ok, any first hand advice is much appreciated i hate reading stuff in the brochures and so on...
-what are the best places for shopping?
-how are the prices on average?
-a must see spots that i cant find out abt searching abt indonesia online?
-what should i not forget before i go there?
-any restaurants to recommend?
-crazy fun things to do while im not surfing?
-if i want to make a custom art design on my surf board how long woudl it take me (can they do it in a week while im there?)
-any negative sides i should avoid?
2006-09-21 14:12:43 · 8 answers · asked by mungosa 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Indonesia
ps bali in specific :)
2006-09-21 14:37:36 · update #1
You should've asked this question on the Sports section. Balinese surfers don't really go online, and that's the group of people that really know how to answer your questions.
2006-09-21 17:00:49 · answer #1 · answered by economiss 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You specifically asked for details on Bali, so forget about Jakarta or Bandung, as those places are on Java.
I'm Dutch and I have a break on Bali once or twice a year, as I work in the area.
-what are the best places for shopping?
Kuta, Legian (south), Ubud, Uluwatu (central)
-how are the prices on average?
Very cheap if you know how to bargain. Remember that bargaining is part of the game, it's a social thing. So, be inventive, friendly and use a little humor. Try to get under half the price asked. Good luck with that!
-a must see spots that i cant find out abt searching abt indonesia online?
North coast, a hang out resort named Kubu Lalang. It is on the northern road leading from Singaraja to Lovina, and it is near a village named Anturan. Same area: hot water spring in an ancient basin with dragon heads poring hot water over you!
-what should i not forget before i go there?
Nice and light walking shoes, no boots, all your clothes pure cotton, sleeping bag made of two simple sheets sewn together, mosquito repellent, norit tablets for upset stomac (much better than taking chemical blockers).
-any restaurants to recommend?
Food in Bali is great, check out each restaurant. I recommend the traditional seafood, cheapest fresh lobster ever!! Don't worry about food stall on the street, try the local stuff. Just make sure that it is fried while you are there.
-crazy fun things to do while im not surfing?
Have a traditional massage, on the beach or a salon, very relaxing. Watch the sunset on Kuta beach and play volley or soccer with the local guys! A trip to Kintamani to see the huge crater of Mount Batur, or climb the darn thing!
-if i want to make a custom art design on my surf board how long woudl it take me (can they do it in a week while im there?)
Use one day to compare prices and quality, then bargain on a good deal. Pay a little more, so make them work precise and fast. Kuta and Legian would definitely be the places for this.
-any negative sides i should avoid?
Do not get involved with people who want to sell you weed, most of those who offer to sell you some are police (and you do not wish to end up in an indonesian prison)
Don't get into an unofficial taxi at the airport. Get a taxi-ticket at the window on your right-hand side when you leave the airport. Safe taxi, safe luggage.... ;-)
Don't talk too openly about politics or religion, even if locals ask you for your opinion. Indonesia is NOT ready for this yet.
Don't get upset with the hustlers on every street that want to arrange transport for you. Just say "no thank you" and walk on.
Do not worry about anything else but the list above. Bali is a paradise island! Enjoy!
2006-09-29 09:14:47 · answer #2 · answered by Endie vB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
indonesia's huge--where are you going?
shopping:
-jakarta: plaza senayan and plaza indonesia if you want comfortable malls with a good selection; blok m and mangga dua if you want to go bargain hunting
-bali: peddlers chase you everywhere--don't look for shopping, shopping literally comes to you!
prices: AFFORDABLE
spots:
-jakarta: go bar hopping in kemang; be sure to have a meal at a restaurant with a "tempo doeloe" theme and experience some authentic old fashioned indonesian cooking
-bali: jimbaran: eat fresh grilled seafood under the stars. watch sunset at tanah lot. also, find out where you can watch balinese dances such as Tari Kecak, or a traditional drama like the Mahabharata
must not forget:
-insect repellant
crazy fun things to do:
-go to the spa and pamper yourself (yes, it's affordable!). take pictures in a balinese outfit. buy a fancy kite and fly it over at the beach. take a crash course on balinese dancing. find out where the best jazz in town is, and chill out to some music.
custom surfie:
-never got one done for myself, but i reckon a week should do it. i think they should be able to rush it in a day if you pay double.
negative sides:
-bali: dunno
-jakarta: just don't get on public transport, always get a taxi. avoid walking alone in the street. don't use your mobile phone on the street or while you're in the car stuck in a traffic jam. don't wear jewellery--if you do keep it very simple. be modestly dressed at all times; even if it's scorching, be sure that your sleeves cover your arms above the elbow, your cleavage and tummy are properly concealed, and that your skirt/shorts go down to your knees at least. if you follow these rules you should be safe--i've been to jkt countless times and i've never had a problem.
2006-09-21 14:32:53 · answer #3 · answered by Mizz G 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in Bandung, you would buy many europeans or americans fastfood, here we have many bread stores.
Prices are good in the 'traditional pasar' for your kitchen, should you plan to cook them yourself.
Don't expect much of the city,tho' it was designed and built during the dutch occupation, a resemblance or mixture of 'europe',or is it ?
Any resto would be good, some of them would accept cc.
do want you want I don't think any body would hurt.
I don't know what are you upto,revolutionizing a dream, or
dreaming of revolutionized entity ?
Any negative side ? hm.... well, if you happens to have your special kind of music, please don't say more then you know about them,maybe, please avoid any debate on any music,if any
I'd think that had caused so many unnecessary frictions all along.
2006-09-22 03:00:38 · answer #4 · answered by HammaR 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God bless you in indonesia. Its the bombing season.
2006-09-21 15:16:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
ok
2006-09-25 10:12:24 · answer #6 · answered by ali 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok
2006-09-25 09:34:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-09-25 08:57:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋