5 Frequently Asked Questions By Those Travelling With Jewellery

Whenever people travel there will be an assortment of personal items which they take with them, such as travel documents, medication, mobile devices, credit cards, and jewellery. Jewellery is often taken by people who are travelling, whether it be a business trip or a vacation for a variety of reasons, some practical, some due to personal preferences, as if you are travelling for your honeymoon you will most likely want to bring along your engagement ring with you.

Reasons for individuals taking jewellery when travelling can include believing the jewellery is safer with them than being left at home. It may also be that they wish to have the widest choice of jewellery to wear when attending social events on their trip. It could also be that a person sees their jewellery as being as personal to them as their toothbrush and simply will not be separated from it for any length of time.

Some potential issues can arise when taking jewellery with you when you travel. For a start, its value might have implications for your travel insurance, plus there is also the matter of ensuring your jewellery is secure during your entire trip. There might also be the need to provide receipts to prove the jewellery is yours should your belongings be searched at a security or customs checkpoint.

All of these give rise to several questions that frequently get asked by people who wish to take jewellery with them when travelling. So, we thought it would be useful to highlight five of these frequently asked questions and to provide answers to them.

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Why A Divorced Parent Might Be Shocked If Asked This Question When Travelling With Their Children

Why A Divorced Parent Might Be Shocked If Asked This Question When Travelling With Their Children

If you are a divorced parent with children, your divorce lawyers may have advised you if you wish to travel with your children overseas, on a vacation for example, that it is not just a case of turning up at the airport with your suitcases and passports. There are further considerations that have to be made, not just to comply with family law, but for other important reasons which extend to other countries.

Firstly, there should not usually be any reasons why you cannot take your children on an overseas vacation if you are divorced. Even if your ex-spouse tries to throw a spanner in the works and objects, unless their objection has merit, the Family Court will likely rule that their objections are spurious and grant an order allowing you to take your children out of the country.

However, even if your ex has no objections, there are still some hoops you may have to go jump through. We will cover the more mundane ones further on, but there is one which lone parents are finding increasingly when they are entering other countries. Specifically, they are being asked a question that causes a reaction ranging from mild surprise to absolute shock.

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Weather Seasons of Bali

There is a good reason why there are in excess of two millions tourists per year to Bali. That reason is because of its tropical weather. The fact that it is an island that offers you a sense of summer most of the year means that there is quite a degree sunshine throughout. Indubitably, this is by far one of the biggest attractions for tourists. This beautiful island, known as Bali, is in essence located six degrees south of the equator means that they are the recipient of that welcoming tagline & an island in the sun! Unlike countries in the West, there are no four seasons as such. This more often than not is a really good thing, since you would have more time to enjoy all those activities in Bali that you adore!

What this means is that you can enjoy more time snorkelling around at leisure, sunbathing, al fresco dining, shopping for arts and crafts, and travelling to the many sublime and unique tourist attractions that are present in Bali. There is however, a wet season that is present from September to February, while the dry season is experienced during the other half of the year. But do not expect to be trudging around in your Wellingtons during the rainy season since the downpours are marginal at best and would last around half an hour at most. Surely this season will not seek to disrupt your holiday excursions, at all.

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Amazing Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot has a lot going for it as far as a tourist destination in Bali but one of the things that really stands out is the large number of luxurious private villas. One of the most impressive is the Nirwana Bali Resort which sits at the top of a high cliff. This is just one of the amazing Bali Tanah Lot villas you will find in this beautiful area of Bali. Tanah Lot is a great place to visit in Bali if you wish to see the beauty of nature or learn more about the history and culture of the area. Tanah Lot can be found in the Tabanan Regency area where among other things there are many temples.

The temple in Tanah Lot is a very important holy place for Hindus who live in Indonesia and is sometimes called the most sacred temple of the seas or the baby of the seas. This temple is visited by people from all over Bali who wish to pray here. The snakes in the water which are both black and white and live near the coral reef are thought to protect the temple.

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Top Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Bali Holiday

Bali Holiday

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southeast Asia – and indeed, in the world. People from all over the world visit Bali every year, drawn in by its wonderful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the wide range of affordable accommodation options – such as Bali villas. However, most people don’t make the most of their Bali holiday. They stick to the touristy parts of the island, they miss out on some of its natural beauty, and they don’t get the full Bali experience.

With this in mind, here’s a few of our top tips for making sure that you get the most out of your Bali holiday:

  1. They Beaches Aren’t As Good As They’re Meant To Be

If you’re coming from Australia, prepare to be disappointed in Bali’s beaches. Let’s face it – Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, and you simply won’t find anything like them in most of Bali. That’s not to say that Bali beaches aren’t good – the weather, beach bars, and wonderful vibes make them more than worth visiting.

  1. Choose Your Visiting Time Carefully

Bali suffers from an intense rainy season from October to April. The peak of the season is December and January, when it rains heavily almost daily. This can impact your holiday, forcing you to spend a lot more time indoors than you would perhaps like to, and reducing the amount of sights that you get to see. If possible, try and visit during the dry season – June and July are the best.

  1. Be Careful Driving

If you’re not used to driving in an Asian country, then proceed with caution if you choose to hire a scooter or motorbike to get around on. Bali’s roads are crazy, and you might find yourself in a bit of trouble if you’re not careful. Even if you don’t have to wear a helmet and protective gear, you should – there is a fairly good chance that you will fall off at some point.

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How to Retain the Romance of Bali

Outdoor Furniture

Travelling overseas for a holiday is an exciting time. Many places such as Bali are very popular holiday destinations for Australian tourists, because it is fairly close and we love the friendly Indonesian culture. But rather than forgetting all about it once you return home, why not retain the romance of the region by keeping something of it in your home or garden?

Much outdoor furniture reflects the culture of other countries. While you are in Bali take note of all the wonderful furniture – not in the hotels, but in the Bali villas and other similar accommodations that more truly reflect the Bali lifestyle. Then when you get back home you’ll be able to find similar styles or imports from that country for your own home.

Including boat wood furniture in your decor is a prime example of how your home can reflect parts of your overseas trip, even if you didn’t see any furniture like that while you were there. Knowing that much of such timber would have been sourced from Indonesian fishing boats and made into alfresco furniture is enough to keep the dream alive. Such timber is well used to weathering the wet conditions of the ocean and has done so admirably, so it is going to be one of the best choices for furniture that is out in the weather all the time.

Even if you don’t ultimately choose that kind of timber, you can get many wonderful ideas from the furniture styles of another culture and find similar pieces that remind you of it, to use in your own home or in the outdoor oasis you create on your property to enhance your lifestyle.

We often see this done in other ways too, with Balinese flags and statues included in the garden scene. In fact, some outdoor furniture stores may also keep such things as accessories with which to decorate outdoor spaces that are created as havens, or as places for alfresco dining or entertaining.

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Where are You Going for Your Botox Injections?

Botox Injections

Botox treatment is a popular way to remove those aging lines and wrinkles so your face looks smoother and younger. While going overseas for cosmetic surgery seems to be an ongoing trend, many people find they need to have their Botox treatment redone after going to Bali or Thailand for treatment.  It pays to choose a cosmetic surgeon at a recognised professionally trained cosmetic surgeon.

One of the first things you need to do before having any Botox treatment is to find a cosmetic surgeon who is fully qualified and experienced.  Going online will help, as will getting references from your GP and friends who have had such treatment.  However, you can’t be sure when looking online just what the standards are for cosmetic treatment in overseas countries such as Bali or Thailand.

In fact, even though these countries are wonderful for a holiday and offer many different and exciting things to do and see, Perth cosmetic surgeons are often required to redo treatment on patients who have tried to save on the costs by going overseas to have their Botox injections.  It is far better to have such treatment done just once, with a good result. No one wants to have any kind of treatment done if they can’t be sure it’s going to turn out right.

Besides which, combining a holiday with Botox treatment will certainly spoil the holiday at least to some extent, since you will lose time in having it done, instead of doing all those activities you want to cram into your holiday. You’ll be stuck going to a clinic and taking care of those injection sites afterwards. You may not feel up to enjoying the holiday and you may not even be able to sunbake on the beach or by the pool to recover.

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Tips for Bali and Other Overseas Holidays

Bali-Holiday

When you travel overseas whether for business or pleasure knowing certain things ahead of time will help smooth your way.  After all, you’ll be dealing with a lot of different things that can seem quite confusing especially if it’s the first time you’ve travelled out of your own country.  According to event planning experts Lumin8 Events, many people choose to travel to Bali for events such as weddings and honeymoons because it is one of the nearest exotic locations so the travel cost is cheaper and they save time in travelling, making their holiday longer.

If you are going to Bali or any other overseas country, here are some tips to help make things easier.

  • Get a business card from the front desk of your hotel or if you book Bali villa accommodation, ask if they have one. Having the address in the local language is invaluable if you get lost and can’t speak the language.
  • Renew your passport so that you have at least 6 months before the expiry date. Some countries won’t let you in without it, just in case you are delayed getting back home.
  • Some credit cards tack on extra charges for overseas use. Look around before you go to find one that doesn’t.
  • When letting your bank know what country you are going to, so they don’t regard your charges as suspect and freeze it, also include any countries the plane may land at on the way. That way, if you happen to want to buy something there you can do so without worrying.
  • Take earplugs and an eye-mask to help you sleep on the plane or at your Bali accommodation. Also stock up on prescriptions that you need and other basic medications, especially for pain and fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Make sure the destination country will allow you to take them in.

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Best Things to do in Bali for a Little R&R

Best Things to do in Bali for a Little R_R

So you are off to Bali for a little R&R. If this is the first time, you’ll want to have a look at some of the most highly recommended things to do.

1. The optimum R&R vacation occurs with your own private swimming pools, lush gardens, beautiful sunsets, luxurious villas, personal staff including cooks, and in-house spa treatment. Of course, you’re going to want to leave your paradise at times.
2. Tirta Empul Temple is one of the many amazing temples to be enjoyed in Bali, and there are many
3. Uluwatu Temple is located on the side of a cliff which is truly stunning. You’ll love the architecture.
4. Tanah Lot Temple makes most jaws drop. This stunning complex is a must visit for anyone that is looking for some R&R and maybe a little spiritual exploration too.

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Bangkung River Bridge a New Tourism Destination in Bali

Bangkung River Bridge a New Tourism Destination in Bali-min

The Bangkung River Bridge a New Tourism Destination in Bali at Plaga Village, in the sub-district of Petang, has become a new tourism destination in Bali. In fact, it has been able to support North Badug tourism development. It was inaugurated back in 2006, and since then it has become a regular visit by tourists and locals alike. In fact, on national holidays the bridge is packed with visitors.

It takes only about an hour from Denpasar to reach the Bangkung River Bridge, and the journey along the way has many points of interest and places you’ll want to see such as Bukit Sari Sangeh, and Tanah Wuk Green Canyon. There is also the Nungnung waterfall and Petang a village for tourists.

As bridges go Bangkung River Bridger really isn’t much different, but it is claimed to be the tallest bridge in Asia, and so people are curious and come to see. The bridge spans across cool and lush area, quite the contrast from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great place to spend a day relaxing.

It spreads along 360 meters with a whopping height of 71.14 meters tall. The pillars rise 41 meters from the underground and the bridge is over 100 years old, making it an impressive piece of history. Tourists who decide to navigate their way to the Bangkung River Bridge will not be disappointed.


Gelang Agung Temple contains Thirteenth Century Antiquities

Gelang Agung Temple contains Thirteenth Century Antiquities-min

The Gelang Agung temple is located at Buangga Halemt, in the Getasan Village in the Sub-district of Petang. It is considered a sanctum by locals and it a cultural heritage cornerstone that has seen an increase in tourists. There are a number of cultural relics that date back to the thirteenth century.

Some of the relics from the Gelang Agung temple have been placed in the Gedong Arca, including a statue of Lord Vishnu riding a Garuda, a statue that looks somewhat like a lotus flower made of three sections with an octagonal base, probably a symbol of yoni. There is also a relic of Padmasana shrine inscribed with a Balinese script, and even a few building stone fragments.

There are a number of magical stories that have followed the Gelang Agung temple. The structure of the Gelang Agung temple isn’t much different than that of other Bali sanctums. It had a two-tier meru shrine to venerate Goddess Sri, and a chamber to venerate Danghyang Dwijendra. During paddy planting, and when surrounding residents of Buangga were attacked by disease locals came to pray at the temple.

Chief of Buanagga voiced the community’s hope that the government would pay more attention to the existence of the temple, and what it represents historically. However, to date government interest has been minimal. Bali visitors will want to add this to their things to do.


Bali: Tanah Lot – The Temple in the Middle of the Sea

Bali Tanah Lot The Temple in the Middle of the Sea-min

The translation of this temple’s name puts the strong emphasis on the sea. The Sea Temple or The Temple in the Middle of the Sea or The Land in the Middle of the Sea are some of the well-known names for this genuine temple. The temple itself is situated in the south-east part of the island.

The Tanah Lot Temple is located on the cliff’s edge very close to the shore. It can be approached only during the periods of the low tide. The entrance to the temple is less than hundred steps away from the sandy beaches. It worth mentioning that this temple is not open for the tourist visits. In addition, only the priests are allowed to enter its premises.

The central place within the temple is reserved for the five altars which are called Meruses. They are built to honor the god Mer. During the periods of high tides this temple is transformed into an island. In one particular part of the temple at the island’s bottom there is a small spring of fresh water within the cave. This place is of great importance for the religious reasons. It is always guarded by the priests. Additionally, it is believed that this spring has the special healing powers.

On the other side of the island there is one more cave which is called Ular Suci. In this place the water snakes which are poisonous can be found. These snakes are considered to be the holy snakes with magical powers. During the night these snakes hunt fish in the sea. During the day they rest in the cave. According to the religious belief one man’s wish can come true, if the snakes are being touched while wishing the particular thing. The priests of this temple are to make sure that the snakes are gathered together after the night’s hunt in the cave. It has to emphasized that these snakes are poisonous. However, they do not attack priests, which is also part of the religious belief related to this temple. In addition, this tradition of carrying the snakes into the cave is couple of centuries old. According to the legends there are no records of snake’s attacks during these ceremonies.

According to one of the legends in the 16th century one of the high priest Danghyang Nirartha traveling from Java supposedly saw the magical lights on this place. Attracted by this unusual phenomenon he accidentally discovered this island next to the shore. Fascinated by this amazing place he spent the night on the island in meditation. His followers also visited this place and contributed in the construction of the new temple of the very cliffs.

This temple is one of the most recognized symbols of Bali. It can be seen on almost every picture or brochure which is related to Bali. Its name is fully deserved. During the periods of the higher sea levels it really looks like the small island in the middle of the sea. The unusual natural phenomena related to this place have been the fascination of tourists and locals for decades. This is one of the very reasons why this temple has found its place in every photo album of the tourists who visited this place.


Going Batty In Bali

Going Batty In Bali-min

Bali is home to thousands of bats. The tour guides have been known to stop in areas where some bats have been known to reside in order for the tourists to have the chance to get up close and personal with the winged mammal. One group of tourists made friends with a pair of resident bats at a roadside rest area, and were able to feed the bats and watch them eat. This particular group of tourists fed the bats bananas and were mesmerized at how the animals clung to their perches, upside down, hanging on to the banana, peeling and eating it in several stealthy moves.

For the tourist who is not interested in the gustatory habits of bats, there is always the pineapple grove growing along the side of the road near the rest stop, or the rice paddies a bit further up the road. A good tourist guide will never force a tourist to endure something that could cause them any undue distress during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

Most tourists are wary of the bats at first, but curiosity eventually gets the best of most and the cameras come out in droves to permanently capture this unique opportune animal encounter. The bats that hang on low branches and eat fruit are thought to be primarily instrumental in the propagation of fruit by spreading the seeds, and they also serve as food for the snakes found in Bali. These fruit-eating bats are not the same species found in the infamous bat cave, Goa Lawah. Reputedly impressive, and the cave itself is considered by the Balinese to be a holy spot.


In Just Three Days You Can Experience Amazing Bali

In Just Three Days You Can Experience Amazing Bali img

Having the time of your life in Bali doesn’t require you to have weeks available. According to providers in the tourism industry you can actually have an amazing Bali experience in just three days. So rent your nice villa and come make some memories.

If you can escape to Bali for just three days, here’s an idea of how your vacation might look according to some of the best in the travel industry. You’ll have just enough time to get a taste of all the aspects that make Bali the exotic experience it is, from the famous beaches to the iconic temples.

You will certainly want to spend some time in Ubud, the artistic capital of Bali. There are all kinds of amazing shops to experience and leave a little of your money behind in. Kuta Beach is a must see – it will tantalize all of your senses, and it’s a great place to spend some time no matter what the weather is doing.

Jimbaran Bay is another great place to explore – here you’ll be able to enjoy some of the tastiest seafood you’ll ever eat. There’s numerous seafood restaurants along the peaceful beach, so come enjoy, relax and stay just a little while.

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Mount Agung: The Highest Point in Bali

Mount Agung The Highest Point in Bali

Mount Agung also known as Gunung Agung is the highest point in Bali. This volcanic mountain is located on the eastern corner of Bali. With its 9,944 ft Mount Agung absolutely dominates the surroundings. This mountain is very often covered in clouds, which gives it an almost mystical look.

Mount Agung has a great significance in the Balinese culture and spiritual life. For them this remarkable mountain represents the Mount Meru or the universe’s central axis. According to one of the legends this volcanic mountain is one part of the Mount Meru which was given to Bali by one of the very first priests. In addition, one of the most important temples in Bali, Pura Besakih, is situated exactly on the Mount Agung.

The last eruption occurred in the early 1960’s. Almost 2,000 were killed because of the volcano eruption. The Mother Temple of Besakih was luckily missed the rivers of lava literally by a few yards. As expected this miraculous event had its appropriate interpretation in the Balinese culture. The island had been punished for its sins by the gods, but at the same time the hope survived in this temple.

For the recreational purposes the tourists can use the two existing routes which can take them to the top of the mountain. First starts in Besakih and goes through the western part of the mountain. Second route uses the southern part. This second route starts in Pura Pasar Agung very close to Selat. For this tour approximately four hours in one direction are required. It is very important to emphasize that the only possibility to start your journey from one route and to finish it using the second route is available in the dry season. In addition, for this kind of an adventure the tourists are strongly advised to use the services of the professional guides. Sometimes, this journey to the top of this mysterious mountain can last more than four hours and can include the danger of getting lost.

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Nothing Beats the Experience of a Road Trip Around Bali

Nothing Beats the Experience of a Road Trip Around Bali

There are many ways you can travel to, and around Bali. One of the most rewarding experiences is a road trip around Bali. It provides you with an authentic and unique experience. Moreover, the road trip is not as costly as what you will get anywhere in the western countries. You will see the best part of the Balinese landscape and rice paddles spread across the island.

Bali is home to around 4 million people. When you add the close to 2.5 million tourists who come to this island every year, you are likely to meet or see many people at any given time. The Balinese are renowned for their friendly nature, and willingness to hold conversations with anyone not familiar with their culture or island. Reliance on the local maps can give you the sort of experience you are looking for but nothing beats getting help from the local population, and of course making a few new friends.

You can visit several places while in Bali, from attending local festivals that the Balinese hold on almost every day, to watching people work in the rice paddies. Bali has played host to a number of globally recognized events such as Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, which attracted thousands of tourists into this island. The beauty pageant helped to open up the island and market it better to the rest of the world as an island of paradise, and one that holds a lot of magic.

Most visitors to Bali love travelling to Lake Bratan by road. Roads trips to Lake Bratan provide visitors with the perfect chance to learn more about the Balinese and their unique culture. Road trips are quite attractive to tourists who intend to get a better appreciation of the other parts of Bali.


The Best Places to Eat Drink and Be Merry in Nusa Lembongan

The Best Places to Eat Drink and Be Merry in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is no longer just a day trip destination. According to villa accommodation experts Easy Bali Villas have become a popular place to stay thanks to modern villas that are very affordable and tons of things to do. In fact, this location has some of the best places to eat and it has a lively nightlife, yet at the same time, you can stay off the beaten track and not have to deal with the high levels of congestion that other areas of Bali often have. The pace of life may be slower but you aren’t going to be disappointed.

Part of your Bali vacation experience is enjoying the sights and sounds that the country has to offer. That includes enjoying local cuisine. Of course, if you prefer to stick to western dishes rather than Balinese specialties that’s never a problem as most restaurants offer both.

Eating out is pretty laid back in Nusa Lembongan with many of the beachfront restaurants offering Balinese specialty dishes in addition to Western dishes and of course, fresh seafood is always on the menu. Let’s look at a few of those restaurants.

The Beach Club

This is considered one of the best dining places in Nusa Lembongan. You’ll enjoy some of the most stunning views around, high quality tasty dishes, great service and signature evening BBQs.

Muntigs Bar & Restaurant

This one definitely sets itself apart from many of the other restaurants. This is a fine dining experience that offers Balinese cuisine and a variety of international dishes along with an excellent selection of imported wines. Dining here might cost you a little more but it’s worth every dime.

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Tourism Bug Has Bitten Bali

Tourism Bug Has Bitten Bali

Bali has been bitten by the tourism bug. Tourism has doubled from 2001 to 2011, and every year there are more than 700 hectares that are developed for luxury living by foreigners, hotels, and roads to connect the island. Every year the amount of waste dumped multiplies and the number of cars on the roads steadily grows. The peaceful Bali everyone wanted to visit is suddenly outgrowing its image, and locals as well as government want to put the brakes on to ensure Bali remains the Bali they know and love.

The Indonesian government has initiated legislation to protect the environment and culture. However, to date these appear to not be too effective, since local authorities are doing nothing to enforce those laws, and of course, investors are against any regulation, as they want to develop the island even more. There focus it to make Bali the top destination spot.

When you visit Bali, there are some great spots that have not yet been developed. The Bali Bukit Peninsula offer a less developed environment that’s rustic and relaxing. Here you can experience the unique Bali culture.

The island will continue to grow in popularity as the secret of how fantastic a vacation to this out of the way destination can be. For those that want to see a little of the old Bali, now is a great time to plan a trip before it has been completely transformed by the modern world.


Bali Vacations Saw A Huge Spike Last Christmas

Bali Vacations Saw A Huge Spike Last Christmas

However the rest of us spent the holidays, it seems Santa traded in his reindeer and sleigh for a surfboard and scuba gear this last holiday season. Bali Discovery reports that Bali received a record-breaking number of tourist flights over the 2013 Christmas season. For just the weekend of Christmas, Bali vacation destinations received a whopping 15,000 tourists – that’s nearly a 50% increase over last year. Experts point to the growing Balinese economy and domestic market as a factor in the growing popularity of Bali vacations.


Sun Worshiping On Uluwatu Beach

Sun Worshiping On Uluwatu Beach

Uluwatu Beach is a beautiful beach, somewhat secluded from any main road in Bali. There is a bit of a trek from the road, down a steep hill to a small bit of sand and rocks where tourists can usually find some freelance masseurs to help them pass the time until the tide goes out. Once the tide goes out, a rock used as an entrance to the main portion of the beach is revealed and then the beach going tourists are able to fully enjoy Uluwatu beach. It is a fairly private beach, so most tourists find they have very few other tourists to compete with for prime sun tanning areas as well as seashell hunts.

The Uluwatu temple is located on a cliff that overlooks the beach and is a beautiful place to visit and photograph. The temple is home to numerous tame monkeys, but beware as the monkeys are worse than pickpockets at times. Jewellery or watches and anything else sparkly and easily removed will tempt the monkeys and they have been known to abscond with any number of items formerly belonging to some hapless tourist. Also keep in mind, the monkeys in the temple are sacred so they cannot be harmed for ANY reason.