12 Step planet: Bali

How do I get there?
Flights to Bali start at around €1,000, and, depending on stop-overs, can take up to 27 hours. A number of airlines will get you to Bali via London, Frankfurt, and Kuala Lumper.
What language do they speak?
The official language is Bahasa Indonesian, but English is widely spoken, so there is no problem getting food, transport or booking a room.
What’s the weather like?
Bali is in the tropics, so it only has two seasons. The wet season typically lasts from September to February, the dry season from March to August. There is very little difference in temperatures between the two seasons, which typically usually range between 17 – 23 degrees. In the wet season, there may be short, intermittent downpours. Of course, this can be a welcome break from the humidity, which can reach 75 per cent.
What is the local beer like?
Bintang is one of the most popular lagers in Indonesia, and widely drunk throughout Bali. That’ll be the first thing in your hand after checking in to your accommodation. You can buy it in almost any bar or supermarket. A 330ml sized bottle is about 6,000 Rupiah (51c) in the supermarket, and a large 620ml is about a euro.
Other drinks?
Arak is the national liqueur of Indonesia. It’s clear in colour and strong as hell. Much like poitín, there is the stuff you can buy in the bars, and then there is the ‘real’ thing, which is illegal. A popular shot is the Arak-Attack, which is Arak with cola. Three of these and you’ll be on your ear! Palm wine is another favourite. Often distilled at home by locals, it’s very hard to drink without holding your nose.
What’s the transport like?
The easiest way to get around Bali is by bemo. These are (often door and window-less) mini vans. It’s a great way to get around, and you can just flag one down on the street. The price will have to be negotiated, but make sure you do this before the trip, as the cost may have surreptitiously gone up by the time the journey is over. Tourist shuttle buses may get to destinations with more comfort and speed, but they are more expensive, and nothing quite beats travelling with the locals.
What’s the food like?
The Balinese are big fans of pork and chicken satays. Their food is not very spicy, unless you ask for it. One of their most popular dishes is Nasi Campur (fried rice), which comes mixed with lots of vegetables. Add to this, a plate of Gado Gado (salad) and a bowl of Khana Khazana (veg soup), and a bottle of Bintang, and your meal will still come in under 30,000 IDR – €2.60 at our price. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Jamie Oliver, there are cookery courses available which cost about 250,000 IDR. Eating out at the night market in Denpassar is a must. Hundreds of people gather here to eat pork straight from the spit and watch all the different vendors create their dishes. The riot of smells and sounds makes for a truly mouth watering experience.
What is the nightlife like?
The nightlife in the bigger cities is busy and lively. Clubs are open late, and are usually crowded with British and Aussie tourists. Out in the country, there are fewer people and it’s not as commercial. However, the locals are very friendly, and may invite you to join them for drinks outside, where they gather in small groups to enjoy the evening. There are bands playing in most bars. Unfortunately they are of the ‘Journey cover band’ variety.
Why should I go?
Diving! Tulamben, in the North East of Bali is a favourite hot spot for scuba divers. Among the things to see there is the ‘USAT Liberty’ shipwreck and the Coral Garden. The Indonesian shores are home to the largest population of turtles in the world, and the chances of coming face to face with a shark are high. So if you want to get PADI certified, Bali is the place for you.
What are the touristy things to do?
Bali is covered in holy temples and sacred places of worship, which are well worth a visit. A sash must be worn into the temples, and can be bought outside for next to nothing. Jet-skiing or snorkelling must feature on the agenda somewhere, with Kuta beach being renowned as having the best surf on the island. There are numerous markets, which could be selling anything from cheap Casio watches to monkeys. Even if you don’t understand the language, don’t be put off from going to see some theatre. The dancing and bright costumes are more than enough to keep you entertained.
Anything else?
Rent a moped and head into the countryside for breathtaking views of Mount Agung, the active volcano that overlooks rice paddy fields on the east of the island. The volcano last erupted in 1963, and is regarded as the most sacred mountain in Bali. We recommend getting lost here for a day or two.
Anything to avoid?
The police in Bali will try and stop you for anything. Be careful, as a loose chinstrap on your helmet may cost you a hefty fine.
What should I bring home?
Ubud is a very popular city for artists. People come from all over the world to find their inspiration here. It’s a small city, towards the middle of the island, where you will find intricate crafts and ornate wood sculptures, to decorate your bedroom.
When should I go?
You should probably go in the dry season, between March and August, although there are usually a couple of tropical showers in July.
What’s my challenge?
If you are there for a couple of weeks, take a few days to travel to the Gili Islands off Lombok. It’s a six-hour boat trip to Lombok, a bemo ride to the port, and a beautiful cruisey boat journey out to Gili Trawangen. It’s a total paradise with no cars or motorbikes to pollute the white sandy beaches. It seems unusual, but every restaurant and shop on Bali includes a ‘mushroom’ shake on their menu, with the promise it will take you to the moon. There’s even a Tír Na nÓg pub in case you get a dose of Bali belly.
What’s the currency?
Rupiah (IDR).
Something to remember…
Irish travellers to Bali will have to pay $25USD for a visa for up to 30 days, which can be paid at the airport upon arrival. The religion is predominantly Hindu (about 93.18%), with the remainder practicing Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.