lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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browsing old threads as sooner or later I'll pull the trigger on bali, even though I am a bit scared by heartquakes/vulcanoos/attacks, anyhow
1- is it doable in August if you are not a big balls pro surfers? I read in summer it's rocking, but I wonder if there will also be spots for below intermediate goofy surfers
2- what is a must read? Stormrider? Indo surf & lingo?
3- so bali is an island and as far as I understood everyone rents a motorbike and checks out different spots. Is that true or the island is actually not that small? does it matter where you decide to stay or no matter what you'll always have nice spots handy?
thanks!
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Quote:
browsing old threads as sooner or later I'll pull the trigger on bali, even though I am a bit scared by heartquakes/vulcanoos/attacks, anyhow
1- is it doable in August if you are not a big balls pro surfers? I read in summer it's rocking, but I wonder if there will also be spots for below intermediate goofy surfers
2- what is a must read? Stormrider? Indo surf & lingo?
3- so bali is an island and as far as I understood everyone rents a motorbike and checks out different spots. Is that true or the island is actually not that small? does it matter where you decide to stay or no matter what you'll always have nice spots handy?
thanks!
1/Anytime of year you can still find smaller more mellow waves beachies and reefs around kuta and down the coast at places like Medewi (long mellow cobblestone left pt) Balian left and rights over flat cobblestones/flat reef/sand.
2/ Yes Indo surf and lingo is a must doesn't just give you spots but gives you a guide/idea of where to go when and other good info, unlike storm rider guides that are often first to expose secret spots, Indo surf & lingo has respected secret spots and not given to much away until secret spots have been blown open, hats off to Peter 
3/Bali isn't really that small but the south east corner is where most of the waves are.
no need to worry about earthquakes/volcanoes/bombings etc but Motorbikes- unless you are an experienced rider, give it a miss, Indo roads are crazy and Bali is as crazy as they get, ive heard 5 people a day die in Bali everyday from motorbike accidents, maybee its a wifes tale but i wouldn't be suprised if true,
Instead hire a car and driver its still very cheap and much safer.
BTW, Bali is pretty crowded and touristy, if you get there and aren't into it head to Lombok apart from deserts, good intermediate waves, or at least do a trip over to Nusa Lembongan not what it use to be but good first step for real taste of indo, tropical islands with fun offshore reefs.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Quote:
3/Bali isn't really that small but the south east corner is where most of the waves are.
BTW, Bali is pretty crowded and touristy, if you get there and aren't into it head to Lombok apart from deserts, good intermediate waves, or at least do a trip over to Nusa Lembongan not what it use to be but good first step for real taste of indo, tropical islands with fun offshore reefs.
thanks really a lot
I am pushing gf to accept it as summer travel. The point is: she doesnt surf, but she'd love to enjoy relax time on beautiful beaches. Which is the best thing to accommodate both needs, surfing for me AND great holiday (relax+historic/natural tours) for her?
thanks 
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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moreover, she started to read and gather information and found there are places where there is higher risk of malaria.
Is that true? for different reasons she doesnt want/cant take pills to prevent malaria, so she definitely wants to avoid those places.
But of all my friends who went there, I never heard of malaria...
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Technically on paper Bali could have malaria but ive never heard of an incident especially in tourist areas where the hotels spray around gardens to keep mosquitoes population down.
There is also only one type of mosquitoe that can carry the malaria parasite and it only comes out at dusk dawn or at night.
BTW. in regards to your girl, most girls dig Bali as everything is pretty cheap, hotels, eating out, shopping and there is so much stuff to do from ridding elephants to white water rafting, all kinds of zoo's and heaps of cultural stuff.
This site is pretty good for info on Bali http://www.baliguide.com/index.html
And also the bali travel forumhttp://www.balitravelforum.com/ can find info on everything like prices you should pay for things when shopping.
Site on accommodation http://www.bali-accommodation.com.au/
Cheers
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Whoops forgot about surfing http://www.baliwaves.com/ surf report and guide of surf spots etc
Edited by indodreams (05/06/12 11:53 PM)
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Indodreams
today I gave a look at a LoneltyPlanet just to try to sketch a first itinerary, as I should try to camouflage the trip as something else than a surftrip. I read that during the month of August the south around Kuta gets really really crowded, almost annoying. Is that true???
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Yeah gets pretty busy during june, july, August because that's winter in Australia and popular with Aussies escaping the cold.
Id never stay in Kuta to busy at anytime, staying down in Legian area is not as busy and better beach breaks or check out seminyak if your girl is into more upper-class, hotels/shops/restaurants.
Dont know what kind of budget your looking at but check out puri raja hotel in legian, http://www.puriraja.com/ its mid budget right on beach in a good area, many other lower budget options in that area if you dont want to be beach front.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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thanks again
digging a bit more into planning, and we'll have to spend some days in Ubud because most non-surfing activities seem to be there around. My problem is still the same: camouflage a surf trip!
I was thinking: Ubud + south of the island where all surf spots are accessible, maybe two different stays (one more north, the other right on the south coast) + Lombok-Gili Islands.
What do you think? how is surfing in lombok for not expert surfer? The problem is that many sources recommend malaria pills for Lombok, and this will be a no-go for the lady.
silly practical questions: are surfboards to rent easily and widely available? shops in the cities/villages or right on the beach? quality-wise are these boards comparable or some shops are better? do tourists buy and bring a board back? summer wetsuit/top neoprene needed? reef boots mandatory?
THANKS
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gene_can_sing
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 05/23/05
Posts: 1369
Loc: United States
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I have several surf books on Indo, and this is hands down - Wave Finder, the best surf guide. I have several of their guides and they are really good (except the Central America one sucks), plus they are super small and can fit in your pocket. Tiny type though, but major info.
http://www.amazon.com/Wave-Finder-Guide-...4564&sr=1-7
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Quote:
thanks again
digging a bit more into planning, and we'll have to spend some days in Ubud because most non-surfing activities seem to be there around. My problem is still the same: camouflage a surf trip!
I was thinking: Ubud + south of the island where all surf spots are accessible, maybe two different stays (one more north, the other right on the south coast) + Lombok-Gili Islands.
What do you think? how is surfing in lombok for not expert surfer? The problem is that many sources recommend malaria pills for Lombok, and this will be a no-go for the lady.
silly practical questions: are surfboards to rent easily and widely available? shops in the cities/villages or right on the beach? quality-wise are these boards comparable or some shops are better? do tourists buy and bring a board back? summer wetsuit/top neoprene needed? reef boots mandatory?
THANKS
Apart from desert point, most waves on Lombok suit average surfers more than just about anywhere in Indo some waves are even super mellow but fun (Grupuk bay area)
Lombok is said to have malaria as is all areas outside of Bali or Jakarta but August is near end of dry season so very few mosquito, personally i never take anything for malaria anywhere in indo but each to there own.
Not sure about boards in lombok has been a while since there (i spend most of my time in Sumatra) boards are easy to rent in Bali from beach and possibly from shop, not sure on quality expect not great? you can buy all kinds of boards new and secondhand in Bali number of places in poppies 2 area and out at places like ullus, but prices are more expensive then USA and closer to what we pay in Australia about $350+ secondhand $700+ new
Water is to hot for wetsuits of any kind, but rash shirt is good to stop sunburn, booties are a must at many reefs, but also spots can get away without them, personally i think is good idea to wear them as only takes one big cut to keep you out of water for days or longer as cuts can get infected real easy in indo.
Edited by indodreams (05/11/12 10:55 PM)
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Quote:
I have several surf books on Indo, and this is hands down - Wave Finder, the best surf guide. I have several of their guides and they are really good (except the Central America one sucks), plus they are super small and can fit in your pocket. Tiny type though, but major info.
http://www.amazon.com/Wave-Finder-Guide-...4564&sr=1-7
Yeah i have a few also and totally agree that liitle black book is the best overall indo guide, indo surf and lingo good starting book for Bali though.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Need your help again.
Deciding where to stay while in bali.
So far, both Ubud and Gili are set.
Need to make a choice on where to stay witth non surfing gf. Manu suggest to avoid kuta and go Seminyak or Legian. But i understand is not that close to the Bukitt peninsula/baalangin/etc, so i am wondering if we should stay in both Seminyak AND somewhere else more south, closer to Uluwatu. How do u go to all the spots if you are in seminyak?
Another friend suggested to avoid Seminyak as well, as too busyn too many cars, and go directly to Bukit.
What do u guys suggest, considering I am not traveling alone and i am the one surfing?
Thanks in advance
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Norsemann
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/04/11
Posts: 230
Loc: Long Beach, CA
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Ubud & Seminyak are the spots for your gf. Seminyak has plenty of shopping & nice restaurants. Try Kafe in Ubud, its the nuts. Bukit will be boring for her, unless she loves to take pictures or read. You'll end up @ Ye-Ye's every night, which is not a bad thing.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Thanks.
But are there nice beaches around Seminiak?
So i guess Bukit peninsula is seen with daily trip down there? Can u go there for dinner or it's too farv
A friend is thinking to choose an hotel around Uluwatu temple, really to the south. Does it make sense or there is nothing to do there, besides hanging in the pool?
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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what do you think of Kuta Lombok?
someone suggested it in order to make happy both me and her...she started to read the web today, and found out that water in bali is not that great, filty, beaches are mostly for surfing due to rocks/reef/currents, Seminyak is like Kuta, etc etc, so lot of negative vibes about it.
I am only glad I didnt propose the trip, but the idea of bali came from her as some of her friends are going there.
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Norsemann
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/04/11
Posts: 230
Loc: Long Beach, CA
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Balangan is a great beach, waves can get very good on a bigger swell. If she likes the beach over shopping, stay down on the Bukit.
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valero
Grom
Reged: 10/18/04
Posts: 139
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Bring your girl to G-land, even if shes not surfing. That setting is ***** epic even for reading books in the shade.
If not for a full week, go a couple of days and get the barrels of you life meanwhile shes reading game of ***** thrones or something.
I would also really recommend a trip to Nusa Lembongan, just a few hours from Kuta. Take a cab to Sanur and then a small ferry (2 hours or so) to Nusa. Its a small island with only a handful of cars, great roads for bikes though. Rural compared to Bali, kind of empty and relaxed. A few good places to stay, great diving plus waves as shipwrecks and lacerations. One of the most beautiful places ive been to.
As some people have mentioned, Seminyak is less hectic than down south. However, the beach break can be bangin if the sand bars are good and the swell is pumping. Very tide depending spot though. The ride to bukit are pretty much the same from Seminyak and Kuta, maybe 10 more mins so doesn't matter to much.
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http://surfporn.blogspot.se/
Edited by valero (06/20/12 02:13 AM)
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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guys, digging in the most trivial stuff...
I read that surf apparel there in Bali is expensive (as it is imported?)
So what about leashes/wax/fins and everything else I'd need? should I bring it from here? I was thinking of going with just a carry-on bag, but considering reef boots, neoprene top, fins etc probably I'll have a bigger bag.
Also, since I am going in August and I read it's pumping, should I buy (while there) a thruster as most versatile? a friend last month bought a twin and he was superhappy.
Boardbags: I read they are top notch and supercheap. Do they make them in every shop? is there one better? I plan on buying one.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Quote:
Quote:
I have several surf books on Indo, and this is hands down - Wave Finder, the best surf guide. I have several of their guides and they are really good (except the Central America one sucks), plus they are super small and can fit in your pocket. Tiny type though, but major info.
http://www.amazon.com/Wave-Finder-Guide-...4564&sr=1-7
Yeah i have a few also and totally agree that liitle black book is the best overall indo guide, indo surf and lingo good starting book for Bali though.
which one you recommend the more?
I read some reviews of Indo Lingo, and people major complain is that it is just a collection of pics and sale coupons...
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I have several surf books on Indo, and this is hands down - Wave Finder, the best surf guide. I have several of their guides and they are really good (except the Central America one sucks), plus they are super small and can fit in your pocket. Tiny type though, but major info.
http://www.amazon.com/Wave-Finder-Guide-...4564&sr=1-7
Yeah i have a few also and totally agree that liitle black book is the best overall indo guide, indo surf and lingo good starting book for Bali though.
which one you recommend the more?
I read some reviews of Indo Lingo, and people major complain is that it is just a collection of pics and sale coupons...
It does have coupons etc in it but i still think its a must for any first time surfer going to Bali, has a bit of everything, and is good to learn some basic Indonesian, also has a good guide to where to surf on different size swells which is a great help for first timers, although thinking outside the square is the way to get waves with lower crowds in bali.
The wave finder guide is more just surf spot focused has a good section on Bali, but i think its better for overall Indo, they don't leave to much out.
Both are good books.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Got Indo S&Lingo yesterday, made the right decision to buy it. But now looking at those pics I am sh*****ng in my pants, and thinking I should probably stay home!
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Indo Surf
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/02/04
Posts: 416
Loc: Indonesia
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Quote:
Got "Indo Surf & Lingo" yesterday, made the right decision to buy it. But now looking at those pics I am sh*****ng in my pants, and thinking I should probably stay home!
Don't worry, those photos are all of the biggest, best days - there will be plenty of fun 3-5 foot days too! Don't forget to get your Travel Insurance before you go!
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www.indosurf.com.au
Indo Surf & Lingo + Surfer Travel Reports
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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absolutely not.
I am comparing few insurance companies now.
The point is that although I am in Italy, I am checking out foreign insurances (english websites), they seem aimed at Brits/Australians, so I dont know how they will behave with me starting and ending the trip in Italy.
DO you know these for example?
http://www.worldwideinsure.com
http://www.worldnomads.com/
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Indo Surf
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/02/04
Posts: 416
Loc: Indonesia
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It doesn't matter if you're from Italy, these are world-wide insurance companies. For you (and all surfers from USA) I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance - low-cost, great value world-wide cover. You can get a Free Quote Here
However, if you're going to Australia this other company also covers your surfboard even if it snaps while surfing. You can get a Free Quote Here
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www.indosurf.com.au
Indo Surf & Lingo + Surfer Travel Reports
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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thank you.
The point is that with insurances you know how good they are only when something bad occurs. Quote alone is not enough. One must read the small print and find other users reviews if possible.
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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any surf shop you guys recommend in particular, where I'll be buying a second hand board?
someone told me you can find good Luke Studer board over there
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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last silly question before leaving (cant wait)
I see lineups are far from the beach, and you have to go through bush/steps/etc to reach the spots.
So, where do you leave your stuff like wax, solarez, extra fins, extra leash, clothes? Also, if you are alone and you bring more than one board to the spot, where do you leave it?
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volcom415
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/10/11
Posts: 327
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Quote:
last silly question before leaving (cant wait)
I see lineups are far from the beach, and you have to go through bush/steps/etc to reach the spots.
So, where do you leave your stuff like wax, solarez, extra fins, extra leash, clothes? Also, if you are alone and you bring more than one board to the spot, where do you leave it?
I wouldnt bring anything extra...and only leave out poop you dont mind not being there even if you think you are being sneaky and hide it.
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teleross
Grom
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 40
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definitely rent a moped....at least for a day or two. unforgettable experience...just might be more memorable than your surf there...
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grapedrink
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 05/21/11
Posts: 537
Loc: bodega highway
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What Volcom said. No need for all those extras, especially clothes 
Just leave your flip-flops with a food vendor and tell them you will grab a beer from them after you surf. No worries  
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You forgot it was STOLEN?!
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Indo Surf
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/02/04
Posts: 416
Loc: Indonesia
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Most surf spots have a warung (cafe) overlooking the surf, so leave your stuff with the warung staff.
Do NOT rent a moped bike in your first week. Hire a car and driver the first few days at least (if not all this first trip) to handle the crazy traffic and learn access to the surf spots - and they can safely keep your gear locked in their car while you surf. It only costs from $20 a half day to $35-$50 a full day sunrise to sunset.
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www.indosurf.com.au
Indo Surf & Lingo + Surfer Travel Reports
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Quote:
Most surf spots have a warung (cafe) overlooking the surf, so leave your stuff with the warung staff.
Do NOT rent a moped bike in your first week. Hire a car and driver the first few days at least (if not all this first trip) to handle the crazy traffic and learn access to the surf spots - and they can safely keep your gear locked in their car while you surf. It only costs from $20 a half day to $35-$50 a full day sunrise to sunset.
Agree...hiring car and diver is the best option unless you have already spent a fair amount of time in indo a car is much safer and your driver will look after your stuff, maybee even take pics of you surfing.
Motorbikes in Bali are a buzz, but there also a death wish, it's said a few people die each day on motorbikes in Bali, but it's not just that, if you crash into someone or hit someone, you will be milked for every dollar you have or they think you have.
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Indo Surf
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/02/04
Posts: 416
Loc: Indonesia
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Yep, accidents can cost you a fortune, as well as your health, so be sure to get a quote from The Insurance company we recommend
--------------------
www.indosurf.com.au
Indo Surf & Lingo + Surfer Travel Reports
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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Yesterday I took my itnernational driving license, because some friends told me cops in Bali might use (not having) it as an excuse, so it's good to have it. But everyone told me renting a motorbike is a greatest experience there, didnt' think it could be so dangerous.
So you guys wouldnt even bring a second leash... 
What if a fin breaks? are there surf shack on the beach?
some friend suggested to keep the stuff under the motorbike seat...
RE Insurance with WorldNomads: is the road accident out of standard coverage? should I separately ask for it?
thanks a lot!
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volcom415
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/10/11
Posts: 327
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If your leash or fins break you might be taking your board to get repaired anyways. I dont bring that poop with me on a normal surf day, so I wouldnt leave it there. It sounds like there will be plenty of time to surf, if you really want to bring it have your lady hold it for you while she reads at a nearby cafe or on the beach. She can be your fin/leash caddy
My buddy just got back from a month long stint and we race motorcycles and he said it took every ounce of concentration and knowledge to get from point a to point b safely. To me that sounds like fun....to the avg joe prolly not.
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indodreams
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 03/25/11
Posts: 300
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Article on riding a motorbike in bali
Unless your an experienced rider I wouldn't, recommend it, whenever I go to Bali I see so many westerners who don't have any idea, just riding around in a crazy way, makes me embarrassed to be a westerner sometimes, I think you have to remember the locals you see on bikes have grown up with learning to ride in those crazy conditions, I know my wife and her brothers and sisters even started out riding around in there local village when they were young teens, so by the time they get out into the traffic they are fairly good riders.
BTW.I do ride a bike in indo but only in more remote areas where traffic is not do crazy as I'm not that great on a bike.
Edited by indodreams (07/20/12 04:34 PM)
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surferx
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/17/03
Posts: 424
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Can anyone recommend any other must see spots in Bali?
We are staying for a bit down in the Bukit, then up to Ubud, then to Lembongan. Looking to wrap up the trip with 3 more nights somewhere else on the island. Back to the Bukit or maybe somewhere on the west coast? Thanks
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amsets
Grom
Reged: 06/24/04
Posts: 88
Loc: San Diego
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Quote:
Yesterday I took my itnernational driving license, because some friends told me cops in Bali might use (not having) it as an excuse, so it's good to have it. But everyone told me renting a motorbike is a greatest experience there, didnt' think it could be so dangerous.
So you guys wouldnt even bring a second leash...
What if a fin breaks? are there surf shack on the beach?
some friend suggested to keep the stuff under the motorbike seat...
RE Insurance with WorldNomads: is the road accident out of standard coverage? should I separately ask for it?
thanks a lot!
Yes, you will need an international driver's license if stopped by the police. Without one you will definitely be paying a bride to be on your way.
Driving a motorbike there is dangerous, but if you limit your riding to certain areas (away from the congestion of the more populated areas like Kuta) you should be fine. If you've never ridden a motorbike before, you might want to pay a driver to go to/from certain areas. I've been riding bikes for over 15 years and it still is extremely stressful driving in traffic there.
Depending on the break, there are warung (shacks) where you can ask someone to watch your stuff, provided you pay them a little or purchase something from them. However, there is no guarantee that they will keep theie eye on your stuff. Anything left under your scooter seat or in your car have a high probability of being stolen. The motorbike seats are easily pulled open even when locked and I personally watched a local kid open a locked car door using a stick that he broke off a tree. The people of Bali are truly some of the warmest people in the world, but, as with anywhere, all it takes is one bad apple to ruin your day.
As for travel insurance, check the fine print to see if they cover motorbike accidents. If you wreck on a motorbike, the cost to fix the bike is pretty inexpensive, what you need to worry about is paying any bills for injury to yourself or others.
All in all, don't stress just go surf. Bali is an unbelievable place with amazing waves. Your gonna score and your gonna be super stoked.
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