Here is another link too John, with FAQ's on Bali;

http://www.inm-asiaguides.com/Bali/ebalifq.htm 

Made a decision and booked 4 weeks in  http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/319904   From 28th February until 26th March flying Asia Airlines out of Perth. All booked and paid for even obtained an international driver's license.

It will be an interesting exercise to keep a record of the total expenditure and compare the results with 2 pension payments. So far the accomodation including breakfasts and the airflights have added up to $700. If the end result comes below the pension it could be an exciting addition to the solo grey nomad's itinerary. Phuket from Darwin would be a distinct possibility later when I arrive there.

My main interest is in seeing as much of the island as possible similar to my travels here, using this site as a transport guide    http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-island.html

I am learning as much of the language as possible from http://www.learningindonesian.com/   and have loaded the first 9 lessons on my iPod and am listening often.

John

Happywanderer wrote:

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I've often thought about doing what you have planned John. Thought if I ever get to Darwin would get a flight across to Bali, find some cheap accommodation and chill out there for a while.
Been there back in 2002 and loved it. Would find somewhere to stay up in Ubud.
I bet they don't have flights out of Darwin to Bali, do they?

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 Hi Marj,

Air Asia do have flights from Darwin to Bali and return, for the trip that I am making the cost would have been $169 out and $108 return plus booking fees, all up under $300.

John

Regards the train John, don't travel on it after dark as they can be dangerous.

I'm not sure which line you are talking about but all can be dangerous.

I once warned some NSW visitors about travelling on our trains at night (in this case on the Fremantle line, linking up from Perth to Midland and others).

They (mother and two teenage sons) ignored me and yes the boys got beaten up on the train by a "local" gang and ended up in hospital.

You'd be better off getting to the airport a bit early and hanging around there until take off time.   

Thanks for your help and advice Vic, I am now in Bali with my van being looked after by Vic. Arrived this morning and already had a good look around Ubud whilst the room was being prepared, plently of photo opportunities available later. Have posted photos of my home for the next four weeks.   John

Vic wrote:

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Glad you got there ok John, what's that white stuff on the table in the pic?

Looks comfortable, hope you have a pleasant stay!

Most of the electronic stores might be in Kuta or Denpasar, I am sure someone there will know.

Keep the pic's coming and stories please when you can 

-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 28th of February 2012 09:38:09 PM

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 Hi Vic,

the table cover is glass and the "white stuff" is a reflection from the trees above.

The reference to electronic stores came from the blog where I had indicated that whilst briefly and very early yesterday in Denpasar I had no time or opportunity to buy an electrical adapter but later I went for another walk in the other direction and was directed to a store where I was able to buy one for the equivalent of $2.00 with many more features than the one from Bunnings for $8.75.

So today I will have the opportunity to adventure further and hopefully get some local photos.

John

Thanks John,

I haven't had too many enquiries yet on my hire fleet of three campervans, at least that is what it looks like at our place, either that or a campervan sale yard, lol  

Took the shuttle bus to Kuta to see the famous beach and swim there, felt right at home with Maccas on the sea front.

Looks like you are having a ball John!!

Thanks for the pictorial updates.

Stay happy.  

If you are expecting to see elephants at the Elephant Temple you will be out of luck because it is named after the Elephant River which flows near by. There is a combination of religeons sharing the grounds as you walk in on the right is the Hindu Temple using the Elephant Cave for it's base location and across up the hill is the Buddist Temple which was almost destroyed by eathquake in the early 90's. The rocks shown in the photo were part of the original temple built in the 11th century and tumbled down in the earthquake. As a solo traveler I had no quided tour but one of the sellers perched on the steps was very helpful with the above information and I bought some of her fruit, not sure of it's name but it broke in half and was very white inside, tangy and sweet. The last picture is of a meditation cave in a serene setting where the devotees would sit and contemplate the universe.

A more interesting shot would have been me hanging on the the back of the scooter that took me there but there was no thought of photography just self preservation and hanging on.