Money, health and visas
ATMs, clinics, visas, internet and other nuts and bolts.
When to Go to Bali
Taking holidays in Bali (or just being there for an extended trip), it is always good to know what the weather in Bali is going to be like.
The Best of Bali According to Lonely Planet
There are people who swear by guide books and the value of their usage. Where in part I agree with the value of them in so much as things to see and do, most of the time you will find that a lot of…
Top 5 Diving Spots in Bali
Bali is a scuba divers paradise and being one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it’s only natural that it attracts divers from around the globe.
Bali for the Over 60’s
Firstly I want to tell you a story. Back in 1983 I saw a ‘little old lady’ slinging a backpack and sprightly walking down the road.
7 Things to Avoid in Bali
Bali is without a doubt a budget-travellers mecca in South-East Asia and at the moment Bali is buzzing with tourists and it’s a great time to visit this beautiful island.
Serious Warning for Travellers to Bali
It seems that just about every day the government of Australia is issuing warnings about travel to Bali . Each one of course should be taken seriously.
Keep it Clean in Bali
I find it quite unbelievable that people, tourists if you like, wherever they travel in the world tend to lose the ability to comply and respect the country they visit.
The Bali Safari & Marine Park
For anyone visiting Bali a must-see that should be on their list is the Bali Safari & Marine Park , just a 45-minute drive from Bali’s International Airport.
Bali Belly - The Destroyer of Holidays
If there is one thing that will surely ruin your holiday to Bali then it has to be the dreaded stomach infection colloquially known as ‘ Bali Belly ’.
A Few Things You Should Bring to Bali
Bali is a crazy strange place for first-time arrivals and besides being overwhelming it is a full-on experience. For those of us who have years under-our-belts it’s a bit of the ‘ol ho-hum usual.
Staying Healthy in Bali and Vaccinations
In light of the recent disease outbreaks in Bali including those of Dengue Fever, the Swine Flu and of late, Legionnaires Disease it seemed like a good idea to discuss health and travel .
New Health Warning for Bali Travellers
Bali has had its fair share of disease outbreaks over the years and of late it has been Dengue Fever . Now the threat of Legionnaires' disease is becoming a threat to travellers.
Bali Travel Warning for Dengue Fever
The climate in Bali is one that is a natural breeding ground for germs. Add to that some of the local methods of washing and cooking and so its no wonder tourists get ill occasionally, and now, the…
A Few Balinese Ceremonies
Bali is renowned as being the island of the Gods . There are countless ceremonies at whatever time you visit the island throughout the year and you will have many opportunities to see religious…
Visiting the Australian Consulate in Bali
Not so long ago I had cause to visit the Australian Consulate in Bali for personal reasons and had a direct appointment with one of the consular staff.
A Garden Fit for a King
It is a place best visited very early in the morning or late in the afternoon and it is a place that is well cemented on the tourist track, but nonetheless, a place that is so serene it will take…
Kuningan
Today in Bali is Kuningan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days , Kuningan is the end of the most important of the regular religious ceremonies for the 10-day Galungan…
Get Out on the Road!
When I get over to the island of Bali , more often than not, I like to get out on the road as much as possible and away from the mania that is the tourist strip of Kuta/Legian .
Galungan
Today in Bali it is the start of Galungan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is…
6 Crazy Things to Do in Bali
There are numerous adventure companies in Bali offering a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities.
Official Holidays for 2009
It’s always good to know when the official holidays are in Bali because some dates, like Nyepi , you are losing virtually a day of your holiday having to be in the hotel and in silence.
Snakes in Bali
I have often been asked the question by first-timers to Bali as to the prevalence of things that slither and bite, crawl and bite, or even look downright ferocious.
Bokashi - The Magic Oil
Quite a few years ago when I returned to Bali after having spent those previous years in other islands, I woke up one morning to find myself scratching the back of my legs like some maddened Banshee.
Royal Cremation: Ubud
There is one thing that I encourage all visitors to Bali to do is witness a cremation .
Be Aware of Your Wares
Unfortunately, I was robbed last week and my wallet expertly removed from my person. And, this was in Australia!.
Tumpek Wayang
Today in Bali is Tumpek Wayang , also known as Tumpek Ringgit . It is a Kajeng Kaliwon and is of particular importance.
Sea Conservation Area Established in Bondalem
It always pleases my heart to see that villagers are participating in caring for the environment , whether it’s on land or in the sea.
Bird-Flu Handling Exercises in Bali
No, I’m not talking about chickens running the marathon along Ngurah Rai Bypass or down Jalan Legian but rather bird flu handling exercises to be held in Bali on April 25-27th .
Bird-Flu Handling Exercises in Bali
No, I’m not talking about chickens running the marathon along Ngurah Rai Bypass or down Jalan Legian but rather bird flu handling exercises to be held in Bali on April 25-27th .
Telephone & Post in Bali
In Bali the post office is called ' kantor pos ' and is recognized by an orange sign. In the Kuta area the 2 largest post offices are located close to the airport on Jl.
SOS International: A good safety net for Bali
Tourists and visitors to Bali are faced with dangers they would not face in their own country. Apart from tropical diseases, many visitors ride motorbikes and expose themselves to risk.
BCA Card Center Bali
People wishing to draw more than a couple of million rp out of the ATM machine can do it at the BCA Card Center in Kuta. Located on busy Jl.
Internet access in Seminyak Bali
Internet access in Seminyak has improved since 2003 with new internet cafes, wi-fi hotspots, some offering free access and a number companies offering a range of solutions, depending on your…
ATM machines in Bali
ATM machines now make getting to your cash easy. Here is a list of ATM's in Bali and where to find them. • Bank Arta Niaga Kencana Jl. Thamrin No.
How far does your money go in Bali?: October 12th 2007
Here is a look at how the Indonesian Rupiah is doing against other major currencies.
Moving to Bali
Quit your job, move to Bali, start a new life. Sounds lovely doesn't it? Doing all that is possible and does not require special skills, connections or a lot of money.
Update on XL ISP in Kuta Bali
My visit to the XL building recently was a rather frustrating affair, getting my machine & cell phone set up with their system, only to hear I needed a land line.
Foreign currency in Bali
A quick look at how the Indonesian rupiah is doing against other currencies reveals the US dollar is climbing rapidly. Here's a list of other popular foreign currencies on Tuesday Sept.
XL ISP in Kuta Bali
Bali has many options for home internet connection these days. The old dial up has pretty much gone out of the window, for most people with Telkom introducing DSL several months ago.
Foreign exchange rates in Kuta Bali
Kuta has a wealth of places to change money, some legitimate, others not. Here is a selection of foreign exchange rates offered at various location this afternoon on Poppies Lane I .
Health points in Bali
One's health is something taken for granted until something happens, then it seems like the most important thing. My latest health related news is about teeth, guts and joints.
Dealing with diarrhea in Bali
The last couple of days I've had a touch of the Bali Belly (no photos with this article), where you eat something and a short time afterwards you get the urgent feeling the bottom of your pants are…
Money in Bali
Where will your money get you in Bali in July 2007? Here's a quick look at currencies and how they compare to the Indonesian rupiah.
Visiting SOS International Bali
This afternoon I had to pay a visit to SOS International , the medical clinic located on Bypass Sanur, around 500 meters from the roundabout at Simpang Siur .
Indonesian Rupiah vs. world currencies: July 5th 2007
The might Indonesian Rupiah has been known to be somewhat volatile. Let's take a look at how its doing today, July 5th 2007 .
Visa On Arrival list grows
The list of countries eligible for a VOA (Visa On Arrival) has increased to 63 countries. As Balidiscovery reports, the list is now quite diverse and should make Indonesia more accessible.
Visa On Arrival for 11 more countries
Indonesia is getting smarter about dealing with visitors from overseas. In the near future citizens from another 11 countries will be able to get a visa on arrival (VOA).
Bali dental services gaining overseas attention
Various countries around the world such as S. Africa and Thailand have managed to combine tourism with medical services, each country having modern medical facilities and wonderful natural resources.
ATM locators for Bali
Mastercard and Visa have handy online ATM locators that can pinpoint 24 hour cash machines world wide. These even work for Bali, with the large population areas covered.
Internet Access in Bali
Internet access in Bali has improved over the last few years. Apart from using internet cafes, there are now wi-fi hotspots, some offering free access.
Indovision: Cable TV in Bali
Watching TV may not be your first idea when you come to Bali, but for some expats TV is part of normal life.
How to look after your stuff while travelling in Bali
Travelling in Bali is much like travelling in any other of the world. You are staying in a place that is not your home and living out of a suitcace / backpack.
Foreign Consulates in Bali
Bali is somewhat of a backwater as far as business in concerned, but is a major tourist destination.
Credit cards in Bali
International credit cards are honored in Bali and in many shops, hotels and restaurants the cards accepted will be displayed in the window.
ATMs in Bali
Bali is stacked with ATM machines which is good for the local economy and good for tourists.
Responsible tourism in Bali
Bali attracts a wide variety of people, with entirely different interests and cultural backgrounds.
Getting ready for my visa run to Singapore
Tomorrow morning I'll be out of the house before first light and off to the airport for a visa run to Singapore .
Health Care in Bali
The level of health care in Bali varies from local clinics and hospitals, to foreign run clinics such as BIMC and SOS International .
Ika on the mend in Seminyak Bali
Ika is feeling much better after a short time on medication. She asked me this evening if she can go off the drugs (so she can give them to her sister).
Visa run to Batam Indonesia
My visa run is coming up shortly and as usual, all the cheap seats to Singapore are fully booked.
Ika and Jevon at SOS Bali
Ika got checked out today at SOS International clinic. The service was fast and professional. I felt comfortable with their testing as the doctor explained to me in English what was going on.
Visiting SOS International clinic in Kuta Bali
This morning Ika, Jevon and I rode down to Simpang Siur, the roundabout in Kuta. A couple of minutes down the Bypass to Sanur we pulled into the SOS International clinic .
Moving to Bali: Logistics
People moving to Bali need a variety of things set up, before they can move on and start working.
Pass the passport in Seminyak Bali
Just sitting here in a wi-fi place in Seminyak, I observed an interesting scene. Some skanky long hair Italian type, you know, the kind you'd like to run over with your truck, came in and ordered a…
Helping a local with a scratch in Seminyak Bali
This morning while checking out shops in Seminyak, I noticed the staff hobbling around, a fresh cut on her lower leg. 'What happened to you?" I said. "I have motorbike accident.' she said.
Safety tips for Bali
Bali is a relatively safe place to visit, in comparison with other major destinations, such as London, Miami, Rio, Joburg and Bangkok.
What your money will buy in Bali?
A look through BootsnAll's currency converter , shows the rupiah has gained against the US dollar over the few months, and that anyone with Euro's is a happy camper.
Jevon's immunisasi: Denpasar Bali
Jevon in now 1.5 years and seems to be getting along very well. As part of his development, we have a schedule of immunisasi (immunizations) that happen at Puri Bunda, the hospital were he was born…
Wi-fi internet access in Bali
Internet access in Bali comes in a variety of packages these days. Living in Seminyak, we are spoiled for choice. Global Xtreme is an ISP and internet cafe on Jl.
Equipment for Bali in the wet season
Wet season in Bali means hot steamy days and nights, will the occassional downpour. Good thing about this is you don't have bring a ton of warm clothes.
Swapping cell phones in Bali
My friends from Oregon, brought over a couple of old cell phones that use SIM cards . I thought it would be simple to get them changed over to the local numbers, but it took longer than expected.
Singapore the 'go to' hospital destination for Bali expats
Singapore is the 'go to' place for Bali expats, when they have a medical emergency.
Avoiding fungal infections and parasites in Bali
Living in a tropical climate, exposes you to new medical challenges. Bacteria grow fast and there are a range of diseases and afflications westerners are not familiar with.
Controlling malaria and dengue in Bali
Wet season in Bali means hot humid weather, flooded streets and puddles. Ideal conditions for mosquitoes (nyamuk) to breed and spread disease.
Periplus Bali Street Atlas
There are a variety of maps available for visitors to Bali, including paper map, plastic maps, guidebooks with maps of the island eyc.
Campur kids gets dual nationality in Indonesia
Children of mixed parentage have been given dual nationality in Jakarta today. Indonesia's citizenship laws are based on jus sanguinus , the idea that blood is thicker than water, as opposed to jus…
Land & Visas in Seminyak Bali
(This is the second time I wrote this post, my machine crapped out!) Land and visas are 2 of the biggest worries for expats in Bali.
Making money in Bali
It looks like paradise, its feels like paradise, it is paradise! Now how the heck do I make enough money to live here? That is the question, many Bali visitors pose to themselves.
Batam a departure tax free zone
One of the coolest guys on the Indo internet is IndCoup in Jakarta. This guy speaks his mind, which is easy because he's not trying to sell anything.
Real Travel: Another Bali resource
According to some sources, the internet has over 100 million sites and in the last year has doubled in size, due largley to blog sites, which use 'personal publishing software'.
A stroll around the neighborhood in Seminyak Bali
A late afternoon stroll can be a good way to break he mental fatigue and experience new things.
Losing my bank card in Seminyak Bali
Losing your bank card, while on holiday in Bali really sucks. I've seen people in the internet cafe, frantically making calls home to Australia ('Mum, I've lost me bleedin' card, have no ideeea what…
Bali web sites
Type 'Bali' into Google , and you get an avalanche of monkeys, all trying to flog villas. Who comes up #1?
Indonesian currency rates: Oct 12th 2006
One factor that will affect your time in Bali, is the rate of exchange. Let's face it, us blue collar folks love acting like Donald Trump once a year in Bali, ordering the pretty waitresses around,…
Easier foreign exchange for Auusies in Bali
Bank Commonwealth, which is related to the Commonwealth Bank in Australia, is opening a series of its 'FX' shops that will account holders of any Australian bank to exchange money and withdraw from…
Bali Business visa rules explained
Okay here's the deal on Bali Business Visas. This morning I went down to Arjuna on Jl. Petitenget in Kerobokan.
Saturday morning at Global in Kerobokan Bali
Sitting here at Global Xtreme on Saturday morning, I am waiting for my fruit salad & yoghurt (20,000rp). I've had it before, its not just good, its damn good!
Changes in Business Visa regulations
According to one expat I just talked to, there are new regulations regarding Multiple Entry Business Visas.
Indonesian citizenship law to change
In July of this year, the Indonesian government passed a change in the Citizenship Law, making life way easier for a selection of expats, kids of expats and Chinese Indonesians.
Hair raising morning in Seminyak Bali
Lovely sunny day here in Seminyak Bali. Great to be alive, lucky to be here. I had 2 things happen to me this morning which stood out, getting a haircut and losing my debit card.
Cell phones in Bali
Tourists and expats in Bali can pick up a cell phone very easily. Around town you will see streetside places selling phones, which,includes new and used phones.
Getting my back checked out in Seminyak Bali
Last night my neighbor James, frm Sydbey came over. James is a chiropractor and I was telling him about my tweaked lower back from a year and a half ago.
Tips for Bali internet cafes
Frequenting a variety of Bali internet cafes, it occurs to me there is a huge variance in the conditions and the type of service I recieve. Here are some thoughts about Bali internet cafes.
Ubud internet access sucks
Ubud internet access sucks, that's my verdict. On this trip I have tried to work at the extremely expensive (90,000rp for 1.5 hours + hot chocolate) Highway, and the other local internet cafes (spend…
Dressing for the tropical sun in Bali
Bali sits 8 degrees south of ther equator. That means during the dry season (May-October) we get clear skies and strong sunlight.
Tips for Women Travellers in Bali
Whether travelling alone or in a group, personal safety features high on women’s lists of concerns.
Baliblog article submission
This morning I was talking with the owner of Cafe Seminyak, and he told me he reads Baliblog.
Selling the farm and moving to Bali!
'Bali is cheap, a plate of nasi goreng costs 8,000rp, a guest house room is 50,000rp and you can rent a scooter for a month, for 400,000rp.
Getting back to Bali
My visa 'agent' returned to the McDonalds, across from the Orchard Hotel, just after 4pm.
Shopping for tech gear in Singapore
Singapore is the place most expats in Bali will look to when they need tech gear, new camera, laptop, etc. Today I was looking around for a portable surge protector, one that actually works.