Indonesia-Australia Travel & Business Services

We met John Penrose totally by chance at Banjar Hills - and we are so glad we did!

He is a retired Australian school teacher who has lived for the past fifteen years in Bali. What he doesn't know about Bali isn't worth knowing and, of course, he speaks the language like a Native.

He gives personalised guided tours in a lovely, laid-back way - no hassling, no pressures - and assists with just about anything else you may need help with - making hotel bookings, buying and shipping home Balinese artifacts ... you name it, he does it.

Here's his business card if you want to contact John:

Click on card to email John

Bali's best hotel manager is now Bali's best General Manager

Bali's best hotel manager, our personal friend Hengky Tambayong, is now General Manager of the four HARRIS hotel properties in Bali. Congratulations, Hengky!

He arranged a late 5 p.m. check-out for us as our flight was not until 11 p.m. and he saw us off in his usual friendly style. We look forward to seeing you again next year, Hengky!

Batik Keris Discovery Shopping Mall Bali

You could, of course, go shopping for batik in any of the thousands of shops but we always go straight to the best, Batik Keris, who have shops all over Indonesia, three of which are in Bali.

Our favourite is the one in the Discovery Shopping Mall, an easy walk down the road from our hotel HARRIS in Tuban.

Tucked away in a corner of the large shop, and barely visible, was a Reflexology Massage Parlour and so, while Padma was trying on expensive batik-dresses, I indulged in a relaxing foot massage.


As I was the only customer, I asked the young girl if she had been busy, "No", she said, "you are only my second customer." She was only paid 10% of the takings which meant that on this day she had so far earned Rp.8,000 - that's not even ONE DOLLAR! On days when there are no customers at all, she goes home with nothing! And yet she smiled and performed her work enthusiastically and with dignity.

Of course, I tipped her very handsomely as I reflected on the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of Australia's so-called 'unemployeds' who have been spoilt by our generous social security system.

Kupu-Kupu Butterfly Park

At first glance, the Bali Butterfly Park, with its Rp.50,000 per person admission seemed to be another tourist rip-off as there were few butterflies in sight.


However, once we had entered the 'hatchery' - or whatever they call the place where the pupae change into butterflies - , we were enchanted by all the colour around us.

Thanks a lot, Tanah Lot

The brilliantly located Tanah Lot, perched on a little rocky islet, is possibly the best-known and most photographed temple on Bali. It's an obligatory stop on many tours and a well-organised tourist trap, starting with its huge car park and ticket collectors, after which one walks past (or through) a sort of sideshow alley with dozens (hundreds?) of souvenir shops before reaching the sea.

Not for me, so thanks a lot, Tanah Lot!