Bali

Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 Islands, but the most popular one is Bali. And after spending two weeks in Indonesia, my heart has been captured by one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited.

You may look at the Balinese people and think that they have very little. Their clothing is simple and breakfast is a meal that is usually skipped, but the people wear the biggest smile on their face. Why? Because their Island is safe, warm, the sunsets are breath-taking and their Motto is ‘no problem’. On the outside it may look like they have very little but in reality, they have the things that so many of us long for. To be happy, watch the sunset with our loved ones, feel safe and not have to worry about tomorrow.

Money

Bali is one of the very few places that can cater to both ends of the financial spectrum. It doesn’t matter if you have hundreds, thousands or hundreds of thousands to spend; there is something for every price bracket.

Both the Indonesian Rupiah and US Dollars are accepted in Bali, but I would recommending using the Indonesian Rupiah because this is what most shops and hotels expect you to pay with. And unless you know the exact exchange rate at that precise moment in time, you will end up paying more if you use the US Dollar.

Accommodation

Bali is home to some of the world’s most beautiful infinity pools and hotels. Some of the resorts and villas will leave you in awe of their facilities and surroundings, but you can swim in beautiful pools and sleep in Egyptian cotton sheets without spending a fortune. Of course the International super hotels of Nusa Dua come with their all-inclusive price tags, but you can find Boutique hotels that offer the same Balinese luxury for a more reasonable price.

Food and Wine

One of the best things about Bali is the food and the price of it. With Tuna Steaks for less than £5, in Bali you can dine like royalty and eat until your heart is content on very little money. From traditional Balinese food to popular dishes inspired by the West and the rest of the world, Bali is a foodie’s heaven. And with all of the fresh fruit, meat and fish, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to healthy eating.

The food may be cheap but the drinks sometimes mirror the prices that I see here in London. The local alcohol and cocktails are very low cost, but if you are looking for a premium bottle of Champagne, Prosecco or an imported wine, be prepared to say goodbye to your money. The government have slapped a hefty tax on premium and imported drinks so finding a bottle of champagne that isn’t going to cost more than your accommodation for the night, is like gold dust.

Transport

There are scooters and motorbikes everywhere and car horns are the soundtrack to the roads in Bali. You will sit inside your taxi waiting to witness a collision, but it won’t happen. The roads in Bali are an organised chaos… I don’t know how it works, just know that it works.

Taxis are cheap and because Bali is a relatively small place, there is the opportunity to travel and explore the Island. An hour journey cost between £4-£6, providing your taxi driver is using a meter. Taxis without a metre will overcharge you, so always check to make sure that your drive is using a meter. And if you are struggling to find a taxi, you can use Uber! Yes, they have Uber cars in Bali!

Bugs

With the tropical climate come later lots of insects and mosquitoes. I would recommend buying a strong mosquito replant and creams to help aid recovery because they will bite you… especially at night time. If you do get bitten, apply toothpaste to your bites to help dry them out and stop them from itching.

Seasons

Bali is warm all year round so if you can, avoid going during the peak seasons (summer and Christmas). The beaches are cleaner and quieter during the low seasons which makes Bali feel more like a paradise Island and less like a hot spot for tourists. There is a rainy season but after speaking with a few locals, it rarely rains and when it does, it’s only for a few minutes.

Sun, sea, food and friendly faces. Welcome to Bali.