Advice about travel to Bali

[carlocol]

I have been to Bali once before, for just over a week, and while there did some surfing, including some lessons. I didn't take a board with me. Now I have improved a little, and am planning a return visit. This time I would like to stay for about a month and do a lot more surfing, so would like to take my own board.

I would really appreciate some advice on the logistics of taking a board to Bali (from
Sydney), and where to go and what to do etc.

I plan to take an 8'2" board. What is the situation regarding transporting such a board when I get to Bali airport?
Do taxis in Bali have any problem taking boards? Do they have any roofracks? Do they charge
extra for boards? About how much? Is it worth taking 'soft-racks' for taxis to use or is that a waste of time?

I have a basic board cover, no padding - is this sufficent for travel? Is it necessary to wrap the board in bubble wrap for extra protection?


I have no problem getting me and my board to the airport in Sydney, but when I return, I might need to use a taxi - can anyone suggest whether I can get a taxi to carry me and my longish board in Sydney?

(Sorry if these questions appear too obvious to you long hardened expert surfers, but I am new to this game, and don't want to stuff up!)

cheers
C

[jaffa1949]

Carlocol, fly Garuda to Bali 8'2" is no problem and boards are part of the package, check garuda's website, Take your fins out and wrap the nose and tail in bubble wrap, if you mean a sock as a board cover that won't adequate, get a proper travel bag. Take off the carry strap and take in hand luggage.
You will be buried in people wishing to ferry you and your board to wherever you are staying often the hotel . surf tour, hotels etc have a dedicated airport pick up which can be arranged before you go, usually a bus or a van type thing, and the drivers hold up your name outside the airport

I suggest a book which you can buy called "Indo Surf & Lingo" by Peter Neely it is updated every year and has some vouchers for cheapies in Bali.

"Berapa ini ?/ "How much" is a taxi ride, depends on you look new or dumb and it will be Bali Expensive , barter, use the book show the taxi driver the board he'll know whether he can carry it or not often he will have a friend who can, if he can't.

There are station wagon taxis that can carry boards in Sydney.

BTW part of the adventure is figuring things out as you go, get used to Indonesian rubber time ( Jam kerat) move through their world slowly, and don't stress they are more used to tourists than you are at being a tourist.
Get that book it will explain so much to you.
Figure out where you want to go before you go!
Some questions; goofy or natural footed, level of skill, age. That will probably give us some idea of which breaks to try What time of year are you going. That suggests some breaks too.

Some other thoughts stick to beer, not cocktails or spirits unless you bring them dutyfree, don't buy drugs ( the dealer is a policeman's cousin) Think Shapelle Corby.
Have good travel insurance, if you can't afford insurance you can't afford to go!

You will also stuff up and that's cool, you will get ripped off but when you compare the $ to the Rupiah you will have lost very little and it will still be cheaper than Australia.

[pico_train]

You can also cover your rails with foam tubing you can get at a hardware store. Bring along a tube of suncure ding repair in case and if you don't you can probably get some there.

[carlocol]

thanks for your info Jaffa.

Carlocol, fly Garuda to Bali

I should have sent my inquiry a few weeks ago - I didn't think of Garuda and booked with Virgin Aust. I could have saved about $100 with Garuda. Will keep in mind for next time.

if you mean a sock as a board cover that won't adequate, get a proper travel bag. Take off the carry strap and take in hand luggage.

Cover looks like one in attached picture. It seems tough and strong, but has very little padding, but I will add some bubble wrap. Is that sufficient for travel?



I suggest a book which you can buy called "Indo Surf & Lingo" by Peter Neely it is updated every year and has some vouchers for cheapies in Bali.

Looks good, I'll get a copy.

Some questions; goofy or natural footed, level of skill, age. That will probably give us some idea of which breaks to try What time of year are you going. That suggests some breaks too.

I'm 56, and started learning about 3 years ago. Natural footed. I would class myself as lower intermediate. I do OK when surf is friendly - smallish, and waves breaking fairly gently. No good when they are breaking very hard or dumping. Like I said I have been to Bali before. My plan is to spend a few days at Legian (in May) where I will just enjoy being able to walk out of the hotel and into the surf. I live in Sydney, and although i shouldn't complain, it is a struggle to get to the beach once a week, so I'm looking forward to two sessions a day After a bit of practice at Legian, I want to go to the Bukit peninsula for some time in a surf camp (so if you know of a good one, please let me know). Then I'd like to try Medewi. Might also go to Lombok, as I have plenty of time. But any suggestions welcome.

I've done plenty of travel before, just not with a surfboard

[carlocol]

You can also cover your rails with foam tubing you can get at a hardware store. Bring along a tube of suncure ding repair in case and if you don't you can probably get some there.

Thanks, I'll do that.

[jaffa1949]

Carlocol, that cover is fine just do the wrap, Virgin is fine with the board just make sure you prebook it as trying to book on the day costs more.

Ok some spots, lots of lefts Medewi is a moderately soft left to try, watch the river stones and enter and leave the water via the keyhole, riding to the shore means stones encounters.
On Lombok try Heaven on the Planet , comes in at about $150 per day and the better accommodation is usually booked up but they have short term stay also try Grupuk good waves at your level. Rights and lefts!
On second thought probably a better bargain than going to Heaven!

There are waves too around Kuta Lombok. Read the book for suggestions!

Good on you at fifty two join our growing contingent of Older Surfers!!


Have fun I hope May is good for you as I head to Roti in the east of Indonesia then
BTW I'm 64 in May

[dtc]

Dont discount taking a few surfing lessons while you are there, no matter your ability. I used this guy http://silversurfbali.com/ who was very good and wasnt really much more expensive than being in a surf school group with 10 others. He can pick you up if you want; took me out to some good locations zapping around on his motorbike (he has a car as well). Good english, really nice guy. He may only pick up one or two things but that can improve your surfing immensely.

I'm spruiking left and right here, but if you are thinking of getting a more solid bag then I recently bought one from http://www.dwwsurf.com/ (based in Avoca) for about $100 and its very good quality, tough with some padding (I was impressed anyway). The only downside is that the bag is a bit heavier because of the thicker material used. But your bag plus bubble wrap probably offers the same or better protection.

[carlocol]

Thanks dtc.

I'll consider a lesson. (I also may keep an eye out for instructors in the surf at Legian/Kuta - if I see one who seems to be doing a good job, I might approach them.)

[jaffa1949]

I'm 56, and started learning about 3 years ago. Natural footed. I would class myself as lower intermediate. I do OK when surf is friendly - smallish, and waves breaking fairly gently. No good when they are breaking very hard or dumping. Like I said I have been to Bali before. My plan is to spend a few days at Legian (in May) where I will just enjoy being able to walk out of the hotel and into the surf. I'm looking forward to two sessions a day After a bit of practice at Legian, I want to go to the Bukit peninsula for some time in a surf camp (so if you know of a good one, please let me know). Then I'd like to try Medewi. Might also go to Lombok, as I have plenty of time. But any suggestions welcome.

I just read your post a little more.
The areas of the Bukit Peninsula that would suit are Balangan and Dreamland, google surf camps for both and you may find something suitable. Padang and Uluwatu are more experienced surfer zones and by and large are now crowd zoos as everyone from everywhere wants to say they surfed them.
I'm sorry I didn't get this to you a little earlier hopefully the warungs or homestays are not booked out, the swell season is already hitting so it could be a good year. You can also day trip out from Kuta but I would advise against that as traffic is a nightmare now.

The guys you take lessons with might have family out on the Bukit and you may be able to arrange something through them, often a family connection can be cheaper , more basic but teaches you a lot about Indonesia as you go! That used to be the old way and it provided me with many good experiences, I still go through the same families after all these years.

Please post your experiences as they will help other would be travelers on the forum.