2. MONEY - Including –

1.    Rupiah coins, notes and ‘candy change’ –

2.    Money Changing - Safe money changing – Use 'Wartels',  especially for Traveller's Cheques - 'As-new' notes only – Don’t change at home – Airport changing –

3.    Tipping – an account to help friends in Bali -

4.    Money Scams - and a crook moneychangers list – Forgery risk - Land, house and business share scams -

5.    Passport security – Bag snatchers – Credit card security – Cash to get home – Check in to your airline to secure your seat. -

6.    Keep a perspective when bargaining – School fees and donations to charities - Calculator risk - Risky ATM's - Shoppers Cheat Sheet - On-line currency converter -

3. REMEMBER – Cultural things including; 

1.   Balinese Castes and Names - Gifts - Wrapping papers and stationery - Do’s and Don’ts - Personal Dress - Stay in control, remain calm! – Flags and decorated fronds - Street offerings near shops and homes- Cremations.

2.    Orphanages (Opens in a separate web page). See also ‘CHARITIES’ in the ‘CONTACTS AND INFORMATION’, above.

3.    Art, in all forms, is a large part of Balinese life.

4.    World Heritage sites. -

5.    Nyepi Day (the day of silence) and Ogoh-ogoh – Odalan and ‘Full Moon’ parties. - Independence Day -

4. SAYING – Everyday Language prompts that will make you doubly welcome in Bali.

5. SHOPPING - Including the following (and also see the individual shopping sections in each District information pages further below) –
        Probably every traveller to Bali, not just the Bali Newbie, will at some time ask, 'How much is that really worth?' The answer might just be at My Bali Guide, a new ('06) Bali site with a current price list for everything in Bali.

1.    Supermarkets – Opening hours – Sales -Children’s food – Children’s clothes – Cloths including ikat and songket - Orchids – Clothing size conversion tables - Large sizes -  shoe size conversion tables - Shoes - Medicines - Factory outlets and 'seconds' shops - Laundry -

2.    Fashion hand bags – Fashion for pets - Spa products - Surf boards -

3.     Gold & Jewellery – Gold prices - Wood ware, pests and Customs - www.geocities/mcshop_bali/dvd -

4.    Software (computer, games, CDs, VCRs etc) – Electrical appliances -

5.    Buttons, Sequins & Beads – Craft supplies - Temple umbrellas and flags (‘Umble umbles’) - musical instruments -

6.    Some prices (2000 to 2002) –

7.    Spectacles – Donating glasses - Mirrors -

8.     Fishing stores - Bike shops -

6. EATING – Enjoyably and with safety. – Including -

1.    Personal hygiene – Who’s Cooking Tonight? – Vegetarian – Vegemite -

2.     Wine, both local and imported and purchasing it in Bali – Tax, service charges and commissions –

3.     The Bali Travel Forum and other locally assembled restaurant guides– Steak – Bread -

4.     Vegetarian. One of the notable vegetarian restaurants is ‘Aromas’, in Kuta.

5.    Local fruits are highly recommended – Balinese names for foods – Desserts – Kaki Lima (food carts) –

6.    Delicacies -

7.    Donations to Gloria’s Crisis Care Centre or the Helen Flavel Foundation. See also ‘Charities’.

7. DRINKING – It’s a delight when it’s done for pleasure, but in the tropics it must also be done for your safety.

1.    Sammi and Sussi’s Forum “Bar” at Legian Beach.

        Also S&S&S on the southern end of Sanur beach, where you can see the sun rise over Lombok and see it set over Jimbaran. Look for Nyomans Bar on the beach and claim a bar stool for the night.

2.    Water, cool drinks, straws and ice –

3.     Beers -

4.    Taking alcohol into Bali – Duty free limit (note that the limit into Indonesia has not been effected by the recent increased limit back of 2.25 litres when coming back  into Australia.) -

5.     Local wines and outlets - Imported wines -

8. VISITING – Some recommended ‘hot spots’.

9. THINGS TO DO - Some common some exotic.

River Rafting. There are a couple to choose from, one has far fewer steps up and down to the river than the others. Bad reports about 'Bali Rafting' including posing as 'Bali International Rafting' in "05. Bali International Rafting, Tegala-waja Rafting and Sobek seem more reliable and better equipped. – Read a local Newspaper, the Jakarta Post if you're an 'English only' reader. - Helicopter flights – see a Movie – take an ocean cruise by day or night – play at WaterBom Park (now known as ‘Water Park’) – go to the dances at Batubulan. (There are many others, in almost every village. Use the 'Edit' - 'Find' feature and enter 'dance' to go from one entry to the next until you find what you want.) Try the One of the best collection of birds anywhere. Over 1500 birds covering over 250 species at Taman Burung near Ubud. 40 min by taxi from Kuta. Look at www.alphalink.com.au/~grum/bali/birdpark/ .
If you’re on the western side of the island, that is Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Tanah Lot and all the way around to the Java ferry terminal at Gilimanuk, even in Singaraja and Lovina, you’ll see those fabulous, tropical, romantic sunsets of glowing colours across the sea. No doubt you’ll have a drink or two in the best of company (yourself at least) and hope to see the iridescent green cap on top of the sun as the last of it disappears below the horizon. If you’re very lucky however, and you’re staying on the eastern side (Nusa Dua, Benoa, Sanur, Candi Dasa, Amed), you’ll be ideally situated to see the even more romantic and spectacular sunrise. Because you have to get up before dawn, of course, these are nowhere near as popular or as commonly appreciated as the sunsets but, in the company of spouse, friend, lover, or all three, and a bottle of cool champagne, you will always cherish the memories as you watch Bali come to life.
Other activities, such as the popular snorkelling or diving, (Again there are many others, in almost every village. Use the 'Edit' - 'Find' feature and enter your search word to go from one entry to the next until you find what you want.) are in the District sections. Snorkelling gear can be hired for Rp20,000 per day per person, or for much more if you’re not good at bargaining.
If you’ve ever despaired at the amount of waste plastic flooding Bali and would like to help in an occasional cleanup look at the web site of the Environmental Education Centre, Bali. (P P L H). http://www.pplhbali.or.id/.
Play golf – if you’ve a healthy bank balance. There are some magnificent courses along the coast and in the mountains but the fees are high. Contact John Clarke at Bali Discount Golf (http://www.golfbali.com/) for the best advice and prices. There are 2 golf courses on Lombok where the fees, as in parts of Indonesia outside of Bali, are quite reasonable. Have a look at www.golfindonesia.com/courses/courselist.php?prov=west%20Nusa%20Tengara.
If you’re really crazy you can hire a motor bike, even large 1200cc ones (and up to a Harley if you own one of these back home). You’ll need an international licence. PT Ogi Motor, Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 27X Tuban ph 766 101 or 766 102.
Kites are a constant feature of the Bali skies. There is a huge international festival of kites around July each year. Kids (big and small) will be dumbfounded at the sight.
Visit the new (ish) Monument to the Balinese People’s Struggle. It sounds a bit communistic but it’s really a well presented history of Bali from 1945 to independence. In the Niti Mandala Park, Renon District, Denpasar.
Take Surfing lessons. Blue Ocean Surf School on Legian Beach by Jayakarta Hotel/Jl Double 6/ Benny’s Restaurant etc. About 10 am. E-mail Slim at baliwaves.com. He will give you current info. Check out www.schoolofsurf.com/locations.html . An alternative might be Shane Horan’s School of Surfing on the beach near Benny’s Café, Legian. Your first lesson will be until you can stand up – no matter how long it takes. Very well supervised.
WARNING: Watch the rips along Kuta-Legian-Seminyak beaches. Tourists regularly drown here (14 in '05 with 309 logged rescues, 403 drowning in 33 years shows that some never learn.) and there are other dangerous beaches waiting to trap those who are a bit careless for only a moment.
Surfers new to the island should check http://www.baliwaves.com/ for locations, conditions and recent reports. Other sites include http://www.surftheearth.com.au/. Which has accommodation tips as well.
If you’re into Adventure Trekking in pristine jungles, get in touch with Bali Bluey at www.wonderfulbali.com/kutilang/albums/index.htm .
Go to Java, but be a little cautious. Jogya is close and has a more tolerant reputation than larger centres. See the old palace, the water garden, art galleries that will take your mind back through centuries. There are fascinating temples at Prambanan and Borobudur – fascinating even if you think that you’re ‘all templed out’. There are very ancient ruins steeped in history on the plateau of Dieng. Pantris beach is the blueprint for all other tropical beaches. See Mount Merapi. Appreciate the friendliness of the country peoples, the honesty of the traders and the peaceful, quieter, more relaxing atmosphere. There is white-water rafting on the Citarik River and more exotic starts such as off-road adventuring, rafting, jungle trekking, even paintball wars if you’re that way inclined.
Bike tours, mainly downhill thank goodness, are arranged by the Ayung River Rafting Company. There are three tours to choose from beginning at either the Kintamani volcano rim, from Batukaru mountain or from Sangeh village through the monkey forest.  In late '05 some concern was expressed about the safety and guidance of Bali Adventure Tours bike rides.
Bali Budaya Tours also has a cycling option. Contact them at bulanindah@dps.centrin.net.id. Wayan Budiana.
Some hotels also arrange bike tours through local villages. Ask at your hotel desk.
Bike_Baik Bali run bicycle tours which are almost entirely downhill. An easy and excellent way of seeing the countryside, villages and villagers close-up. 0361 978 052 or e-mail wayansujana@yahoo.com. wwwbalibike.com. Rp350,000.

Bali Bintang Cycling Tours is similar to Baik Bali. Part profits go to the local people.
Sobek, the well known Tour group can be contacted at http://www.sobekbali.com/ or sales@sobek.co.id.
Mida has gained a good reputation for organising entry to events and places, half day tours and whole holidays. She is WMW Tours, Jl Tukad Unda No8, Renon - Denpasar. Ph ++ 62 361 744 2956, e-mail wahyatur@indosat.net.id.
There are Reptile and Bird Parks side by side in Singapadu, a village near Batubulan. Joint entry tickets are cheaper than two singles. The main feedings are early in the morning and a secondary one at 11 am. There is a Butterfly Park at Wanasari, a small village north west of Denpasar and north of Tabanan.
Hot springs are a feature of many places in Bali, not too surprising considering the volcanic nature of the area. Try Banyuwedang Natural Hot Spring - Pemuteran, 60 km west of Singaraja and located partially on the grounds of the Mimpi Resort Menjangan, http://www.mimpi.com/mimpi-menjangan-banyuwedang.html, http://www.balilife.com/mimpimenjangan/activities.htm. Yeh Panes - Penetahan, http://www.indonesiaphoto.com/article46.html, http://www.baliaga.com/english/tour/e_wst3_hotspring.html. Toya Bungkah Hot Springs - Mt Batur, 8km from Penelokan. A public bathing spot frequented mostly by Indonesians. Banjar Hot Springs - Banjar Tega,10 km west of Lovina. There are photos at: http://www.wright-photo.com/banjar1.htm. http://baliforfamilies.com/banjar_hot_springs_are_in_the_hi.htm.
Hot Springs in Bali:http://members.ld.infoseek.co.jp/k_yokoi/bali.html#Holyhotsprings.
You can take a tethered ride in a hot air balloon in Nusa Dua. Called 'Bali Eye' the rides are about a quarter of an hour for US$15 adult and US$10 for kidz.
Waterfalls abound in Bali and if you click 'EDIT' at the top of this screen, select 'Find" in the drop down menu, type 'waterfall' into the box and click on the 'Find next' button you will immediately go to the first of many references to waterfalls in this document. Clicking 'Find next' repeatedly will take you to all of the references, one by one. You might also like to visit http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=1371 where you will find more information.

The Bali Safari & Marine park has a great following, particularly but not exclusively amongst kidz. On Jl By Pass Prof Dr Ida Bagus Mantra, Km 19.8, GIANYAR. Ph (+62 361) 950 000. http://www.balisafarimarinepark.com.

10. INTERNET / MOBILE PHONES. Including post codes, stamps and direct dialling codes.

11. TOILETS, LOOS AND DUNNIES ! – A ‘convenient’ list for your comfort and to avoid additional distress.

12. DRIVERS. - Including –

1.    Taxis - Blue Bird taxis - public and hire transport – Fares – Hire – Shuttle Bus –

2.    Tourists driving – Hiring motor bikes - Tourist police and the threat of corruption -

3.    RECOMMENDED DRIVERS and the general costs of getting around.

13. TRAVEL TIMES & DISTANCES between common destinations.

13. ACCOMMODATION – General information lists with some comments if available.

For recent reviews of hotels, restaurants, shops etc, with pictures to make informed choices try Mic’s Bali – http://balimic.tripod.com/ .

14. RECOMMENDED PLACES  but some of unknown location.

15. BALI & THE BALINESE IN BRIEF.

A potted description of the origins, history, life style, religion and character of Bali and its citizens.

These entries include information, covering Shopping, Eating, Drinking, Visiting, Doing, Drivers, People and Accommodation (both standard and cheap) for each district.

Generally the latest recommendations are at the end of each list in the District section but long-standing, out standing and/or regular recommendations tend to move towards the top of each list.

# 1 – TUBAN and KUTA DISTRICT SECTION. –

Kuta is the centre of the original 'surfer tourist' industry in Bali. The surrounding district developments that are now attached to Kuta, or nearly so, are Tuban and Jimbaran Bay which is cut off only by the airport. To the north are the joining districts of Legian, Seminyak and now Kerobokan which reaches to within a kilometre or two of the capital city Denpasar. In the only other direction, towards the east, is Sanur on the opposite shore.
Most tourists come to Bali, and perhaps reluctantly leave their air conditioned hotel room and swim-up pool bar, only to shop and there is no doubt that Kuta caters to that wish. Eating, drinking, shopping, entertainment, relaxing and bodily pampering are the local industries here, from the beaches to the top levels of the department stores and supermarkets.

1.    Shopping - (Leather / Tailors / Silver / Jewellery / Watches / CDs and software / fishing gear / etc ) –

2.     Eating – There are over 80 entries here and there are probably another 80 that could be entered.

3.     Drinking –

4.     Visiting –

5.     Doing –

6.     People –

7.     Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 2 – LEGIAN and SEMINYAK DISTRICT SECTION –

This section includes recent information on Canggu and Kerobokan, an emerging tourist area north of Seminyak. It has been said that the further you get away from Kuta the more upmarket lifestyles become and whilst I would not want to engage in any inter-district rivalries I have to say that walking north along Jl Raya Kuta - Jl Legian - Jl Seminyak - Jl Basangkasa which passes Jl Laksmana, (often called 'Oberoi Street' from the grand hotel at the beach end or 'Eat Street' from the new restaurants that are springing up like mushrooms) and becomes Jl Kerobokan, it seems to me that the shops are a little classier and the restaurants a little more refined.
Following the terrorist's bombing of the Sari Club in Kuta there seems to have been a movement of nightlife to Seminyak.

1.    Shopping - (Leather / Tailors /  Pearls / Clothing / Handcrafts / CD/Software / Pottery / pets - etc ) –

2.    Eating – There are over 60 entries here. Jl Laksmana (becoming known locally as 'Eat Street') in Kerobokan is worth investigating.

3.    Drinking – Sammi and Sussi’s “BaliTravelForum Bar”.

4.    Visiting –

5.    Doing -

6.    Drivers -

6.    People –

7.    Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 3 - JIMBARAN BEACH DISTRICT SECTION. –

Jimbaran Bay has several beaches, Jimbaran Beach is one in the middle of the bay. Muaya Beach is at the southern end near the Bali Intercontinental and Four Seasons Hotels. The great divergence of cultures that tourism has wrought in Bali can be seen by walking the beach from the Four Seasons Resort at the southern end to the local fish market and boat harbour at the northern end by the airport runway. It is interesting to see, however, that sunset hides the culture chasm and all can be seen enjoying the seafood dining on the beach; the tourists enjoying the spectacular sunsets and frequently ordinary food and the locals enjoying the easy money that rolls in.

1.    Shopping

2.    Eating –

3.    Drinking –

4.    Visiting –

5.    Doing –

6.    Drivers -

7.    People –

8.    Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 4 – NUSA, BENOA and BUALU DISTRICT SECTION. –

Nusa Dua means two islands but very few of those who now call themselves locals can point out the two islands. They are really not islands at all, unless the tides are exceptionally high, but two lumpy headlands normally joined to the land by sand bridges. One juts out from the southern end of the beach at the Melia Bali Hotel and the other from the northern end of the adjacent Grand Hyatt Bali. There is a story of my morning visit to the former, part of a long diary of our 2000holiday.
 The Nusa Dua enclave was planned to avoid the haphazard development that will forever plague Kuta Beach. The area was chosen because it was virtually a wasteland (and presumably therefore cheap to purchase) and because there was seen to be a need to draw tourism away from Kuta in the boom years. Because Kuta had such a cheap reputation it was thought best not to directly compete with what might be called the 'surfer tourists' and the concept of 'elite tourism' was formed. This meant high-paying, mainly Japanese and American tourists, thus attracting the prosperous American hotel chains with their 5*+ accommodations.
Anything less than sumptuous Balinese involvement was kept out (except for the very small fishing villages, one between the two headlands and the other just north of the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel which was due to be overbuilt in 2000 but will perhaps be saved by the downfall of tourism following the Kuta terrorist bombing. The nearest thing tourists in Nusa Dua can get to the 'real Bali' is either the village of Bualu which is within walking distance from the main hotels and is where many of the hotels' workers rent rooms, or Tanjung Benoa, (the Benoa Peninsula) just north of the enclave and a $2 taxi ride away. In either place you can find more typical Asian foods and goods at more typical Asian prices but this is still a long way from the original 'country Bali'.

1.    Shopping - in Nusa is expensive but gets considerably cheaper the further away from the hotels you walk.

2.    Eating – Although are nearly 20 entries here, there are certainly many more in the district.

3.    Drinking –

4.    Visiting –

5.    Doing –

6.    People –

7.    Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 5 – SANUR,  DENPASAR & LEMBONGAN ISLAND DISTRICT SECTIONS. – 

Sanur was the centre of tourism when the boom really took off after WW II and the massive Bali Beach Hotel was built with Japanese war reparation funds. Standing on the beach at the Sindhu Markets and looking north I always think what a good thing it was that someone recognised the obscenity of this development and proposed that no future building on the island should be taller than a coconut palm tree.
Sanur is still quieter than Kuta (a blessing) and has shopping and eating that is just as good; there is simply not so much of it in your face.
Denpasar is the capital of the island. It is a shopping centre but also a business and government centre too.
Lembongan Island and the other lesser known ones of Penida and Ceningan attract a growing number of tourists to the relaxed life, the diving (which can be dangerous during flood tides if you're not prepared for the currents), snorkelling and water sports. Other attractions are the lifestyles of the locals and the seaweed farming that seems to sustain their economy.

1. Shopping – Wholesale Watches / Money changers / Leather / Tailors / Spectacles / Gold / VCDs, CDs, software etc. / Markets / Curtains & Fabrics and curtains including Silks / Fishing Tackle / Camera Repairs / Perfume / Ladies shoes - / Freight / Wartel / Department stores /

2. Eating – There are over 40 restaurants listed here, mainly in Sanur.

3. Drinking –

4. Visiting –

5. Doing –

6. Drivers -

7. People –

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap and NOT cheap!).

# 6 - UBUD DISTRICT SECTION. –

Ubud is about 30 kilometres north of the airport and about a 40 minute drive if you don't shop at the shopping mecca called Sukawati on the way or the more local markets nearby at Guwang. It's a nice day visit from the south or if you want to stay there are wide selections available in both accommodations and eating establishments.
Ubud is touted as the 'Arts Centre' of Bali and if this is so then I guess it depends on what you expect from an Arts Centre. There are a number of galleries, large and small, from the well known Neka Museum, the Puri Lukisan collection of art objects and Antonio Blanco's home and fanciful museum/gallery to the small shops up and down Monkey Forest and Hanoman roads.
Ubud is more a cultural centre to me, being close to the old temples, palaces and archaeological sites and the  museum in and along the river valleys and ridges just a few kilometres to the east and north.

1. Shopping - including Markets, Silver & Jewellery – Crafts – Galleries – Tailor – Home ware shops -

2. Eating – There are over 40 choices here.

3. Drinking -

4. Visiting –

5. Doing –

6. Drivers –

7. People -

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 7 - BEDUGUL DISTRICT SECTION. –

Bedugul is a main town in the central mountain district about 50 Km north of Kuta, Sanur and Denpasar. It is where the colonials of years gone by sent the family (and themselves if they could manage it) to avoid the worst of the hot and humid weather. On the way up from the south have a brief stop at Pacung to see the remarkable views from the dining room of the Pacung Indah Hotel (on the right) or the old timber portion of the Pacung Mountain Resort (opposite on the left side of the road) that dates to the Dutch era, with its olde world 'inclinator' that will take you down into the deep valley.

A little further up is the local market at Baturiti on the left. I don't think you'll see another quite the same in all of Bali.

Bedugul and Candikuning are almost joined villages at either end of Lake Beratan (or Bratan as the locals say). Bedugul is associated with 'the temple in the lake', Pura Ulun Danau, a shared Buddhist and Hindu temple area, but the temple is actually in Candikuning.

Everyone seems to remember the flower, fruit, vegetable, nuts and spices market at Bedugul, particularly when the strawberries are in season, but when they've seen the temple they often turn around and go back to their hotel in the south without recognising Candikuning. I always think that his is a pity because just a bit further up the road and around to the left are the now divided Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan, some wondrous scenery with little roadside picnic tables, a great coffee 'factory' at a roadside cafe named Ngireng Ngewedang, and the peaceful and serene falls at Munduk.

1. Shopping –

2. Eating -

3. Drinking -

4. Visiting -

5. Doing -

6. Drivers -

7. People –

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

 # 8 – LOVINA and SINGARAJA DISTRICT SECTION. - (Have a look also at the Western Bali section below.)

Singaraja was known as Buleleng, and is still sometimes referred to in this way by older Balinese. It is the capital of Buleleng Kabupaten (District), perhaps the largest of the eight Districts of Bali. Buleleng Kabupaten runs all across the top of Bali from the west coast to the central north east coast and southwards almost to the central lakes Tamblingan, Buyan and Bratan. The Kabupaten were known as Regencies under the Dutch rule and generally coincide with the boundaries of the old Kingdoms. Singaraja was the island capital under the Dutch rule and the port of entry to the island before the invasion of the south gave access to harbours at Benoa, Padang Bai and to a lesser extent Kusamba. Around the old dock area there are still easily recognised signs of those old times in the streets, the markets, the seamen's temples and the 'house-over-shop' architecture introduced to the whole island by the Dutch.

Lovina is a quiet resort area with some cheap and some wondrous eateries. The 'black' sand beaches (grey actually but still sand and not mud) are take off points for early morning dolphin watching trips and to snorkel the reef. The Bali Sea of these shores is protected, calm, shallow and warm, encouraging water activities.

1. Shopping -

2. Eating –

3. Drinking –

4. Drivers -

5. Visiting –

6. Doing –

7. People –

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap) – and to the east of Singaraja towards Candi Dasa -

9.  

# 8A - THE NORTH EAST COAST  DISTRICT SECTION. - (Have a look also at the Singaraja/Lovina section above.)

This is the area from Lovina/Singaraja around the top and 'right hand side' of the island towards Tulamben, Amed and Candi Dasa. I confess that I do not have personal experience of the area but I am beginning to collect information from other travellers in preparation for  a future trip.

1. Shopping -

2. Eating –

3. Drinking –

4. Drivers -

5. Visiting –

6. Doing –

7. People –

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 9 - CANDI DASA DISTRICT SECTION. - Also includes Amed, Padang Bai, Amlapura, Tirtagangga, and Tulamben. -

Candi Dasa is on the south east coast of Bali, in the district of Karangasem (capital city Amlapura), at the northern corner of a fairly deep-water port and at the foot of some very steep foothills of Mount Agung. On the southern corner of the bay is Padang Bai, in a small inlet which is the port for large ferries, fuel tankers and cargo ships that ply the routes to Lombok, Nusa Penida and other Indonesian island ports to the north and east. It is also the site of a small fishing village that caters to the surfing tourists and a few mid-range people who come to soak of the tranquil beauty of it's clear turquoise waters.
If you are taking a ferry at Padang Bai do not let go of your cases when you leave the transit bus or they will be picked up and carried onto the ferry for you at an exorbitant fee by 'porters' who are also stand-over merchants.
Candi Dasa is not a lively place, certainly it will never threaten the liveliness of Kuta or the night life of Seminyak, but for relaxation and a range of sights and different locations it is an admirable base. The eroded beach that fell to the need for lime to be added to building cement is slowly returning under the influence of the groynes and breakwaters (that may well have been built using lime concrete from some other reef) and within their sheltered enclosure there is some easy if not spectacular snorkelling to be had.
Within an easy days drive is Tenganan, the home of the original Balinese who have resisted the changes to the pure form of Hinduism that originated from India via Java. To the north, over the lower slopes of Mount Agung and through the brilliant greens of the Bugbug rice valleys is the district capital of Amlapura. Once known as Karangasem the name was changed to hide the town from the demons that made Mt Agung erupt in 1963, blocking the roads and isolating the city. A visit to the market and surrounding shops here is really a step into a view of Balinese life no longer found around the southern tourist areas.
From Amlapura there is a circular route which can be travelled in either direction and which will take you past the Rajah's Water Palace at Tirtagganga ("water of the Ganges'), the spectacular rice terraces around the village of Abang, through Amed and Bunutan to the spectacular coastal views from  Kusambi (not Kusamba which is a beach port between Candi Dasa and Sanur), to Seraya and the Floating Palace at Puri Taman Ujong  being restored in '03. It was built by the last King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglura (whose father wanted him to always be first on the roll at school), and the same Rajah who had Tirtagganga constructed. From here the road returns to Amlapura.

1. Shopping -

2. Eating –

3. Drinking -

4. Drivers -

5. Visiting –

6. Doing –

7. People –

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap). Our experiences at Amed suggest that there is no cheap accommodation if you want a few luxuries more than the 2* places will offer. 

# 10 – WESTERN BALI SECTION.  

It’s at most 3 hours from Kuta to Gilimanuk in the far west, with not a lot to see along the way if you believe the maps and a lot of the travel books, unless you happen to be in Negara when the bull races are on between August to October. But take the trip and see for yourself, a different Bali, dryer, more open with kilometres of straight, black sand surfing and sheltered swimming beaches. It's a place that the surfing crowd have kept to themselves for too long. Have a look at some pictures from our last Negara trip, one in '04 and others to the orphanage in '05.

The narrow, flat coastal strip of land between the mountains of the Barat National Park inland and the sea always reminds me of our home in Adelaide but the flatter rice and vegetable fields, the coconut groves and the banana plantations always say 'Bali'.

From Gilimanuk along the north coast to Lovina is another leisurely 3 hours with a even more to see and do along the way.

It's really a shame that more tourists don't venture out this far, but then again the area would lose many of it's charms and it's easy living if they did.

1. Shopping -

2. Eating –

3. Drinking -

4. Drivers -

5. Visiting –

6. Doing –

7. People -

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap).

# 11 - LOMBOK DISTRICT SECTION. – How will you get there?

Lombok is a frustrating mixture of, and differences to, Bali. Without doubt it is another in the chain of small, equatorial, volcanic islands (Gunung Rinjani) in the line between Java and Irian Jaya/Papua New Guinea. Without doubt in its history it has been influenced by cultural and religious events on Bali as in the past it has ruled over, and been ruled by, parts of that island neighbour. Equally without doubt tourists to Lombok can easily feel that they are in a time warp of Bali 20 years previous. At the same time there are differences that cannot be ignored for long in this enigmatic place.

Lombok has a majority Muslin religion, adhering closely to the original tenets of that faith. Here the peaceful Hindus are a minority but I can't help feeling that, perhaps some young hot-heads aside, the fire of Lombok's Islam has been tempered by the passive nature of Balinese influence. Village life, arts and crafts (particularly weaving and pottery) and family are all important features of life and culture, as in Bali. The 'native' inhabitants are the Sasaks.
The capital is Mataram, in about the centre of the western side with the domestic airport nearby. Further north is the main tourist centre around Sengiggi and further north again are 'the gilis', three offshore islands which are also a tourist focus. The sea port is at the port of Lembar on the south west coast, quite a drive to Mataram and even further to Sengiggi.

1. Shopping - Pearls –

2. Eating –

3. Drinking -

4. Drivers -

5. Visiting –

6. Doing –

7. People -

8. Accommodation – (Standard and Cheap). 

CONTACTS AND INFORMATION –

Bali is The Island of the Gods, The Island of Smiles, Paradise Island, and many other wonderful, laudable things – but it is also a ‘third world’ country and if something goes wrong and you need help then you need to know where to go.
It’s been said that some of the following information might be better placed at the end of this file where it’s not so ‘in your face’, but I have come to the conclusion that that’s where it will not be seen and therefore it might as well not be in the file at all.
It’s here where you can find it in case you need it, it’s not here to put you off travelling to Bali, which is probably safer than travelling in many ‘first world’ countries. Be cautious as you would normally be – but don’t spoil your holiday by unnecessary worry.
If you want to check on the latest information about shots recommended before undertaking travel in Bali (or elsewhere) log onto http://www.tmvc.com.au/ in Oz. Other countries will doubtless have similar sites.

1. If you get sick your hotel will call a reputable doctor to come and see you.
   Don’t delay and risk ruining your holiday. It might cost you over A$100 but you’ve got insurance – use it and save your $1000’s holiday.

2. PHONE NUMBERS –
   * Police 110
   * Fire 113
   * Ambulance 118
   * Search & Rescue 51 111
   * Hospitals, Dentists, Blood Service and other professional services – see the following lists. Don't hesitate to get your hotel to call a local doctor for mini emergencies like cuts , vomiting, Bali Belly etc. They are responsive, generally western trained and very competent in treating tourist problems.
   * If you’re overseas and want to find out if your risk situation has changed call the Australian Consular Emergency Service for current information on ‘+’ 61 26 261 3305. From Indonesia (Bali) the ‘+’ is either 001 801 (via Indosat) or 008 801 (via SatelIndo). The Telephone Codes pages in the back (usually) of your local phone book will give you the codes for other countries.

3. Operator Assisted calls within Indonesia (which includes Bali of course) Ph 100 -
   - International Ph 106.
   Directory Information for Bali - Ph 108 or for Indonesia as a whole Ph 106.

4. Emergency numbers to home –
   *** Australian Consulate in Canberra (Australia) if you've got real problems; - 001 61 1300 555 135. If you're on a mobile use a + instead of the 001 at the start. Available 24 hours a day. An alternative number is +61 2 626 13305.
   * Visa Aust 1800 621 199;  Visa International 1800 450 346;  Lost Travellers Cheques 1800 127 477;  Master Card Aust (02) 9466 3700;  Master Card International 1800 120 113;  ANZ Freecall 1800 033 844;  BankWest 131 718;  CitiBank 132 484;  Commonwealth Bank 132 221;   National Bank 132 265;  St George Bank 1800 028 208;  Westpac Bank 1800 2300 144;  BankCard Aust (02) 9281 6633;  Medicare Aust 132 001;  CentreLink Fraud line 137 230;  Seniors Card Aust 1300 364 758;  Passport enquiries 131 232.

5. CBA Aust bank in Jl Teuku Umar in Denpasar. Transaction fees only $1.50.

6. **** There is a growing market for tourist cosmetic procedures in Bali. Be aware that most Ex-pats in Bali also travel overseas (to Australia, Bangkok or Singapore for surgical and dental procedures!!!! "In Bali disasters are the rule" - success the exception.
   Bali International Medical Centre. Medical and dental. On the airport By Pass road opposite Matahari Tuban Plaza in Tuban (not Kuta) and in mid-'05 moving a little further down the street to 100X Jl Ngurah Rai, Tuban. Ph 228 996 or 761 263. Only 5 mins by taxi from Kuta BIMC employs expatriate western staff from around the world. Only local doctors are allowed to practise in Indonesia. BIMC has full emergency/ambulance & diagnostic equipment, radiology department and on-line medical consultation services via video conferencing. International Travel Insurance policies accept BIMC. http://www.bimcbali.com/ . There was some criticism of BIMC early in '06 - that they required payment in-hand before a patient would even be seen by a doctor (Aus$250 not always quickly available for stretched tourists towards the end of their holiday) and their final costs seemed excessive compared with other hospitals although covered by good insurance eventually.

7. International SOS Medika Klinik Bali, (764 515 or 755 768), Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai 24X, KUTA. Almost directly across from BIMC (see above). Ph 764 556. The 24 hour alarm centre, Ph 756 768. Global HQ is in Singapore. They have a branch in Sydney (Aust) at 4 Martin Place, Ph 9372 2400.

8. Merdeka Medical Centre (MMC), Jl Merdeka, /2 Renon, Denpasar. 24-hour clinic and chemist. A number of specialists, laboratory, x-ray equipment.

9. The International Tourist Medical Services has facilities in Bali at No 363 Jl Legian, Kuta, in the Si Doi Shopping Area next to the ASR Surf Shop. Dr Harry Wirawan is in charge and the phone number is +62 (361) 761 443 or in Ubud, +62 (361) 975 814. Their emergency number is 081 138 0691. E-mail itmbali@dps.centrin.net.id.

10. Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) Jl Panglima Sudirman No 50 Denpasar. Ph 227 560.

11. Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital) Jl Diponegoro, Denpasar. Ph 227 911.

12. Bali Sanglah General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah) began a CT Scan facility mid 2002.

13. Kuta Clinic, Jl Raya Kuta 100X, Kuta. Ph 753 268.

14. Nusa Dua Clinic. Jl; Pratama No 18A Nusa Dua. Ph 771 324.

15. Ubud Clinic – (24 hour service) Jl Raya Ubud No 36, Camphuan. 974 911.

16. Padma Clinic. On Padma Utara near Le Monde restaurant or the entrance to the Besakih Hotel- often with an ambulance parked nearby.

17. International Red Cross; Ph 26 465.

18. Bali Blood Bank. Run by Red Cross, ‘safe, modern, skilful and efficient’ says an Aussie nurse. Severe shortages of negative blood as Indonesians are virtually all positive. Help yourself and other tourists.  DONATE! Ph 227224 or 247 739 in Bali. Mobile service comes to you!
    Be a show-off – donate by the pool.
    There is a blood transfusion service unit in Denpasar (ph 227 224) or call Freddy Subianto of Rotary if you have language difficulties – daytime 751 687 or 765 884 or night time at the Kura Kura Bar & Grill in Seminyak, 730 445.  They’ll pick up a group of you from your hotel in a mini ambulance! Now there’s something to talk about.
    Supported by Bali Rotary clubs. Only sterile, disposable needles are used. Australian health professionals who have investigated and used the service praise it highly.

19. Doctor – Dr Coney, GP, Jl Bypass Sanur. 288 128.
               - Dr Conny Pangkahila, Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 25X, Sanur, near Ritra Cargo depot.
               - Dr AA Made Djelantik, Jl Hayam Waruk Denpasar.
               - in Ubud there is a recommended doctor in Monkey Forest Road on the Ubud Village Hotel side of the street, upstairs.
               - Dr Ari Sudhewa, Mob 08 123 954 567 or 081 3295 4567. Office ph 0361 225 230, fax 0361 728 955, e-mail ari_medicaldoctor@yahoo.com is a friendly young man, well rained in western medicine as well as eastern alternatives, who cares for the locals beyond just their medical needs. We have involved him twice to give advice and treatment to local friends who simply could not afford it themselves. He diagnoses and will arrange specialist services if necessary. We found the costs to be incredibly cheap when arrangements were made this way.  We suspect that he did not charge for his own services. We highly recommend him.
                - Dr Tjokorda Gede Subiamia, an older gentleman (as the title might suggest) has a clinic and nurse service at his home in Legian. Jl Gunung Guntur Gang xx No16. Kelod Padang Sambian (80117) Kec, Denpasar Barat. Ph 0811 392 071 or 0812 3866 772. Western trained and two children also in medical practise keep him up to date.
                - There is a afternoo