We
arrived in Bali during the night. Our driver, who we had booked in advance, was
waiting for us at the airport. The arrangements were made from our home via the
internet two weeks before we left. The driver was the first Balinese person
we've met. We spent our entire drive to Ubud, which took us 1 hour, talking
about his country and listening to his stories about his family and everyday
life.
The
next day, I woke up while my family was still sleeping. I decided to take a
walk. The streets were fairly empty, but when I saw someone they always smiled
and sometimes even greeted me.
I
was feeling good and confident. This is Bali - a beautiful and safe place. The
nature there is breathtaking. No matter where you stand, chance is you'll see a
beautiful view, almost as if it wasn't even real. So, what is the best way to
see it all? The answer won't surprise you - find a local guide. Why?
1. Driving.
Many
of us are used to right hand traffic. And so driving on the left side of the
road can be challenging for us, if we want to drive a car. At the same time you
should also remember that traffic in Indonesia is quite chaotic. There are no
strict written rules. The general rule states that smaller vehicles should be
on the lookout for the bigger ones. You can't be startled by horns either as
they help people navigate the traffic.
As a
driver you may see some festivals or weddings happening on a road, and there is
no app to tell you an alternative route. You have to either drive around or ask
a local. Oh, and don't forget your international licence!
2. Attending
a ceremony.
Ceremonies
in Bali are spectacular events, like Ogoh Ogoh, parade of huge fiercely looking
statues or Galungan, a festival which commemorates the battle of good and evil.
Some ceremonies are not so prominent but still interesting, as every village
and temple organises them.
Every
ceremony is a colourful, vibrant feast. People wear elegant attire. Women are
in kebaya, kamen and seledang - a fitted laced blouse, a kind of sarong and
shawl. Men wear shirts, kamen, selendang and udeng, a fancy head-dress.
Balinese
people are open to strangers and don't mind if someone attends their
celebration, even a cremation ceremony. But you can feel like an intruder and
it would be nice to understand everything that you see. Locals can help you to
feel not like an observer but like a participant. And with their guidance you
can avoid making any major mistakes.
3. Looking
for information’s
Talking
to locals can teach you a lot and also provide some context. We had an
opportunity to talk to our driver from the airport. This kind of conversation
will show you things that are not written in books.
4. Experiencing
Bali a unique way
Locals
know more, it's obvious. They know places you can't reach reading guidebooks or
blogs. Many private guides know some waterfalls hidden in the jungle or cute
lone beaches, where you can spend remarkable time. Sometimes they take tourists
home so they can meet their family and feel what the everyday life is.
5. Gaining
friends
You
spend a lot of time with your guide. Many talks, jokes and it rarely is only a
client-contractor relation. You have fun
together. Especially when you are climbing a mountain or surfing. Guides and
drivers have professional profiles in web where they write not only about their
guiding skills but about their hobbies and opinions too. So you can choose
person you sense good vibes from. There is a chance that the friendship will
last. I have some friends like that that I've met in Bali or in India.
6. Feeling
safe
Bali
is a safe place. People are quiet, humble and trustworthy. Everyone is smiling.
But of course a bad thing always can happen. If you don't feel confident, a
trusted guide is the answer.
7. Looking
for help in emergency
It's
important, especially if you travel with small children. Sudden sickness? Any
special needs? No problem! You have someone friendly, informed and oriented to
count on.
8. Not
paying much
To
hire a driver is relatively inexpensive in Bali and quality of the service is
really high.
To
feel confident you have made the right choice, look for a guide when you are
still at home. There are websites offering guiding services like TripAmigos.net
where with just couple of clicks you can get tens of customized offers from the
guides for your trip. Review personal profiles, read recommendations from other
tourists, clear your doubts.
For more details also checkout our website here :- http://www.tripamigos.net/
0 comments:
Post a Comment