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Bali Travel Tips & Tour Suggestions
The following list has been compiled to help
you
make the most of your stay in Bali. If you
have any further concerns
that are not mentioned
here, please do not hesitate to
contact us with any
questions or queries that you may have.
| About the island |
Bali situated approx. 6 kilometers east
of Java is the jewel of Indonesian archipelago. Featuring
impressive mountains, lush tropical forest, fast flowing rivers,
vast paddy fields, green meadows, fruit orchards and sandy
beaches, this island is a traveler's paradise. The varied
topography of the country carved by volcanic eruptions and sea
turned it into a tropical paradise. Bali Tourism has flourished
considerably in the past years. Stately architecture, scenic
splendor and unique cultural heritage attract thousands of
tourists every year. |
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| Map of Bali Island |
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| Weather |
Bali weather remains moderately
warm throughout the year receiving ample amounts of rain and
sunshine. Days and nights are of uniform length. The mountainous
regions of Bedugul & Ubud remains cloudy, beach areas of southern Bali are
sunny and ideal for exploring the coral reefs under water. |
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| VISA, Passport &
Customs |
Bali Visa. Important change to
Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.
Please read carefully as there have been
changes to Indonesia visa policy. Updated December 1st 2006.
Countries that do not require a Visa to
enter Bali.
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Brunei Darussalam
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Chile
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Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Macao Special Administrative Region
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Malaysia
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Morocco
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Peru
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Philippines
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Singapore
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Thailand
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Vietnam
Countries that require and are eligible
for Visa On Arrivals (VOA) - cost for these visas are US $10.00 for a
stay of up to 7 days, US $25.00 for a stay of up to 30 days.
Updated June 18th 2007.
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Algeria
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Arab Emirates
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Argentina
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Australia
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Austria
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Bahrain
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Belgium
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Brazil
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Bulgaria
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Cambodia
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Canada
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China
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Cyprus
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Egypt
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Estonia
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Fiji
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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India
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Iran
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Ireland
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Italy
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Japan
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Kuwait
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Laos
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Latvia
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Libya
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Maldives
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Malta
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Mexico
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Oman
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Panama
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Poland
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Portugal
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Qatar
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Romania
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Russia
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Saudi Arabia
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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South Africa
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South Korea
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Spain
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Suriname
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Taiwan
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Tunisia
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United Kingdom
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United States America
It is important to also note the
following:
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The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and
cannot be converted into a different visa.
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The Visa purchasing system will take
approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
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There are 6 payment counters, a bank and
a money changer set up to process payments.
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Once you have paid for and received your
visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your
visa will be processed.
Citizens of countries not on the visa on
arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a
visa before entering Indonesia.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6
months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must
have proof of onward passage (either return or through
tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements,
you may not be allowed to enter the country.
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| Currency |
The Rupiah. Notes ranging
of 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000,
100,000 and Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.
Click here
to see the Currency Converter. |
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| Time Zone |
Indonesia is divided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, West and Central
Kalimantan) is 7 hours ahead of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East
Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is 8 hours ahead of GMT, and East Indonesia Time
(Maluku and Papua) is 9 hours ahead of GMT. |
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| Electricity |
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts. Most electrical plugs
are set to take a two-pin plug. Purchase an
international adapter or ask your villa staff to borrow you
one. |
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| Getting Around |
You will find a range of chauffeur driven
limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many
taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you
climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a
mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver
and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be
hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all
times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in
certain locations.
Traveling around Bali is made all the easier
because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy
to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to
go. For car rental service on Bali, visit our
Car Rental page. We suggest you bring the
following items on your holiday trip to Bali.
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A camera (digital camera is recommended). Print
processing and film is available at numerous location
around the city.
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Ready-to-wear clothing that is machine washable.
These are available in most art markets or department
stores so you might enjoy purchasing new items for
your wardrobe during your holiday.
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Sunglasses, hat, binocular and swimwear.
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A pair of comfortable walking shoes. This is is
highly recommended; particularly when you joining one
of trekking programs.
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Sufficient supply of prescription drugs.
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Any important items related to your medical history
and the contact information for your physician in your
home country.
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| Driver's License |
If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years
of age and posses an International Driver's License, license from
ASEAN countries or obtain Tourist Driving License. |
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| Clothing |
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find
natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in
Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when
visiting temples. |
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| Useful Numbers |
Taxis
Medical
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AEA International (Medical Evac) Jl. Hayam Wuruk
40, Denpasar. Tel: 228996
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Bali International Medical Center Jl Bypass Ngurah
Rai 100X Denpasar. Tel: 761263
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Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) Jl. Panglima
Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel: 227560
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Kuta Clinic: Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel:
753268
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Nusa Dua Clinic: Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua.
Tel: 771324
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Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Public Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro,
Denpasar. Tel: 227911
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Foreign visitors are recommended to purchase a trip
insurance as medical services are not socialized in
Indonesia.
Emergency Numbers
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Ambulance: 118
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Fire: 113
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Police: 110
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Search & Rescue: 51111
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Red Cross: 26465
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Operator Assisted Calls
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Within Indonesia: 100
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International: 101
Directory Information
Credit Card Enquiries
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American Express
Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur. Tel: 288511 ext.
111
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MasterCard & Visa Card
Bank Central Asia, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Denpasar. Tel:
759010 / 11
Bali Tourist Information
Jalan Benasari 7, Century Plaza, Legian - Kuta
Tel. 754 090
Kuta Tourist Information
Jalan Legian 37, Legian - Kuta
Tel. 755 424
Bali Tourism Office
Jalan S. Parman, Renon - Denpasar
Tel. 222 387
Bina Wisata Ubud
Next to the Village's head office of Ubud
Tel. 973 285
Buleleng Government Tourist Office
Jalan Veteran 23, Singaraja
Tel. 0362 25 141
Jembrana Government Tourist Office
Jalan Dr. Setia Budi 1, Negara
Tel. 41 060
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| A Word of Advice |
Attending ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such.
Religious guidelines:
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Always wear a sarong and sash.
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Do not walk in front of people praying.
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Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's
face!
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Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
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At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however
important that photographic opportunity is!
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Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.
Dangerous sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance
that will cover any accidents.
Driving
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open
and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a
car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you
are involved in an accident.
Money changers
Please be very careful when changing your money. Always check the
rate of exchange and commission (if any) the money changer is
taking. Most importantly, always count your money before you leave
the premises and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones
used by some places can be "a little inaccurate".
Petty crime
There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after
tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers! Put your
money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag.
When changing large amounts of money please check each note
carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in
circulation.
When trying on garments do not take your jeweler off and leave it
lying round - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.
Swimming in the sea
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and
yellow flags, don't swim too far out! Do not leave your belongings
unattended on the beach.
Donations
When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary Celebrations
as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received.
Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of
the temple.
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| General things that you should or shouldn't
do... |
√ Do...
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change money at a reputable looking location; use
your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
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put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream
(especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
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drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh
fruit - do your body a favor.
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be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime
is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag
snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your
hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
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try not to step on offerings in the street (walk
around them).
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respect the slow pace of processions when stuck
behind one, i.e. don't honk!
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haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).
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buy 'Imodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
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have a great holiday!
× Don't ...
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forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with
you at all times and a copy of Bali Plus!
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swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents
can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
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do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough
foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!
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touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
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enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
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forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will
probably sweat a lot.
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worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality
controlled in established bars and restaurants.
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forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may
stop, motorbikes may not!
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forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport
Departure Tax is:
International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 50,000
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