Flick through some of the well-known travel magazines and you are certain to find Bali, Indonesia, listed among the top ten travel destinations in the world.
Using its exotic blend of ancient culture, majestic scenery, the earths finest hotels and the warmth from the tropical oceans around the island paradise, its hardly surprising.
Bali is found in the Indonesian archipelago only eight degrees south from the Equator. The area measures 90 kilometres (55 miles) from north to south and 140 kilometres (90 miles) from east to west, rendering it an easy task to go out to have an excursion anywhere in Bali and come back to your hotel by nightfall.
Towering volcanic peaks that rise mystically from 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 simply a few of the wonders that draw an incredible number of visitors to this tiny island every year.
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Bali Techniques for First Time Travellers
Lets consider some valuable travel tips to help you experience the very best that Bali has to offer:
1. Balis tropical weather signifies that travel whenever you want of year works, nonetheless its better to check once the major Indonesian holiday periods and religious ceremonies happen to avoid the influx of domestic tourists.
2. Bali accommodation offers superb value, specifically if you are travelling on a tight budget. To get the most effective good value, book ahead.
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3. Getting around in Bali can be very an experience, to say the least! Road rules are nonexistent and traffic may be downright dangerous. Dont believe that traffic will stop to suit your needs with a pedestrian crossing if you are on foot. In case you are driving, the most effective suggestion would be to paraphrase a famous saying, "When in Bali, drive just like the Balinese."
4. Many of the luxury Bali hotels and villas will organize a person to suit your needs, or you may want to hire a bicycle without far to travel.
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5. Being a tourist, you might be bound to be hassled by local drivers shouting "Transport?" where you go. If you wish to work with a local driver, make sure he is clear about where you wish to go and arrange a hard and fast price before you get in the car. Drivers are keen to barter along with you, therefore it is customary to bargain unless you get a price you are at ease with.
6. And while were about bartering, its perfectly acceptable to barter from our markets and stalls, try not to try it inside the larger malls - the sales assistant could be quite offended.
7. Hawkers will descend for you from the time you step outside your hotel, particularly if are situated in one of the major tourist areas. Though it might appear rude to you, our advice is always to ignore them altogether. Dont eye contact is key or slow down to consider the item theyre selling unless you are considering purchasing something, or being distracted for what might appear an eternity trying to get gone them.
8. Avoid counterfeit goods unless it is precisely what you are considering. Bali is well known because of its knock-offs and you will buy anything from fake Rolexs to fake Raybans in the local markets.
9. Its likely you may be offered illicit drugs within the highly populated tourist spots. Ecstasy, pot, yabba (crystal meth) and shabu-shabu (methamphetamines) will be the most popular drugs being offered in nightclubs and also on beaches, particularly in the Kuta area.
If you dont wish to become another high-profile drug case, simply ignore the offers.
10. Bali locals are some of the most friendly and relaxed people youll find all over the world, but that does not mean you can drop your guard when it comes to scams and rip-offs.
Be skeptical of moneychangers who provide you with amazingly good rates for exchanging foreign exchange, touts who offer you the most affordable ride for your destination without confirming a set price and anyone who wants the cash before handing on the goods.
11. And possibly the most effective tip for new travelers to Bali is the one that is bound to be least successful -- dont look like a tourist!
This sage piece of advice is written almost tongue-in-cheek as the diminutive, friendly Balinese bear no resemblance whatsoever to their bigger framed Western neighbours. Not only that, our cultures are vastly various and so is our language. The most you could possibly hope for would be to look like an ex-pat from the native country that has chosen to reside an idyllic lifestyle on the island.
However, a few words of Bahasa will help with that "Oh, Ive lived here for years" attitude. Selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and terima kasih (thanks) will take you a long way in East-West relations.
