Hi Rach1966,

Yep, I give blood everytime I go to Bali (and I don't mean when I fall off my motorbike!).

Go to any of the international hospitals, they will be glad to see you, particularly if you have a rare blood group. It takes about half an hour in and out.

I would urge all tourists to do this - you don't know when this service will save your life. It is a simple procedure and doesn't take much time. Suggestion to Nick - check out the services and give us all a report? Hope you are not scared of needles! But as they say you just feel a little prick! (Sorry)

Howard

thanks Howard
I actually give blood all the time at home (unless I have been to some country that is banned for a year).
and not afraid of needles, I'm a nurse and start IV's all the time.

Rachel
(next time in Bali, March/April 2007)

Hi Nick,
I am planning my first trip to Bali in April, 2007. I only have a long weekend so I need advice. I am looking for guesthouses, cooking classes etc. I am female and traveling alone. I am not a drinker so what do you suggest.
jenn

Hi Zenjenn,
I am actually attending cooking classes in Ubud next month on my trip to Bali. I am a caterer in Calif. and I was hooked up by a friend in Portland who has been importing there for years. there is a woman, Ibu Wayan (Ibu meaning grandmother or elder) who owns Wayan Cafe and gives classes.
Here is the website of her family's guest houses in Ubud, one of them above the cafe, itself.
www.alamindahbali.com
check out the rooms at Alam Indah, my friend stays there when she travels. They have been so incredible to us over emails, and are picking us up at the airport. I have been finding that everyone there is very helpful. There is another chef there, an Aussie woman married to a Balinese man and has a incredible restaurant as well and she gives cooking classes. One of Ibu Wayan's daughters has a restaurant on one of the islands off of Lombok and also gives lessons. Anyway, good luck, I am so looking forward to my trip but mostly the cooking classes. Ibu Wayan's daughter, Metri, also gives classes in Ubud.

Hi there

My husband and I will be travelling for approx. 4 months. We also plan to go to Indonesia, just for approx. one week to visit Komodo and Flores.
I was a bit shocked to find out that almost all tours, offered on the internet were around USD 700.- plus, for only 6 days!
Does anyone have experiences with tours in Indonesia? Are there any serious tour operators who don't cost a fortune? Any recomendations are welcomed.

Thanks a lot!

Gordi

The Villas, in Semniyak, are a set of uniquely designed luxury villas, attached to Prana Spa, a high end place.

You might like the Zen Ayurveda resort in north Bali

Hi, everyone! I'm hoping you can help me on short notice... My wife, baby, and I are going ot Bali in a couple of days. I've been trying to get in touch with a couple of surf shops to arrange lessons while I'm there, but can't seem to get through to them through e-mail. If you guys have a good recommendation for me, I'd appreciate it. (I wanna have lessons on May 3rd at Kuta.)
Also, we need to know about voltage and plug design so we can bring appropriate adapters.
Finally, if you know a reputable place to buy authentic Keris, I'd really appreciate a referral.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Kent

Hey, I just found the voltage info in an archive on Bali Blog-- 240 Volt, two round-pin plug.

Kent

The voltage in Indonesia is 220 volts. The plug can be either a 2 pronged circular style or with one extra prong.

Adaptors can be found in ACE Hardware or Matahari department store, ground floor.

Be aware that Indonesia has unstable current, which accounts for the lights getting dimmer and brighter. Plugging your laptop into the wall, or any other appliance you value can be risky. Most people use a Stavol (voltage regulator) to balance the voltage.

Thanks, Nick! I only expect to be using chargers for camera/camcorder batteries. I shouldn't need a voltage regulator for that, right?

Kent

Laptop computers have an internal component that can handle voltages from 110-240 volts. This is because manufacturers realized people travel and their laptops were too expensive to lose. Other devices aren't like this. Often you can plug somethnig in and et it to work, with an adaptor, but its best to find a solution where the proper voltage is delivered.

Hi Nick, I am looking for a Bahasa Indonesia course either in Bali or in Lombok. Other than IALF Denpasar I can't find anything. Would you have any info? cheers, Sybille

Filipe,

You might try the Bagus Jati close to Ubud. Also take a look at the Ubud Sari .

Hi Nick,

My Name is Matt.

Planning on moving to Bali sometime next year. Married to a Balinese and we have a son, who was born there. My son is in kindergarten here in the states, but he's only 4 now and will be 5 at the end of Nov. Everything I read says they have age placement for children at the international schools. Is this True? Would my child have to repeat kindergarten if we moved there next year? Any ideas as far as good schools?

Thanks

Hey Nick.

I have an odd request. I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was really moved by her experience in Bali, and will be spending time in Ubud in November. Was wondering if you know how to find Ketut the medicine man and Waylan the female healer who Ms. Gilbert helped buy a permanent residence??? I would love to pay them both visits.

Thanks so much
Jen