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Dewa was more
than a terrific Driver & Guide!
While in Bali I needed to get a wide array of items and everything that
I needed to buy, Dewa knew where to find it. If there was anything
that he didn't know- he would find it for me directly,
which saved me a lot of time and trouble. He was familiar with
the roads and always knows the fastest way to take for efficiency.
Dewa really went the extra mile for me and never complained when we
were kept working over time at critical
moments. He generously lent me cash when my ATM wasn't working on
more than one occasion and he even came after working hours to help
me rescue a poor dog that had been hit by a car. Dewa found a great
place for me to stay at a good price. He arranged a motor bike to be
delivered for my shopping to make sure I was getting a fine price if
there was something that I wanted to buy in town, he would suggest
to me, where we could buy the same item in a nearby village where
the item had originally been made and this opened for me a beautiful
window on Balinese culture and life style, that was apart from the
regular beaten path of the tourist, that was of a better quality
and at a better price. He was happy to translate for me and would
even help me get discounts. I made some great new friends and good
connections for future business transactions. I am now looking forward to the next time I can
visit Bali and again will have Dewa as my Driver
and guide. I will tell all my friends in Maui to call Dewa when going to Bali.
Justin Boswell, Maui, Hawaii
Dependable,
knowledgeable, courteous, fun!
Dewa made out trip to Bali an outstanding event! He will coordinate
with your specific interests and knows all the best places for
sightseeing, shopping, dining, accommodations, etc. He is able to
communicate with the local folks and makes your stay extra special.
We felt very safe and well taken care of the entire trip. He is the
best!!!
Leonard &
Jo-Ann Keith, Maui, Hawaii
Courteous - Cheerful -
Reliable - Trustworthy!!
If you are
planning a trip to Bali, you simply must contact
Dewa to use as your driver and tour guide! He is one of the most delightful people I've
ever met, and did everything in his power to make my trip a wonderful
event. As a woman traveling to Bali, I was just thrilled to have
someone like Dewa who had a good reputation all over the district
and who was completely reliable. He was referred by a business woman
on Maui who has traveled to Bali for 7 years and always hires Dewa
as her driver/guide. I
definitely plan to keep in touch with him and to visit Bali again
and again!
Linda Spears, Maui, Hawaii
www.BaliDentalReferral.com
Careful and Caring
I went to Bali to have extensive dental work done at a fraction of
the cost in mainland USA. Dewa was our driver and guide and we
couldn't have had better care. He was fantastic and I highly
recommend him to everyone traveling to Bali.
Ed Marti,
Maui, Hawaii martimechanic@yahoo.com |
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Bali
is called the Island of the Gods, and for centuries visitors have
come to know its
rich cultural traditions and spectacular scenery as a wonderful
place to be. People come from all over the world to enjoy this
paradise.
Bali's strong
cultural history is based on closely related elements such as the
unique Hindu religion, the language, the castes, the community life,
the land cultivation and beautiful heart-felt expressions of art.
Of the four
castes, Brahmana, Satria and Wesia represent 10% of the population,
whereas the Sudras (the farmers and craftsmen) represent the great
majority. The caste system is still very much alive today, and truly
regulates the different levels of the Balinese language along with
their religious beliefs.
The Island of
the Gods is rich in mystery, beauty, enchantment and serenity with
everyone falling under its irresistible Bali spell.
Fabulous rice
fields and terraces, volcanoes, lakes, temples and with deeply
spiritual and artistic roots make it one of the most often visited
places in the world, with a deserving reputation of a true "Paradise
on Earth." |
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Population
The population of Bali
is nearly all Indonesian with 95% Balinese Hindu. The average
Balinese who deals with tourists usually speaks one of the Balinese
dialects in addition to Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia)
and English. |
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Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
Located 8° south of the
equator, Bali is a tropical climate which is hot year-round.
Average temperatures are 30°C (mid-80s°F) and the humidity can
sometimes make the heat feel very oppressive. |
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Bali Weather
Bali has dry and wet
seasons - From April to October is the normal dry season then
October to March the wet season, but there can be rain any time of
the year. The best months to visit Bali are from April to September
for lower humidity and rains are light and infrequent.
During the day it is recommended light
cotton clothes. For mountain excursions you should take along some
warmer clothes.
Swimming in the Sea
Currents and undertows can be strong, so always be sure to swim
between the red and yellow flags. Do not swim too far out, and do
not leave your belongings unattended on the beach. |
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Bali Island Cultural and Religious
Beliefs
Achieving peace and harmony,
while balancing the spiritual and material world is the basic aim in
Balinese life. The Balinese are amazing in their intricacy or
surprisingly simple in their humility, their love of work and
affection bestowed on children they live a life of love, given
freely to everyone in a smile or a wave. |
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Currency in Bali
A unit of currency in Bali is
the rupiah. Cash and travelers cheques are very easy to exchange in
the major centers. Moneychangers are very competitive, but are
warned to check your transaction as some operators can leave you
shortchanged. Credit card transactions can take some time and
American Express Travelers Checks are hard to cash because they are
feared counterfeit. CITI Bank credit cards with a pin number can be
used at any ATM. Global AMEX card (the green one with the Trojan
head in the center) is the only one accepted. They new travelers
checks in credit card form with a pin number are good. |
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Travel
Visas
Visitors from USA, Canada, UK,
Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe don't need a visa
to enter Indonesia provided you have a ticket out of the country and
your passport has at least six months validity.
When you arrive
you will be issued a tourist card that is valid for a 60-day stay.
Keep the card with your passport, as you'll have to hand it back
when you leave the country. It is not possible to get an extension
on a tourist visa, unless there is a medical emergency or you have
to answer legal charges.
There are visas,
particularly a business visitor's visa, which may be valid for a
longer period. The immigration office is in Denpasar. Always be
respectful when dealing with officials. |
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Telecommunications systems
Telecommunications have
improved a lot in recent years. Telephone offices (wartels) can
easily be found and local, long distance or international calls can
be made from these offices. Internet cafes are everywhere and
cellular phone coverage is good. Bring your laptop and hook up for a
small fee. |
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Transportation
Indonesia has left-hand traffic
patterns so you are advised not to drive by yourself unless you
already have experience with the Asian way of driving. Traffic
conditions are completely different to what you know from home and
traffic rules are not easily comprehensible for visitors.
Motorcycles and bicycles without lights are an additional hazard in
the dark. In Bali always expect the unexpected, always keep your
eyes open and your mind on driving.
It is easier, safer and more relaxing to rent a car with local
driver to have a worry free trip. You can enjoy the views! Please
Note: It is customary to provide your driver/guide with meals
when you are out touring all day, but don't worry, food is very
inexpensive here. |
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Food / Meals
With a multitude of
restaurants specializing in many cuisines, Indonesian food is
the most common and available food across the island. If you enjoy a
certain type of food, you are sure to find here in Bali. Beer is
popular and cheap so beer drinkers will feel right at home in Bali.
The local beer is called Bintang.
Drinking Water
Do not drink water from any taps. Bottled or bottled mineral water
is highly recommended for your health.
Sampling Balinese fruit can be a real treat because the variety and
quality is extraordinary, is plentiful and quite inexpensive. Be
sure to try a few local varieties like: Rambutan, Mangosteen, Salak,
Nangka and Durian (smells strong, but tastes just wonderful). |
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Miscellaneous
Customs and Traditions
Shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in and around temples. It
is a custom to take off the shoes in temples, on festival grounds
and in private houses. It is strongly recommend following these
custom to show your respect for the religious traditions.
You should not touch someone's head (including children), or point
your finger at someone as it is considered impolite. For the same
reason you should avoid standing with your head above someone you
are talking to so when in doubt sit down.
Shaking hands is not customary, except on farewells or
congratulations. Intimate touches or embraces are absolutely
inappropriate.
Nude or topless swimming and sunbathing is forbidden. If you see
Balinese taking a bath in the rivers along the streets you should
discreetly overlook them and resist the appeal to take pictures.
When handing over or taking something from someone only the right
hand is to be used. The left hand is considered unclean.
Bring books if you'd like to read
because there aren't many in English here in Bali. |
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Shopping in Bali
Famous for its crafts in
woodcarving and sculptures; silver and gold jewelry, woven cloth,
sarongs, traditional and realist paintings, bone and coconut shell
carvings, antiques, basket wares and masks. More recently garment
manufacturing has increased making excellent designer garments
inexpensively available with quick, reasonable tailoring.
Except in
fixed-price stores or restaurants, typical shopping is done by
bargaining, which is the national sport that can be a lot of fun!
One rule is followed and that is that both buyer and seller
should end up satisfied, and not lose face or become angry! |
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I will also assist YOU by preparing a hotel
or villa RENTAL for you
or book rafting excursions and other activities!
If you have any questions you would like
answered
please call or email me at the contact info above
Last Updated on
04/28/2009 |
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