The
Island of Bali
As one of the enormous island of more than 17,000 islands of
Indonesia, Bali is the right place for enjoying a tropical holidays.
Bali provides beauty landscape to explore and beaches for surfing
and diving. The Kuta beach, where Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
Bali is located, is still the most favorite beach for tourists.
The white sand always crowded by the sun lovers with great waves
for the surfer.
Climate
As a part of the tropical country, Bali experiences two yearly
seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season
is normally November to April with a peak around January/February,
when it rains for several hours each day. The dry season,
May to October, is a favorite time to travel, especially for
June to September. Bali is 8 degees south of the equator with
temperatures vary between 21° and 32°C
(70 - 90°F).
Average humidity is 75% and above, year round.
Shopping
Kuta and other places in Bali are a heaven for shoppers. The
main tourist roads are lined with stores, shops and stalls
selling Indonesian crafts, batik materials and local specialties.
In Bali, bargaining is aan experience not to be missed. The
first price is not the last price. Learn the art of bargaining,
keep a sense of humor, first ask the price that the vendor
expects and then counter offer. You usually pay more than
the locals, but that's the way it is. Modern shopping centers
and supermarkets will have a fixed price. Discovery Shopping
Mall, the only beachfront shopping centers, is just adjacent
to the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel.
Currency & Credit Cards
Only rupiah (IDR - Indonesian currency) is acceptable at local
stores and restaurants. The Indonesian rupiah is available
in note denomination of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000,
1,000, 500 and 100. Coins are available in denominations of
1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.
US dollars are the preferred foreign currency
for exchange. Only bills printed from 1996 onward are accepted
in payment or in exchange for local currency. Larger denomination
bills earn a higher exchange rate, as do traveler's cheques.
Most hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops accept certain
foreign currencies and credit cards. You can buy rupiah at
foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers
on presentation of your passport. The exchange rate fluctuates
regularly, so check your bank for the latest exchange rates.
Most banks and hotels accept traveler's cheques (this will
need to be monitored).
The use of traveler's checks in Indonesia
is as popular as in any other country. Diners Club and American
Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels,
department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. According
to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards
is charged in local currency. Some merchants apply a 3-5 percent
surcharge for credit card transactions.
Automatic
Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are everywhere. Many connect to international banking
networks so you can withdraw cash in rupiah from your home
account. Look for those affiliated with your own ATM network,
noted by signage on your card and the compatible ATM are everywhere.
Moneychangers
It is recommended to use an authorized money changer in the
hotel area or nearby. If you use those moneychangers on the
streets, ask them if they charge a commission. Whilst their
rates may look good, you could lose out on the commission.
Be very careful when they hand over the money. Make sure you
count the money before you leave.
Street
stalls
Some tourists like to buy fake staff like glasses, watches,
clothes, etc. This is the reason why these guys are existed.
You can choose not to buy from them. But if you decide to
buy, “Beware"!
Pubs
& clubs
The nightlife in Bali is very exciting and vibrant. Many of
the pubs and clubs are opened till the wee morning. When you
go out at night, take only enough cash that you will need
and leave your valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box.
Whilst it is quite safe in Bali, there are pickpockets and
other undesirables around, so be careful when out on the streets
or in the bars. Have a great night out.
Food stalls
Be careful when buying food off the streets. If it looks questionable,
it most probably is.
Tap water
The tap water in Bali is not drinkable, so use bottled water
whenever you are thirsty. When buying bottled water, make
sure the seal is not broken. Two bottles are provided in your
room daily on a complimentary basis.
Taxis & transport
It is recommended to use only metered taxis. There is a reputable
transportation counter in the lobby of the Discovery Kartika
Plaza Hotel. You may ask for the service in our concierge
desk.
Security
& safety
For your own safety, we recommend that you do not reveal your
room number to strangers, beach boys, tour guides, etc. Usually
they will call you endlessly to buy something or even pass
information about you to others. Do not invite beach boys
into the hotel or your room, for your own safety and peace
of mind. Bali is not free of theft and petty crime. Don't
leave valuables unattended. Be extra careful of purses, wallets
and backpacks in crowded areas. Report theft immediately to
police or security officers. Without a police report, new
passports and documents to leave the country are difficult
to obtain. Carry photocopies of passports, tickets and driver's
licenses and keep originals in the hotel safe. All narcotics
are illegal in Indonesia and prosecution means a long prison
term and/or huge fines, even death penalty for trafficking.
In Kuta,
you are sure to have a great time. If you are in an uncomfortable
situation, simply smile, apologize, and if necessary, leave
quickly. Don't put yourself in a situation which could land
you in trouble. |
