A good apartment with AC in Kerobokan?

Our next question comes from Marina from Jakarta, who said:

Question: "Dear Life in Bali,

My name's Marina & my friend I are looking for a fully furnished apartment for rent around the Kerobokan/Brawa area. We need a room with hot water, a fridge & air-con. We're currently living with a friend but have to move out by the end of the month.

Can you help, please?

Thank you for your kind attention! We look forward to your reply. 

Sincerely,

MARINA

Answer: Hi Marina,

South-west Denpasar has some pretty nice rice fields, worth
looking out for!

Thanks for the message! Umalas in Kerobokan has some good deals for what you are looking for,

but do you definitely need to be in Kerobokan? South-west Denpasar is also good as it is close to that area but the prices are lower. Have you also tried the Bali Advertiser? They have lots of different accommodation - it's worth a look but they tend to cater more to tourists so the prices can be a bit higher than in other places.

Also Bali's OLX page might help you to find accommodation.

Hope that's helpful!

Regards,

Life in Bali

To ask a question, find Life in Bali on Facebook, Twitter - @Livebali, Youtube or Hubpages. Alternatively, leave a comment at the bottom of this page and we'll get back to you! I should mention that if you leave a Facebook comment on the comments tab at the end of this post, please tag @Life in Bali as otherwise I don't get notified of your message! Thanks! If you leave one on our Facebook page, I will see it straight away, however.

Enough from me, fire away!

Bali Questions: How much does it cost to live in Sanur for 1 year?

The first question comes from Justin from the USA, who said:

Question: "I'm planning on doing some research for a book and my girlfriend is working on her dissertation and has most of the research material digitized that she believes she needs and, well, we've been talking about moving to Bali while we work on it.

What would you think would be a number for cost of living for a year in Sanur? A nice two bedroom, close to a beach if not on it, a maid/cook, would we need a car? How much is food in Bali? Food is the main thing I'm having a problem narrowing down. I can't figure out how much it costs to live as a local as far as food is concerned, just what restaurants and whatnot charge from a tourist perspective. Would $1,000USD a month create comfortable accommodations and basic cost of living? Or is this way under a realistic number for living comfortably in Bali?

Thank you for all the information you've already provided and any additional that you will.

Sincerely,

Justin"

Answer: Hi Justin,

Thanks for the feedback - I'm glad you liked the post.

Sanur is a good place as it is not too crowded and has lots to offer while being quite close to Kuta. However, due to its popularity with
tourists, Sanur has high prices - probably around 40 million Rp. plus for a nice house per year and that might not be with furniture! You can walk around much of Sanur as most of it focuses on one main street.

Another great place is the Bukit Peninsula - this has a more 'country' feel as there are more trees and (comparatively) less traffic than other places which means fresher air. Prices are also cheaper than Sanur - I'd say you could get a house or villa on the Bukit for 30million Rupiah for a year. The downside is that there are less supermarkets and nightlife although it has the best beaches & surf in Bali and still quite a few restaurants - walking is not easy though as it is very spread out. 

To eat in local warungs, you can easily get meals for US $1-2 but in restaurants it's more likely you''ll pay around US $5 and up (and it goes up a long way from there!). My girlfriend and I spend around US $30 a week on food shopping for both of us shopping at the more western style supermarkets - Balinese markets are cheaper but most things sell out by 7am and hygiene standards are pretty much non-existent (for which we only buy certain things from them like vegetables which we wash thoroughly! I personally wouldn't touch meat/fish from them!). Actually it's alcohol which is the thing to watch out for - a large Bintang beer is around 25,000 Rupiah from supermarkets or 30,000 in restaurants/bars - often the same as or more than your main meal!

I would advise renting a scooter - everyone has one and they are cheap to run and easy to ride. Alternatively you could look into monthly car rental (starting at around 2 million Rupiah/month) as new/second cars here are ridiculously expensive! That's before you factor in the often horrendous traffic, which you can weave through on a motorbike but not in a car. 

You could also check out my post about living in Bali for $400 a month or less for more info!

Hope that helps!

Cheers,

Life in Bali

To ask a question, find Life in Bali on Facebook, Twitter - @Livebali, Youtube or Hubpages. Alternatively, leave a comment at the bottom of this page and we'll get back to you! I should mention that if you leave a Facebook comment on the comments tab at the end of this post, please tag @Life in Bali as otherwise I don't get notified of your message! Thanks! If you leave one on our Facebook page, I will see it straight away, however.

Want to find Bali's best unspoilt rice terraces? Just ask! 

Enough from me, fire away!

Bali Services: David Burden Photography

A seaweed farmer at work on Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia.
© David Burden Photography

Recently, I caught up with a friend and Bali-based photographer, David Burden, to ask him a few questions about being a freelance photographer on the island. Here's what he had to say:

Life in Bali (LIB) : Hi, Dave! Can you tell us about you and where you come from?

David Burden (DB) : I'm originally from Christchurch, Dorset on the South Coast of the UK, but as much as I love my hometown, I've been compelled to see as much of the world as I can. Ever since finishing university in Wales I've been all over doing stints in places like Australia, India, California, New Zealand, and currently Bali.

LIB: How did you come to live in Bali?

DB: I came here as part of a round trip on the good old 'backpacker' trail in 2000 and instantly loved the climate, people, shenanigans, nightlife and the fact I could surf in shorts instead of 6mm of rubber. I kept coming back until a job as a teacher came up while I was in New Zealand and I just couldn't turn it down!

A traditional kecak ceremony at Uluwatu Temple, Bali
© David Burden Photography

LIB: How long have you been a photographer?

DB: I went to India once and was adamant that I wouldn't take a camera with me, stupidly believing that taking photos would get in the way of getting the most out of the trip. I still regret that to this day, and ever since then I've been snapping away and learning the craft by trial and error. After I got burned out doing the EFL thing for 6 years (3 in Bali) I had a few friends in high places who started asking for images for editorials and the classic "Can you shoot our wedding?". Things got better and better and demand for my stuff eventually meant that I could pack in the teaching and concentrate on shooting and working in media.

LIB: What area of photography do you specialise in?

DB: Personally I get the biggest kick out of travel and portraiture photography, but commercially it's mostly editorial and weddings.

LIB: How should our readers contact you?

DB: Carrier pigeon would be pretty cool, but failing that check out my site at www.davidburdenphotography.com or drop me an e-mail.

LIB: Where can we see some more of your work?

DB: As well as the website, I have a collection of canvasses on show at Batu Karang resort in Nusa Lembongan. Also keep an eye out in HelloBali Magazine, Jetstar Asia and Mandala in-flight magazines and the newly completed Sarong Inspirations travel cookbook from Will Meyrick at sarongbali.com

LIB: OK, Dave - thanks for your time!

DB: Sama sama!

So there you have it! If you haven't checked out Dave's site, you can also do so by clicking the banner below to contact him and ask about getting the perfect photos for your Bali wedding, Bali villa or just about anything Bali-related!

Weekly Snapshot: Big Brown Grasshopper!

                                       A big brown grasshopper taking a rest in a back garden Kerobokan, Bali.

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali Questions: Your Questions Answered!

In response to the constant questions people ask me about advice for moving to Bali, I thought I'd start up this page to help you out there and to stop repeating myself :D

To ask a question, find Life in Bali on Facebook, Twitter - @Livebali, Youtube or Hubpages. Alternatively, leave a comment at the bottom of this page and we'll get back to you! I should mention that if you leave a Facebook comment on the comments tab at the end of this post, please tag @Life in Bali as otherwise I don't get notified of your message! Thanks! If you leave one on our Facebook page, I will see it straight away, however.

Want to find Bali's best unspoilt rice terraces? Just ask! 

Enough from me, fire away!

Weekly Snapshot: Wooden Surfboard by Vince Surfboards Bali

                                   A beautiful wooden surfboard made by Vince Surfboards in Pemogan, Bali.

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali for Vegetarians: Happy Buddha , Kuta

Welcome to our new series, Bali for vegetarians! Clicking the previous link will send you to a page containing all of the posts in this series for easy browsing.

For this second post in the series, I've  decided to write about the Happy Buddha in Kuta, which is situated on Jl. Raya Kuta 143. Just like the Loving Hut in Denpasar, the Happy Buddha might take you a while to find, but it is worth it.

 

A small, modest family restaurant, it is run by a Buddhist family who cater mainly for Indonesians but their menu is also in English. As is popular in many of Bali's vegetarian restaurants, they serve lots of the mock meats but they also a wide range of traditional Indonesian vegetarian recipes, all at bargain basement prices. You can eat a hearty meal here and have a drink for US$2.50.

Do not be put off by the service - the family who run it are not trained in customer service but that is not to say they are impolite, they just seem a little awkward. I should also add that they make some nice fresh juices which I would recommend. The Happy Buddha was my lunchtime stop-off spot also as the service is usually very quick.

As for finding Happy Buddha Vegetarian Restaurant, I can tell you that it is on the northern side of Jalan Raya Kuta, the same side of the road as the Bali Bakery, or the opposite side of the road to Harris Hotel. It is nestled in a small pertokoan (a cluster of small shops/businesses) and can be easily missed. If you go past Purimas Bakery on your left, you have gone too far. Keep an eye out for a Pegadaian banner - it's just next door. I have also been told that taxi drivers do not know where it is (understandable given the amount of small restaurants in Kuta!) so be warned.

Here's a map for the Loving Hut in Denpasar!

Click here for more  recommendations for vegetarians in Bali, Indonesia! 

Also, check out Happy Cow's page on Bali - a great reference!

Weekly Snapshot: Balinese Dragonfly

                                       A Balinese dragonfly rests on its perch in Kerobokan, Bali.

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali for Vegetarians: Loving Hut, Denpasar

Welcome to our new series, Bali for vegetarians! Clicking the previous link will send you to a page containing all of the posts in this series for easy browsing.

First up, I thought I'd write a quick note about the Loving Hut in Denpasar, which is situated just of Jl. Jendral Sudirman in Denpasar, at the Watureggong end. It's not the easiest to find, being quite firmly nestled in the office and shopping centre but parking isn't too much of a problem.

 

From the outside, it has a very clean appearance with lots of sparkling white surfaces and a glass-front facade. Going inside it also maintains this clean appearance as, by Indonesian standards, it seems spotless.

However, there are 2 main problems that I have experienced at the Loving Hut in Denpasar:

1. The food was good one time, poor the next two - we ordered some potato wedges which had clearly been microwaved and were still partly frozen inside. When my girlfriend (who's Indonesian) explained the situation to the waitress, the girl replied 'And what?'....not the most helpful response! After explaining that she could cook them in the microwave a little longer, they then came back burnt to a crisp.
2. The service - the Loving Hut is well staffed in terms of numbers but they just seem content to sit around chatting to each other and ignore most of the customers! I had to go up to the counter twice to place an order as they didn't want to come to the table (in a table-service restaurant!!). They were also pretty grumpy. 

So, although the Loving Hut in Denpasar does have some good food on its menu, its poor service and staff can make it a frustrating experience. However, I'd still say it's worth a try as the first time we went was fine.

Here's a map for the Loving Hut in Denpasar!

View Larger Map

Click here for more  recommendations for vegetarians in Bali, Indonesia! 

Also, check out Happy Cow's page on Bali - a great reference!

Bali Bombings: 10 Years On

10 long years have passed since the horrific events of October 12th 2002, which left 202 people dead and countless more injured, mamed and mourning. They shall never be forgotten.

Life in Bali on Internations!

Hi guys - just a quick update to say that our friends over at Internations.org have recently been asking me some questions about my blog and living in Bali - you can check it out here: Internations - Stephen: Life in Bali.

It's a useful site for any of you thinking on moving over as it has an expat network and they seem to organise regular events for people to get involved in, a definite bonus if you're new to the island!

Bali Videos: Lakey Peak, Sumbawa - a slideshow

A slideshow of some shots from my trip to Lakey Peak, Sumbawa back in March 2010.

It really is an incredible place and I recommend you to go and check it out!

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Click here to see more of my videos of Bali, Indonesia! 

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Bali Videos: Driving down to Kuta Beach

Kuta on a scooter, approaching the world-famous Kuta Beach, complete with manic traffic!

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Bali Videos: Kuta Drive Through - Poppies 2

This part of the journey took us down the notorious backpacker area of Poppies 2 in Kuta

     

Click here to see more of my videos of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali Videos: Jalan Benesari Drive Through

Part of my video of driving through Kuta on a scooter! This time we go along Jalan Benesari

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Weekly Snapshot: Bali Chocolate Factory's Treeswing

Enjoying the treeswing in front of the Narkabo Bali Chocolate factory way out east in Jasri, Karangasem, Bali.

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia!

Bali Videos: Driving through Kuta on a scooter!

My girlfriend & I attempting to document the chaos that is driving through Kuta on a scooter!

     

Click here to see more of my videos of Bali, Indonesia! 

Weekly Snapshot: Butterfly in Lakey Peak, Sumbawa, Indonesia

                                          A monarch butterfly perched on a leaf at Lakey Peak, Sumbawa, Indonesia.

     

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Weekly Snapshot: Mount Rinjani from Bali - Lombok Ferry

               Early morning on the ferry from Bali to Lombok with a view of the majestic Mount Rinjani

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali Weekly Snapshot: Bali Roadside Rubbish/Trash

               The other side of Bali: rubbish and waste on the roadside in Pemogan, Denpasar, Bali.

     

Unfortunately this type of thing is everywhere. If this image makes you wonder if Bali is for you, then check out my post about the love/hate affair that is living in Bali!

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali Videos: Tree swing in Karangasem, east Bali

My girlfriend & I trying the tree swing at the Narkabo Bali Chocolate factory in Karangasem, Bali.

     

Click here to see more of my videos of Bali, Indonesia! 

Weekly Snapshot: Rice Fields of Tirta Gangga, Karangasem, Bali

                                          A view of the terraced rice fields near Tirta Gangga, Karangasem, Bali.

     

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Bali Video: Dolphin Watching in Lovina, North Bali

                                          A clip from a dolphin watching trip off Bali's north coast at Lovina.

     

Click here to see more of my videos of Bali, Indonesia! 

Weekly Snapshot: Sunset at Kuta Beach

                                          A classic shot from a lazy Sunday evening on  Kuta Beach, Bali.

     

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia! 

Weekly Snapshot: Bali Dogs Love Ricefields!

      My neighbour's dog playing in a small rice field near our house in Pemogan, Bali.

Click here to see more of my snapshots of Bali, Indonesia!