The Problem (and Solution) With Arak in Bali

By on January 23, 2013 in Health

Warning: Despite any comments in this post, whether positive or negative regarding arak, it is largely unregulated in Bali and should be consumed at your own risk.

Have you ever wondered how they are able to sell cocktails so cheap in Bali while liquor prices are through the roof? Or have you ever seen a group of men gathered on the street drinking a mysterious liquid in shot glasses and wondered what it was? The answer to both questions is arak – the traditional Balinese liquor that derives from the palm tree. It has been described as strong, foul, great for a night out but also — deadly. Is it really though, or is the media getting people all worked up over nothing? Continue Reading →

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What’s So Bad About the Rainy Season in Bali?

By on January 17, 2013 in Everyday Life

Every year in Bali, usually somewhere in the months between December and April, rainy season hits. It is definitely not like clockwork and can fluctuate a few months in either direction or skip completely only to bring lots of rain during the months of June to August, but when rainy season does hit people take notice. Rainy season is currently in full swing here in Bali and just like almost anything else on the island, it’s all in what you make of it. Continue Reading →

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Alcohol Banned in Bali? Say It Ain’t So!

By on January 9, 2013 in Bali News

Just last week, many expats, tourists and local boozehounds received a big shock when it was announced that there is currently a bill in place to ban alcohol in Indonesia. While definitely shocking, it is important to take a look at the facts before we start getting carried away, stockpiling bottles of Bintang or studying ways to brew up our own alcohol at home in the bak mandi. 

Before we even take a look at the facts though, have another sip of your drink of choice, take a deep breath and relax. Of course it is easy to get a little worked up when we hear the words “alcohol” and “ban” in the same sentence, but at this time (and most likely forever) it is just a bill, meaning it would first need to be passed to become an actual law. Continue Reading →

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Soul-Searching and Outdoor Adventures: Bali is for Everybody

By on January 7, 2013 in General

This is a guest post from Jason Lowder at Internations.org

 

Ever since Julia Roberts went soul-searching in Bali’s paradise and managed to snatch up Javier Bardem in “Eat, Pray, Love”, the destination has gained considerable popularity. But whether you visit Bali for a vacation or quick get-away or are staying to experience life in Bali, it is easy to get stuck in the usual routine of your holiday resort or workplace. The good news: Bali has a lot to offer for people who look to take a break and experience the island in a whole new way. Continue Reading →

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Christmas Day in Bali for Expats

By on December 20, 2012 in Everyday Life

It is the Christmas season again and just like every year, Bali is CROWDED. Hotels are full to capacity, traffic is congested (even more so than usual) yet somehow it just doesn’t quite feel like Christmas.

For North Americans traveling to Bali for Christmas this is due to the extreme heat and unsurprising lack of snow. Australians and Europeans will notice the lack of Christmas-themed decorations which are present, but not in the abundance they are used to in their home countries.

For the average tourist in Bali for Christmas though, these things are not such a big deal. They chose to spend their Christmas away from home on a tropical island and more than likely they have their family in tow. For a visitor in Bali for Christmas, Bali IS their celebration for the holidays. Continue Reading →

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