| Teena
Hughes is a silk artist and Macintosh computer evangelist who currently
lives in Sydney, Australia, has travelled extensively and has lived
in many countries. Her credo....."the world is my backyard." You
can check out her fabulous website at: www.abfab-australia.com/
Located eight
to nine degrees south of the Equator in Indonesia, Bali is azure
blue skies, turquoise ocean, rainbows of coral reefs, tropical fish,
luscious green palm trees, lush gardens, impressive volcanoes and
riots of colourful Balinese clothing. It's a must-see island guaranteed
to please the adventuress in you.
| Warm,
kind people...
The
Balinese people are the warmest, kindest people I have ever
met on my travels. Even the traffic doesn't bother anyone
as they drive slowly enough to let all other drivers into
the flow. A gentle beep lets everyone know another car or
bike is about to move over. For the spiritually inclined,
this tropical paradise is a perfect place to visit to get
in touch with nature, peace and tranquillity.
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| Taxi
from the airport...
After
landing at Denpassar airport, make sure to cash a couple hundred
dollars into Indonesia Rupiahs (RP) so you'll be able to pay
for your taxi or bus ride to your hotel. Just outside the
airport entrance is the taxi booking office. Queue up and
see the posted prices to specific areas, pay your money, take
your receipt, and find your taxi driver. I stayed in Candidasa
on the east coast and the two hour journey cost me 200,000RP
(US$23-25)
P.S. Prepare yourself for the heat and humidity
as soon as you step outside the airport. It's a great idea
to carry a folding fan in your backpack -- with a bit of wrist
action you can create a little coolness.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Please check Candidasa's cancellation policy before giving
them your credit card. Make sure you know exactly what it
means. It has been described by a Journeywoman reader as 'very
vague.' |
Hotels under $30.00...
The
village of Candidasa is off the beaten track -- quiet, quaint,
and peaceful. I stayed at the Dewa
Bharata Hotel located right on the ocean. There
was a pool to enjoy as well as handheld showers (hot & cold
water) and ceiling fans (air conditioning is available but
not necessary). The rooms here are rustic and clean, and
the staff members were like a model family - always happy
and helpful. Rates were approximately US$23-25 per night/twin
share. Website: www.indo.com/hotels/dewa-bharata-cdasa/,
Tel: 0363-41090.
Ubud is
the mountain village populated by artists, with lots of
inexpensive accommodation lining the main shopping street
called Monkey Forest Road. Ubud
Terraces and others close by cost approximately
US$17-19 when I was there.
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Pampering is so affordable...
In
Candidasa you can have a massage by the pool on the edge
of the ocean where local Balinese women charge $US3.50 -
5.75 for an hour of heaven. Or, for an experience not to
be missed, visit the Dewi Salon
for manicure, pedicure and massage by the owner Debbie.
Just imagine being pampered silly -- Balinese music playing
in the background and sounds of the fountain in the courtyard
lulling you into a state of bliss.
P.S. A Balinese manicure
includes an arm massage as well. Yum!
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