SB_issue55_Digital

Beaches vs beach clubs.
On a Balinese beach you’ll generally expect to have locals selling
you trinkets while trying to give you pedicures and massages.
You can choose to go with the flow while trying not to get fleeced
of too much of your holiday cash, or politely decline and try to
enjoy the sunshine, but they don’t take no for an answer easily.
Alternately, you could take the route of the rich and famous and
stump up for a committed spend at one of the beach clubs.
Spend a set amount of money and you get access to a beach
lounge away from the hustle and bustle, generally with a DJ
and a hundred Instagram influencers elbowing each other out
of the way for the perfect shot. Why knock either? Both are fun
experiences, and that’s why you’re going to Bali, right? So, give
both ends of the spectrum a go.
An important note is that there are no flags at beaches. Tragedies
do happen. The rips are no different to what we experience in
Australia, so be safe, staying waist deep for the kids and those
that aren’t confident swimmers.
Absolute beginner or with kids?
Learn to surf.
As much as there are surf spots of legend to visit here, Bali is a
perfectly idyllic spot for learning to surf. With friendly instructors and
affordable prices, this is the top item on the beginners’ bucket list.
Balangan beach is a great example, where a surf lesson sets you
back less than $60. This is negotiable, like everything in Bali.
The girls here booked through WhatsApp: $100 for two people doing
a two-hour private lesson, including boards and rashies, where
people walking in off the street were a firm $60 and some even $75 if
they were pushy. Either way, an hour or two spent in the water with a
friendly local surf instructor, worth every second for the unforgettable
feeling of popping up for the first time.
FOOD: Enjoy the Adventure
BUT DON’t drink the water
You’re not going to get your typical western feed here, so
be prepared for some tastebud challenges and be ready for
rice. Be as smart as you can about the hygiene of where you
choose to eat – Bali belly is real and can cut a good day or
two out of your holiday. That said, definitely don’t drink the
water! Water quality isn’t what you’d be used to at home
and swigging from the tap – even just getting some tapwater
ice in a drink – could see you chatting on the porcelain
phone for a few hours – or worse. Stick to bottled water,
even for brushing your teeth and simply avoid the hassle.
Don’t fret, you can still drink those cheap cocktails,
restaurant and hotel ice is generally good, made with filtered
water, so sip away.
79 / #55 / sb