About Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands)
Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands) People & Culture
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Padang, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Padang Bai is a beautiful, small friendly fishing village on the east coast of Bali in about 54km from Denpasar.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Good tip?
(+1)
Pulau Bali, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
When wanting to change money on the streets around Bali, don't always look for the place offering the highest exchange rate, as more often than not they will be trying to rip you off.
Find out what the going rate is online, (xe currency convertor is one of the best), to get a general idea of what the current market exchage rate is, as a guide.
If, for example, the online rate is Rp7500, then look for a money changer offering around Rp50 either side of that amount. Occassionally you'll come across a "nest" of changers sitting around Rp7800, which is too high above the going rate.
I have had, and heard of several experiences, where trying to change money at these higher rates has led to the customer being ripped off, or if you uncover the scam during the exchange process, they pack up and cancel the deal. This happened to a friend of mine just recently using the above exchange rates as an example.
The vast majority of Money Changers are good, honest people, but there's unfortunately a few that will try and pull one over you. Be on guard!
Find out what the going rate is online, (xe currency convertor is one of the best), to get a general idea of what the current market exchage rate is, as a guide.
If, for example, the online rate is Rp7500, then look for a money changer offering around Rp50 either side of that amount. Occassionally you'll come across a "nest" of changers sitting around Rp7800, which is too high above the going rate.
I have had, and heard of several experiences, where trying to change money at these higher rates has led to the customer being ripped off, or if you uncover the scam during the exchange process, they pack up and cancel the deal. This happened to a friend of mine just recently using the above exchange rates as an example.
The vast majority of Money Changers are good, honest people, but there's unfortunately a few that will try and pull one over you. Be on guard!
Good tip?
(+1)
Besakih, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
High on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely referred to as the "Mother Temple" of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Besakih, or Besakih Temple in English, is the largest of the island's 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.
The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.
The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian -- the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.
Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates -- and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are "supremely holy:" Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others -- not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain's side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.
Bali's Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings -- empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.
The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.
Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: "I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person." In the same way the Hindu "gods" Siva and Vishnu (Siwa and Visnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman's manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.
While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion's past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.
The temple's anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, usually in April.
The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.
The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian -- the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.
Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates -- and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are "supremely holy:" Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others -- not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain's side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.
Bali's Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings -- empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.
The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.
Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: "I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person." In the same way the Hindu "gods" Siva and Vishnu (Siwa and Visnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman's manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.
While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion's past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.
The temple's anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, usually in April.
Good tip?
(0)
Kintamani, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
A day trip to Kintamani, promises mountains, lakes, the chance to get out of of Kuta and see some of Bali. The reality of a trip to Kintamani is a 3 hour ride along main roads, parking next to other tour buses, eating lunch and the main tourist restaurant, overlooking the lake. You will be accosted by sarong and souvenir sellers, and that’s without venturing into the crater.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Good tip?
(0)
Sanur, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Sanur is a little way out from the major tourist areas but still full of beach stalls and people who will follow you miles just to sell you a t-shirt or a knock off watch. The beach resorts here are very good value.
Good tip?
(0)
Kintamani, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
A day trip to Kintamani, promises mountains, lakes, the chance to get out of of Kuta and see some of Bali. The reality of a trip to Kintamani is a 3 hour ride along main roads, parking next to other tour buses, eating lunch and the main tourist restaurant, overlooking the lake. You will be accosted by sarong and souvenir sellers, and that’s without venturing into the crater.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Good tip?
(0)
Kuta, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Central Kuta is a generic international resort. If you're spending the time and money to travel all the way to Bali, stay in Ubud or somewhere removed from Kuta or Nusa Dua, so that you'll experience the wonderful culture of the island.
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Denpasar, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Bali is truly Paradise. Don't worry about Indonesia being a Muslim country or the bombings that happened in 2001 and 2004...This place is amazing. My wife and I fell in love with Bali and we really want to buy a condo there. The beaches are amazing, the culture is peaceful (mostly Hindu) and the people are so kind. Go to Bali on your next vacation!
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Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, already a cultural oasis in a kitschy land... While tourists flock to the beaches and frequent the bar, in Ubud we meditate, go to the local art museum or gallery, visiting painters and see them work, visit artisans at their workshops, and hang around cafes with tranquil lotus ponds and gamelan music in the background. The last time we're there it's quite packed, with tourists walking up and down its main street and alleys - it's ok, it's good for local economy! but you will have to tolerate it - still, shopping is more on the elegant side, you'll find the finest combination of Balinese style and craftmanship (while most of the goods might be made by Javanese sweatshop laborers) and western (should we say Australian) taste and materials. A rented motorcycle is a good way to travel around Ubud, then of course walking about.
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Denpasar, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Ubud, the cultural center of Bali is centered around Monkey Forest Road. Once in the Monkey Forest, be sure to buy bananas for the fun little creatures-don't tease them-they are smart and will bite! Ask a local how to traverse through the jungle to the 3 story bamboo Monkey Market to enjoy a Bintang while gazing at breathtaking rice terraces!
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Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, already a cultural oasis in a kitschy land... While tourists flock to the beaches and frequent the bar, in Ubud we meditate, go to the local art museum or gallery, visiting painters and see them work, visit artisans at their workshops, and hang around cafes with tranquil lotus ponds and gamelan music in the background. The last time we're there it's quite packed, with tourists walking up and down its main street and alleys - it's ok, it's good for local economy! but you will have to tolerate it - still, shopping is more on the elegant side, you'll find the finest combination of Balinese style and craftmanship (while most of the goods might be made by Javanese sweatshop laborers) and western (should we say Australian) taste and materials. A rented motorcycle is a good way to travel around Ubud, then of course walking about.
Good tip?
(0)
Kuta, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
about the most famous club in Kuta is the Bounty, remember the Bali Bombing? It was there.
Music is a bid loud, but the Bintang is cold :)
Music is a bid loud, but the Bintang is cold :)
Good tip?
(0)
Kuta, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Check out Espresso Bar, excellent live music every day!
Good tip?
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Padang, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Padang Bai is a beautiful, small friendly fishing village on the east coast of Bali in about 54km from Denpasar.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Good tip?
(+1)
Amed, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Amed is wellknown as one of the best diving spot in Bali. It's situated on the east part of Bali.
The beach of Amed village is one of the world class location for Snorkellers and Scuba Divers because of the colorful marine fishes and coral reef, including two wrecked US Liberty Navy vessels as World War II treasures is the real magic down below.
The beach of Amed village is one of the world class location for Snorkellers and Scuba Divers because of the colorful marine fishes and coral reef, including two wrecked US Liberty Navy vessels as World War II treasures is the real magic down below.
Good tip?
(0)
Kintamani, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
A day trip to Kintamani, promises mountains, lakes, the chance to get out of of Kuta and see some of Bali. The reality of a trip to Kintamani is a 3 hour ride along main roads, parking next to other tour buses, eating lunch and the main tourist restaurant, overlooking the lake. You will be accosted by sarong and souvenir sellers, and that’s without venturing into the crater.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Good tip?
(0)
Denpasar, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Traffic, noise, cheap, people, don't get killed on your motor bike. If your looking for something in Bali, and you can't find it any where eles, check out Denpasar. Loud cell phone advertising on the side of the street....what can I say, its BALI
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(0)
Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Ubud is a great place from which to explore the real Bali. Try renting a bike!
Good tip?
(0)
Denpasar, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
The doorway of Bali but not the heart. Unless you're in Bali for the night life avoid the area and go somewhere more interesting. Ubud is the next city and more relaxed (but more expensive). Keep your anti mozzie creams/sprays/oils ready! If you visit the area then remember prices are inflated for tourists. 200.000 is typically bargainable to 30-40.000. Every time a tourist doesn't bargain the more liberties the sellers take with the next person and the more locals get priced out of the island - indirectly killing the tourist industry. Has been quiet since the Bali bombings which makes it ideal for a more relaxing holiday. Good for both straight and gay travellers.
Good tip?
(+2)
Padang, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Padang Bai is a beautiful, small friendly fishing village on the east coast of Bali in about 54km from Denpasar.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok.
Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Good tip?
(+1)
Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Eat at the Dirty Duck restaurant. The place has no walls and it overlooks a large, very picturesque rice paddy. The owner could not decide on a name for the place; a couple of days before opening some ducks from the marshy rice field flew into the restaurant and waddled about with their wet feet covered in marsh mud. Sooooooooooooo...dirty duck restaurant. They specialize in duckling dishes (a form of revenge!?). Also, do not miss the shadow puppet shows. Go backstage either before or after the show; most of the performers speak English and they are more than willing to join you for an after-theater supper.
Good tip?
(+1)
Pulau Bali, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
When wanting to change money on the streets around Bali, don't always look for the place offering the highest exchange rate, as more often than not they will be trying to rip you off.
Find out what the going rate is online, (xe currency convertor is one of the best), to get a general idea of what the current market exchage rate is, as a guide.
If, for example, the online rate is Rp7500, then look for a money changer offering around Rp50 either side of that amount. Occassionally you'll come across a "nest" of changers sitting around Rp7800, which is too high above the going rate.
I have had, and heard of several experiences, where trying to change money at these higher rates has led to the customer being ripped off, or if you uncover the scam during the exchange process, they pack up and cancel the deal. This happened to a friend of mine just recently using the above exchange rates as an example.
The vast majority of Money Changers are good, honest people, but there's unfortunately a few that will try and pull one over you. Be on guard!
Find out what the going rate is online, (xe currency convertor is one of the best), to get a general idea of what the current market exchage rate is, as a guide.
If, for example, the online rate is Rp7500, then look for a money changer offering around Rp50 either side of that amount. Occassionally you'll come across a "nest" of changers sitting around Rp7800, which is too high above the going rate.
I have had, and heard of several experiences, where trying to change money at these higher rates has led to the customer being ripped off, or if you uncover the scam during the exchange process, they pack up and cancel the deal. This happened to a friend of mine just recently using the above exchange rates as an example.
The vast majority of Money Changers are good, honest people, but there's unfortunately a few that will try and pull one over you. Be on guard!
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Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
A good place to catch local dance in Ubud at at Padangtegal Dance Stage, located on Jl Hannoman. It is a simple, oven venue where you can find good Kecak and Fire dances. Tickets will be sold at the entrance right before the evening performance or a few days before. worth a few hours of your time.
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Kintamani, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
A day trip to Kintamani, promises mountains, lakes, the chance to get out of of Kuta and see some of Bali. The reality of a trip to Kintamani is a 3 hour ride along main roads, parking next to other tour buses, eating lunch and the main tourist restaurant, overlooking the lake. You will be accosted by sarong and souvenir sellers, and that’s without venturing into the crater.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
Batur crater is in my opinion a very cool place, in itself. Imagine a comminity of people who fish and farm at a fresh water lake, inside a volcanic crater! It seems part fantasy, part reality to us westerners. The 2 big problems with venturing into the crater are, the round the clock dump trucks servicing the quarry, on the west side of the lake, and the very aggresive ‘mountain guides’. The truck run about once every 2 minutes, in and out, creating a cloud of fumes, dust and noise. The mountain guides have combined to give Mt. Batur a bad reputation and many guide books have sections dedicated to warning people about the bad treatment they should expect.
Here in Seminyak a small number of people from Kintamani have plonked themsleves here in order to beg for money. Its rather pathetic, rather like me getting on the plane to the US, and sitting outside a mansion in Beverly Hills. For the people involved its complete culture shock, and for the people who live in Seminyak, another person to say no to. At Bintang supermarket there are 2 ATMs. A coulpe of ladies sit outside it with their hand out. one told me she was from Kintamani.
The other night at Poser’s Pub in Legian, while interviewing Dallas Finn, a line of kids about 12, passed by and jabbered at me in Indonesian, to buy stuff. I joked about tidak ada uang (don’t have money) and made a game of it. I feel sorry for them, but someone either in their banjar, local government, island government, whatever, needs to stand up and create a program to educate these people. I was reading an article today about a Kuta shop owner who turned to growing organic rice, as a way to beat the tourist slump. The people in that crater could grow some unique things and market them as unique.
My advice for visiting Kintamani: Drive to Blandingan, on the outside northern rim and do a relaxing, free, pleasant hike, viewing the ocean and the lake simultaneously. Also drive into the crater and explore the western side. There are lava fields and orange groves as well as a couple of villages. I would not waste my money hiking Gunung Batur.
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Ubud, Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands), Indonesia
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, already a cultural oasis in a kitschy land... While tourists flock to the beaches and frequent the bar, in Ubud we meditate, go to the local art museum or gallery, visiting painters and see them work, visit artisans at their workshops, and hang around cafes with tranquil lotus ponds and gamelan music in the background. The last time we're there it's quite packed, with tourists walking up and down its main street and alleys - it's ok, it's good for local economy! but you will have to tolerate it - still, shopping is more on the elegant side, you'll find the finest combination of Balinese style and craftmanship (while most of the goods might be made by Javanese sweatshop laborers) and western (should we say Australian) taste and materials. A rented motorcycle is a good way to travel around Ubud, then of course walking about.
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