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Rating: 
Summary: Great Cultural Notes for the Visitor
Review: This book really grew on me. I bought it in its first publication by Hong Kong's 'The Guidebook Company' in 1990, along with the usual Lonely Planet and an updated version of Bill Dalton's extremely hefty Indonesia guide. (I first took his book to Indonesia in '79, and his guide continues to be invaluable to the drifting back packer and serious off-the-beaten-tracker, but that type of guide may be overkill for the package traveller to Bali). I find I keep returning to Charlés book for cultural references. Whereas the Lonely Planet and Dalton are great for planning where to stay and how to get around, and they're chockablock with data, data, data, this little gem of a book is a great if simple tool for planning cultural events and jaunts. It's laid out in an attractive fashion, with all kinds of great photos. Very interesting sidebars highlight personalities, artists, or historical events. It's light enough to be the only guide book you might need, especially if you plan to stay in one place (as on a package deal) and confine your forays into different villages and beaches to day trips only. So if you are limited in your time in Bali, and you have to plan your days with care, spend a week or two with this book before you go, and it will quickly guide you to the things that interest you most.
Rating:
Summary: Great Cultural Notes for the Visitor
Review: This book really grew on me. I bought it in its first publication by Hong Kong's 'The Guidebook Company' in 1990, along with the usual Lonely Planet and an updated version of Bill Dalton's extremely hefty Indonesia guide. (I first took his book to Indonesia in '79, and his guide continues to be invaluable to the drifting back packer and serious off-the-beaten-tracker, but that type of guide may be overkill for the package traveller to Bali). I find I keep returning to Charlés book for cultural references. Whereas the Lonely Planet and Dalton are great for planning where to stay and how to get around, and they're chockablock with data, data, data, this little gem of a book is a great if simple tool for planning cultural events and jaunts. It's laid out in an attractive fashion, with all kinds of great photos. Very interesting sidebars highlight personalities, artists, or historical events. It's light enough to be the only guide book you might need, especially if you plan to stay in one place (as on a package deal) and confine your forays into different villages and beaches to day trips only. So if you are limited in your time in Bali, and you have to plan your days with care, spend a week or two with this book before you go, and it will quickly guide you to the things that interest you most.
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