop at Starbucks. We ordered a chocolate and caramel frappucino with the cream which was divine. On entering the mall I was quite suprised to find the set-up similar to a mall one would find back home or in Singapore.
The mall is massive and of course there are still some empty shops. In the mall you will find plenty for the kids including Osh Kosh, Guess, Centro Department Store which has a huge range of kids clothing. There is also an Esprit store, Guess, Shoe store, Guardian Pharmacy and many more.

The prices are relatively the same as what you would pay back home. However a bargain or two can be found at the Centro Department Store.... You can definitely find designer gear at the new mall.

Discovery Mall is a hideous monstrosity, but shops were cool and Ok for us to look around and check out the prices of things. There are 3 floors, top floor a huge games area and small food court, hardware shop and electrical appliance store to die for, but all too bloody noisy! Next floor down a Myer type store didnt see the name. Saw these disgusting wooden penises gross. Wouldnt mind a look inside but really would have upset Phil cos he has a problem with window shopping!!!! Ground floor, Quicksilver, Billabong etc. priced some shirts etc. Phil wants a wallet and leather belt. They had a sale on travelling goods really cheap Polo 50% off already reasonable prices. But, you know us look never buy and regret it later!
Basement, was the best supermarket ever. Just opened this week! It is a coupon store for the Balinese so the prices are not too bad for everyone. So cheap for us, got a Loreal Revitalift crème for $10 would pay $29 at home. We got a plastic jug for 19,000Rp.!! Beauty. Great shop hope to go back

Bintangs Originals Store is located in the Discovery Mall. Good quality Bintang clothing and souvenirs.
Supermarket on ground level, stocking everything from Vegemite to breakfast cereals .
Lots of tropical fruits. Canned drinks, cheap Bintang and all grocery lines.

headed into the Discovery Shopping Mall (DSM). It looks most impressive. Lots of small boutique specialised shops as well as Centro department store, which is bigger better and well stocked that Matahari or Ramayana. There are electrical stores selling tvs fridge etc as well as stores selling electronic components, mobile phones, covers, adapter plugs etc. There is a lovely book store. The cosmetic area of Centro stocked most well known cosmetics and looks lovely under bright white lighting. The shoe depts stock excellent ladies and mens shoes. You can buy terrific wonderful quality towels and linen. The Bintang shop is on the outside of the main building on the north side. Unfortunately they do not have many shops around them facing the driveway. They stock great quality Bintang souvenior items, backpacks, glasses, mugs, singlets, tshirts, coasters, pens. Some clothing has embroidered Bintang motifs. ground floor has KFC, Baskin and Robin, Pizza Hut, Tommy/Prada, Osh Kosh, Nautica, essenti, Vinoti, Starbucks,Polo, Giordano, Quicksilver, Billabong plus many more, glasses, sarongs, souveniors.

On the ground level (walk in of footpath is a supermarket which opened on 17th feb, didnt get to see it..never mind. when you walk up the grand stairs at front you have KFC, Pizza Hut which is groovy, Starbucks coffee and other cafes, then once inside main entrance its a huge mall - speciality shops around outer perimeter like Osh Kosh kids clothing - guess jeans - cool kids - great litte chemist - shoe shops - cafe at end - jewellery shops - money changer - dvd ..just a name a few - all nice shops - then when you go up escalator to 1st level that is Centro department store..i loved it and bought heaps - like 35 pairs of shoes for me and 4yr and 2yr old, i always buys kids label - Popeye and Disney - osh kosh etc..BIG TIP - i signed up for centro card - like fly buys - i have loads of points to get something free - points are valid for 12 months!! very easy to do..sign up on 1ist level at info counter..I must admit that i love to shop and i am careful with what i buy and know what to look for as i have been buys same brands for years there and it lasts and is fantastic..(sorry to on?) the next level up is fun station like timezone - food hall (not busy) and large media - hi fi shop. When on the ist level you walk to back of the shops and there is a nice restaurant with floor to ceiling glass windows - this all drops right onto beach!!! so we had a cappucino and sat in cafe in these sitting areas (like a kabana) with low coffee table and floor cushions!! we watched the sunset from inside..the centre shop is full but there are still a building either side of main building to be filled with shops!! this is all lit up at night and is great. You will love tuban - since road works all the street paths are better and more cafes etc..we are going back on August 22nd for 2 weeks..moght see you there...hope i have helped???

*ps* fantastic range of bras and undies -i bought 15 sets!! and evening gowns! wow - great for parents with daughters with school balls - i bought 2 beautiful evening dresses and matching shoes!!

THE GALLERIA - NUSA DUA

The Galleria is closed till June and will reopen as a whole new concept, but as of last week no work had started yet so it may be a while.

The Nusa Dua galeria complex is due to open on 11 November, 2005. However, there is a name change. Bali Collection is the new title and rumors are Mark & Spencer, Starbucks and other branded stores are moving in.

The Bali Collection – Opens February 15, 2006
(1/15/2006) Bali's reputation as a shopping and entertainment destination will make another giant stride forward with the formal opening on February 15, 2006 of The Bali Collection - a multi-faceted retail department store, shopping, dining and entertainment center located within the Nusa Dua Complex on the southernmost tip of the Island.

Including some 20,000 square meters of rentable space, The Bali Collection is targeted to be home to over one hundred leading brand shops and restaurants. Interspersed with theatres and sports centers, nightly entertainment programs and rotating art installations dotting the generous open plazas and walkways – The Bali Collection is widely expected to become a major drawing card to both locals and tourists occupying more than 4,500 star-rated rooms within walking distance of the venue.

The location of the Complex situated within a fenced and tightly controlled area within the security-safety perimeter of the Nusa Dua Complex offers the very highest standards of security for shoppers and diners available anywhere on the Island.

Following its soft-opening on December 15, 2005, visitors are already experiencing Bali’s most up-market shopping atmosphere presented by the Sogo Department Store. Also open and ready for business are several excellent restaurants and an assortment of Bali’s leading retail outlets, including, among others:

• Starbucks

• Uluwatu Fine Linen

• Surfer Girl

• Rip Curl

• Body & Soul

• Baskin Robins

Limited retain space remains available for qualified retails, entertainment and dining purveyors.

BALI GALLERIA

We also went to Matahari at Bali Galleria as we had heard it was a better store – I really couldn’t see the difference, they had similar stuff at both. Bali Galleria is a great shopping center, good variety of shops, but a little bit pricey.

Today we decided to check out Kuta Galleria. Huge place. Very modern, but most shops empty. When we were there Miss World Australia (Sarah Davies) was putting in an appearance

If you can't get what you want at the one in Kuta, try their other shop at The Bali Mall Galleria (near the roundabout and where DFS Shop is)

GENEVA

We found this shop just out of Seminyak - Geneva - 4 floors of handicrafts at fixed price.

Geneva Handicrafts. 100 Jalan Raya. 3rd floor over the top of Geneva furniture Kerobokan. Closed on Sundays.
Woven placemats 4.900
Cane placemats with wooden insert 11.900.
Crochet hat 12.500,
Bracelets 2.380,
Hacky sacs 3.500,
Surfboard keyrings 980,
Oval pottery bowl (30cm) 10.000,
Bead lamp 28.000,
Masks 9.100 + 14.000.
Shell bowl 35.000, platter to match 27.000
Also have shadow puppets, and other types. Many bowls, pots, garden ornaments, bags, baskets, chessboards, candles.

jln raya kerabokan (sp!?) no 100. most taxi drivers now know where it is, otherwise just tell them the address and there is a big sign

it's in seminyak.

they sell handicrafts, homewares, incense packs, everything wooden/ made with shells etc, photo frames/albums, mirrors, statues and much more. All at EXCELLENT prices

(fixed price)

Check out the catalogue at http://www.genevahandicraft.com

Geneva is a huge place with a several floors of "stuff". The quality is not great

and it is pretty much the same as you can get in all the shops on the streets, bonus is no bargaining if that is a problem.(however what would Bali be without bartering?)

Quality was poor in our opinion and not much of a range,

generally stuff that is mass produced for the tourist market.
You can get the same stuff in Denpasar Market for at least 1/3 of the price if this is the type of stuff you like

Well for my opinion on Geneva, I think it is good. Yes there is junk, however i bought some great items that i could not barter down to it's price on the streets. And these pieces are not junk. They are great quality at less cost. Also keep in mind, there is plenty more in the streets that we purchase. Geneva is just hassle free.
A nice change for a different shopping experience.

They will deliver to your hotel and even bubble wrap things if you ask them and the good part is this added service was FREE

MACRO STORE

Last year I visited the above store. It's a big warehouse on the bypass road on the way to Sanur. It was fantastic for buying things in bulk.
I remember buying heaps on incense sticks.
I also remember there was a small charge to get in.

I beleive Macros is worth a look just to see how cheap you can buy stuff. e.g. we could have bought a whole carton of toothpaste for the same price as one tube.

Makro We usually visit as soon as we arrive and stock up on eats & drinks. They have nice cold meat. We usually have the kids with us so buy up on snack food, cheese and of course the Bintang for us. Lots of the grocery lines are sold in bulk (usually 3 or more) but you can by in single issue. You can get frozen food, fruit & Veg, grocery lines, cleaning product etc. To the right when you walk in they have a large white good/electrical items/cooking items etc. They also sell basic clothing and quiet an array of stationary items which the kids always seem to enjoy. My hubby gets lost in the isles were there are car accessories, tool items etc. They also sell crockery, linen, alcohol and just about everything. They also have a website www.makro.co.id. They don't take all cards (credit) so best to take cash or make sure they accept your card.

2004 –the way to describe this place would be to say they have something of almost everything. Very much like a large supermarket and department store where things can be purchased in small quantities or in bulk, they also have a range of electrical items, furniture, clothes, bedding and the list goes on. It was a Saturday and there were children in there even though the forklifts were busy lifting pallets down from the racks. We purchased what we required for a few days supplies, water, chips, chocolate all the essentials and headed to the checkout with our trolley loaded. As the person at the checkout unloaded the trolley and scanned the items they then went back onto another trolley which from what we realised later was supposed to be checked as you leave and then pack, we just put everything into some bags we took and walked out, the guards said nothing. We were allowed to wear our bum bags inside but had to leave another shopping bag with the people at the front who give you a ticket to pick it up on the way out. You also pay 5000 Rp to be able to shop there.

LOUIS VUITTON BAGS

Bali has LV bags EVERYWHERE - I bought four small handbags in august this year and 2 wallets too......

Depending on how good you are at bartering you can get them from between 50000 rup and 70000 rup - but i did see people pay lots more - you gotta stick to your guns! LOL

You will have no problem finding them, they are everywhere, but the best deal l got was at the Kuta art market l got a medium size bag and matching wallet for 60,000 l was happy with that

They are in about and shop in Kuta and Legian cost is around 50000 to 60000 each don't pay any more unless you are feeling generous......

The best place we found was Ten Ten in Malasti Street just down the road from Garlic lane near Uncle Norms.
The quality was far better than you get in the markets.
The guy that owns it is VERY honest. my card was charged twice for the items for some reason & by the time we got back to Aus & quiried it he had already credited our A/C.

MOBILE PHONE

I brought mine from Rajawali Cellular Jalan 14aTeuku Umar on the road to Denpasar
Cheaper than Perth

bought my in 2003 still going strong, a very small phone. Check prices before you go. Some phones are dearer some are very cheap. Have a shop around before you go. I am looking at buying a new one this year.

My son bought a mobile in July, Paid approx $90 aussy dollars. Works fine over here and He's had no problems

You can get mobile phones brand new from the phone shops around Kuta (mainly near the Gelael Dewata shopping center in Jl Raya Kuta which is just east of the bridge. There is a Nokia shop just before the bridge on the north side who to me were honest and reliable. Found the Nokia shop near Gelael a mob of shady dealers. There is a Nokia shop at Super Nova (Graha Dewata) who sold me a new phone Nokia 3200. It works in Australia no problem but has a month guarantee in Indonesia and of course the charger is the two pin Indonesian type. Prices of phones are fairly close and I don't think you can do much better by going to Denpasar. Some examples of mobile phone prices:
Nokia 1100 775k Rp 1108 - 800k Rp 2600 1,150k Rp 3200- 1,450k Rp 6230 - 3,350k rp 7200 - 3,200k Rp 6260 - 4,050 k Rp 7610 - 4,800k Rp Ericson K500i - 938k Rp T610 - 1,625k Rp J200i - 925k Rp Samsung E700 - 1,850k Rp.
Mobile sim pre-paid cards range from 15k Rp for an Ace of Hearts (25k Rp credits) to 30k Rp SimPati. They are only able to phone nationally in Indonesia.ProXL have dearer cards which enable you to SMS and call Australia from your phone, provided your phone is not a pre-paid from Australia as it will not work unless you can get the Balinese to un-lock it with special software. They also have plenty of second-hand phones which in some cases ar nearly as dear as new ones. A call to Australia costs about 7,000 Rp per minute and SMS about 600 Rp per message. My tip is bring an old unlocked phone to Bali. Get a 15k Rp Ace of Hearts card available from any mini shops that sell phone accessories. They are everywhere. Very handy for communicating with restaurants, taxis, shops, wife when she gets lost in shoe shops etc. Cost 300 rp for sms.

BABY & CHILDRENS CLOTHES

Here is the rundown on babies clothing:

Milenium in Denpasar (on the next block from Matahari) they sell a number of babies and kids clothing - branded items at low prices. Parking in the front for easy access.

Kids a go-go have a number of stores around Kuta and have some fun, bright batik designs.

Try tulu’s shop for cotton and rayon kids clothes. Bought 20 dresses for 9,000rp per garment. At 119 Legian st

Kuta Kids - Located on Beno Corner and Jalan Bakungsari
All sizes available.

Centro Lifestyle Department Store and Matahari are also stocking a number of branded items. Well worth the visit.

Discovery Mall has Baby Guess and Osh Kosh B'gosh. There is also a Kidz Station which stock toys and clothing for children.

Body and Soul clothing are now stocking everything for children - BODY AND SOUL BAMBINI from t-shirts, skirts, dresses, pants and accessories. Prices range from Rp75,000 to Rp185,000. They also sell kids furniture, wooden letters, frames and toys. Located on Jalan Legian and opening soon at Discovery Mall and Jalan Seminyak. Check it out if you're after kids clothng. The range is great!

WATCHES

Phil got his watch for 55,000Rp. A genuine Adidas!

I looked at some copy rolex watches where I always buy from in Kuta Square out the front of Matahari in May. All of their standard watches are Rp30,000, BUT the good fakes (automatic) are Rp300,000 and they won't budge on price with those ones (Trust me I tried!). Didn't get one last trip, but will in Dec when I go back.
You may be able to get other fake rolex watches that are not automatic

Automatic Rolex - I paid 220,000rp at a shop next to Kuta Kids, couldn't get him any lower. Friend just came back and he got his for 200,000rp.

MANCHESTER

Karen bought a cotton queen size quilt, green and black background with yellow frangipanis for 72AUD. excellent quality. The girls reckon $200 value at home. You can pay much less but quality diminishes accordingly. The shop is on the eastern side of Jalan Legian, a couple of hundred metres north of the Memorial. Their factory is above the shop.

I have bought a quilt from the shop in Legian street where noosa blue mentioned. It is on the same side of the street as the new monument and a few shops up towards Matahari or McDonalds if that is easier to find. My quilt cost me Rp.400,000 and is made from silk, beautifully made.

There is a new shop in 66 St called Betty Bu which sells satin and gold embroidered bedspreads to die for; plus cushion covers and imported silk saris which were indescribably beautiful. With two days notice they will make up bedspreadas to fit queen/kingsize beds. Too bad I found this place on second last day. Double Six Street in Legian (not it’s real name but colloquially know because the road leads to where the double six nightclub is on the beachfront) runs of Legian St to the beach.

My most favourite purchase for personal use, would have to be my daughters quilt set. Cost 320000rp quilted with two pillow cases. It is in aqua blue with gold sari threads, but not yr typical sari more swirls of gold. Resin lamps were found up north. Havent seen them b4. They have a leadlight affect but made with resin. Purchased two for inside my entrance. I dont have the name in front of me - but i can search later for you. However, do you know Bamboo Corner just south of Melasti beach resort there are a few small shops off the street. It was there i purchased the quilt. His name is Andy. Hope that helps

Betty Bu located at No 17 Jln Double Six in Seminyak stocks cushion covers, bedspreads, curtains and other items in a range of patterned satin fabric. Items can be made to order and the price negotiable. Small patterned satin cushion covers were 65000rp in Apr 2003

Bedspread/Quilt & Cushion Covers...
Had ours made up at Super Pillow IV in Rum Jungle Road.
Satin quilt (pattered one side & plain the other)
2m x 2.5m with a border on all 4 sides.
Dacron filled with one seam down the middle.
Will also make unfilled (like a bedspread)
2 curtains -- thin natural material dyed to the colour you choose. Tabs in plain calico with buttons.
Cushion covers -
2 @ size 40 - patterned satin
1 @ size 50 - plain satin
2 natural calico fabric made to order (for base cushion on large cane chairs)
Paid 425000rp in total

Got a taxi to AWA Natural where I met Lestari ( an Indonesian lady who speaks excellent english ...so helpful) I ordered a narrow blind for my laundry door out of sandalwood fabric and a long blind for my sons room.I also got 12 white cushion covers.Total cost $54.00 aus

It was on the right hand side as you walk down Legian St from Malasti St...past McDonalds and I think just before the memorial site??
The shop is a very bright pink colour out the front.
And yes, the bedcovers are to die for

I haven't got their card with me at work, but the shop was called Puri Bagus Agung (PBA) and was about half way up Jln Legian, on the right hand side if you are coming from Jln Melasti. From memory, I think that it was not too far past the deserted shopping arcade (Legian Arcade????)
It's pretty expensive by Bali standards, but the stuff is just gorgeous

I had two queen size quilt covers (plus two pillow cases)made from sari material in Seminyak in Sept 2005.
The shop is called ST ISIDOR, located on Jalan Laksmana, across the road from Wrap a Snapper (is at the Jalan Raya Seminyak end, not the beach end). A 5 minute walk south of Geneva.
Made to order with a selection of beautiful sari materials.
Cost: 400,000 Rp each and I was really happy with the workmanship.
Have washed them since came home and no problems with quality.
They are absolutely lovely and I like them much more than the frangipani styles or the batik ones - very unique!

PLAYSTATION 2

We bought a PS2 last Sept. when we were in Bali ,top floor at Ramanyana in Denpasar. We paid $289. Aus. It came with 2 controllers and 10 free games. We have had no problems with it and my son is playing it for hours on end everyday. We also bought over 200 games to go with it and out of all of them only about 3 don't work.
Save s heaps of money compared to buying games in Aus.

I purchased a PS2 last year over in Bali and I have had no problems with it. It cost about $360 AUD with 2 controllers and 10 free games. It was already chipped and plays all the Bali copies no problem. I figured that wasn't a bad deal because it costs about $140 AUD to get a chip put in a playstation and when you add the price of an extra controller and games it worked out ok by me.
You can pick them up in almost all the DVD shops over there. Shop around though cause the price can vary a few hundred thousand rupiah from shop to shop

The new Discovery Shopping Centre in Tuban (across from Waterbom Park) has a big Electronics store upstairs. I priced a PS2 and found that they were the same, if not a tad more expensive than what you pay here

I know what I paid for complete package of chipped (slim)console, 2 dual shock controllers & one memory card. Was more than I expected (from previous prices listed here on BTF)..300+$AUS but still cheaper than buying here & trying/paying to get it chipped

Mic said that he paid 2.4m RP = $328AUS

The current price is 2.2m RP = $300AUS *Note though - this is for the NEW playstation, the slim one and this is already chipped (which costs about $60-100 here) Also, you usually only get one controller with a playstation, this comes with 2 I think its pretty reasonable

Taking into account they are already chipped when you buy them in Bali
& that chipping at home can be expensive & voids the warranty anyway..they are cheaper.
From previous posts price has been listed around $250 Aus for Playstation2 (chipped with 2 controllers & free games)

The price for today is Rp 2.200.000,the price can be change every day...
this price include:
1console + chip
2 dual shock controller
1 memory card
10 dvd games.

Mic said that he paid 2.4m RP = $328AUS The current price is 2.2m RP = $300AUS Note though - this is for the NEW playstation, the slim one and this is already chipped (which costs about $60-100 here) Also, you usually only get one controller with a playstation, this comes with 2 I think its pretty reasonable

SECTION 3

DINING

GATEWAY FROM INDIA

This was our second trip to Bali in 12 months and we made our way back to 'Gateway from India' a small Indian restaurant on Bemo Corner. Has anyone else eaten there ?
We found the food delicious and the price very cheap.
Between the 2 of us we had 6 Bintangs, 2 Naan bread, 2 small plain rice, an entree each, and a main dish each. The total cost was $31.00.
If you like Indian food and are heading over to Bali, give it a try

glad you found Gateway to India It's very well known and has raving reviews.. there's one in Seminyak too! I have heard soooo much about it but have never eaten there!!! Can't wait to try it out

Yes, we agree that it is a top class example of Indian cuisine) Not that we have been to India?) and make an effort go there when we are in Bali.

Bali is called the Island of the Gods
Gateway Of India should be called Indian Food of the Gods...it is superb and as you state - reasonably priced

I have to add gateway to india in seminyak- best meal I have had in bali

Gateway to India, so this is where I was headed! I found it just on dark, and settled myself down with a very extensive menu at the front of the Restaurant. I love Indian food, and am known for making hot curries, so I figured I was in heaven. I ended up choosing samosas ( excellent! 8,000R) and a halti (which is a mixed plate of two meat dishes, a daahl, rice, naan bread, and a sweet ) 60,000R. I hadn’t realised how large a serving the halti would be, so I ended up with a doggy bag, which was great for lunch the next day. Large bintang 18,000. The halti in actual fact was not hot, just very tasty. I think a lot of people think all Indian dishes are hot when they are not. The accompaniments were really good too. From my seat I could watch the chef using the tandoor oven – flipping naan bread, basting chicken-mmm I can still smell it now).

KORI (POPPIES 2)

Poppies is still exceptional, another that is excellent is "KORI Restaurant" in Poppies 2, not far from Jalan Legian

I have to agree about KORI restaurant in poppies 2, its a real oasis and its like your not even close to the hectic poppies lane, the service and the atmosphere are impeccable. The food is a little bit more expensive but the food is die for, i make sure i have at least 1 meal at Kori each trip over there, and i thoroughly enjoy every second of it.

Poppies Lane 2. This was the best meal I had on the whole trip (maybe ‘cause the kids had a sitter????) Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with Lombok tomatoes, olives, fetta and pesto for entrée. Grilled Butterfish and salad for main. Crème Brulee for desert. Mmmmmmm …… I can’t tell you how much it cost because Suzanne and Frank paid for us for my birthday present (one of!). Thanks Guys!!

Kori, Poppies II, Kuta – Food gorgeous, cocktail list gets better every trip.

We had a delicious meal in this beautiful restaurant. Worked out to be about $50.00 AUS a head and worth it. This included a bottle of wine and some very nice coctails we enjoyed while having a game of pool in the air-conditioned billiard room after. Well worth a visit

One of our favorite's in Bali, though not the cheapest still within budget range for families. Some people think this is expensive but i would not agree, we have 3 kids and we still go.
Love there set up - large tables and also small island settings for couples arround Japanese style tables.
Excellent food and service, would highly recommend this for both couples and families. I am sure once you have been to Kori's it will be on your "must visit next trip" list

POPPIES

Relatively expensive for Bali but food, service and atmosphere excellent.Gazebo's out the back novel. We make a point of eating there once a trip. If you're worried about wine prices try the Chateau Bintang 2005.
Satisfaction guaranteed at a fraction of the price

keep starting to reply to this post, then I stop coz I know the food is better at Kori,Lemak,Ku De Ta and any number of others, both cheaper and dearer than Poppies, but to me it still has one of the best traditional gardens , as in a "Bali Garden" so for that I still love to go there and soak in the wonderful atmosphere, probably better for brekky or lunch, but it's tops in garden design.

We arrived unannounced as a group of 9-: 5 adults and 4 kids, and they didn’t bat an eyelid. Service was great, food was impeccable. The last time I ate here I was disappointed because I didn’t feel the experience lived up to the hype, but this time was a completely different story. Our dinner choices wre a bit bizarre, ranging from Apple Pie, pancakes, and Ice cream sundaes to Mie Goreng, curry and burgers, yet everybody reported having an excellent meal. The toilets are very nice too; and don’t forget to say hi to the webcam.

We loved this place. Nice setting, great food and very cheap. Would definately come back here.

While I'm on the topic of food, you can't go past Poppies restaurant in Poppies Lane I in Kuta.. it's a tradition and never dissapointed! They serve cocktails in hand carved coconuts (shaped into a MONKEYS face) and it's amazing! The food there is really good too and considering it's right in the middle of Kuta it is really quiet and tranquil..

KAFE WARISAN

Kafé Warisan is still one of the best restaurants I’ve been to, bar none! What a perfect setting with amazing food.

Kafe Warisan - the best fine dining quality food in Bali, but at really affordable prices - because of the conversion rate.

Kafe Warisan - GREAT french food. I know it's French food but it's really good and WAY better than Ku De Ta for quality of food. Prices are about the same as Ku De Ta but quality if far better at Kafe Warisan. They should have a website and you can check out their menus and prices.....

TRATTORIA – SEMMINYAK

Last night we joined up with some friends and had dinner at Trattoria in Seminyak. We dined here when it first opened and had not been back since. This place is packed every time I drive past and last night was no different. Apart from being a little warm inside the food was excellent and service was fast. We had entree, main and desert we also took a bottle of wine and corkage was Rp45,000 and all up we spent around A$18.00 per person. The portions of food are reasonable well nobody left hungry, and at one stage there was a line up outside of people waiting for tables. The owner is at the restaurant every night and greets you on arrival - even asks you how your food is - all in all for service and food quality. Popular with expats but give it a go when your next in Bali.

Top place,
Is always full.
Not a place to hang around. Just have your meal then leave.
That, Indo-International, Rumars, TJs are the best value for money in Bali

BUBBA GRUMPS – KARTIKA PLAZA

Bubba Gumps, not cheap for Bali but OH SO GOOD!

Bubba Gumps is fantastic, not cheap as poyda69 mentioned, but well worth it.......

expensive but a fun place to go.They look after kids well with colouring in stuff. Margaritas are great and you get a dance from the staff when it comes. Gary thought the serves were a bit small. Rp550 000 for 4 including drinks.

fun, but $$ and american. Good for a laugh and lots of prawns!

That night we dedided to go to Bubba Gumps. What a fun place. It was very American but lots of fun. Had a fantastic waiter. He was totally crazy. When you want service you flip over the "stop forrest stop" number plate and waiters yell STOP THE RESTAURANT and race to your table. Fantastic service, yummy food and lots of run.

Bubba Gumps so much fun we vowed to go back. Hang the expense. We needed to take the camera. The staff were so much fun and the food was delicious. Margaritas not so nice though- too salty!

We ate at Bubba Gumps last November. Food was good, it was quiet when we were there, so service (even for the kids) was good. Very expensive for what it is, but then i guess you pay for the whole 'americanised theme' thing..i must admit, when in Bali i get cravings for REAL milk, and they did the BEST cookies and cream thickshake i've ever had!!! YUM.

THE LIVING ROOM

Another favourite in Seminyak - lovely atmosphere at night, with the garden candles lit.
Sensational food and service when we had a meal there 2 weeks ago.
I'd recommend for a special occasion or just a good night out.

Now there is a place you can only go after dark and thats the Living Room, the setting is truly magic. The food is always great, I guess food and wine would be about A$40-50.

One of my favourite restaurants in Bali.
Could not fault the service or the food.
The atmosphere is very romantic and I think this restaurant is well worth the prices on the menu.

LA PORCHETTA - KUTA

La Porchetta [ Italian Seafood ] is well worth a visit.362 Legian St, Kuta. Call [0361] 750750 and they"ll pick you up and take you home in there motorized open air Fred Flintstone type car. Apart from great food and service this makes the trip worthwhile. And gratis.

I agree !
Have eaten here a few times and always bagus !

somewhere in Jl Legian. We went here purely because of Jobes’ recommendation and we weren’t disappointed: always appreciate a welcome Arak cocktail on arrival! Food was good, cocktails good, toilets good (I know because I spent about ½ an hour in one with no.1 son) Staff were great and we got a free lift home in their “Flintstone Mobile” afterwards – the kids thought that was great!

WARUNG 96

I enjoyed many a fine cheap meal at Warung 96 just down from Poppies Lane 2, Jl. Benesari. Great food!!! Great Hospitality!!!

Great pizzas !!! Great milkshakes !!! Great music !!!

My favourite budget food was Warung 96 just off Poppies Lane 2, great food and service.

A terrific eatery. Very busy. The beef or chicken curry with the usual rice was wonderful. It's a must for a very well priced tasty meal. The beer could be a little colder.The pasta and pizza dishes look good but haven't tried them. Would recommend

Eaten at Warung over 50 times over sveral years.! Can recomend the wood fired pizza or the chile con carne. My wife always has bruscetta and spaghetti. Good cheap food and usually busy with good atmosphere. Still love the place but maybe not as good as it has been in the past? The current owner also owns the place just around the corner in Poppies 2. Similar food except no pizza.

RAINBOW CAFÉ

Rainbow in Poppies 2 - Noisy, cheap, good tasting food. Waiters think they are way cool but the atmosphere is relaxed and easy going. 1 veg fried rice (yummy), 1 satay, 1 bacon burger, 1 French fries, 3 Cokes, 1 cocktail (dearest item at 28,000). Total cost 109,000.

Rainbow Café in Poppies 2 - Always busy for a reason. Great food and real cheap. Great local food. The Special Nasi Goreng for about $3 is fantastic.

WARUNG 96 - SEMINYAK

Warung 96 on Jl. Dhyana Pura, Seminyak is one of my favourite haunts Troy ... same deal, great food and great service

Their grilled seafood is far superior to anything I've eaten in Jimbarin Bay and about a quarter of the price!! Their pizza's are yummy as too

POCO LOCO

One of my Favourites was the POCO LOCO its a Mexican restaurant, beautiful food nice entertainment and very reasonably priced, its near the jayakarta hotel.

Poco Locos. Mexican and to die for. Try the Pina Coladas Yum oh. This is in legian and will cost 20000 to 25000 to catch a taksi.

It's a mexican restuarant that can get very crowded. TJ's in Poppies lane is much better and alot cheaper too. And the music was soo loud you had to yet at others across the table just to be heard - would give it a miss and try TJ's instead.

One word to describe the food there
DISGUSTING

We had 2 meals there in December and January.The meals were great and that big you couldn't finish them. The price was very reasonable for Bali standards. Yes I wll be going back there again.

Have only been there once but it was nothing short of AWFUL. Three of us ate there (Aug) and three couldn't eat their meals (entrees & mains). Couldn't consider going there again which is a shame as it is close to where we stay and we love mex. For the first time in my life I was worried about Bali Belly (didn't get it tho)

UNCLE NORMS

uncle norms on jl melasti is our prefered eatery on the right heading away from the beach
garlic prawns to die for
chicken and veal schnitzel another fav

Uncle Norms Jalan Melasti This is a great place for snacks ( Club Sandwich, steak sandwich Me goring)or just a cold beer Staff really friendly & food good well worth a try for lunch or light dinner. Saw Max here to 6/10

Have never eaten at Norms but it has been a regular drinks stop.
Recently there and the service excellent, love those cold flannels.
Very friendly staff
Some people we met from our hotel ate and drank at Norms regularly with quite a crowd before moving on to a club. They told us the food was quite good but they went there because the staff were so much fun.

Uncle Norms is a small restaurant with bar area located in Melasti St, Legian.
I have found the food there to be fairly ordinary compared to other restaurants in the same area. (Perhaps it was the choice of food ordered at the time ?)
Prices are cheap to moderate and service is friendly.
The staff go out of their way to relate to their patrons, especially children.
Waiters such as Joey put on magic shows and tell jokes.
Tips are put in the 'tip jar' and distributed to all the staff.
Uncle Norms is not a quiet intimate place to dine if that's what you are after.
Tables are placed close together and the focus is on enjoying yourself and well as enjoying the food.

JIMBARAN BAY

We enjoy Sharkey's & also Sea Side Cafe was nice

I've been to the Sea Side Cafe 3 times.
with 2 meals and 1 well not really bad - but ordinary

We had a monumentally beautiful night at Sharkey's .. the food was great, the staff excellent, the ambience unforgettable. Will be heading straight back in January.

Sharkeys is the way to go!
I was in Bali in November and my friend and I had a fantastic dinner watching the sunset, with copious amounts of fresh seafood and a great acoustic band playing any song you would like to request!!
Every time we mentioned to a local that we had been to Sharkey's, they all replied with "Oh that very nice restaurant", taxi drivers are well aware of it and a good sign the restaurant is the place to go is the vacant beachfront restaurants to either side of Sharkey's.... Sharkey's have the crowd which is a good sign of an excellent restaurant!!!

Brad as per my pm Sharkey's offer free transport so give them a ring.
Sharkey's
Location: Jimbaran Bay
Address: Jimbaran Beach North, Kedonganan,
Jimbaran Bay.
Phone: 709.094

Ramayana Cafe (Jimbaran) Good, lobster and fish good, prawns not so good. In second block of restaurants on the beach going towards the airport from the ritz.

We all had dinner at Ramayana on Jimbaran beach with some other friends of Leigh’s. We made it there well before sunset and Leigh had bought some soccer balls to give away and the kids loved it! Dinner was excellent with prawns, squid and 3 different types of fish, vegies, rice, many Bintangs all for 100,000 rps per person. We couldn’t eat all the food and actually left some prawns! I spied some markets close by so we all spread a few more Rps around!

We went to Lia’s at Jimbaran Bay for dinner and bought the largest prawns I have ever seen and a fish. They were sensational! This with two large Bintangs was only 200,000 Rp’s. I know a lot is said about Jim Bay some love it and some think it’s a rip off but as I had read others had been to this restaurant we decided to give it a go and we were so pleased we did! I might add here that Mark’s a retired seafood chef and he can’t stop raving about the seafood we had @ Jim Bay

have been going to j bay on every trip. Last trip a group of 10 went. Went to Sharkies which was mentioned on forum. All dissapointed. Food good however so overpriced.
We wont go back rather spend money in a restaurant

Sharkies: Looooovvve this restaurant. Went for my Birthday on the friday, and let me tell you, i could not have had a more perfect Birthday if i tried. We got there around 5 pm, as someone had recommended, and chose table 61 in the second row, as all the tables in the first row where reserved. The manager said it was too hot to seat us yet, so we said we'd come back in 15 minutes, and went to wander a bit down the road and look for some shops. Well, we didn't find any shops, but it was amazing how many similar seafood restaurants there are on that road. I managed to get a couple of good photos, including one of a roadside food stall (see?! we had already reserved a table at a restaurant, and there it was! I'm telling you, it's murphy's law or something), and then we went back to Sharkies. The beach was much cooler by now, and the tables were starting to fill up,so they seated us. We ordered orange juices and then went up to the grill and ordered a .8 kg red snapper (69,000Rp per Kg), and .6 kg of fresh medium prawns (135,000Rp per Kg), as well as a .4 kg crab(160,000Rp per Kg). We had the fish and the prawns grilled, and the crab steamed. Now i usually don't like cooked fish, much preferring it raw (sushi) or smoked, but let me tell you, that grilled red snapper was one of the most delicious things I've ever put in my mouth. The crab was good, and the prawns were very good, but nothing could compare to the snapper, perfectly grilled and coated with garlic, tomato sauce, and mild chilis... i'm drooling just imagining it. As we were eating, a band was wandering around playing at peoples' tables, and at one moment, with the sun setting the sky on fire, sound of the waves crashing on the shore, Bob Marley in the background, and the sweet taste of the seafood in my mouth, i experienced perfection. No birthday will ever come close to that day. It was amazing. They even made this birthday "cake" for me out of a bunch of elaborately carved fruits and vegetables stuck into the sides of a pineapple, with a candle at the top. Fantastic! I'd say, though, even if it isn't your birthday, or anniversary, or whatever, go to Sharkies. The food is spectacular, the staff are great, and the band is fantastic.

For me, Jimbaran Bay is worth visiting once and probably not ever again unless you're sure you're not getting ripped off. On my only visit there, we did get ripped off and that was after they cut the price by 50% due to the scales being rigged. Even at this price, the meal was poor value for money. I actually think Jimbaran Bay would be brilliant if the sellers were honest and charged prices that were fair. Unfortunately, unless you have a particular haunt or know exactly what the go is, you'll probably get ripped off and you may not even know it.

We went on the recommendation of a driver who was trying to win our business for the next day, (we wanted to go on a day trip). He was very helpful and I don't remember the name of the restaurant he took us to. I was sort of happy to pay for the 2Kg lobster I ordered and ate ($75.00) until I realised back in Kuta I could have had lobster for half the price. It was good to go there and see it after all the talk about it on the forum, but I don't think I would go back again. It was also very smokey from all the different restaurants cooking and we came home reaking of smoke which then permeated all the hotel room.
I certainly don't mind paying commission or tipping people in Bali. They are trying to make a living and we earn so much more than most of them.

Menega, on the Four Seasons end,. A lot of expats eat there!!!

LA LUCCIOLA

Wasn’t as rapped as the price would have indicated. I’d go back for the sunsets

Lovely as always!

La Lucciolas.
Little bit dear by Bali standards, but cheap by our prices. Right on the beach, very romantic, great sunsets. I once spent a whole day there with a girlfriend just sitting and watching the world go by.
Just love it there.

UNS

Uns, Oh my god the best chicken maryland in the world, my mouth is watering as I type. Always my first and last meal every time I am in paradise.

1st left off Poppies from JL Legian and about 75 yards in the direction of Jl Pantai. Great Restaurant - try the Sesame Tuna Steak

Un’s Restaurant Jalan Pantai & Poppies lane1 this used to my favorite restaurant in Bali. We went there as usual on our first night and the food & service are still ok but I believe the place is resting on their laurels & needs an injection of something to bring it back to their glory days 5/10

As far as value for money and quality of food this would have to be one of our very favourite restaurants in Bali.
We try to eat at as many different restaurants while we are in Bali but always end up visiting Un's at least a few times during the time we are in Bali.
The trio of pasta dish is fantastic and all the food seems to be of very high quality of ingredients.
The staff are very attentive and the frozen margheritas are cheap and good.
They give you a small frozen margherita as a welcome drink just to get you started. Beware it is very hard to stop!

Has been a fave of mine for years.
I love the complimentary Arak Margarhita and Icy cold Face Towels upon arrival and the divine setting among fairy lights and Frangipani trees.
The food is heavenly and I would say that I had 'The Best' Fillet Steak I have ever tasted in this wonderful restaurant......yum!!!
An Oasis tucked away amongst the hustle & bustle of Kuta.

Yes I love Uns, beautiful atmosphere, great staff, delicious food!

WAYAN & FRIENDS,

Jl Padma, Legian – best steak I’ve found in town.

Lunch was at WAYAN AND FRIENDS. I have to say we were dissapointed. The juices were OK. The meals were nice as usual. What upset us was that we had dishes in the middle and a plate each so we could share, and these empty plates were quite dirty. Maybe their hygiene standards have slipped?

Wayan and Friends - Jln Padma – this place was recommended to me three trips ago and I only braved it for the first time last trip and I am glad I did and disappointed I had by-passed it for so many years – not the cheapest place to eat on Jln Padma but we never had a bad meal there. When I was craving a steak the Fillet Mingon, with garlic butter (oh almost going to report on eats in Garlic Lane) served with spuds and salad and dressings was almost Australian class and for less than AUS$7.00 I went back 4 times for dinner ordering the same meal – when you are on a good thing stick to it.

WET RESTURANT

Just returned from my 32nd trip to Bali.
Spent everyday eating at the new WET Resturant opposite the New Discovery Mall and next to Water Bom Park.
Wet is a German Francise. The owner is Michael who is a chef by trade. The Manager is Made and all the staff are delightful.
All the food is delicous Hamburgers, Pizzas, Italian, Seak, Ribbs etc.
Not to mention the Delicous cappucino and mocha coffee. Main meals start at RP28,000. My favorite was the beef lasange only rp42,000 and difficult to finish the generous portion.
This is the standard of food that Aussies like and Stadium Cafe should take note.

PAPAS

stopped at Papa's Cafe for lunch - food was divine. Caesar salads, Lasagna that melted in your mouth and the best in town. Just wanted to let you all know that the standards and the quality of food are better than ever and the chef David was extremely friendly and made us feel welcome.
Thumbs up for Papa's Cafe.

The last time I ate here was just before Suzanne and I caught Pak Rat in 2004, so I was pleased to see that the breakfast menu had no reminders of that unsavoury occasion. Their Eggs Benedict was perfect; banana and cinamon pancakes sublime and our youngest ordered porridge – it came as a serving so big it could have sustained him for a year (pity Australian Customs wouldn’t let the doggy bag in).

Papas. up past Kuta. Italian food, yummy again!!!!

KU ‘DE TA

Opinions vary widely on Ku de Ta, but any cutting edge establishment always does. Firstly, you would be wise to book when you arrive in Bali.

Great design, fantastic position right onto the beach, modern with a 'hint' of exclusive. Almost the place 'to be seen'.

I had a fantastic table right on the front, looking over the beach, great sunset and atmosphere. Service good. Food was somewhat disappointing and very oily. Expensive by Bali standards, but reasonable by Melbourne standards. I think there are many other restaurants that have better food

Almost the place 'to be seen'.

I love it , both the atmosphere and the food, certainly its full of the "beautiful people" at cocktail hour, but really buzzes and a lot of fun

disappointing this time- food boring, cocktails not so good, staff very busy (doing everything but serving)

We arrived at Ku De Ta just before sunset and had a few cocktails with Butterfly and her two girlfriends that were with her. The place was jumping, what an atmosphere, people everywhere, music pumping and right on the beach! There seemed to be a lot of children and we soon learnt that an 8 year old was celebrating a Birthday (god knows what the parents will do for the 21st!). Karisma and her friend Kathy arrived and soon after we were shown to our table and two Bali friends of Karisma's joined us too. The menu was to die for and we had the hardest time choosing what to eat as it all sounded delicious. Wine prices were astronomical compared to Aussie prices

but as it was my Birthday what the heck! I had a beef dish on mash with a beef jus followed by a whole lemon sole. Mark organised a small desert of caramel chocolate flan with a candle in it which was served with all the waitresses and waiters clapping and singing happy birthday. What a night it was, we started around 5pm ended the night with a nightcap on some lounges overlooking the ocean with the waves crashing onto the beach about 12.30am. Apparently the bill was around $100 per head, pretty steep for Bali standards but you would pay so much more if the restaurant was located here in Oz with the same location!

Ku De Ta wa really a treat and reminded me a little of the Portsea Pub although far more modern. The menu was magnificent however MIchelle, Yanto & I could not go past the "Seafood Platter" and indeed it did not let us down. Armed with much cutlery, nut crackers and bib the three of us demolished it. Absolutely fantastic and really AUD$120 was probably no more than we'd spend in a similar place in Aus - Doyles for example.

Taxi'd to Ku De Ta to show my daughter and we had brunch.Her ice-cream and me bruschetta and champagne MMMM Cost $ 29.40 all up but we had front row seats overlooking the beach and the day was beautiful!!

DADDY’S CAFÉ

across the road from the Dynasty entrance, Jl Kartika Plaza, Tuban. Really enjoyed their breakfasts, especially pancakes (very thick) and iced coffees. Average price for the 4 of us: Rp90 000. You can ask for their discount card – 15% off a-la-carte meals and, “Buy 6 breakfasts get one free”.

Daddys Cafe straight opposite Dynasty, told does good breakfasts. We had tea there one night. I had Chicken Gordon Blue. Yes that's how its spelt! Didn't really like the chicken, though.

PANTAI RESTAURANT

a lovely walk south along the beach from the Dynasty, however we were disappointed with the quality of the food and the service. Maybe just an off night? Rp250 000 for 4 including drinks.

Pantai Restaurant (Filo favourite) Jl Wana Segara, Tuban Ph 753-196 Between Dynasty and Patra Jasa. Walk through Ramada Bintang hotel. On beach, great, cheap. (meals we had were very ordinary)

Pantai Restaurant – right on the beach in Tuban. Again this one was recommended by Amanda. And her quote of it being just as good as the seafood restaurants in Jimbaran without the Jimbaran prices was spot on the money. I had the grilled king prawns with lemon garlic sauce served with chips and salad and they came out with six huge prawns cooked to perfection. The half a chook with either chips and salad or rice and vege’s was also something to write home about. This was a great place to sit back and relax overlooking the beach with a nice cool breeze blowing through. But no Bintang was the only slight inconvenience. Excellent food at modest prices. Comment: Very relaxing and excellent seafood

There are many conflicting reports about this place. I went there about a year ago and was not imp[ressed. Prawns weree like little rocks. No-one liked their meal. Service was poor.
Others rave about this place. Lately I have not heard any good reports.
If you want to go there it is on the beach in Tuban. You can walk down the beach from Hard Rock. It's a bit of a walk. Nearly to the airport. If you go by taxi it's just north of the street with Risata hotel in it.
Personally I would only go for drinks. It is nice at sunset.

We went there two years ago. Walked along the beach from the Dynasty going on dark and you had to keep an eye out for pieces of coral. Thought the food was average but the location is nice (the sea wall out front of the beach tends to take away from the ambience a bit). As Sayaguru said, good place for a sunset drink but I'd eat elsewhere (feel the same way about Jimbaran Bay).

the Pantai is nothing special. The food was average and the service was slower than a wet week. This restaurant does have a following though so I believe it's personal choice.
There are restaurants with equal , if not better views and far more palatable fare.

BALI COLADA RESTAURANT

Beach end of the Discovery Mall, Jl Kartika Plaza, Tuban. We ate here twice – great food, good prices ( much cheaper than you would expect to pay at a place like the Discovery Mall. Great iced mocha cappucinos and milkshakes.We also tried Nasi Rendang, Club Sandwich, Burgers, Chicken with Roasted Capsicum – all good. Around Rp30 000 each.

TJ’s MEXICAN – Poppies 1

. This is a bit of a tradition with us, we always have at least 1 meal here on each trip. Didn’t disappoint – great food and service, even when we arrived late and they were very busy. Can highly recommend the Frozen Margaritas!

yummy mexican! Great!

t TJs we had another excellent dinner- I had the seafood frijitas (40,000R) bintang (8,000R?) and chocolate mousse cake (17,000R) I was very disappointed but the pumpkin pie was off the menu. The girls had tacos and nachos, chocolate milkshakes and mud cake, which they were really happy with.

We love mexican style food and this would be our all time favourite mexican restaurant.
The meals are generous and make sure you ask for some of the homemade chilli sauce.
Margheritas here are great, but be warned they are strong.
Have tried Poco Loco as well but TJ's is definately our favourite.

TJ's would have to be in my top three restuarants in Bali.
The food is terrific and the drinks are icy cold and the price is right also.
Get there early so you can secure one of the "day beds" so you can lay back and relax in comfort while you enjoy your meal.

This use to be our favourite Mexican place in Bali. The food is great. Hey those day beds you relax on while waiting for the meal are just great. And the wait staff just looked after our boys just great. OK the food was great, the drinks were great but the bill was not great. Probably our problem our drink bill was greater than the food bill. But a Black Russian costs the same as a main course. We have loved this place over 15 years but will probably not rush back. Eventhough the food is great it is over priced. Comment: Great place years ago – seems to bumped up prices

SECRET GARDEN

Had a few meals here in March 04 and kept going back! Alvin has done a great job. The meals are great, the bintangs are cold, the staff are excellent. Make sure you say hello to Alvin too when you are there. PS: His cornish pasties are good too!

LEDGENDS

Legends – Garlic Lane – for a great night of entertainment for all the family, ages 3 to 103 give this one a go – they have blackboard specials that change every week and the staff are very attentive. The bands are great and also the dress up shows. The pizzas, steaks and Indo food are great but the price is not so cheap but not so expensive either – middle of the range. Beers are very cold and I think they have a happy hour.

we ate at Legends in Garlic Lane, nice food and some entertainment by Michael Jackson and a drag queen !!

TAMIN SARI

Tamin Sari – Poppies Lane 2

I really liked this place and again Amanda recommended it. It is a resort with a great restaurant attached. You get these great icy cold wipes when you arrive and they give you free garlic bread. – but you only get this after you order your mail meal. I had a chilli pork dish which was just great and I had it again on our next visit – it also came with rice – yum yum. Other favourite was the chook parma. Comment: gets packed – so get in early.

Very friendly staff, cheap, good food. I always eat here and wach people passing by. Good chilli chicken.

SECTION 4

ACCOMMODATION

BALI GARDEN HOTEL - TUBAN/KUTA

Rooms 109 to 112 are on the ground floor, they are on the side. We stayed in room 111 (have requested 112 for this year) these rooms are facing the side of the hotel & you don't hear the disco or street noices.

Just my 20c worth on this as I was there two days ago helping Ev boost his pool bar bill ..... I personally thought this hotel looked "tired", and certainly nowhere near as pristine as the pics (as is usually the case!) on the website above. It's in an unbeatable location, especially if you have biscuit crunchers, but I thought it was pretty ordinary and had actually expected it to be a bit nicer. And no, thats NOT looking at it through my five star rose tinted glasses either!! lol Ev's staying there and has numerous times before and said the same thing. BGH is tired but clean and basic. I'd personally take the time to check out the others on par with it price

I've stayed at the BGH a couple of times and think it's a top hotel.
From what I remember, the family rooms are downstairs along the front of the hotel.
I think that previously the family rooms were standard hotel rooms.
Looks like they enclosed the verandah to create extra internal space.
There might also be family rooms facing the inside gardens,
I suggest you request this as these rooms will be more quiet.
BGH has a perfect location right on Tuban beach, no roads to cross.
They have also recently updated the area along the beachfront and were planning a new beachfront restaurant.
(might be finished by now)
Waterbom Park is across the road, lot's of fun for the kids.
The breakfast buffet is great and includes an "Egg Man"
Pizza and cold beer, watching the sunset - a great way to end the day.

we had a balcony room there last year,overlooking the graveyard next door lol . don't expect anything to flash,you only get what you pay for. Staff are great, breakfast very good, rooms clean but tired, good area if you want to be near kuta

RAMAYANA HOTEL – KUTA

I have stayed there many times in a poolside bungalow. I like the location and the gardens. Service is always good.
The bungalows are great with large verandahs to sit out on.
Not a busy hotel so I have never had any problems getting a lounge by the pool. A lot of Indos seem to be there when I was. The buffet breakfast is not very good. I always order from the menu.
I would always stay there again

Have stayed there twice..great location

The deluxe rooms are awesome. We stayed there in August, in the new section (all the deluxe rooms are now in the new section and there are no ground floor rooms in this section, all shops and restaurants) The rooms were clean, fresh and very comfortable. The bed was HUGE! We liked it so much we have booked another 12 nights in August! I woulodn't stay any where else. The staff were friendly and nothing was to much trouble

Stayed there in a family room in May this year. Checked out the poolside cottages while were there and have have booked one for March 2006. You won't be disappointed. In a great location right near Mataharis, a 2 minute stroll through the Kuta Art markets to the beach. The Stadium Bar is great to watch sport or just sit out the front and watch the world go by. A great place to stay.

Hi we stayed in a deluxe room facing the pool in March.
It is a lovely hotel the rooms are quite big nicely furnished with kingsize bed, sofa and chair, desk, fridge tv. some international channels, no movie channel but they will play your DVDs. Nice marble bathroom with separate shower, small balcony with 2 chairs & table. Ask for pool side as street side is noisy and the balconny is very hot. Good breakfast and service. excellent posistion 5 mins walk to the beach. Pool side cottages are also very nice, standard rooms are at the back we didint look at these.

SANTIKA - TUBAN

we have stayed at hotel santika tuban really quiet we stayed in superior rooms and the beds were huge really nice bathrooms and everytime we left the room and came back we had clean towels and tidy room even if you had three showers in one day!(my partner is a big guy and would have a shower when he returned to the room each time.). nice walk to shops,markets,restuarants and clubs all rooms are down towards the beach as they have closed the ones closer to the road so extremely quite!

The Santika would certainly be my choice. We've tried quite a number of places over the years but have settled on the Santika for about the last 6 trips & are booked there again in Aug/Sept. Excellent value, great location and staff, choice of several levels of rooms including garden bungalows and suites. All are extemely well maintained

I have stayed at the Santika hotel twice and will be there again in August. It is a great hotel, the staff are excellent, the grounds are beautiful and the rooms the best. We were there for my husband's bithday last time and to our surprise they brought us a cake (and one of the nicest cakes I have ever eaten) and flowers. We have also both times that we have stayed received a note from the Hotel manager along with a fruit platter and fresh flowers. We personally like it's location because it is such a nice walk up the beach everyday. Each to their own, but I highly recomend this place.
The Santika last October and thought it was great. Had a ground floor deluxe pool view room, quite spacious with big balcony. It's certainaly a quieter type hotel with the lovliest staff. Good breakfast if your in for that, we plan on going back in July or August
This is a great little hotel. Lots of choices of rooms, bungalows are great and breakfast is included.
Depends on the time of year as to the state of the beach though.
Best in June, July , August. Great for watching the sunsets.
stayed at Santika Hotel in Tuban and it was just lovely - very quiet and sensational service. A beautiful sunset beachfront restaurant and a line of sun lounges where you can invite your chosen massage lady off the beach

RAMA BEACH RESORT & SPA - TUBAN

It's a GREAT resort- you won't be disappointed, the pool area is big with plenty of shade, breakfast is very good. We stayed in a villa.
Loacation is good not in the busy Kuta district and only about $1.80 for a taxi there when you want to go.

wouldnt hesitate to stay there again. we were there in dec 04.
Huge pool, shuttle to town 4 times daily , and if you stay longer than 7 nights you get a room upgrade. the deluxe rooms are huge with lovely big bathroom.

KARTIKA PLAZA - TUBAN

I've stayed at Kartika 3 or 4 times. If you imaging a big 'U' shape with the top of the 'Legs' facing the beach, you'll get an idea of the layout. The offices and entry are at the bottom of the 'U'. The pools are at the top of the 'Legs' in the centre of the 'U'. The two 'Legs' are 3 storeys and have rooms on ground and uppers. ALL of these rooms face EITHER inwards to the pool OR outwards to the gardens. There are only 4-8 rooms that actually face the beach directly I think and they'd be a little disappointing, because there's a fair amount of garden between hotel and beach and the little wall separating the hotel from the beach would obstruct your view.
All rooms have balconies except the suites (go figure?)
It's a huge hotel, but very pleasant. Not as personal as other hotels, but very professionally run.

have stayed at Kartika 4 times in an upstairs room overlooking the pool. It is a superb hotel. BUT ... it does advertise conference and conventions. If you are planning a trip try and ascertain if they have any big conferences on. Whilst I was there last time it was Bali Fashion Week. Now I love fashion and the parades and models were sensatinal, but for 5 days solid we were subjected to sound checks from 7am, rehearsals all day, and at night we were intruders. They closed off half the pool. Build the cat walk across the pool and throughout the gardens. Filled the gardens with guests from the trade and we were prevented from entering any of that area. From the pool we got to loook at the pre fab rear of the stage backdrop. From the restaurants you couldn't hear yourself think and as we wandered back to our room, security sent us around to the "tradesmens entrance". Believe me it was appalling! again the spectacular parades, models etc were unbelievable but the paying guests of Kartika were ce to management. Not a minute of the day was without noise, sound checks and unbelievable obstructions to the gardens, restaurants and pool. I love Kartika, but I would never go if a conference was on. If you email Management they will advise of conferences. Without the intrusion of big conferences, I just love the place. Hope you have a peaceful stay there, if you do you will adore it! Cheetah

stayed at the Kartika Plaza South Kuta (don't mention the word Tuban, apparently it's regarded as profanity by the 'flavour of the month police' in Bali at the moment). Good location across the road from Waterbom park and 'Le Speed Karts' also close walking distance from Bubba Gumps, Green Garden The Impala and Daddy's Cafe. Originally booked 'ocean front' room but not available due to renovation for the first 4 days of our visit, however upgraded to the suite (seperate bedroom) on the THIRD floor ohhhh well was looking to shed a few kilos ?!?!?!? Overlooking the pool, good size, two TVs (lounge & b'room, both with cable) and those wooden shutters over the windows and doors (great for the 1pm sleep in). All in good condition and room service was fast, polite and as ordered. Good pool bar (prices are steep) as well as breakfast buffet as per the usual (everything and anything).
Would recommend rooms 1032 through to 1037 (ocean front) as ours friends stayed here, just grass and palms between you and the ocean, next to the pool and on the ground floor !!!! We had 4019, Mum and Dad 3019 and there friends 2019 all on the 'bend' of the buildings and all suites. However they increased in size as you got higher ???? La Cucina is the resort restaurant and i have eaten here before (while not a guest), good selection and it comes recommended (be cautious of the 98000 rph Pina Colada !!!!).
Found that the room service and pool bar prices (32,500 for a large bintang !!! tip: order the healthy pizza) were a little excessive, but we mostly ate (and drank) away from the hotel. We received an invite to a cocktail party thrown by the hotel manager Urs Klee one night, i shouldn't have touched the arak cocktails, experience has taught me this, but i just couldn't say no and boy did i pay !!!

took a walk through Kartika and a look at the rooms and thought I'd like to stay there next time. It is also closer to Kuta , restaurants and right next to a HUGE shoppong centre just being built, now. The ocean facing room was a knock-out, with nice spacious interior and huge balcony with day bed as well as table and chairs on it....right overlooking the ocean! The pool view rooms - you could still see the ocean a bit too

MELASTI BEACH RESORT

we stayed at mbr for 3 weeks oct/nov with our teenager (15.) our reservations were stuffed up by flight centre and we ended up in a standard room on the road. we continuously asked for another room and got one (standard again) a few days later over looking the pool. the standard rooms are too small for 3 people, if i had my time again i would book the new suites ground floor overlooking the pool, the have a concertina type door that divides the areas, so you can have some privacy for dressing. also the bathrooms are huge, sep bath & shower & heaps of rooms for hanging towels and storing toiletries. we are going back in sept this year and have booked at bali garden, melasti was ok but after the bad experience we had i wouldnt stay there again. we could have upgraded to a suite but they wanted $500 US and my hubby said it wasnt worth it. we we got back flight centre refunded us a huge $97 for our trouble (they said this was the difference between the room rates) so its definately cheaper to book at home.

We have stayed there twice with a 6-8y.o. child in an older suite. I agree they are huge and the sitting room part at the entrance to the suite is sectioned off and they put in a fold out bed for our son. I am not sure I would have liked to have slept in it though. He is very light and found it fine - but for an adult I am not so sure. Size wise though they are great. We met people that stayed in the new section and had connecting rooms - maybe you could compare $$. It is a great hotel for the money you pay. Enjoy.

The Good

The size of the older style suite rooms. Accomodates familes very well.
No pretences about the place or the people who stay there.
Pool does not resemble a public swimming pool as is the case with some
larger establishments.

No sun lounge Nazis in evidence.
Great location on the beach.
Close to a wide range of some of the best restaraunts in Legian.
Large Bathrooms.
Good mix of visitors both with and without kids.
Feels like a home away fom home.

The Bad

A general tidy up of the grounds and facilities are in order. This seems to
have started with the construction of new restaraunts.
Delays in getting a pool towel.
Grey bath towels.
Breakfast - Not the most hygenic, having to q for toast or an egg is not my idea of fun nor should be expected.

It's in a great position, surrounded by good restaurants, shops and other necessities (not that shops are

).
First thing to know I guess is that there are two parts to the MBR - the old and the new.
The older part is close to the beach and, as the name would imply, was the first to be built. The buildings here have four places to stay - two at ground level and two on the first floor. The ones I've seen have a large main room with a double bed and room for another bed if needed and a petitioned room for another couple of beds. The bathroom runs off the main room and the cupboard space is good. Out the front of each place is a tiled porch/balcony with a table and chairs. If you're lucky, you might get one of the rooms close to the beach and on the first floor so you'll have a beach view (don't know what the number to ask for would be). The gardens are nice, there's a pool and there is also a restaurant near the beach which was being renovated and extended when I was there in September this year.
The new part (which I've only walked past) appears to be apartments/units closer to reception and the entrance from Padma Utara (a street that runs parallel to the beach). There's a pool but I don't know anything else about it nor can recall anyone else mentioning it - maybe that's saying something.
Anyway, heaps of people here on the forum have stayed at the MBR so I'm sure you'll get quite a few replies about it.

Just returned from Bali on Sat. Spent 11 nights at MBR. It was ok. Had a few probs with the room and breakfast is getting worse. But our room was right near the small pool at the front so that was nice because not many people used it. Will probably stay somewhere else next time as it is more of a family hotel.

POPPIES - KUTA

I've stayed at Poppies. Rooms are quite OK. Very quiet with fantastic pool. Private, quiet rooms, all separately built around lovely gardens and winding paths. It's VERY central to the madness of Kuta. Out of the door and into the frenzy! Whilst I haven't seen the triple room, I imagine that it's similar to the others. Pleasant without being fantastic.

RAMADA BINTANG

We stayed at the Ramada Bintang last May. It is a large hotel with beautiful gardens and large pool area - we personally never had a problem with pool lounges but I don't think the hotel was full at the time. The pool is right on the beach so our daughter(11) had great fun with the hawkers on the beach (they became her best friends) The staff were very friendly. A laundry 5 mins down the road (do yourself or they will do very cheap) We are back to Bali in August and staying at Ramada Bintang again.

It is all you would expect from a 4 star. Gamelan music playing when you arrive - too little of it these days. Central gardens delightful. Pool area is very nice but too many lounge hogs. Dining area has cascading water surrounds and large koi pond with fountain and garden. Breakfast is amazing - EVERYTHING anyone could desire, except fruit choice was a bit boring. They have a weekly culture night - dinner and dancers, looked quite impressive as we walked past.

We have also stayed there, and are going back in August, the rooms are clean, the breakfasts are excellent, and there is a restaurant on the beach called Pantai, which we found to be cheap, and the meals very good. We had rooms on the ground floor near the pool, which we loved, the only problem, were people laying claim to the sun lounges, even though they were not using them, by that I mean people putting clothes and old books on the sun lounges, and then coming back hours later.

twice now it is a large hotel , right on the beach,pool is also on the beach , we stayed in the same room on both trips room 1003 which is towards the lobby area ( ground floor ) looking onto the gardens hotel has 3 levels , beautiful grounds and the staff are great only problem was not enough pool chairs people would place towels on the chairs and not use them until late afternoon,we where told that they had ordered more chairs so maybe the problem is fixed now . their is lots of places to eat around this area . my parents are going to stay at this hotel in july so i hope they also enjoy it like we do . this year we are tryiy a few differant hotels , but yes its a great hotel

BALI RANI

The renovated rooms are indeed very nice, but smaller than the superior rooms. If you don't mind NOT being next to the Pool or would like to have a more quiet place (at floorlevel) than the standard rooms would be a perfect choice.
Your wallet also has a little bit to say, because these rooms are ofcourse a little bit cheaper!.
You surely won't be disappointed in Bali Rani Hotel, which room you take is a personal matter of taste an wishes or demands.

I stayed in the superior a couple of years ago and last September when we were there went to have a look again and the standard rooms have all been done up and they were much nicer than the superior in my opinion. The superior are bigger rooms and the one that we had overlooked the pool (but garden between so you could not see much anyway) but I would book a standard if it was me again.

we stayed at the Bali Rani in Jan 05, and spent time there in Feb 04. You will not be dissapointed. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The food is excellent. They have a buffet breakfast and make sure you ask the cook to do your eggs anyway you like them. They will also do pancakes / crepes if you ask. On Monday nights they have a bbq night for 75,000 rp, which is all you can eat, followed by balinese dancing.
The superior rooms have recently been refurbished, they are smaller than the deluxe rooms and are located generally around the pond area, which is near the foyer. If you have booked a deluxe room, email them prior to going and ask for a ground floor pool view room. Room no's 140 to 148 are excellent and are located around the pool area.

MATAHARI BUNGLOWS

tayed at the matahari bungalows in july 2004 and can highly recommend this hotel.
It is family owned and operated by Mr Gede and his beautiful daughter Miss Candra who are both the lovliest and most hospitible people.
It is very central, about a 2 minute walk to the old matahari dept store on Jalan legian where we changed money daily.
The rooms are clean and quite adequate with your typical bali blue or pink bathrooms, hot & cold water, aircon and mini fridge (deluxe rooms). The gardens are beautifully kept and a gorgeous pool with sunken bar. The breakfasts by the pool were to die for with a selection of fresh fruit, nasi goreng, toast, french toast and yummy banana pancakes

The restaurant out the front is a great spot to have a bintang or my favourite baileys comet

and watch the world go by on jalan legian, the food there is good also and reasonably priced, the kids loved the cheeseburgers here

and they also have a bakery with a selection of pastries.

The staff at matahari bungalows are great and can't do enough for you without being pushy.
Our rooms were delux rooms on the ground floor by the pool and when we would have our duty free happy hour of an afternoon/evening we would take the chairs from our verandahs and sit them out on the grass in the gardens. Candra would come and say hello now and then and tell us how pleased this made her, her father and their staff as they had never had anyone stay there before and make use of the gardens like we did

I have to say although we all enjoy a wee bit of a tipple or 2 & apart from the occasional roar of laughter we always tried to respect the other guests and keep the noise down

6 of our group of 8 were 1st timers to bali and all said they would definately be staying there again this year.

and we will be there in may/june 2005.
The only advice I can give you girls is.....Go for it.....I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
The only word of warning is take the mozzie coils or plug ins, there were a few in the rooms and we found that if we put the bath mat over the floor drain in the bathroom and closed the bathroom door before we went out for dinner they wouldn't be so bad, nothing the old flyspray wouldn't fix.

Oh and there's a superK right across the street with icy cold bintangs........ very convenient.

We arrived at the hotel. Not bad for a budget hotel. Bathroom facilities not the best. A lot of mozzies in rooms. My husband had an encounter with a snake outside the room. Heaps of cockroaches. A lot of funny business going on in other rooms. I wasn't to happy about hearing 2 males having a bit of fun in bed. Worse that it was an old man and young balinese boy. But such is life...there is a lot of that going on that end of town.WARNING

KUMALA PANTI - LEGIAN

Breakfast is included in the price. The ambassador room, has 2 bedrooms, with 1 king size bed, 2 twin beds ( sep rooms), also a lounge room
The best rooms are eith in Y or B block, these are closest to the pool.
My agent told me on Friday the rates have gone up 15%, the ambassador room cost $151.00 per night in Dec/Jan, so l might even contact KP direct and get a price from them.

hey you will love it friends of ours were staying there in Sep. we went down to visit HUGE pool kids loved it food was good and great Rest. near by we had many sunset bintangs

out front on beach have fun

We stayed there Dec/Jan just gone, rooms are a really good nice, nice bathrooms, good size pool, great location, and the staff are very friendly.My brother had the Ambassador room, it was massive, you could have a party in it.

Try for rooms in either Y or B block, they are closest to the pool

I made enquiries at the Kumala Pantai on Tuesday.
They quoted 1,050,000rup for the Ambassador suite - About AUD$145
I should have asked to be shown through, but didn't.
I think they said,
1 x King bed in 1 bedroom and 2 x double beds in other bedroom.

Excellent hotel. Just over 2 years old. Only 90 rooms including suites. On the other side of Jayakarta from Niksoma on beach road. Probably also booked out as it is very popular.

KP without doubt is the better class hotel only about 3 years since it was completely renovated great rest,s just outside on beach side lovely view at b/fast which is as good as any we have had.Handy for semilyak as well as legian/kuta but a very pop place room sevice very good and cheap, bintang only 10,000 LP VERY good if u want to be in the heart off everything. b/fast OK, Found there to be a lot japanese there. traffic jams a pain but nice nd handy for popies 1 and 2 Pub bagus great for a cold bintang sport and a movie my choice KP but you would not be dissapointed with LP ENJOY wally

BOUNTY HOTEL - KUTA

But can be a bit too much for a few people...

If you know what I mean.

Awas booked out. The place is great. Heaps of Fun and a really good place to meet people. Theres plenty of places to eat in that area. The rainbow cafe right across the road is a great place for a real cheap eat, as reikiman said Warung 96 is just down the road a little way. I really like the pizzas there.

they class it as a budget acc.
I wont stay anywhere else. Actually getting there tomorrow arvo.....
Clean. Spacious. You want it. they'll get it.... Enjoy.

how good the Bounty is. We have stayed there five times in five years and just love it. Two great two pools both with swim up pool bars and one with a 24hr. swim up pool bar. Great restaurant and room service. Never had a problem with cash kept at the safety deposit boxes. You stay right in the heart of Kuta, five minutes from the beach and five minutes from Legian Street. Surrounded by shops and restaurants. Convinced you yet......Ray

I was just at the Bounty in Feb! Its great! We were in room 648 and it was quiet. it was right at the end of the hotel and closer to the pool that wasnt open 24 hours, it was right away from the 24 hour pool. it was on the top floor and we were never woken up by noisy people. (only the dogs barking somewhere)I was really happy with this room, plus it is bigger than the ones on the ground floor. There are heaps of markets/shops right outside the Bounty! When I was there, there was a green taxi company ouside the whole time, dont use them they try to rip you off really bad!!
We didnt know what to expect of the hotel with the kids but the staff were fantastic with them and even some of the other guests would play game with them in the pool. Very nice hotel for those on a bit of a budget. Two swimming pools to choose from. Rooms clean and adequate and the hotel grounds were lovely. Wouldnt hesitate in recommending this hotel to any other families. Hey you basically only use it to sleep in and go swimming.

VILLA RUMAH MANTIS – KUTA

The last time I was at VRM I must admit it was looking a little tired. And the furniture was still the original bright green. There are now nicer villas around in the same area. The management are the same as Bounty, Barong, Dewi Sri etc. Again this is my personal opinion and VRM was one of the first "villas" on the island. Formerly known as Bounty Riverview.

had a quick look around about six months ago. Agree with Joanne, also noticed that the music around the main pool was very loud if you just wanted to relax and could probably be heard in many of the rooms.

We checked out the accommodation advertised with private pools at the back only to find that the pools were in fact shared with the upstairs or next door accommodation...two units inside one walled garden. I would have been really disappointed to have booked online, thinking the pool was really private. The staff who showed us around insisted that it was a private pool even when we pointed out that it would be shared if the next-door unit was occupied. RM was also asking silly prices of upwards of $100 US per night for the latter units.

Def better value accommodation in hotels or villas available within 10 mins in any direction. Also, if you're on foot then you've got to cross Jln Legian to get down to the beach which might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you've got kids.

We stayed at VRM last year and check out the Jasmine suite. IT IS SWEET. They were offering upgrade packages at the hotel when we were there. Room is awsome. Dont know how much extra it was but it looked worth while.

Vila Rhuma Manis, Seminyak. Not good. Very dark rooms and dated furnishings. In need of a good update and overhaul. Could be beautiful but I don't think anything has been done for years. Not very clean, net curtaining around beds dusty and grey. Would not recommend if you have littlies as the stairs to upstairs could be lethal. Plunge pool needs resurfacing badly. Mossies terrible, had to wear Aeroguard to bed and sleep with Bagon next to us! Restaurant very ordinary. Staff wonderful though!

SOFITEL HOTEL – SEMMINYAK

It was beautiful, and if you take a trip into my webshots photo's there are a bezillion pics in and around the hotel itself you can look at. The staff were lovely and very efficient, the rooms, albeit we scored the upgrade of the century, were lovely. Had a bit of a tour around all the different types of rooms and I would have been happy to camp in any of them. It's on the beach at the end of one of Seminyaks busiest restaurant/club strips and walking distance to everything. The main pools are as gorgeous as the photo (although they don't include the "forest pool" on the website for some reason which is even more gorgeous than the main pool). The only drawback in that regard is there isn't a swim up bar in either of them, but there are beautiful 'day bed' kind of scenarios at the main pool where you can sit and eat and there is a bar of course.
It was very quiet while we were there in September, so it depends what you want really. It's not a "kiddy" hotel, or at least we saw very few of them and the ones that were there were more teenage+parents. That was a bonus for us, but not for all. It seemed that the guests were predominantly Japanese tourists (which is cool except if you happen to be waiting in any of the hotels shops - the staff will ignore you completely over a Japanese tourist every time!). We certainly had a magical stay there and would recommend it. Only reason we aren't staying there again this time is because we wanted something a little closer to Kuta/Legian as we spent a lot of time in taxi's going there for the nightlife & shopping. Again, it depends what you want. If what you are after is a beautiful, five star hotel to laze around in and sunbake, close to the Seminyak shops and to die for restaurants, then its perfect. Happy to add more if you have any more queries.

GREEN GARDEN HOTEL – TUBAN

Have stayed there before and you can also use the Green Garden Beach Resort facilities. Its a friendly little place, clean basic and not many frills like the Dynasty, but ever so friendly and clean and very central, Kodak and supermarket next door. Food is good, great hamburgers and steaks. Just love it.

The hotel is a small family run hotel. It has a nice small pool and the rooms are clean (we stayed in a ground floor room with the pool at our doorstep). My kids loved the satelite TV and the room service (which is great value and extensive). Its right next to a supermarket. About a 5-10 minute walk to mataharis, 2-3 minute to waterbom park and you can cut through the Dynasty to the beach or through the kuta art market.

KUTA LAGOON RESORT

We are staying at the property in April. I have been and checked it out. It is small but in a great location. We have booked a pool access room.There are only two floors. Ground floor is pool access and 1st floor is pool view. You are able to access the pool from your balcony. The entrance to the property isn't that great but once you are inside its fine. The staff seem lovely and well you aren't to far away from shopping, eating etc.They also have private villas some with own pool.

Apparently very quiet but service excellent. Not a "kiddies" resort from all reports.

I was recommended to stay in the "deluxe lagoon rooms" as apparently you can jump straight into the pool from your own balcony decking. Sounds alright

shade we have been going over the past 4 years to this hotel never had any trouble getting sun lounges there are 4 areas with lounges as the pool runs the entire length of the hotel. Direct pool access rooms are the best choice as you can step straight into pool from your verandah. We love the breakfasts it is buffet style but eggs cooked whichever way you want whilst you wait.

We stayed in the private villa with pool earlier this year and I would recommend it. The hotel is in a good location. The room itself is good. In the room there is plenty of space with all the normal bits and pieces and then you can sit out on the verandah and eat your dinner at your table and then take a quick plunge in the pool. The staff are lovely and I know they were working on the entrance into the place to make it more inviting.

HOTEL BARONG – KUTA

Mal & I stayed there for 3 weeks in August 2004 and love it.

Yes it is basic but the staff well and truly make up for that.
You still have a comfortable bed, air con, hot & cold water, TV with in house movies, two pools and a 24 hour pool bar and room service. What else would you want???

We are staying there again from 12th February for 2 weeks and possibly again for another 3 weeks in August 2005 with my two kids.
Not as raging as the Bounty and not so upgraded but still comfy and really really central

Got back from Bali yesturday and stayed at Barong.. and it was INCREDIBLE!! Pools were excellent, service amazing and the people so freindley and rooms were beutiful!! Couldnt say anything bad bout it :)

the bathrooms were tired and had cracked tiles etc, but were always clean (as was the room). We had the room (forgotten number) just near the pool towel hut. Without fail every morning the toilet, if it was used and of course it needed to be, blocked up and overflowed! So we had to call maintenance to unblock almost every day.
Only other gripe was the pool was too cold, believe it or not. I'm one of those strange people who get goosebumps even when its hot. We usually go early June which is coolest time of the year anyway. Pool bar was in the shade all arvo, so didn't use much - different story at sister hotel Bounty.
Overall must agree with everyone else who says how friendly the staff are.
Personal preference would be to pay the small amount extra and stay at the Bounty.

VILLA & PRANA SPA

We stayed at "The Villas & Prana Spa" in Seminyak. There are 3 lots of them all owneed by an Australian artist apparently. Our transport took us to the Villas at the Prana spa where were registered in. We thought hey this looks good. Great location, easy to find, on a main street, looks very swishy. Then we found out we were staying at the newest ones built called the Sunset villas a block or so away from the Prana villas. Though OK this should be good being all new and all. So we were driven to them by one of the villa curtesy vans (I think they were all Kigang's). We took off down the street (Jalan Kunti) and turned into Jalan Raya Seminyak heading south towards Jalan Legian and then we turned left down a narrow street. We then turned right into this little alleyway just big enough for the van to fit up (although there we always times when a motorbike was trying to squeeze past us coming the other way). We were going through suburbia and I looked at Hubbie and said "were in the hell are they taking us, these villas better be worth it lol". Anyway and few more twists and turns later we were there. Firstly I have to say The villas were absoultely gorgeous, each villa having its own swimming pool (ours being about 2m by 2m I think and 2m at the deep end. There are 1,2 & 3 bedroom villas. We actually asked if we could have a look at the 2 & 3 bedroom ones on our last day and the staff said sure. So we got some vidoe footage of them. The 3 bedroom one was as big as our house at home and had a decent sized kidney shaped pool. It was magnificent.

KUTA PARADISO

I stayed there in November last year. It is certainly handy to everything in Kuta. I was in a deluxe pool view room (476?) and the view was good, over the pool and up the beach. The room was great with a very big bathroom and separate shower. The staff were very helpful. I didn't like the breakfasts and the coffee shop had a limited menu. The spa in the spa pool didn't work. The security guys were great

BALI MANDIRA

Nice hotel. We had pre-booked 5 nights in superior room, which is about 5 rows back from the pool but no biggie. The room itself was a bit run down, the bed sagged very badly and the shower was crummy, but we felt the hotel grounds, pool area and location compensated for this. Both pools were lovely, there are enough pool lounges; even though the hotel was full (we tried to book the remaining 6 nights but the had to turn us down) we always found a pool lounge. Breakfast was a nice enough buffet, good variety and nice bread (bali bread is almost always so thin and tough, but this was nice!) Would recommend this hotel, particularly if the pool area is important to you.

somewhere close to the pool area, I had room 111, which is a cottage...Deluxe. Included in that I had free cocktails from 5.30pm to 7.30pm that is...lol. Great room. Outdoor bathroom. Robes and slippers...Highly recomment it...

We stayed at the Bali Mandira, Legian was really nice, family room 1 Queen bed and 2 singles same room, ask for ground floor, have a terrace out the front

Stayed for 3 weeks, all very nice.
Breakfast was good, accommodation was very good (we had a Deluxe room next to the Suites, close to the pools).
We stayed on the previous 2 trips at the Legian Beach Hotel "LBH" (which is next door to the Mandira). There is not a lot of difference between the 2 really - both have 2 pools (1 at the Mandira is elevated), yet the LBH has a swim up bar. The Mandira has a nice bar near the lower pool.
The LBH has bigger rooms (at the same price level).

BALI PADMA

We stayed in the superior rooms which are in the hotel wing. They are about as far away as you can get from the main gate, pool and the beach as you could get! Having said that none of it was a problem for us. We were in and out all the time. The rooms are great. The pool is unbelievable. The breakfast is exceptional. It is a huge hotel but you never feel like there are people everywhere and I have never, ever not been able to get a deck chair (as happens in some smaller hotels). This is not a hotel where you tend to get to know the other guests. Great location. Great happy hr 5-7 on the grass terrace overlooking the beach.

My partner & I & another couple of friends stayed at the Padma for 11 nights in a Deluxe Chalet & we all loved it - wouldn't stay anywhere else. It's my 2nd time at the Padma & I love the place. The pool is fantastic - we would take our drinks down after we got back late from dinner out & swim from midnight till the early hours of the morning as the weather was so great. I so miss my Padma buffet breakfasts - they're amazing! The Japanese buffet dinner (Tuesday & Friday nights) is well worth staying for. It's a taste sensation!

the Padma will not disappoint. The deluxe chalet rooms are lovely, have not stayed in the superior rooms before. The deluxe chalet rooms have king sized beds that are comfy, the airconditioning works very well (which is what you definitely want after a full day out in the hot & humid weather) & they supply you with 2 bottles each day of complimentary bottled water.

RITZ CARLTON (Jimbaran)

Now this isn't my style of hotel (or so I thought) but when our friends Dad took us to have a look around, we fell in love with the resort. It is simply magnificent, it is set up on the south (?) cliff above Jimbaran Bay- about 5-10mins drive down into Jimbaran. We stayed one night, as a special treat and we were blown away by the hotel. Words cannot describe how gorgous it is. It is a very popular location for weddings, and I can see why. The grounds are stunning, the pools are the best I've laid eyes on.. if you want to feel like royalty, treat yourself, I so so highly recommend it. We paid rack rates but arranged an upgrade to a deluxe ocean view room, which had a balcony with complete ocean views. We had to take twin beds, but they were 2 x double beds and well, it wasnt a problem. The room was lovely, the bathroom was so impressive! They even came in and turned down the beds, laying out kimonos and slippers. Breakfast was great too, they had any type of food you could imagine, even one man who had the sole job of making banana smoothies. They also had waffles- yum.
The two drawbacks of the hotel were a)that the food and drinks were very expensive, I would take your own drinks and snacks, because it really adds up. Ie pizza and buffalo wings at the pool cost about $40au. We also chose to eat at Jimbaran for dinner rather than the hotel. b) the minute anyone outside the hotel found out you were staying at the Ritz (ie transport back from Jimbaran after dinner) of course, the prices were high. Even our white taxi (grr white taxis)from the hotel tried to convince us there was a "minimum charge" even though the meter was on. If a little luxury is your thing, go have a look at this hotel, we had so much fun there, just doing nothing, absorbing the surroundings. We will be back! The individual villas which sit along the cliffs look stunning too, but we were just happy to be at the hotel. I would highly highly highly recommend this place for an indulgence!

KUTA SEAVIEW COTTAGES

Stayed there last month, and last year as well. Really like the place - the cottages are very nice, with nice furnishings and big TV. The location is definitely the best part of the hotel - it is right near the beach, and Poppies 1 and 2. I would definitely stay there again. The only bad things about this place are 1) the mosquitos - they get in the cottages quite easily 2) the shower - wasn't the best in the world, but certainly not the worst either. you get a bath anyway if you prefer, and 3) If you want to eat in the restaurant, the food is nice but more expensive than elsewhere (still not bad by international standards, but we chose to eat out, as it is cheaper and more fun). The place is actually run by an English guy, who is very helpful. The pool is nice too.

NIKSOMA - LEGIAN

A nice hotel. Very modern, lovely staff, nice pool area. We had a deluxe room for 5 nights, number 526 which was upstairs towards the back, the balcony looked over the hotel to the beach. All the deluxe rooms were similarly located, but the first floor may not have any ocean views. Breakfast was a bit boring, typical basic buffet. The pool was so nice too, plenty of pool lounges. The pool warmed up during the day and we found it really nice to have a swim at sunset and drink cocktails. Because the pool was warm, you could stay in past sunset and not get chilly. The thing to keep in mind at this hotel is make sure you put your privacy sign on the door if you want to sleep in- Housekeeping come around banging on the door at 8am without fail.

Stayed at the Niksoma Hotel & Spa on the beach at Legian this time. Very nice hotel, modern sleek. Good pools, albeit sometimes crowded. Rooms renovated/new but suffered a little from the ‘not quite finished properly’ (doors don’t fit, showers splash etc) which seems to happen a lot in Bali. My bathroom had the taps put in before they fitted the mirror, and so you couldn’t get your hand behind the taps to turn them on. It was a two finger jobbie! Little things that didn't really affect the hol. The staff at the Niksoma, as well as almost every hotel I’ve stayed in, were fantastic. Very pleasant and personal. Location (on beach at Legian near Jayakarta hotel) was good. Easy to walk up to Legian Road.

Virtually all the rooms at the Niksoma face onto walls, and there are none that face the sea directly. The main block is at right angles to the water and the villas alongside it are screened from the water by the raised pool area.

DYNASTY HOTEL – TUBAN

DYNASTY HOTEL – Exec Suite was great – 2 TV’s (kids loved the Disney channel) and plenty of room for everyone. Staff were attentive and very friendly. Kids Club staff were efficient and fun. Luuurve those Love Buckets.

Refloxology massages by the pool were good value (ow ow ow) Rp80 000 for 1 hour. Spa Villa was nicely set up but the one massage I had there lasted less than the advertised time

. The “adults only” Lazy Pool/Lawn Area is a great idea. Dynasty Management even sent a Birthday cake to our room on my birthday – how sweet!

We got back 2 weeks ago, stayed in a Kids Suite was great, there was no noise and the room are nice and dark in the morning, so you can get a little sleep in, our kids was so exhausted from swimming all day, and making heaps of new friends,
you wont be disappointed

They are great. We originally booked a Premier Room (family room) but upgraded to the kids suite once we got to the Dynasty. Kids loved it - bunk beds and a playstation! What more could you want???

Our family has stayed there twice and have found it fantastic with the kids aged from 8 years to 14 years. The staff are very friendly the location is great and the atmosphere around the pool would be hard to beat. If I didn't have children I would probably look for something a little different - but if you have kids you can't go past it!

ADHI DHAMA

Adhi Dharma cottages are fine. Budget accommodation but in a fantastic location. I have also found Adhi Dharma Hotel good value for money....this is the sister property located near the Adrenalin Park.

I've stayed at the Adhi Dharma hotel which was great, I walked through the Adhi Dharma Cottages & they look pretty good too. They are close to everything on Jl Legian & the rooms are at the back of the property so you don't get all the noise.

The great thing about this hotel is its staff. Although rated as a 2 – 2 ½ star. Its staff were 5 star. We were made to feel so at home and like part of this great extended family of wonderful people. On our departure my partner accidentally left his clothes hanging in the wardrobe. Though we didn't realise he had done so. To our amazement one of the reception staff jumped on his motor bike and headed for Dempassar airport, finding us and handing the bag of shirts happily to us. Wow... that's service. The swim up pool bar was a great place to meet fellow travellers.. Also to learn Balinese happy hour is 4 hours long not just one. The hotel was flexible in its services. One family had a bottle of rum which they were allowed to take to the bar and just bought the coke mix from there. The breakfast menu was reasonable and prob similar to most hotels – although not as fancy as a 5star.
I enjoyed the omelettes and the bacon. The gado gado was also yum.
One morning it was an elderly visitors birthday. They presented her with this amazing cake which was shared around the restaurant. It is here that they played this amazing 'Happy Birthday' song which went on forever – Im sure all of Kuta must have heard the celebrations. It was wonderful. We stayed in a deluxe room with the king size 4 poster bed. The room was large. The hotel has three other larger rooms with the poster beds which include a day bed and small dining table with chairs.
There are family rooms and superior rooms as well. The hotel rooms were very clean. Sure there was the odd paint peel in spots. Some times the odd Mosquitos would venture in but housekeeping will spray your room each day.. all you do is ask.
stayed at adhi dharma cottages sept 04, ate breakfast at hotel, very nice and had many massages at spa, would definately take teenage children and stay next time. love the place
ardhi dahma is great cottages right on legian street in the mist of all the fun and hussle and bussle of bali, its a great place and the staff r fantastic ask for room 431 its right outside the pool

WHITE ROSE

Booked 4 nights at the White Rose (Mawar Putih) Hotel. Spent 3 weeks there just before the bomb and it was fantastic. Thank God we only booked 4 nights here this time(we were thinking of also going back to the Gilis)
Room full of ants, after repeated requests we found a can of bug spray in our room on night 4
Door in room hanging on 1 hinge, same as door in the restroom
Barthroom dirty, bath and ceiling very stained
My wife got bali belly on the first morning from an orange juice at the pool bar, the last meal she had was on the plane
Bintang not served !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fridge in the room not working properly
Before all the problems started we asked about staying extra nights, they never got back to us...just as well
I requested speaking to the management on 3 osscaions re problems, 1/ day off 2/ at ceremony 3/ in a meeting
Pool chairs and mattresses not in good repair, I almost had a bad accident when the back of my chair collapsed/broke and almost crushed my hand
Pool water cloudy when we arrived and milky by the time we left, my wife got an ear infection from the water and I had sore eyes.
Most residents got a phone call at 1.30 am one night as the hotel had lost someones bag
The hotel allowed a bunch of drunken Aussies to make a lot of noise in the pool until midnight

We stayed there for two weeks in October'04 and we thought it was very nice. We just didnt like the location. Its a shame that the hotel has gone downhill so fast. Everyday our room was sprayed with insect spray by the guy who cleaned our room, the pool was beautiful and the hotel staff couldnt do enough for us. I hope the rest of your holiday was much better:)

I have stayed 5 times at W.R. it has everything , very clean,
great b/fast, great pool, and friendly staff, and the most
perfect position - in the heart of Kuta.
I stayed there last year when I went to Bali by myself. I found it more than suitable for my needs given that I was travelling by myself - I stayed in a Deluxe Room. It is a quieter hotel and thats because its smaller than most hotels. The staff were really friendly. The breakfast was great. I only recall eating one evening meal there and that too was fine. It is very quiet at night, with most people opting to eat out (thats what Bali is about!!!) The location is perfect if you want to hit the streets for shopping straight away! It is down a laneway right next to the Bali Memorial. Watch out for Donna, her husband and her friends in the laneway as they tend to hassle you to buy something from their little shop situated just before the hotel. However if you make no promises, or even better just buy something small from her she tends to leave you alone! The only negative thing I would say is that on my second last night a group of Bank people were booked in for a conference which was at the hotel and they were very loud in the pool at 11.30 at night, but it was a one off and so I didnt mind too much about it. The room was cleaned spotless everyday and I would definitely stay there again.

JAYAKARTA HOTEL & APARTMENTS
We have just returned from 15 nights in Bali all at the Jayakarta. It was EXCELLENT. We stayed in Superior rooms on ground floor, was excellent, big rooms always kept clean by friendly staff, aircond excellent.
Breakfast was huge with 4 cereals, and anything you would expect even salad yes salad, soup, rice and anything else you need. You can eat breakky in aircond room or room with aircond, pool 1 yard away.
The safes are in the foyer, but no problem there.
Staff was friendly.. That person that stayed in 214 or wotever would have been very lucky as they would have been able to see the ocean as well, if we were on the floor above we would have been able to see the ocean. The apartments are back a bit, but honesly only a 3 minutes walk to pools etc.
They have a bus to Kuta every couple hours, but cab is only 12,500.
Beach was kept very clean out the front with Lifesavers at the ready.
Always stay at the Jayakarta & always stay in the units near the tennis courts because they are right near the beach. We always ask for rooms 214 or 216 which are on the 2nd floor so that i can leave my Malibu board on the balcony. It's a big hotel but we love it. We always get a deck chair over looking the beach underneath the large trees which gives you good shade.Can't lay in the sun all day if you have red hair. Have a beer out front at the end of the day to watch the sunset with all the locals & overseas friends. Dos'nt get any better. Can't wait untill August.
We loved the Jayakarta as one couple stayed in the superior room and we stayed in a 2 br with spa bath in the Club Bali Suites. (Club Bali is in the Jayakarta but managed seperately. The Jayakarta have their own 2br rooms too, these are not quite as nice but certainly adequate and well within yr price range. We stayed 4 n for aroun $530 Au at Club Bali. All can use the restaurant and 3 pools, playground playstation etc. etc.
is good choice, it has big pool, children corner, and on the beach. Where will you stay in jayakarta? If you stay in apartment, it will be far from the pool, about 100 meters, but if you staaay in hotel roomm it is very close.
I stayed at the jayakarta couple of weeks ago, its lovely has 3 big pools beautiful gardens, swim up bar ,great service lovely food and there is heaps of shopping right out side the hotel, also plenty of restaurants.
You will enjoy it, its a huge place though caters for couples or families.

l just returned this week and stayed there in a superior room found it very nice clean and the gardens are spectacular, the pools are great all 3 of them and the restaurant was also great, there is always a better hotel and always difference of opinions, but l found the service and the accomadation just great, enjoy :)
I have just returned from Jayakarta....read Jayakareta BEWARE. be careful with money, take travellers cheques. We booked rooms no 300-350 as close to pool. Rooms not what we were promised, so-called 'triple room' that just had 3rd bed thrown in...definitely a double only.
would still stay here as grounds still magnificent, just VERY disappointed at total lack of customer service when problems hit. Found attitude of front desk staff left something to be desired.

SECTION 5

ACTIVITIES

ELEPHANT PARK

Got picked up by our driver and made our way out to the Elephant Safari Park and thankfully the rain eased up. If you havent done this before I can thoroughly recommend it. The cost was $70 US - so most likely your most expensive day out in Bali but well worth it. We had a 40 minute ride on an elephant through the jungle park and it was fabulous.

Yes it's about 90 minutes from Kuta, we went there in 2003 but it was very expensif qs I remember

We took our children (9 and 11 at the time) and Rohnny and Paul are spot on about the time to get there and, as Rohnny said, it was quite expensive.
The trip there isn't too bad - there's always something to look at but the road is pretty bad in some places, especially the closer to Taro you get.
It is a nice park and has an interesting 'museum' and exhibition at the entrance. Our kids had a ride within the park (you can go on treks outside it) which was enough for them. They enjoyed it and liked being close to and feeding the elephants.
I'd say do it as an experience for the kids but I won't be going back and, really, didn't think it was value for money though you are indirectly contributing to the care of the elephants who have been forced out of their natural habitats or other situations in Indonesia.

we went years back and I am not so good with motion but I tell you everyone else in the van looked pretty green as well the road was awful and it took about 30 mins to start feeling okay and then a ride on the elephant which was so wicked even as adults we loved it. we got our rider to hop off and take photo's and we were allowed to sit where they do on the elephant. we then waited about another 20 mins and had lunch which was a nice buffet at this stage I had just started to feel better and then alas back in the van to go home! I agree I loved it but I don't think I would endevour to do it again unless the roads have had some work done on them which doesn't seem likely! and we also thought it was a bit pricey

have been several times as we take a different grandchild to Bali each year. They love it. we went last Nov. and YES the roads have improved heaps. Go and enjoy yourseld. Is a bit expensive by Bali means but we would charge a lot more hear

I think there are actually two elephant parks in Bali one which is Bali Adventure Tours, Elephant Safari Park and the other is Bakas Elephant Tour. We did the latter one as our driver took us to the wrong one . It wasn't very fancy, pretty basic really compared to Bali Adv. but the kids enjoyed it,{ 16,15 & 4} they were the only ones there and after a trek through the village [about 40 mins.] they got to spend a lot of time interacting with the elephants. Our admission price included a buffet lunch.

Yes it is expensive, but it is worth it, the grounds are beautiful , the facilities are great, but best of all the elephants seem to be looked after superbly,their marhouts display respect and affection to their charges,after all
how would you tell an elephant to do something it did`nt want to do ? , the road is fine now , I couldn`t believe that it would ever be made into a safe , proper road , but it is except,for the few hundred metres after you enter the Taro precinct,the shop has some gorgeous things,but very mahal! and we have only had cool ,make that cold, drinks at the restaurant,
all said it is a fantastic place where the Elephants are treated with the respect they deserve, and the tourists get an unique chance to experience an up close and personal encounter with a magnificent animal!!!!!

The elephant park was the highlight of my trip to bali! We arranged the trip with our hotel (the Mercure), I think you can do this with most hotels. Because we didn’t realise how expensive it was we didn’t take too much money to the Elephant Park. Because it was more than we expected we could only afford to look at the elephants and pat them! But the nice man let my fiancé and me go for a little ride around the park...how nice! Next time we go I am definitely taking more money to the park so I can spend longer with them and go for a longer walk, it was an amazing experience! We went to the park closest to Kuta, however I have heard that the Elephant park further away is much nicer.

we brought our tickets at the gate for entry and ride no lunch 2 adults and 2 kids cost approx $175.00 (we went to the aussie run one Bali Adventure Tours) it was worth every cent and i would recommened it to anyone, try and get there for 11am as you get to spend a long time with the Elephants getting photos the see the Show at 11.30am the to the Elephant Painting then on your Safari Ride, the next Elephant show is not until 2.30pm

Another trip I would recommend is the Bali adventure tours Elephant Park (WWW.baliadventuretours.com) I haven't looked at the website - I got the address from the bottom of the leaflet I have here. We went on the Safari Ride Tour. we were collected from our Hotel at 08.30 ish and driven to the park in an air conditioned
bus. As soon as we arrived we were taken to the elephants to commence our tour through the forest. These are hugecreatures!! I've seen elephants in the Zoo but when you see them like this you realise just HOW big they really are!! The ride was a fantistic experience and the guide that is with you on your elephant points out interesting plants etc. After the ride we had a drink and looked around the gift shop and then back outside with the elephant where you could have photos taken, feed them, watch them in the water. Just before lunch there is a 'show' where the elephant do a few 'tricks'. Again, I have posted pictures of this in the gallery. Finally we had lunch. It was buffet style and was really good - Far better than I expected. All in all this was a great trip - the cost was about 1,900000 (207 USD) for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children
Ayung Elephant park is new elephant park, closer to kuta and cheaper. The view is more beautiful, you may see ayung river and the quides there are very relax. If you want to ride it is us$49/person for adult and us$28/child.
The elephants are a waste of money if you want to ride them. We went in for the looking only and gave the guy a small tip to ride them and we got the same thing.
I've been to Taro twice now, once a few years ago and once last September. The elephants are in beautiful condition and the surroundings are great. We went on our own and spent a couple of hours watching and playing with the elephants, then to the restaurant for lunch. The restaurant overlooked the pool where the elephants take tourists on their back into the water, which was the source of lots of laughter. Finally at 3.30 the show began and again this was great. I don't like seeing animals in captivity, but the gajah's at Taro are in 5 star accommodation and they all looked happy. The mahouts are also happy and their relationship with the creatures is awesome. I don't have a comparison, but Taro gets my vote.

SNORKELING
The most famous is Menjangan islands, Amed, Padang Bay (blue lagoon). You may also go to lembongan island or Penida island. Nusa dua and Sanur area, is not that good site to do snorkling. A lot of diving company will offer you their service for snorkling and also diving. One of the best company is Bagus Marine

Amed was nice. Coral comes up to the reef.

Lipah village [Amed] right in front of the Vienna Beach Hotel.
Various places between there and Good Karma.
Jemeluk, a short drive in the other direction.
Blue Lagoon at Padang Bai.
Low key, but very easy, in front of Resor Prima a few minutes walk from Candi Dasa main street. These are all within 3 hours or so drive from Kuta etc and easily accessible straight off the beach. The conditions can vary according to time of year, time of day and state of the tide. It's better if you are staying in the area, rather than driving from the South and possibly being disappointed. The islands of Menjangan and Nusa Lembongan have good snorkeling spots, but you really have to be staying there and that may not suit you. You can go on a day trip to Nusa Lembongan which includes organised snorkeling, but if you're like me you may prefer to do your own thing at your own speed, rather than be "organised".

Padang Bai (Blue Lagoon) is good spot for snorkeling also Tulamben with coral garden and liberty wreck are very nice snorkel site off shore.Many dive operator offer the trip.

The very best I think is Pemuteran (stay there( and go to Mengangan Island...a one hour wooden boat ride out...to a deserted island..except for a beautiful temple...snorkeling is amazing...it all can be arranged from Pemuteran...3 hours north...or 1 hour or so from Lovina...better than
Amed or Blue Lagoon..which are also great.

BUTTERFLY PARK

Hadn’t been to the Butterfly Farm before. Slightly rundown, but the breeding area was fascinating and the staff had answers to all the questions. Most enjoyable.

It cost 40,000 IDR to enter per person. Located in Tabanan (on the way to Batukatu temple) about 1,5 hours from Kuta. If you like butterfly than you will like it.

visited butterfly park last August - was delightful. Cost A$8 pp. All open air covered by netting with butterflies alighting on plants right next to you. Good for photo shots. Nice gardens. Not many varieties though.

Hadn’t been to the butterfly Farm before. Slightly rundown, but the breeding area was fascinating and the staff had answers to all the questions. Most enjoyable

butterfly park - Nice experience.

WATERBOMB PARK

WATERBOM PARK – Spent the whole day here and had a ball. Between us we tried all the slides several times over, propped up the swim-up pool bar for an hour or two and spent some quality time with the kiddies in their area. The Macaroni ride was unanimously voted the best, and we were there early enough to score 2 family sized cabanas – mind you, you still have to pay to use them (Rp100 000 each from memory). Everything you hire at Waterbom has a deposit to be paid on it: ie: cabana, towels, locker key, so make sure you take plenty of cash to cover it all ! The entry fee for our family of 4 including the 15% discount you get from the guys with the flyers on the street, was Rp442 680. At the end of the day you will usually find a photo of yourself on the board near the entrance, taken by Waterbom’s roving photographer. You can purchase it for Rp20 000

We are in our 50s go to paradise 2/3 times a year reckon it is one off the best days out you can have.Some say do not eat there expensive,maybe cost you $5 aus for a hamburger and chips instead of $2.50 splash out and enjoy it is a great out with or without kids

got there about 9.30. just opened when we got there but people did not start to arrive until about 11.00. myself and family are quite lazy when on holidays and like to get moving when the body feels upto it, so it was a big effort for us all to get moving at that time. the main reason that we chose to get there early was also to get a hut. we positioned ourselves near the big bucket drop and all day there was only 2 other huts being used and heaps of sun lounges available all day

One tip I would give you is to get there early, we got a section with four bunaglows for the day, they cost nothing, they are scattered throughout the park and were fantastic with cushions to lie down on and a great base camp for all. (Well worth getting there early for as they go quickly.) The park opens at 9am we got there at 9.15am, and by the time we had settled in were ready for the fun to begin. The food was excellent, much better than I had remembered and the park itself was very well kept and clean. All the kids (and the big kids) had a great time, we stayed the whole day. The price was $18.50 US/adult and $9.50 US/child (3 - 12 yrs). They did offer a family price of two adults plus two children for $50 US. Also you can get 10% off vouchers from most information booths around Bali and from most hotels. It cost us $84 AUD for three adults and one child. On the way out they offer another day for $5 US each which two of the families took up, we couldnt fit in another day, if we could have we would have for sure.

BENOA

If you would like an out-of-the-ordinary excursion we found a fun daytrip. Walking down the street in Benoa/Nusa Dua (the only street is Jalan Pratama), we turned down an interesting looking side street. The name of the street is Br Tengkulung. The sign also says ‘400 M’. This little side street is between a yellow Kodak Express store and the Nyoman Bali restaurant/Bar. 700 meters (25 minutes) through the jungle on roads and trails you will hit the beach and turtle farms. This is definitely a secret entrance because the boat excursion costs between $20 and $40 to go there. Once there, the employees are all over you to show you the turtles, eagle, monitor lizard, bats, snakes, toucan and all for a small donation to the animal food fund. The road is an easy one. Walk down Br Tengkulung keeping to the left on the larger road. After a ways you’ll make a sharp right on a road that is still big enough for a car. When you see the big buildings with bright yellow roofs and the beach beyond them you’ll know you’re on the right track. This road narrows to a motorcycle/footpath as you go. Wind your way ahead past homes, pastures, jungles keeping the beach on your left. Don’t get scared at this point. Nobody’s gonna rob you. Everyone on this road either lives here or they are on their way to work. Eventually you’ll emerge at the ruins of an old tourist trap turtle zoo. Empty cages and deserted pond tell the tale of a business unable to raise the $60 a day for animal food. It was the bombing the interrupted the $60 a day flow. I know $60 a day sounds like a lot, but that’s for 30 buckets of seaweed at 20,000 rupiah a bucket. We skipped the first operating turtle farm attraction and went past it to the second one. (We had picked up a guide along the way.) After availing ourselves of the facilities and having some refreshment, we met the animals. You can wade out into the pond or just hold the smaller turtles in the holding tanks. I now have pictures of us holding bats, kissing BIG monitor lizards and wrestling pythons. The python was wearing a muzzle but all the other creatures were downright lovable. I enjoyed this simple outing to the adult version of a petting zoo and couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. Remember, it’s a secret so if you ask anyone they won’t know what you’re talking about. When you leave you can come back any number of ways. All trails lead to the main road. Happy exploring.
Jingles here: By the time we got 10 meters down this street the tourist bustle had disappeared completely. The people were going on about their lives as if they weren’t aware everyone was frantically bargaining and arranging tours and water sports. 20 meters further along came one of those Hindu processions and I realized that the extent that these guys relate to their religion. I am uncomfortable with any religion that requires an intermediary between the people and the godhead. That does not apply here. These people are not only Hindus, but Animistic Hindus. That combination makes for a relationship between the people and the island that makes them completely at home in their environment. It is very akin to the Native Americans relationship to their lands before it was wrested from them. These guys at home, we’re just passing through. We met a 33 year old man from Serengan Island who stopped to chat. After a few minutes conversation (he had some English, we had no other language) he asked if we would like to go to his work with him. Sure, why not. He lead us to the paths to the turtle farm where he worked. Interesting talk and explanations of the workings and economics of the farm. We arranged to meet later in the week so he could take us to his village and show us his home and meet his family. I lost his phone number (the pager that his boss had him carry). I’ll continue this saga later.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

First time I went with a well known company (I think it might have been Sobek), it was great, had an absolute ball, great shower facilities and meal afterwards. Last time I booked through Bali Aussie (don't know which company it was) and payed $38, rafting was just OK but the shower facilities and meal at the end were atrocious. So I think it's worth paying a bit more and go with a company with a good reputation. We took my 11yo daughter, so you would have no problems with your son, go and have a great time.

I went white water rafting with bali adventure tours last year. They were wicked!! We were a large group with lots of kids. No worries at all for a 12 year old - we had much youger with us. (even if not a strong swimmer - everyone wears safety gear) Cant recall exact price as we did a huge package deal for a large group - but although you might get cheaper with another mob - it mightnt be the same quality service or equipment

I have been rafting with three different companies - and found Sobek the most professional when it comes to safety standards and facilities. I have also been 4WDing and cycling with Sobek... fantastic!

made the mistake of booking it here a few yrs ago. Wrong decision. It heaps cheaper waiting until u get there. I did the Sobek Company one and had no complaints. The (lots of) stairs down to the river won't worry the boys.. Great safe fun. Will do it again in June.... I'm sure others will give u more info but I hope this helps. TRD

The bus takes another small detour to Sanur where we call in at the Office to pay our monies and pick up tickets, and then it’s off to the Telega Wajar River. I’ve brought a change of clothes with me (pants, t shirt) for the ride. A word of advice- you need to wear shoes that can get wet e.g. Sandals, old sandshoes or those wetsuit shoes. Id taken slip ons which were useless I had to put them back in the car. There are a few places where you are out of boat and walking to next level in the river and having no shoes on made it really difficult on the feet and slowed you down. Also, if you want to give your guide a tip at the end of the WWR, you’ll need to keep cash with you (not locked up in car). We got to the WWR starting point about 10.30am, after a cruisey drive up the main highway. I never get bored driving around Bali, there’s always so much to look at and at least when you’re a passenger you can take advantage of the time and do so.
At this spot, there were about 15 vans dropping off their passengers, with a real mixed group – youngest about 12 oldest about 65. Here found myself chatting to another family from Cooroy near Noosa who knew were good friends with another workmate.
All of the staff here are Balinese, which is good to see. Any of your belongings that you want to take – camera, wallet, water bottle- get placed in a bag inside a padded waterproof bag but keep it to a minimum. Everyone gets issued with a hard hat and safety vest – no safety gear – no ride as they said. After a 15-minute safety instruction lecture – peppered with much laughter coz this guy was very funny and trying hard to cross across a few language barriers - we were off. I ended up in the same boat as the three from Sunshine beach who were extreme sports enthusiasts so I figured it was going to be an interesting time! We paddled hard and we aimed to make sure no one stayed dry! Its bali's dry season at the moment so to be honest I suspect low water levels make sit somewhat easier, however your guide will go out of his way to find a few rocks to bump off or a few spins to make it fun, don’t you worry! All up it was about a 2-½ trip down stream, with a stop half way at this beautiful two level waterfall. The scenery through jungle and paddy fields is superb – from time to time you’d spot a group of children and there would be much “hallooing” and waving. One time we spotted a young lad with his towel sitting on a rock drying off and Jed pretended to splash him and we were rewarded with a big grin. At one spot there is a waterfall directly into the river you are on, so that’s exactly where the guide aims the boat- I d hate to go under it when its wet season and water volume at a peak! It was like having 5 beach masseuses jumping on your neck and back at one time! Lots of fun! Physically, the paddling on the boat it wasn’t too demanding. There were only a few steps down to the starting point, and the paddling usually shared between 4 or 5 people, and it wasn’t arduous. There were times when you would be drifting along without any paddling, then other times when you’d be paddling or hanging on as you traversed down some rapids. There were numerous times when you had to lie back as boat went under a crude bamboo bridge or tree so if you had a bad back it may not be good for you. Someone did lose one guy out of the boat, but it took a few minutes to get him back in and he was never in any danger. The most danger was from the splashing going on between rival boats and the laughing. At the end they actually take you over a 4 –5 metre drop (Id been warned about this so had made sure I was sitting in the back of the boat from the beginning). I was close to jumping out here as they readied us for the drop but in the end it was over so quick I probably only had time to let out one expletive. As we were at the front of the pack, we had time to get out of the water and grab our cameras and take photos of those behind us, before thanking our guide Made and giving him a tip (the guides left us at the bridge taking gear back to cars, whilst we went up to shower and then onto the Resturuant for lunch, so this was our last opportunity to do so). As you walk over the bridge you look back and see the rafts being deflated and these huge stripey plastic bags being filed up with all the vests and hard hats, and then the guys and ladies actually picking them up and carrying them up the hill behind us (what a hard way to earn a living). The rice paddy views from the climb up to showers and lunch are magnificent too so keep your camera handy. There are stairs here – probably two hundred all up at the end (but this is much less than the other WWR tours), and you have a break in that there are about 100 to showers, then another 100 odd between Resturuant and car park. Lunch was an excellent buffet included in your WWR fee - included nasi goreng, noodles, satay, fruit, and coffee/ tea. No complaints from anyone here. Drinks extra (bintang cost 16.000R) DVD cost 400,00-R and three of us chipped in to purchase a copy. Videos were cheaper (? 250,000R I think) and photos taken randomly by the photographer along the river were also available for a reasonable 35,000R. It was rather impressive as to how quickly they could produce all this- we were sitting down eating our lunch and watching the video. Over lunch a few of the others commented that they had been on the other WWR tours (closer to Ubud) and that this tour was much better in their opinion- more white water, longer trip all up, less stairs

Unda Adventures White-water Rafting, run finishes at Klungkung. A$45 inc lunch. Tickets at BaliAussi Rest. No steps to climb at the end (some have over 300!) Can be got for US$35pp. Instead of US$65.

Bali Safari Rafting – Telaja Waga river – faster & longer. Good buffet meal too. Take camera. Good showers and Restaurant after. 300 steps! ‘Better than Sobek’. May now (2001) have been bought out by Sobek and called Telaga River Rafting.

Sobek Rafting. Operates on both the Ayung and Telaja Waga rivers. The Ayung is the less frightening river but it has many steps down to and up from the river. The Ayung is in central southern Bali (around Ubud and above) with great scenery and the Telaga Waja is to the east, about an hour’s more driving.

Bali International Rafting runs on the same river as Bali Rafting but fewer steps to and from river. About 80 down and 90 back up.

there are only 3 rivers in bali where they do white water rafting with about 7 diffrent company all in the brochure they put 65 ud dollars its not true , ayung river its good for women, melangit river its good for men and women but the river short and deap water nerrow river , in telagawaja have waterfall the bout jump its very nice , all company have transfer and free buffet lunch , good time to go at 9am wiill be at hote again 2pm

WARNING!!! do not use bali rafting!!! because this company sucked. It was teh worst day ever. The guys that picked us up didnt speak english. ok. And then ... we booked at one of those tour places and I asked 5 times for Bali international rafting. However...Bali rafting picked us up (the tour guy screwed us over - another warning - get them to write the name of the comany on the reciept and better yet just ring the places directly). Then we get there. instead of the 6 steps down that bali int. had it was liek 400 (i have a stuffed knee so yay). Then we get down the bottom and see the rafts - and all the patches holding them together. ok... until we get 200m down the river and the guide starts saying 'so sorry, boat broken'. it wasnt his fault and he really did teh best job all things considering . we went on the telga waja. not much water at the moment. pretty low, but the other company we saw Telaga Waja rafting had really nice looking new rafts. So - down the boat started to go. There apparantly is a spare raft - but another groups boat went flat after 100m, and their guide was already going back to get it, and the pump was in a boat that had left b4 us. It was crap. I thought we were going to die, i was really disappointed and we couldnt even paddle bcoz we just had to hang on bcoz insted of the raft bumping off teh rocks/cliffs ours was so flat that it crumpled into the rosk and then folded back in on itself. Which means if you were sitting at teh front (especially on the left hand side like me) you got thrown back into the boat, onto oars, and out of the boat. when we got to the 1/2 way point our raft was that flat that when you stepped out and put your foot on th eside of the raft it actually touched the ground - through the raft. For teh 2nd half it was a bit better - we took the pump and stopped every 5 minutes to re-inflate ourselves. So anyway... a coupel we talked to over lunch had a fine time, but they siad they saw SO many of the rafts pulled over and being pupmde up, so I'd steer way clear of this company, escpecially when they wouldnt give us any money back or another trip. KJust a word of advice. But on a postive note the next day we did Bali budaya cycling and I cant speak highly enough of this company and Arya the guide.

I went on sobek rafting and that was one of the best days I had in Bali. Its just luck with the boats i guess

MONKEY FORREST

have heard a few stories about the MONKEYS in ubud only been inside a few years ago but I walked down past the forest early in the morning in march when we were there and they were hanging from the trees and walking around on the road it was great! We went to one of the other forest and the MONKEYS were great just cheeky they want more if you have food! You have a guide(shop owner) they look after you and food to feed MONKEYS so they don't take all of it i think with kids this would be much safer!

BUT I must warn you about my bit of monkey business. I was sitting in the Ubud Monkey Forest on a low wall near the temple watching the family of MONKEYS playing. All was quiet and happy and everyone seemed comfortable. Suddenly a rogue monkey ran at me, jumped, grabbed my breast, as I raised my arm he scratched me went under my arm, pinched up the skin under my shoulder blade and sank his teeth into me. and I only yelled sh.. and ouch!! My friend caught it all on video and I cannot see what upset him. I was left with four bleeding wounds and a bruise that came up at about 3" x 2". The Dokter in Ubud was wonderful and gave me shots and treatment and after 5 days it had healed beautifully. But now I must have blood tests to make sure he wasn't carrying any viruses. Altho the bite hurt like hell there wasn't much pain thereafter. But please if you go to the forest, particularly with children, remember these are wild creatures. They look so cute but this one had bad attitude and I would hate a child to get bitten as I was. If its my karma than thats ok cos I owe Bali for all the wonderful times I have had. And I am an intruder in the creatures forest so thats ok too. But if you have kids, please no food and no sitting around looking closely at the cute little fluffy things.

Bloody MONKEYS, i hate 'em.....one came up behind me and grabed the food that i was kindly going to give them anyway......Bad timing for me as i was dying to go to the loo , nearly embarrassed myself..

definately a must do
walking around with the MONKEYS and watching them do their own thing is an eye opener
just keep an eye on them and the kids as the MONKEYS get a little bit too friendly and it might scare the kids

Hey....Go to the monkey forest near Ubud. I love MONKEYS and there is plenty there roming around free

Definately visit the monkey forest at the end of funny enough, monkey forest street..

The monkey forest was fine, not as scary as I had been told. When you get there you will find someone with a polaroid camera 'attaches' themselves to you. This is in addition to the official guide who will take photos for you using your own camera. The unofficial guide will take polaroids for 35,000 rupiah ($7 australian) each. We let him and didn't barter - he was really good and gave my daughter heaps of bananas with which to feed the MONKEYS. (don't buy peanuts - they don't eat them, outside the entry you'll find people selling bananas)

BIRD PARK

We went last year, and it is absolutely stupendous. It is extremely well run, and the birds are drop dead gorgous. We're going again this year, and will do lunch as well. There's a really nice looking restaurant there, and you can just do lunch, then walk around all over again. It's well worth the visit, and the kids will love it.

"Bali Bird Park
The Taman Burung Bird Park situated in Batubulan, is home to more than a thousand birds (250 exotic bird species) from Indonesia and all over the world. It is set in two hectares magnificent gardens filled with the tropical plants, water features and spectacular Rain forest in aviary. Also see the famous Komodo Dragon. Has restaurant for visitors to interact with nature by having breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea with bird."

Go to the Bird and Reptile Park, between Batubulan and Ubud on the Sayan Road. It is just wonderful... birds and iguanas that you can hold, all cages amidst shaded gardens linked by pleasant pathways... bring your camera!! It takes at least an hour to enjoy fully, but it's better to schedule two hours so you can linger where your little ones are most fascinated. Best time to show up is at about 4:30, or whatever is 1.5 hours before closing time, when almost no one else is there, and the birds are calling a lot and getting ready to roost. It is a magical time.

We went with our 7yo last november and made the trip to the bali bird park - it was absolutely fantastic. Very well maintained - better than anything we had envisaged. Really a great day out - for mum and dad too. We are heading back in june and i am tempted to go again - they have the most exotic beautiful birds - the kids can hand feed them.

We went last year to the Bird Park for the first time. Every year we thought about it but always run out of time. It was great, very relaxing . we had the tour including breakfast with the birds. You walk round at your own pace no tour guide, lots to see and topped of by an African minor that says BALI BIRD PARK. when someone walks passed him, not that unusual for a minor to talk except if it was a japenese tourist it said it in Japanese also about four other languages.
I'd say go, its a realy nice way to spend a morning b4 getting back to the hustle and bustle of SHOPPING.

We went there last year and it was great. Not so cheap to get in but the birds were just beautiful. You get to take your photo with some great big parrots on your shoulder and nurse the trained ones. They have been reared since birth and they are very attached to the handlers. I do like to see birds in the wild. The cages were good sized and had plenty of natural habitat in them so this was a compromise. They all seemed well loved and cared for.Lots of good photo opportunities. We took our drivers little girl and she loved it also. Our children have the photos on display.

HORSE RIDING

Danny n Sarah , we just got back and went horseriding at The Umalas Equestrian Centre in Umalas . It was fantastic $30.00Us for 1 - 2 hour thru rice fields which was gorgeous and there are 2 hour and 3 hour rides to beach . Horses are huge and really good but you do need to ride a little !!!Have fun you won't regret !!!

Umalas stables are very good. The owner takes care of the horses personally. They offer rides along the beach

we went horseriding, what an experience this was although l love horses l was a little scared of these ones , they seemed too full of life for my liking lol, so they gave me a more calmer one.
They pick you up and lunch is also included,never forget the feeling of galloping along the black sand on the beach, the tour was only $280.000 rupiah.

Just a week ago we went horseriding along seminyak beach with the stables next to the pelangi bali hotel in seminyak. was 250,000 for 2 people for an hour, great fun.

We rode at Mesari (Mensari?) Stables. Walk for approx 5 mins north of Jl Double Six along the beach. Enter the Mesari Beach Inn (?) gate over about three steps and follow through until you get to the stables. Mobile #0811388271. Cost is 150K for 1 hr ride. I am a very experienced rider but haven't ridden for a while and figured that 1 hour would do me..husband wouldn't be impressed with the results of me riding longer..could totally ruin his idea of a holiday haha. As it was we still decided to go on the last day, had a few spills on the track in my time and didn't want to risk anything too early in the holiday.
As it turned out the horses were perfect, only litle hiccup I could foresee for inexperienced people would be the steps up and over to the beach. Only 3 deep steps, but fairly jolting as not a natural action for the horses. Just hang on to the pommel.
Sunset and sunrise rides. We went at 8am as it was fairly cool last week and it was perfect. Grabbed a choc milk on the way and back for brekkie at 9.30. The beach was quiet and we didn't have to avoid the hordes viewing the sunset..we rode north but occasionaly whilst surfing I would see someone riding past KP (south).I personally may have ridden earlier but my daughter is getting into the teenage sleep routine and didn't want to get up earlier. We went with someone but you can go by yourself. No hats were offered and no insurance mentioned!!
Do ring and book, they are fairly popular and only have a few horses and a gogeous monkey "he friendly, only bite a little"
Umalas is apparently lovely, 1/2 hour ride through rice paddies to beach, 1 hour ride on beach then 1/2 hour ride back. They wanted $50US (450,000rp) and wouldn't budge, no mention of lunch but they would pick up. (361) 731 402.

BALI ZOO

My little ones wanted to go to the zoo, my wife wanted to go to the reptile park and I wanted to go to the bird park. We decided we could do all three things at the zoo. Yes you can but it is very average. one hour to get there, half an hour in the place, and one hour back, I would personally give it a miss.

Definately worth a visit - we loved it Lots of different animals including monkeys tigers lizards etc... You can have photos taken with huge parrots etc Friends of ours went last year and had a really nice plate memento to take home

the zoo is ok!
very small compared to any other i have been 2! Only took us about an hour to see the whole zoo!
you can buy fruit all the way round to feed the animals.
If your an animal lover you might not like the size of the cages and the conditions the animals live in.
Worth a visit tho'

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

Tanah lot was beautiful. Paid 1000 Rp to use toilet at markets, wanted money back as they were not clean. Good shopping there. things seemed to be cheaper than Kuta. Sat on the cliff and watched sunset. breathtaking.

It's gorgeous. But I don't like your chances of getting there by Bemo from Sanur. I suspect there'd be a few changes to be made. It's probably easier to find a driver for a couple of hours. It's wonderful to sit up on the cliff with a Bintang (or 2) and see the sun gently drop into the ocean. And then watch the bats from the cave take off for their night's hunting. Enjoy!

Have been to Tanah Lot twice. The sunset is gorgeous, as it is in other places, but apart from that to see the Temple is absolutely magestic. Love it Have only seen it with the tide out, but would love to see it with the sea swirling around it. Shopping is great there too . Go have a look

Tanah Lot temple is on the coast about 15 km west of Denpasar, or about 20 km northwest from Kuta. It is renowned for the views at sunset but has become very commercialised over the late 20^th century and a 5* hotel destroys the old ambience of the place. Never-the-less worth a visit.

Every travel guide is jaded in its assessment of TL as being over commercialized. In Ubud, I had seen countless paintings of TL to the point that I didn’t care if I went, but O insisted we see it, so fine. This wasn’t on the itinerary but Magnum was gracious enough to charge me only an additional 50K Rp for the detour. After a picturesque drive from Bali’s highlands through orange groves (mandarin oranges, actually), green ricefields and small towns built-up along the road, we reach the TL at high noon. Ah… still early and ahead of the tour bus hoards! Ketut takes us to the small temple that is only accessible via a small bridge (no railings, watch out!) for views of the Balinese coastline that looks similar to the Great Ocean Road area in Australia. O loves coastlines and said she would write a very angry email to the Lonely Planet idiots on their jaded assessment (yeah, we bought the 2005 ed of Bali)

SNORKELLING

have been snorkelling in Lovina, Amed and Sanur
We saw lots of tropical fish in Lovina but the coral is dead and there was plastic bags floating in the water. It was good though to hand feed tropical fish. You will find boats at the shore to take you out, they are fixed price. You also go and see the dolphins which to me was a bit like a fox hunt on water.
In Amed we went within a few metres of the shore you just hire snorkelling gear from the hotel, this was quite good and a recommend a stay in this area. Sanur was also not to bad but again much of the reef is dead you can again hand feed fish. I recommend boat 23 as he has a "Broken Brain" He was really excellent.

highly recommend to give tulamben a go. beautiful and BIG wreck with tons of fishes. i scuba-dived there 3 times this spring. menjangan is very nice too, since it's in the national park area. bali's i think oldest temple is located on the menjangan island and noone as far as i know is allowed to live there. beautiful waters. if you're a certified diver or thinknig of getting scuba-cert i recommend both tulamben and menjangan. lovina is nice too. i've never seen bigger sea-cucumbers anywhere else than by the lovina reef. the list goes on for scubadiving, but for snorkling i'd say tulamben and menjangan. have fun.

WATER SPORTS

We always use Leo's for Parasailing he is always good.
They are in Nusa Dua...you can do Parasailing, jetsking and Banana boat ride....my girls got a good price in Feb for all three things 100,000Rp the lot.

Our 10yr old did it twice at Tanjung Benoa last year. The 1st time he went up with one of the guy and the 2nd he had enough confidence to go himself. We payed 100,000 for the 1st time and then 80,000 for the 2nd.

There is a pub called Pb Bagus on Poppies 2. It is a really nice place. Ask for Suzie. She will organise it cheap for you. and she organises a free driver as well. We paid 170,000RP to do Parasail, jet ski for 15 minutes and banana boat ride. It was fantastic!!!!

We did Parasailing, jetskiing, banana boat riding. All for $25.00AUD per person. This was at Nusa Dua, and they also picked us up etc.
Ask for George through Bali Adventure Tours.

i've got a friend that works for the Watersports in Nusa Dua. For Jet-ski, Para-Sailing, and Bananna Boat he said a fair price would be between 220,000- 280,000 for all three. The more people you have the closer you can get to lower price.

paid under the 260,000 but that was because I didn't do the banana boat but did the parasailing and the jetskiing. excellent fun!

i paid 260000 for jetski, parasail and bannana boat at nusa dua worth it. i dont know if that is expensive but good fun. not sure bout age limit

Where:S&S on the beach
Contact: ketutsupartaAThotmailDOTcom or ketutsuparta1968ATyahooDOTcomDOTau his mobile is 0812 398 6249.
Prices: white water rafting , rp, 225.000
parasailing, bananaboat, and jetski only rp, 160000 per person,
glass bottom boat, snorkling, and turtle island only 165000 rupiah
Where: Tanjung Benoa for water sports.
Prices: glass bottom boat to Turtle Island 120,000 each; banana boat 75,000 each and jetskis 90,000 each
Where: Bali Adventure Tours at Nusa Dua
Contact: George
Prices: Parasailing, jetskiing, banana boat riding. All for $25.00AUD per person.

300,000Rp per person for return transport from kuta to nusa dua, parasailing, 15 min jet skiing, 20 mins banana boat, 30 min diving on glass bottom boat then a nice cruise to turtle island where ya can see heaps of animals they keep, stayed there for 2 hrs having some binnies with the locals before retuning back to nusa dua, was a great day, we booked through goerge at bali bagas pub on poppies 2,

ULUWATU TEMPLE

- Go there for the Sunset and then stay and watch the Kecak (Fire) dance. It's set in the open you'll see the dancers performing to the background of the setting sun!

SUNSET KECAK DANCE AT PURA uluwatu – Suzanne and I decided that the kids could do with a dose of culture so we took them to see the sunset Kecak dance at uluwatu Temple. The dance starts at 6pm, is on every night, and lasts an hour. It’s a good idea to get there early so you can have a look at the monkeys and around the temple beforehand. The Kecak dance is an excerpt from the Ramayana and tells the story of Prince Rama and his wife Princess Sita and their battle against the forces of evil in the forest. The kids were enthralled, as were the adults. Can highly recommend this trip.

Very impressive at the top. Look down a long long way and see the waves crashing up against the cliff face. Great surfing at bottom of cliff and nude beach close by....Well worth the trip either to the temple up top or surfing down below..Bob

It is one of the beautiful temple in bali, it is the cliff, and very nice to see when afternoon, specially senset time. Entrace is 3.000 rupiah, and from legian to uluwatu will take about 45 minutes.We just got a driver from the street and told him to take us to the Uluwatu temple. Its a big tourist destination so everyone there knows it. And they do the dance at the top of a cliff so you you watch them and behind them is the sunsetting over the ocean. It is really great. I do warn that the dance does start off a little slow. And to really understand what is going on read the handout that they give you, then you can follow it. A friend that came with us didnt bother to read it and had no idea what was going on and didnt like it much. But those that understood it really loved it. So basically just ask a driver to take you to Uluwatu temple. Also there are monkeys up there so you can buy food and feed them. I didnt bother with the monkey forrest because I got to play with them here as well! I think the dance started at 6pm so be there around 5:15 to give yourself time to play with the monkeys look around the temple and then get a great seat for the dance. Best place to be is up the very back in the middle, that way you can stand and take great photos.

Ulu Watu (UW)
The famous water temple at the southern edge of Bali. We reach there with plenty of time to spare. Watch out for the monkeys! It’s a good thing I switched to my contacts lenses. If you use a camera, don’t take it in and out of your bag coz the monkeys will think you have food--just have it strapped to your hand. If you have food, surrender everything to the monkey IRS or it will be taken from you somehow! If a bugger comes at you, wave both palms at it and it will bugger off. Women should remove their colored hair bands and hats. If you take pictures, have someone watch your back. Some people carried a big stick but this is unnecessary.
As compared to Tanah Lot, UW is set much higher from the water level and the views are more panoramic. There is less commercialization here as compared to TL and so the whole park has a laid back feel.
There is an amphitheater for Kecak fire dance performances during sunsets.

GARUDA CULTURAL PARK

hired driver for a day went to Garuda Cultural Park, can not stress enough how awesome an experience this was yet so few Aussies seem to know about it,

We set off promptly, and were up at GWK by 8.30. It was 20,000R entrance fee and parking fee. Very few of the restaurants were open but I was there very early. Most of the tourists appeared to be Japanese/ Korean. If you are doing a trip to Uluwartu, call in here along your way. It’s situated on the top of the Ungasan hill, Southern Bali, on the site of the abandoned lime quarry. Overlooking Sanur and Benoa with views to Kuta. I looked up the web page for some of the details, although Skippy the driver was spot on with his information. The park itself has been designed to be a cultural theme park, 230 hectares all up. The central feature to the park will be the Garuda Wisnu statue, the Hindu-Balinese god of life and peace, astride the godly eagle Garuda. This will be 30 storeys or 146 metres high when it’s completed. The web site states “with its immense size, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana is expected to draw the attention of potential visitors within a wide area of sight (20 km. Radius). The second component is the 230 ha support area, which will be developed into a cultural park. The plan is for GWK to be finished in the year of 2005, and it will be a landmark for tourism of Bali and Indonesia”
My lonely planet guide mentions that it’s privately funded; over 150 million dollars have been spent, with some controversy over the amount spent on the project. If the objectives of showcasing traditional and contemporary art are achieved and handled sensitively it will be stunning when completed. The area where the Bali memorial service was held (Lotus Pond stage) and televised from was actually closed as they were getting the area ready for an outdoor dance party in following weeks. It can hold 10,000 people. The rest of the site you are free to walk around and photograph. The dance amphitheatre looked wonderful (holds 750 people, apparently they do have kecak dances there) and corporate functions and weddings are held there frequently.
The convention centre and exhibition room can hold 300 people, presently holding Balinese and Chinese art works, along with the model of planned GWK.
The plaza Wisnu is where the water feature with the 22-metre statue figures Wisnu (this is 15% of the final size of the Garuda Wisnu statue riding the Garuda). This was pretty amazing to see the size of it.

An Absolute must see, I promise you will not be disappointed an awesome experience, the giant Garuda statue is being built there
the Head is already in place its adsolutely massive and very spiritual when you first see it I got goosebumps it is being built by Uni students you go through the Uni Village to get there this in itself is beautiful. Of all the trips I have done in Bali this is the highlight I will return every time I go to Bali now I have seen it. Went to Bali three times last year first time to Garuda Cultural Park not many Aussies seem to know about it.

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is south of Kuta, on the road to Ulu Watu. This is the park which features the giant garuda, etc.

Its maybe 1/2 hour drive out from kuta worth stopping in and looking at. I spent about an hour- hour and half there, taking photos. The site where the initial bali memorial service was held is there, but was closed the day I went. You may be luckier. Id incorporate it into a trip to uluwartu .

GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) cultural park. if you havent seen this place its a must. its and ex limestone quarry with grassed areas, big statues and great views over Kuta, Jimbaran bay and Tanjun Benoa to name a few (on a clear day) from memory it cost about 40,000Rp by taxi one way

QUAD BIKE TOURS

Hi here is the web site for the quad bikes
www.baliquad.com

I did see a quad bike tour through villages which we are thinking of doing on our next trip which will be in the September school holidays. It was at www.baliquad.com and you could put the kids on the back of your bikes. It looked like fun. I am a bit of a chicken and I can't ride a normal bike because of a huge lack of balance, but I thought I might be able to tackle the quad bike without too much trouble

Last September we went on full day tour with quad bikes, great day out about $100.00 per bike including pick up from hotel and lunch. Great day driving through local villages. You must wear shoes and you get filthy dirty so make sure you take some old gear.

We went on a tour with Bali Quad Discovery tours. We have 3 children aged 9, 12,14 and the whole family went My 14 year old had his own quad bike and the other two doubled with my husband and my self. It was fantastic We hired a total of 7 bikes as friends and their children came with us. I think it cost us $270 for the 5 of us and this included your transport and a banquet lunch. You are on the quad bikes for 2 1/2 hours and go through several villages as well as rainforest area.You had 4 guides on trail bikes and they were great. It was a great day
They have a website www.baliquad.com.
I believe there is an extreme quab biking you can do but you must be 15 and over so my son and hubbie will do this on our next visit.

we went on a quad bike tour back in Aug when we where there.
It was one of the highlights of the trip. You go through the jungle thrashing it up on some pretty decent quad motorbikes. SOOO much fun.

To organise it, its simple enough to find tour place's on the side of the road. We payed about 430,000rp back then, we later found out some other people paid... i think about 750,000rp.

Really good day, pick you up from your hotel, take you up to the jungle, trash around for a few hours down some dodgy tracks, bring you back and have lunch. Good food and heaps of it! They take you back about 2-3pm and your pretty buggered after that.

We just got back a week ago from Bali and while we were there did Quad Bike riding, it is a must we went as a family with myself, husband and 2 girls aged 8 and 11. You have to be 16 to ride the quads on your own, but it was great we went through a village, some jungle and through a channel of water just wide enough for the bikes it was awesome. We rode for about 2 hours and half way through we stopped like in the middle of no where and we had a local from the village make tea and coffee from their own grown coffee (it was very strong but nice). The tour guys were also alot of fun as well. Well worth it, highly recommend this, it was through Bali Quad Discovery Tours and we just booked it in Legian on the street at one of the tour desks.

I totally agree. Went with my son's and all agreed it was the best thing we did all trip. Guides were just great, so funny with great english and heaps of knowledge. Great way to see the countryside. Bikes easy to ride. Would recommend to anyone. Paid $50 aus. pp at hotel. Do it !!

KINTAMANI

Up to kintamani, on the way passing shops selling lots of wood carvings, lamp covers and souvenirs. Decided we would stop and have a look on the way back.
We arrived at kintamani and into the standard tourist buffet restaurant, 50,000++
Food was great and a large selection.
The clouds were beginning to roll in.
The view across to Mt Batur was great, but the clouds had already made Lake Batur vanish. Within a few minutes we were completely covered in clouds, you could see the clouds rolling into the restaurant. The temperature dropped dramatically.
For the first time in Bali, I was Cold !! – In fact I was bloody Cold !!!!

Then on to kintamani. Lovely spot and we were lucky that it was a clear day, apparently very unusual. Had lunch at one of the buffet places along the ridge, food was okay RP60.000pp. No problems with the hawkers at all here, the ones in Kuta are far worse, so don't be put off. this place is well worth seeing.

Then went up to Kintamani, you seem to climb forever past so many shops selling everything before you finally get to Kintamani, lovely views of Lake Batur and Mt Agung. On the east side of Lake Batur is the Bali Age village of Trunyan, it's said they are not to keen on outsiders, one of their age old customs is to wrap up their dead and lay them on the exposed roots of one of the oldest (if not the oldest) Banyan trees to decompose, they say that the bodies do not smell as the Banyan tree absorbs any smell. This is a place I must try to see sometime. But Kintamani is so touristy it's not good, so many coaches etc, but like so many countries around the world it's tourism that provides the revenue the people so desperately need so it shouldn't be knocked so the best thing is to move on.

The volcano is alongside Lake Batur.
It can be quite cool at the top and if the skies are clear the view is lovely.
It is located towards the north coast. You can drive there thru Ubud. It is a full days outing.
The sights along the way are fantastic and I love the colorful road side stalls.

It's a nice drive up there and beautiful but once you've got out the car for five minutes you've seen all it has to offer really in my opinion I wouldn't go again although some rave about so there you go. There is a restaurant up there what ever you do don't eat there take a lunch or something because they charge like 75000 a head for a buffet that’s been there as long as the volcano!!

Kintamani volcano was awesome, we were there early the first time and saw only 3 hawkers, but the next time was lunch time and it was frantic. Luckily the restaurant had bars to keep them out, but they still shouted at you whilst you were trying to eat. The food was only so-so, but the view pretty amazing. Not to mention nice and cool the days we were up there.
Spectacular volcano mountain and the peak of Balinese worship. Great views! We were there early morning but were already hassled by aggressive vendors. These Kintamani mountain people don’t let up and quite a few travel guides have mentioned they organize their women and children to beg in Kuta. This t-shirt vendor was so aggressive that we decided to get back in the vehicle, and even Ketut & Wayan couldn’t do anything about it.--one oranges vendor wouldn’t let up until Ketut bought some from her. It wasn’t as if these vendors were begging, it was pure pressure tactics. We stop at another two view points and turned around. The whole place was lined with mountain view restaurants awaiting the tour buses and was a tourist mousetrap waiting to spring. I thought Mt Kinta was the worst place I visited in Bali and if the people there don’t change their ways, they’re just destroying their economy. BTW, we spent 0K Rp at Mt Kinta.

GIT GIT WATERFALLS

At git git apart from the waterfalls there are many shops selling Blankets & Throws etc at excellent prices (after some bargaining).

git git is well worth a visit. I have been there five times and it has always been different. Amazing in the wet season although one year there was so much water we could not get close.
The trek to the waterfall is via a concrete path which is lined with the usual souvenier stalls, so is very accessible. There are also young guides that will show you the way there for a fee. They claim you will get lost with out them but this is impossible.

Git Git water falls are great, there is also some called Munduck or something like that. Take your bathers as there is a great little pool at the bottom of the falls at GitGit

I found the Git Git waterfall VERY hasrd going & so did a very FIT person in our group! Even though I made it, it was VERY strenuous!But do not let this put you off I am over weight but fit for my size! believe it or not?! My mother HEAVY smoker did it too!It was worth it, but so was the drive to get there. All those HAIRPIN bends were great! If you suffer from travel sickness or nervousness it will affect you!Good day out

Git Git waterfalls were fantastic, especially when you get up close and wet lol.

HOT SPRINGS

2004 - I had arranged with Richard Rambutan from Rambutan Cottages to send down a driver for 10 am, and we were to go to Lovinia via Munduk- Banjar Hot Springs- Buddhist Monastery. 250,000R as I decided that Id make a full day of it, and do some exploring along theway. Next stop- Banjar Hot Spring near Seririt. By now it was about 2 pm and pretty warm. I had to pay the usual 3000R and run the gauntlet of store holders and hawkers at the front of the Hot Springs but thankfully they are not allowed to enter the landscaped grounds. There are two main pools fed by hot springs, looking very green and murky this afternoon, with another pool of cold water as well. The water is fed into the pools by carved stone serpents into the polls midst beautifully landscaped grounds and restaurant. It was a real oasis but the water too warm for me to indulge.

There are hot springs along the North Coast near Lovina. Not too bad for a dip, we went towards the end of the day when it's a bit cooler, although this meant there were a lot of locals (not a problem), but all men (as I was with my boyfriend, I felt okay, though a bit under the spotlight!). There are also quite a few waterfalls up along the north coast and also cold fresh water springs at Air Sanih which are great to swim in.

Near Lovina there is a special hot spring?

Also Ubud. - Benjar Hot Springs.

Beware as pools are slippery.

Near Lake Batur - original village hot springs and the whole village still goes down there to bathe. Tourists are allowed to use the springs but I wouldn't recommend immersing your head. Nearby a large hotel development has been completed but has suffered from the downturn in trade. In conjunction with this hotel a hot spring fed pool and spa attraction has been built on the site of the old tourist springs. Entry is $5 US although you can negotiate up to 3 entries for this price.

HOT SPRINGS OF BANJAR Rp. 60,000 p.p. total duration half day tour - (from Lovina) Traditional Balinese junkung we sail for about one hour along the jungle rimmed coast of Bali to Banjar. Once we have arrived there we will take you by car to the famous hot springs. It’s sulfuric water has the agreeable temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and is renown for it’s healing capabilities against rheum. You may stay and swim there for as long as you whish. Entry fees included, meals and drinks in the Banjar restaurant not included.

CYCLING TOURS

suggest you try the bike ride which can be organised thru budaya tours, easy downhill

ride most of the way, knowledgable guides who explain everything at each stop, stop as often as you like, visit plantations, village, temples and ride thru villages,take plenty of little bags of lollies for the village kids who come out to greet you, to see the smiles on their faces is something that I will always remember, would suit whole family, a bus follows so that if anyone finds it a bit hard they can travel in the bus, breakfast & lunch provided. Pick up is around 7am if you are staying in the Kuta/Legian areas and return about 3-4pm. a long day but well worth it. enjoy your holiday.

Bali adventrue TOURS do a cycle ride from Mount Batur volcano through villages, rice fiedls and temples, finishing at the Elephant park. The trip includes free entry into the elephant safari park, lunch, towels, safety equipment etc and as far as I recall was about $50 US dollars.

I did one in December last year. The company I used was called Made's Bali Adventures and they are based in Poppies 1. You can haggle the price down a bit as well. I also did white water rafting with this company with no complaints! The bike tour was one my favourite activities. They pick you up from your accom and it takes over an hour to get there, but I really enjoy travelling around Bali so that;s just a bonus. Breakfast on top of the mountain, then you get fitted up with helmets etc. Basically all down hill, nice and cool as you are higher up BUT don;t forget the sunscreen as you get burned a lot easier. Children run after you and in all the villages everyone cries out "Hello". When finished you get a buffet lunch. All in all a fantastic activity to do - you won't regret it. We paid 270 000 rupiah for the cycling tour and if I can remember correctly about 230 000 for the rafting. But I did have a tightass mate with me who was great at bargaining so we got them for a steal I think

Sobek Cycling from Mt Batur - A real highlight. 2 ½ hours of downhill cycling (except for 10 minutes spreand over the whole time) through villages, rice paddies and back roads. The only thing I can say is DO IT. It will be the highlight of your trip. The kids running out of their houses screaming hello and wanting high fives as you ride past is quite special.
I've booked with Bali Adventure Tours to go on a morning eco cycling tour and an afternoon elephant safari. I was picked up at 7.40am and we picked up another 4 on the way. It took us about one and a half hours to get to the start point where we were fitted for push bikes and helmets then we were off...... The ride was brilliant and I'd fully recommend this trip for just about anyoneas long as you can ride a bike and don't have back problems (it can be a bit bumpy in parts). It's mostly downhill so you don't need to be the fittest person on the planet. We rode through rice paddies and took narrow lanes through tiny villages were we passed children waving and calling out "hello, hello" and giving high 5's. I followed a BTF tip and took along lollies to give out to the children we passed and was rewarded with the biggest smiles. The scenery was beautiful, you see and experience so much more on a push bike than from sitting in a car.

GOLF

husband has played at bali golf and country club in Nusa Dua and it is the most expensive.Fantastic though, a personal caddy that handed him the club and put the ball where it should go etc etc...all husband had to do was hit it LOL.
Lovely changerooms with complimentary after shave etc etc.
This next trip he is playing at Tanah lot and is cheaper...The other good one(Handara) is a bit far away,few hours i think, north of the island.
I will give you the name of a guy to email and some prices from his email to me, we are going through him this time.
PRICES.................
The cheapest course at the moment is Bali Handara Kosaido although The Grand Bali Beach should be back in action by July, but it is still only a 9 hole course and we do not know their prices as yet. Personally, Bali Handara would be the better choice.
Our packages to Bali Handara will cost $US90 per person (min 2 players) and that includes transport, green fees, free standard club rental, and caddie fee. Golf carts are available for an additional cost of $US25 per cart.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Tanah Lot is the next option at $US125 per person and that includes transport, green fees, free standard club rental, golf carts and caddie fees.
Bali Golf & Country Club is still the most expensive package at $US165 per person.
Contact John Clark at Discount Bali golf, info@golf-bali.com

Greg Normans designed course is at Tanah Lot - Nivana bali. About $120 USD. Nusa dua golf is about the same price. Bali Hindaera (excuse the spelling,) is about 1 north of ubud, it's $90 USD. Use your search engine to find out more - golf bali.

GO KARTS

Just got back from Bali and the kids loved the go karts and yes they are just down from Discovery Plaza on the opposite side of the road. Price was 60,000 RP for 10 minutes and $40,000 RP for 5 minutes. Kids said it was a great track and loved it.

CRUISES

I went on the Bali Hai Sunset Criuse in Jan 05. I was not particularly impressed. The food I thought was a little stale, drinks expensive and although the dancers were good, the cruise part just seemed to go outside the harbour and go round and round in circles. I thought my money would have been better spent on a day trip etc. (About$50US I think) I booked online and paid when I actually arrived at the boat. Definitely not something I will do again when I return in 2 weeks.

My wife and I did the sunset cruise last May. It's a great trip and the entertainment is fantastic. Plenty of food but get in quick.
For what you get the cost is really cheap.

we chose Bounty last time why??? dont know, not again they catered for the Japanese/Korean?? clients, these people are very pushy and tend to ignore instructions from Balinese.
I have heard Quicksilver do a good trip maybe not Lembongan
Bali High Reef Cruise - If you have cruised on Quicksilver to the GBR then you would say this is not quite as good but at about ½ the price and all the banana boating you can handle it is a real winner. A good day out.
I totally reccomend the reef cruise. We had an absolute ball and you get to go to the Island. Everyone on board did!. I have been on many cruises such as this off townsville and cairns and this was by far the cleanest and the best!
We were picked up at 8am for our Quicksilver cruise and once again it was raining. We were going to go with Bali Hai until we got there and saw the price difference. I would recommend the Quicksilver, the only thing I will say is that 90% of the passengers were Korean, but that didn’t stop us enjoying ourselves. The snorkeling was fantastic, kids loved the waterslide and the lunch was great. At $40USD it was good value for money.

BESAKITH TEMPLE

I was in Bali last Sep with my friend we where staying in Ubud great place to stay. One day I wish to see the Mother temple (Besakih Temple)
Got a driver from Ubud for 250000rp to take us there.
We got to the temple we had to pay 300000rp p/p to see the temple plus 300000rp for the guide plusr need to give $20.aud for the gods. We could not enter the temple until we paid that money.. After going there and getting ripped off I got back to the hotel and called the local newspaper they told me that I should not have to pay to go there at all. The first driver we had to get to Ubud told us he would not have taken us there.
This has been going on for at least 15 years. I got the rough treatment 15 years ago and wrote it off as a one off until my wife (then my girlfriend) went there 11 years ago and got the same "YOU NEED A GUIDE!-NOW PAY ME BIG MONEY WHILE I SHOW YOU HOW TO PRAY!" treatment. What a coincidence eh? Then my wife and I went on our honeymoon 6 years ago and got more of the same rude, obnoxious, forceful, gangland, threatening treatment.
If you'll read my post from last Friday you'll see that we purposefully skipped Besakih, the Mother of all Ripoff temples, on our recent trip as it was too risky to take my two young girls.
Besakih temple sits near the base of Mt. Agung. To get there from Seminyak you travel past/through Denpasar, Gianyar, Klungkung and up to Besakih in Karangasem. There are 30 temples and its well worth a visit.
As balinesse i would like to apollogize for anything happend when you bali special when visiting besakih, all of us won't that happend to anyone (tourist) but what i what can say the local people need something to survive (like money). as tour driver i always tell my guest to rent another guide at besakih and ask how much it will cost and if their agree i will take them if not i wouldn't take it.
we been try sold these problem. the only thing i can tell to any one is "PLEASE, IF YOU GO TO BESAKIH THERE IS LOCAL PEOPLE WILL GUIDE AND GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT BESAKIH" So, Please came back, besakih is good place to see, once again i do apologize
We take people up to Besakih and this is NOT what should happen.
We have warned people time and time again, yet still the " off the street diver traps" are still happening.
It is everyone choice as to how the get themselves around Bali - grab a driver off the street, hire a car or motorbike, or do yourself a favour by making contact with a reputable tour company - which at least uses REGISTERED guides. Another thing to remember is make sure you get a car / van / bus which is licensed to carry tourists. If you follow this simple rule, this type of thing should NOT happen. Speak to the tour company before you travel and find out exactly what you are getting on your tour ... for the price that they quote. I hate it when I read things like this - gets my blood boiling !
This does NOTHING to help Bali, the people nor the tourism industry there. I am sorry this happened to you - others be warned !

LAKE BERATAN

Lake Bratan is a good one and a half to two hour drive north of Kuta. The temple there (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan) is beautiful and fun to photograph. There are some markets at the car park which are very reasonable and have great fruit as well. Another attraction (if you can call it that) is some guys with different kinds of animals (from monkeys to snakes to birds) in different forms of captitude (if there's such a word, if not there is now) that you can have your photo taken with. There's a restaurant there as well and not far away are the Botanical Gardens.
Apart from small boats that you can hire for a trip around the lake (sorry, never done it so I don't have the price or other details) I can't recall seeing any other water sports. Being around a temple, maybe they don't encourage jet skis or water skiing - I don't know.
Getting there and back is half the fun. You can stop in at Mengwi and see the water temple there, have lunch at the Pacung restaurant and go for a walk around the Bedugul markets. On the way back, go via Jatiluwih and see some of the most spectacular sawahs (rice fields) in Bali and Pura Luhur Batukau, probably the most peaceful and serene place I've been to in Bali.

Lake Beratan( or Bratan)or well worth the visit. The scenery up that way is beautiful.
If you travel a little further north, you can drive along to road that overlooks Lake Buyan & Lake Tamblingan. The views down to these lakes are magnificent.

SECTION 6

NIGHTLIFE

HULU CAFÉ

The Hulu is run by a gentleman called Graham. He is from Melbourne.
The club puts on drag shows and is a good night out. Show start at app 10pm.

Was in Hulu Saturday night very good show we had a great time there. Glad no western drags there we did not come to see western guys doing drag. The boys looked great.

Hulu Cafe is under new management and is still doing great drag shows. Open Tuesday - Sunday best to get there after 10:00pm when things warm up. Show starts at 11:00pm

Also there's a great drag show in Hulu bar on Jalan Sahadewa which starts around 11 pm and is a riot. This tends to be more of an Indonesian crowd than tourists and is really an outlet for local trannies to get their gear on and get out. There's a bit of a comedy act there and some singing and a little bit of slanging in a friendly way towards the tourists. A really friendly place but gets packed. If you're in to meeting some locals this could be a great place.’

First stop: Hulu Cafe.
Grabbed a seat at the front and settled in for an hour of laughs. Ended up with a big Balinese drag queen sitting on my lap singing "I wanna be loved by you"! Was great fun, and I played it up in my style, giving him/her a smack on the bum and a kiss on the cheek.

can be found in Garlic Lane, just north of the Indo National Restaurant. It is definelty worth going to, but choose your seat carefully or you might find yourself in the show ;-)

I saw the show at Hulu Cafe on Saturday last - it starts around 10:30pm or 11pm. It's great fun. Best way to find it is to take a taxi - it's in a small street off Jalan Padma. Admission free - drinks on sale.

APACHE REGGAE

Reggae cover bands 7 nights a week, 11pm - 2am, Jl Legian.

Headed off to the Apache, where we got stuck into the illusions and spent the night giggling at a 50 something hippy chick throwback who had obviously partaken of too many mushrooms!

Not a bad club & the varying bands are often quite good....

Definately The APACHE Reggae Bar on Jl. Legian in Kuta/Legian

The funky APACHE Reggae Bar is the place to go if you like Caribbean music, which I do

APACHE Reggae Bar on Jalan Legian is the best

. I go there all the time, they have some great live Reggae bands. Definately a must to check out!

DOUBLE SIX

Open every night until 6am. The music is pure dance and there is always a good crowd. Opens at midnight it usually starts to fill up at around 1am. Three bars and late night pizzas. Open till sunrise. Entry cost Sunday - Friday Rp40.000, Saturday's Rp50.000. Featuring the only night bungee jumping in the world with AJ Hackett from 2.00am.

If you want to dance until dawn, this is your place

LIQUID

Jl Dhyana Pura-The latest cool bar on this happening strip, with funky tunes and a killer cocktail list. The coolest illuminated bar.

MUSCRO

Nightclub with spectacular cabaret shows. Located at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in Tuban from 10:30pm onwards.

spent many nights at musro last year!
they have a great show, altho drinks are a little on the expensive side!
They also have a band play and disco afterwards.
They have really nice toilets tho'
I think the cost was about 60,000Rp.

PADDY’S & THE BOUNTY

last time i was there I only went to the new paddy's. It was great there!! Pretty much full of Aussies. Its on JL legian near poopiesII, everyone knows where it is though. Too bad I won’t be there

The Bounty and Paddys rock (on Legian St, just up from the old Paddys sight) and any self respecting Aussie needs to party there, and be sure to try the Jungle Juice - don't drink it too quick!!!!! Met tons of great people and had a great night/morning. We went back quite a few times, and had lotsa fun, good Aussie music and lotsa dancing. Was a bit shocked to see all the Balinese prostitutes at both pubs though, picking up (a generalisation I know, but true) lots of middle aged Aussie men!! Eeeeek. Ah well, all part of the experience!! Had real cheap nights out, the alcohol is really cheap, lotsa bar staff, and the atmosphere felt safe and extremely jovial!!

We got back two weeks ago and went to the foam party at the Bountyship... It was the most amazing night of my entire life. Both my friend and i noticed that the floor had some kind of non-slip rubber thing on it, we were dancing for four hours straight in the water and did not even slip once... I highly recommend you check it out, it was quite seriously the funniest night we've ever had! They're usually on Friday nights -- keep an eye out, they put a HUGE banner out the front of the club the day before its on.

Paddys bar and the Bounty ship were full of action most nights, i witnessed a foam party for the first time that looked fun for most of the people in it.

Staying at the Barong you will find you will probably go to Paddy's and the Bounty Ship alot as it is just down the end of the street...
Paddy's has been rebuilt since the bombings and is now across the road from Maccaroni's...it still goes off and is a really great pub
PAPPARAZI BAR
I think its a great bar. Mostly expats, kind of a cool, well dressed crowd, 25-40 years. Gets going about 11pm, shuts at 2pm, then they open a side door and you walk straight into double 6. I didn't notice food being served. They have a westener on the door that looks like she's greeting and checking your name off a guest list, I think this is just to keep the working girls and boys out. Hope this helps.

A Man moves to the other side of the World

Sunday, 14 January 2018

Bali information from 2005

hi there i just rented surfboards of the beach for about 2 aussies dollars for an hour

GARLIC LANE

runs between Melasti and Padma streets hope you find it some good shops

Bubba Gumps so much fun we vowed to go back. Hang the expense. We needed to take the camera. The staff were so much fun and the food was delicious. Margaritas not so nice though- too salty!

One word to describe the food there
DISGUSTING

We had 2 meals there in December and January.The meals were great and that big you couldn't finish them. The price was very reasonable for Bali standards. Yes I wll be going back there again.

UNCLE NORMS

Blog Archive

What cha wanna know ???

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A Man moves to the other side of the World

Sunday, 14 January 2018

Bali information from 2005

hi there i just rented surfboards of the beach for about 2 aussies dollars for an hour

GARLIC LANE

runs between Melasti and Padma streets hope you find it some good shops

Bubba Gumps so much fun we vowed to go back. Hang the expense. We needed to take the camera. The staff were so much fun and the food was delicious. Margaritas not so nice though- too salty!

One word to describe the food there DISGUSTING

We had 2 meals there in December and January.The meals were great and that big you couldn't finish them. The price was very reasonable for Bali standards. Yes I wll be going back there again.

UNCLE NORMS

Blog Archive

What cha wanna know ???

ClusterMap

One word to describe the food there
DISGUSTING