Salamat Malam! (good evening)
We arrived home 3am thismorning. We stay where it's more quiet, away from the crowds in general - Sanur & Nusa Dua.
There's been warnings for years, and as a family have been travelling there for 22 years.
June - Aug are the busiest times to be there. That's why we go in the quiet wet / off season. We live in the same temperature so weather doesn't bother us at all.
Exchange rate is about 1000 rupiah less than U.S. at the moment. Exchange rate for cash it's around 8500 rupiah and travellers cheques approx 8100 rupiah.
I highly recommend learning a little bit of the Balinese language to get you by, plus the locals love it, they hassle you less, if at all, and I believe you get more bargains & better service. Our most used expressions :
Tulon dua Bintang - "2 beers thanks"
Tidak tarima kasi - "no thanks"
Jalan jalan - "just walking" (say that when you get nagged for transport)
Mahal - "expensive!"
Apa kabal - "how are you?"
baik baik - "good"
ekuk - "tasty food"
.......don't quote my spelling........
Then again, I'm bias because I love the place - apart from the Bali belly, ear infections & fever going around in the last week. Could happen anywhere though.
DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER! Buy bottled water, even ESPECIALLY to brush your teeth. Never yelled at our kids so much reminding them!
Anyway, PM me if you want more info.
Tarima kasi