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DI’s Bali Do’s & Don’ts

Last updated 09/7/09

Here’s the list I give to first timers & friends. Many of the references are for the Legian area so may not be suitable if you are not staying in that vicinity

Do Cut and Paste BTF information onto a word doc then literally paste sections into a small note book -sort into groups ie restaurants, tours, shops,language for basic survival, I also sort into areas too like shops in Seminyak, Legian , Kuta & Ubud . I also take a larger info folder and I look over it at night at my hotel.

In my book I have a wish list and sizes of things – like cushions , kids measurements etc, I carry it almost everywhere with a trusty tape measure . During the year I jot down names of DVD’s I wish to purchase and it makes it easier knowing what you wish to buy. I also email the list to a trusty young man who fills the order with good quality and delivers it to the hotel. I also leave a space in the back to write down names & addresses of shops etc that we pass enroute to somewhere else- so I can go back later.

Do make yourself a few business cards. I make them twice the size as BC's and have my name & hotel on them, I also leave space for my phone no and write it on when I get there. I just carry a few in my wallet and it saves so much time if you are wanting something delivered to the hotel or you order something.

Do make a simple currency conversion table. Best to have rupiah to your currency.

Cheat Sheet to make conversion sheets http://www.oanda.com

Make up a couple as you will wear one out in the first few days . I keep mine in a plastic sleeve attached to an elasticised expanding string (just like the id tag some wear work) or take a simple small calculator and simply divide the rupiah cost of the item by the rupiah exchange rate – this will give you the dollar cost eg cost 200000rp for dinner – exchange rate for $AU is 8500 – divide 200000 by 8500 and that’s how much in $AU = $23.50 aprox You get a better exchange rate for $100 notes and also change your money before a weekend or holiday as the rate is also better . Change in $100 lots so that all I have to do is add 2 ( 00’s) to the exchange rate. If it is 8500rph to the $1 then you should get 850,000rph. There are many stories about cleaver money changers. I insist on receiving large notes or I won’t deal and I am always the last to touch the money. I do not chase an exchange rate to save a few dollars because you are often duped. Many recommend the Kodak shops to exchange. I have found various places that I feel safe with and I always feel safe in the banks.

Don't carry lots of cash - use the hotel safe - I used 2 small cheap wallets - I carry 5000's 10000's & 20000's in one and 50000's & 100000's in the other. I don’t carry all my cards and licences etc only money and my Visa card or ATM card but not both at once - I have a Visa & a savings card and they are linked so if I lose one I can still withdraw money. I wear denim shorts and my wallets can be chained to my pockets or chained to my shoulder bag via silver curtain rings I have sewn in - very simple to do and I like having hands free. I take cash to Bali and when travelling I have my large

notes sewn into a pocket of my denim shorts that I wear on the plane . I then have to unpick the pocket when I get there ( hotels always have scissors at reception). Remember too that money changers won’t change damaged notes so keep your notes flat so they won’t tear . I think US$ earlier than 1996 and not exchanged also.

Do remember that ATM’S don’t return your card till after your money is dispensed so if you take the money and forget your card it may ask do you want another transaction and anyone can press YES without needing to know your pin. I use an ATM in Rum Jungle Rd that gives you 3 million at a time. Register your travel plans with DFAT (Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade) https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/homepage?Openpage . Takes 4 or 5 minutes per person. Have your passport ready for reference.

Do read your travel insurance policy – leave a copy with someone and take a copy. Know the number you have to contact especially in case of a medical mishap. Most companies do not cover motor bike incidents if you don’t have an International Licence marked as motor bike (ie you need a bike licence here). Also keep in mind that if you are injured and intoxicated whether a vehicle is involved or not you may not be covered I know of a few cases where the insurance company disputed the claim because the person had been drinking

Do consider using a VIP VOA service if you wish to avoid a possible 2 hour queue at Denpasar airport. I have used 2 different services and find it well worth the extra 200,000 especially if 3 or 4 planes arrive at similar times. You walk down the ramp to the arrivals hall and there is your name on a sign. You hand over your $25 US for VOA and they meet you a few mins later at the baggage carousel with it all done – then it’s through customs and off you go. You can’t be sure how much time it saves – it depends on how many planes land at similar time to you

Don’t point your bags out to the airport porters – just go and retrieve your own and politely decline their help. I don’t mind using them if I have extra bags of donations as they are there earning a living. If they do insist on carrying them a fair payment of 10,000RP or a gold coin per bag. . I believe the advertised rate is 1500rp per item which is a pathetic amount as the sign is an old sign. I have blue and red nylon ribbons attached to my luggage making it easier to spot. A chalk white cross on your bag means you will be asked to open your bags for customs. Don’t be alarmed it just means they have x-rayed something usually they suspect you are carrying more than 1 litre of alcohol or you have large quantities of the same thing.

I did use airport transfers the first time I returned after a long absence and I guess it was the safest but I would never again - so expensive $25 + p/p is what the TA will charge you . You can get a Taxi for around 50,000 to Legian. I am happy to pay my organised driver $12 –100000rp to know someone is waiting and I am leaving straight away. I have heard some amazing stories about waiting hours at the airport for other passengers to be found by the shuttle driver when those passengers have already left. When you exit the airport building turn right to the taxi window and you can get a taxi at the booking window no hassle and fixed price for your journey

Don't convince yourself on the way from the airport that you are going to die in the traffic- enjoy the first time scenes and smells .- you will remember them for the rest of your life. Tell the kids to count how many bikes with 4 or more people on them.

Do try to use metered taxis - the light blue ones are metered They have "Bluebird Group" on the windscreen and "Bali Taksi" on the doors. Always ask that the metre run and try to have a general idea how much it will cost – before you get in say “how much to ---------?”. Before you leave your hotel ask how much might it cost – many guests or reception staff will know. Remember that light blues are not in every area so don’t wait forever for a cab that’s not going to come. I give all taxi’s my business but I insist on the metre running or I negotiate a price before I get in.

Don't buy everything the first day - just look & smile – They can pick a new arrival a mile off - unless you do go to Geneva Handicrafts as there you can buy all sorts of things at fixed prices. This is a great place to buy all those take home presents for family & friends. Jl Raya Kerobokan No 100 Kuta www.genevahandicraft.com . Three floors and pay separate on each level. Been rumoured that on level 2 some try to add a further 10% to your bill. Some people like to book the taxi to return & pick them up. These days it’s much easier to hail a taxi outside. I have since found another good wholesale place called Unagi - Jl Tueku Umar Barat Kerobokan . This is a 2 storey place with much tidier layout.

Do keep all dockets & receipts – not for exchange purposes but for future reference – esp if you intend to return- I make a list when I get home of addresses & phone nos etc This is how many of the forumites share their info. I now keep a folder of business cards.

Do find a driver you can feel comfortable with - not a pushy one - remember you are the boss you are paying for service. (I can recommend one you may want to contact and meet) he won't insist on taking you to all the places he gets commission on . If there were 4 of you using him for a day you could all contribute 100,000 to 120000 each per day and he would give you day trips - shopping trips and nice company He will also drive you to a bank escort you in and sit with you while you change money safely. Let me know if you want the drivers details. We have used him each trip and trust him with our family's safety.

Do have at least 1 breakfast at La Luciola- On the beach at Pettitengget. Jl. Laksmana - to die for and worth it even if breakfast is included in your hotel tariff. (hash browns amazing). I now have quite a few beachfront restaurants that are favourites for a special breakfast.

If you are early rises like me do visit the local markets. I buy fruit & flowers there and gifts of sweets for the hotel staff. I also buy the drivers a few local newspapers. I have done some of my best shopping walking back from the markets- “morning price” is usually a good price as first sale brings the trader good luck for the day. If you are their first sale watch as they wave the money and tap it on their goods. The Pagi Markets are located down alongside the river. You come out of Jl Padma and continue straight ahead- go to the very end (to the river ) and turn left its about 1 km along that road.

If you go to Ubud go on to a little village called Tegallalang- amazing the prices and very unusual things - I bought xmas decorations (wood- very light) and lamp shades so cheap and lots of different things. Get the driver to drop you at the top of the road and he can follow you down as you crisscross the road. About 15 minutes from Monkey Forest road. Beautiful scenery on the way too. I have had to wake up some store keepers- it's very relaxed shopping. Take plenty of smaller notes as I can’t recall seeing a money changer there. Also an excellent

place in Ubud for lunch is Cafe Wyan set in beautiful gardens . Don’t sit in the front of this restaurant go through to the gardens at the back and count the many varieties of flowers there.

Do consider doing a Bike Baik Tour. This was the highlight of my 2008 trip doing the ride with my son & grandsons. I lasted till the last hill (21 kms). What value for money it was. This day rates with the best I have ever spent in Bali . Includes pick up breakfast& lunch . This trip is a great introduction to Bali culture and many aspects of family life. 90% down hill and you can jump in the follow up van anytime. I believe it is now 300,000 for kids and 400,000 for adults ( pickup from Kuta area- cheaper maybe from Ubud)

Wayan Sujana of Bike Baik Tours can be contacted on .Phone:0361 978052 or 081338673852 ( 8.45 am – 9.30pm). email: bikebaik@yahoo.comwww.balibike.com

Do have plenty of beauty treatments and massages I never do it at home but oh so cheap. I usually use the Melasti Spa but that’s cause it’s where I stayed a few times. You can e-mail them spabali@biz.net.id for a list of treatments and prices. You can also make friends with a few locals and some will come to your hotel for massage either in your room or by the pool. There are always the beach girls who are eagre for your business too.

Do eat at as many places as possible some budget some more expensive .(The first time I went we mostly ate at the hotel – boy did I miss out) There are plenty of good places where it can cost you between $5 & $10 and some really amazing ones that will cost $20 + but here it would be $100 to $150. My favourites are Ma Jollys and Drops but there are so many . I have been to ones that are strongly recommended on BTF and been disappointed but as Darryl says “you never never know if you never never go” I love finding new warungs and I don’t hesitate to eat in most. There are some mentioned on my restaurant list.

Do be aware that there are a number of seafood restaurants in Jimbaran Bay that are not very honest with their weight /scale system . Some people check them with a bottle of water – a 600ml bottle of water weighs aprox 600gms.

Do check out Bali Deli’s website before you go - www.balideli.net .There are a couple of other good delis too - Mamma's Jl Legian.They have all sorts of yummy goodies www.bali-mamas.com and also check out Dijon deli http://www.dijon-bali.com. These days I find I can buy almost all I need at Bintang Supermarket on Jl Legian. You can can also buy everything you need a Carrefour – a huge supermarket . All drivers know where this complex is.

Do get something made - there are many tailors recommended on BTF. I have decided to buy very few clothes in Oz now- just take photos and go to Bali each year and have them made to fit . So if you see some one lurking in the ladieswear at Myers with a camera say “hello Di”. Ask the tailor to come to your hotel for fittings in AC comfort. I am very satisfied with Komang from House of Komang . Her prices are fair and her work is excellent .She is located in Jl Padma opposite Legian Village Hotel office. Phone Komang or her husband Ketut on 08123600523 or 7473144.

Don't be frightened to have conversations with all - the young people love a yarn even with a "mature gal" like me – all a chance to learn and practise their English.

Do decide to learn 1 simple phrase each day . perhaps start with “Nama saya_ _ _ _ “ “My name is _ _ _ _” or “lihat saja” – only looking or “terima kashi” - thankyou – there you are - 3 days worth as a starter

Don't be frightened to say no . I say “tidak terima kashi “ as I believe tidak on its own is impolite. Don’t start bargaining if you don’t intend to buy. If the seller agrees to your price it is expected that you will purchase and remember you are Bargaining NOT Bartering (unless you swap something)

Don't stress over 1000 or 2000 rupia -it's only 20 or 30 cents but one or 2 meals to the person you are trying to bargain with.

Do keep the tourist police number handy. They have English speaking officers and if you at any time feel pressured by any negotiating ( especially if you are involved in a MVA) (0361) 224-111.

Don't end up sounding like those pitiful people you will hear bragging about how much they paid for things. It’s fun to get a bargain but the bragging sometimes means that a child eats one less piece of fruit or goes without shoes one more month

If there are no tea making facilities in your room do buy a plastic jug or a cup prong (I take some teabags and equal with me and an old mug ).

Do consider buying a power convertor ( Euro adaptor ) as only 220 volt not like Aus 240 volts. Can purchase at large bag shops at home, or the larger supermarkets in Bali. Most rooms only have enough points for things already in the room so consider taking a double adaptor or small power board to charge mobile phones, cameras etc.

Don't take too many "good clothes" it's very casual and very hot and you will buy plenty there. I head straight to the tailor and in 3 days I have new clothes. I take some older clothes and wear them the last few days & leave them there so I take home no dirty washing. They get recycled as rags.

Don’t be like me the first trip and wash everything out in your room – getting the laundry done is a couple of dollars - so get it done every couple of days. Some hotels are expensive so look along the streets and lanes as there are plenty of small laundries.

Do take a couple of pairs of swimmers/costumes as they take a while to dry. I also take an old thin beach towel and leave it there too.

Do get a map of the vicinity of your hotel with a few blocks of streets and carry it with you esp the first few days. I always try to get a copy of a free magazine called Bali Tourist Advertiser as it has good maps in it and other interesting reading.

Do consider a visit to Garuda Wisnu Kencana ( GWK) Park and then have dinner at Jendala Restaurant and watch the sun set and the town light up. The views are amazing and the park has some interesting exhibits and statues. All drivers should get you there – it’s about 30mins from Kuta.

Don’t buy 12 pairs of “ Reboks” like I did and carry them home only to find the sons & hubby won’t even wear them fishing. The warning is try everything on and check the bag to see you are given the correct merchandise . I have had watches break as soon as I clipped them on BUT I have some watches still going since 1999.

Do be aware you will on many occasions be offered a free gift or similar (timeshare seminars). It’s up to you - you may wish to sit through a 2 hour presentation. You can say “sudah membeli” (already bought) or if they have the survey say “sudah menulis” (already filled it out).

Do consider carefully before getting Henna Tattoos as there are many chemicals substituted for henna including a toxic chemical/dye called phenylenediamine- PPD. Many people have reported serious skin reactions but this poison may also affect other organs. Some forumites have reported hospitalisation.

Do carry tissues or toot paper everywhere - rest rooms are constantly improving but some places still don’t provide it.

Don’t be frightened to buy from Ricky Martin, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson or Bob Hope just jot down all their beautiful names as it’s a great memory trigger later. Hello Vera and Gordon Blu are 2 of my favourites and another was my driver hearing a young bloke his age saying to his friends “I’m Knacked!” and the driver says to me “No he’s not – he’s got clothes on”

Don’t foolishly get hooked into the belief that if a person is bad he/she must be Javanese. I am appalled at the ignorant comments often attaching blame of all wrong doings to the Javaenese. There are some not so innocent locals too.

Don’t take heavy fancy designer suitcases. I weighed my nice new suitcase to discover it was 7.4kilos. I sure ditched it when going to Bali . I now take large black nylon sports bags- so lightweight I can bring 7 more kgs back . These bags are cheap to purchase in Bali.

Do consider what you are buying and the amount it will cost to get it home. I have used all methods- shipping container, excess baggage including pre paid and begging to be let off lightly and EMS from the local post offices. With EMS I only send 20 kg lots and that costs aprox 1,650,000 to 1,800.000 ( I always ask for the 9% or better discount). It takes 3 or 4 days to reach my doorstep in the Lake Macquarie . Plenty of Post Offices around.

Do take up all your baggage weight allowance on the way over. You can fill your ports with clothing donations. I take good quality/ good condition clothes and I often purchase small toys & sporting goods at garage sales. You can even have your donations picked up from your hotel if you wish. Contact me and I can give you contact details for donations to go to the mountain people of Munti Gunnung. I never give gifts to small children without asking a parent first.

Do take a couple of material shopping bags- I have a wonderful shoulder bag that holds as much as 3 plastic bags and my hands are free

Do consider using a mobile phone but check to ensure that your sim card is not blocked by your provider ( you will be unable to use another sim). Global roaming can cost a

fortune so not a good option. I purchase a Bali Sim card available everywhere – you get a new phone number but only while you use the Bali sim card .

Don’t drink the tap water or clean your teeth in it . Be careful of using straws in some sus places – there have been claims that some places recycle straws. Ice is safer now but drinks floating in the large blocks of ice & slurry in eskys is to be avoided.

Do carry antibacterial wipes to use before eating. I eat at many family warungs and from the carts and I am always careful to wash my hands before any eating.

Do be prepared to suffer with a touch of Travellers Diarrhoea. It can be a mild 24 hours or can be more sever and need a doctors intervention. I use pure raspberry juice daily and take 1 Inner Health capsule as a preventative. I also carry Imodium tablets but I have successfully used a local very inexpensive tablet called Norit which are charcoal based. Here is a link you may wish to read.

Travellers' diarrhoea

Do take a set of floaties for your child as some pools are not too kiddie friendly. Take a pool noodle for yourself- it makes relaxing in the pool very easy. I have concerns when I read of people leaving their toddlers with child care staff. Be aware that many of these people cannot swim so you may want to set some rules and place pools out of bounds.

Do remember BIMC-Bali International Medical Centre is open 24 hours. It has a casualty, and all hospital facilities under one roof. Phone 761263. I spent a few days in the hospital section after an operation and have nothing but praise for the staff and facility.

Do be aware of customs - ie wear a sarong & sash to ceremonies and in the temples. Do be patient if you come across a religious procession. Do remove shoes before entering a home or mosque. Don’t touch anyone on the head (including children) Don’t point or use your left hand to give or receive something- can use both hands. Don’t step on the footpath offerings. Do cover up a little more if you have to visit a government office. I always carry a white cotton blouse to go over singlet tops just in case I need to go to official offices.

DON’T buy any drugs from strangers on the streets or in pubs – many are undercover police –“ don’t be a drip forget the trip” and be satisfied with getting pissed. Drunkenness does not carry the DEATH PENALTY .

Do consider using the Business Lounges when leaving . There are 3 , Dewa, Prada & Premier and I usually use Dewa Lounge coming home . It's near gate 8 between 7&8 on the right hand side,. I just offer 50,000 and say no alcohol - just a cup of tea. Most of my friends pay 100,000 cause they all enjoy the free grog. Depending on how much time I have I sometimes have a shower too.

Do get familiar with the different notes – I keep the 10,000 and the 100,000 separated as they are similar in colour

And from Kiwi Carol

Do be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, as this will be inevitable, so don't judge Bali by your first couple of days there.

Do expect your digestive system to react to the healthier food and extra fruits in your diet; this is not Bali belly, just your system adjusting. (Believe me, you will know for sure if you get Bali belly).

Do tie a cloth over the cold tap in the bathroom to remind you not to rinse your toothbrush under the tap water or drink from it - keep bottled water in the bathroom for that.

Do take sunscreen, wipes and extra loo paper with you on outings.

Do buy a phrase book and try some of the lingo; it will be appreciated and it is great fun.

Do take a camera with you at all times; you never know when a photo opportunity will present itself - a cage of rainbow coloured chicks, a family of five on a motorbike, a perfect flower floating on a pond...

Do take spare clothing no longer needed in the biggest suitcases you can find, as the villagers there will appreciate your kindness, and you will want all that suitcase space for all the goodies you bring back home!

Do write a JBR (Just Back Report) when you get back - we who have been many times find a Bali 'virgin's JBR a delightful treat!

AND FROM BALIMAGIC

We use zip cable ties on unnecessary luggage compartments that we don't use and then a combination lock on the main zipper.

We use large No 6 Bali Bags to travel with as they weigh nothing. Apparently these come in size 7 & 8 as well. They fit so much in, they are huge.

We take a small medical kit.

We place notes in envelopes of what we want to spend for each day and take out of room safe daily so we keep track of how much we are spending.

We always lock up valuables in room safes or desk safes. Camera's etc..included.This also helps cameras because of being in the humidity and heat and then air-con. room.

We photocopy our passports and credit cards before we leave and give a copy to parents at home and keep one separate from our passport when travelling in case of theft it can be replaced quickly.

We always give contact numbers of where we are staying to family at home in case of emergency.

We never walk the beach of a night time, (just common sense)..

We make sure when we carry a money bag or hand bag it is on the shoulder or side away from traffic as there has been cases of motorbikes doing drive by theft. Also watch in large crowds for pick pockets.

Always make sure you have comfortable shoes, don't try breaking in new shoes in Bali. Your feet swell with the heat and because of all the walking you'll get blisters.

You need shoes to go White Water Rafting, some places will sell them to you there but are more expensive.

We normally buy one DVD or Video of activities and then dub when we get home to keep the price down a bit.

Never brush your teeth or drink their water or wash your sinuses (yuk) but I know a traveller who got a nose infection because of it.

Never say when you want to get away from a seller, tomorrow or I'll be back, cause they will remember you and hold you to it.

Don't look in the eyes of the beach sellers if you want to get away quickly without buying, just put your head down and if talked to just shake it and keep walking.

Sometime like in Sanur you have to cause no or no thankyou doesn't mean a thing.

Don't let children eat chewing gum walking around the streets, as they have a tendency to pull out and in the mouth with fingers and this caused cause a tummy upset from germs.

Strong black tea will help tummy upsets.

And last but not least - NEVER give your hubby the key to your room of a night time when he is busy in the pool bar drinking and then go out shopping without him, cause there's a chance you will come back and be locked out of your room with him curled up in bed snoring not hearing you..It is safer to leave at the reception..LOL...

Posted by Holladaze, 16. July 2008

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Getting to Bali Tips.

In no particular order....................

So you've got your tickets, flights, travel insurance and accommodation all booked now it's time to pack.

Remember that you are allowed only 20 kilos in the hold and 7 kilos on the plane. Ladies can also carry a small handbag. Duty Free isn't counted either if you have just purchased at the airport before flight.

Remember the new restrictions on anything liquid, anything under 100mls is ok but must be in a zip-lock bag and be shown at the checkpoints including lipsticks! Anything over the 100ml must go in your luggage in the hold. If you are not sure and want it on the plane, check first before check-in...once your suitcase has gone to the hold you can't add to it so if you it is not allowed it will be confiscated and thrown out. Only allowed up to a certain amount though in your ziplock bag. PS. A 150ml container of anything even if its almost empty will be confiscated.

So weigh your suitcase/bags empty, if they are too heavy get a new one, borrow one or try the op shops or use soft fabric bags instead of suitcases. You can have as many bags as you can carry as long as they all add up to the same weight.

Throw out your toiletries, first aid and medicines bags. Use Zip-lock bags of different sizes; they prevent spills and can be squeezed into the smallest space in your bags/suitcase. I take enough toiletries for the holiday – I put aside ¼ full tooth paste, shampoo etc so that I have not of it to bring home.-

You will need a shopping bag for whilst in Bali, it needs to be large enough to carry your money, camera, drink bottle, emergency kit, mobile phone and of course any shopping you buy. Over the shoulder/across the body style is good for safety with an outside zip pocket, an inside zipped pocket or divider and a definite zip to close. Your purse should be a flat style, most Bali money you will have is paper notes, maybe with a divider in it for your atm/credit card.

If going with a group of people don't double up on what you can borrow from each other or loan from the hotel.

Mobile phones and cameras can be carried in pockets or on lanyards around your neck.

Sunglasses on your head or on a lanyard too. Tickets and passports will be held in the hand. Wear clothes with pockets that you can stuff with items....no one gets personally

weighed! Once on the plane you can transfer all these items to your hand luggage if you have room.

Most items can be purchased in Bali nowadays; they have supermarkets just like Perth and department stores just like Myers! Anything you feel you really must have, take, if you can't find out for definite you can get it there.

Packing for Bali should be simple light casual clothing. At least 4 sets and get you're washing done over there, cheap as chips and come back smelling lovely and ironed to perfection.

For on the plane have a light cardigan as it gets cool but remember when getting off the plane it is hot immediately. Maybe take a change of clothes and change on the plane just before landing. You can wear the same clothes back.

Ladies:- 1 nightie, 4 bras, 4 knickers, 4 shorts or 4 ¾ pants or 4 dresses or 4 skirts, 4 tops, 2 pairs of bathers, shoes/thongs to go to pool with, walking shoes, and maybe sneakers/gym shoes if you plan on doing white water rafting or buggy driving or whatever. If you wear a hat or peak cap pack one. Maybe 1 nice outfit for special evening meals with shoes.

Your hotel will have pool/beach towels so don't pack any. Remember to pack any phone/camera chargers or batteries that you may need. You can get power adaptors from the hotel or for a dollar from the department stores in Bali if you need them. Take a 4/6 point power board with you for all those chargers and things.

Pack any clothes that you want a tailor to copy, any jewellery that you want remodelled or pictures that you want copied into clothes or jewellery.

If you read.... take a book or two, take crossword puzzles if that is your thing.

Remember any essential medication that you need, maybe get a Dr.'s note to say what they are and what they are for, just for safety.

Once you have packed everything, weigh your suitcase and your carry-on, if you have space fill it with donations for orphanages. Some things that are really appreciated are adults and children's clothes, RED lipsticks, pens, pencils and chalks, bandages and other first aid stuff. Don't buy though, ask around friends and family for unwanted goods or you can get some from one of the charities here that collect stuff for taking over. Southern Cross Bali Association, see them on the web for more info.

Regarding emergency kit already mentioned above, this should include tissues/toilet paper/wet ones, either or all in small quantities and spare undies.

Duty Free can be purchased up to 30 days before you travel, if you buy a digital camera, video camera or other electronic goods you can buy from any retail shop...go the cheapest way, then once at the airport you can show your receipt and goods and claim the duty tax back there and then. It will be re-credited to your credit card. You must be able to show that the receipt is over $300.00 and all items on said receipt is with you. Very handy if purchasing an i-Pod or camera and you can get used to it before going on holiday and you don't have to have all the packaging with you.Duty Free can also be purchased at the airport and can be left in Perth until your return, handy because then you don't have to queue to pay once your trip is over.

If you can afford to travel then you can afford travel insurance, don't leave home without it. It can cost upwards of $50,000.00 to fly you home if you are injured. Check with the people you are travelling with and who they insure with. Some people use their free Gold Credit Card insurance, some their hospital benefit funds, their insurance companies or some use the internet to get the best deal. Check all the relevant details and excess costs. Be careful some travel insurance is only for the trip to the airport and back not for the actual holiday.

Don't forget going to Bali you have to pay a Visa on Arrival and a Departure Tax. Your VOA is 25 US dollars but can be paid in Australian dollars and you get Rupiahs in exchange, check the day before you travel what the rate is and give the nearest appropriate Australian Dollars, have a few dollars extra in case the rate changes once in Bali. Or if you wish to take US Dollars then get it from your local post office, no commission and you get it in three days, I think you have to purchase $200.00US worth.

Change money at reputable dealers in Bali, usually Kodak shops, cash is easiest and you can use ATM's there now. Have a credit card in case of emergencies. Once you have changed some money put the departure tax money in your passport ready for when you leave, 150,000 Rupiah per person. Remember to use the hotel safes or safety deposit boxes for your money and passport. Try using little envelopes or bank plastic bags, put a set amount in the bags for each day, use a bag a day to get changed and that way you know how you are doing with your money. If using ATM’s be careful because your card will come out last from the machine, don’t walk away without it, someone watching can then withdraw more money as your pin number is already locked in. Some machines will only dispense a certain note and a certain amount, find out which one delivers what you want. Usually the machine will say what notes it dispenses. It will ask what language you want the machine to work in.Mobile Phone If your phone is unlocked take it to Bali with you for ease of communication. You can check to see if your phone is unlocked by putting someone else's SIM card in from a different company. Take a record of the phone numbers you may want to use whilst in Bali in case they get lost in cyber space once in Bali. A Bali Sim card can be purchased once in Bali, the shop/store assistant will insert it into your phone for you and set it up ready for you to go. It is so cheap to sms home to Australia. Just drop the zero from the number you want and add the plus sign and 61 eg..0123 456 789 becomes +61 123 456

789. Sometimes you will be asked at the shop to register and you will need your passport to do this but not all places request this. If you wish to phone an Australian mobile use the same method as above. If phoning a landlineAn even cheaper method of communicating with Australia from Bali is using a prefix number. If using a Pro XL Bebas Sim Card the prefix 01000 and 61. To phone Australia landline 03 97891122 you would need to ring 01000 61 3 9789 1122 or to ring a mobile eg 0418 999 888 you would need to ring 01000 61 418 999 888. If using a Simpati Sim Card the prefix is 0011 then the country code, if using a Mentari Sim Card the prefix is 01016 then 61 then the numberExecutive Lounge Bali Airport for Departures. There are 2 or 3 first class lounges that you can access. The names are Prada, Dewi or Premier. It will cost up to 150,000 Rupiah each person. You get free drinks, tea/coffee and a variety of food such as soup and rolls, sandwiches, salads, cakes and savouries plus hot food that you can heat up in a microwave such as nasi goreng. There are also showers with provided towels and free internet access. There is also a massage service but this has to be paid for. Alcohol is served free also. You can also bargain for a lower price entry.Entry is after the last immigration check. Just ask the friendly staff for directions. Paperwork. Take a paper copy of your passport, tickets, itinerary, vouchers and a claim form from your insurance company. Put them in a separate suitcase/place to the originals that you will be using. Also scan copies into your internet email website. If anything goes wrong you will be able to access your documents. It's a good idea to leave a copy of everything with someone at home too. Another precaution to take is registering online with the Department of Foreign Affairs, it only takes a minute and will in cases of emergencies help you or your loved ones out.

Things to do in Bali. Get clothes tailor made or copied.Get leather coats, shoes, bags made.Get your favourite bathers copied and made up. Get all your printing done eg. Business cards, order books etc..Get your printing done on beer mats, stubby holders and the like. Get t-shirts made up for your local team, printed or embroidered.Don't forget the hats to go with them. Get your old jewellery remodelled, repaired or just cleaned up. Get your teeth fixed up.Have some simple age replenishing beauty work done.Purchase new spectacles.Get a hearing aid. Have a massage, spa treatment or haircut.Sunbathe, read a book, do a crossword. Get all your laundry done Try white water rafting, quad bike riding, buggy driving, tree top walking, ocean floor walking, parasailing, horse riding, jet skiing, flyfish, cycling tour, snorkelling, diving, fishing trips, bungy jumping, ten pin bowling, climb the volcano, visit the islands, Go to Waterbom Park. Visit the Bali zoo, elephant park and have a ride, bird park, monkey forest, Safari Park.Visit the early morning or late night market, go to Denpasar to visit the street that sells Gold or the street that sells heaps of Materials, See a Balinese dance or theatre, learn to play a Gamelan musical instrument, learn to cook Balinese, see a temple or 2, visit GWK Park, go see the volcano,

Try all the different cocktails and try as many Balinese food dishes as you can. Go out on a driving tour just to look at the scenery and meet the people.