Cheap Bali Deals – true or not?

Join Kiyah on her Bali adventure as she aims to discover the true Bali experience

Getting through customs can be quite a strenuous experience if you are not prepared.

You climb down the stairs of the aircraft and make your way through the small, smelly, hot box the Balinese call an “airport”. If you are a seasoned traveler or have done your research you will have already made your way to the visa processing desk. Once you reach the ‘visa processing’ area you will – with a groan – now realize that you will have at least an hour’s wait in this customs line. Good thing I have my $25 US ready to go.

All of a sudden the excitement and anticipation has disintegrated and there is sweat dripping off you. The first thing you want to do is jump into the pool - clothes and all! I would recommend packing your swimmers in your hand luggage, and also packing lighter clothes to change into. Change into these lighter clothes just before you are due to land.

The first thought upon my arrival into Bali was that I thought I could not breathe – you will find it intensely humid when you first arrive, and you’ll have to adapt to the pollution (that’s asia no?).

Once I collected my bag, and realized it had arrived safe and sound; I have a local Balinese tugging at my bag. I assumed he was an employee of our transfer company until we arrived outside the airport and he demanded one million Rupiah!!!

A culture shock was in store once we boarded our mini van and begun to make our way to our resort. Driving through the streets for the first time was one of the scariest experiences of my life, seat belts are not required, the traffic is chaos -there were families of five on a small one person moped carrying groceries - but the death toll from these driving conditions is allegedly ‘low’. The longer I was in Bali, the more I begun to understand the traffic conditions and road rules (fluid mayhem).  

I have already fallen for the ‘outreaching arms’ that you only just get acquainted with upon your arrival in the country. Little did I know that this would not end here. The locals are constantly crying poor, sitting in the dirt on the side of the streets with their children - as little as 1 month old - even making them beg and tug at your bag as you walk past. I was fooled into the misconception that the country was poor and I would have given them over $200 during my stay out of pity. It was not until my second trip did I realize that their rent was as little as the equivalent of $30 a month. I will not be fooled this time around! Many travelers will experience the same sorrow and empathy as I had and it is not until you become a more experienced Bali visitor that you discover the real Bali and the treasures it has to offer.

The charm that Bali has to offer is indescribable. The attitude and culture of the locals helps you experience a more relaxing, laid-back holiday. There are obvious reasons for Bali to be a popular destination e.g. the price, but the things you see, and the cultural differences that you experience, will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

From the cliff top restaurants offering exquisite, divine meals with views to die for that equal the price of a loaf of bread and a carton of milk back in Australia. 

My most memorable experience would have to be that of a quintessential bike ride through the northern mountains and local villages. We got to visit locals and see how they make a living, their local traditions and the beautiful scenery.  I would most definitely do it again and would recommend this tour to anyone. It is that once in a life time experience that I will never forget.

The worst memory of Bali would have to be that of the dreaded ‘Bali-belly’. I am now much more cautious! The great news is that you can do a lot to prevent this bug. Remember, the salad you just had for lunch could have been washed in local water, the money you have just handled has been in the hands of thousands of locals and tourists alike, the ice in your drink has come from... My biggest recommendation is to carry hand sanitizer with you at all times and make sure you take your own sealed bottled water with you and do not purchase it from anywhere but the local grocery stores.

Things to do –

• Try your luck down a lush river bed and experience beautiful scenery whilst White water rafting.
  
  
• Mountain bike safari through the mountain villages and experience how the Balinese live.
  
  
• You cannot visit Bali without a snorkeling experience - join a day cruise to Nusa Lembongan 
  
  
• explore the wonders of the Island and have a splash in the ocean to view the wonders of the sea whilst white water rafting.
  
  
• Traditional Balinese dancing 
  
  
• Give in to relaxation in one of the many day spas - walk out feeling like a goddess for the price of a bag of potatoes in Australia.
  
  
• Experience the luxury of a self contained villa in Seminyak enjoying the privacy of your own pool and chef - what more could you want?
  
  
• Hold a Baby Orangutan at the Bali Safari and Marine Park.
  
  
• Learn to cook a traditional Balinese dish with a local in their home.
  
  
• Experience a Balinese massage on the beach.
  
  
• Have frangipanis painted on your toe nails.
  
  
• Spend the evening at a cliff top restaurant in Uluwatu enjoying great food and beautiful views.
  
  
• Experience the sensation of having tiny fish suck the dead skin off you feet. Oh well, it works for some.
  
  
• Visit a local school and take your unwanted clothes and toys and see the faces of the children light up at the simple things in life.
  
  
• Hire a driver for the day to experience some of the country-side.
  
  
• View the staggering beauty and simplicity of Balinese rice paddies.
  
  
• Visit Robbie at the Bali Beach Shack and try the all-you-can-eat Sunday roast for under $10. Or come back on Monday for a Buy-one-get-one-free cocktail.
  
  
• Join all of the tourists on the Beach at 5pm for a nice cold beer at one of the “beach bars” (an Esky on the Sand) to watch the magnificent sunset.
  
  
• Enjoy the best barbeque seafood at a restaurant on the sand. There is nothing like a seafood platter while the waves are crashing against your feet.
  
  
• Visit Poppies Lane One and Two and try out your bartering skills.
  
  
• Get all dressed up for a night out at Ayana rock bar, a sophisticated cocktail bar with the most amazing views Bali has to offer. Be there early, before the crowds arrive (4pm) for sunset at 5.
  
  
• Experience a once in a life time opportunity to swim with the dolphins in Sanur.
  
  
• Enjoy a day of water sports in Nusa Dua – give a jet ski a try or - for the brave - try parasailing
  
  
• See one of Bali’s most important sea temples, where the temple stands on the top of one huge rock. Most beautiful at sunset – perfect photo opportunity.
  
  
• Learn to surf with a local Balinese at Bali’s Famous Kuta beach.

Want to get the most out of Bali? Call me at Imagine Travel 02 4296 9822 for all the goods on Bali