11 Bali Travel Tips for a Bali holiday

1.Seasonal and weather change actually makes little difference so any period of the year is a perfect time to visit Bali, although it’s useful to check out the public holidays in Indonesia. On the month of Ramadan - Muslim fasting period, Bali gets busy and crowded as locals from neigbouring cities, fill resorts up and prices for accomodations escalate.

2.Bali can be really cheap with superb value, especially for budget accommodation and budget flights. Do book in advance to get a great deal for your accomodation and flights. Air Asia is well-known to provide cheap flights to Bali if you book early in advance. Do search through all the online travel agents for the best hotel prices before you book your accomodation online. For example, you can compare the prices of Bali Hotels here - Cheapest Bali Hotel Rates & Reviews of Bali Hotels

3. If you’re planning to surf, do check out Bali Surfing Report. It has useful information on surf camps, cheap boat charters, and surfers package deals to remote beaches in Bali with great waves such as Nusa Lembongan.

4.Treat your tastebuds for something different and try eating in a warung (small traditional roadside eateries). Although they may look unhygiene, trust me, they are safe to eat. They are REALLY cheap, no-frills hangouts all serving unique and different foods. The food is often displayed in glass cabinets out in front. Grab a seat, make a selection and get the real flavour of Bali and Balinese food real cheap.

5.To understand Balinese culture and life, visit Murni’s in Ubud, which have everything regarding Bali and Balinese, from explanations of Balinese names to what one wears to a ceremony.

6.If you're staying in luxury hotels, do consider staying in a Homestay where native Balinese families host you. It'll really make your trip more enjoyable and eye-awakening.

7.A little knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia will definitely take you a long way. "Selamat pagi" - good morning -, "tolong" -help or please-, and terima kasih -thank you-, for starters. Also, try memorising, "way say" which means toilet, "mana" means where, and "gimana caranya" which refers to "how to". For a fun introduction to the language, check out Bahasa Indonesia in 7 Days.

8.The best way to see Bali and travel around is with your own transport. Get a map or GPS and drive, hire a guide driver or rent a Bike.

9.Getting tired of hawkers bugging you to buy something? Do you know that there is an invisible line on the beach of Kuta that hawkers are not allowed to cross? Be a lil' bit cheeky and park yourself closer to the sea. You won’t be hassled anymore.

10.Bargaining while shopping is a MUST. It is part of the whole shopping experience so don't be shy and BARGAIN. Get into the swing of things and test your "Bargaining Art". However don’t get too carried away until you've made a fool of yourself. If you do so, suddenly you'll find out that you've spent the past 10 minutes quibbling over 50 cents. Use your instincts and logic.

11.To really ensure that you enjoy your holiday, do read "Bali Travel Guide For First-Timers" which is really useful and essential.

Do comment if you have any ideas to contribute or if you have any questions.. Happy Bali-ing!


Anastasia Fiatmita - About the Author:
Anastasia Fiatmita was crowned Miss Bali 2003 and Miss Indonesia Tourism 2004. Born and bred in Bali, she now blogs regularly on Bali for tourists and travelers.
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Bali Surf Travel - Bali Surf Guide

Bali Surf Travel - Bali Surfing

POSTED BY JASA IJAZAH

Surfing In Bali
Bali Surfing Report - Bali have always been the established destination for those who want to surf in Indonesia. Bali Island boasts over 20 top quality breaks on the southwest and southeast coasts of the island and around the Bukit (Uluwatu) Peninsula. Some of beaches, like Padang Padang and Uluwatu, are well-known world class reef-breaks. Others range from smaller waves on the beach-breaks around Kuta and Sanur to serious heavy, sucking waves in Uluwatu.


Having so many surfing spots options available within such a short distance to the Kuta and Legian beach area means that after your surf you can return to a plush hotel and enjoy a long, lazy meal, lounge by the pool, take a nap in an air conditioned room and watch cable TV. Alternatively you can party at the discos each night, enjoy some of the local brew, all of which has definite appeal after having an exciting surfing session.

The surf in Bali Island is generally not huge but it is mostly in the 2-6 foot range (shoulder-high to double overhead). Larger waves can occur on some of the exposed reefs such as Padang Padang and Uluwatu, but a mellower surf break can always be found in Kuta, Sanur or Amed by anyone who wishes to avoid life-threatening conditions. Bali has surf breaks that are facing towards the east and west coastlines and because of this, an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day.


If you are a serious surfer and want to have more "space" while surfing, Bali will be the right choice for you. This is because of the numerous surf breaks with the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is very possible to find many spots to surf with only a small crowd of surfers around.


The peak of the surfing season for Bali is in April - October when solid swells are produced by the roaring 40's and can be surfed on the reefs around Kuta, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Unlike most other cities in Indonesia which are mostly heavy reef breaks, Bali also have a lot of beach-breaks on offer which are less likely to cause a surfer of novice or intermediate ability to get injured which can happen on the larger waves on the reef-breaks.

Surfing in Bali began in the 1930s; from then on, Bali's top surfing spots have been a major part of Bali's cachet as a top notch tourist destination.

Bali's small size and unique geography means you don’t have to go far to find the surfing conditions you like. The variety of surfing conditions also promises a good time for veterans and newbies alike.

Finally, Bali’s position in the southern Indian Ocean ensures the arrival of swells all year round - a godsend to surfers who desperately need an off-season fix.
Bali Surfing Seasons

In July, the water is cool, the skies are clear, and the western side of the island get favorable trade winds. Strong offshore winds contribute to the big swells rushing up to the west coast.
From December to March, the rainy season hits and the wind shifts to favor the eastern side of the island.
Medewi Beach

Medewi Beach appeals to less experienced or ambitious surfers with its softer and more workable left-hand breaks. The beach is lined with restaurants and hotels, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

The best surfing conditions in Medewi happen at high tide when you can catch an eight-foot swell on a good day.
Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: April-October
Canggu

Canggu is a short motorcycle drive from Kuta. It’s all things to all surfers depending on the time of year – big barrels for the expert, tame rolling waves for the beginner, and everything in between. Just watch out for the undertow and jagged reef bottom.
Wave Direction: Left and right
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Kuta

Kuta's crowds and intense development might make you forget that this is where surfing first found its footing in Bali.

Surfing newbies can take advantage of the many surfing schools, stores, and rentals in the area. The waves, too, are friendly to the beginner, with extremely consistent and forgiving beach breaks.

At high tide, expert surfers can take advantage of Kuta Beach’s long stretch of sand bar breaks to try multiple maneuvers in succession.
Wave Direction: Left and right
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-6 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Bingin

Bingin’s hollow, fast barrel is addictive for experienced surfers who know how to handle it. However, expect competition from every visitor and local for all the barrels they can score for the day.

You should also watch out for the "stop sign", the raised coral that has prematurely ended many a great surfing vacation for visiting surfers. Take Bingin for what it is, a short left-hand wave that can cost you if you try to get more out of it than you deserve!
Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: SW
Swell Size: 3-6 feet
Ideal Tide: Low-Mid Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Dreamland

Dreamland is tamer than the other Bukit surf spots, attracting surfers who want to avoid the heavy waves and sharp rocks of Bingin and Uluwatu. Dreamland’s relatively mellow breaks and beautiful scenery combine to give the place its well-deserved name.

Beginning surfers can take on Dreamland at mid-tide on the beach break that’s more forgiving of the occasional wipeout. Its outer reefs can be really challenging at the right time of the year at low tide, when big swells can create some really sweet barrels.
Wave Direction: Left & right
Swell Direction: NW
Swell Size: 3-12 feet
Ideal Tide: Low Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Uluwatu

Uluwatu has been attracting surfers since the Seventies. Uluwatu's five breaks offer surfers consistent swells with multiple chances to show off their skills. Not surprisingly, the place has grown quite crowded over the years!

Uluwatu provides the most exhilarating challenge during monsoon season, when the biggest swells hit the island. The temptation of taking on those fifteen-foot waves should be tempered by knowledge of the dangerous conditions – don’t leave shore without a big board and a sturdy leash.
Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 4-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Nusa Dua

Newbies be warned: Nusa Dua’s shallow, sharp reef bottom and powerful, huge right-hand waves should be left to the experts. Nusa Dua is always ready with a wave on hand, the biggest and baddest ones in town at about fifteen feet on a good day.

Nusa Dua is Bali’s best rainy season surfing destination, peaking between October and April with good access at any time of the year.

If you want to save yourself the effort of paddling out to the break, some local fishermen may give you a lift for 5,000rp (about $0.50).
Wave Direction: Right
Swell Direction: SE/S/SW
Swell Size: 5-15 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to Mid Tide
Ideal Season: October-April
Padang Padang

The "Bali Pipeline"'s surprising ferocity keeps professional surfers on their toes with huge swells and gigantic barrels that are about as fun to watch as they are to surf.

The downside: a wipeout here is more painful than most, as the sharp reef bottom and powerful create board-breaking, flesh-shredding situations that no one should attempt at low tide. Avoid if you’re a beginner, take precautions if you’re an expert.
Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: SW/S
Swell Size: 3-12 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September
Balangan

Balangan at high tide is great for beginners, who can easily ride this reef break’s long left-hand waves. On really good days, the big waves provide an irresistible challenge to expert surfers.

The vibe at Balangan is friendly and low-key, with less competition due to the smaller crowds compared to Kuta and Uluwatu.
Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 3-10 feet
Ideal Tide: Low-Mid-tide
Ideal Season: May-September



The surf is always up in Bali, the Island of the Gods! Regardless of where you originate from, you will feel the mystique of surfing in Bali's beaches with so many exotic locations available for you. You can choose from white sands, black sands, amazing scenery, traditional fisherman and fishing villages which all add to the unique experience that comes with Surfing in Bali.

So what do you say? Do let me know of what you think about surfing in bali or regarding Bali itself alright :)

If you are still confused about Bali, you can have a rough idea and great insight into bali over here at - Bali Starter Kit and do read Essential Bali Information which will definitely be a great help for your Bali holiday.

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LABELS: BALI, SURF, SURFING

5 Credit Card Tips for the World Traveler

Credit card acceptance continues to rise in almost every corner of the globe, but with many cards, that convenience can come at a cost. Here are five ways to be smarter about using your credit card overseas.

By Zach Honig
September 27, 2010

There's no question that cash is still king in many countries, but the widespread use of credit cards in more-developed nations has led to an increase in acceptance of Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards everywhere from Tulum to Timbuktu.

Credit card fraud is an even bigger issue overseas than it is at home, however, and foreign transaction fees can easily add up. Here are five tips to keep in mind before your next trip across the pond.

1. Watch out for foreign transaction fees. Don't expect to swipe your card abroad without your card issuer taking a cut of your $50 olive wood wine bottle holder in Athens. Or that $25 Hard Rock Café shirt you couldn't leave behind in Sydney. Card issuers call these foreign transaction fees -- 1 percent for MasterCard and Visa, and a whopping 2.7 percent for American Express transactions abroad. Keep in mind that MasterCard and Visa fees may be even higher depending on your issuing bank, so be sure to call ahead to check on fees when you're taking care of tip number two.

2. Phone ahead. Don't board your flight without first calling your credit card issuer. Inform the customer service representative of your trip dates and the countries you plan to visit while abroad. Identity thieves can capture your credit card information in the U.S. and produce a duplicate card overseas, so banks have become increasingly vigilant when it comes to international transactions.

You may also need to call ahead before making purchases that are processed abroad, or prepaying for tours or hotels before you travel, as these may appear as foreign transactions. Also confirm your mobile phone number with the representative, just in case the bank needs to reach you while you're traveling.

3. Keep records. Each year, I return from at least one trip to find a charge I don't recognize. Typically, the fee is much higher than the amount I thought I had paid at the time. Be sure to keep every receipt from your transactions abroad, and convert the amount charged to U.S. dollars -- banks process transactions using real-time currency rates. This way, there aren't any surprises when you return home.

It's also critical to write down essential account information before leaving home, just in case you lose a card while you're abroad. Even better: take a picture of the front and back of each card and e-mail a copy to yourself and a trusted friend or relative. This can help you save money on phone calls when you cancel your cards and request a replacement.

4. Bring multiple cards. There's a fairly good chance that you won't run into any problems while using your cards abroad, but some vendors may not accept certain cards. In Europe, for example, chip-and-PIN cards are becoming more popular but most U.S. banks haven't quite caught on. In case you lose your wallet, it also never hurts to have a backup to keep in the hotel safe. If you have multiple bank accounts, bring more than one ATM card as well so you won't run into any issues with tip number five.

5. Use cash. There are obvious incentives to charging purchases to a credit card -- earning miles, purchase protection, etc. -- but in many cases, these perks don't make up for the foreign transaction fees charged by your card issuer. You won't run into any issues when it comes time to pay if you're able to present cold hard cash.

ATM withdrawals and cash advances at banks typically offer the best exchange rates -- avoid using private currency conversion services such as Travelex in the airport -- and some banks even have no-fee agreements with banks in the U.S. (Bank of America customers receive free withdrawals at China Construction Bank, for example.) Keep in mind that your bank may have daily ATM withdrawal limits.

I also never leave home without enough cash to make it to the nearest U.S. Embassy. I don't care if that means a two-day trek through the desert on a donkey -- there's always enough cash (in U.S. dollars) tucked away in a sock to get me home.

Bonus Travel Tip: Some card issuers offer additional benefits when you book travel using your card, such as lost baggage reimbursement and emergency cash transfers. Discuss these benefits with your bank when informing a representative about upcoming travel.