| Browse through any of the well known travel | | | | perfectly acceptable to barter in the local markets |
| magazines and you're sure to find Bali, Indonesia, | | | | and stalls, but don't try it in the larger department |
| listed among the top 10 travel destinations in the | | | | stores - the sales assistant may be quite |
| world. | | | | offended. |
| With its exotic blend of ancient culture, majestic | | | | 7. Hawkers will descend on you from the moment |
| scenery, the world's finest hotels and the warmth | | | | you step outside your hotel, particularly if you are |
| of the tropical oceans surrounding the island | | | | located in one of the major tourist areas. |
| paradise, it's hardly surprising. | | | | Although it may seem rude to you, the best |
| Bali is located in the Indonesian archipelago only | | | | advice is to ignore them altogether. Don't make |
| eight degrees south of the Equator. The island | | | | eye contact or slow down to look at the |
| measures 90 kilometres (55 miles) from north to | | | | merchandise they are selling unless you are |
| south and 140 kilometres (90 miles) from east to | | | | interested in purchasing something, or being |
| west, making it easy to go out for an excursion | | | | distracted for what may seem an eternity trying |
| anywhere in Bali and return to your hotel by | | | | to get rid of them. |
| nightfall. | | | | 8. Beware of counterfeit goods unless that is |
| Towering volcanic peaks that rise mystically | | | | what you're looking for. Bali is well known for its |
| through the clouds, terraced rice paddies carved | | | | knock-offs and you can buy anything from fake |
| into the mountainous landscape, iridescent crater | | | | Rolex's to fake Rayban's at the local markets. |
| lakes, lush tropical rain forests and sandy white | | | | 9. It's likely you may be offered illicit drugs in the |
| beaches lapped by warm ocean currents are only | | | | highly populated tourist spots. Ecstasy, pot, yabba |
| a few of the wonders that draw millions of | | | | (crystal meth) and shabu-shabu |
| visitors to this tiny island each year. | | | | (methamphetamines) are the most popular drugs |
| Bali Tricks for First Time Travellers | | | | on offer in nightclubs and on the beaches, |
| Let's look at some valuable travel tips to help you | | | | particularly in the Kuta area. |
| experience the very best that Bali has to offer: | | | | If you don't want to become another high-profile |
| 1. Bali's tropical weather means that travel at any | | | | drug case, simply ignore the offers. |
| time of the year is suitable, however its best to | | | | 10. Bali locals are among the most friendly and |
| check when the major Indonesian holiday periods | | | | relaxed people you will find anywhere in the world, |
| and religious ceremonies occur to avoid the influx | | | | but that doesn't mean you can drop your guard |
| of domestic tourists. | | | | when it comes to scams and rip-offs. |
| 2. Bali accommodation offers superb value, | | | | Be wary of moneychangers who offer you |
| particularly if you are travelling on a budget. To | | | | amazingly good rates for exchanging foreign |
| ensure you get the best value for money, book | | | | currency, touts who offer you the cheapest ride |
| ahead. | | | | to your destination without confirming a fixed |
| 3. Getting around in Bali can be quite an | | | | price and anyone who wants the money before |
| experience, to say the least! Road rules are | | | | handing over the goods. |
| nonexistent and traffic can be downright | | | | 11. And perhaps the best tip for new travelers to |
| dangerous. Don't assume that traffic will stop for | | | | Bali is the one that is bound to be least successful |
| you at a pedestrian crossing if you are on foot. If | | | | -- don't look like a tourist! |
| you are driving, the best piece of advice is to | | | | This sage piece of advice is written almost |
| paraphrase a famous saying, "When in Bali, drive | | | | tongue-in-cheek because the diminutive, friendly |
| like the Balinese." | | | | Balinese bear no resemblance whatsoever to their |
| 4. Many of the luxury Bali hotels and villas will | | | | much larger framed Western neighbours. Not only |
| organize a driver for you, or you may choose to | | | | that, our cultures are vastly different and so is |
| hire a bicycle if you don't have far to travel. | | | | our language. The most you could possibly hope |
| 5. As a tourist, you are bound to be hassled by | | | | for is to look like an ex-pat from your native |
| local drivers shouting "Transport?" wherever you | | | | country who has chosen to live an idyllic lifestyle |
| go. If you wish to hire a local driver, make sure | | | | on the island. |
| he is clear about where you want to go and | | | | However, a couple of words of Bahasa will help |
| arrange a fixed price before you get in the car. | | | | with that "Oh, I've lived here for years" attitude. |
| Drivers are keen to barter with you, so it is | | | | Selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and |
| customary to bargain until you get a price you | | | | terima kasih (thank you) will take you a long way |
| are comfortable with. | | | | in East-West relations. |
| 6. And while we're on the subject of bartering, it's | | | | |