How to Enjoy Travelling in Bali
Bali has so many interesting things to offer, start from beautiful beaches and hills, unique and fascinating temples, friendly and warm people, enjoyable lifestyle, up to modern night clubs. here are some travelling tips that might be useful for you ...
- If this is your first time in Bali, tour agencies will be handling for your tour or you can rent a car or motorbike and ask your friend to be your guide and take you around as narrow streets in Bali may cause confusion.
- Make sure you have a valid international driver's license to avoid problems. In Bali, you can obtain an international driver's license at the Polisi Kota Besar (POLTABES) office in Denpasar.
- Always wear sunglasses and bring your sun cream wherever you go and do not forget to bring a bottle of water as there are no drinkable water taps around.
- If you try adventure holiday packages, prepare a mosquito lotion.
- Ensure you have enough fuel for your trip because petrol may be scarce in some places. Bringing cash will be helpful if you get into problems along the way or when you need to purchase some supplies. Traditional markets in Bali have high quality products at reasonable prices. Always remember to bargain.
- In Bali you will encounter some ritual ceremonies held near or on the road, so wait for the procession to subside or politely ask permission before you pass.
Bali Dining
Rice is the staple food in Bali and is often included in accompanying dishes and sometimes in soups. Chicken, beef, and seafood are either steamed, braised stir or deep fried and even grilled over coconut husks. Chilli, coconut, garlic, ginger, saffron lemon grass and several kinds of shrimp paste are just some of the ingredients that give Indonesian food its unique flavour. Lunch and dinners are served with a choice of main courses and vegetables, usually well spiced and aromatic, but not too hot.
Balinese traditional foods are mostly spicy, so be careful if you have never tried spicy foods before.
Bali Tipping Advice
A service charge of ten percent is usually added to restaurant bills. If no charge is added, a gratuity of between five and ten percent would be appreciated though not necessarily expected. Tipping taxi drivers and other service personnel is recommended. However, keep the amount at a reasonable level. As the currency of Indonesia has a tendency to be erratic, it is wise to check the relative values of the Rupiah on a daily basis.
Bali Dress Code
Bussiness dress consist of suits for both men and women. Out of bussiness, clothing should comprise lightweight, casual items. Warmer clothes are needed for cool evenings and the upland areas. In temples and goverment buildings, smarter clothing is essential.
( It is considered disrespectful to wear brief clothings in the villages, towns or on public transportations, and it is more unacceptable to wear mini skirts, shorts, thongs and beach wear for visiting temples, ritual ceremonies and government offices. )
Greeting Someone in Bali
Bussiness people should be addresses by their title along with handshake for both men and women. Bussiness cards are also considered important and should be exchanged during introductions.
( It is also prohibited to touch someone else in the head or point at someone due it is considered to be an offensive act by the locals. NEVER give or receive an object with your left hand. )
Bali Bussiness Hour and Banking
Hours of bussiness in Bali are Monday to Friday, 09:00 till 13:00 and 14:00 till 17:00. Most places of bussiness will also trade Saturday mornings 09:00 to 13:00. Government office hours usually start at 8am-3pm, except Fridays when office hours are shorter, start at 8am-1pm and on holiday twice a week on Saturday and Sunday, and some national holidays are labeled red on the Indonesian calendar. Banks will not be open on Saturday morning but will be open during the week from 09:30 to 15:00. |