By petelange@yahoo.com , 07-04-2003

bus or boat your way to Bali - There's every bus imaginable from Sumatra to Bali. I suggest something comfortable for the 32 hour bus rides that are only supposed to take 20hours. The big aircon buses executive 1st class. I never want to be stuck in a mini-van all night with the engine heat burning my arse, while the a/c drips cold water on my forehead, and everytime I nod off the driver hits a pothole. I had to slip the Jefe 30,000rps one time ta make sure my surfboards would fit on the executive bus, and they went out of there way and every one had to squeeze by my tied up boards by the back door of the bus, as they would not fit under the bus in the luggage carriers. That was a last ditch resort, subtle bribe that is not the norm as boards usually fit better. The boats are nice I took the Ferry from Sing to Batam then another to Jakarta. Not as exciting as the bus trip up to Sumatra though. Pelni ships rule also so check the schedules. Sumatra is the least expensive Indonesian Island I have been to, Bali the most. Try the Durian fruit in Sumatra or the Arak in Kuta, but not in excess.

By anonymous , 04-04-2003

R - You're doin' something wrong. If it is really 4-6ft you wont need to squeeze in to the tube. A gun like a 7ft 4in will hold a truer line in any section than a smaller board you see the grommets using. Stick with the gun. It's not how well you turn, it's how well you hold your line!

By R , 04-04-2003

advice needed on bali boards - i got stuck having to ride a long gun board 7'4 last time i was in bali. squeezing into 4-6ft barrels i would usually get thrown as the length of the board didnt seem to fit in the sweet spot. does this sound right or am i doing something wrong?

By slim@baliwaves.com , 04-04-2003

Answer your questions at baliwaves.com, no crap ! - Hi reef riders, it makes me worry that people are asking for help off people who know very little about Bali. Just like some of the info on this page is not correct, sorry about that but hey lets keep it real...for a change.Who can surf in 28C water ? Balangan is not for beginners just because it gets less crowded.... Just about that whole list of waves is wrongly catagorized in regards to experience. Abuse me if you want, just keep it real friends !

By R , 03-04-2003

be aware of your abilities - If you are not a confident surfer please stick to the beach breaks or north west point breaks.

All of the good breaks that Bali is famous for have critical takeoffs and can be very dangerous for beginners and everyone surfing around them. No one wants to visit a Denpasar hospital!

Just because you learnt to snowboard in 2 days DOES NOT mean you will be surfing in 2 weeks. I think surfing pitching waves over a shallow reef is much more dangerous than any other form of boarding. I've seen a cocky euro guy with his nose hanging off his face after kissing the reef. You are best off learning to surf for a few YEARS then coming to bali.

By rshane301@hotmail.com , 15-03-2003

Beginner/Intermediate Surf available? - I'm 25, my wife and I are going for a month. Is there decent surf for a beginner/intermediate. I grew up on the east coast (US), surf about 10 days a year, mostly long-board and really want to improve. I'll be surfing alone as well. Is Bali a good place for this, or will I leave on a medi-vac?

By surfhest@hotmail.com , 13-03-2003

My first time to bali, what board do I bring - Hellooo dudes

Within 4 weeks I'm off for Bali for the first time, what a blast it's gonna bee. I'm wondering if bali is all about shortboarding or can anyone telle about it from a longboard point of view, please ???
Im 80kg and prefere the longboard (9'6')caus that's what I surf most in denmark, and thats where my confidence is, but I have a 7'2' and a 6'6' too, and a smaller board is easier for traveling.

By anonymous , 11-03-2003

Getting Around Bali - The coolest, if not the safest way to get around the spots in Bali is to hire a motorbike on to which a rack has been welded to hold your board. An international licence is required to ride a bike on the island and the police love nothing more than pulling over a wobbly foreigner to fine. The fines vary widely depending on how much they intend to put in their pocket. Cars can also be hired but are expensive. Taxis are a cheap alternative. With a bit of skilled haggling you can be taken to your chosen break where the driver will wait for you and bring you back all for an agreed price. Many of the taxis are the small minivan type so if you have a longboard take some straps with you.

By anonymous , 07-03-2003

getting around in bali - How about board transport in bali – do I need a car to get to most oft the spots or is it possible to get there by bus/ taxi ? What do you recommend ? Thanks Iris

By Jesse , 03-03-2003

Breaks, Boards and Bali - Hey, A friend and I are travelling south east asia and are ditching vietnam and cambodia to learn how to surf. Kuta beach seems to be the place most recommended, but what about boards? I have no idea what kind of funds I'm going to need on this excursion. Is it expensive to stay on Kuta Beach? I'd like to buy a board as well. Also, does anyone know about travel through Sumatra to Bali? Any info would be great. Thanks.