This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kerobokan.
The place most famously known by tourists for its infamous Kerobokan Prison, Kerobokan is surprisingly quiet and void of much to do other than walk the streets, talk to locals, and get a feel for how Indonesian people actually live. It is here that people go on about their day-to-day business in ordinary Balinese life, away from the hustle and bustle of the Kuta/Legian area that is so full of tourists. Here, finding a tourist is much more rare. Don't be surprised, however, at the vast differences in status among the people here. Some live in tin sheds on the side of the road and others live in gated houses of traditional Balinese architectural design. Often these will be found right next door to each other along the roadside.
The area known as Kerobokan is quite large -- it is mostly one main street with jungle on one side and rice fields on the other. Your options for Kerobokan hostels will put you off the main road, up a side street, and close to things like laundry and shops if you need, although there is not really any transport in and around the area, so having a motorbike is a big plus. Whilst trekking up and down the streets, you may see a host of different things, such as people working in the rice fields, the odd upscale shop with a cheap warung (small, family-owned business) next door, places selling hundreds of large Buddha statues, cane furniture shops, and also some very upscale restaurants and hotels.
Kerobokan is an ok place to pass through and check out, but there's not much to do here otherwise, so it's not really worth a longer stay.
Written by local enthusiast for Kerobokan hostels
Globetrotter
