G E T A W A Y

Howdy, we’re still in Bali and the surf is small and I’m not keen on driving all over this island. So let’s talk about other stuff.

The number 1 question asked is what camera I use? Canons – shiny ones. The 2nd most frequently asked question is what to do and where to stay at Bali. Below are some of my DO’s and DON’Ts in Bali. Just my opinions, you may have a totally different experience to me…please feel free to add your own Bali places of interest and experiences here.

BALI MUST DO:

Dinner at restaurant Metis. The best culinary experience on the island in my mind and fairly priced for the quality of food and service. Also do an amazing lunch for 9 bones. Other good eateries: Lilin at Potato Head (spicy tapas – off the hook) – in fact anything at Potato Head beach club is amazing especially a drink at sunset. Also try Sarong, Mama San, Sardine, Treatro for a good dinner. If you’re a Java addict, I’ve only found one decent place after The Corner Store burnt down – Revolver Café, hidden out the back of some Boutiques along Jalan Oberoi, it’s as good as you get in Oz. The coffee everywhere else taste like dishwater with some weird carcinogenic foam on top. Stay at Villa Lulito in Seminyak – it’s truly amazing and cheaper than any hotel if there is a small group of you (say 8 adults). The Legian (GMH operated one – don’t mistake with the other one closer to Kuta) is also my faves. Yeah I know, pretty $$$ pricey but so worth every cent with excellent service and location. Even got a tube surfing out the front of it 2 days ago (Rare). They’ve just opened up night surfing at the Kommune at Keramis – big custom made light towers illuminate the best wave on the island…hot…keeps the crowds down. The Bondi Bucket List boys have just opened up a new fun joint here in Seminyak, Motel Mexicola – worth a drink on a big night. If you’re after good value for money in a good clean hotel, Semara is great (approx. $120-$150 per night) or try the KoKonut Suites.

BALI MUST NOT DO:

Plait your hair (especially if you’re a bloke). Don’t do it as you’ll look like a freak. Don’t stay at the Anantara Hotel in Seminyak. It is one of the most overpriced; run down crappy hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Don’t ride a motor bike down a one way street without your shirt, no shoes, no helmet, no idea after 24 Bintangs screaming Aussie Aussie Aussie! Don’t swim at Legian/Seminyak with an incoming high tide and no offshore winds. It’s just heartbreaking how much pollution and rubbish is floating around in the water. You can barely paddle thru all the plastic bags and sometimes strange fluoro yellow froth appears at the river mouths, usually where the best waves are found but you’ll get sick for sure. Don’t pay 1 mil for a massage on the beach ($100AUD). That’s what they start at. They’ll take 10% of that. For so many years Ku De Ta would have been on my MUST DOs…but seriously, it’s now so expensive (more than Sydney prices – $16AUD for a decent drink), packed, grimy and looking pretty untidy. Potato Head is a much better option for beach front drinks and dining.

Didn’t make it to the Bukit this trip…there are so many other areas to Bali, you can do 3 totally different trips here. This one was mainly fine dining and hanging around the busy part.

Sampai jumpa lagi – back in Bondi tomorrow : : U g e