Stephen Rae; Travel writer. "Come see Bali"

Published Air Nuigini Inflight magazine, Dec/ Jan 2014 issue.

Story included 13 pictures of Bali spread over seven pages of the magazine

"Come see Bali"

Land of crazy, retreats, hideaway beaches, parties, fire rockets, scooters, massages, beers, food, traffic and travellers from all around the world.

One flies into Denpasar airport, that's when the crazy begins. A constant barrage of planes from all over the world, filled to max with people, some wanting to party, others to relax on the beaches of Bali.

Get your visa on arrival for one month, then pass through immigration and attempt to collect your bags. But the chaos does work, few bags are lost and people are on the move. Taxis, private cars, hotel coaches await, numbering in there hundreds to take you where you want to go.

Negotiation is a reality here in Bali, there are the blue taxis that run a meter, the price of other transport is negotiated.

Kuta beach is the main beach close to the airport where many first timers go. Gangs of guys, groups of ladies, families, the single traveller negate the place with bright lights, a wild night club strip and restaurants at every turn and the shopping, incredible. With miles of storefronts, huge shopping centres and market places, selling everything from Bali towels, hats, t shirts, Jewelry, furniture, carvings, sarongs plus plus...

Hawkers are at you from the start, but no need to be rude, no thanks is all that's needed. They’re selling everything and the beach bar boys offer shade, a seat and a cold drink anytime of the day as you take in the sea. sun and surf in Kuta and surrounding beaches. Everyone is friendly, they all want to sell and generally open with, “where you from, how long you staying” as their first two questions asked.

Determine what you want from Bali, and then search on the net the more appropriate places.

Kuta for the fun and party with live music, beautiful local bikini clad girls dancing on bar tops with exotic shows on the main stage.

Sky garden a four level six bar club has an environment to suit most tastes, and the young flock there in there droves to rock the night away.

Small intimate live music clubs and if you want to sing or play the guitar with the band. You’re encouraged to join. The Expresso Bar is always a great choice.

The party strip is only two hundred yards long with small bars in the side streets. Experience it and fear not walking around, it’s safe and great to see and experience.

Traffic in people, cars and scooters is ever present so be careful we're you tread, there's always something coming up behind you. Jump on a scooter to get where you want to go, K5 gets you to most places and a fun way to travel. Tell him to slow down if his going to fast and he will, not that that is a problems. Tourists are wanted so you are looked after.

The surfing in Bali is widespread of course with incredible breaks around the island. One can say surfers first discovered Bali in the sixties as they searched for new destinations to ride a wave. And waves there certainly are in Bali. Famous spots are Bingin, Balangan, Padang Padang plus about on every point or open beach on the island.

Many people take up the surfing lessons offered in Kuta with a good 3 to 4 foot swell hitting the beach, there’s plenty of waves to have fun with.

In the afternoon, at Kuta, the beach is packed with thousands of people, each enjoying the company of friends, family and new found love as they walk and play at the waters edge. All waiting for the magnificent Bali sunset, which lights up the sky in an array of colours as the sun disappears over the watery horizon. Cameras are at hand by many. Wherever you are in Bali, take time to enjoy the sunsets.

Massage is everywhere, form spas, in stores and on the beach, need to unwind, for twenty kina, you can feel at peace after any type of day. So well worth taking up the offer. Feet massage on the beach with beer in hand, or the gentle Balinese music playing in the spa rooms as your body is worked on by the small featured and strong fingered ladies of Bali.

Dining is an experience, Asian and Western cuisines, traditional dishes, plenty of seafood, noodles and a hamburger if you want it. Mickey Ds is there as well as KFC and Pizza Hut. A Hard Rock Cafe lies on the main beach strip. And for a price you can use the their pool in the day, enormous with pool bars and little beaches scattered within in its domain.

The cafés and restaurants are slick and service just as good. The food is great value, so eat up. Many have live music and the bands play a good mix of old time favorites to the todays top hits. Ask the band to play a song. Slip them some cash and you’ll have it.

Service is included in the cost of your restaurant bill plus tax. But is always nice and well appreciated if you leave extra for the waiter or waitress. A little goes a long way and if you happen to return to that restaurant you are always remembered from the thousands who visit there.

Ubud, about and hour and half drive from Kuta, traffic depending, is an escape into the hills. Beautiful bungalows nestled in the tropical surrounds with that distinctive Asian architecture, small boutique hotels line the streets and once again plenty of shops, restaurants and markets to visit.

The is also the safari park where monkeys run wild and you buy bananas to feed them. They’re not shy and will come steal them from you. Worth a visit

If you want to escape the chaos, that's easy too. Your hotel can sought out a driver and take you anywhere you want to go. Beaches to the south like Bingin and Uluwatu, offering seclusion, cooked fish on the beach, and gorgeous water for swimming.

Yoga and mediation and well being hotels are plentiful and are easily searched on the net. Enabling Bali to offer that true escape. Exotic location, cliff tops hotels and villas.

The Bali religion is Hindu as opposed to the rest of country that is Muslim. A gentle religion and a gentle people. A thankyou or welcoming gesture is a nod of the head and the clasping of hands. A simple nod on greeting with a smile gets you a long way, showing that you know something of their culture.

You can head to the harbour and catch and do a day trip to the island of Nusa Lembongan and entertain yourself with snorkeling, paddling, submarine rides and banana trips. Stay on the island and the craziness of Bali soon disappears. Small intermit white sand beaches, bungalows close to the water, cool little cafes and scooters for hire for travel around the island. A place for the romantic, a place just to get away. A really nice island with Bali's most famous volcano, Mount Agung towering on the horizon, as you enjoy a swim or food at the cafe. Try a lunch or dinner at Alum Nusa at Mushroom beach, friendly staff and great food.

Accommodation ranges from expensive villas, bungalows, Hotels, homestays and a backpackers hostel. Your price, your choice. Come to Bali with your partner, your friends or family, it's all here.

It's a major destination for rest of Indonesia and well as other Asian countries. The world languages are spoken on the streets of Bali creating an interesting mix. Cash you can get from the many ATMs on the island, they generally accept most bankcards from around the world. Take your visa card to be safe.

Check out time is usually at 12, but you can leave your bags safely at the hotel until you have to depart to the airport. Carry money with you at all times, you never know when you want to spend it. Fresh juices are always on order and a healthy start after a big night. Try the pineapple, watermelon and honey dew at the Broad Walk Cafe, Kuta, always hits the spot.

English is spoken by many, be it in the restaurants and shops but sometimes not so fluent, so all say yes but make sure they understand you. Talk slowly and clearly if you feel your message is not getting through and Tok Piksa doesn't work here. Keep that in mind, however it is a conversation starter, “From where, Papua New Guinea”

Be friendly, be strong, and enjoy your time in Bali for there is much to see and do. And for people of Papua New Guinea it offers an experience so removed from our own country, well worth the journey.