Indonesia Travel Tips

The Kecak dance is one of the most famous of Balinese dances, it is unusual because it has no musical accompaniment like many other Indonesian dances do, the rhythm of the dance is produced by the chanting 'monkey' chorus. The chanting noise of "Cak-cak-cak" gave the dance its name Kecak. The 50 man chorus arrange themselves in a ring around a flame, to produce a stage. The men not only provide the rhythm for this dance but also act as the various monkey armies that are featured in the story and as the undulating snake in one of the scenes.

The story line of the dance is taken from the Ramayana epic that tells of the evil King Rahwana using trickery to kidnap Rama's wife Dewi Sinta, and how with the help of the white monkey army, Rama rescues his wife and defeats the evil Rahwana. The dance however is not a traditional Balinese dance it was developed in the 1930s in the village of Bona specifically for western tastes. If you get the opportunity to go to a Kecak dance go because it is an experience not to be missed.

WHERE TO EAT IN DENPASAR

There are a variety of restuarants in Denpasar offering a good choice of food to suit a variety of tastes at reasonable prices. Restaurant Hong Kong serves a good selection of Chinese and Indonesian dishes but prices are a little on the high side in comparision with other places in the area. Mie 88 with a slightly less extensive menu, is good value for money. Pondok Melati serves good, resonably priced seafood, but the setting is slightly noisy. If your looking for something pedas -spicy, visit Ayam Goreng Taliwang, that serves Lombok style food. Many of the shopping centres in the area have places to eat and there are several fast food places for those fast food addicts, McDonalds at the NDA department store, Wendy's and Pizza Hut at the Bali Mall and KFC at Matahari's and there is no shortage of Dunkin Donut outlets in the city.

Communication and Electricityy

Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries. Long Distance, IDD and facsimile services are also available at the telecommunications offices (Wartel) in major cities and hotels. Internet service is not a difficult things to find in big cities public internet services (Warnet). Most hotels in big cities use 220 volts 50 cycles and a two-pronged plug. However, some hotels in the provinces may still be using 110 volts. It is better to check before using an appliance.

GETTING AROUND IN DENPASAR

By Air:
Numerous international carriers service Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport either directly or via Jakarta. Domestic airlines operate schedule flights from various cities within Indonesia.

By Land:
Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or a night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travels first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi. Buses can be boarded at Banyuwangi or Gilimanuk for the final leg to Denpasar.

By Sea:
The state-run passanger line PELNI operates weekly sailing's between Bali and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang and Balikpapan. Regular ferries sail between Lombok and Bali.

Taxis
Upon arrival: If your hotel has not arranged transportation from the airport, hire a taxi from the transport counter outside the arrival gate. Fares are listed by destination and must be paid in advance. Metered taxis are also available in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Denpasar.

Rent a car
While inexpensive public transportation is available throughout Bali, the best option for travellers looking for comfort and flexibility is car rental. Air-conditioned vehicle's available include jeeps, family wagons and sedans, and these may be hired with or without a chauffeur. If you choose to drive yourself, a valid international Driving License is required. Temporary driving permits are also available from the Traffic Police Department. Most international road conventions are observed in Bali, though right-of-way tends to go to the larger vehicle and turns are not always signaled. Remember to drive on the left and overtake only on the right; turning left on a red light is allowed only when indicated. Keep both eyes out for the pedestrians, motorcycles, potholes, chickens and stray dogs (and pay special attention to your side-view mirrors). If negotiating Bali's sometimes hectic and usually harrowing roadways does not appeal to you, then hire a driver with your vehicle. They are inexpensive addition and generally know their way around the island.
For metered taxis, chauffeur-driven, standard and luxury cars, reservations can be made at (361) 701111.

Motorcycle
Seeing Bali by motorcycle is a romantic and carefree option provided you drive very cautiously. Helmets for both drivers and passenger are required by law, as in appropriate license. Motorcycling is not recommended (nor particularly pleasant) in the wet season.

Buses
Bus tours and daily excursions in air-conditioned coach or mini-van are offered at most hotels and travel agencies. Public buses ply routes throughout Bali from Denpasar's Ubung Terminal.

Bemos and Dokar
Bemos (covered pickups or mini-vans) ply short routes between towns. They are not air-conditioned and can be crowded, but are cheap. Fares vary according to distances, and bargaining is recommended. For a different experience, hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a short ride costs next to nothing

WHERE TO SEE THE KOCAK DANCE
Bona village Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00pm Catur EKA Budi (Art Centre) Denpasar, Daily at 7:00pm. Various Hotels in Bali hold Kecak Dance performances and often deals providing dinner and tickets to the performance are offered at the main hotels in Bali for further information contact:

Information provided by Department of Tourism. Government of Indonesia

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