Shopping In Bali- Bali And It's Art Of Shopping

POSTED BY JASA IJAZAH 

Bali And It's Art Of Shopping

In Bali, shopping is not simply going into a shop, choose something off the shelf and paying for it. In every traditional market, art shops or simply clothing shops around Bali, bargaining is a must! In fact, in Bali, we call shopping an art and bargaining a skill that we have to master!

Even if you're not a seasoned negotiator, be prepared to enjoy the bargaining process. It is definitely fun! Just be patient and for sure, you'll find good buys with the best prices! If you're lucky, you may even get away with cheaper prices than what the Balinese normally gets! In some places you can bargain until you get 50% discount. Always start by bargaining at 30% of the price. Yes 30%! It's the norm so don't be shy. Walk away if they don't want to bargain, until you get the price you want or at least 75% of the price they quote at the beginning.

Shopping and bargaining this way makes your shopping in Bali very fun. You can feel the warmth of human value in all your shopping transactions. However, do take note, before you embark on your shopping adventure in Bali, please have cash with you because most places do not accept credit cards unless you're in shopping malls.

I recall seeing a Dutch lady negotiating for an umbrella on Kuta beach. She did extremely well in the bargaining process. Instead of paying Rp 30,000, she paid only Rp 5000! Yes at only 1/6 of the initial price quoted. She was so happy and walked away smilling gleefully. Isn't that the main quintessence of bargaining? To be happy with your purchase and satisfied with the price. So where can you go to spend your Rupiah?
Do read my article on "Bali Shopping Destination" and "Bali Travel Guide" to ensure you enjoy shopping in Bali and you have a blast in Bali!

Bali Discount Hotels | Bali Travel Deals | Bali Hotel Reviews | Bali Culture Shock | Bali Vacation Information | Bali Holiday Contest | Bali Balinese Food | Bali Dream Villa | Bali Shopping Destination | Bali Shopping Guide | AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Bali | Bali Photos | Bali Balinese Culture | Bali Holiday Information | Murni Ubud | Bali Rainy Season | Bali Travel Tips | Tanah Lot Bali | Bali Travel Guide | Bali Bombings | Uluwatu Bali | Balinese Dance | Balinese | Amed | Cheapest Bali Hotels | Bali Travel | Bali Villa | Bali Resorts | Bali Price Information | Bali Culture Shock |  Bali Surf 

   
LABELS: BALI, BALI SHOPPING, BALI TRAVEL, shopping, buying trip, bali shopping, bali deals, BALI TRAVEL GUIDE

Bali Travel Guide With Attractions In Bali For Bali Newbie

POSTED BY ANASTASIA @ BALI
Bali Travel Guide Advice And Attactions In Bali For First Time Visitors To Bali

So When Should You Travel To Bali?

I will always recommend all my friends, colleagues and associates to visit Bali during the dry season in May-July, the best period to visit Bali in terms of weather. However, preferences may differ depending on the type of tourist you are, surfers like it bright and sunny while explorers and newly-weds prefer the weather to be cool. During May-July, the beaches in the western part of Bali is known to have beautiful waves which surfers like! My best recommendation is to check on the weather forecast for the days when you'll be visiting Bali and plan accordingly. I noticed that most Aussies travel to Bali during Christmas and May-August during their school breaks. Europeans normally in June-July. However, no matter who you are and where you're from always remember to book your flight tickets and accomodation early so that you can get better prices. Do visit BALI HOTELS REVIEW to get UNBIASED &HONEST hotel reviews in Bali.

With the mentally spiritual destination in Bali lying in the mountains, the tourist heart of the island lies in the south, where major tourist destinations in Bali are located. They are Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua. This is the main destination or at least the embarking point for the majority of visitors, especially those arriving by air. Those staying in any of the above-mentioned areas will find it quite easy to make day trips to most of the popular tourist destinations, including Gunung Agung and Besakih temple, Kintamani, Lovina Beach, Candidasa, and Ubud, the main art hub in Bali and for the Balinese. However... Please do make sure that you allocate at least 2 days for UBUD, to get a real feel of the Balinese culture, arts and attractions. Ubud is the main cultural heart for Bali.

Bali's timezone is +8 hours, same as Singapore, Bangkok and Malaysia's timezone and 1 hour ahead of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. Bali's main currency is Ruppiah (IDR) with denomination notes of Ruppiah 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 denominations. USD or United States Dollar $ is also widely acceptable in Bali. Normal changing rate is IDR 10,000 for USD $1.

What Should I Do In Bali?

I say.. you MUST watch the Balinese Dance, a pillar and famous Balinese Culture. Balinese Dances have historically played an important role in Balinese society. Through this art, people learn about the tales of the Ramayana, Mahabarata and other epic stories from Balinese history. Balinese dance never fails to awe the audience including myself, a native Balinese and they never fail to put a smile on my face :) A place i'll recommend is Lotus Pond Restaurant in Ubud. The settings of the garden in Lotus Pond Restaurant (Jalan Raya, Ubud) is a beautiful environment where you can watch TRADITIONAL & ORIGINAL Balinese Dance. The Thursday night performance by Balinese kids from the age of 9-18 is DEFINITELY charming and enchanting. Entrance fee is Rp 50,000 for a 75mins dance show which starts normally at 7.30pm. The only problem is during the rainy season when a sudden downpour may mean they dash up to perform in a hall at the back – but trust me, that’s interesting itself and you still get to experience the beautiful Balinese Dance.

Next on the list, I normally bring my visiting friends and associates for some monkeying around in Bali's Monkey Forest - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud; 62-361-971304; www.monkeyforestubud.com). The monkeys, being Ubud's most beloved residents, live in a dense forest to the south of Ubud, complete with their own temple. If you go to the Monkey Forest, just be careful, particularly with regards to your children. The monkeys go for 'bright' - glasses, cameras, watches, jewellery and can rip bags of peanuts out of your or your child's hand. Not to forget.. leave your bananas and never buy bananas on your way to the Monkey Forest. While this can be amusing for your kids, it can also be distressing if the monkey escapes with your goods or worst still, an experience that my own brother will never forget whereby he got attacked by the playful but fierce Monkeys which leave his arm torn and bleeding badly. He ended up getting 12 stitches on his arms and vow that he'll never bring banana's again, even if it's for the monkeys.. Hehehe... Admission is 10,000 rupiah, or about $1 at 10,000 rupiah to the dollar.

My favourite activity in Ubud itself is to experience Ayung River.. Wanna know why most of the expensive luxury hotels in Ubud are built along this river? Just one answer and that is, THE VIEWS ARE SIMPLY AWE-INSPIRING AND GORGEOUS!!! See it for yourself and click on that cameras so that you can boast to your friends and family that will definitely make them wanna visit Bali! Don't forget to get yourself wet in these naturally beautiful clean river in Ubud which will definitely gives you good memories of Ubud! Hehe.. Do climb aboard a rubber raft while you're in Ayung River and watch the waterfalls with thick vines along the low-flying swallows go by. Bali Adventure Tours (0361-721480, www.baliadventuretours.com) runs 90-minute trips down the river starting at $60 for a morning trip that includes a basic lunch of rice and egg rolls.

After some monkeying around and getting wet in the rivers of Ubud, you should pamper yourself with a Balinese Massage (Do read What Is Balinese Massage to get an idea of a Balinese Massage) Don't worry, it won't burn a hole in your pockets.. My elders always remind me that four hands beat two hand :) so why not book a four-handed massage at Spa Hati (Jln Raya Andong no. 14, Peliatan, Ubud; 0361-977-578), a massage salon with stone and thatched-roof compound at the edge of Ubud. I recommend you to try the four-handed massage packet with "Lulur", a traditional Javanese body scrub using blends of rice flour and secret herbs — 90minutes massage packet for only Rp 225,000. After the massage, the unhurried staff lets you relax for as long as you want in the hot tub, listening to little frogs make big noises in the rice paddy next door. And about that cheap labor: spa profits help support the Bali Hati Foundation, a non-profit organization that runs community programs and help the needy Balinese, including building a school for the local less-privileged kids.

Now, for the best show in town guys! Head for Seminyak beach, to the north of Kuta by 5.30pm so that you can get the best front-row seats in "Breeze" an elegant and sleek beachside bar & restaurant at the Samaya Hotel in Jalan Laksmana(Seminyak), for the MOST DAZZLING ROMANTIC SUNSET in BALI and Indonesia!!! Don't forget to order yourself a glass, or if you must, a bottle of WINE. The decks are so close to the surfs that you can almost feel the foam from the breakers!

Besides witnessing the Sunset in Bali, you should experience the beaches in Bali. Bali have many beautiful beaches that is good for swimming, surfing, or just reading and chilling on the sand. Some hotels and villages groom the beaches and ensure their cleanliness. Also, the quality of a beach can change drastically between seasons, depending on the location of the beach and the direction it faces. To be sure and get more useful insights into the beaches in Bali, do visit Bali Beaches Guide.

Bali is not complete if you don't have a night out in the club :) Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Tourists normally wonder why the expats and locals only start partying at around 1am – even in Kuta where most of the top clubs are, clubs only start getting crowded after midnight. Do visit Ku De Ta, a modern and trendy spot that faces the surf where young Balinese adults especially the beautifully-flashing babes hangs out (Jalan Laksmana 9, Seminyak; KuDeTa). It's a shockingly sceney — a DVD is sold showing highlights of the high season. Get yourself seats by the beach with sights of the beautiful waves crashing in, illuminated with the help of floodlights from the club. After Ku De Ta, head on to Double Six Club (Jln Double Six Blue Ocean Boulevard, Seminyak; 0361-733067 - www.doublesixclub.com; Ruppiah 70,000 for admission), with a gigantic dance floor and bungee jumping, YES you heard me right - bungee jumping, on weekend nights. But don't show up before 3 a.m. For more information on Bali Nightlife do read Bali Nightlife - Bali After Dark

After you're done with having fun and getting a feel of Bali and Balinese cultures... it's time to do some shopping for souvenirs and more! You can go shopping for handicrafts and arts such as antique furnitures, balinese paintings, delicately crafted Balinese gold and silver, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics and etc. in many shops in the Kuta/Legian area, in Sanur, in various handicraft villages and the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud and in Ubud itself.

Please forget the idea of DUTY FREE SHOPS and do not visit them by all means! Local-made goods are over-priced and sold at ridiculous prices in DFS. Imagine, just one bottle of HATTEN Rose wine which is made in Sanur costs US$11 in DFS outlets. That is way more expensive than in most local restaurants! It's worst if you're looking for a beautiful French made blouse, a designer handbag, some jewellry or a dress watch for your partner to wear at a special occasion in Bali, you'll totally waste your time and MONEY!

PLEASE DO BARGAIN ON THE PRICES NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE AND WHETHER YOU HAVE LOTS OF CASH OR NOT!

Bali is the best place to master the "Bargaining Art". Unless the product is price-tagged, bargaining is a must and you shouldn't be ashamed of it! Trust me, it's gonna be fun and bargaining is an exciting thing to do! If you have never bargained before, the bargaining masters will find it exhilarating, especially when a good deal was struck. Many come to Bali with a 'shop until you drop' attitude, so you would probably end up buying a few things anyhow. There are numerous western-style department stores and shopping centers in Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear, and toys. The service is generally good, and the low value of the rupiah ensures excellent prices. Balinese arts and crafts are the most popular purchases but you can also get value-for-money goods such as clothing, music, musical instruments and watches.


Thats all for now and do comment on my post or email me if you have anything to ask or comment on alright? Happy Bali-ing and hope this guide is useful for you :)

Other Useful Bali Articles and Bali Information:
Bali Discount Hotels | Bali Travel Deals | Bali Hotel Reviews | Bali Culture Shock | Bali Vacation Information | Bali Holiday Contest | Bali Balinese Food | Bali Dream Villa | Bali Shopping Destination | Bali Shopping Guide | AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Bali | Bali Photos | Bali Balinese Culture | Bali Holiday Information | Murni Ubud | Bali Rainy Season | Bali Travel Tips | Tanah Lot Bali | Bali Travel Guide | Bali Bombings | Uluwatu Bali | Balinese Dance | Balinese | Amed | Cheapest Bali Hotels | Bali Travel | Bali Villa | Bali Resorts | Bali Price Information | Bali Culture Shock | Bali Flight Coupons - use coupon code 'LASTMIN10'! | Cheapest Bali Flights Guaranteed | Bali Surf
 
LABELS: BALI HOLIDAY, BALI TRAVEL


15 Ways to Fly Like a VIP (Without Paying VIP Prices)

by Katie  

 Frequent Flyer, Michael Freedman, never flies Coach. He’s agreed to share his most closely guarded upgrade secrets with us – don’t miss this!

Fancy cruising in First Class? Pay close attention to the upgrade advice of an airline expert and fly like a V.I.P!

Let me start by pointing this out – if you do not fly regularly, you are pretty much only going to be upgraded by fluke. Sorry.

Read on for my flight upgrade tips and tricks based on my own experiences as a frequent flyer.

1) Get Elite Status
Airlines are most likely to upgrade their frequent flyers (FF’s) above everyone else. Next priority goes to the FFs from members of their alliance. Get elite status (ie. gold, silver) on the airline you travel on the most or, at the very least, get it within the same alliance:

Easiest one to achieve in Star Alliance is BMI, which requires only 15,000 miles for silver and 38,000 for gold. This is useful because Star is a huge network with over 20 airlines.

Easiest in OneWorld is American Airlines. Call and ask to do the “status challenge”, where you only have to fly 10,000 miles on AA in a short period to get Platinum (OneWorld Sapphire).

2) Book in Premium Coach
You will almost NEVER be upgraded from Coach to Business Class if there is a Premium Coach cabin. A great way of increasing your chances of a ride in bizclass is to start by spending the extra for a seat in Premium Coach to start off with. These seats tend to only have a few rows, and if Coach is full, you’re likely to gain from the airplane game of musical chairs.

3) Travel at Peak Times
If the flight you are on is not full, your chances of an upgrade are pretty much nil. So try to book on oversold flights – airlines routinely sell up to 10% more tickets than they have seats for.

You may also find you can then volunteer for a juicy “bump”, where they pay you a pile of cash to wait for the following flight.

My best experience of this was moving from Lufthansa Coach to BA Club direct plus €300 cash and a night in a suite at the Buenos Aires Hilton!

4) Travel Solo
It’s much easier to move one person in and out of cabins to fill space than two or more, especially as often they will nudge you up from Coach to Business, and perhaps some lucky guy in Business will in turn be nudged up to First.

5) Travel with a Frequent Flyer
Try flying with someone who has decent status – preferably have them put you on their booking. Though you may diminish THEIR chance of the upgrade for reasons above!

6) NEVER Order a Special Meal
You are 99% unlikely to be upgraded with a special meal because your meal cannot move with you, and the guy who gets your seat may not be a lacto-vegan!

7) Behave Nicely
Needless to say, do be polite, don’t dress like a bum. The airlines will want to maintain the impression that some people, at least, have paid full price for their seat.

8 ) Don’t Be Cheeky
This may sound surprising, but it is usually best NOT to ask for an upgrade. The airline staff hear it all the time and they’ll have a good idea from their systems who they are going to move.

Your best bet is usually to ask a related question such as “how full is the flight today?” or “could you help me to find a slightly better seat such as an exit row?”, and see if they get the hint.

Note:  there is a section on your passenger profile for comments, so if you act like a douche bag at check-in, you can expect the staff on board to treat you accordingly.

9)  Check in Late
Within the US it often seems to be the case that a late check-in can help you, as the cabin is more likely to have been filled. But don’t leave it too late or you’ll be stranded.

10) Prove Your Honeymoon Status
If you are on your honeymoon, bring evidence that you just got married. However, be aware that upgrades are NOT an entitlement in ANY circumstances, and nothing annoys check-in staff more than tight honeymooners who should have just PAID if that’s how they wanted to travel.

11) Ask Again at Boarding
The closer you get to boarding new opportunities open up. Often you can ask again at the lounge or gate if they can improve your seating on the plane – this takes advantage of any late comers who will have filled out your flight since check-in.

You may also be able upgrade by paying a small fee on board or prior to boarding with some airlines.

12) Register Yourself as a Medic
If you’re a doctor, some airlines have a special program where you can volunteer to be called upon in emergencies. One example is Lufthansa, who will award you with extra FF miles, and, I am reliably told, an upgrade for pre-registered medics.

13) Pay for Some Perks
Part of the delight of Business Class travel is the premium check-in, extra baggage allowance, lounge access etc. If you’re upgraded on the day, you won’t get any of this stuff anyway, but you CAN get some of it by having the right American Express or Diners Club card or on some airlines (such as United), by paying a small extra fee to be treated as an elite FF as a one-off.

14) Ask for Upgrade Compensation
If you’re delayed on a flight, or are wronged some other way ie. lost luggage, no special meal then, especially with the American carriers, instead of taking cash compensation, consider asking for some complimentary upgrade vouchers.

For example, AA managed to delay me for four to six hours EACH WAY on a three hour US domestic flight, AND lost my luggage – I flew First Class from JFK to London by way of apology (about £3,000-worth of ticket)!

15) Book a Y-Up Ticket
There are some special tickets (often called Y-Ups) where you buy a flexible economy ticket and are magically upgraded on purchase. Ask a decent corporate travel agent about these, particularly prevalent in the US.

Have any of these tricks worked for you? Got any good upgrade stories? Post up your comments and let us know!

Don’t miss Michael’s second installment – 10 Easy Ways to Boost Your Frequent Flyer Status – coming soon!



Bali Travel - 20 Things That You May Not Know You Can Do In Bali

Here is a starter list of 20 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali:
1) Bird Park; You don't need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00 daily)

2) Cruising; Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)

3) Bali Dance Performances; Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.

4) Designer Shopping; No, I am not talking about the ‘fake originals' that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.

5) Diving; Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI ‘Youth Scuba' courses for ages 5+.

6) Dolphin Watching; Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south.

7) Fishing; Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)

8) Elephant Safari Park; Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don't forget to do the elephant safari ride.

9) Jet Skiing; Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).

10) Go-Karting; Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.

11) Golfing; A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours; Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding; Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding; Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching; Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest - Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling; If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding; Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee); Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing; If you've come with your board you'll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies; Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

 

Anastasia Fiatmita - About the Author:

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Australian arrested in Bali over meth stash

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 01/10/2010

Reporter: Matt Brown

An Australian man has been arrested in Bali with almost two kilograms of methamphetamine.

Transcript

TICKY FULLERTON, PRESENTER: An Australian man caught at Bali's International Airport with nearly two kilograms of a white powder, thought to be methamphetamine, could face the death penalty.

Customs officials say they caught Michael Sacatides trying to smuggle the drugs into Bali from Bangkok.

As Indonesia correspondent Matt Brown reports, he's now been transferred into police custody.

MATT BROWN, REPORTER: Customs officials say the 43-year-old Australian was arrested after arriving on an Air Asia flight this morning. They say he's a boxing instructor who’s been living in Bangkok for a year-and-a-half and earns around $1,900 a month.

Customs officers became suspicious when they detected a plastic bag in his luggage as it passed through the airport screening machines. When they searched the bag they allege they found four packages of methamphetamine, weighing in at 1.7 kilograms.

However, the Sydney born man says he's not a drug smuggler.

MICHAEL SACATIDES, ALEGGED DRUG SMUGGLER: No I didn't bring any drugs, this, this is news to me.

MATT BROWN: The head of the investigation has told the ABC the drugs were found concealed in the side panels of the bag. Mr Sacatides says he knew nothing about them.

MICHAEL SACATIDES: I borrowed the bag, to put, I don't have a bag. I don't have a bag, I just borrowed a bag to put some clothes in.

CUSTOMS OFFICIAL: Somebody asked you to borrow that bag?

MICHAEL SACATIDES: No, no.

CUSTOMS OFFICIAL: Or anybody give you money?

MICHAEL SACATIDES: No.

MATT BROWN: Methamphetamines are Class 1 narcotics under Indonesian law and people caught smuggling more than five grams can be sentenced to death.

Three Australians, all members of the so-called 'Bali Nine' heroin smuggling ring, are currently on death row. If this case proceeds, Mr Sacatides will be brought to trial in four to eight weeks.

Matt Brown, Lateline.