Bali

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  • Pro biotic - Given all of the bugs in Bali I would recommend taking a strong pro biotic or Yakult in the lead up to your trip.
  • Mosquitos - Mosquitos in Bali are insane, they are a lot bigger than the ones in Australia and I swear they are superhuman. The mosquito repellent sold in Bali is pretty much just water so I would strongly recommend bringing your own when you visit.
  • Hand Sanitiser - This stuff will be your best friend. Make sure you have a bottle on you wherever you go. Before you eat or drink anything make sure you use it! (This is starting to sound so grim but its better to be safe than sorry!)
  • Water - It isn't safe to drink any water from the tap in Bali. Make sure you head to the circle k (Bali's equivalently to a 7/11) and pick up some large bottles of water. The hotel normally has bottles in the bathroom to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth. If you order water from the restaurants or cafes they come in bottles so they are safe to drink
  • Taxi - If you are taking a taxi by yourself I would strongly recommend getting into a "blue bird" taxi - do not confuse this with a Bali taxi. Blue bird taxi's are super safe and always use their taxi meters. Other Bali taxi's are fine when in groups but they have a tendency to be cheeky and not turn on their meters and ask for extravagant fares. Whenever you jump into a taxi make sure you are firm and make them put on their meter.
  • Driver - If you choose to go on a day trip its best to book a driver. Daily rates are around $50-70 Australian (500-700k rupiah) .
  • Money Changers - Cash is the main form of currency in Bali however in the restaurants/cafes most of them take card. The money changes can be quite hit and miss. The changers like to confuse you with all of he 00's and tend to short change you. Never fear, there are some reliable money changes, particularly the BMC across the road from the Bintang Supermarket (in Seminyak). If you choose to hire Made for the day he will be able to take you to a reliable changer.
  • Phone Sim Card - If you want to use your phone in Bali you may wish to buy a Indonesian sim card. You can buy these at any of the circle k stores.
  • Chargers - Indonesia has a different power plug than Australia, so make sure you buy a converter!

Places to go

  • Uluwatu - This is an area to the south of the island. The beaches are the BEST in Bali. What I would do is organise a driver for the day and ​they can take you to the beaches padang padang, dreamland and blue point (blue point being the best, I wouldn’t go to Bali without going here!!!). Make sure you sit at blue point at the bar for lunch - best view ever. Also make your way down the cliff side and to the bottom, the beach is beautiful, make sure you go at low tide though.
  • ​Seminyak Beach - Spend the day by the beach and learn to surf! Be warned, the locals try to charge you ridiculous amounts of money for a sun bed. After 3pm all the beachside restaurants lay out HUNDREDS of bean bags. Spend one afternoon, sitting here and enjoying the sunset. You won't regret it
  • Ubud - Similar to Uluwatu, you'll have to organise a driver for the day. Make sure to go to the Monkey Temple and Rice Paddy Fields.
  • Massages - You have to try at least one spa treatment. Affordable ones I like are Spa Bali (they have a few stores) and Body Works.
  • Waterbom Bali - If you like waterparks, this place is the BEST. It's rated the 2nd best waterpark in the world.

Places to eat

  • Ku de ta - This is a beach club/restaurant. Absolutely gorgeous place to watch the sunset
  • Potato Head - This place is the best. Awesome vibe, delicious food and amazing drinks. There are 3 restaurants in here so keep that in mind.
  • Motel Mexicola - This place is the best, the decor and vibe is incredible. It is owned by an Aussie who also owns the bondi bucket list and a cool cafe at palm beach. Make sure you go for dinner or lunch, as soon turns into a dance floor!
  • Sea Circus - Mexican place, would be a place to go for lunch
  • Revolver Espresso - Best coffee in Bali! Can be quite hard to find but you should be able to google maps
  • Petinget - Great for breakfast and lunch
  • La Plancha - This is one of the restaurants on Seminyak Beach. You sit in bean bags and watch the sunset. The place is super colourful, you won't miss it. You will have hawkers from the beach come up to you and try to sell you stuff but don't let this deter you. Great for sunset drink.
  • Barbacoa - great place for dinner all barbecued food
  • Sardine - Restaurant on the rice fields, really beautiful
  • Mamasan - Delicious Asian food. One of my favourite places to eat - make sure you book!
  • Sarong - Sister restraint of Mamasan also delicious!
  • W Hotel Sunday Brunch - This is a little pricey but worth it. The food is incredible and its a smorgasbord of everything and anything that you could ever imagine eating. Make sure that you book!!
  • Grain - Great cheap place in Seminyak for breakfast or lunch!

Places to Party

  • Ku De Ta
  • Potato Head
  • Motel Mexicola
Ameya Avasare