MARK M ALDRIDGE "Community Advocate" SA - BALI GUIDE 2014                   a.userlink { color: #253741; } a.userlink:visited { color: #6a818c; } a.userlink:hover { color: #005e85; } font[size="1"] { font-size:10px; } font[size="2"] { font-size:13px; } font[size="3"] { font-size:16px; } font[size="4"] { font-size:18px; } font[size="5"] { font-size:24px; } font[size="6"] { font-size:32px; } font[size="7"] { font-size:48px; } .GuestBookMessage { font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: 13px; } .GuestBookMessageRow { font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: 12px; } .GuestBookHeader { font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: 12px; } .div-text-footer-color { color:#000000; } .div-text-footer-container a, .div-text-footer-container a:visited, .div-text-footer-container a:hover { color:#000000; }                                                                                                                                                       Bali   By Mark and Helen AldridgeHaving traveled to Bali regularly for many years, in itself says we love it so here are some tips and good people and places we would love to share with you.    Flights and Accommodation There are many packages and prices to Bali, be careful as there are now many extra costs that some travel agents don’t always include in their adds, departure tax, fuel levies, insurance etc.  We no longer know the best rates so please let us know how you go and we will update this flyer, for first time travelers it is best to book a package, we can however help you with transfers through our guide Made, (Pronounced Marday)   Where to stay There are too many hotels to list, the only bad one we have experienced is Puri Etnik so please avoid.  Legion or Seminyak are cheaper and the areas around them have cheaper shopping.  Nusa Dua we have not experienced but lacks the nightlife for the younger crowd, suit those who prefer to sit back and relax.......This guide will tend to suit those staying in Kuta, Legion or Seminyak the most, well priced accomodation is available all over Bali, I use Garden View in Padma when on business, Helen and I prefer Villa Coco, because it is like having your own slice of Bali, rather than living on top of other tourists.Our favorite places to stay; Villa Coco is a stand out alternative, with private villas, pool villas and even larger 4 bedroom villas is you are traveling with friends, prices are affordable, location is great, quiet yet waling distance of everything you need. Give them a call on (+62 361 730 736) or email them on sales@villacoco.com and mention our names.  Click here to visit their website.What to pack Basically you need bugger all. Shorts, tank-tops, light dresses and t-shirts.  Although you can buy them all for next to nothing in Bali.  See our section under tailor or  Mrs Ketuts details for cheap shorts, t-shirts etc.  The more room in your cases means the more you can bring home, .  You can fill your bags with kids toys, books and clothing on the way over and donate them to an orphanage or the many friends you will meet.  See Carry 4 Kids.  Money Changers Stick to the large money-changers, if they are busy it’s because they are the best value.  The smaller ones, i.e. small tables with better exchange rates are there to short change you. See the map for good money-changers and their locations Upon on arrival You now require a visa in Bali.  Most travel agents suggest having American dollars, although Aussie dollars will be OK from our experience $25 US. Beware of the porters when picking up baggage, they will carry them for you but will then want money, it is always hard to haggle after the fact.  Either offer small money i.e. 3-5,000 rupiah or carry your own, the trolleys are free.   Customs are easy going but if you have more than 1 bottle of booze per person, they will take you away to negotiate tax, easier to stick to 1 bottle of each otherwise $10-$20 Aust will get you through, but you will have to haggle. It is a good idea to change $50 at the airport so as to do any early shopping, or to get essentials from the supermarket when you get to the hotel.  For example large water, smokes, beer or coke for the hotel fridge, it will already be stocked but at dearer costs. When you leave the country you will need 150,000 RP to get out.  Why not also save 150,000 rupiah and pay your way into the first class lounge, use my name. to go to the Dewi Sri or Prada first class lounge at the air-port, take 150,000 RP with you and tell them Mr Mark sent you and told you to give them 150,000 Rp to get into.  You can smoke in these lounges and trust us it is the cheaper alternative to buying food and drink in the airport.   All of these lounges have a smoking area, free drinks and food included.   Take action now to phone our friend Made (pronounced Mardy, our taxi driver) on 08123685991. You will be jet lagged and if he can he will visit you and introduce himself, all our friends use him so book early, from Australia add +62 and loose the 0 from your mobile, or 001162 and loose the 0 from your land line.   Taxis Usually 5-10,000 rupiah ie. $1 to $2 Aus.  It is best to demand they use their meter, then you can tip them on how polite they are, those that try asking for huge fees, do not deserve your patronage, day trips require that you negotiate first, this will not be needed if you use Made.Beware getting Taxis late at night, insist on them using the Meter, or walk away, you can chose to negotiate, but I have found some only want your business if they can seriously over charge you.    Made Artana (pronounced Mardy)  PHONE HIM AS SOON AS YOU GET TO THE HOTEL, of have him pick you up from the airport,  Made has been a great friend for many years and many friends that have used him say he is responsible for them having the best time.  Made has two children to support so look after him please.  Made has saved for many years to own his own taxi.  He now has 2 and a bus, so he can accommodate your every need.  If as being friends of ours he doesn’t ask for any money please pay him anyway!  Please be generous with him as he is generous in return and really can ill afford to be.  Made knows all the best places to visit, so put your trust in him.  He can also take you direct to the manufacturers if you want expensive items at cheaper prices and can help shipping.  08123685991  He can also arrange magical journeys to his home village that will really make your holiday, particularly special for regular Bali travellers,  because you definitely haven’t seen everything.  PHONE CALLS WHILE IN BALI....you will be in for a nasty shock if you take your Aussie phone, as every call you receive will be very expensive.... Take a spare phone or on arrival get a local sim card for your phone...100,000 Rupiah is about $10 and will get you set up with plenty of credit, then text family or work mates in Australia that number.....to phone Australia, from a Bali phone, here is a cheat, dial 0101761......then a mobile leaving of the first 0.....or the area code for your state and a land line, again leave of the 0....so cheap it is scary.......local calls will be very basic, just phone their local number if you dont get through the first time, just redial.  Tailors/Clothes   FOR LEATHER/SUITS ETC.  See Agusta , address Jl Melasti (lebak Beni) Kuta Bali, give him a call. telephone  081916209002,  0361 8094057. Mind you most are quite good so shop around, and please mention my name, Agusta will offer you businesses prices.   (Suits in the most are between $60 and $90, but low price can sometimes find you with inferior product, leather jackets are closer to $100, tailored leather shoes are around $50)     FABULOUS TAILORED EMBROIDERED SHIRTS, DRESSES ETC. See Hot Summer Nights 36 Seminyak Street, Basangkasa.  Go to the very end of Legian Street, past the very large Air Asia sign.  Hot Summer Nights has a blue awning.  0361-2173088   FOR GENERAL CHEAP CLOTHES See Mrs Ketut at Art Shop 14 (9) Jl Saha Dewa Gg. Sorga No 2 Legian (the lane opposite the Legend Bar) is the best place to buy your cheaper Bali clothes, dresses, t-shirt etc.  No need to barter with her, just tell her Mr Mark and Mrs Helen sent you and she will give you a great price.  DVD's;  Please see my good mate Wayan at Hoyts Disc, because the mention you are my friend, will ensure you get top class, and if any new movies have issues you will know, he will do you 70 lates DVD's for a song, he is to be trusted 100%, his staff also know me well, so mention my name (Mark & Helen) from Adelaide, His number is 08123999070 or 0813376135, he is in the Kuta main strip on Legion street just up from Melasti street towards Kuta on the left.Massage, nails, braiding or hair extensions; Directly down the lane next to the DVD's is Made's massage, she is like family, consider dropping in for a proper Bali massage, please say hello from Helen and I :)Buying and Shopping   See our friends mentioned above for all your tailoring needs. For expensive purchases give us a call on 82847482 or Made to check best deals. Generally the correct price to pay will be about a third of the asking price in the first few days and half the asking price on your last days.  They will know how long you have been in Bali believe us. The expensive name brand shops are all together [19] on the map. The watches are great buying from about $3-$10Aussie – go to [18] on the map where there is the best range at cheapest prices.  Still haggle a bit though, yes those wild looking automatic watches do cost about $70Aus.   General examples:-                                copy watches 30-50,000 rupiah                                                             good shirts 20-30,000 rupiah                                                             t-shirts, tops 15-20,000 rupiah                                                             leather jackets.suits $60-$90 Aussie                                                             sunglasses 15-20,000 rupiah   " I guarantee that whatever you pay in the first few days will become much cheaper near the end of your trip, so buy the most on the last days."  Some of the fixed priced shops are also great value and are relaxing not having to haggle.  My wife and I Import from Bali into Adelaide, so have most of the huge gorgeous things you will see, that wont fit in the bags, and our friend Made, can take your orders, of come for a Browse (CLICK HERE) or search "Enchanting impressions importers"One of my latest finds is SINAR [32] address Jl Legian No 354/3 Sebelah LEGIAN PARADISO, ask for the manager, mention our names.  SUNGLASSESS and WATCHES AT THE BEST PRICES.  They supply all the shops and of course are damn cheap: Gucci from $3 Aus, sunglasses from $1.50 Aus, grab heaps.   As at October 2013 Rupiah $1.00 Aussie = 9,700 rupiah i.e. $10 Aussie = 100,000 rupiah; $20 Aussie = 200,000 rupiah etc etc   Unique Foods Indian, Italian, Seafood and local food are all available in Bali.  As they change so frequently it is hard to keep tabs on where to go.  Also try the local food carts  we avoided them for years, what a mistake, if the locals all eat there its got to be good and at only $1.00 a meal so should you!  While with Made trust him he knows some superb local eateries while touring with him.   The stand out choices will always be chicken and seafood dishes and Indonesian food is fantastic, Mei Goreng (fried noodles and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) Chap Choy (a local vegetable dish) should all be on the menu. ITALIAN   Want to go silver service?  Why not!  FABIOS [28]  JL Raya, Seminyak No 66 Kuta. 0361 730562  (YOU MAY NEED TO LEAVE OFF THE 0361 if dialing in Bali)   One of the more expensive restaurants (a whole $30-$40 Aussie with drinks per couple) is a must for special occasions.  Magnificent food and service to die for.  Ask for Putra the manager and he will waiver the 10% tax.  TRATTORIA  JL Lesmana Oberoi Seminyak 0361 737082 Busy, a line up, and rather expensive in Bali terms, but wow on the food front. ****SILVER SERVICE KORIS RESTAURANT Marks Favorite Poppies Lane 2 in Kuta. Exquisite silver service, fabulous food. Arrive from 8.00, Dine like kings and pay a very small price.  Wednesday and Friday nights are excellent to go there as you will see a stunning acoustic band called Traffic Blues say a big hello for us.  Their number is 08123921502 make sure they are playing.  The singer also does a blues night, I haven’t been, if you ask here where and go let us know how it was, the Band starts at 8.30, so hang around and try a few cocktails.  AUSSIE QUALITY STEAKS Kuta Steak House  Poppies Lane 1 Fantastic steaks available here.  Aussie quality.        *****Other places and people you should know Crazy Horse Band The piece de resistance.  Without doubt the best live band you will ever see.  From Pink Floyd, Guns & Roses to the latest ballads.  Whatever you do DO NOT MISS THEM.  They know us and our friends in Bali so say hello from us, if you can sing or play an instrument, join in, presently playing Friday at Garden Restaurant, Poppies Lane 1. Phone Dewa to check where they are playing on 0817554392 on arrival and Sunday at Echo Beach and Sante Fe, say hello from Mark and Helen.  *****Legend Bar [8]  Manager Ketut Budiartha (one of our most favorite people) see map.  A stand out place to eat and relax.  Usually there is live entertainment every night.  Old fashioned Bali service, games and fun.  Super food from local to Schnitzels, cheap cocktails (ask Ketut for Mark and Helens special).  Ketut will make your stay special, he can arrange special nights like anniversaries, birthdays etc.  Groups and children especially cared for.  Legend Bar is an ideal bar to start any evening, usual finishes at around 1100 ready for the night clubs to start. Say hello from us.and ps: if you have children this is a must  Ketut 08123865786    Santa Fe [1] This place really pumps after 11.00.  The best live music in Bali every night, get there around 930 for a good seat.  The food is also good.  Recommend you go on a  SUNDAY or a TUESDAY as Crazy Horse band play there.  Nearly every night top singers and musicians from all over the world join the band.   Hard Rock Café [17] is expensive but a sight to see inside.   Echo Beach Is hard to find and will cost you a little more in taxi fares but well worth it.  Why not see if Made can take you.  Crazy Horse plays on Sundays make sure you are there about 5 to 6.00pm for the sunset, fresh food, seafood and steaks on the BBQ, a real treat indeed.   Our Travel Agent has suggested we try a couple of new places:The Rock Bar – Ayana Resort, Jimbaran.  She said it was an amazing place to go for cocktails. Costs around $20 but well worth the extra money.  Has an amazing view on top of a cliff.   Potata Head & Cocoon – Legian.  Nice lounge style place, unique and worth a look.   LATE NIGHT PARTYING Usually around 11.00pm onwards.  The choices are many.  For the younger crowd try the hot clubs: [15] Paddys Bar; [16] Bounty P and surrounding bars, there are a few fast fingered lowlifes and prostitutes on the roads in this area into the late hours so stay alert and be safe, in the most Bali locals are great people, but should there be a few bad ones, this is where they will be.   You will be offered drugs and Viagra in the street late at night, it is not real and neither safe to buy, so simply ignore, most of the clubs in other districts will not have the same issues, so stay alert and keep the drinking to a reasonable level J    ****PLEASE AVOID SECRET GARDEN WHILE UNDER CURRENT MANAGEMENT****Secret garden have Crazy Horse Band on Thursday night, and it is/was great, the owner is a moron though lol. Have fun trying new places and let us know about them by email aldridgemark@bigpond.com and we will add them to this facts sheet. Single guys – if you are adamant to try a local (looking) girl, see Made to be safe, practice safe sex as Aids is in Bali.   Tattoos   Prime Ink in legion street is a great place, with many good friends I trust and some of the best artists in Bali,+628179979547 Jl Legion no 350 also   See Agus at Tyas Tattoo, Popies Lane 2, ronata Line 1b Kuta.  Telephone 081353222220 / 08164711000 / 361762934   Supermarkets   Supermarkets are worth a look [2], [13] and small deli’s, fill up the hotel fridge at much cheaper foods/drinks and drinking water.  Great pressies for the mates at work check out coffee and tea gift boxes, hand carved and only $1-$2 AUS, cigarettes app $1.50 packet.  Chemists are also damn cheap, so stock up [C].  Toothbrushes, blades and just about everything you need back home really cheap.   Chemists – APOTIK [C] No prescription needed, can get anything you want at huge savings in comparison to Australia from condoms, panadol to penicillin and normal chemists lines.  Numbers to keep   Emergency Medical  0361761263   Australian Consulate in Bali – Jalan Profi Moh Yamin 4 Denpasar Bali  62 361235092                                       Canberra – (02) 62613305                                                          A FEW USEFUL WORDS   It helps when haggling to know some words.  The locals will think you are experienced and you will get a better price.  I think it is polite any way.  Please speak slowly for the locals.  AUSTRALIAN                                       IDONESIAN                              PRONOUNCED Thank you                                           Terima Kasih                             Terima GussyHello                                                    Hello                                         Hello No                                                        Tidak                                        Tida (k) No Thank you                                      Tidak Terima Kasih Expensive                                            Mahal Very                                                     Banjak                                      Bunyuk How Much                                           Berapa Bayer                            roll the r’s Good Morning                                     Selamat Pagi                            Selamat Pagee  Good Evening                                     Selamat Malam                         Good Afternoon                                   Selamat Sore                            Selamat SorayGoodbye                                              Selamat Jalan Already Have                                        Suda Punya                              Sooda Poonya   Cheap books in Indonesian are available from local supermarkets, (2) for only a couple of dollars.  Good fun & educational.   PLEASE TAKE NOTES AND ADD TO OUR DETAILS AND EMAIL US TO US AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE BALI EXPERIENCE BETTER FOR ALL.   If in Ubud with Made ask him to show you where to get Babi Guling (Roast Pork) it is fabulous.  MARK!    Also in Ubud with Made there is a restaurant next to where you get Babi Guling that has a very interesting Indonesian Banquet available.  Try it is great.    For the not so little girls or the very little girls one size fits all does not always.  Either try clothes on in the little shops along the street or fixed price is very good.  You may pay a tad more but you will probably find it easier for fitting.  The other alternative is tailoring.  BEWARE OF SHRINKAGE, hand washing in cold water when you get home is best.  Crinkle material is better.  Buy from Mrs Ketut she will let you know which will shrink and which wont.   Have Made take you to Jimbaran Bay Seafood Restaurants on the beach – magnificent.  Made will know the best one.FEEL FREE TO DOWN LOAD OUR MUD MAP AND ALSO COPY THIS PAGE AND TAKE IT WITH YOUBali holiday, South australian bali holidays, bali stock, where to stay Bali, bali Holiday, Bali travel, Bali trip, flying to Bali, flying to Bali, Bali trips from SA, Adelaide to Bali, Bali Decore, Bali stone, Balki wood, Bali, water features Bali, Adelaide water features, Bali Gardens, Bali outdoor products, Mark Aldridge, What to buyy in Bali, Bands in Bali, tourism Bali, Live Music Bali, restuarants Bali, where to eat Bali,                   Home | SAVING OUR FOOD INDUSTRY 2013 | FARM DIRECT MARKETS SA | DODGY ELECTIONS THE TRUTH 2013 | THE RSPCA EXPOSED 2013 | VOTING 4 ANIMAL WELFARE | DAFWA undermine justice | VOTE NO TO AUST WITH OUT FARMS | WHY VOTE FOR AN INDEPENDENT | ABOUT MARK | STANDING UP FOR LOCAL BUSINESS | MARK BRIEF IDEALS OVERVIEW | THE DEMISE OF AUSSIE RIGHTS | THE AUSTRALIAN ALLIANCE | AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION  | CARBON TAX WHOLE STORY UPDATE  | DEMAND SUPPORT FOR DAIRY FARMS | BILL OF RIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIA | SA ELECTION FACTS FOR 2010/14 | FLUORIDE THE SIMPLE TRUTH | HEMP / CANNABIS EXPOSED" | WATER PROOFING South Australia | MY POLITICAL HISTORY 1999/2012 | CONTACT ME | WHERE DOES OUR TAX MONEY GO? 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