| Sunday, February 19, 2006 There are so many thing should know to visit Bali and destination on the area, Dos and Donts in Bali Indonesia ie : ATTENDING CEREMONIES Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front of people praying. Never sit higher than the priest. Women are not allowed to enter a temple during menstruation and anyone with a bleeding wound is also not allowed in. AIRPORT TAXI The airport taxi service covers most areas and the prices are fixed. Pay the cashier at the desk in the airport and give the coupon to the driver. You can tip the driver. Also remember to ask him not to drive fast. BEMO This is the locals basic transportation. Cheap but crowded and noisy. You will be charged 5 to 10 times the locals rate. Try to bargain the price in half. BICYCLES Cycling can be a cheap and enjoyable way to get around, although you must remember you do NOT have the right away in any situation. This is a different driving environment. BALI BELLY Anyone not accustomed to the difference in cleanliness and bacteria here in Ball should check the looks of a restaurant carefully before sitting down. However, even clean looking places can give you a problem. Sometimes Bali Belly just cannot be avoided. If you do have a problem many pharmacies (called Apotik) can provide medicine to help. CULTURE Try not to step on offerings in the street. Walk around them. Dont beep your horn when you come on a religious procession. Have patience and wait. DRIVING Many people rent cars for their holiday but it is best to rent a car with a driver. Not expensive for the day and you can enjoy the ride & not be hassled. Motorcycles are for those with an immortality pact with God. DANGEROUS SPORTS Make sure your insurance will cover any accidents while you are here in Bali. DRUGS Indonesia has strict laws and harsh penalties for drug offences. Some people selling drugs may not be who they appear to be. LEAVING Reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is Rp. 100,000 for international and Rp. 20,000 domestic. Arrive at the airport two hours or more before your flight time. MONEYCHANGERS There are two kinds of moneychangers: one charges commission the other does not. The ones charging a commission offer a higher rate but the commission charge is taken off the total. The no commission moneychangers offer a lower rate but no charges are taken off. We feel it is best to deal with the no commission moneychangers. Look for the sign that says No Commission. Always count your money before you leave the moneychanger and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some places are fixed. PETTY CRIME Use your hotel security box if there is one available. If not, then carry all your valuables in a front carry pouch. You are safe on the street but it is the things you leave behind in some hotels that are at risk. SHOPPING Be sure to bargain when buying except in big department stores. Try for half or more of the asking price, if you can. STREET & BEACH VENDORS Dont look and dont ask how much. If you do look or ask you will be followed for miles. MALARIA Bali is considered malaria free, but dengue fever is a problem. Guard against mosquitoes. MEDICAL Instead of callipg an ambulance a quicker way is to get a taxi, there are several western standard clinics in the Kuta area: BIMC (Bali International Medical Center) 761263 and SOS Medika (International SOS Clinic) 755768. Ask at your hotel if you need help. TATOOS Temporary tatoos can be dangerous as many use a chemical textile dye that is not for human use. Henna tatoos are problem free. Chemical dyes are very black while Henna is not so black. Chemical dyes can cause permanent welting in the shape of the tatoo design. THE SUN Dont ruin your holiday with sunburn. Wear plenty of sunscreen and put more on after swimming. Dont spend long periods of time in the sun if you are not use to it. Build up the length of time over a few days. WATER Do not drink the tap water! Drink only bottled water and bottled drinks. Most ice is considered safe. THE BEACH Surf and under currents are very dangerous along the Kuta beach. Swim between the flags only. Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach. TIPPING No hard rule for tipping but a minimum tip of Rp. 2,000 per person for a meal would be appreciated. More if the service is good. Some hotels and restaurants charge tax and service amounting to 21% on top of all bills. TOURS Many agents offer a variety of tours with guides, including a half-day trip or daylong tours including lunch and visits to shops, temples and performances. We recommend using guided tours for your safety and enjoyment. TAXIS Make sure the taxi driver re-sets the meter before you start off. Warn the driver if he is driving dangerously. There are many people with minibuses and cars that act as private taxi but you need to negotiate the price. WALKING Be sure to look and listen while you cross the road. Crosswalks are pretty lines on the road with no real meaning. Motorbikes never stop; they will weave around you, so be careful if your family crosses together! | |||
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