Cheap Hotels in Bali

::: For backpackers who have a ‘very’ tight budget, no needs to worry since there are a lot of cheap hotels in Bali. Hence, you may save up your ‘dollar’ for other things and extend you holiday for a couple more days. The place could be not as comfortable as five stars hotels (considering the price, of course), but at least it is still comfortable enough for a place to sleep and rest.

Listed below are some places where you; the backpackers may go for a perfect gateway.
In Kuta area, Poppies lane I & II could be the perfect place for the backpackers. It is still located in the center of Kuta however you need a little walk to get there. The room rates are starting from IDR 150.000 (around US $ 15) to IDR 300.000 (around US $ 30) per room per night inclusive the tax and breakfast (real cheap, isn’t?). Please note, for you guys who love night life, do not go anywhere else because you are in the right place, believe me!


In Ubud, the place will be more calm compare to Kuta. They have a lot of very cheap bungalows which usually managed by the local. Sometimes it is located inside of the local’s house (good for them who would like to experience the traditional Balinese life). Kajeng Street is the great escape to avoid the busy road of Ubud (in fact it is not as crowded as kuta). In this street, you may find more than 50 bungalows with affordable price start from IDR 175.000 up to IDR 350.000 per room per night include breakfast. The situation is very comfortable and cozy and some of them have a swimming pool too.

Beside Kajeng Street, Monkey forest road also offer you many cheap hotels. However, it is located on the main road so it could be a little bit noisy in the afternoon. But the good thing, it is only need 15 minutes walk to get to the Monkey Forest (yes, you can see the monkey there). So, it is time for you to decide where you are headed to.

There are some tips for the backpackers to control your budget:

  • Stay in the bungalow or other cheap hotels.
  • Never consume the mini bar in the room (beside the price is killing you), there are loads of mini mart outside.
  • Rent your own vehicle to explore the land (it’s really cheap though) instead of hiring a driver.
  • Eat in local warung, the price is affordable and the taste is good too.
  • Make friend with the local, thus you can get cheaper price for (almost) everything.
  • Go to the bar on ladies night you will get free entrance (ladies only).

Food, Food, & Food...


:::: Spoil your stomach and forget your weight on holiday that is my suggestion. Enjoy every second of your holiday by tasting every kind of cuisines since different places have their own special food. So does Bali. Balinese foods usually a bit spicy and it could be a great experience for you to try food that you never imagine before.

Suckling pig a.k.a babi guling is one of the most favorite Balinese foods for the visitor. And warung Ibu Oka in Ubud is the most ‘looked for’ warung which sell this Balinese-style roast piglet. Line up and find a place at the communal table under the shelter for one of the best meals you’ll have in Ubud. Fine dining Balinese restaurant could be found in Nusa Dua called Bumbu bali restaurant. It provides loads of local foods i.e. satay (grilled meat put in a stick), lawar (vegetables mixed with spices and raw animal blood), ares (boiled young banana trunk cooked with local spices), etc. Moreover, don’t forget to try nasi goreng (fried rice) and nasi campur (mix rice) that you can find everywhere on the island.

Beside the local food, many different cuisines from all over the world also available here in Bali. Mozaic restaurant in ubud and Café Warisan in seminyak are some of the examples which serve you the most delicious French food on the island. A setting facing to the rice field might increase your appetite. A beach front restaurant & bar called Ku De Ta in seminyak is the perfect spot to enjoy your evening while drink in the cigar bar and ponders the gorgeous sunset over the beach. The menu is a creative fusion mix and the service is professional.

Moreover, for the seafood lovers have to go to Jimbaran bay where it provides you fresh barbecued seafood every evening (and many are also open for lunch). The simple open-sided shacks are right by the beach and perfect for enjoying sea breezes and sunset. The usual deal is to select your seafood fresh from the ice bucket and pay according to the weight.
Please note for the food hunters, you may go to Laksamana Street which known as ‘eat street’ where you can find load options of cuisine from Japanese, Moroccan, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Thai, International, Balinese, or even Indian food.
So, it’s up to you what food you want to taste today!
Bon appetite everybody…


For more information, contact me:
mobile : +62 81 338 510199
email : hansamu_coledesu@yahoo.com

The Temples

::: ‘Bali, the island of thousand temples’, that’s how the visitors called it. No wander; (since almost 90% of the inhabitants are Hindus) there are a lot of temples spreading all around Bali. Start from the simple one to the special and unique temples which have a strong historical background and prayed by all Hindus in Bali.Besakih temple as the biggest temple in Bali, called Pura Ibu which means the centre of all temples in Bali. It is located in the slope of Mt Agung, 1000m above the sea level in Rendang, Karangasem. The history begun when a holy person of Shiva, Sri Markandya in the 8th century led some people to held a celebration of 5 different metals ‘Panca Datu’ (gold, silver, iron, copper, and pure stone) in a small place in the slope of Mt Agung. Latter, the people build a temple in that place which called Basukian and now known as Besakih.Tanah Lot temple could be an interesting place to visit. This temple is stand stately on the reef outside the sea. It is one of the important temple in Bali due to it has a strong relationship with all of the temples along the southern beaches beside it is the perfect spot to see the beautiful sunset of Bali. It had been said that this temple was built in the 16th century as a command from Dhang Hyang Nirartha, a great holy person whom came from East Java to Bali to explore the Island.There are other more interesting temples in Bali such as Uluwatu, Gunung Kawi, Goa Gajah, etc.


For more information, contact me:
mobile : +62 81 338 510199
email : hansamu_coledesu@yahoo.com

Shop 'till Drop


:::: Holiday is not complete without shopping. Souvenirs for your family or friends are easily found in Bali. Loads of options are available. Traditional souvenirs can be found in the art market (Sukawati art market is suggested) or even in traditional one. Furniture, wood carving, stone carving, and silver and gold jewelries are available at several villages on your way to Ubud. Yet in Ubud you may discover almost every kind of arts (however they are specializing in paintings).Kuta will be another perfect spot to spend your dollars. Channel, Dolce and Gabanna, Prada and other international brands are everywhere. Moreover, the surf shops are almost along the roads of Legian and Kuta. A beachfront mall; Discovery Kartika Plaza shopping Mall (also known as Centro) has been officially opened recently which has a wide range of designer label boutiques and other luxury outlets. Please note, you can bargain until 50% except in the mall where they already have the fix price. Lets shopping then!


For more information, contact me:
mobile : +62 81 338 510199
email : hansamu_coledesu@yahoo.com

Bali Beaches

:::: Beach is the first thing that comes up on my mind when I think about Bali. Bali has many both white and black sandy beaches. The famous Kuta beach just one of the examples; which has earned a reputation as a beach of paradise and attracts surfers, swimmers and sunbathers of all ages. Moreover, it is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Or may be Jimbaran beach that facing to Indonesian ocean, where the tourists are drawn by its beauty and also come here to enjoy the sea food from the superb restaurants along the beach.Are you a professional surfer? No need to worry, Dreamland and Padang-padang beaches can fulfill your passion in surfing with their 3 meters waves. In other side of the land we have Lembongan beach which is one of the most popular destinations for day trips in Bali as well as a perfect spot for diving. So, have you decided where would you like to go???

For more information:
Mobile : + 62 81 338 51 0199
Email : hansamu_coledesu@yahoo.com

Essential tips for first time visitors

:::: For the first time visitors, you have to pay attention to some tips below to have a smooth and great holiday in Bali.
DO:
  • Change money at a reputable looking location, used your own (or hotel’s) calculator before changing!
  • Put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
  • Drink a lot bottled water and eat a lot fresh fruit – do your body a favor.
  • Be careful with your belonging at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
  • Try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them since its important for Hindus in Bali).
  • Always wear sarong when enter the temple or attend some ceremony.
  • Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don’t honk!
  • Haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).
  • Provide IDR 150.000 per person for departure tax at the Airport (no USD, no Credit Card).

DON'T:

  • Don’t swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
  • Don’t do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Government prison service.
  • Don’t touch people’s head-it is very offensive to Hindus.
  • Don’t shake left handed, sometime this not polite.
  • Don’t enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
  • Don’t forget to put salt on your food and drink water – you will probably sweat a lot.
  • Don’t forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may NOT!
  • Don’t forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Otherwise you want to extend your stay.

Well then, have a nice holiday...

Night Life Hunters

:::: It’s time to party. Night life and bars are located around Kuta area, Seminyak, and Legian village. Normally, the bars open at 7pm yet starting busy around 11pm. Every bar offer you different things start from live music, sexy and fire dancers or even stripper (even though it’s not that transparent; you can ask to the local though). Double six roads is one of the famous places for the night life lovers. Besides it’s located in the beachfront, they also invite abroad DJ to light up the room (almost every weekend). Dhyana Pura road also can be other options (good for you the gays and lesbians) as they are ‘kind of’ specialize on that. If you like the crowd, Friday and Saturday night will be the perfect time for you to go out. So, let’s party till dawn and get drunk guys…