Bali is far-removed from the political strife of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, and as locals will tell you, the predominantly Hindu province may as well be in a different country altogether. Visitors to the small island fall in love with the beautiful scenery and cultural attractions, but as The Concierge found, the kind and gentle nature of the people are what draw most visitors back.

10 First Time Experiences

The Beaches: One of Bali’s biggest key attractions are its beaches. The best beach is in Kuta, especially for novices who want to try their hand at surfing. The hardcore surfers who know what they’re doing and are willing to risk their lives to ride that one big wave should go to Ulu Watu. The Concierge was toying with the notion of attempting to surf for the first time at Ulu Watu until locals warned him that he would probably be going home in a body bag if he did. Visit Ulu Watu, bring your camera and take photos, but leave the swimming and surfing to the experts.

Ubud: There are several around Ubud featuring some gorgeous and unique paintings. Be prepared to bargain and to pay a lot of American dollars for the best works. While in the Ubud area, wander the town’s streets and enjoy what is regarded by most as the cultural heart of Bali. The local monkey forest is also worth a look. The Concierge was shocked to see swarms of monkeys in the open approaching visitors and ‘posing’ for pictures.

Volcanoes: Tired of monkeying around in Ubud? Then get ready for a nice stroll–up a volcano! The Concierge didn’t get the chance to make the climb up Mt. Batur, but he’s been told the sunrise views are spectacular. Some might be deterred by the fact that the mountain is still slightly active.

Bali Barat National Park: The wildlife in the park includes rare breeds of birds and monkeys and is a prime destination for anyone wanting to see Bali’s natural splendour. To really dive in to Bali’s natural wonder, take a trip to Lovina on the island’s north shore and scuba dive. The water is some of the clearest in the world and the corals are well worth the trip.

Culture: To experience the best of Bali, be sure to visit a Hindu temple. Over 90 per cent of Balinese are Hindu and their temples are impressive shrines to their faith. Everyone is required to wear a sarong on temple grounds, but you don’t have to buy one from locals, even though they may say otherwise. Temple caretakers lend out the sarongs as you enter. The Concierge loved another cultural aspect of Bali, the mysterious Barong Dance. The Barong is a mythical representation of a clash between the forces of chaos and destruction and offers insight into traditional customs. Be sure to have a Balinese person explain all of the myth in advance, or do some research in a guide book.

For more on Bali, go to www.bali.com

Prime Dishes

Travellers can find typical North American chain or theme restaurants in Kuta, but The Concierge loved the fine dining at La Maison, a French restaurant in Seminyak. For a real treat, visit the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel has a restaurant located at the bottom of their secluded cliff on which the Ritz is built. The Concierge loved the fresh seafood and open-air concept that has diners eating on a sand covered floor reminiscent of the beach below. For a truly romantic meal, the Ritz has built a pier that extends out from the restaurant into the sea with a table for two at one end. Lucky couples are treated to a lobster dinner and serenaded by Balinese musicians.

For more on restaurants in Bali, go to www.balieats.com

Best Buys

Nusa Dua is your best bet for shopping, but watch out for fake merchandise. Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and Louis Vitton all at half price? It’s too good to be true, you say! That’s because the deeply discounted clothing in many of the stores here is counterfeit. Although real designers’ logos are used on store fronts, realize that if you want the real thing you’re going to have to pay for it. Bargain hunters that don’t mind wearing designer knock-offs will have a field day in the dozens of fashion outlets in Nusa Dua.

For genuine merchandise, Ubud is a great place to find local handicrafts. The Balinese are expert wood carvers and do some incredible mask-work. As The Concierge found, local craftsmen will bargain and virtually expect you to haggle with them over price. Never take the first price offered and walk away if you feel that the seller is trying to gouge. In almost every case you’ll win the price negotiation after the seller calls you back and suddenly acknowledges your financial limitations.

Golf

Bali features three excellent golf courses that are all worth a round. Bali Handara Kosaido is a resort-style course that has hosted professional tournaments including a PGA Senior’s tournament. The course is long and open with stunning highland scenery. Although challenging, this is Bali’s ideal course for recreational golfers.
The Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Bali Golf Club is the island’s most impressive course in terms of scenery and was rated one of the top five courses in Asia by Fortune magazine. Bring your camera and a very big driver. Several holes on the back nine require shots over a chasm-like gap from tee box to fairway or green to avoid disaster in the Indian Ocean below. Golfers also have to contend with the winds blowing off the ocean, which only add to their frustration. But that frustration usually gives way to sheer bliss when they once again take time to enjoy their surrounds.
The Concierge’s favourite course on the island is the Bali Golf and Country Club in Nusa Dua.  The course is challenging and very hot, so be sure to start your round early in the morning so your game doesn’t fall prey to the oppressive Balinese humidity. The course features holes with huge waste bunkers and others that have players teeing off with gorgeous views of the distant ocean. Watch out for the ninth hole. Alu, a huge, harmless lizard sunbathes in one of the sand traps that guard the hole. The Concierge refused to risk Alu being in a bad mood and drove well clear of the trap.

For more on golf at Nirwana Bali Golf Club, go to www.nirwanabaligolf.com
For more on golf at Bali Golf and Country Club, go to www.baligolfandcountryclub.com
For more on golf at Bali Handara, go to www.indo.com/hotels/balihandara

En Route

The Concierge is still in therapy after taking a ride with a local guide. The road system is treacherous by North American standards, but works in a Balinese context. Talk to the concierge at your hotel and have them recommend a driver for the day if you want to tour the island. You should pay anywhere from US $20 to $50 for services. Seeing Bali by car with a local is the only way to go. You’ll get used to the narrow roads quickly and the local style of driving. The advantage of hiring a driver is that you can stop at any point and you can spend as much time in one area as you like.

Taxis are another option for getting around, especially at night. Only certain cars are licensed as official carriers (blue cabs, when The Concierge was visiting), so be sure to clarify which ones are reliable with your hotel. Make sure the cabbie turns on the meter when your trip starts to avoid an argument over prices. Be demanding–no meter, no business! The Concierge was shown the ‘new’ price list after one cab ride. After refusing to pay the ‘new’ price, but the metered one instead, he was called several nasty names in Indonesian which he is still trying to translate.

As for safety, be aware of your surroundings at night and try to avoid very poor neighbourhoods where problems may occur. The Balinese are great people, but as always, better to err on the side of caution.

After Hours Retreats

On the southern portion of the island, Kuta and Seminyak areas are a good place to base yourself for a fun night out. The streets in these areas are lined with bars and stay lively long into the night.

For a more laid-back evening, try Ubud. The town has some great bars, many featuring jazz and blues music. Coffee shops abound and visitors are able to relax away from the craziness of Kuta.

For a listing of hot night spots in Bali go to www.bali-nightlife.com

On The Tip Of The Concierge’s Tongue

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language in Indonesia. Bali has its own dialect, but almost everyone speaks the official state language. Here are just a few words and phrases to help you speak to your new Balinese friends:

 Good afternoon …………………………………….. Selamat Siang.
 Goodbye …………………………………………… Selamat Tinggal.
 How are you? ………………………………………..Apa Kabar?
 I am fine ……………………………………………. Kabar Baik.
 What is your name? ……………………………… Siapa nama anda?
 My name is... ………………..Nama saya...
 I do not speak Indonesian ……………. Saya tidak mengerti bahasa.
 Yes …………………………. Ya / Tentu.
 No / not ………………………….. Tidak / bukan.
 Thank you ……………………………..Terima kasih.
 Please ………………………… Tolong / Silakan.
 Excuse me ……………………… Permisi.
 Sorry ………………………….. Ma'af.
 How much is it? …………………… Berapa Harganya?
 It's too expensive …………………….. Harganya terlalu mahal.
 The bill (check) please ………………….Tolong bonnya.
 Are there rooms available? ……………….. Ada Kamar?
 What is the cost of the room? …………………Berapa ongkos kamar?
 Where is the toilet? ……………………… Dimana kamar kecil?
 Where is...? ……………………………….. Dimana...?