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Bali Travel Tips And Tricks For Tourists

Browse through any of the well known travel magazines and you’re sure to find Bali, Indonesia, listed among the top 10 travel destinations in the world.

With its exotic blend of ancient culture, majestic scenery, the world’s finest hotels and the warmth of the tropical oceans surrounding the island paradise, it’s hardly surprising.

Bali is located in the Indonesian archipelago only eight degrees south of the Equator. The island measures 90 kilometres (55 miles) from north to south and 140 kilometres (90 miles) from east to west, making it easy to go out for an excursion anywhere in Bali and return to your hotel by nightfall.

Towering volcanic peaks that rise mystically through the clouds, terraced rice paddies carved into the mountainous landscape, iridescent crater lakes, lush tropical rain forests and sandy white beaches lapped by warm ocean currents are only a few of the wonders that draw millions of visitors to this tiny island each year.

Bali Tricks for First Time Travellers

Let’s look at some valuable travel tips to help you experience the very best that Bali has to offer:

1.    Bali’s tropical weather means that travel at any time of the year is suitable, however its best to check when the major Indonesian holiday periods and religious ceremonies occur to avoid the influx of domestic tourists.

2.   Bali accommodation offers superb value, particularly if you are travelling on a budget. To ensure you get the best value for money, book ahead.

3.    Getting around in Bali can be quite an experience, to say the least! Road rules are nonexistent and traffic can be downright dangerous. Don’t assume that traffic will stop for you at a pedestrian crossing if you are on foot. If you are driving, the best piece of advice is to paraphrase a famous saying, “When in Bali, drive like the Balinese.”

4.    Many of the luxury Bali hotels and villas will organize a driver for you, or you may choose to hire a bicycle if you don’t have far to travel.

5.    As a tourist, you are bound to be hassled by local drivers shouting “Transport?” wherever you go. If you wish to hire a local driver, make sure he is clear about where you want to go and arrange a fixed price before you get in the car. Drivers are keen to barter with you, so it is customary to bargain until you get a price you are comfortable with.

6.    And while we’re on the subject of bartering, it’s perfectly acceptable to barter in the local markets and stalls, but don’t try it in the larger department stores — the sales assistant may be quite offended.

7.    Hawkers will descend on you from the moment you step outside your hotel, particularly if you are located in one of the major tourist areas. Although it may seem rude to you, the best advice is to ignore them altogether. Don’t make eye contact or slow down to look at the merchandise they are selling unless you are interested in purchasing something, or being distracted for what may seem an eternity trying to get rid of them.

8.    Beware of counterfeit goods unless that is what you’re looking for. Bali is well known for its knock-offs and you can buy anything from fake Rolex’s to fake Rayban’s at the local markets.

9.    It’s likely you may be offered illicit drugs in the highly populated tourist spots. Ecstasy, pot, yabba (crystal meth) and shabu-shabu (methamphetamines) are the most popular drugs on offer in nightclubs and on the beaches, particularly in the Kuta area.

If you don’t want to become another high-profile drug case, simply ignore the offers.

10.     Bali locals are among the most friendly and relaxed people you will find anywhere in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can drop your guard when it comes to scams and rip-offs.

Be wary of moneychangers who offer you amazingly good rates for exchanging foreign currency, touts who offer you the cheapest ride to your destination without confirming a fixed price and anyone who wants the money before handing over the goods.

11.     And perhaps the best tip for new travelers to Bali is the one that is bound to be least successful –- don’t look like a tourist!

This sage piece of advice is written almost tongue-in-cheek because the diminutive, friendly Balinese bear no resemblance whatsoever to their much larger framed Western neighbours. Not only that, our cultures are vastly different and so is our language. The most you could possibly hope for is to look like an ex-pat from your native country who has chosen to live an idyllic lifestyle on the island.

However, a couple of words of Bahasa will help with that “Oh, I’ve lived here for years” attitude. Selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and terima kasih (thank you) will take you a long way in East-West relations.

About the Author

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

Ubud Green $289.32 Ubud Green is located in Ubud, close to Ubud Royal Palace, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Ubud Market. Nearby points of interest also include Puri Lukisan Museum and Antonio Blanco Museum. Property Features. Ubud Green’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A complimentary English breakfast is served each morning. Recreational amenities include complimentary bicycles. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. The property has a shopping center shuttle, which is complimentary. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 16 air conditioned guestrooms at Ubud Green feature CD players and safes. Accommodations offer garden views. All rooms include separate living rooms. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. LCD televisions have cable channels and DVD players. Notifications:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed Children 6 years old and younger are not permitted at this property. There are no room charges for children 11 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. Notifications:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed Children 6 years old and younger are not permitted at this property. There are no room charges for children 11 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property.

Alila Ubud $220.02 Located in Payangan, Alila Ubud is in the mountains with local attractions including Neka Art Museum, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Ubud Royal Palace. Additional area points of interest include Ubud Market and Gunung Kawi Temple. Hotel Features. Alila Ubud’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves a complimentary cooked to order breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles. The property’s full service health spa has body treatments, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and beauty services. This 4.5 star property offers a meeting/conference room, limo/town car service, and audio visual equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. The property offers an area shuttle (surcharge). Business services, wedding services, and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a rooftop terrace, a library, and a concierge desk. The property has designated areas for smoking. Guestrooms. 64 air conditioned guestrooms at Alila Ubud feature iPod docking stations and minibars. All accommodations have patios. Beds come with premium bedding. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks and complimentary newspapers, guestrooms offer phones with voice mail. Televisions have satellite channels. Also included are complimentary bottled water and safes. Guests may request in room massages, irons/ironing boards, and hypo allergenic bedding. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Airport shuttle fee: USD 45 per vehicle (one way) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Airport shuttle fee: USD 45 per vehicle (one way) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

The Samaya Ubud $313.22 Located in Ubud, The Samaya Ubud is connected to a shopping center and close to Antonio Blanco Museum, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Puri Lukisan Museum. Nearby points of interest also include Neka Art Museum and Ubud Market. Hotel Features. Dining options at The Samaya Ubud include 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a health club, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room. Spa amenities include spa services, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and body treatments. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. The property has a complimentary area shuttle which runs to destinations within 10 km. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Extended parking privileges may be offered to guests after check out (surcharge). Guestrooms. 19 air conditioned guestrooms at The Samaya Ubud feature fireplaces and private pools. Accommodations offer garden views. Beds come with down comforters, down blankets, and premium bedding. Accommodations include refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and minibars. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers with rainfall showerheads. They also offer televisions, makeup/shaving mirrors, and bathrobes. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks and complimentary newspapers, guestrooms offer direct dial phones. 42 inch LCD televisions have premium satellite channels, free movie channels, and DVD players. Also included are iPod docking stations and CD players. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 6 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Airport shuttle fee: IDR 500000 per vehicle (one way) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 6 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. No pets, including service animals, are allowed at this property. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Airport shuttle fee: IDR 500000 per vehicle (one way) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Graha Ubud Hotel $90.9 Located in Ubud, Graha Ubud Hotel is in the historical district and close to Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, and Ubud Royal Palace. Nearby points of interest also include Puri Lukisan Museum and Antonio Blanco Museum. Hotel Features. Dining options at Graha Ubud Hotel include a restaurant and a coffee shop/caf?. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a children’s pool. This 3 star property has a business center. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. For a surcharge, shuttle services include a shuttle from the hotel to the airport during limited hours and an area shuttle. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. 18 air conditioned guestrooms at Graha Ubud Hotel feature minibars and CD players. Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Balconies offer courtyard views. All rooms include separate living rooms and desks. Bathrooms feature deep soaking bathtubs, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and bathrobes. Televisions have cable channels and free movie channels. Also included are complimentary bottled water and ceiling fans. Guests may request in room massages, irons/ironing boards, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is available daily.

Bali Villa Ubud $86.95 Bali Villa Ubud is located in central Ubud, close to Puser Tasik Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Elephant Cave. Nearby points of interest also include Ubud Royal Palace and Ubud Market. Property Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a spa tub. The property’s full service health spa has massage/treatment rooms. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. The villa property serves a complimentary breakfast. Complimentary guest parking is limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Additional property amenities include barbecue grills and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 10 guestrooms at Bali Villa Ubud feature safes. All rooms include separate dining areas. At this 3.5 star villa property, accommodations include kitchens with cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms feature showers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. LCD televisions are available in guestrooms. Housekeeping is available daily.