Punapi Gatre (means how are you in Balinese). This page is a special tribute to all the friendly Balinese friends i met during my recent trip in May 2005. Also a big shout out to my friends from UK whom i met in Bali; Benny Forte (Ireland), Gavin Taylor (England) and Paul Allaire (England). Yes i do fancy milkshake! Not forgetting the others; Andy & Marita Walther (Germany), Megumi-san (Japan), Tomoko-san (Japan), Chie-san (Japan), Nanako-san (Japan). Thank you for making my trip an emotional and sentimental one.

Highlights:
There are many “must do’s” when you talk about Bali.
1. A day trip to Uluwatu, have a massage on the beach and walk up to the temple to see the monkeys and a great view of the sunset.

2. A day trip to Ubud, to know the soul of Bali, head north to Ubud and visit the Royal Temple and Ubud market. Ubud is Bali’s heart.

3. A day trip to Gitgit Waterfall, stopping along the way at the Temple on the Lake, Lovina Hot Springs and the small villages along the way.

4. Take a day trip to Kintamani Volcano and on the way stop and watch a traditional Barong Dance at Batubulan, and stop at rice terraces in the countryside.

5. Spend the day on Kuta Beach, having massages and swimming.

6. A day trip to Lembongan Island to go diving, snorkelling and seeing the locals.

7. Partying hard in the many Clubs and Bars and dining out every night.

8. Shopping to your hearts content. Ordering hand tailored clothes and shoes and the prices are bargains.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
All actions take place in Kuta area. So, you may consider staying at places around Jalan Legian, Poppies I or Poppies II. A good and comfortable hotel to recommend will be ‘Hotel Prawita’ (Telephone: 0361-751838, Address: 63, Jalan Legian, Kuta). Rate starts from Rupiah 50,000 (MYR 19.00) with breakfast.

Don’t drink the tap water or eat salads or any food that you feel has been washed under the tap or you’ll end up with ‘Bali Belly’.

If you wish to escape the flocks of people who hound you on the streets to buy their wares then head to the apartment shops and markets, or better still go to the beach. These people are not allowed on or in these areas and that goes for the masseurs as well. If you want a massage on the beach you have to invite one of the masseurs down.

Always eat where you see the locals are eating, they should know where the food is good and where it’s not.

Best Way to Get Around:
Taxi Cab: The taxis are pretty cheap, and if you’re not going far, they are the best way to get around. Always take the ‘Blue Taxi’. These taxis are metered and very reliable.

Bemoh (minivan): The best way to get around the island is the Bemoh. These small vans can be found outside most of the popular resorts and hotels.

Tourist Shuttle Bus: For day trips and local tours, i only recommend you taking the shuttle bus from this only Bali-based company, ‘PERAMA’ (Telephone: 0361-751551, Address: 39, Jalan Legian, Kuta).

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, the third most populated country in the world (350 million people). Jakarta alone has about 13 million people. Whether you’re a night owl or a morning dove, Jakarta has something for everybody. The prices are relatively low too, due to the prolonged financial crisis. The Golden Triangle in the centre of the city contains the more developed and up-market sights and attractions, including up-market malls and some very beautiful statues and landmarks.

Highlights:
Shopping: Jakarta surprisingly is not the best place to shop compared to nearby cities like Bandung and Jogjakarta. Nevertheless, i would recommend ‘Mangga Dua’ area for shopping. There are 3 shopping complexes in Mangga Dua; Mangga Dua ITC, Mangga Dua Mall, and Mangga Dua Pasar Pagi. Don’t forget to grab yourself a genuine pair of Nike or Adidas shoes as they are very cheap in Jakarta.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Bribery and Corruption: Yes folks, you heard of this before and it is true and widespread. It is considered a normal practice here if you want to get things done. So, be warned and adapt to their custom.

Eating Method: People here do eat with their hand although eating utensils are available. Dont be ashamed to take your meals with your right hand. It will be interesting when you dine with the locals.

Traffic Jam: Beware! Jakarta has one of the worst traffic jams in the world. Plan your journey correctly and leave for airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. It is sad to tell you that taxi is the only option for travelling to/from the airport.

Best Way to Get Around:
Public transport is extremely bad in Jakarta. There is a plan to build a monorail by next year. Here are your best options:

‘Bai Cai’/'Bemoh’ (Three wheeled taxi): This form of transport is fun to ride but can be dangerous at times especially if you dont know how to bargain. They can be easily identified as they come with three wheels instead of the usual four and they are all painted in striking orange colour. Try avoiding taking Bai Cai at night if you care for your lives. To know how Bai Cai looks like, please see the pictures below.

Taxi: Taxi cab is the best so far. Just make sure to take legitimate ones. Blue Bird (the ‘blue’ cab) is the best and they are everywhere. Fare for Blue Bird cab will start at Rupiah 4000 (MYR 1.50). President Taxi (the ‘yellow’ cab) is the worst. The drivers are notorious for over-charging visitors. Some are also known to have been ‘hired’ by robbers to rob the passengers. The ideal way to get around is by renting a car, including the driver! (Don’t be surprised to find out that the price is far lower than you’ve ever dreamt about!)

For more information, please visit: Official City Info Website ; Indonesia Info website