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Bali is swamped with stray (or not stray) dogs. They can get annoying and sometimes (very rarely) aggressive. You don’t need to worry about the ones wearing a red collar - these have the rabbies shot. Rabbies is becoming an increasing problem in Bali, so beware of the non-red-collared dogs. If they do get to close, just pick up a stone and show an INTENTION of throwing it towards them. They will normally back off.
If you are taking any form of transport, the best way (but dangerous) is to go by motorcycle. We rented a car and drove ourselves - which was pretty ok, but road signs were really lacking and there were many one way streets that scooters and motorbikes went through in the wrong direction, which cars cannot follow - if you missed the no entry sign and followed the motorbikes in, you'd be in for a rude shock when locals get angry with you.
Recently there have been a number of incidents regarding a local posing as a policeman.This person, has short cropped hair in the style of a policeman, dresses in the uniform, badge and all, but has 3 earings in one ear (which is a giveaway).He targets visitors on the beaches in South Bali (Kuta, Legian and Gerger Beach near Nusa Dua)He offers to take care of people valuables whilst they go for a swim, then makes off with the items.Police think he is part of an organised crime syndicate and are activly searching for him.The Tip and Warning here isn't necessarily about this one particular person, but about being aware that there are imposters out there, and never trust anyone with your valuables. If you are victim of this imposter or others, then call the tourist police as soon as possible using the Telephone No below or find the nearest tourist police office (one on every beach close to...
I once accompanied a friendto one of those local money exchangers that you find along the street.It was my first time to one of these so-called establishments.In the first one that we visited, they were asking a 35% commission!I told them it was a rip off and they just scuffled.We drove further down the street to a money changer that was also a transport rental business.They brought out a stick of 20,000 Rp notes for $600 USD.Something that is crazy in trying to count.Exchange your money a at a reputable money exchanger, such as Central Kuta.To read more on those tricky stunts, click on: How money changers rip you off. Money Exchange Scams & Blue ATMS
An interesting experience occurred to me recently.While taking picture of 2 hectares of land,I lost my motorbike keys.Thanks to my Balinese friend,within a while,he came to my rescue.He brought a guy who,brought a soft, unfiled Honda key.He first stuck it in the back,where you place things inside,and from there he figured outwhere it was needed to be filed.He filed the key in a certain area,and within 5 minutes,the key was placed in the starter of the engine,and voila!!!Price: 70,000 Rp.I am grateful that I was saved,but I also learned how easy it is to steal a motorbike!Some of us may have the tendency to renta motorbike without insurance,but watch out!Stolen motorbikes have been on the rise.Make sure you have one of those locksthat are placed between the tire.But then again,they can just lift it upand load it unto a truck.
Just a fore warning to those,who are handicapped or wheel chair bound.This is NOT a wheel chair friendly country!!In fact, it is extremely difficult to just walk on a normal sidewalk,since there are not many of them around.If you want to absolutely come to Bali anyway,then consider staying at Nusa Dua or Sanurwhere you might find ita bit more convenient to get around.Be prepared if you need wheelchair assistance at the airport...it's definately NOT the best service around!!There are two companies that rent wheelchairs:Bali Mobilityand Bali Access TravelOr you can buy one for 900,000 Rp at the Matahari Pharmacy in KutaContact me, if you would like to donate it afterwards.Someone's else's story
More and more reports are being made to the police regarding money being stolen from visitors who have withdrawn money from ATM machines.BEWAREThere are elements of criminals (and not only Indonesian) who are watching for tourists withdrawing money from ATM machines. They are particularly targeting tourists who place the money in handbags, then get into a car (or cruiser etc), they then follow the vehicle until it stops at a junction or traffic lights, and then place nails under the rear tyre.(normally the left rear tyre, which is easier to do unnoticed by the driver.Once the tyre has deflated and the car has to stop, they then attempt to rob the tourists either by threat of violence or by offering to help change the tyre, and steal the money through accomplices searching the vehicle whilst you are busy outside.The police have issued the foillowing guidelines to help reduce the...
List of Police Numbers for Sending SMS Crime Leads to Local Police Precincts. (11/29/2008) As part of a nation wide crackdown on premanisme which is comprised of gang activity, thuggery and extortion activities ¨C the Bali Police Department have invited the public to lend their support by sending SMS leads and information relating to premanisme to hotlines held personally by precinct chiefs located across the island of Bali.Bali Police Hotlines to Report Premanisme¡ñ Raditya Rendra Dewayana, Chief of Criminal Reserves (Kasat Reskrim) Denpasar HP: 085237508000 ¡ñ I Made Witaya, Chief of Criminal Reserves (Kasat Reskrim) Polres Badung, HP : 08123636454 ¡ñ Dewa Adnyana, Chief of Criminal Reserves (Kasat Reskrim) Polres Gianyar, HP 081385748972 ¡ñ I.M.. Maha Atmaja, Chief of Criminal Reserves (Kasat Reskrim) Polres Klungkung, HP 08123901144 ¡ñ I.N. Kariyasa , Chief of Criminal Reserves...
AIDS/HIV are at declared concentrated epidemic levels(Kuta Conference 2004) in Indonesia, and Bali is a part of Indonesia with a high level of comparatively wealthy travelers and consequently a high level of sex workers and incidental sexual activity. The 2004 conference detailed 90-130,000 known cases of infected people. Evidence suggests that one third of cases result from shared needles in drug use and the remainder mainly from sexual activity. The National Narcotic Agency (BNN) reported 4389 cases of HIV/AIDS - April '05 figures. It is further claimed that these figures, although official, are only "the tip of the iceberg"with most cases not being reported or not being detected and so not being treated. Condoms are available. Many travelers recommend bringing your own. The most active brothels are in Jl Danau Poso, Sanur. There are no compulsory medical checks of sex workers in...
With all the constructionwithout the development of infrastructure, the need of electricity is on the rise.Not that Bali has the capacity to do this,but the need along with the waste if there.Many villas leave several lights on,many villas construct swimming pools which need high consuming energy pumps, etc.Bali’s main power supply comes from the line from East Java between Banyuwangi and Situbondo.When there’s a breakdown there,then Bali goes into darkness,with the exception of those that have generators.So have your candles and flashlights handy!For every once and a while, the lights may go out!
8 Reviews and 841 Opinions MY WIFE AND I STAYED IN THE SHERATON LAGUNA FOR THREE WEEKS IN JULY 2006. THE HOTEL HAS JUST GONE...
Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali Bali
290 Opinions
The Ubud Village Resort Spa Ubud
12 Reviews and 204 Opinions A normal view here...one of the locals working on the rice field located within the resort itself...
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Q: How safe is it to travel around Bali?
A: "Safe"? Bali is very safe, as safe as any other part of the world at this point in time. We've been to Bali twice after the bombings and have never felt anything but...
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