Bali

= **BALI, Indonesia ** = =//Welcome to Paradise// =

The **departure tax** is IDR 150,000 (about US$15).
 * NOTE:** There is a US$10 **VISA fee** upon arrival--payment in $US or Indonesian Rupiah only. There is a money changer near immigration if you don't have the correct currency.



__Locations to Stay: __

 * Ubud** (in the hills)
 * Sanur (**on the beach)
 * Kuta/Legian** (on the beach--young party crowds, "pushy" street vendors)

==__**Activities:** __== Bike Riding Shopping Crater Climbing Swimming Snorkeling Scuba Diving Surfing White Water Rafting

__Places to See: __
Beaches at Sunset Temples Crater Rice Fields Villages and Balinese Homes ==__Fun to Do and how to do it: __  ==

Biking
We went riding all through the back roads, through villages, past the rice fields, etc., and the company van followed us (for emergencies and water). This was by far the highlight of the trip for all of us. It lasted most of the day. Oh, and it's downhill most of the way :-) The company we used is:

Booking number: 97-5557 or (cell) 081-337-420-420
They have a couple of packages. We booked the //Cycling Tour.// The guides are very nice and informative. Picked us up at the hotel and the tour lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All gear supplied (including helmets). Breakfast and lunch and all the drinking water you need are included. You can go solo or in a group. About 8 people make up one group. I took this tour twice (15 months between visits) and the second tour was just as good as the first with some location changes to improve it. Lots of fun. Excellent experience. NOTE: bikes aren't always the best, but good enough.

You can book the day before from your hotel or from a tour agent. It costs about US$30/person. NOTE: there is more than one "biking" company but this one is good and reliable.


 US$35-40/person more info to come

Hire a Motorcycle...(with or without a driver) and explore
Most hotels can help you with this should you want a driver otherwise there are several businesses that hire out the bikes solo. Be certain to barter your price. We hired a couple of terrific, safe drivers to take us to the beach (one of the drivers worked at our hotel). Next time I'll try it on my own but for the first time it's a lot easier than getting lost on those back roads. Then again, worse things can happen :-)

__Hotels __

 * NOTE**//**:**// many people go to Bali without room reservations. They grab a cab at the airport and tell the driver what they're looking for, where they want to stay, and the amount they're willing to pay (or indicate 2-star, 3-star, etc). Ask the drivers to find you a good deal. They usually do. You can also book rooms at the airport. Bookings are outside the arrivals door.

//Ubud (in the hills)://
[|Yulia Village Inn] Phone: (+62) 973 258 We stayed here in January '08...found them at the airport where you can book hotels at any time of the year. Nice individual cottages. Quiet. We paid about US$55/night (2 beds +cot, arrived New Years Day) Located on Monkey Forest Road in the heart of Ubud

[|Artini 2] Phone: (+62) 361 978 424 Stayed here in April '09. Very nice place on Hanoman street, a major road in Ubud. To get better prices either book online ([|Artini 2] or [|Asia Rooms] ) or try bartering at the front desk (as with any place in Bali this sometimes works well, sometimes not). This hotel is difficult to book from the airport. For a single, deluxe, air con & fan room you can pay US$45+/night. Couples are looking at US$50+/night (season depending) Beautiful gardens, nice rooms, good pool. Well worth staying here.

Sanur (beach, South East Coast)
Haven't stayed there but did pop over for a couple of hours. It's an okay beach for a quick visit with typical shopping stalls and restaurants. Those who have stayed there say it's a VERY quiet area where one goes to get away from everything.

By: lori