Some Tips for Road Travelers

Cruising the island of Bali by car certainly gives more convenience for visitors as it can give free time for any stopovers. Please also pay attention to some special signs or remarks on the way.

If you happen to find a sign that says “Hati-hati ada upacara adat,” please slow down your car or motorbike. The sign literally means please be careful, as there are rites of customary village or other social activities. In a busy traffic, such places may cause a bit of a traffic jam due to cars moving slowly. So be patient.
Local people also believe that big trees are inhabited by spirits or other lower levels of soul. That’s why they sometimes put offerings on them to maintain harmony. Even in the big tree on the roadside they set up a shrine. Logically the spirit also has the equal right to live and both need the same condition. By doing so it is expected it will be conducive to create a convenient atmosphere for both worlds, seen (skala) and unseen (niskala) ones. So everyone who passes through the area is advised to blow their horn asking permission of the unseen community. The locals also do the same thing. In addition the big tree also keeps water for the environment, and home to many insects and birds, so it must be maintained.
When buying local seasonal fruits from street sellers, pay attention after balancing whether is it already appropriate with those you have chosen previously. The same thing also applies when you exchange money at moneychanger. Make sure that the sum of your money is correct before leaving the counter, so please recount.
Have a nice holiday. Hopefully you will have a nice and memorable experience on the island. (BTN/029)