Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sundra Islands) Suggested Trips

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.