Author: exclusivelybali

Sharing my personal experiences and opinions on the island of Bali - including accommodation, dining, fashion, home-wares, shopping, travel hints and more.

A visa-free stalemate for Australia and Indonesia !!

image: ©exclusivelybali.net

AUSTRALIANS travelling to Bali will still have to fork out $50 in visa fees, despite Jakarta’s willingness to scrap the charge.

THAT’S because Canberra is refusing to make reciprocal arrangements for Indonesian citizens.

The Indonesian government has announced visa fees will be scrapped for tourists from Australia and 46 other countries from October.

But Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has ruled out changing Australia’s no-exemptions policy for tourists from any country.

Ms Bishop discussed the issue with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi at a “warm and constructive” breakfast meeting in Sydney on Thursday.

“She explained that Indonesia would love to provide Australia with visa exemptions, but unless they got reciprocity, they wouldn’t be able to do so,” Ms Bishop said.

“Our policy is across the board – there are no exemptions.”

image: ©exclusivelybali.net

The pair also discussed trade, investment and counter-terrorism efforts.

Ms Bishop insisted Australian and Indonesian bilateral relations were now in good shape.

The lines of communication between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and President Joko Widodo were now “fine” following a strain earlier this year ahead of the executions of Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.

Ms Bishop said she and Ms Marsudi were in constant contact via text messages, “much to the chagrin of diplomats”.

Ms Bishop will visit Indonesia in October.

Meanwhile, opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek will be in Jakarta on Thursday and Friday for meetings with Indonesian ministers and other dignitaries.

Source: The Australian

***Join us on the:

Exclusively bali ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR

A ladies getaway focused on fun, food, shopping, pampering and cocktails!

During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:
– private airport transfers
– 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation at the stunning The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali!
– daily breakfast
– fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
– guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
– 5 star dining
– delicious high tea
– indulgent spa treatment

And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.

Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.

Dates are from 19-25 March 2016

Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!

Email your expression of interest to exclusivelybali@gmail.com

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VISA ON ARRIVAL TO BE ABOLISHED FOR AUSTRALIANS!!

AUSTRALIANS ARE TO HAVE VISA FREE ENTRY TO BALI!!

Good news is on the horizon for Australian travelers to Bali with a recent announcement that the current US$35 visa on arrival (VOA) is to be abolished from October 2015!

Australia is among 47 countries who Indonesia will add to its “visa-free list” as it strives to draw more tourists.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli said on 1 September 2015 that the government would extend its visa-free policy by October 2015. This will increase the number of countries that enjoy the facility to 92.

Minister Rizal Ramli said, ““We hope this [policy] can attract more tourists and create new jobs”.

He said the government’s previous policy to waive visas for 45 countries had proved positive with tourist arrivals increasing by as much as 15 percent.

“We hope these extensions will double the country’s foreign exchange income to US$20 million in the next five years,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Immigaration, Ronny F. Sompie advised that the anticipation of increased tourist arrivals would prompt more counters at various ports and airports in Indonesia.

For more information, see:: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/09/01/47-countries-including-oz-enjoy-visa-free-entry-october.html#sthash.Rih7hgAe.dpuf

***Join us on the:

Exclusively bali ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR

A ladies getaway focused on fun, food, shopping, pampering and cocktails!

During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:
– private airport transfers
– 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation at the stunning The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali!
– daily breakfast
– fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
– guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
– 5 star dining
– delicious high tea
– indulgent spa treatment

And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.

Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.

Dates are from 1st – 7th December, 2015 – just in time for Christmas!

Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!

For more information, register via email to exclusivelybali@gmail.com

♥♥ ~ If you have enjoyed this post, click “FOLLOW”

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https://www.facebook.com/Exclusively.bali

LOOKING FOR NEW FASHION EYE-WEAR?

image: getty

Discovery Mall in Kuta has 3 easy to find Optical Dispensers close to the main entrance. After arriving at the main entry off Jalan Kartika, the shops are side by side on the left hand side of the entry.

Prescription glasses/sunglasses, contact lenses and eye tests are available at these reputable outlets.

You can take your original prescription from home, or have your eyes tested whilst there. Glasses generally only take a few days to be made up.

A significant range of designer frames and sunglasses are available and the prices are less than you would pay in Australia.

OPTIK MELAWAI

Ground Floor Unit MG 8 – Bali

Phone: (0360) 769 766

Toll Free: 0800-1-Melawai (6352924)

Email: customer_service@melawai.com

www.optikmelawai.com

OPTIK TUNGGAL

Kartika Plaza Street

Discovery Mall, 1^st Floor 12B-C

Kuta Bali

Phone: (62-361) 769828

Email: ot-kub@optiktunggal.com

www.optiktunggal.com

OPTIK SEIS

Ground Floor No MG-18

Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta

Phone: (0361) 769836

Email: seis@optikseis.com

www.optikseis.com

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GUIDE TO MARKET PRICES AND SHOPPING

Shopping in market stalls or from beach sellers can be a challenge at the best of times. Consider these handy tips:

Negotiation is expected. First offered prices are often double or triple the real price
Don’t reveal this is your first trip to the island (even if it is)
Have a clear price you are willing to pay before you start negotiating
Knowing a little Bahasa indonesian will often reward you with a better price
Be aware shopkeepers do this for a living and are persistent and “athletic” negotiators
Go early for best “Morning Price”
If you think it’s a reasonable price, then do the deal
Remember that 10,000Rp is equal to approximately $1.00Aus
Watch the zero’s on your notes as it can be confusing.
Be prepared to walk away
If you buy multiple items, you should be able to negotiate a lesser price
Maintain your sense of humour and be polite

Please remember many of you will be able to secure better prices than those stated here, whilst others will not be able to secure as good a price as stated here. This is a “guide” only.

* Prices quoted in Indonesian Rupiah.

* Remember, some people’s livelihoods may depend on your negotiations

MARKET PRICES (GUIDE ONLY)

by exclusivelybali.net

Baskets (woven) 5 000 – 15 000

Basket (set of 3, incl. mesh tops for food) 50 000

Batik bags 30 000 with Bali written and 45 000 plain

Beach towels (Bintang, Toughen Up Princess) 55 000 rp

Beaded purse 25 000 to 40 000 for larger size

Belt 35 000 – 50 000

Belt (men’s leather) 80 000 – 150 000

Board shorts RP 30 000 50 000

Bowls, silver aluminium 100 000 – 500 000 (av. 260 000)

Bracelets, wide knitted stretch sml beaded 15 000rp, lge beaded 25 000rp.

Buddha statue (coloured) 50 000 – 150 000 (av. size 90 000)

Caps Baseball Peaked (no name) – 30 000 – 50 000

Caps Baseball Peaked (named) – 50 000 – 75 000

Cardigans light weight plain crocheted 55 000

Cardigan, large size printed with hood 100 000

Crocheted bag sml 50 000 -100 000/ lge 150 000

Cushion covers 35 000 – 70 000

Dresses (summer) short 45 000/ long 80 000, depending on size/ length

Dresses , flowing 3/4 length 100 000rp/ long 250 000

Earrings 5 000rp ,20 000rp

Earrings, pearl studs 30 000rp – 50 000

Flags/umbal umbals 25 000 – 50 000 for longer

Frangipani hair clips 10 000 med/ 15 000 multiple sml frangipanis on clip

Handbags (Louis Vuitton etc) 100 000 – 150 000, larger 150 000 – 250 000

Handbags (no name) 50 000 – 100 000, larger 100 000 – 150 000

Hammock, parachute material sml 200 000/ lge 250 000

Jackets (leather) tailor made 700 000 – 1 200 000 (depending on size/leather)

Kids T-shirts 30 000

Kimonos 65 000

Large Overnight Bag RP 180 000 – 200 000

Masks, sml 25 000/ lge 90 000

Men’s shorts, short pull on 60 000, longer fitted striped 100 000rp.

Necklaces, 25 000 – 50 000

NRL Shirts, kids 100 000/ adults 120 000

Pashminas 50 000 – 100 000

Placemats, wooden (6 pieces) 90 000

Placemats, woven (6 pieces) 90 000

Rayon pants, from 65 000

Salad servers, aluminium 70 000

Sandals, leather 75 000+

Sarongs, Short 40 000

Sarongs, Long 50 000

Sarongs, fancily embroidered 70 000 – 200 000

Singlets (Billabong/Quicksilver, Nike etc) 40 000 (kids)/ 60 000 (mens)

Scarves, silk or sequined 40 000 – 90 000

Shirts Collared Polo’s, mens 80 000

Sandals, (ladies) dressier 75 000 – 150 000

Skull ornament, coloured, av. size 100 000

Stubby holders, 6 pack 40 000

Sunglasses (Raybans, Gucci etc) 25 000 – 50 000

Shorts Ladies, with zip 65 000

Skirt, denim 80 000

Table runner, sizes vary 40 000 – 100 000

Thongs 50 000 – 100 000

Travel cushion, horseshoe shape 60 000

T-shirts 40 000rp (kids), 45 000 – 70 000 (adults)

Umbrella for rain 40 000 – 80 000

Underwear (Jocks – Calvein Klein) men/boys 30 000 – 80 000

Vans (sneaker type shoe) 120 000 -200 000

Watches 50 000 – 200 000

Wallet mens, Billabong etc 80 000 – 120 000

Wallet ladies , branded 80 000 – 120 000

Wind chimes, bamboo (sml) 10 000/ (lge) 40 000

Have fun and happy shopping – and if all else fails, consider a “fixed price” market stall.

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ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR

Heads up Ladies!

Exclusively Bali is excited to announce a ladies-only Ultimate Homewares Tour!

Immerse yourself in true Exclusively Bali-style hospitality staying at the stunning Royal Beach Seminyak Resort!

During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:

private airport transfers
6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation
daily breakfast
fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
5 star dining
delicious high tea
indulgent spa treatment

And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.

Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.

Dates are from 1^st – 7th December, 2015 – just in time for Christmas!

Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!

For more information on this or FUTURE TOURS, register via email to exclusivelybali@gmail.com

SEMINYAK SQUARE MARKETS

If you’re an avid shopper and seeking a good selection of women’s clothing, you’ll enjoy the markets at Seminyak Square!

Unlike many market stalls elsewhere, the Seminyak Square markets have a good array of modern styles and fabrics. Colourful kaftans with and without pompoms, maxi dresses, stylish sarongs, killer kimonos – they’re all there at Seminyak Square markets.

A selection of sunglasses, bags and jewellery are also available.

Bargaining in markets is normal practice and getting a good price depends largely on one’s bargaining prowess .Having said that, expect to pay a little more than the usual market fare here. Well worth it for the unique selections though!

When you’ve had enough of market shopping, there’s a plethora of fixed price shops opposite and in the surrounding streets.

Address: Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak

Tip: The Kura Kura bus has a stop at Seminyak Square. Check their website for details: http://kura2bus.com/

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THE COOLEST PLACE TO BE…

DOUBLE SIX ROOFTOP BAR

The new Double Six Rooftop Bar offers an uninterrupted and amazing view, Arrive early for a fab spot, or book in advance.

The Reservations and waiting team are very efficient. You will be ushered upstairs via the lift by elegantly dressed staff.

The balcony booths are available to book with a minimum spend of approximately $100. If there are several of you, this is easily met with cocktails averaging approximately $14AUS each.

The venue is open plan with a laid back vibe and cool music. Day or night, this is the place to be in Bali to enjoy 5 star service and stunning views!

Even the artwork is stunning!

Address: Double Six Beach no. 66, Double Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak

Phone: +62 361 730466

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MARKET PRICES (GUIDE ONLY)

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