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!

Bali to Lombok by Ferry - the Backpacker's Way!

Recently I did a quick island hop and went over to Lombok,  Bali's neighbouring island.  Due to the small distances between the two and the cost of ferries, this is much easier than you might think.  The ferry takes between 4-6 hours depending on which ship you happen to take.

Firstly, I should note that I took the ferry, which is an interesting voyage to say the least.  It is around $3.50 per person one way - very reasonable. If you plan to go by motorbike
, it costs 86,000 IDR ($8 US approx.) one way for one person  and one motorbike.  However, if you plan to take a rental car, it costs a lot more - it costs around 550,000 IDR ($50 US approx.) for the car alone.  Here is a link for the full price list (although I think it's a bit out of date and prices have gone up slightly since) PUBLIC FERRY TO LOMBOK

Therefore, it works out about ten times more expensive to take a car than a bike!  This is something worth considering as most rental companies don't want you to take a car over there anyway and say that their insurance does not cover this.  However, I should add that all rental companies I have spoken to DO NOT offer insurance as we it know it in Western countries - they have told me that if I damage the car, I pay for the full cost (sounds like good 'insurance' huh?!)

Frequency of ferries is not a problem as they leave almost every 60 minutes 24/7 so you literally just pull up when you want and not have to wait too long (well, at least most of the time!)

An average ferry crossing - definitely not the worst! Copyright Lonely Planet

I mentioned earlier that it takes between 4 and 6 hours per crossing - this is largely due to the varying quality of ferries used on this service.  On my trip, the outward journey meant I was sat on the floor propped up against a railing (outside) for the whole time but on my return journey however, I had a comfortable reclining seat in an air-conditioned lounge room with a TV!  This is just the sort of thing to expect when taking the ferry - you may get lucky, you may not!

Getting to the ferry is quite straightforward from Kuta and takes about 1hr30 on a good run on a bike or probably around 2h30 in a car.  Here's a map below to help you out!  Follow signs to Sanur, then follow the coast road all the way on the signposts for Padangbai (the ferry port).

Directions from Kuta to Padangbai (the ferry port) - 1h30 - 2h on a motorbike, traffic depending.

View Larger Map

As the ferry takes a relatively long time, I would highly recommend bringing on board with you a large bottle of water, a packed meal (buy one before you get near the port as there are all sorts of people selling rubbish food to tourists like yourself!) and a windbreaker or jacket of some sort, especially as you might be outside the whole time! Both ferries I went on had a small shop but this was much more expensive than buying  food & drink from anywhere before the ferry port but I would say buying from the onboard shop is better than buying from the guys in the video below!

Just before departure, it can be chaotic as lots of sellers try to push cheap and nasty food on unsuspecting travellers - avoid it by bringing your own! 

Avoid travelling around any Islamic public holidays as, with there being many from Lombok who live in Bali, a lot of people go home for long weekends, etc. and this makes for potential unpleansantly long queues.  I recently travelled just before the celebration of the end of ramadhan, known locally as Idul Fitri or Lebaran.  I was warned not to travel at this time (3 days before & 3 days after September 10th each year) as the queuing can be horrendous - I was lucky but don't think it will always be quiet, it really is a matter of chance and, as with so many things in Indonesia, you never know until you go!

Know before you GO!!!

It is definitely an adventure but once you get to Lombok, you won't regret it as there many wonderful things to see and do seemingly a world away from Bali, get over there!

Selamat jalan & hati-hati!

Cheers, 

Steve

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Adventure Island: Bali Beyond the Waves

Adventure Island: Bali Beyond the Waves

Although Bali is known to many for its incredible waves, it also has much to offer for those wishing to seek out another kind of adventure.  Here are a few suggestions of actvities to do when you are looking for something a bit different!

November Rafting in Klungkung

Rafting in Klunkgkung - I would recommend doing this as a day trip from Ubud as it is cheaper than doing it from Kuta due to its proximity.  It usually costs around $30 / person for rafting.  This includes full pick-up & return in a nice care with AC from your hotel, rafting & all equipment and a 'buffet' lunch at the end of it.  I would recommend taking plenty of sunscreen & at least one bottle of water.  When you stop along the river there are people selling drinks however they sell for $2 for a can of coke as these people are trying to live from it.  Also, expect to see plenty of local villagers washing naked in the river!  I would recommend this for able-bodied people only as you have to duck under a few low bridges along the way! Highly recommended.

Price : $30 / person (inc. buffet lunch & hotel pick-up)

Distance from Kuta: 2 hours approx.

Our tour guide, Adiana, praying at sunrise
on Mt. Batur, with Rinjani on Lombok peeking
out in the distance.

Trek Mount Batur -  First of all, I should note that Mount Batur is not just an ordinary mountain, it's an active volcano! You can trek up it and see inside for yourself! It has stunning views from the the top and is not too difficult a climb, taking around 2 hours to reach the top.  I would recommend staying in Toyabungkah, a small village at the foot of the volcano itself, and I would specifically recommend Losmen Nyoman Mawar II (opposite the entrance to Toya Devasya Spa).  It is cheap & cheerful at around $7.50 US / night based on 2 people sharing (but possibly 3), which includes breakfast.  To climb the volcano, you have to have a tour guide (a bit of a local racket but c'est la vie) from the Mt. Batur Trekking Association.  I would highly recommend speaking to Sari or Putu who work at the losmen.  They can organise a guide for you for the correct price (around $25 US / person, which inc. torches, water and a small breakfast).  Some of the members of the 'Association' are out to rip-off tourists (I heard they charged one guy $100 for him and his son).  DON'T book directly through them as some of them are quite clearly pocketing some of the cash, and, ironically, it is actually cheaper to book through an agent.

Price: $25 US (inc. small breakfast, torches & water)

Distance from Kuta: 2hrs 30

Snorkelling - there are 3 main places I think are the best for this - Amed (Gemeluk Beach), Tulamben (Liberty Shipwreck) & Menjangan Island (Nature Reserve).

Firstly, Amed is about 2h30mins from Kuta by car.  It is a quiet coastal town which relies solely on tourism & fishing.  There are lots of places to stay & restaurants to eat at along Gemeluk Beach but it has not been over-developed and still maintains its natural feel despite catering for many tourists.  Both times I have been, I stayed at the Villa Coral and it was very nice & right on the beach, tucked in at the foot of the headland at the southern end of the bay.  It cost around $25/night based on 2 sharing with A/C and including breakfast  (a bargain I think for most tourists!).  There, you can swim just a few metres out to sea and find stunning coral in the 'Coral Garden' or alternatively take a boat for the day to the 'Japanese Wreck', a few kilometres away.  Both are good fun and easy to do, the 'Coral Garden' is especially good for kids or less confident swimmers as it starts practically on the shore.

Snorkelling the reef shelf at Menjangan Island (this photo
doesn't do the colours justice - it is stunning!)

Secondly, Tulamben is about 10km further up the coast from Amed and is home to the 'Liberty Shipwreck', a US Navy warship sunk by the Japanese during World War II.  This is, as far as this author knows, unique in that it is the only shipwreck which you can snorkel in relative close proximity to the shore (about 50m from water's edge).  It is pretty impressive and you will see some big fish around the area.  Admittedly, diving it would be better as it is quite deep but snorkelling alone gives you good views and is much cheaper!  I would recommend staying at Amed and going up for the day (you can easily get transport).  You have to pay to snorkel there but it is minimal (maybe $1 / person).  Also, the accommodation options there seem a bit limited and it does not have the same character or beauty as Amed.

Finally, Menjangan Island (or Pulau Menjangan to the locals, meaning 'Deer Island' in English) is a nature reserve and so there is no development whatsoever on this tiny yet arid lump of land.  It is, however, what lies below its lapping shores that will enchant you; a coral reef teeming with vibrant colours and life as striking as any I for one have witnessed.  However, visiting Menjangan Island is not as straightforward as the other 2 spots I have listed above for several reasons.  First, its location means it is not well connected with South Bali and other tourist hotspots so it really requires you to stay in North Bali for the night & is not a day-trip option like the other two. Second, you have to hire a boat, guide & boat driver at the port upon arrival as well as pay an entrance fee to the national park. This sounds worse than it is but I would advise trying to get people together either before going or at the port as the boats can take a maximum of ten people and that is the main cost. The boat hire is a flat fee regardless of how many people so if you share with 9 others it will save you a fair amount! Also, the same goes for your transport out there from wherever you are staying so, depending on the numbers in your group, the price can vary quite a lot.  Even in a small group, it is not extortionate but a bit pricey by Bali standards.
Price: $30 US (based on 2 people sharing with transport from Lovina and all costs at Menjangan itself)
Distance from Kuta: 5hrs

Bali Treetop Adventure Park - I should point out that this is the only one I haven't been to myself but it looks interesting all the same.  The only downside I can see from it is that it only allows your 2hrs30mins on the various 
courses and the like.  A good afternoon activity if you are planning to go to Bedugul or even Lovina as it's not far from either.  They seem to have a good variety of course and things to do and I think it caters for varying levels of difficulty.  I should also note that it is situated inside Bali Botanical Gardens, which is definitely worth a look around. It is not the most spectacular park of its kind but the cooler climate, due to its altitude, and lack of motorcycles make this an ideal spot for a family picnic or simply a leisurely afternoon stroll.  Try their website for more info --> http://www.balitreetop.com

Price: Click here! 

Distance from Kuta: 2hrs 30

OK, so this isn't an exhaustive list, just a few ideas for things you might not have thought of! Some things to do in or near Kuta include Waterbom waterpark, AJ Hackett Bungee Jump (which is open 24 hours!) or maybe some water-sports at Benoa like the Flying Fox or trying the Banana Boat.  There's lots to do so get out and have fun!

Best,

Steve


Adventure Island: Bali Beyond the Waves

Balangan Ezy Rider!

Balangan Ezy Rider!

Just had a morning surf down at Balangan before work....very fun! I had a better barrel than the one on camera but (typically) the  GoPro camera cut out as I was paddling for it!  Still.......here a couple of shots for you to enjoy! Cheers!

Here's a still from the GoPro

Here's a shorter video that gets straight to the point;

Balangan Ezy Rider!

Bali: A Love/Hate Affair

I have tried to sum up all that's good and all that's bad about Bali in a few paragraphs, here it is, as I see it......

5 THINGS YOU WILL LOVE;

• Beaches - I'm sure this a reason why most of you came in the first place - not all the beaches in Bali are as serene as you might think but I would recommend
  Kuta, Padang Padang, Balangan the beaches of Nusa Lembongan - all have golden sand and are fine for swimming (some not so great on low tide).

A view looking from the cliff above Bingin down to Dreamland with Kuta in the distance

• Surf - think Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Bingin, Keramas, the list goes on. Bali is known as the 'Land of Lefts' but in reality it has waves for everybody - learn in the Kuta closeouts,...
  have fun at Canggu, get barrelled at Ulus or Bingin and charge at Padang Padang. It's all out there and you will find great surf no matter what time of year you come!

• People - the local people are among the nicest and friendliest people you will find anywhere and, despite the rampant development due to tourism, they treat foreigners with genuine kindness.  They are also guaranteed to ask 1) 'What your name?' 2) 'Where you from?' and 3) 'Where you stay in Bali?.  Some of the more adventurous might even ask 'Married, Mister?'.  They are very chilled out (except when they get on their motorbikes!) and will make you feel welcome wherever in Bali you go.

A couple of the local boys chilling out on a Sunday afternoon

• Food - there is, in South Bali at least, every kind of restaurant imaginable, from local Indonesian cuisine, to Mexican, Persian, Italian, Greek, you name it - it's here! And all for a very decent price. You can choose to suit your budget as the range is so good.

I highly recommend trying the 'Nasi Kuning' (meaning 'Yellow Rice') from Ketupat Restaurant!

• Prices - the price of just about everything you will ever want to buy as a tourist is cheaper than you can find it at home (except perhaps surf stuff!). Also, you can barter your way to a bargain or simply stumble on something dirt cheap.

5 THINGS YOU WILL HATE;

• Traffic - over-crowded, badly maintained roads lead to nightmarish traffic jams and stressful trips.  Best ways to avoid getting stressed about the traffic is to either hire a driver or find yourself a place to stay from where you will have to do very little travelling.  For surfers, from April - late October, there's no place like the Bukit Peninsular!

• Police - they are out there and, as far as I can see, are glorified traffic wardens who spend their days directing traffic and taking money off tourists.  This said, you can avoid their hassles by wearing a helmet, not driving over the line at the traffic light (they love that one!), having an international driving licence, or simply not stopping when they try to flag you down (I have heard this works but am yet to try it....I'm assured that things won't get any worse if you ignore them and carry on driving!)

• Prices - 'Again?!' I can hear you say - yes, the prices go both ways - with nothing having a real 'price' on display, it is hard to know if you are really getting a bargain or paying over the odds, especially if you have just arrived! Also, it can be annoying with people always trying to rip you off just because you're a tourist and having to barter can be tiring.

• Rubbish - it is a big problem and it is everywhere.  It's sad to see but, with many other developing nations, the people here are used to only using natural products and throwing them away without a second thought, yet they still apply the same idea to plastics, glass, metal, etc.  Bali is without a refuse collection system to further compound the problem.  Private areas are usually kept very clean, however.

Double Whammy - 'sacred' cows are left to graze on a rubbish tip.....go figure!

• Treatment of Animals - you will see roaming dogs treated as if they were rats, with many people on the roads just going full-steam at them as if they weren't there, chickens carted around on the backs of pick-up trucks in cages a couple of centimetres high and cockerels primed ready for fighting (and that means to the death).  Even 'sacred' cows aren't spared as they are often seen left to graze on rubbish heaps.  Another thing you will see are the horse & carriages that give tourists lifts around Kuta - the poor horses are pushed through heavy traffic all day, sucking in all the fumes in the heat and are often seen foaming at the mouth - my personal advice would be not to take any of these as it is not something that should be encouraged.  Also, if you see a stray dog that needs help, call / text BAWA and they will come to attend to the dog - 0811389004 (http://www.bawabali.com/v1/contact.html)

A man selling chicks that have been dyed to sell to kids - they are kept in these cages, peddled around the streets through the traffic in the sun - not nice.

I should say that this list is in no way exhaustive! I'm sure you will find a thousand and one other things that you will love about Bali.......as the old saying goes, 'you never know until you go!'

Cheers

Steve

Keep Your Eyes on the Tides!

   When I first arrived in Bali, a local person told me 'Oh, full moon - big waves today'.  I thought this sounded like a bit of an old wives' tale, especially coming from someone who did not surf - how wrong I was!  Bali, with its position so close to the equator, has a very different tide pattern to anywhere I have visited before.

   At first glance, the biggest tide of the month being around 2.4m did not register with me, especially as, coming from Wales where we have 12m high tides quite regularly,  this seemed like nothing.  Again, I was
very wrong!  The biggest tide of the month, which coincides with the the full moon (as I'm sure most of you already know), always seems to pull in a big swell from somewhere.

Suggested soundtrack to this article!!

Check out the Full Moon swell for the end of February / start of March - quite a bit above the seasonal average!

  Still sounds like garbage? Check the windguru archive to see for yourself.  Also, click here for a link to Bali tide tables, that way you can check when the full moon was, and how the swell was. You should see a definite pattern with the swell arriving on the day or day after the full moon.  It seems to be a well-known phenomenon here in Bali and well worth knowing the tides!! Remember, every full moon means a massive tide and usually an equally massive swell!!

This is not to say that this is the only big swell that will arrive every month; far from it.  It is just something to bear in mind and usually a guaranteed rise in swell which, in itself, is something to be aware of.  It seems to be an extremely reliable measure and peculiar to this part of the world.  I have no idea, however, if this is the same for other spots on a similar latitude - I'll leave you to find that one out!

Here's the current moon phase - if it's full / new - expect a good swell!

Another point is that, with this big high tide comes the equally extreme low tide.  I wouldn't recommend surfing  any of the gnarlier reef set-ups like Bingin, Padang Padang or even Uluwatu around the low tide mark on of the said big tides unless you are an expert, as it gets pretty shallow over nasty coral.

It should also not be a massive shock to find out that in Bahasa Indonesia, the words for both 'month' & 'moon' are exactly the same - 'bulan'.  When you think of, they are almost the same thing in English and just makes you realise how our calendar is finely tuned with nature, so we should be too! For which, keep your eyes on the tides!