- By: Joseph Lawsomier

With the all the media hype about Swine Flu, it's not unreasonable to think about trying to avoid unnecessary public outings, including air travel. But the FAA and the CDC only warn against flying if you're already feeling the symptoms of an illness or if you've come in contact with someone who's seriously at risk of contracting the F1N1 flu virus.

Federal officials have just asked that everyone consider common health safety precautions when they're in public and surrounded by other travelers. Because cheap airfare, in particular, often fill up fast, making for crowded planes and airports, you'll want to follow these basic guidelines for keeping yourself healthy on your flights.

1. Keep in mind that everything you touch, including your airline tickets, the handles on your bags, and your ID, have the potential to be touched by someone else and vice versa so wash your hands more than often with soap and water, lathering for at least 30 seconds.

2. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes (in a small enough container to pass carry-on regulations) with you everywhere. You can essentially wash your hands anytime any place and wipe down any plastic surface you come in contact with armrests on airplane and airport seats, ticket counters, etc - when you're armed with these two items.

3. Avoid using the pillows and blankets on airline flights. Believe it or not, whether you're flying on cheap flights or premium airlines, the planes don't have a washing machine or dryer hooked up in the back to sanitize pillows and blankets between flights. Bring your own pillow or blanket as a shield against the seats themselves.

4. You'll be hard-pressed to find cheap flights that aren't crowded with travelers; as a common hygiene practice, make sure to sneeze and cough into your own body, preferably into the bend of your arm. Always carry tissues to avoid spreading any of those germs to other passengers.

5. As helpful as flight attendants, ticket counter, and baggage claim employees can be and as much as we appreciate what they do, it wouldn't be unheard of to kindly request to handle your own belongings if possible at this time. Many of the discount airlines don't charge for checked baggage, but you might want to still consider carrying-on your luggage on these cheap flights to avoid having the ticket counter and baggage handlers germ up your bags.


6. Airlines have probably already started opening up cheap airline tickets to Mexico and areas of the country that have had Swine Flu outbreaks, but federal officials do warn against traveling to these places and they ask travelers to be particularly cautious around friends and family who may have recently visited those parts of the world.

7. Remember that you're usually contagious one week prior to exhibiting symptoms of the flu, so if you think you may have come in contact with someone who could be carrying the flu this might be one of the few reasons to postpone your airline tickets for another time.

8. You can never be too cautious, so wearing a mask in public to protect yourself from other traveler's germs and to keep yours from spreading may be a good idea.

9. Remember that just once you've stepped off the plane that doesn't mean you're out of harms way. If you're going to be staying in a hotel room and you have space in your suitcase, you might want to pack your own sheet and pillow case.

Adjusted for the Kebyar Gong - a band formed by a group of gamelan instruments (musical instruments forged notes with five copper and bronze) and various metal gongs and symbols. Barong dance is the classic story of good (The Barong), triumphing over evil (the evil witch Rangda). The Barong is a great leon type creature played by two men, Rangda is the epitome of bad weather and nail Droopy breasts. The Barong goes about his business until he is interrupted by Rangda. Ultimately there is a battle and Barong supporters start attacking their Rangda Keris (daggers). Rangda, being a witch, is able to use magic powers to turn against their owners Daggers, which fall into a trance and try to stab themselves. The Barong, also has magical powers, protects his followers from harm Rangda and retreats in the woods to rest and prepare for the next battle. The intensity of the Barong followers in their attempt to stab themselves is quite alarming and the trance is very real, usually - and there is always a priest on hand to revive the dancers with holy water.


Where to see the Barong Dance:
Suwung - Daily 09.30 - 10.30
Kesiman - Daily 09.30 - 10.30
Batu Tegal, Batubulan - Daily 09.30 - 10.30
Br Singapadu Abasan - Daily 09.30 - 10.30
Padangalak - 09.30 hours daily
Puri Saren, Ubud - Friday 06.30 pm

Kecak Dance is one of the most famous dances of Bali, is unusual because it has no musical accompaniment like many other Indonesian dances to the rhythm of the dance song is produced by the 'monkey' chorus. The singing noise "Cak-CAK, CAK" gave the dance its name Kecak. The choir of 50 men organized into a ring around a flame, to produce a stage. Men not only the rhythm of this dance but also act as the various armies of monkeys that appear on the history and the undulating snake in one of the scenes.



The history of dance is taken from the Ramayana epic that tells the king of evil Rahwana using deception to abduct Rama's wife Dewi Sint, and how with the help of the army of white, Rama rescues his wife and Rahwana defeats evil. But dance is a traditional Balinese dance that developed in the 1930s in the village of Bona specifically for western tastes. If you get a chance to go to a dance Kecak go because it is an experience not to be missed.

Where to see the Kecak Dance:
Catur Eka Budi, (Art Center) Denpasar - Daily 07.00 pm
Bona Kangin Gianyar - Monday, Wednesday, Friday 06.30 pm - 07.30 pm
Uluwatu Temple - Daily 06.00 pm - 07.00 pm
Padang Tegal Ubud - Sunday 06.00 pm - 07.30 pm
Batubulan - Daily 06.30 pm - 08.00 pm

Tanah Lot means "Earth in the Middle of the Sea" in Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, some 20 kilometers from Denpasar, the temple is located in the sea a huge rock that has been continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is said to be the work of the 15th century Nirartha priest. They say that during his travels along the south coast, saw the rock of the island's beautiful scenery and rest there. Some fishermen saw him and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night in the small island. Later, speaking with the fishermen and told them to build a shrine in the rock for his view that this is a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

Tanah Lot temple was built and has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. The temple is one of the seven temples around the Balinese sea coast. It was said that each of the temples of the sea would be seen in the following way to form a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to save the temple from evil spirits and intruders. It is said that a giant snake, which also protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from the Nirartha scarf when he established the island.

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and substantial Australian population. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Bali bombing (26 killed).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh - new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedunganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.
(take from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuta)

Indonesia Travel Tips
Immigration

Visas are required except for nationals of 48 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong, Iceland , Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (UK), United Arab Emirates, United States, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwan held AM / / M passports. The visa requirement also applies to nationals of other friendly countries, attending a conference that has received official approval.

No entry visa is for a maximum of 60 days and is not renewable. Entry and exit should be through the airports of Poland (Medan), Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru), Hang Nadim (Batam), Tabing (Padang), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung), Juanda (Surabaya) , Adisumarmo (Solo), Ngurah Rai (Denpasar), Eltari (Kupang) Supadio (Pontianak) Sepingan (Balikpapan), Sam Ratulangi (Manado), Pattimura (Ambon), Hasanuddin (Makassar), Selaparang (Mataram) and Frans Kaisiepo (Biak), and the ports of Belawan (Medan), Batu Ampara and Sekupang (Batam), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Mas (Semarang), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), and Padangbai Benoa (Bali), Bitung (North Sulawesi ), Ambon (Maluku) and Tanjung Pinang (Bintan). There is only one gateway Land Entikong in West Kalimantan.

For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas to other tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained from any embassy or consulate in Indonesia. It requires two photographs and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must for all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months ahead with the test in the way, either through a refund or tickets.


Transport

There are metered taxis in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung. For air-conditioned taxi flag falls Rp.2000 (Rp. 900 per kilometer) and Rs. 3000 (Rp. 1300 per kilometer). Silverbird is flagfall for rupees. And 3500 rupees. For every 1,500 km. Rental cars are available and rates vary from one area to another and it is best to ask the transportation desk of your hotel for information on rates and distances.

From the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta city taxis will add a surcharge of Rs. 7500 / RP. 9000 / RP. 10000, depending on the destination and the road tolls rupees. 7000. There are also Soekarno-Hatta International Airport buses depart every 20 minutes to five different points of the city. For those heading to the major hotels in the city center, take the bus to Gambir, a railway station, which is five to ten minutes by taxi from the hotels. Bus fare is Rs 5,000 per person and baggage. In other airports transportation counters with fixed fares for taxis.

Other forms of transport in Indonesia are Bajaj for two passengers, small buses that ply regular routes, the man driven pedicab "becak," all of which require advanced negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable price. The buses are very crowded, especially in the cities and routes must be identified. Trains cross the island of Java and Sumatra. Fares are relatively inexpensive, but more in the air conditioned express trains running between major cities.

Garuda Indonesia has an extensive network throughout the country. For all major cities in the archipelago, Garuda had daily services. Garuda services are complemented by those of Merpati Nusantara, Mandala, Lion Air, and Pelita, AirAsia.


Communication and electricity

Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels in 240 countries. Long Distance, IDD and fax are also available at the offices of telecommunications (Wartel) in major cities and hotels. Internet service is not difficult to find things in the big cities public Internet services (Warnet). Most hotels in big cities use 220 volts and 50 cycles a double plug. However, some hotels in the provinces may continue to use 110 volts. It is best to check before using an appliance.

Weather

Indonesia has two seasons, dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional period and the maximum temperature is 33 ° C (62 F) and at least 21 ° C (41 F). The humidity is high at all times.

Customs

Customs allowed to a maximum of one liter of spirits, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of snuff and a reasonable quantity of perfume per adult. Cameras, camcorders, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sports equipment are allowed, provided they get to the exit. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited firearms, drugs, drugs, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser discs must be supervised by the Censorship Board.

There is no restriction on the import or export of foreign currencies and traveler's checks, however, import and export of higher currency IDR. 5 million is prohibited. Airport Authority charges an airport tax of Rs. To 50,000 passengers on international routes and Rs. 11,000 for the domestic routes.


Shopping and tipping

At most hotels a 10% to the bill. In restaurants, where a service charge is additional, a tip of 5 to 10% would be appropriate depending on the service and the type of establishment. An airport or a hotel doorman expected rupees. 5000 per bag.

Tipping taxi drivers rupees. 1000 or leave the change is appreciated but not mandatory. It is advisable to take a small change in the taxi drivers are often short of change. Large cities have shopping malls, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. Remain open from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm every day and some even on Sunday. In small shops bargaining might be necessary.

Food and Health

The Indonesian staple food is rice steamed or fried. Some dishes can be accompanying hot pepper - large or small red bell pepper green - so please ask before ordering. Please be informed to ask the price before ordering. There are many restaurants in Europe, America and Eastern cuisine in particular fast food restaurants.

A variety of drinks (either imported or local) are available throughout the world including Indonesian very good beer. Keep drinks bottled water is doubtful whether in restaurants. Travelers from infected areas are required to submit certificates of International validity of smallpox, cholera and yellow vaccination.

Banking and Money Changer

Banking Hours: 8:00 to 12:00 Monday to Friday and from 8:00 to 11:00 on Saturdays. Banks in hotels usually stay open longer hours, while exchange offices are open until late.

Foreign Exchange

USD and other major currencies in banknotes or travelers checks are easily exchanged at banks or authorized exchange houses in major tourist destinations, but it is advisable to bring enough rupees before traveling to outer provinces or cities minors. Newspapers are published in the banks and major newspapers.

Embassies and Consulates

You can find here..

Office Hours

Government offices are open from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday in Jakarta and close on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces the closure of around 3.00 pm and open on Saturdays until 1.00 pm

Business office hours staggered. Some open at 8.00 am to 4.00 pm or 9:00 to 5:00 pm Some stay open for half day on Saturday. Banks are open from 8.00 or 8.30 to 2.00 pm Banks in hotels stay open longer hours, and exchange until the evening.

Clothing and manners

Dress is casual and light clothing is generally recommended because of the hot and humid weather. Pants or trousers and shirts are generally considered adequate, but a jacket and tie are required for formal occasions or when making official calls. For certain formal occasions long-sleeve batik shirts are acceptable. To travel to the mountain, a sweater or light jacket is recommended.

Halter-tops and shorts are frowned upon in most places except around sports facilities or the beach. Proper decorum should especially be observed or to visit places of worship. Indonesian people are very kind. Handshaking is customary for both men and women in the introduction and greeting, and smiling is a national characteristic.

Using his left hand to give or receive is taboo, also crooking his finger to call someone is considered impolite. Pork is forbidden for Muslims and beef for Balinese Hindus, but are available in many restaurants and markets.