The good life for Westerners in Bali includes massages and spa treatments, and I was ready to feed the local economy with my hard earned greenbacks. My daily schedule in Kuta was rather simple:
AM
- sleep in
- enjoy free breakfast at accommodation (very common offering – usually some combination of eggs, toast, pancakes, coffee/tea/juice)
- use internet
- spa treatment (something different each day – haircut, manicure, pedicure, aromatherapy massage)
PM
- traditional Indonesian food for lunch at restaurant for $2
- hang out, siesta, nap, shop
- go to beach if it looks like a good night for a sunset (tons of locals and tourists alike would head that way once the sun headed down, and it became cooler out)
- eat a $2-3 dinner, with $1-2 drinks optional (while watching a movie if eating at Swell – I caught 40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman, and Dodgeball)
- sleep
I learned a difference of only a dollar or two can really change the quality of the massages. The cheapest are offered by the ladies on the beach, who can be rather aggressive. Those are a negotiable $5/hour. The beach is too hot, sandy, and hot for me to enjoy it though. I had one by a pool for about $5, which was OK, however I decided to take it up a notch and go indoors.
The little menu above was for a place in the shopping area known as Kuta Square that struck a good balance between cost and quality. Air conditioning, aromatherapy, candles, and a comfortable table were well worth the extra few dollars ($7-8 total).
Yes, you can live like a King (or Queen) in Bali if you have a bit of money. If costs remain so low, I may need to build a spa component into my Asian budget!
Last Updated on
![]()
amanda says
February 10, 2008 at 7:33 pmHi !
I just read your blog for the first time ( following from nomad4ever.com ) . Thanks for the great info and tips !
I noticed an images from Arenal in Costa Rica – I was just there a few months ago ! I look forward to reading all about Bali !
Amanda
![]()
Dave says
February 13, 2008 at 10:01 amWelcome Amanda! It was great to meat mr. nomad4ever in person – truly cool guy. I hope you’ll continue to comment – it makes it feel as though I’ve always got support out here on the front lines. Can’t wait to share some more!
![]()
amanda says
February 10, 2008 at 2:33 pmHi !
I just read your blog for the first time ( following from nomad4ever.com ) . Thanks for the great info and tips !
I noticed an images from Arenal in Costa Rica – I was just there a few months ago ! I look forward to reading all about Bali !
Amanda
![]()
Dave says
February 13, 2008 at 5:01 amWelcome Amanda! It was great to meat mr. nomad4ever in person – truly cool guy. I hope you’ll continue to comment – it makes it feel as though I’ve always got support out here on the front lines. Can’t wait to share some more!
![]()
Kango Suz says
February 13, 2008 at 3:17 pmFront lines????
ok… totally inappropriate metaphor. I doubt that you’re anywhere NEAR doing battle with your lovely masuse. (ok, Kango Suz is a little jealous. just a little bit….)
But I’m glad that our comments help. Makes it feel like we can get a little bit of vicarious living even though most of us are still stuck behind desks. Keep up the good life!
![]()
Kango Suz says
February 13, 2008 at 8:17 pmFront lines????
ok… totally inappropriate metaphor. I doubt that you’re anywhere NEAR doing battle with your lovely masuse. (ok, Kango Suz is a little jealous. just a little bit….)
But I’m glad that our comments help. Makes it feel like we can get a little bit of vicarious living even though most of us are still stuck behind desks. Keep up the good life!
![]()
Spa Heater says
February 4, 2010 at 3:03 amGood job
Thank for information, I'm looking for it
![]()
spa parts says
February 13, 2010 at 8:58 amSpa is a one of a kind island residential resort development accessible and exotic, playful yet private, tranquil yet secure.
![]()
Keeley Araki says
October 30, 2010 at 3:38 amThis is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
![]()
Marvel Buetti says
October 30, 2010 at 6:30 amLots of sobering, nearly impossible to find info here. Encountered this website publish by luck on AOL Search. You are truly making me reflect on my estimation relating to this things and hardly ever does that get lucky and me.