Bali Travel Tips: Staying Safe and Savvy on Your Island Adventure

Bali Travel Tips: Staying Safe and Savvy on Your Island Adventure

It's important to exercise caution when exchanging money, especially when traveling to foreign countries. Unfortunately, many tourists fall victim to scams pulled by unscrupulous money changers. One such scam that's become quite prevalent involves a tempting exchange rate that lures unsuspecting travelers in.

The money changer will calculate the amount of local currency, say Rupiah, that you'll receive and then proceed to count it out in front of you. They'll then ask you to count it again to ensure its accuracy, which seems reasonable enough. After confirming the amount, you'll be asked to count it a third time. By this point, you're probably starting to feel a little suspicious. However, as the money still seems to be the correct amount, you'll continue to count it.

This cycle of recounting goes on until the money changer feels that you've let your guard down. Eventually, some of the money will fall off the table and onto the floor. If you're not paying close attention, you may not realize that you've been shortchanged until it's too late.

To avoid falling prey to this type of scam, there are a couple of rules to keep in mind. Rule number one: always keep the money you're exchanging within sight and within reach, in case you need to make a quick exit. Rule number two: pay attention and don't allow yourself to be drawn into the money changer's repeated counting game. If you find yourself in this situation, refer back to rule number one and grab your money before walking away to a nearby bank.

Ensuring good health is crucial when traveling, especially to destinations like Bali that are still developing their medical facilities and hygiene standards. To avoid potential medical emergencies, it is recommended to have medical insurance that covers emergency evacuations in case of serious injuries or illness.

In addition to insurance, there are a few other common sense points to keep in mind for a healthy and enjoyable trip. Staying hydrated is key, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids like water and fruit juices. It's important to only drink bottled water to avoid any risk of contaminated water. Ice in drinks is generally safe, but it's still wise to exercise caution.

When it comes to eating, choose established restaurants that are clean and well patronized. If you're interested in trying street food, stick to vendors who do not serve meat unless your system is already accustomed to it. This can help prevent any potential food-borne illnesses.

If you're taking prescription medication, be sure to bring an ample supply with you. While pharmacies in Bali, known as Apotiks, can usually fill prescriptions, the dosage may not be the same as what your doctor has prescribed. It's also important to keep your vital medications with you or in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.

Exploring Bali can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to consider your transportation options before you hit the road. While renting a car might seem like a convenient choice, it's not recommended - especially if you're not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. The traffic in Bali can be chaotic, with pedestrians, bicycles, tour buses, trucks, and even livestock sharing the road. Traffic controls are often ignored, and the rules that do exist are not always enforced.

If you do decide to rent a car, keep in mind that getting lost is the least of your worries. If you're involved in an accident and someone is injured, you won't be able to leave until the matter is resolved. Instead, we recommend hiring a car with a driver. Not only will you be able to relax and enjoy the scenery, but it typically only costs about US$15 more per day than renting a car without a driver.

If you're still set on driving yourself, you'll need either an International Driving License or a Tourist Driving License. The latter can be obtained at Jl. Cokorde Agung Tresna 14, Renon. You'll need to bring a copy of your passport and your home country's driving license, and the license is valid for 30 days. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the cost is Rp. 100,000. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to prioritize safety and caution when navigating Bali's roads.

If you're planning a shorter trip in Bali, like going back and forth between Kuta and Nusa Dua, you can take a metered taxi. The best option is the BlueBird Taxi, which has clean, reliable, safe, and honest service with working fare meters. The flag fall is Rp. 5,000 for the first kilometer, and each additional kilometer is charged Rp. 4,000 (fares updated June 2011). You can call or book a Bluebird Taxi without any booking fee using the number below.

In case you can't find a Bluebird taxi on the street, each area has its own cooperative with or without meters. For instance, in Nusa Dua, Kowinu provides taxi services with brown metallic cabs that are clean, reliable, and safe but have fares slightly 5-10% higher. In Kuta, the taxi cooperative is Bali Taxi, which offers white cabs without meters. Some cabs may have meters that do not work, and if you opt to take an unmetered taxi, you should negotiate the fare first before starting the journey. The key here is to negotiate and agree on the fare upfront.
Bluebird Taxi telephone number is: 701-111

For the more adventurous visitors to Bali, exploring the island by motorcycle may be an option. However, for first-time and short-term visitors, we do not recommend renting motorcycles due to safety concerns. If you do choose to rent a motorcycle, be aware that you will need a valid motorcycle driver's license, as well as a Temporary Permit, which is valid for 6 months on Bali only. This process is relatively simple, but make sure to bring 3 passport size photos, your passport, and a valid driver's license to the Police station in Denpasar. Remember, by law you are required to wear a helmet and it's important to check the condition of the motorcycle before making any payment.

For those who prefer public transportation, Bali also has a limited public bus system called Transarbagita. This system was introduced in September 2011 and follows the Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai route from Nusa Dua to Batubulan, with 20 predetermined stops. The buses are large, air-conditioned, easily identifiable by their blue color, and offer very reasonable fares, at Rp. 3,500 per person per ride, regardless of the number of stops. For example, a trip from Danau Poso to Sindhu costs the same as a trip from Nusa Dua to Batubulan.

For a more authentic experience, you may want to consider taking a Bemo, a small covered carry van that is popular among locals. This is an inexpensive way to travel, and it's recommended to ask the driver the fare before getting in. Negotiating is possible, but only on routes that are busy. However, note that there is no air-conditioning and the Bemos can get very crowded.

Finally, for a more leisurely mode of transportation, 'dokars' are two-wheeled horse-drawn buggies that are a popular tourist attraction in Kuta at night. During the day, they are still a popular mode of transportation for locals in Denpasar.

Money Matters
When traveling to Indonesia, it's important to have the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah, on hand. You can easily exchange most major world currencies, including cash or travelers checks, at authorized money changers or local banks.

Although hotels may offer currency exchange services, they often provide less favorable exchange rates for the sake of convenience. To get the best rates and ensure your safety, it's recommended to visit a local bank branch. While the rates may be slightly lower than those advertised on the street, you can have peace of mind knowing that banks are reliable and secure. On the other hand, there are numerous "authorized" money changers available, but you need to be careful when dealing with them.

Sadly, there are countless stories of people being cheated by these money changers, and the authorities appear to be helpless in shutting them down. If you do choose to use an authorized money changer, be cautious and follow some essential tips. For instance, the rate posted on the door usually applies to US $100 notes, and lower denominated notes, such as $20, may be given a less favorable rate. Always verify the exchange calculation by using a calculator and count your change before leaving the window. You may bring your calculator or use the calculator on your mobile phone to ensure that you are getting a fair exchange rate.

When traveling to Indonesia, it's important to know how to exchange your currency into the local Indonesian Rupiah. While hotels offer this service, their exchange rates may not be as favorable as those offered by local banks. It's worth noting, however, that there are many authorized money changers available, but caution is advised as reports of people being cheated are all too common.

If you do choose to use a money changer, be aware that they may only accept cash notes that are in near-mint condition and that you may need to present your passport for identification when cashing traveler's checks. It's also important to verify the exchange calculation and count your change before leaving the window to ensure you are receiving the correct amount.

When dealing with Indonesian Rupiah, it's helpful to know the denominations in both paper and coin form. Paper denominations include 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000, while coins come in 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations. While the Rp. 2,000 note is a relatively recent development, the Rp. 1,000 note is expected to be discontinued soon, with the Rp. 1,000 coin taking its place.

It's also worth noting that there are many styles and issues of the same denomination in circulation, and some different denominations may have similar colors. This can make it difficult to distinguish between them, even for locals. Finally, if you see a posted exchange rate that seems too good to be true, it probably is, so it's best to steer clear and use a trusted source for your currency exchange needs.

ATMs can be found throughout Indonesia, and those displaying VISA or Cirrus logos dispense local currency at the bank's prevailing exchange rate. Some ATMs even display the rate on the screen, providing transparency for users. For small amounts of money, using an ATM could be a better option than going to a money changer, as the possibility of being shortchanged is eliminated. However, it is important to note that ATM fees may make it too expensive for small withdrawals.

It is also worth noting that credit cards are accepted at many restaurants and retailers, but some retailers may charge an additional 3-5% on your bill for using a credit card. If you encounter this situation, it may be possible to claim the surcharge back from your month-end billing if the retailer or restaurant writes it down as an extra charge for using the card. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware that some international banks may charge their customers directly 3% for any credit card purchase made outside the issuing bank's home country. So, it is always better to be prepared and carry cash whenever possible.

Business Hours
When traveling to Bali, it's important to keep in mind that the island's famous temple ceremonies can sometimes disrupt retail and banking hours. While most shops in popular tourist areas are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week (with some open seven days a week in shopping centers and hotels), it's not uncommon for shops to unexpectedly close for the day due to a ceremony or other event.

Restaurants typically start serving breakfast from around 7 a.m. and serve until late at night, usually around 11 p.m. or midnight.

Government offices and banks usually operate from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays. However, keep in mind that they are closed on public holidays and sometimes these holidays are extended to create a long weekend. For example, if a public holiday falls on a Thursday, government offices and banks may be closed Thursday through Sunday. During the Christmas and New Year holiday period, banks may be closed for 10-12 days, depending on the actual holiday dates.

Bargaining
While bargaining may be challenging for first-time visitors to Bali, mastering the skill can help you save money and avoid paying retail prices. However, bargaining is not for everyone, and some of the island's high-end retailers have fixed prices indicated on their price tags. On the other hand, bargaining is still widely practiced in art markets, souvenir shops, and stores selling t-shirts. But, it's important to be respectful and not take bargaining too far. It can be frustrating to witness well-off tourists haggling over small amounts, especially considering the cost of traveling to Bali. Instead, aim to negotiate a fair price and take home a unique story about your shopping experience. Who knows, you may end up with a beautiful wood statue to cherish for years to come.

Street Wise
The Balinese people are known for their honesty, but unfortunately, there has been an increase in petty crime, particularly in the Kuta area. Despite this, Bali is still a safer destination compared to most major cities around the world.

Pickpocketing, car thefts, and bag snatching from passing vehicles are the most frequently reported crimes. To minimize the risk of falling victim to these crimes, it's essential to use common sense and take the same precautions you would take when visiting any large city. For instance, hold your purse or camera tightly, don't leave any bags unattended in your car, on the beach, or near the pool, use the hotel safe deposit box to store your valuables, avoid walking in dark alleys, and don't flaunt your money in public. These are simple measures that can keep you safe during your travels.

On the other hand, it's crucial to note that Indonesia has strict laws and penalties for those who break them. As a visitor, it's important to conduct yourself appropriately and not engage in any criminal activity. Remember, you're in a foreign country with different laws and fewer rights than you're accustomed to at home. So, be a gracious guest and avoid any trouble.

The Culture of Bali: A Unique and Timeless Experience

The Culture of Bali

Bali is a truly one-of-a-kind island, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant pageantry, and enduring traditions. The people of Bali possess a genuine sense of inner happiness, which is believed to be attributed to their strong Hindu faith. There is a fundamental belief in the spiritual world, which must always be in balance with the physical world in order to achieve peace and prosperity.

The History of Bali: From Ancient Settlements to a Golden Age

Although there is no evidence of settlements dating back to the Stone Age on Bali, it is believed that the first settlers arrived from China around 2500 BC. By the Bronze Age, around 300 BC, a highly developed culture had emerged on the island. The complex system of irrigation and rice production, still in use today, was established during this time. The early history of Bali is somewhat vague, but Hindu artifacts have been found dating back to the 1st century. It appears that Buddhism was the dominant religion on the island around 500 AD. A Chinese scholar, Yi-Tsing, reported visiting a Buddhist country called Bali during his travels to India in 670 AD.

The strong influx of Hindu and Javanese cultures first reached Bali in the 11th century. After the death of his father around 1011 AD, the Balinese Prince, Airlanggha, relocated to East Java and united the region under one principality. He appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali, leading to a reciprocal exchange of political and artistic ideas. The Balinese aristocracy adopted the Javanese language, Kawi, and many Javanese customs during this time. Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy following the death of Airlanggha in the mid-11th century.

However, this independence was short-lived, as Bali was conquered by the East Javanese king Kertanegara in 1284. Bali regained its freedom in 1292 after Kertanegara was murdered, but was once again brought under Javanese control by Gajah Mada, a general in the Majapahit Empire, in 1343. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit Empire began to collapse, leading to a large influx of aristocracy, priests, artists, and artisans to Bali. This period was considered the Golden Age of Bali's cultural history, with the principality of Gelgel becoming a major center for the Arts. Bali became the dominant power in the region, controlling neighboring Lombok and parts of East Java.

The Arrival of the Europeans

The first encounter between the Dutch and the island of Bali occurred in 1597, when Dutch sailors made landfall on the island. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the Dutch began to express a desire to colonize the island. In 1846, the Dutch government, which had already established control over a large portion of Indonesia, sent troops to the northern region of Bali. A few years later, in 1894, the Dutch forces joined forces with the Sasak people of Lombok to defeat the Balinese rulers. By 1911, all of the Balinese principalities had either been defeated in battle or surrendered, resulting in the entire island being under Dutch control.

The Rise of Indonesian Nationalism

In the aftermath of World War I, the sentiment of Indonesian nationalism began to gain momentum. In 1928, Bahasa Indonesia was officially declared the national language of the country. During World War II, the Japanese occupied Indonesia, resulting in the expulsion of the Dutch. However, following the Japanese defeat, the Dutch attempted to regain control of their former colonies. On August 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence with Sukarno as its first President. Despite four years of fighting and criticism from the international community, the Dutch government eventually gave in, and in 1949, Indonesia was recognized as an independent nation.

The Communal Lifestyle in Bali

Bali is a highly social and community-driven society where the organization of villages, farming, and creative arts are all determined by the collective. While the local government is responsible for providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the majority of daily life is governed by two ancient traditional committees that have deep roots in Balinese culture.

The first committee, known as Subak, is focused on the cultivation of rice and the management of the complex irrigation system. Every individual who owns a sawah or padi field must become a member of their local Subak to ensure fair distribution of irrigation water. Traditionally, the head of the Subak had their sawah located at the bottom of the hill, so the water would pass through every other sawah before reaching theirs.

The second committee is known as Banjar and is responsible for organizing all village festivals, marriage ceremonies, cremations, and community service activities known as Gotong Royong. All men are required to join a Banjar upon marriage, and each Banjar typically has a membership of 50 to 100 families. The Banjar has its own meeting place called the Bale Banjar, which is not only used for regular meetings but also serves as a gathering place for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups to practice.

In Bali, each stage of life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals called Manusa Yadnya, which play a significant role in shaping the rich and dynamic lifestyle that is typical of the average Balinese individual.

The Significance of Birth and Names in Balinese Culture

In Balinese culture, the journey of an individual's life is marked by a series of significant ceremonies and rituals. The first of these ceremonies starts even before birth, with another taking place shortly after to commemorate the arrival of a new life into the world. After this, the first major rite of passage takes place 210 days after the child's birth.

Balinese names hold a unique system, with a limited selection of four first names given to each child in order. For example, the first child is named Wayan or Putu, the second child is named Made or Kadek, the third is named Nyoman or Komang, and the fourth is named Ketut. The sequence repeats for every subsequent child, with the fifth being named Wayan again, and so on.

Balinese society values children and often have large families. In an effort to manage family life, younger children are placed in the care of older siblings. Along with the ceremonies marking the stages of childhood and puberty, the tooth-filing ceremony is considered a particularly significant rite of passage.

Marriage and Family Life

Marriage is an important aspect of Balinese culture, with most individuals looking forward to starting a family of their own. Marriages typically take place at a young age, although they are not always arranged, as is common in other Asian cultures. Balinese society recognizes two forms of marriage - the respectful mapadik, where the man's family visits the woman's to propose the union, and the exciting ngorod, where the couple elopes. The latter is considered a more adventurous and cost-effective option, with the couple going into hiding and re-emerging to announce the marriage after it has already taken place. The event is viewed as a fun and lighthearted celebration of the union, with all parties involved participating in the joy and excitement.

The Balinese Households
While there are a considerable number of contemporary Balinese homes, a significant proportion of the island's residents still reside in traditional Balinese houses. In the streets of Ubud, for instance, the majority of homes are built following the conventional walled design.

Gender Roles in Bali
In Balinese society, there are specific tasks that are traditionally assigned to women, while others are reserved for men. Despite this division of labor, social life in Bali is relatively liberal and relaxed. This extends to leisure activities where gender roles also apply, with both men and women participating in dancing, but only men playing the gamelan. Nevertheless, one may come across female painters, sculptors, and woodcarvers in the present day.

Community Living
The Balinese community is characterized by an energetic and well-organized village life. It is almost impossible to be an unknown individual in Bali, as one is bound to form relationships with their neighbors, given the close-knit and interdependent nature of their lives.

Death and Cremation
Every stage of life in Bali is marked by ceremonies, with the last ceremony, the cremation, being the most significant of them all. A Balinese cremation is a magnificent and captivating event, characterized by an array of colors, noise, and excitement. The process of organizing a cremation can take years, during which the body is temporarily buried. A suitable day for the cremation must be selected, and for those who cannot afford an elaborate cremation, the option of joining in on a larger cremation for their loved ones is available. The cremation of a Brahman, however, must be conducted immediately. The Balinese put in immense effort to make the cremation a work of art, which, while ephemeral, showcases their incredible energy. More than just the body is burned during the cremation, as the spirit is also laid to rest. The body is carried in a high tower, made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk, cloth, mirrors, flowers, and other bright and colorful items, to the cremation ground. The size of the group carrying the tower is dependent on the status of the deceased. The journey to the cremation ground is a lively affair, with the tower being shaken, run in circles, spun around, and drenched with water to confuse the spirit and prevent it from finding its way back home. A priest may cling to the tower, sprinkling holy water, while a gamelan provides musical accompaniment. Tourists with cameras often get caught in the excitement, further highlighting the fact that ceremonies and religion in Bali are meant to be enjoyed. At the cremation ground, the body is transferred to a funeral sarcophagus, which varies depending on the caste of the deceased - a bull for a Brahmana, a winged lion for a Satria, and an elephant-fish for a Sudra. Nowadays, however, most people from higher castes use a bull sarcophagus. The entire tower, sarcophagus, and body are then burned, with the eldest son responsible for sifting through the ashes to ensure that no parts of the body remain unburned. After cremation, the soul is believed to ascend to a heaven that resembles Bali.

The Religion
The Balinese people are predominantly Hindu, however, their religious practices and beliefs differ greatly from the Hindu religion practiced in India. Unlike the Indian caste system, there is no division based on occupation or the notion of untouchables in Balinese Hinduism. The only aspect that reflects the caste system is the language, which has three tiers. 95% of the Balinese population practices Hindu Dharma and speak Low or Everyday Balinese when communicating with each other. Middle Balinese is used in formal settings or when speaking to people of a higher caste, while High Balinese is reserved for speaking to the highest class, the Brahmana or a priest. Despite the complexity of the language structure, most of the words used in Low and Middle Balinese are similar, with High Balinese being a mixture of Middle Balinese and the ancient Javanese language, Kawi.

In Balinese Hinduism, the trinity of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu are worshipped as manifestations of the Supreme God, Sanghyang Widhi. Other Indian gods such as Ganesha are also revered, but the island also has its own unique gods and spirits that are highly revered. The Balinese people have a strong belief in magic and the power of spirits, and much of their religion revolves around this. They believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains, while the seas are home to demons and ogres. Each village in Bali has at least three main temples - the Pura Puseh or temple of origin facing the mountains dedicated to the village's founders, the Pura Desa or village temple in the center dedicated to the village's welfare, and the Pura Dalem facing the sea dedicated to the spirits of the dead. In addition to these village temples, almost every household has its own shrine and there are monuments dedicated to the spirits of agriculture, art, and all aspects of life. Some temples, such as Pura Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung, hold great importance and attract worshippers from all over Bali.

In Balinese culture, offerings play a significant role in maintaining a harmonious relationship with the spirits and bringing prosperity and good health to families. Daily offerings of symbolic food, flowers, cigarettes, and money are made on shrines, in temples, outside houses and shops, and even at dangerous crossroads through the use of small offering trays known as canang sari.

Religious festivals are also an important aspect of Balinese life and serve as a means of appeasing the gods. Women participate in these festivals by carrying beautifully arranged pyramids of food, fruit, and flowers on their heads, while men may conduct a blood sacrifice through a cockfight. These festivals feature traditional dances and music, and the gods are invited to join in the celebrations. If you are in Bali during a festival, it is an exciting and unforgettable experience. However, it is important to remember that there are certain rules and customs that must be respected when participating in celebrations or entering a temple.