Bali - not just a beach destination: SHOPPING
April 14th 2009 11:09
In fact - I don't even rate it as a beach destination. Unfortunately, Bali beaches can get quite dirty. Steppping out of my resort, which was right on Legian beach, I was a little afraid to take off my thongs as I usually do when I step onto sand - there were empty bottles, bags of chips, broken pens and other unknown objects scattered all over the beach that made me not wanting to stay anymore than 2 shots of photo. Hawkers were not as bad as I thought, although still uncomfortable when you simply just want to sit and relax.
So, instead, I looked for other things to do.
Understandably many people have doubts about Bali - events that have happened in the recent years have stopped many from going to this popular destination. Although there is no way to predict what the future holds, I can assure you, that during the time I was there, which was 2 weeks before their national election last week, I felt completely safe.
I didn't want to go to Bali in the first place because it was full of Australians, or so I thought. It's true. Everywhere you go it's the Australians that stand out the most, and there are also plenty ex-pats it's not usual to walk into a cafe and the tv is tuned to the AFL game. However get outside the main parts and you'll find that the rest of the world also have a fascination about Bali just as much as we do.
I stayed at the Jayakarta Resort in Legian. Beautiful resort if not a little too big. I don't generally stay in such places but I thought this time, since I get to book my own holiday and hotels and resorts do give travel agents some kind of discount, I might as well treat myself. Along the beaches in Bali is a broadway which links Tuban to Kuta to Legian to Seminyak so I was able to use this broadwalk everyday to walk into Kuta central (which took about 30 mins) when I didn't feel too lazy.
Kuta is just like every other busy Asian city (or town, if you wish to call it) - there are department stores, crafts and arts stores and markets. Markets are great fun if you enjoy the art of Bargaining, but department stores are also well priced when compared to back home.
I personally don't like bargaining, was never taught how to do it properly however it seems like you have to bargain because the store owners also enjoy the activity, so much, that it was the first time I ever tried to bargain in a country that I got told off I wasn't doing it properly! As I gave the price, I was laughed at by the dude that was selling me a pair of earrings.
"Too much!" He said. "You can go lower!"
The fact that I tried to go lower but he brought it back to close to what I had originally offered annoyed me. Why didn't he just tell me how much he is willing to sell it to me for?
"It's fun you don't think?" He answered, still laughing.
If you like dresses, this is the perfect place. There are some nice materials of all sorts of colours and they are all so beautiful. In fact, I think I might return later this year or early next year to buy a dress to wear for my wedding next year. I only just want a white beach dress so it won't be hard. We'll see.
So - SHOPPING obviously is one thing outside the beach that keeps Bali alive with tourists. And I tell you, even if you don't normally like to shop, like me, there is just something about the shops and stores in this place that make you at least want to poke your head in for a look!
[to be cocntinued...]
So, instead, I looked for other things to do.
Understandably many people have doubts about Bali - events that have happened in the recent years have stopped many from going to this popular destination. Although there is no way to predict what the future holds, I can assure you, that during the time I was there, which was 2 weeks before their national election last week, I felt completely safe.
I didn't want to go to Bali in the first place because it was full of Australians, or so I thought. It's true. Everywhere you go it's the Australians that stand out the most, and there are also plenty ex-pats it's not usual to walk into a cafe and the tv is tuned to the AFL game. However get outside the main parts and you'll find that the rest of the world also have a fascination about Bali just as much as we do.
I stayed at the Jayakarta Resort in Legian. Beautiful resort if not a little too big. I don't generally stay in such places but I thought this time, since I get to book my own holiday and hotels and resorts do give travel agents some kind of discount, I might as well treat myself. Along the beaches in Bali is a broadway which links Tuban to Kuta to Legian to Seminyak so I was able to use this broadwalk everyday to walk into Kuta central (which took about 30 mins) when I didn't feel too lazy.
All over Bali are stalls like these that sells everything from arts and crafts to fashion - and bargain is required!
Kuta is just like every other busy Asian city (or town, if you wish to call it) - there are department stores, crafts and arts stores and markets. Markets are great fun if you enjoy the art of Bargaining, but department stores are also well priced when compared to back home.
I personally don't like bargaining, was never taught how to do it properly however it seems like you have to bargain because the store owners also enjoy the activity, so much, that it was the first time I ever tried to bargain in a country that I got told off I wasn't doing it properly! As I gave the price, I was laughed at by the dude that was selling me a pair of earrings.
"Too much!" He said. "You can go lower!"
The fact that I tried to go lower but he brought it back to close to what I had originally offered annoyed me. Why didn't he just tell me how much he is willing to sell it to me for?
"It's fun you don't think?" He answered, still laughing.
If you like dresses, this is the perfect place. There are some nice materials of all sorts of colours and they are all so beautiful. In fact, I think I might return later this year or early next year to buy a dress to wear for my wedding next year. I only just want a white beach dress so it won't be hard. We'll see.
Centre of Kuta also have modern shopping malls for those looking for something a little upper market
So - SHOPPING obviously is one thing outside the beach that keeps Bali alive with tourists. And I tell you, even if you don't normally like to shop, like me, there is just something about the shops and stores in this place that make you at least want to poke your head in for a look!
[to be cocntinued...]
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Comment by Someone
Evil Pleasures
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Also, I can't remember off the top of my head which side of the island it is, but at some points the winds and tides wash up crap all over one side of the island, so that could be why the beaches were so dirty.
Having grown up in Indonesia, I can tell you that bargaining is basically essential. It isn't uncommon for the price first quoted to be 500% (or even more) higher than what the vendor is willing to sell for. Case in point: I was there over christmas. My girlfriend bargained some Chanel No. 5 (fake, obviously) down from 200 to 100 I think. As soon as we bought it, a vendor came up and offered us 2 of the same for the same price.
In terms of bargaining, when they quote you a high price (and the price is always high, trust me), throw back a very low number. They will say no, and you say fine and walk off. In my experience 90% of the time they will call you back and ask how much you will pay. Repeat your price, and then they might quote you something more reasonable... even without haggling (which is basically an artform), you can get a cheaper price. Also, don't be afraid to walk off... very few stores in Kuta (and most of Bali) sell unique items, so you can generally find the same or similar products elsewhere.
I could go on if you like, but you probably don't so I'll stop here.
Comment by AmyHuang
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yeah I probably just need a little more guts. I always feel sorry for them, but then again, they wouldn't sell me something if they don't think it's worth their cost price right?
Will give it a go again next time!
Comment by Someone
Evil Pleasures
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Comment by AmyHuang
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Travel String
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Thanks for the offer