Travel to the Point

A quieter coastal location with a slower pace and beautiful beach for those who are looking to simply relax.

What to Expect.

• A lot quieter than Kuta.
• Mainly for families and couples.
• Beautiful, clean and a quieter beach.
• A range of prices for meals, drinks and souvenirs but slightly cheaper than Ubud and cheaper than Kuta.
• Slower pace.
• A location with close access to the fast boats that take you to the Gill islands.
• Not a lot going on and most attractions are a transport journey away.
• Accomodation is a little more expensive but there are some gorgeous hotels with swimming pools and access to the beach.
• Get up before 6am and watch the sunrise on the horizon.

Read below for more information

Hiring a Cycling Bike

• Barter, barter, barter – we got 2 bikes for 2.5 hours for 30k rupee.
• Gentle exercise and a great way to explore the beach front.
• Check the bikes tyres, brakes, handlebars, seat
• Easily whiles away a few hours

Shopping on Jalan Danau Tamblingan

Hardy’s Department Store

• Souvenirs galore – decisions, decisions, decisions.
• Cheap and reasonable prices.
• Selection of clothes, bags, souvenirs, food and drinks.
• Generally cheapest for food & drink.
• Supermarket attached which proved to be cheapest in the area.
• May be asked to leave bag at the entrance.

Shops

• Selection of local shops including: Clothing, Balinese Silver, Masks, Wooden Carvings, Kites, Homeware, Souvenirs
• Restaurants, Bakery’s and Cafes
• Whiles away a few hours
• Chance to barter a bargain

Turtle Conservation Centre

• We didn’t visit however it was somewhere we wanted to go! (Only due to requiring a taxi to get there and back)
• Free entry but donation welcome.
• You can pay to adopt, name and release a turtle for 150k rupee.
• The beach where they are released is further out.

Amazing Eats (☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️)

• Curry in Bali ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
• Warung Papa Pizza ☀️☀️☀️☀️
• Bread Basket ☀️☀️☀️☀️

Curry in Bali

• Mid-top range prices – We spent 332k rupee (around £18.53) for 2 curries, 2 sides and 2 soft drinks
• Very tasty curries originating from Pula
• Handpainted interior showing the the origins of different curries
• Decent portion sizes
• Non-oily curries!
• Lovely staff
• Exactly what we were craving!

Warung Papa Pizza

• Super cheap – £9.17 (including a 10% tip)
• Family run restaurant
• Friendly, attentive and pleasant staff
• Down back alleys so maybe visit during the day if you don’t like the sound of that – it’s TOTALLY worth it!
• Thin based pizzas with plenty of topping

Bread Basket

• Reasonable prices and decent portion sizes – £6.99 for 2 softs, pancakes with fruit and honey and waffles with bacon and hash browns
• Sweet staff
• Only open during the day
• Daily specials available
• Admittedly I only had pancakes but for any bread craving, this is the place to go!

Accomodation: Gustavbali Bed and Breakfast

• Relatively cheap at 207k (Rupiah) each night for a double room. (£11.90)
• Very clean and tidy.
• Rooms are a tad small but great for a few nights.
• Bathroom has hot water!
• Aircon.
• Great location – roughly 10 minutes from beach.
• A cheap supermarket a stone throw away – trust us it is cheaper than the marts,

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Disclaimer

This blog is just stating our experience and what we read from other sites/blogs. In the end it is up to you whether to take the risk or not. If you have never rode a scooter or motorbike before I would not even consider renting one.

To the point

• Check your insurance cover!
• You can rent pretty much anywhere.
• Cheapest for us was via accomodation. 60k Rupiah per day plus 20k petrol.
• Renting cost can apparently range from 50k to 120k per day.
• We did not find one for 50k.
• Always get an helmet and one that fits. (Tiny heads, like Rachael’s, may struggle!)
• Check the bike over for marks/damages.
• Have an international licence before you go – ensure section A is stamped. (UK Edition)
• Take driving license out along with the international one.
• Check you are also given vehicle documentation in case you are stopped by the police.
• It is not like driving at home, be careful and take your time. Other drivers are always unpredictable!
• Police are known to stop foreigners especially if they are not driving safely.
• Police are known to issue fines on the spot for no apparent reason – they make it up on the spot.

Read below for more infomation.

Insurance

Always check your insurance policy to ensure you will be covered if there is an accident whilst on a scooter or bike. Our policy supported our medical bills but would not payout for public liability.

Accidents are common in Bali. Here is a link to one of the many horror stories –

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g294226-i7220-k11279396-Motorbike_accidents_in_Bali_My_near_death_experience_2017-Bali.html

Renting

In short renting via accomodation was the cheapest for us at 60k Rupiah. The other places we asked cost between 80k to 100k. I over heard someone else trying to rent one and they got told 120k.

The pricing can also be determined by the quality. Newer or bigger is often going to be more expensive.

Police and Fake Police 👮🚔

The Real Polisi

Let’s start with the real police. A lot of the research we read stated that police have a tendency to pull foreigners over. There are a few scenarios that we read could happen in this situation.

1. The police ask for your license and international license, check and as long as everything is okay and stamped correctly. They will let you get on your merry way.
2. Ask for licences etc. You show. They state they’re incorrect and you get a fine.
3. Ask for licences. You don’t have them so you get a fine.
4. Licences etc. You show. They fine you for another reason such as not wearing your helmet or driving down the wrong side of the road.

The Fake Polisi

The fake police are going to fine you no matter what to get money out of you. At least that is what we got from our research.

The fake police will often have stickers rather than looking like ‘official’ police officers. Their vehicles will be non high tech and look like other local vehicles with a few extra mods. It’s honestly hard to judge who are the real police but never handover your passport. Apparently, this is another way to get money out of you – they take your passport and then require a ‘fee’ to give it back to you.

You will also notice that local people mod their cars in Indonesia with extra lights. I have seen cars with blue flashing lights in the car grill, which can be confusing.

The Cost of the Fine

Again, we can only go on what we read in other blogs and websites but fines ranged from 10k to 500k Rupiah. One blogger stated that it depends what is in your wallet at the time. So maybe carry less or a second wallet with less money in it.

Our Experience

Honestly, nothing happened. We did not get pulled over and we did not get fined. Rachael and I had it for a whole morning and some of the afternoon. Then rode it for a short while in the evening. We did not travel considerable far and roughly drove for 20-30 minutes at a time.

We’re not saying being pulled over does not happen but driving like a dick or unsafely is going to bring attention.

The traffic can be busy, overwhelming and at times dangerous. The locals know the roads and laws better than you, which can make them unpredictable. There was a time when a car just kept on reversing onto a main road and still did so until I pressed my horn.

When on a bike you need to be far more aware of your surroundings and situations therefore you also need quicker reaction times.

Bohemian. Green. A breath of fresh air (kinda).

What to Expect.

• Touristy but more chilled than Kuta
• Mountainous
• Pleasant and friendly locals
• Free roaming monkeys – watch your belongings/ souvenirs
• Slightly lower prices than Kuta but higher than Java

Sacred Monkey Forest

• Watch your water bottle or anything loose. The monkeys will have it!
• Entrance fee: 80,000 Rupee per person (£4.58)
• For photographs with monkeys on shoulders keepers charge a fee of 20k Rupee.
• Time spent: 3 hours
• Keep your ticket – some restaurants offer 10-15% discount on your meal

Goah Gajah Temple

• 50k Rupiah Per Person.
• Parking 2k per vehicle.
• Sarongs are free at the temple entrance. Do not be fooled by the women saying you need to buy them!
• Roughly 15-20 Minute drive or 1 hour walk from Ubud.
• More than meets the eye. It is bigger than it looks make sure you explore.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

• Free.
• Beautiful views.
• Go early. It gets hot and busier.
• Wear suitable foot ware despite others wearing sandals. The path gets uneven.
• Nice place to see rice paddies.
• Treat yourself to a spa and enjoy the tranquil location.
• There are little eateries along the way.
• The area has building work, which gives the impression the location will get busier and sites obscured.

Accomodation: Rice Paddy Bungalow

• Good location, situated slightly back from main road making it quiet and peaceful
• Private double with fan and ensuite (HOT shower). Porch with seating.
• £9.75 per night for 2 people, includes breakfast (choice of pancakes, omlette and fried eggs)
• Pleasant and friendly owner
• Close proximity to lots of restaurants and bars

Amazing Eats

• Sun Sun Warung (£) Traditional Balinese Cuisine ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
• Sukaespresso (££) Australian/ Fusion Food ☀️☀️☀️☀️
• El Mexicano (£££) As it says on the tin… Mexican ☀️☀️☀️☀️

Sun Sun Warung ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Escape to a traditional Balinese family garden where tasty Indonesian food is served at low prices. A starter and dessert were shared and a main meal each plus 2 juices only cost us £6.79!! The surroundings are so quaint as there was traditional Balinese architecture and you were next to a temple. The seats are cushions on the floor however there were some tables if you struggle sitting on the floor.

Suka Espresso ☀️☀️☀️☀️

3/4 meals ain’t bad. The food is fresh, healthy and different with lovely presentation. Each evening between 6 and 9pm all mains were 50k (rupiah) so not badly priced. We had the tropical tuna which was delicious, pulled pork burger and red snapper burger which were really tasty. There was only the jack fruit yellow curry which was way too salty for both of us. Each time we spent just over £9 for 2 mains and 2 softs.

El Mexicano ☀️☀️☀️☀️

So we fancied something a little different and this quirky Frida Kahlo esq venue certainly provided! Fantastic Mexican inspired food but a little more pricey. We had nachos, chicken tostidos and beef enchiladas which were all so yummy. I even treated myself to a pineapple, mint, coconut drink which was a refreshing change from the usual softs. All in all it cost £16.57 so if you compare it to England it doesn’t break the bank.

Additional Tips

• Look around for transport/trip prices – the ones on the quieter back streets usually have the best deals
• Check your change – even in the supermarket (they often short changed us)

To the point

• A lot of tourists.
• Constantly hassled by locals for taxi, souvenirs and restaurants.
• The cheaper hotels/hostels have been the worst.
• Expensive compared to other regions.
• Dirty beach.

Bali is lovely and the scenery is gorgeous. Kuta Beach would be the same if it wasn’t for the large amount of rude tourists and the ashtray beach that seemed to be littered with cigarette butts and trash.

Accomodation Shocker

We wish we had only stayed two nights rather than the three because the hotels/hostels we had booked had been the worst yet. No hot water, a shower that dribbled, a hose pipe shower and a bathroom that stunk of cat piss.

The rooms we booked were cheap and basic but for a similar price or less we at least had clean facilities and hot water at other hostels. At £7-£10 a night we have had better nights.

Food

On the whole food was okay. Nothing special and at times prices were nearly double that of Yogyakarta. Roughly paying between £5-£10 a meal rather than the £4-£6.

There was one place in particular that stood out. A small street food place called Warung Indonesia that tasted amazing, especially the satay sauce dip, which was also cheap.

In summary, stay one or two nights, watch the sunset and move on.

To the point info

• Genuinely friendly locals but friendly can also mean scam.
• Prawirotaman Street is the bohemian place to stay – 30 mins walk to the city.
• Otu Hostel was great – (£5-7 a night)
• Via Via Restaurant had a variety of food that tasted really good. – Low to Mid range price.
• Sultan’s Palace – 15k Rupiah plus 1k per camera. (£1.76 for 2 people and a camera).

Read below for more details.

Otu Hostel

The Otu Hostel was a great place to stay. The bathrooms were shared but for the four nights we stayed there we never had that moment of needing to wait for the facilities. Overall, the bathroom and shower was clean but other guests seemed to disregard the shared space by pissing on the floor and toilet seat.

The staff were always friendly and wanted to know what we had planned or been up to. Prior to arriving a young lad, called Opal, messaged us via WhatsApp for info on our arrival and asked if we wanted picking up from the train station. Due to us staying 4 nights the pick up was free, which was an added bonus as usually it would cost 50,000 rupiah.

Saturday, another young lad, was a charismatic welcome who took the time to take us through attractions, key locations and map for the local area.

I would recommend staying at the Otu Hostel.

The City

Yogyakarta is not a traditional city like Jakarta with it’s sky scrappers, public transport, traffic and size. Yogyakarta was charming, fresh and bohemian.

The city aspect is stripped back and instead you’re given a taste of real Indonesia, with it’s traditional buildings and shops.

Sultan’s Palace

Located at the centre of the city the palace gave us an insight into the history of Indonesian monarchy. Unlucky for us we did not get to see the king of Indonesia, who is known to be a frequent visitor, but instead we were treated to a puppet show.

Great Eats: Via Via

After the 9+ hour journey we were starving on arrival and we’re recommended by Otu hostel to visit Via Via – just down the road. On arrival we were greeted by lovely and friendly staff.

They have a substantial menu with a variety of options for all traveller appetites, whether carnivore, pescitarian, vegetarian or vegan. There’s certainly something that could tempt anyone! Over the two nights that we dined here we had a vegetarian Indian curry, Balinese chicken, chicken and fish skewers with satay sauce and spinach and feta ravioli with tomato sauce. All of which were stunning! So fresh and tasty.

Continue reading “Indonesia – Yogyakarta”

To the Point

• Get tickets online via https://www.traveloka.com/kereta-api/rute/jakarta-yogyakarta-gmr-yk
• Cost – 336,000 for 2 (£21.00) Economy Class 1.
• Station name – Pasar Senen Station
• Small walk from Senen Bus Station/Plaza Atrium in Senen.
• Make sure you have a book, headphones, music and Netflix.
• Food and water can be purchased on the train.
• The toilet is a squatter.

The train is cheap, sort of comfortable and a little bit boring. The first hour of looking out of the window pretty much gives you the gist of the Indonesian countryside.

We travelled via Economy 1 which was the cheapest via the online website mentioned above. There was an Economy 2 and 3 for 230k+ per person which I assume offered other comforts.

However, the long journey gives you a great opportunity to chat and talk to the locals of Indonesia. We met a young lad called Wachid, who was a cook in Yogyakarta.

Jakarta is a city and all cities have their affluent areas and impoverish areas. It was just our luck that we spent it on the outskirts of the ‘Bronx’, which a local kindly informed us has we got off the bus in Senen.

Jakarta Points

• Use Blue Bird Group Taxis – via a meter – others are known to rip you off.
• Avoid North Jakarta – it’s the ‘unsafe’ area.
• There are local buses and a more professional bus network system.
• Buses usually cost 5000 Rupiah (£0.29) per ride per person.
• A card can be bought for the ‘professional’ bus network – 40,000 Rupiah (£2.29) – one card can be bought but used by more than one person.
• Most people stay 2-3 days.
• Cost of a meal in restaurant Inc a soft drink – 35k – 70 k Rupiah per person (£2-4)
• Street food – Not cooked fresh and did not see the locals eating it so did not try.
• The National Monument is nice to see.
• Old town too but we did not have time to see that.

Read below for more detail.

Transport

Taxi – Blue Bird Group are the ones to trust the most and make sure they use a meter. Often scammers will say they’re blue bird but they’re just a blue car. They may also give one price and double it at the end of the fair.

Buses – The outskirts use old school buses. The type without suspension, patched up leather seats with cigarette burns and doors wide open for Air con. We got charged 5000 rupiah each per ride – £0.29.

The centre had a more up to date bus service that interlinked well across the inner city. Rachael and I paid for a travel card 40,000 rupiah – £2.29 that we both could use.

Jakarta

Rachael and I did not have long in Jakarta. However, most people say you only need 2 to 3 days.

The city is interesting and very busy especially on the roads where car, bus, motorbikes, scooters and Tuc Tucs merge has one vehicle dodging game that is similar to the classic video game Frogger. When, carefully, crossing the road cars and motorbikes will stop.

We visited the national monument that represented Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch. It was wonderful to see and cost around 45,000 Rupiah (£2.57).

Do not be surprised if Indonesian people ask to take a photograph with you. Often the people are very friendly and will ask.

South of the city takes you to a strip of road that has high rise buildings consisting of hotels and shopping complexes. You can get food and beer here but expect to pay a little more in these places. You can see a stark contrast between the central city and the outskirts. If you want a real experience dip your toe in the ‘Bronx’.

Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or a year long trip this dinky little app gets you planning and organising.

I came across this whilst researching ways to help Rachael and I plan for our trip in South East Asia.

Here are the main features:

• Create separate trips.
• You can pinpoint locations and flag key places.
• Compile important documents – such as passport photos and visa documents.
• Track expenses.
• Make notes.
• More than one person/user can be applied to a trip, which means information can be amended and kept up to date by and for all.
• Messages can be sent to users within the trip.
• Key trip locations can be easily organised.

All these features are embedded within a user friendly and stylish looking interface.

9 out of 10

I would have given it 10. There are still a couple of bugs that need fixing. It would have also been helpful to have the ability to create folders in the document section to further organise key information.

Who let the dogs out?

Do you get the vaccine or not? It’s preference but the cost took us by suprise.

Personally I wouldn’t think of going on a long trip without getting it. Rachael visited Thailand a few years ago for two weeks and did not have the jab. However, a monkey did jump on her and it only would have taken one scratch or bite.

Here are some points to consider:

• Vaccine given at a private pharmacy.
• There are 3 doses.
• Two doses need to be a week apart.
• The third dose is a week before you travel.
• I was told you can do a fast track in the space of a week – discuss this with the pharmacy.
• Cost circulating online – £30-£40 each dose.
• Actual cost for us £49.99 (£60 was being given at most places) each dose.
• Total: £149.97

The costing could have been related to the fact there was a shortage of the vaccine.

A small portable gun that shoots a burst of water to clean your ass. Rachael and I only found out about this whilst researching. In all honesty I am a little scared but mainly because I don’t want to give myself an enema.

Will I enjoy it? Keep tuned when, in Part 2, I plan to document my experience.