Tip for Ratu Boko backpakers

Tip for Ratu Boko backpakers

pic. google.com

Ratu Boko or Keraton Ratu Boko is a historical site derived from the Hindu and Buddhist dynasties that can now be seen in the form of ruins and temple-like buildings. The site is situated on top of a hill that was once a palace. The site is located in the village of Dawung and Sambireja Village, close to Prambanan temple which is very easy to reach about 3 kilometers. The location of Ratu Boko is also adjacent to other Hindu temples like Kalasan Temple, Sewu Temple, Plaosan Temple, Sambisari Temple and others.

How to get to Ratu Boko Palace

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From Tugu Station, you can reach it by public transportation. Ratu Boko is about 18 kilometers from Tugu Jogja Station. From Tugu Jogja you can directly walk to Trans Jogja Malioboro 1 stop, then take public transportation route 1A towards Prambanan. From the bus stop you can ride motorcycle taxi to get there and may cost around Rp 20.000.

How to get to Ratu Boko from Lempuyangan Station

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From Lempuyangan Station you can simply take the Trans Jogja bus from Fly over Lempuyangan stop, take route 4A to Prambanan Stop destination. Next you can reach Ratu Boko by motorcycle taxi.

How to get to Ratu Boko Palace From Adisucipto Airport

From Adisucipto airport, you can also ride Trans Jogja, way to Maguwo bus stop, choose Trans Jogja bus with route to east towards Prambanan. Until prambanan, you can directly ride motorcycles.

If you ride a private vehicle or taxi, you can use Prambanan temple as a compass. Viewed from the main highway Ratu Boko site is located opposite Prambanan Temple and you must travel about 3 kilometers through Piyungan road.

Ratu Boko entrance ticket

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Regular ticket: USD $25 per 1st May 2017 —> IDR 337.500 per 10th October 2017 for adult.

Combo ticket: USD $40 (Prambanan temple and Ratu Boko temple) per 1st May 2017 —> IDR 540.000 per 10th October 2017 for adult.

Combo ticket: USD $40 (Borobudur temple and Ratu Boko temple) per 1st May 2017 —> IDR 540.000 per 10th October 2017 for adult.

Sunset ticket: (3.00 pm – 6.00 pm) per 1st May 2017.
Since 22nd June 2017 Ratu Boko sunset ticket not applied anymore. You will pay USD $25 (= IDR 325K) per 1st May 2017 —>  IDR 337.500 per 10th October 2017 to watch sunset at Ratu Boko and have a free dinner if you buy ticket at the ticket window.


http://www.yogya-backpacker.com/ratu-boko-temple-candi-ratu-boko/
and wikipedia.co.id

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Bali, budget hotels, transport, food & attraction

Bali, budget hotels, transport, food & attraction

Bali continues to be a fantastic travel bargain, at least for those who don’t insist on staying in fancy international chain hotels, and Kuta is the best place to find great deals. The city is famous for being the surfing and nightlife capital of the island, and this brings in backpackers and budget travelers in from around the world.

Hotels start at amazingly low prices, though the bottom end means no air conditioning, cheap furniture, and a badly needed paint job. Still, if you are a minimalist then you will find loads of options here. Once you are looking for A/C instead of just a fan then the price starts going up, but you can still find great bargains as long as you aren’t coming during the December holidays.

Sitting around on the beach (while vendors constantly stream by) is the top attraction here and of course that’s free. You can rent a surfboard for a low price and even get proper lessons for less that you’d pay in most other surf spots.

Food and drinks are also very cheap by most standards, though not as cheap as in mainland Southeast Asia. Simple and delicious meals start around US$1 each, and for not much more than that you can get something really filling and sometimes even fancy. Beer is the cheapest drinking option, and it’s the most popular, but mixed drinks are found cheaply on specials at the popular bars as well.

HIRING A DRIVER IN BALI

By far the best way to get around Bali is to hire a driver for anywhere from 4 hours to a week. They are incredibly cheap and also act as a trusted advisor to help you avoid problems and find the best things. Nearly all of them drive mini-vans or SUVs that can hold at least 5 passengers. In Kuta and Ubud you’ll be harassed on the street often by men offering transport, and most of them are honest, but it’s hard to tell in an instant.

Typical 2017 Bali driver prices:
8 hours: 500,000 rupiah (US$37)
Extra hours: 50,000 rupiah each (US$3.70)

That price is for a driver AND a van for up to 5 passengers, so it’s an amazing deal. The driver acts as sort of a guide as well, so it’s even more worth it than you can imagine. If you simply want transport from one place to another you can hire an Uber more cheaply. BUT Bali is an island where having a driver who is also a guide is incredibly valuable. You’ll save time and see much more with someone who is experienced in showing off the best sights.

Kuta Bali attraction

Surfing lesson (3 hour): 20.33 to 50.04 (USD)
Surfboard rental: 2.22 to 6.29 (USD)
Waterbom Park: 27.36 (2-12 y.o), 38.45 (USD) (adults)

Kuta Bali transportation prices

Taxi (airport to Kuta): 1.48-4.07 (USD)
Bemo (minivan) from airport to Kuta: 0.37-0.74 (USD)
3km taxi ride in Kuta: 1.48-2.22 (USD)

 

Kuta bali foond and drink prices

Budget breakfast: 1.85-3.70 (USD)
If your hotel or guesthouse doesn't include breakfast, you can find cheap eats nearby.

Budget lunch: 2.59-4.44 (USD)
Combinations of rice or noodles and chicken are classic and filling.

Budget diner: 4.44-7.39 (USD)
Kuta and its area is filled with Western restaurants with good prices. Local joints are a bit cheaper.

Beer (.33ml bottle): 1.85-3.33 (USD)

Bintang is the ubiquitous local lager, served in ice-cold large and small bottles. Nightclubs will charge more.

https://www.priceoftravel.com/33/indonesia/kuta-bali-prices

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Bromo Travel Tips by Locals

Bromo Travel Tips by Locals

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pic. google.com

pic. google.com

pic. google.com

Bromo is an active volcano surrounded by deserts covering an area of 10 km2. The temperature in this region can reach 2º to 20º Celsius. With such a cold temperature, it makes this place the most unique phenomenon in eastern Java. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia.

Bromo Sunrise is a natural phenomenon that you can see from a location north of the caldera. This place is also used as a bromo mountain activity monitoring post. Tourists must be willing to wake up in the morning at 03.00 with bromo jeep transport must be booked in advance.

Before you make it happen, you need to prepare everything first so that all your activities run smoothly.

Here are some bromo travel tips that you should look at before or during your trip to Bromo.

Planning


Bromo mountain tourism is a place that often dikunjungo by domestic tourists and foreign tourists. With the many tourists who want to visit the mountain bromo then the inn will increasingly hard to find. Therefore, you should find the right time so as not to be constrained by the difficulty of finding lodging in bromo, such as hotels and homestays, because the number is still limited. You can ask your friends, or local people you know about this.

Choose the Right Time


For the best time, you are advised to take a tour to Mount Bromo during the dry season is in May - september. Due to this season you will see the sun rise bigger and reddish round. And at this time you can explore the tourism of Mount Bromo more freely, giving a sense of security and comfort in travel.

Early Booking


If you have a plan to stay in Bromo, you must book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you plan to travel at the weekend or at the peak of Christmas and New Year holidays, it must be very crowded. In addition to lodging you also must order the vehicle (off-road car commonly used by tourists). Jeep bromo is one of the vehicles to explore various attractions in the Tengger mountains. Once again I emphasize, you must order it in advance.

Physical Preparation


Holiday to Mount Bromo is not the same as climbing the mountains need preparation in more aspects. However, you should know that dibromo weather is very cold, especially you have to climb 250 steps to see the crater. Therefore with maximum physical preparation, you will be able to face everything. This is a very important thing that you should pay attention to.

Check and maintain the vehicle before Departing


If you go to Bromo using a private vehicle, in order to have a smooth ride, check and maintain the vehicle you will use to travel. There are also many who come to this place using a private vehicle that incidentally comes from Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo, Bali and surrounding areas. Because before you arrive in the mountain area bromo, you will pass your way through the winding and uphill. Keep the fuel fully charged, because it will be difficult to find gasoline around Bromo

Clothing and Supplies


Surely you already know the weather in Bromo. This is a challenge we must face, because the temperature could reach 10 degrees Celsius. In addition to a physical fit, clothing and equipment we should also prepare well. Here are some recommendations from the bromo guide on clothing that must be prepared before traveling to Mount Bromo.

1. Jacket


The recommended jacket is a jacket that can withstand cold air and not just a fashion jacket. Also bring some long sleeve shirts that you can wear before wearing a jacket. because everyone has different endurance, then it is very necessary when it is above the altitude.

2. Thick Long Pants

Try wearing thick outdoor pants to protect your leg from the cold. Usually these pants are worn by mountain climbers, so you should try it. Alternatively, you can also wear jeans pants.

3. Scarves, Carpus, Gloves, and Socks

Because the jacket can not cover the entire body, then it's good you complete it with a scarf, carpus, socks, and gloves. Carpus in addition to protecting the head is useful to cover the ears that aims to reduce air pressure while at the top of Mount Bromo.


If you forget to bring those, do not worry because around Mount Bromo there are many traders who sell this equipment. But of course with a slightly different price.

4. Shoes


Never imagine in your mind to use sandals in the cold air. In addition, the contours of roads to be traversed are mostly rocky and slippery. Boots or hiking boots will be more useful than sneakers because in addition to strong, this type will protect you from injury.

5. Flashlight


This object will be useful for you before sunrise, because you will make the climbing process of the stairs when the sky is still dark. Senter will greatly help you tread the way to the point to enjoy the phenomenon of the rising of the sun from the eastern horizon. And always be careful in doing this process.

6. Masks


Because in Bromo you are in the middle of the sand, then the mask is very important to protect our nose and mouth from exposure to sand dust that can cause cough and sore in the throat.

7. Kacamata


Yang terakhir ini, selain untuk bergaya, bisa juga untuk melindungi mata dari debu. biasanya kacamata dipakai oleh para wanita.

Prepare enough cash


Bring cash as needed during a trip to bromo to cover your travel plans and activities there, as you will not find an ATM machine around this sights. And for sure, with the amount of money you had anticipated to make up for shortages while on the move.

Bawa Makanan Dan Minuman


Around Bromo mountain there are a lot of food vendors you will meet, but it's good if you bring some food yourself to anticipate the hunger that comes fast, because the cold air. And also the price of food that is sold there is slightly different from the price of food in the regular area.

That's some tips for travelling to Bromo from locals to you. Hope those helps your trip.

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Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Yesterday, November 25, 2017, Gunung Agung in Karangasem, Bali, erupted. And until now has not been observed the increase in seismic and volcanic activity after the eruption.

"The situation of Gunung Agung is still on alert (level 3)," said Head of BNPB Information and Public Relations Data, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in his written statement on Saturday (25/11/2017).

Sutopo ensure the condition of Bali remains safe. Activities at Ngurah Rai International Airport are also safe and normal.

"The condition of Bali remains safe, people are encouraged to stay calm, do not panic and hooked on the misleading issues, PVMBG will continue to provide updated information," he continued.

Mount Agung eruption occurred at around 17:30 WITA. The gray columns were observed in medium-grayish-gray asphalt as high as 1,500 m above the peak of Mount Agung.

This is the second eruption of Gunung Agung with a higher column of ash higher than its first eruption on Tuesday 21st.

"Until now PVMBG is still analyzing its eruption, there is no increase in seismic and volcanic activity after eruption until this afternoon," said Sutopo.

Residents remain prohibited from activities within a 6 km radius plus a sectoral extension of 7.5 km to the north-northeast, southeast and south-southwest.


Indonesia Travel Destinations
translated from Detikcom

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How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

A Green Tourist Village Jari Solah is a new tourist destination in Lombok Island located in Bilebante Village, Pringgarata District, Central Lombok District. This tourist village has a natural beauty that stretches as well as the expanse of rice fields, forests, mountains, rivers and much more. With the beauty of this village is able to make local people and foreign tourists to visit.

One of the Favorite Destination tourist icons in Bilebante is the "Valley of Gardena". It offers a country-style atmosphere with Traditionalist Houses made of bamboo and interspersed with lined Gazebo-Gazebo.


We will also be spoiled by the sound of water flowing and falling in the pool around the gazebo surrounded by colorful flowers in every corner.

pic. google.com

pic. google.com

pic. google.com

Bilebante Village, once covered in dust now a favorite green village

One of the highlights of the upcoming Lombok Fishing Market event by the Indonesian Charms Generation (GenPI) West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will be the Bilebante Tourist Village.

The tourist village was established in 2015 and has become a favorite destination for tourists, especially those coming from overseas.

In the past, the village was called dust village due to so many sand mining sites located there, until the head of the village alongside the local youths decided to turn it into a green village.

Several activities that visitors can do in this village are witnessing rice-planting activity, exploring the making of kekere traditional hat and cycling.

While cycling, tourists can explore places like local houses, river, paddy fields, vegetable and fruits garden, Five Bridge which was built in the 40’s during the Dutch colonization era and Pura Lingkar Kelud, the oldest temple in Central Lombok. (asw)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/11/24/bilebante-village-once-covered-in-dust-now-a-favorite-green-village.html

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Things you should see on Lombok

Things you should see on Lombok

Lombok – an island east of Bali, but less famous than its neighbor. While every year millions of tourists are attracted to Bali, many places on Lombok are still untouched. Over here mass tourism is still unknown.

Lombok offers many empty and often isolated dream beaches, friendly and interesting people, tasty food and fantastic nature. This year, after a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favorites – at least so far.

In this article you will find a few must-sees on Lombok.

Lombok: 15 fascinating sights you shouldn’t miss

The Gili islands

3 paradise islands – which seem tiny compared to Lombok – are located only 20 minutes away by boat: Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

The Gilis are very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for relaxing, swimming and partying. Backpackers and tourists visit especially Gili Trawangan often. Over here you can feel the lively reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom-vibe.  The Gili islands are a MUST!!!

Mount Rinjani

The second highest volcano of Indonesia is definitely one of THE highlights of Lombok! You can book multi-day, guided tours to the Crater Lake and even to the top at all touristy spots. The pictures speak for themselves…

Senggigi

Most tourists arrive in Senggigi because many hotels are located over here. It’s also great for going out at night or eating. One of the most popular surf spots for locals and tourists alike is Senggigi Beach.

At this beach the vendors and locals aren’t pushy at all but you can have a nice small talk if you like (mainly about football since Indonesians love football).

From Senggigi to Pemenang

To explore this road next to the coast it is best to use a scooter, which you can rent for example in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Malimbu Hill 1 and 2. It offers a marvelous view over Malimbu and Nipah Beach and the 3 Gili Islands. Check out the other view points and beaches that you can find on this way as well since they are worth seeing, too.

If you leave Lombok with the public boats to the Gili Islands and would take a taxi from the airport or from Lembar (where the public ferry from Bali arrives) you will probably use the very same road (or you tell the taxi driver your preferred route) since this road goes directly to Bangsal, where public boats are leaving.

Pusuk Monkey Forest

Taking a winding road through a breathtaking mountain landscape is the second option to get to Bangsal. It’s were you find the so-called monkey forest, named after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and near the street. Feed the hungry and annoying little bastards at the view points if you like.

But be careful and look for your bags, backpacks and such. You can go there by scooter as well, but always “Hati Hati”, like the Indonesian says.

Kuta

After Senggigi, Kuta is probably the second tourist hotspot on Lombok. It offers beautiful beaches as well and lots of accommodations and restaurants.

From here you can explore the dream beaches of Mawun, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak since they are very close by (see below). Even Kuta Beach itself is worth a look.

Mawun Beach

Now I will introduce you some of my favorite beaches of Lombok. One if them is Mawun.

Depending on the weekday and the time of the day, this beach with its soft white sand and turquoise water is still mostly deserted. Sometimes the waves are heavier over here. The beach is secluded and located west of Kuta in an almost enclosed bay, which you can easily reach with your scooter as well.

Selong Belanak and viewpoint

I believe I rarely saw such a wide and shallow beach like Selong Belanak somewhere else. You can perfectly surf or swim at this long beach.

I strongly recommend taking a look at the near viewpoint overlooking the beach and the bay. It’s located a bit north of Selong Belanak Beach. It’s still an insiders’ tip and you shouldn’t miss it when you do a scooter tour.

Tanjung Aan

Turquoise sea and white sand, the way I love it! Even here you can climb a rock to enjoy a breathtaking view over the two bays and beaches of Aan. A must-see!

Pink Beach

It’s not really an insiders’ tip anymore, but still worth a visit! The drive is quite difficult since in my opinion the streets on the Ekas Peninsula (where the Pink Beach is located) cannot be called streets anymore. At least they are being improved bit by bit every year. If you actually make it there, you will be rewarded with a desolate quiet beach. It is called after its pink sand that consists out of coral.

The view from the near viewpoint is marvelous as well and the also worth seeing cliffs of Tanjung Ringgit are situated close by.

Mosques and Hindu temples

In contrast to Bali, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia are mainly Muslim. That is why you can see and especially hear mosques everywhere. If you book your accommodation in advance, you should inform yourself if it’s closely located to a mosque. Especially around Ramadan it could become very noisy.

The Balinese minority on Lombok got its temples like Pura Meru, Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada or Pura Batu Bolong as well. 2 true insiders’ tips are Pura Gunung Sari north of Mataram and Pura Suranadi.

Most of them are located at the western part of the island in and around Mataram/Cakranegara or Senggigi.

Waterfalls

Lombok got numerous waterfalls, mostly in the northern part of the island. Among others, there would be Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep or Sendang Gile. In the center of Lombok you will find a few decent ones as well, for example the Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel or Jeruk Manis near Tetebatu.

There is no fresher water than this! Drink it, swim or just let the ice cold water hail down your back – superb!

Sasak culture

The Sasak are the indigenous people of this island, which today make about 85% of the total population of Lombok. Their culture is fascinating and as a visitor you definitely need to experience it.

Their food known for its spiciness, their handicraft, their music and dances, the typical Sasak houses or a Sasak wedding with (extreme loud) street parade with “Gendang Beleq” musicians you need to experience. There are plenty wedding parades on Lombok, especially on the weekends. Must-see!

By the way, many of the Lombok natives still speak the Sasak language, especially the older. But everyone speaks and understands the official language Bahasa Indonesia. English only helps in tourist spots.

Traditional markets

The markets are typical Asian with fresh veggies, spices, fish and so much more.

I recommend the traditional market in Ampenan. Every now and then locals look in astonishment at a “Bule” (westerner) since they don’t come often over here. There is no cheaper or fresher place to do food shopping even though as a “Bule” you should consider paying more than a local. It is of advantage to speak a little Indonesian.

For stuff like clothes, jewelry or other souvenirs you should visit the Cakranegara Market (Pasar Cakranegara) in Mataram.

Mataram, Ampenan and Cakranegara

Counting around 420.000 inhabitants, Mataram is the capital of Lombok and the province Nusa Tenggara Barat.

Close by you find places like Ampenan where you can still find some old Dutch colonial style buildings. In the district Cakranegara (short: “Cakra”) are a few lovely Balinese temples and the Mataram Mall with its numerous shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants as well as fast food chains on different levels.

Even bigger and more modern is the recently built Lombok Epicentrum mall at the main street Sriwijaya.


click here for more stuffs
https://homeiswhereyourbagis.com/en/15-things-you-should-see-on-lombok/

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Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Bali has become incredibly popular for solo female travellers to visit after the success of Eat, Pray, Love – Brooke Ferguson gives some practical tips on what to expect on the Island Of the Gods

Bali Transport

Don’t take the taxis waiting at the Airport – they are a total and absolute rip off! Instead, go just outside of where all of the taxis are lined up, and into the parking lot. Look for the light blue taxis that are “Blue Bird” taxis. They will charge you by the meter, and not take all of your money! You can also call them for reservations, schedule pick ups from the airport

Making Reservations

Depending on the season, it may be better NOT to book your hotel in advance. Many of the online hotels can be deceiving about their proximity (and quality!!). I found it better to go to the area you want to be, check out what is near by, look at the rooms, check the internet connection, and barter for a price. You can usually get a much better deal in person than you can with online reservations! If you want to check availability and prices for Bali hotels, see Booking.com – read the reviews from previous guests carefully.

Money

Barter, Barter, Barter!
Bali is definitely a place where you need to barter. Unlike other countries where the locals seem willing to ask just a bit more than the real price, Balinese are apt to ask you several times the price for clothes and merchandise. Rule of thumb: if you are in a marketplace, you can barter them down. Store prices are more difficult, but can be done. When you’ve offered a fair price, and they say no, Walk Away! Usually, they will come running after you and let you have your offer. It is all part of the game, so go with it, and get your barter on!

Beaches You’ll Love

Bali Beaches near Denpasar Airport are Sanur Beach and Kuta Beach. Sanur seems more for the vacationers, where Kuta has a lively backpacker scene. Further up north there are deserted stretches of black volcanic sand beaches, like Pemuteran. Many people just travel to Bali for the beaches, and if you are feeling adventurous, try checking out the Gili Islands or Komodo island, home of the infamous Komodo Dragons. Those are on my list for my next trip, for sure!

Going Off The Beaten Path

My favorite part about my trip was going off of the beaten path and taking a tour that not many people have had the ability to do. Nyoman has started taking people to the village where he grew up. I got to get close up views of Mt. Agung, learn about the rice fields, visit his family compound, and witness traditional music played by his family.

Meeting Ketut And Wayan

Many Westerners yearn to meet the Balanese healers highlighted in Eat Pray Love. While there have been differing opinions of getting your real fortune read by Ketut, many people enjoy the experience of meeting him and seeing how he lives. Wayan has her herbal shop set up and is happy to welcome Western customers for treatments.

What to Eat

Traditional Balinese foods are similar to most Asian dishes, consisting primarily of rice or noodle dishes. The meat dishes are wonderful marinated barbeques complimented by small salads or portions of pickled vegetables. I did not have any problems eating the traditional food, and found that while it was well flavored, it was not spicy. Be sure to try the sates (marinated bbq meat), lawar (mixed chopped vegtebles and spices), and lampet (snack served wrapped in banana leaves). The soups are also wonderful, so make sure to try them too!

Places to Pray

One of the most exciting parts about Bali is that there are temples literally EVERYWHERE. You can go in to them, take a look, and be a part of the music and festivities. However, it is recommended that you wear proper attire. Women should have on sleeved shirts and covered legs. Men are fine with standard sleeved shirts and shorts are acceptable. Most temples will provide wraps, or there are women selling sarongs outside for you to go in.

Places You’ll Love

If you are staying in or outside of Ubud, you definitely need to check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary. It is full of beautiful sculptures, outdoor temples, and the monkeys are everywhere! Mt. Agung is a must. Get picturesque views from restaurants or visit the mountain up close and personal with a guided tour.

Don’t be Afraid to Go it Alone!

My last advice is if Bali is somewhere you really want to go and you have always dreamed of traveling, buy a ticket, and go it alone. I waited around a long time to coordinate tickets, plans, and eventually just decided to go on my own. Bali is a safe island, with lots to do and explore, so don’t be afraid, all you have to do is buy a ticket and go!!


https://travelhappy.info/indonesia/top-ten-tips-for-female-travelers-in-bali-indonesia/

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