Bali Bali Bali


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tkp77 said:
Guys guys.....

We all just live one life once... so why are we worrying so much. Leave everything to heavens will....

"If you have to go, you have to go..."

The most important thing is to enjoy your life to the fullest...
And if there is another Tsunami, I might be one of those who will still continue taking photos of the breath taking waves... Its a gamble, if I make it out alive, I will be able to sell the photos for lots of money.... keke...

The only thing that will stop me going is $$$$... And I hope that it will not be the strongest factor.

To enjoy your life to the fullest, you will still need to make informed decisions mah. If you know there is a risk to take, but take it willingly, then you have to assess what you stand to lose...
Like a girl who inisist on taking a dark alley as a short cut home and then saying, "if i were to be raped, its my life..." We must make calculated decisions in life.
So when you see the tsunami coming, and choose to whip out your cam instead of running you are risking something that you feel is worth risking for.
Some pple are just happy not risking things, so that they can enjoy life to the fullest.
Not saying that Bali is not safe, not judging also, but Im quite against the Just Do It notion. :)
 

behyx said:
I'm going to Bali and lombok for a photography trip on 25th Apr to 5 May. It's a solo trip.

As of now, through my research at lonelyplanet, it's wiser to hire a driver/guide and a jeep (that sits 4 people) for around RP300,000 (SGD53) a day and tour the island. Divide the $ amongst the few of you and 1 person only pay $10+. That's very very affordable. They're very experienced and know where to bring you according to your needs. Good for photographers i reckon.

So Scann69, probably when i'm back i can give you some essential info you might need.

That would be superb behyx. I will need all the info i can get.

As for the rest of you who are and seem interested, will let your know the cost, time & date by tomorrow nite as i'm still looking for agents to give good package.If anybody got any contacts, do let me know.
 

hi guys, i was just in bali during Christmas and New Year. It was sooo full of tourists... it was really hard to get a decent shot. but in any case, I strongly suggest trying the North side of Bali. Its much more quiet and clean. The south side, Nusa 2, Kuta, Legian is very crowded and rather dirty. If youve never been to Bali, definitely try the south side, but explore the middle (Ubud) and the North side.
As far as safety, the big hotels will definitely have a lot of security. just be wary of what you are doing and please take note of local customs.

cheers, wicak.
 

Can anybody who has been to Bali tell me if package includes tour to Tanah Lot & Ubud is a good place to be in Bali. Main focus here is to be at good spots for photo session. Other names i see in the list are Denpasar, Batu Bulan & Celuk Village. Can anybody tell me if this are good places to be. I'm trying to create my own package based on where is good since there will be a group. Talking to travel agent about it.

Sorry la but me also 1st time to Bali so organizing it is a real challenge ;p
 

So anyone knows about the above mention? The best i've got so far is flight tickets to Bali with hotel stay at $329 includes a normal 2 or 3 star hotel for 4 days 3 nights. I'm still looking into the tour thing and wondering if it's a good idea to go with a packaged tour or to go in free and easy then we can take out time to go around shooting. Any ideas are most welcome.
 

behyx said:
I'm going to Bali and lombok for a photography trip on 25th Apr to 5 May. It's a solo trip.

As of now, through my research at lonelyplanet, it's wiser to hire a driver/guide and a jeep (that sits 4 people) for around RP300,000 (SGD53) a day and tour the island. Divide the $ amongst the few of you and 1 person only pay $10+. That's very very affordable. They're very experienced and know where to bring you according to your needs. Good for photographers i reckon.

So Scann69, probably when i'm back i can give you some essential info you might need.

Hi behyx, funny to bump into you in this forum too. I'm sgdude in Bali Travel Forum. U asked for my email, which I replied at the forum already.

Anyway, if you need a driver, can get my driver Kadek.

For those who's interested to know more info about Bali and what photos can take in Bali, can see my link
http://community.webshots.com/album/308335477FRnKXc

I took these photos during 2 full days driving around Bali with my driver, so Scann69 maybe you use this as sample iterary for planning. His Toyota Kijang 300000Rp per day can sit 7 people.

Photos just for u to see what's in Bali, no need to comment on photos or my techniques, as I too paiseh to even mention what DC I used for those photos. :)

Nick
 

clicknick said:
Hi behyx, funny to bump into you in this forum too. I'm sgdude in Bali Travel Forum. U asked for my email, which I replied at the forum already.

Anyway, if you need a driver, can get my driver Kadek.

For those who's interested to know more info about Bali and what photos can take in Bali, can see my link
http://community.webshots.com/album/308335477FRnKXc

I took these photos during 2 full days driving around Bali with my driver, so Scann69 maybe you use this as sample iterary for planning. His Toyota Kijang 300000Rp per day can sit 7 people.

Photos just for u to see what's in Bali, no need to comment on photos or my techniques, as I too paiseh to even mention what DC I used for those photos. :)

Nick


Hi Nick!

I remember u! :)

Does Kadek have an email address?
 

behyx said:
Hi Nick!

I remember u! :)

Does Kadek have an email address?

Sure,

You can contact Kadek at
IDD +62817552841 (can send him SMS)
Locally (Ph) 0817552841
Or Email - santrika79@yahoo.com

Tell him is Nick's recommendation.

Enjoy your trip, the rains have stopped at Bali, so hope you get lots of sunshine.
 

clicknick said:
Sure,

Enjoy your trip, the rains have stopped at Bali, so hope you get lots of sunshine.

Yes , it is a good time to go when the rain stop.

a. Bali is a small island, maybe smaller than Johore but the changing scenery it packs is simply too much, too beautiful and simply magical in 1995. I went there for jalan jalan for 10 days, not for photo. But I will not miss the following :

i. Tanah Lot for the seascapes.
ii. The dance and music performance at the villages - just ask and look around for the information when you arrive at the various places of stay.
iii. Ubud is the centre of art. There are also 3 villages specialising in woodcraft, storecraft and oil/watercolour drawings/embroidery art
iii. Berdugul is breath taking for the scenery, pine trees, fog and mist. The golf course area is one of the most beautiful places in Bali. Visit the 'botanical garde' around Berdugul - another magical land.
iv. Mt Agong is a must for their temples - do not miss, Along the way, the place known as 'Under the Volcano' is unique for their crater lake, volcano scenery, hot spring etc. Must try their crater lake fish if you can find - delicate and delicious.
v. Best of all are actually the processions - be it wedding / funeral etc. These you cannot plan, but keep your eyes open
vi. When travelling far north, I saw Balinese women bathing in the river, padi field water duct/reservoir etc. The ease and culture is captivating. I hope you can still glimpse this - not voyeuristically but for the fresh cultural taste. Otherwise go to their art museum and see the good old days.

If you plan a 4 days trip only, you will regret. Take it easy and enjoy every moment. Take up Nick recommendation about this Kadet driver offer - esp if he is knowledgeable and a willing guide. Balinese are wonderful people and really helpful. Having one as a driver, tour guide and comns/interpreter is something I will pay for - and then you can concentrate on shooting. Driving can be tiring too.

PS - you may laugh but these are the prices I paid :

a. Petrol cost is around half of Singapore's prices then.
b. Renting a small susuki jeep cost me $18 per day without driver. (special because of the 10 days rental)
c. Accommodation ( walk in ) is around $13- $18 per day with breakfast and tea. Some throw in laundry when you ask! Just choose what ever you fancy. I normally goes for those joints with the sea or ricefield right in front of me . Of course I am not talking about the Kuta or Legain, give this a miss - too dirty, too crowded and busy.
e. Flying there then cost me $600 pax alone - so the flight price now is a real steal.
f. Good imported food can be very expensive. But their local stuff is great too - their rice wine, coconut toddy is delicious and intoxicating. Don't miss but don't mix their mighty brews if you are driving, unless you want everything in soft focus :bsmilie: ...you have been warned.
 

Hahaha! nice one tOGGY!

i have a question though... how do u go to Mt Agong to see temple and "Under the Volcano"? By guide or u go alone? Does it involves a fair bit of climbing up the mountain?

Also i have something to share from my Lonely planet Bali book.

Cremation ceremonies + special temple festivals..
http://www.sutatour.com/cremation_2.html .. prices are very affordable.. basic cremation ceremony trip is only USD14.. add a few dollars more for other special festivals..
 

behyx said:
Hahaha! nice one tOGGY!

i have a question though... how do u go to Mt Agong to see temple and "Under the Volcano"? By guide or u go alone? Does it involves a fair bit of climbing up the mountain?

Also i have something to share from my Lonely planet Bali book.

Cremation ceremonies + special temple festivals..
http://www.sutatour.com/cremation_2.html .. prices are very affordable.. basic cremation ceremony trip is only USD14.. add a few dollars more for other special festivals..

I did the trip alone on a jeep with my wife. We hardly climbed, maybe walked 2 to 4 km per day - except at kuta where I was dragged from one shop to another. Most uphill are by the jeep. It is not difficult ot communicate to Balinese and it is not difficult to drive in Bali except for Kuta area. The roads can be bumpy at the ulu area - so go slow. Kuta market area is a nightmare to drive - imagine Little India on Deepavali day....

At Agong, there is a steep hill but with cut steps after you park your car. The degree of difficulty is maybe one quarter of Bt Timah Hill - with plenty of salesladies to distract you with their salak (snake skin fruit), sarong, fabrics, souvenir etc. Once up, the vendor do not disturb you at their holy ground. The place is breathtaking. I wish there was digicam then....

Way before Agong (cannot remember now) , there was a huge sign saying "Under the Volcano' and I drove in for @ 5 km. You cannot miss it because of the huge volcano you will see while travelling by. Found a idyllic place - a village founded by an strong old man of 85 years old. He should be 95 by now. He told me that rided on a horse and stumbled onto the place when he was 20 years old. He fell in love with it and bought around 20 hectares of land and build a community around it - with dancing troupes, balinese orchestras, etc. He was treated with great respect there and the concerts & dancing was for him on that visit. At midnight, I bathed in the shallow hot spring river in my birthday suit under the huge Balinese moon. Quite a treat.

Yes -something came to mind. You must wear sarong in all their temples, or cave with temples etc. Buy a nice one for maybe $10 and wear it when you are required. Otherwise rent one. The Balinese take this seriously - so do not commit a fau pax here.

Yes, do go for those cremation trips etc. Hard to stumble into one by yourself. Balinese costumes are exotic gorgeous. There are quite a few of these villages offering such festival, dances , shows - do not miss. The api dance (fire dance) was famous in those days - made so by an SIA advert if I am not mistaken.

Do bear in mind that my stories are 10 years ago and would like to hear your updates and see your photojourney later.
 

Zenten said:
Earthquake/Tsunami prone destination .......Didn't you read the news? :think:

Terrorists on the prowl ..... :hung:

Singapore has felt lots of tremors lately ... think Singapore is still very safe?
:)
Bali is great ... go for it.
 

Terrorists are seeking media and political attention in their attacks. Just stay clear of the targeted areas at the 'right' time. Over there, these are ang moh joints, disco and pubs.

If you meet up with one in rural out-of kuta-area, then this fella is probably a newbie. Real suay then. Chances are like meeting him at Changi broad walk.
 

Oh i have 2 questions to ask.. hope somebody can help me:

1. Where can i obtain travellers cheque? i don't feel good about carrying loads of cash around. Also, how does it work when i'm overseas?

2. How easy is it to obtain international driving licence in Singapore? I'm taking my driving test on 21 Apr, and i'm leaving on the 23rd. If i manage to pass, i'd love to make an international one asap. So how long will it take and how much will it be?
 

behyx said:
Oh i have 2 questions to ask.. hope somebody can help me:

1. Where can i obtain travellers cheque? i don't feel good about carrying loads of cash around. Also, how does it work when i'm overseas?

2. How easy is it to obtain international driving licence in Singapore? I'm taking my driving test on 21 Apr, and i'm leaving on the 23rd. If i manage to pass, i'd love to make an international one asap. So how long will it take and how much will it be?

1. Travel cheque needs to get from Bank I think...but it is quite troublesome...cash is ok...else...credit card will be fine too.

2. International Driving License? Singapore Driving License is already international wat. I have been using Singapore driving license driving in Australia and USA, no problem at all...they recognise it.
 

tOGGY said:
Terrorists are seeking media and political attention in their attacks. Just stay clear of the targeted areas at the 'right' time. Over there, these are ang moh joints, disco and pubs.

If you meet up with one in rural out-of kuta-area, then this fella is probably a newbie. Real suay then. Chances are like meeting him at Changi broad walk.

Choy! choy! choy! many of us are going to the broad walk soon okie! hehehehehe...

But somehow you still brought us to the point...not Changi Point though. :bsmilie: :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
 

clicknick said:
Sure,

You can contact Kadek at
IDD +62817552841 (can send him SMS)
Locally (Ph) 0817552841
Or Email - santrika79@yahoo.com

Tell him is Nick's recommendation.

Enjoy your trip, the rains have stopped at Bali, so hope you get lots of sunshine.


Hey, thanx for the contact. Just wondering how much will it be to have him drive the whole day? In SGD i mean.
 

Firstly, thanx you so much tOGGY & clicknick for giving me and everybody else a clearer picture about Bali.

Secondly, a little update on the Bali package. Here is just an idea of what we are looking at on the Bali trip. I am not able to confirm the price and which plane we are taking and what kind of tour package it gives cos as of now, the package is only set till end of June 2005 but according to Formosa Holiday Tour, the price will not vary much.


3 Star Hotel (choice of Legian Village, Wina Hotel or Rama Beach Resort)
4 days 3 Nights inclusive of breakfast
Return Economy Airfare
Airport Transfer
Bali Airport tax
SIN airport tax + War Risk Insurance + Fuel Tax
Tour to: Ubud Tour, denpasar City Tour, Tanah Lot Tour, Uluwatu Tour
Total cost: $ 310 - $ 360

As of now, i'm only able to get this information but it's not 100% confirm as Farmosa's package is only up till June. I guess i will be following up closely to get confirmation on package and price. Izzit too expensive? Any comments welcome. I may want to take out the tour all together since we can get a driver to take us around and sharing the cost of it should be pretty low. This is all for now. Hope it makes sense :confused:
 

Scann69 said:
Hey, thanx for the contact. Just wondering how much will it be to have him drive the whole day? In SGD i mean.

Convert 300000Rp to SGD, is around SGD53. And this price is for the whole day, morning to night.
 

Scann69 said:

3 Star Hotel (choice of Legian Village, Wina Hotel or Rama Beach Resort)
4 days 3 Nights inclusive of breakfast
Return Economy Airfare
Airport Transfer
Bali Airport tax
SIN airport tax + War Risk Insurance + Fuel Tax
Tour to: Ubud Tour, denpasar City Tour, Tanah Lot Tour, Uluwatu Tour
Total cost: $ 310 - $ 360
:confused:

SGD360 is consider very cheap for 4D3N if it includes SIN tax. BTW, Bali airport tax is paid at the airport on departure, and cost 100000Rp per person, so always remember to keep 100000rp each for tax, don't spend all your $.
 

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