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June 26, 2009
Helpful tips from Balitourscheap.com
I learned these travel tips and insights on my trips to Bali. They are worth knowing before you leave on your Bali trip.
When to come
Bali has five tourist seasons. The best one for you depends on variables such as time, money, weather, and availability.
Pre-prime season
From April to May. Rooms in Bali are easily found and prices, crowds and the weather are moderate.
Prime season
Spans May through September. Sunny days rule -- it seldom rains. However, prices and crowding soar, and airline seats and hotel rooms in Bali are heavily booked, particularly in August.
Post-prime season
From September to mid December. Variables similar to the pre-prime season (see).
Holiday season
Spans mid-December to early-January when visitors come for their Christmas and New Year's vacations. Like the prime season, prices and crowds rise -- and airline seats and hotel space become scarce. The biggest difference is more rain.
Rainy season
This category spans from early-January to April (though the actual rainy season starts in December). Everything comes down -- prices, crowds, room scarcity and, of course, the rain. That's not as bad as it seems because the rainfall is the refreshing warm tropical variety (not the cold damp type temperate zone residents experience). Moreover, there will always be plenty of sun during the rainy season.
How long to stay
Don't underestimate the number of days you'll need. I've asked many a traveler who has been to Bali, "What was your biggest misgiving about your Bali vacation." Most responded that they wished they had added more days to their Bali trips.
At the very least, you need 7 to 10 days. A month would be even better. Bali has many interesting attractions.
Bargaining
It's a fun sport worth learning because it will save you money in Bali. All it takes is a little practice to gain your confidence.
Many sellers automatically inflate their prices beforehand in the expectation that you will bargain them down. If you don't, you're going to grossly overpay -- and often earn their disrespect for being naive.
If something doesn't have a price tag, the cost is likely negotiable. If it is marked, you have to trust your instinct whether to negotiate or not. Obviously, most merchants such as quality pharmacies, upmarket hotel stores and major departments stores seldom if ever negotiate. But you may be surprised at the number of upscale sellers that do (including exclusive art studios and galleries).
Here's how to negotiate
First, establish in your mind what you're truly willing to pay (your ultimate max). Next, ask the seller, "What's your very, very lowest price?" Offer considerably less than what he quotes you (don't be shy about offering 50% of his opening figure). Then -- after a series of friendly back-and-forth counter offers -- you and the vendor reach a mutually fair and acceptable figure.
Money exchange
Knowing the options can noticeably decrease the cost of your Bali vacation.
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BALI TOURS CHEAP, WATER SPORT ACTIVITIES :
NO |
ACTIVITIES |
DURATION |
PRICE LIST/PERSON |
MINIMUM |
1 |
PARASAILING |
1 Round |
USD 10 |
|
2 |
BANANA BOAT |
15 Minutes |
USD 10 |
2 Person |
3 |
JET SKI |
15 Minutes |
USD 20 |
|
4 |
ROLLING DOUNAT |
15 Minutes |
USD 15 |
2 Person |
5 |
WAKE BOARD |
15 Minutes |
USD 30 |
|
6 |
WATER SKI |
15 Minutes |
USD 30 |
|
7 |
FLY FISH |
2 Rounds |
USD 25 |
2 Person |
8 |
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT + TURTLE ISLAND |
1 Hours |
USD 20 |
2 Person |
9 |
MANGROVE JUNGLE TOUR + TURTLE ISLAND |
1 Hours |
USD 20 |
2 Person |
10 |
SPEED BOAT |
15 Minutes |
USD 30 |
2 Person |
BALI TOURS CHEAP, WATER SPORT AND ADVENTURES INFO :
TELAGA WAJA RIVER RAFTING
The Telaga Waja begins in the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung, the river has white clear water, nature life, green plantation surrounding and cold natural spring water.The narrow of gorges and breathtaking views of rice terraces plains all along the way for your final challenge! the water dam!. Length of rafting trip is approximately 12 kilometers take about 2 Hours. Telaga Waja River has Class 3+ Rapids.
AYUNG RIVER WHITE WATER RAFTING
The Ayung River located near Ubud Village, the river has lovely scenery surrounding and beautifull waterfall. Long the way you will see some nice rice terraces and on the edge of the river built many nice hotel such has Alila Hotel, Pitamaha Resort and Cahaya Dewata Hotel. Ayung River Rafting has Class 2+ Rapids. Length of rafting trip is approximately 12 kilometers take about 2 Hours.
THE ELEPHANT RIDE SAFARI
was officially opened by the Minister of Tourism in the year 2000 after three years of development. An official member of the World Zoo Association, the Park meets International Standards for animal care and is set in more than 2 hectares of exotic eco tourism landscaped botanical gardens, surrounded by national forest.
Acclaimed as the World's Best Elephant Park, facilities include a full Reception and Information Centre, a comprehensive Museum, with a large collection of elephant memorabilia and the only Mammoth Skeleton in South East Asia. A visit to the Elephant Safari Park is a must for any visitor to Bali. Get up close and personal with these incredible animals in a beautiful tropical park setting. Elephants can be seen immersing themselves in the park lake, in between riding, painting or other activities. Hand feed them, touch them, take photos with them, then learn more about the elephants ancestry and diversity at the Park's historical and graphic displays. Location Map.
A 200-seat restaurant over looking the lake, ideal for large groups or wedding, features an international menu, and the park Gift Shop offers an extensive range of elephant-theme products, including elephant paintings, elephant ivory, mammoth ivory, carvings, clothing, souvenirs and jewellery.
Displays of elephant intelligence and their capabilities can be viewed at the Park Arena and elephants can also be seen painting at selected times daily. See Elephant Facts!
Without a doubt the Elephant Safari Park in Taro is a MUST for visitors to Bali, and is the ONLY complete elephant experience in the world - making it truly unique.
BALI BIRD PARK
Enter a fascinating world of exotic sights and sounds.....at Bali's stunning Bird Park.
A cast of hundreds of the world's rarest and most beautiful birds greet you as you stroll through tropical gardens; highly endangered endemic Bali Starlings, South American Macaws and Australian Cockatoos in their kaleidoscopic plumage, stately African Crowned Cranes and Tanzanian Flamingos milling serenely by the waters edge and Pelicans floating quietly in shimmering lotus ponds, are just some of the marvelous sights you will experience.
The variety and radiance of Indonesian Parrots will captive and enthrall you, and rare Cassowaries, Black Palm Cockatoos, Hornbills and one of the world's largest and most varied collection of "Birds of Paradise" will fascinate you.
Birds aren't the only exciting creatures at the park. Rare Komodo Dragons also make their home here. gardens the BALI BIRD PARK offers more than just a glorious myriad of bird life; a backdrop of ponds and waterfalls creates a perfect environment for, not only our birds, but also a Lotus and Wafer Lily collection.
As you stroll throughout the park, your eyes will continually alight on a multitude of diverse Palms and rich tropical flora. Wander through our mist-shrouded Walk-In Aviary - home to free flying birds in a dense rain-forest setting. With our advanced nursery, fully trained staff and Park Veterinarian, Bali Bird Park is a caring home for the birds and an unforgettable experience for visitors all ages.
At the restaurant our talented chefs combine the freshest ingredients in a variety of Indonesia and Western dishes, served for your pleasure in an unforgettable setting... watching Flamingos and listening to song birds rarely heard outside of Indonesia.
A perfect way to relax and enjoy a gourment meal and why not start your day in a realm of natural fantasties - "Breakfast with the birds:. At the Bali Bird Park we tempt you to linger and enjoy our fascinating living world a little longer.
BALI SAFARI MARINE PARK
The third of it's kind in Indonesia was opened to the public on Wednesday, October 10, 2007.
The Bali theme park located near Lebih Beach in Gianyar only a few minutes from Sanur and less than 30 mins from Bali’s capital Denpasar, is operated by Taman Safari Indonesia who also operate a very successful 130 hectare Safari Theme Park in Bogor, West Java. Construction commenced on the Bogor facility in 1980, re-devoloping a former unproductive tea plantation which officially opened to the public in 1986 and now attracts some 1.4 million visitors annually. The new Bali Safari Park was designed by an American architect who specialises in designing animal friendly wildlife theme parks around the world.
In this latest venture Taman’s team was careful to develop a park that was as close as possible to the natural habitats of its animals. Ensuring the conservation of rare and endangered animals is the focus of the group who will also employ a team of vets as well as several specialist zoologists. Jansen Manansang, a member of the Taman Safari board, is the president of the South East Asian Zoo Association, and assisted in the staff selection criteria. The SEA Zoo Association’s focus is on the welfare of animals domiciled in zoo park habitats.
The venture currently employs more than 250 people, and in the foreseeable future this number will be increased to about 400 charged with caring for the animals and serving the thousands of visitors expected to visit Bali Safari each day. The development has met no resistance from the local Cucukan community who look forward to the increase in tourism to this part of the island that has up to now been overlooked by tour operators and developers. Once completed the park is expected to provide a huge economic boost to the local community, but the park’s focus will always be the upkeep and wellbeing of its animals, and it's continued involvement in conservation efforts and education.
Like a scene from the movie Jurassic Park guests will traverse the 40 hectare park in purpose built safari busses passing through different sections of the park themed to a number of animals, including: zebras, elephants, wildebeest, Sumatran tigers, alligators, bears and primates – all roaming in large, near-natural settings including a monkey inhabited rainforest, a rare Bengali white tiger habitat and a savannah-like landscape with wildebeast, hippos and lions. Guides are present to offer information about each animal, as well as the park’s conservation efforts and to this end the park will invite and encourage visits from school students who will learn much about the environment and conservation from what they see happening at the park.
The Bali Safari and Marine Park will be home to over 400 animals representing approximately 80 different species. A captive breeding program will be implemented especially for those rare and endangered species.
Once in full operation the Bali Safari & Marine Park will offer:
• Several large restaurants.
• A 1200 seat theatre and exhibition area.
• An Amazon Water Cruise.
• A Safari Lodge with overnight accommodation.
• An environmental education centre.
• Fun zones, Water Park, Amusement rides and open recreational and picnic areas.
BALI ZOO PARK
Welcome to Bali Zoo Park, a tropical wildlife in Paradise. It is the perfect wildlife conservatory for 350 animals of tropical birds, mammals and reptiles. Set in 3.5 hectare of naturalistic landscapes, the park is spaciously built in 30,000 m2 with tall trees, long grasses and thick vegetation, re-creating a natural habitat for the animals. The zoo promotes an effective learning about wildlife conservation especially for the children; it also acts as facilitation to reintroduce the endangered animals.
The exhibits of mammals ranging from primates, deers, camel, kangaroos, and Sumatran Tigers. The popular tropical birs such as Cassowary, Peacocks, Cockatoos, Bali Starling and Asian bred bird types. Other exhibits include reptiles, among them the komodo dragons (the largest living lizard only found in Indonesia), Iguanas, green snakes and python.
The expansive park set in magnificient garden filled with tropical plants and water features provide natural environment for the animals. The landscaped was designed with variety of plants may be use either as herbal medicine (Kayu Putih, Cengkeh, Mengkudu, Matoa, Cendana etc.), cooking ingredients (Melinjo, Lemo, Salam), for making preparation of ceremonial (Nagasari, Coconuts, Bambu Kuning, Majegau, Perasok,Palm Uduh, Lontar etc.)
BALI TREKKING
Lovers of Bali's environment can enjoy walking along rice terraces and feel the grass touch their skin or wash their hands in clear fresh water along the way and taste the tropical fruits whilst receiving warmest greetings from villagers and feel the heartbeat of real Balinese daily life.
To really experience this, then trekking or cycling must be your choice. These facilities are well organized tour operators in Bali since there is a high demand. There is much on offer - hiking or mountain trekking, rice paddy trekking, jungle trekking and beach trekking.
There are three favorites places for the hiker in Bali. First Mount Agung, the highest mount in Bali and considered to be the most sacred place because it has the mother temple. The trek will loop to explore the highland tropical bush and forest along beautiful Salak trees. Enjoy the sunrise and bird's eye view of Besakih Temple. Then Mount Batur and Mount Abang. These mountains stand as a backdrop to Batur Lake, circling it from outside.
JUNGLE TREKKING
Trek through the beautiful nature reserve of Mount Batukaru - an 'off the beaten track' adventure that quickly immerses you into the cool shade of the tropical rainforest. You can find the hidden world of Bali's magnificent flora and fauna as you pass by ancient strangler trees and ferns, canopied with exotic wild orchids and hanging liana, which is the home of a variety of tropical birds and animals. A picnic lunch by a clear mountain stream, breathing the spicy mountain air, will revive you before continuing on to finish at the ancient temple of Batukaru.
Or you can try Bali West National Park and choose what kind of trekking you want or try all to get all unforgettable experience.
Walk 1: Departing and ending in the National Park Office in Teluk Terima, this walk will loop to explore the lowland tropical bush and forest along the small river of Teluk Terima. The whole trek will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Walk 2: Departing and ending in the National Park Office in Teluk Terima, this walk is an extended trip of Walk 1to further explore the highland tropical forest of Maount Ulu Teluk Terima which is 242 meters above sea level. The whole trek will take approximately 3 - 4 hours.
Walk 3: Departure is from the National Park Office in Sumber Klampok and ends at the National Park Office in Klatakan or Ambyarsari. This route covers the lowland tropical bush and forest of Sumber Klampok (in the north part of the Park) leading up to cross Mount Klatakan which is 690 meters above sea level. Leaving the peak, the trek will loop down to explore the west part of the Park to finally end either in Klatakan or Ambyarsari. The whole trek will take approximately 5 - 7 hours.
RICE PADDY TREK
Bali's spectacular Carang Sari rice bowl area offers a chance to see traditional rural life unchanged for a thousand years. Starting at our Adventure Centre and skirting the beautiful Ayung River valley, we follow the farmers tracks through emerald green paddy fields observing the timeless routine of plowing, planting and harvesting using hand crafted tools and age old techniques. Visit village temples and plantations of coconuts, mango and jackfruit, all to a backdrop of unspoilt Balinese countryside, before finishing at the village of Kedewatan.
Or try an alternative. Starting high in the mountains at the village of Mayungan, this twenty five kilometre ride winds its way down along valleys, passing temples and shrines and criss-crossing golden rice fields through landscape unchanged for a thousand years. You can see local Balinese culture and customs while you pass through the jungle and villages.
DIVING
Tulamben is located on the northeast coast of Bali at the foot of Mount Gunung Agung (big mountain). Tulamben is mainly known for the US Liberty wreck that lies close to the shore. The US Liberty is a cargo ship that was torpedoed in the Lombok Strait on the 11th January 1942 (during the second world war) by the Japanese. She was towed by two destroyers towards the port of Singaraja but she was taking on too much water, so she was beached at Tulamben. Her cargo was salvaged by the local people. During the disastrous eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 she was pushed off the beach, broke in half and was left in her present position close to the shore of Tulamben. The stern is somewhat intact, the mid-ship section is all broken and the bow is again in pretty good shape. This wreck is a very popular dive site and it gets crowded around the middle of the day, when divers and snorkelers from Sanur or Lovina arrive. Best stay over night in Tulamben itself and dive there early in the morning (better visibility, fewer people and perhaps you will see the resident large group of bumphead parrotfish). There are other dive sites in Tulamben that are also very nice and well worth a visit.
Please notice that they have a porter system in Tulamben. The Diving Helper Club is a collective that will haul your diving equipment to the dive sites. The beach of Tulamben is covered with large black pebbles that make it very difficult to walk with heavy gear without turning an ankle. Getting in and out of the water is challenging enough (hold on to your dive buddy and time your dash to the shore so there are only small waves!) and I was always glad someone else carried my gear. For the same reason it is advisable to wear booties.
THE DIVING
The US Liberty wreck: entering the water from the black pebble beach can be quite difficult, but after about 30 meter you reach the black volcanic sand. The wreck lies on a sandy slope parallel to the shore, roughly southeast (stern) to northwest (bow). Part of the superstructure is close to the surface (about 5m) and can also be reached by snorkelers. The wreck is about 120m long, the deepest point is around 30m and it is nicely covered with corals and sponges. This is not a very difficult wreck to dive on (see my report on wreck diving in the Philippines), there are only a few places where you can penetrate, all towards the bow. When you make your safety stop you can just lie on the sand and observe the animals that live there. Night dives at the wreck are something special but should only be attempted if you are good with your buoyancy! We saw flashlightfish (turn off the lamp), special cowries, nudibranchs and many spider crabs.
Paradise Reef (or patch reef) and the River: These two dive sites lie between the wreck and the drop off. I usually started at the drop off (have the Diving Helpers Club carry the tanks there) and went down to 25m to see the cleaning station just slightly to the left of the drop off on the sand. Then I would head towards the Paradise Reef. If you are good on air, you can leisurely dive the whole stretch, otherwise you just get out, before you run out of air and walk back. Most of the dive is shallow (3m to 15m). Specially the River is a great place to do so called muck diving and find rare animals such as the harlequin and the robust ghost pipefish, several species of eels and even the mimic octopus, boxer crabs or the harlequin shrimp! If you are lucky as we were, you might also see an eagle ray or a couple black tip reef sharks, a big barracuda or Spanish mackerel! Also very good for night dives.
Tulamben Drop Off: about 500 m to the east of the wreck and close to the temple, the underwater wall drops to a depth of 60m (the top is around 3 to 5 m), sometimes there is a slight current. There are three coral covered lava spurs that reach down to 50 or 60m but usually you dive at the one that lies to the west of the temple. The other two reefs around the corner are also worth exploring. On the first spur at 30m is a huge Muricella gorgonian fan, it must be over 2m in diameter! Just beautiful!
Batu Klebit: After a short boat trip you reach this dive site southeast of Tulamben beach. There are some rocks close to the shore, around which you can dive, and some large reefs a bit offshore. You dive on a slope with nice hard and soft corals and sandy areas in between. You can also choose to do a rather deep dive - to around 30 to 50m - to see the underwater plateau. If you are lucky you see big pelagics such as tunas, sharks, manta rays, barracudas and sometimes even sunfishes. Visibility is usually quite good.
Around Tulamben (Amed, Lipah, Kubu, Seraya)
Kubu is a small fishing village in the north of Tulamben and can be reached by car in about 10 min. There are two dive sites, one in the north (or left) and the other in the south (or right). A hightlight is the pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti) you can find here. A really great place for muck diving with nudibranchs, shrimps and crabs.
Seraya House Reef: lies a short distance south of Tulamben. You dive just on the beach in front of the scuba Seraya resort. Getting in and out can be a bit difficult because of the waves but it is well worth the effort. The dive starts on a black sand slope sparsely covered with sponges, small corals and white hydroids. There are numerous species of nudibranchs to be found as well as the thorny and the common seahorse. There are several ridges some covered more densly than others lying too the right side of the cage (a project to grow corals). On 17m lies a cleaning station, a coral block just coverd with hingeback shrimps. A morey eel seems to be a permanent resident here. The big surprise were a pair of Harlequin shrimps who live under a small coral block. These rare shrimps with their large flat claws show beautiful colors of white, pink, blue and yellow and there are also frogfishes and ghostpipefishes living here.
Noisy Reef: When I asked - why this funny name - I got the reply, that the young fish inhabiting this reef make noise. Actually it is true, some cracking noise is always heard while diving here. Noisy Reef is situated just in front of the parking area for Seraya (west of the resort). This dive site is similar to the Seraya House Reef, but at the top the rocks are all covered with small hard corals and sponges. However there are stretches of sand between and when you get closer to Seraya the stones are more covered with hydroids and algae that attract nudibranchs. When diving there I basically looked for slugs (plenty of them), but I also found mantis shrimps, spider crabs, a robust pipefish and a small frogfish. If you like muckdiving it is worth to do both dive sites. There are also some Jacks and large triggerfishes but it is not a place to see very much fish.
There is more diving in Batu Niti which lies about half a kilometer to the east. Batu Niti is a volcanic ridge with a lava flow that drops into the sea.
Amed: The town lies on the shore of Jemeluk bay (Teluk Cemeluk), only a few kilometer south of Tulamben. There are usually a lot of jukung (local fishing boat) lying on the shore which are worth looking at since they are often nicely painted. You dive along several walls nicely covered with corals, sponges and sea fans. We finished the dive on a slope with a nice coral block covered with black corals. We saw a small Napoleon, a bluespotted ray and some nice nudibranchs. You can also dive just in front of the harbour of Amed on a sandy area which has several artificial reefs.
Lipah Bay: lies approx. 3 kms southeast of Jemeluk. There is a small wreck of a Japanese steel freighter at 6 -12 meter encrusted with gorgonians, sponges and black corals and with a lot of glasfish. Nice hard coral cover with a lot of anthias and he even found some pygmy seahorses and a lot of nudibranchs.
BALI WATER SPORT
Bali Marine Water Sport Activities
Bali Marine Sports are the exciting and fun seawater activities with great challenge for everyone who joins this sport. It offers variety of marine post activities from motorize until the manual one. It is one of the great seawater adventures in Bali giving the fantastic experience from every activity like Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Fly Fish, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Diving, Fishing, Glass Bottom Boat and Turtle Island Tour. The Marine Sport Packages are also available with attractive choice of sport activities and competitive prices.
BALI WATER SPORT CENTER
Blue sea water without wave is the best venue for water sport activities. Bali own the beautiful place with the long white sandy beach located in Tanjung Benoa as a Marine Sport Center. It is located right in the Bali's Peninsula, south part of the island and about 25 minutes drive from Bali's International Airport. It is just a step from Nusa Dua, the elite resort area in Bali and featured by an easy way to reach it.
Marine Sport Activities :
PARASAILING
Parasailing activity will bring you to the exciting experience by hook your self in airborne for a second and you will get free to enjoy the amazing view of the island from the over head. Beautiful scenery of the sea water is easily found by flying like a bird with string more then 100 meter up makes this activity really unforgettable memory in our life. You can get Parasailing Adventure right now as your choice during your vacation in Bali Island.
Price included: Safety Equipment, one round trip and Medical Insurance.
SNORKELING
Snorkeling is a fantastic marine activity to over view the beautiful panorama of coral, colorful fishes and other unique marines life. This adventure will bring you the exciting experience with professional snorkeling guide who guide you the right snorkeling spot point. It will take about one hour to explore and view beautiful underwater life which is completed safety equipment. You can over view completely about the Snorkeling Activities throughout this site.
Price Include: Snorkeling Gear, Boat Transfer, Medical Insurance and Snorkeling Guide.
JET SKI
Riding a motorized sea vehicle will get different experience and the fresh sea breeze will swirl your hair. Fun riding on the blue water with the combination of jet Drive Power up to 700 cc and personal water craft will result pure excitement. Please see more detail about Jet Ski HERE.
Price include : Equipment, life jacket and Medical Insurance
WATER SKI
Water Ski is one of the exciting Marine Sport Activities by gliding on the seawater at Tanjung Benoa Beach which is famous with Bali Marine Sport Center. This adventure uses water ski board and pulled by the power boat to surround the beautiful white sandy beach area. PLease see more detail about Water Ski HERE
Price include : Equipment, life jacket and Medical Insurance
BANANA BOAT
Gathering Banana Boat ride is the most enjoyable experience. It thrills for all and feels like kids ride over the ocean with blue seawater and big long soft marshmallow. It is a fantastic group game on the seawater which bring you to the exciting experience on your vacation in Bali. You may see complete page about Banana Boat HERE.
Price include: Life jacket, Medical Insurance and more.
FLY FISH
Fly Fish is the newest marine sport activity by riding a flat rubber boat which is pulled by a speed boat. It flies to dash against the wind sweeping that it real fly on the seawater. It is a great adventure by flying like fish jumping on the seawater with high boat speed. PLease see more detail about Fly Fish HERE.
Price include: Life jacket, Medical Insurance and more.
BALI TURTLE ISLAND TOUR
The tour will use the Glass Bottom Boat to explore the submarine of Benoa sea and stop for 15 minutes to observe the colorful fishes of under water and just seat down on the boat you can see many kinds of fishes from the bottom glass. The journey will be extended to Turtle island where the local people take care and grow the turtle up. Get this place by boat and see the beautiful of white sandy beach. You can see more detail about Bali Turtle Island Tour HERE.
Price include : Boat, Medical Insurance and more.
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Price Per Person : $55
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