Indonesia is unbelievable. When Kraig and I stepped off the plane we had all kinds of expectations. However, after spending two months all throughout Indonesia I have come to realize that many of my assumptions were completely wrong. Before we arrived we bought a book called "Indo Surf and Lingo." It is a good book for anyone traveling to Indonesia. The book will get you through the airport, to the surf spots/beaches and give you some good words and phrases to learn. From my personal experience, don't be sketched out. Bali is safe, people are helpful and you will quickly understand how it works. Here are some things to help you understand how Bali works. When you arrive at the airport get some Rupiah, the Indonesian money. You won't get a great rate at the money changer, but it will get you out of Denpasar Airport. Generally $1=10,000 Rp. (All the zeros are scary at first, just remember the exchange rate.)You want to stay in Kuta for the first couple days. There you can book surfing boat trips, rent motorbikes and book tours. It will cost 50,000 Rp.($5)for a taxi into Kuta. It's a flat rate charge, and there is no way around it unless you walk out of the airport and catch a taxi on the street. Just pay the extra few bucks and be done with it. Stay at the Barong Hotel or the Suka. Both are on Poppies 2 and close to everything. The town will seem big at first with its one way alleys but it is really quite small after a while. You will run into people you've met daily and see the same venders up to their same tricks. You will get haggled for transport by the taxis and by people wanting to rent you cars or give you rides. You will also get asked constantly to come into little shops and buy stuff. DO NOT buy anything at the beginning of your trip. Wait until later, when you understand the money and how much things cost. Don't get mad at them either, after the bombings there has been a major drop off in tourist and people are struggling. DO party with the Indonesian Nelly at the Bounty (a pirate ship club)or have a drink at the Sky Bar and Embargo. Get your bronze on at the pool or at Kuta Beach. And get used to the way things work. After a few days in Kuta you have a few options. 1.Go out to Dreamland Beach, Padang Padang or Uluwatu. Dreamland and Padang have the nice beaches and cheap accommodation, like 25,000 Rp ($2.50)- 50,000 Rp ($5) per night, cheap food and surf. Rent a bike in Kuta before you leave for a week or two(the longer the cheaper). Pay 10,000 Rp or 20,000 Rp per day for two weeks and 50,000 Rp for one day. 2. Next option is to go on a boat trip to G-Land, Lombok or Sumbawa. Surf your face off. 3. The third option is to take trips and tours throughout Bali island. There is much more to see in Bali than Kuta. Get out and when you return you will be able to see the difference and appreciate it that much more.