I never thought my first overseas holiday as an adult would be solo and to Indonesia, especially Bali. I say solo, but not alone; I met many wonderful people on this trip and was never travelling alone. As for Bali, well I didn't want to be one of "those" Aussies. But here I am at the end of a nine day adventure that I have vowed to be the first of many.
My adventure was always going to be about activities and food, not alcohol and beaches. I first headed to Lombok, spent four nights at Gili Trawangan and then four more in Ubud before a final day relaxing in Seminyak. I snorkelled, cooked, cycled, rafted, templed, got sunburnt and drenched in rain and I ate my way through every local delicacy I could find.
And it was truly enchanting.
But I also observed the people; the locals and the other tourists. This is what I learned in the last 9 days that will be the foundation of my future travels.
1. Spontaneity and carefree travelling is exciting, but a bit of forward planning avoids costly errors.
2. Even when you think you are paying top dollar, you are not being ripped off. By all means ask for a better price, but haggling to knock off an extra few thousand rupiah is as stupid as trying for 50c at home. The ticket price is still relatively cheap in Aussie dollars and these people deserve wealth as much as you. Don't be stingy. You are not a hero for reducing the income of a person earning the equivalent of a couple of hundred dollars a month.
3. Engage with the locals. They are beautiful honest folk trying to make a life. The least you can do is share some time, learn their language and customs. It will enrich your experience and you will make friends who will be more inclined to help you get around at the best price.
4. Learn the language. At the very least learn to say please (tolong) and thank you (terima kasih) and use it everywhere. Make your mother proud.
5. Be respectful. Remove your shoes, even if others don't. Don't complain about wearing a sarong in a temple. Walk around the offerings on the ground even if it means your feet get wet.
6. Watch where you are walking. Don't trust the ground or the pavement. It is wet, slippery and broken. Hold on going up and down steps.
7. Be kind to animals. Don't kick the dogs or tease the monkeys. You will only prove that you are an arsehole.
8. You never know when or where you may require a toilet break. No really, I mean I need a toilet right now! Preferably with toilet paper.
9. If you came here to hang out with Aussies and get drunk then please stay in Australia. You will make the world a much better place for everyone.
