In Reply to: Some questions, Michelle posted by Dragon on Sunday, 24. November 2002 at 23:23 Bali Time:
Dragon - no shops etc in Bali will not generally accept Singapore $. However, you should have no problems changing them at the Money changers over there. If you were to get US $ before going you would have to pay the commission, and then you would have to pay the commission again when you changed the US in Bali to Rupiah.
Just take over really good quality Singapore $100 notes and change them when you need. Leave the rest in your hotel safe.
I haven't been to Tangong Benoa so I don't know if there are shops etc around the hotel - my guess would be yes. If you would like to be a little closer to Kuta you could try Tuban (Dynasty is there) or Legian. I recently stayed at the Ramada Bintang which is on the same street (JL Kartika Plaza) and very close to the Dynasty. The Ramada was very nice. A big hotel with great pool area and cafe on the beach. Massages at their spa are about 80,000 - 100,000 rp which is a good price. Of course it is much cheaper on the beach.
The Ramada has recently refurbished the south wing of the hotel and I think the rooms are much nicer than those at the Dynasty. They are advertising 2 different prices renovated/unrenovated rooms. I think that at the moment you could pay less for the unrenovated rooms and ask to be accommodated in the renovated rooms. The Ramada Bintang has many restaurants, shops and markets close by and is on the beach. Breakfast is excellent and included in the room price. It is about 10 minutes walk into Kuta.
If you end up staying in Tuban let me know and I will recommend a few restaurants to you.
Please ask more questions if you like.
Michelle