| How to Get Around Bali Posted: 16 Oct 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you're planning to visit Bali, your best bet is to hire a professional driver and car to take you around the beautiful Indonesian island. You can also hop in a taxi or shuttle bus to make your way between destinations, or ride a bemo or ojek like a local. While renting a car or motorcycle can seem like an exciting way to embrace your adventurous spirit, be mindful of the unpredictable nature of local traffic before getting the keys to a local vehicle. Publicly and privately operated ferries and boat tours will enable you to visit the surrounding islands. [Edit]Reserving a Car - Hire a professional driver and car for safety and convenience. This is by far the most straightforward and secure way to get around Bali. Your hotel may have a car service, or you can seek out a commercial car company to book a driver for a day or a week. The cost of the car, insurance, and gasoline will typically be included in the daily rate, and you'll also be responsible for covering the driver's accommodations and food. Expect to pay between Rp 350,000 and Rp 450,000 per day in total, but know that the rate may be negotiable with the driver.[1]
- If your itinerary calls for an overnight stay, the driver will typically find their own lodging and meals. You'll be responsible for paying, but this shouldn't result in a large additional cost. Discuss the plan and agree on a per diem rate in advance.
- Having access to a professional driver's advice can be very useful. For instance, they can point you in the right direction once you're on foot. They might also be able to translate local terms or explain unfamiliar customs.
- Hail a metered taxi for day trips or cross-town transportation. You can call ahead to book taxi services, or hail an empty cab when you need a ride. The meter will start at Rp 5,000 for the initial of your trip. After this point it will increase to Rp 5,000 per that follows. You can also discuss booking a taxi for the day. Agree on the rate and specific services with the driver ahead of time. For instance, you might want to do a day trip or drive you around the city to see the local sights.[2]
- Bali cab companies include Blue Bird Taxi, Golden Bird Bali, Komotra Taxi, Ngurah Rai Taxi, and Wahana Taxi.
- Request a car through the Grab ridesharing app. Load up your smartphone with a local SIM card for data access and download the Grab app. Select your current location and desired destination to request a ride. You may add your payment information to the app, but there are also options to pay by cash or card as you would in a taxi.[3]
- Note that ridesharing apps have been met with resistance in Bali and pickups are permitted in certain areas. For instance, your hotel may not allow Grab pickups and drop-offs on their premises. Pick a spot down the street instead to avoid a confrontation.
- Uber had a short-lived existence in Bali. However, they sold their market share to Grab and no longer operate on the island.[4]
- Reserve a rental car if you want to drive yourself around. Legally, you're required to own an international driver's license or a local permit to drive in Bali. You can find international rental car companies including Avis, Budget, and Hertz at the Ngurah Rai International Airport as well as popular resort cities.[5] Daily rates may range from $20 to $50 USD or more. Make sure insurance is included when you book your car.
- You can get a tourist's driving permit issued at the Foreign License Service in Denpasar for Rp 150,000. You'll need to show your passport and a driver's license from your country of residence.[6]
- Be aware that driving in Bali can be challenging and risky for visitors. If you do decide to drive a rental car, be prepared to make sudden stops and stay attentive.
[Edit]Riding Bicycles and Motorcycles - Ride pedal bicycle to get some exercise while you travel. Bike rentals start around Rp 30,000 per day. A bicycle, or sepeda, provides independence as well as an on-the-go workout. Ask your hotel about the nearest bike rental company, and make sure the bike you choose is in good condition. Obtain a well-fitting helmet and test the bike's steering, brakes, tire pressure, and gears before you set out on your journey.[7]
- Although traffic in Bali can be difficult for an inexperienced visitor to navigate, a pedal bike is a safer alternative to rental cars and motorcycles.
- Rent a motorcycle or scooter to ride around Bali. You can rent out a scooter or motorcycle from a number of local vendors. Daily rates cost around Rp 50,000. Ensure that the vehicle is in working order, with good brakes, tires, and lights, and that you have the correct insurance and license documentation. You will also be provided with a helmet which should fit snugly.[8]
- A safety helmet is a must-have and should fit correctly. If the rental company doesn't have any that fit you, purchase one that does from another vendor before riding the bike.
- Hail an ojek and get around on the back of a motorcycle taxi. Operating in a slightly more informal system, ojeks are motorcycles that accept paying passengers. If you give the impression that you're looking for a ride when standing on the side of the road, you may receive offers from ojek drivers. Or, you can download the Go-Jek mobile app to request a ride.[9] You'll negotiate a fair with the driver, but expect to pay around Rp 30,000 for a trip.
- Ojeks can be particularly useful for scooting around country roadways.
[Edit]Taking a Bus or Boat - Book a shuttle bus or private tour via Perama Tour and Travel. Perama operates shuttle bus services throughout Bali's major towns, as well as regional tours, airport transfers, and daily destination tours.[10] Perama buses are comfortable and safe. Rates are affordable although the trips tend to be slow.[11]
- Note that the buses don't stop along the way for small villages or detours to local sights.
- You can explore the options online and plan your trip in advance.
- Ride a public Kura-Kura shuttle bus and travel in comfort. Kura-Kura operates 5 lines around Bali. Its fleet of buses painted like green and yellow turtles allows for easy travel across the major tourist sites. The buses are comfortably equipped with air conditioning and free wi-fi. Luggage racks and straightforward AV announcement systems onboard are especially useful for travelers. Single trip fares can range from Rp 20,000 to Rp 80,000.[12]
- Look at the route schedule ahead of time to plan your trip. Although departure intervals are regular, some routes depart once every couple of hours.
- Hop on a public bemo to travel like a local. Once the most popular form of public transit, bemos are open-air mini buses or vans that hold a dozen passengers on bench seats. However, the system isn't too tourist-friendly and the vehicles can be very cramped.[13] But if you want to travel like a local, raise your hand to hail the bemo and feel free to hop off at any point.
- Fares can run upwards of Rp 4,000, although obvious tourists are often charged more.[14]
- Passengers are charged more for luggage.
- Take a commercial tour boat to travel the region by water. Companies including Perama Tour and Travel and Blue Water Express operate boat tours to popular spots on neighboring islands. These routes can be quick and direct and offer scenic views of Bali.[15]
- Note that safety regulations and training are lacking across public and private boat operators. Assess the boat for safety equipment and exits. If something seems unsafe, get back on land and seek out another option.
- Hop on a public ferry to visit neighboring islands. Public ferries offer similar services to commercial boat tours, but at cheaper rates. Note that these may not necessarily be safer or than commercial options.
- Waters can be turbulent and uncomfortable in small vessels. Opt for a boat with no less than 30 seats, rather than a small speedboat.[16]
[Edit]References |
| How to Sit During Zen Meditation Posted: 16 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT Zen meditation (or Zazen) is a great way to reduce stress, focus on the present moment, and connect more deeply with yourself and the world around you. The traditional position for Zen meditation involves sitting on a circular cushion (zafu) with your legs crossed in the Lotus position, your spine upright, your hands on your thighs, and your eyes pointed slightly downward. Depending on your needs and circumstances, though, you can use a chair, bench, or rolled cushion for Zen meditation, but do your best to keep your spine, head, and hands in the recommended position. [Edit]Sitting on a Cushion, Chair, or Bench - Sit on a circular cushion (zafu) for the classic Zen position. Many traditionalists prefer to use a circular meditation cushion called a zafu. If you prefer, though, you can use any type of soft but supportive cushion that helps you stay in the upright seated posture used for traditional Zen meditation.[1]
- For extra comfort, place a meditation mat, or even a blanket or towel, on the floor underneath the cushion.
- Sit in the center of the cushion if you prefer keeping your knees on it. Especially if you're new to Zen meditation, you may find it easier to sit with your crossed legs resting on the cushion along with your backside.
- Sit at the front of the cushion if you want to rest your knees on the floor. This is a more traditional approach—your backside on the zafu and your crossed legs draped over the front.[2]
- Cross your legs in a comfortable position when using a zafu. The lotus position is the most traditional way to cross your legs during Zen meditation, but it may not be comfortable for newcomers or those with physical limitations. Fortunately, there are several positions you can use. Popular choices include:[3]
- Lotus: Cross your left leg over your right so that the tops of both of your feet are resting on the upper thigh of the opposite leg.
- Half Lotus: Cross your left leg over your right and rest your left foot on your right upper thigh, but tuck your right foot beneath your left leg. You can reverse legs if desired.
- Quarter Lotus: Cross your legs loosely so that your left knee is resting on (or just slightly above, depending on your flexibility) the side of your right foot, and vice versa.[4]
- Burmese: Instead of crossing one leg over the other, spread your legs a bit wider, rest your knees, lower legs, and feet on the mat (or floor), and touch the heel of one foot to the base of the ankle of the other foot.
- Choose a level, sturdy chair if you're unable to sit on the floor. Don't choose a soft, cushiony chair that you can sink down into, but rather one that enables you to sit flat-footed and fully upright. A wooden dining chair or even a folding metal chair may work—just make sure you can sit to the front of the chair and reach your feet flat to the ground.[5]
- Sit far enough forward that, when sitting fully upright, no part of your body can contact the back of the chair.
- You could use a chair-height stool if desired, because you shouldn't be in contact with the back of the chair anyway.
- Put your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, when using a chair. Your lower legs, from your feet to your knees, should create 2 parallel vertical columns that are perpendicular to the floor. Your knees should bend at 90-degree angles, so that your upper legs are parallel to the floor. Your knees and feet should be at the same width apart as your hips, and your toes should be pointed straight forward.[6]
- Find a higher or lower chair if necessary so you can achieve this position.
- Add a lumbar support behind your lower back if necessary. You may not be able to sit fully upright on the front section of the chair without experiencing lower back discomfort. In this case, wedge a rounded lumbar pillow between your lower back and the base of the chair back.
- Use a rolled-up cushion as an alternative to a floor cushion or chair. Roll up your meditation cushion into a log shape. Your goal is to create a tubular cushion from your zafu that you can straddle with your legs, knees on the floor and backside resting on the cushion. If your zafu isn't big enough on its own, use additional cushions, mats, and/or blankets to build up the height needed to support this position.[7]
- Lay one or multiple mats on the floor. Your knees will be supporting a fair amount of your body weight, so it's helpful to give them some cushioning. Place at least one meditation mat or soft blanket on the floor, and use more than one if needed to provide additional cushioning.[8]
- The rolled cushion needs to be sturdy enough so that you can keep your upper body straight, rather than slouching down into the cushion.
- Straddle the rolled cushion with your lower legs flat on the mat. Imagine that you are sitting on a bicycle or a horse. Your lower legs and knees should be flat on the floor and against the sides of the cushion, your upper legs should be at roughly 45-degree angles, and your upper body should be perpendicular to the ground.[9]
- Your shoulders, hips, and the middle of your shins should all be in a vertical line.
- Straddle a meditation bench instead of a rolled cushion, if desired. Meditation benches typically have 2 legs and a forward-slanted seat. Straddle the seat in the same way you would a rolled-up cushion, with your upper body upright and your lower legs flat on the floor.[10]
- Some meditation benches are wide enough that you can tuck your lower legs between the bench legs, rather than straddling them to the outside.
[Edit]Positioning Your Spine, Head, and Hands - Extend your spine straight upward, centering on your lower abdomen. Push your lower spine slightly forward and extend your chest slightly out and up. In this position, you should feel as though the top of your head is extending as high as it can and that your belly is your center of gravity.[11]
- Your spine doesn't need to be literally vertical, as this would likely be too uncomfortable to maintain. Rather, focus on stretching your upper body straight upward as much as you can without moderate or greater discomfort.
- Tuck your chin and direct your gaze on the floor about ahead. Angle your chin very slightly in and down, so that the crown of your head, rather than the top of your head, is your highest point. Angle your eyes a bit further downward so that you're looking at the floor in front of you.[12]
- Close your eyes halfway, as if you have "sleepy eyes." Look at the floor without fully focusing on it.
- Don't close your eyes all the way, or you'll likely daydream or possibly doze off.
- Align your lips and teeth and touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Your top and bottom lips, as well as your upper and lower rows of teeth, should be aligned and in light contact with each other. Don't clench your teeth or lips. Lightly press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth.[13]
- Breathe deeply through your nose while keeping your mouth closed.
- Rest your wrists on your thighs, overlap your fingers, and touch thumbs. No matter your sitting position—cushion, chair, bench, etc.—lay your wrists on top of your upper thighs. Open your hands with your palms up, and lay the fingers on your left hand on top of those on your right hand. Touch the tips of your thumbs together.[14]
- The outer sides of both pinkies should be touching, but not pressing against, your abdomen.
- Now that your body is positioned, you can begin your zen meditation period.
- To begin with, sitting for about 5 to 10 minutes is fine. Later, you may want to extend this to around 30 minutes—many regular groups will do multiple sessions of about this length, perhaps interspersed with walking meditation.
- Sitting with a group can be a great help, so find a zen group near you. Beginners are usually warmly welcomed.
- Look online for meditation cushions. In a pinch, though, a rolled up blanket, large pillow, or even a couch cushion may work for the job.
- It's critical to the traditional Zen meditation posture that you keep your back straight and extended upward. However, don't be afraid to make adjustments as necessary so that you can reap the benefits of Zen meditation.
[Edit]Warnings - Rarely, meditation can 'open' one to previously repressed thoughts or desires. If you get distressed, consider finding a Zen teacher or seeking psychological help.
- While sometimes zazen can be physically uncomfortable, it should not be painful or risk injury.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Meditation mat
- Meditation cushion (zafu)
- Meditation bench (optional)
- Chair (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Plan a Destination Wedding Posted: 16 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you're dreaming of tying the knot in a faraway place, you may be concerned about the logistics of making that dream a reality. However, destination weddings are becoming more and more popular and easier to plan. In fact, more than 20 percent of couples now opt for a getaway wedding.[1] With the right planning, you can tie the knot in the destination of your dreams! [Edit]Choosing a Location - Pick a place that's meaningful or exciting to you and your partner. You may decide to say your vows in the place you got engaged, where you took your first vacation together, or in a parent or grandparent's home country. Whatever destination you choose, you'll want to make sure it's somewhere both you and your partner want to make memories.[2]
- Even if you don't choose somewhere with sentimental value, it's still important to pick a location that appeals to you and that you think your guests would enjoy visiting.
- Research your destination's climate and weather patterns. Your destination's weather can have a big impact on your wedding. For example, if you know you want an outdoor wedding, you'll want to avoid places with unpredictable weather patterns.
- Once you've researched your destination's weather, you may have a better idea of what time of year would make most sense to schedule your nuptials.[3]
- Estimate travel costs for you and your guests. When choosing a destination for your wedding, it's important to get a sense for how much you can expect to spend on airfare and accommodations and how much you're asking your guests to spend. While you're not expected to help cover your guests' travel expenses, you may choose to discreetly help certain people buy their plane tickets and/or hotel rooms if you know they can't afford them on their own.[4]
- If you're flying halfway around the world, chances are your plane tickets will be expensive, and it's important to take this into consideration when you choose your location.[5]
- Keep in mind that your guests may also have to take additional time off work to travel to your destination if they end up having to take multiple flights over many hours.
- Visit your destination ahead of time if possible. If your budget allows, it's a good idea to travel to your location beforehand to make sure it's really the place want to say your vows. This will also allow you to tour potential venues, meet with a local wedding planner, and establish a vision for your big day.[6] If you're planning on hiring local vendors, this is also a good time to meet with potential caterers, photographers/videographers, hair and makeup professionals, and any other people who will contribute to your big day.
- Make sure to manage your costs by doing as much research as possible before your trip and scheduling appointments well in advance to avoid having to take multiple trips. You don't want to end up spending your wedding budget on traveling back and forth before your wedding.
- Reserve your venue at least a year in advance. Your venue is one of the most important things you'll need to think about when planning your destination wedding. You may be envisioning an intimate ceremony on the beach, an elegant cathedral wedding, or a cozy celebration at a mountaintop lodge. Whatever your vision for your big day, your venue will serve as the backdrop, so it's important to choose it early in the process.
- Wedding venues book quickly, and you want to make sure you don't miss out on your dream venue because you waited to long.[7]
- If you're planning an outdoor wedding, you may want to choose a venue that has an indoor space available as a backup, in case of bad weather.[8]
[Edit]Inviting Your Guests - Send out wedding invitations at least 8 months in advance. Your guests will need to book flights and hotel rooms and may need to ask for time off work to attend your wedding. That's why it's important to give them plenty of advance notice.
- If possible, try to send out "save the date" cards even earlier (preferably 10-12 months before your wedding date) so your guests can plan ahead.[9]
- Keep in mind that not everyone will be able to attend. This is true for any wedding, but especially when you're asking your guests to travel.
- Organize group accommodation for your guests. This will save them time, money, and the trouble of having to find and book a hotel on their own. Many hotels offer discounted rates for groups, and reserving a block of rooms ahead of time will ensure all of your guests have a comfortable place to stay once they arrive.[10]
- In many cases, if you're getting married at a resort or lodge, group rates will be included in a wedding package.
- Create a wedding website with an itinerary and important details. This is your chance to showcase your love story and provide your guests with all the details they'll need about your wedding and destination.[11] It's a good idea to provide your guests with a list of local activities as well as an itinerary of all your wedding-related events.
- Make sure to include information on group accommodations and airfare. You'll also want to include instructions on how to get to your venue.
- Welcome your guests when they arrive at your destination. Ideally, you'll be able to greet them in person upon their arrival. Otherwise, leaving welcome notes and gift bags full of destination essentials (like sunscreen, bug spray, and flip-flops) is a great way to make them feel welcome and included.[12]
[Edit]Planning the Details and Getting Help - Develop a budget and stick to it. Together with your partner (and any family members who may be helping pay for your wedding), you'll want to decide exactly how much you can afford to spend. It's important to do plenty of research so you have an idea of how much each individual aspect of your wedding is likely to cost. Although weddings can be expensive, it is possible to plan the day of your dreams on a budget.
- Destination weddings aren't necessarily more expensive than traditional ones and can even save you money in some cases.[13] However, it's still important to have a reasonable, well-thought out budget and consider any extra expenses you're likely to incur.
- Enlist the help of a local wedding planner. Since you're unlikely to be able to travel back and forth multiple times to attend various appointments and meet with local vendors, it's a good idea to hire someone you can trust to take care of these details on your behalf.
- Some venues and wedding packages provide a wedding specialist.[14] In other cases, you'll need to hire someone on your own. Either way, make sure you clearly communicate your vision and ideas to whoever will be helping you plan your special day.
- Especially if there's a language barrier, choosing an all-inclusive package where your venue does most of the work for you can take away a lot of pressure and stress.
- Set a date, keeping the weather and your budget in mind. Consider your destination's peak season when you decide on a date for your wedding. There may be certain seasons that are more crowded and touristy than others, and venue and vendor fees may be much higher during these times.
- Having your wedding during your destination's "off-season" may save you money, but keep in mind that some vendors may only operate during peak season and inclement weather may be more likely.[15]
- It's also a good idea to talk to your wedding party, as well as your close family and friends, before setting a date to make sure they're available.
- Find and vet your vendors carefully. Your wedding planner may have a list of vendors they regularly work with and trust in the area, so talking to them is a good place to start. You'll also want to look at any potential vendors' online portfolios and ask them for references. [16]
- If possible, plan a trip to meet with your vendors in person. If that's not feasible, consider scheduling meetings via video chat.
- You can also opt to bring certain vendors with you. For example, if you have a photographer you really like, or a friend who does hair and makeup, it might be worth flying them out for your wedding.
- Buy your plane tickets at least 6 months in advance. Airline ticket prices vary from season to season and can be unpredictable.[17] The earlier you start looking for a good deal, the better. For a trip as important as your wedding, you definitely don't want to wait until the last minute to book your flight.
- Dress according to your destination's weather. If you're getting married in a warm, tropical climate, you probably don't want to be wearing a heavy ball gown or wool suit. Also, keep in mind that high heels aren't well suited to ceremonies on sandy beaches.[18]
- Make sure to suggest appropriate attire to your guests as well. You can do this on your invitations or wedding website.
- Arrive a few days early to help with final preparations. If possible, fly to your destination ahead of time to meet with your planner, tour your venue, rehearse for your ceremony, and make final arrangements.[19]
- Arriving early can also help calm your nerves and prevent you from being jet-lagged on your special day.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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