Hygiene & Atmosphere

ALTHOUGH it is wise to take care in deciding where to eat, and of what food you choose, there are no rules, and there are no guarantees. Some people will become ill from eating in the markets while others won't, yet some will become ill from eating in the most exclusive hotel or restaurant. There are several possible illnesses that may be contracted from food or from poor hygiene in food preparation areas.

Many people confused the effects of a changed diet (especially the inclusion of ingredients such as spices and palm oil) with the symptoms of more serious diseases. Many travelers will experience some form of changed bowel actions without showing any other symptoms (such as cramping or nausea). This is usually the affect of exotic rather than toxic ingredients and is unlikely to be any form of serious disease.

All warnings is not withstanding, very few travelers ever get seriously sick if they show common sense and prepare properly by being vaccinated with the standard prophylaxis before leaving home. There is a little point in spending your entire trip in fear of being poisoned, so relax, seek meals from places that are of a standard that you are satisfied with, and seek the advice of fellow travelers on which are the best places to eat.

The traders do not see tourists as a major market for their fares. They service local needs, and local people are hardly likely to buy food from sellers who will make them sick. The food bought from kaki lima (locally temporary market) is not likely to cause major illness to a visitor, but like market food, may contain bugs that could upset tourist tummies. Try it if you can tolerate exotic foods.

The range of eating places in Bali is incredible from the humblest roadside food stall to five-star places - and in-between there's a brilliant range of atmospheric spots to cater for all tastes and budgets. Words 'breakfast', 'live music' or '100% Halal' (allowed) tell you that a choice of hot western style breakfasts is available. Live music features in the evenings, at least on some nights.

Denotes that the bar in the restaurant is suitable for patronizing, whether you are eating there or not. Denotes places that claim to serve food that is '100% Halal'. Even more simple, are the warungs (stalls), the snack bars and the mobile carts that cater mainly to local workers and adventurous travelers who have discovered that low cost hawker meals really can be safe to eat.

Whilst is quite easy to eat very nicely (and cheaply) in Bali, most of that is due to the intense competition of too many restaurants serving too much the same menu. With not much menu differentiation restaurants in Bali have, until recently, competed solely on price. Good for the hungry but where to go for a nice evening have something different and get good value for the money? Good value does not always mean cheap.