Thoughts on Bali

Bali is a photographers paradise, the people are colourful and the rice terraces are wonderful. Take plenty of film and an empty suitcase so that you can bring home some of the great wood carvings from Bali.

These photos were all taken during a two week stay in the summer of 91. There is plenty to see and do on Bali, I hired a taxi and told the driver (Manos) to take me to the non-touristy places which he did, these photos are the result. The taxi cost about $40 a day (then). My camera broke down during my visit but I got it repaired in Denpasser for $40 within three days. I went inland for most of these photos, however if you are a sea lover you will find the sea great and plenty of watersports.

For one week I stayed in the Bali Padma hotel (4-5 star) which I can recommend, it is slightly cheaper than many other five star hotels.

At most places you will have to haggle to agree a price, usually about half the initial asking price. The wood carvings are superb quality and quite cheap (take a spare suitcase). I went into one shop and saw a carving that I knew was very expensive at $150 dollars, I queried the price and the woman said 'Ah! Japanese price', I walked out of the shop with the carving for $15. You can also buy the same type of stuff in Jakarta.

Unlike the rest of Muslim Indonesia these people are Hindu, you should try to visit a temple during one of the celebrations, many of my best photos were taken during one such event.

Bali seems to be a good place to be a man, usually it is the woman you see doing the work.

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