Bali
Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces, and volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colorful, deeply spiritual, and unique culture stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical, and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Regions[edit]
Cities[edit]
Other destinations[edit]
Understand[edit]Bali is one of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometers (almost 1.5 miles) from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The island, home to about 4 million people, is approximately 144 kilometres (90 mi.) from east to west and 80 kilometres (50 mi.) north to south. The word "paradise" is used a lot in Bali and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality, and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unrivaled number one tourist attraction. Eighty percent of international visitors to Indonesia visit Bali and Bali alone. The popularity is not without its flip side— like many places in the island's South, once paradisiacal Kuta has degenerated into a congested warren of concrete with touts and scammers extracting a living by overcharging tourists. The island's visibility has also drawn the unwanted attention of terrorists in 2002 and 2005; however, Bali has managed to retain its magic. Bali is a wonderful destination with something for everyone, and though heavily traveled, it is still easy to find some peace and quiet if you like. Avoid the South of the island if you want a more traditional and genuine Balinese experience. A consideration is the tourist season and Bali can get very crowded in August and September and again at Christmas and New Year. Australians also visit during school holidays in early April, late June, and late September, while domestic tourists from elsewhere in Indonesia visit during national holidays. Outside these peak seasons, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and good discounts on accommodation are often available. The modest dress is expected in Bali. Although bikinis are fine on the beaches and in hotel swimming pools, they are not appropriate while shopping, eating in restaurants. History[edit]The first Hindus arrived in Bali as early as 100 BC, but the unique culture which is so apparent to any current day visitor to Bali hails largely from neighboring Java, with some influence from Bali's distant animist past. The Javanese Majapahit Empire's rule over Bali became complete in the 14th century when Gajah Mada, Prime Minister of the Javanese king, defeated the Balinese king at Bedulu. The rule of the Majapahit Empire resulted in the initial influx of Javanese culture, most of all in architecture, dance, painting, sculpture, and the wayang puppet theatre. All of this is still very apparent today. The very few Balinese who did not adopt this Javanese Hindu culture are known today as the Bali Aga ("original Balinese") and still live in the isolated villages of Tenganan near Candidasa and Trunyan on the remote eastern shore of Lake Batur at Kintamani. With the rise of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago, the Majapahit Empire in Java fell and Bali became independent near the turn of the 16th century. The Javanese aristocracy found refuge in Bali, bringing an even stronger influx of Hindu arts, literature, and religion. Divided among a number of ruling rajas, occasionally battling off invaders from now Islamic Java to the west and making forays to conquer Lombok to the east, the north of the island was finally captured by the Dutch colonialists in a series of brutal wars from 1846 to 1849. Southern Bali was not conquered until 1906, and eastern Bali did not surrender until 1908. In both 1906 and 1908, many Balinese chose death over disgrace and fought en-masse until the bitter end, often walking straight into Dutch cannons and gunfire. This manner of suicidal fighting to the death is known as puputan. The victory was bittersweet, as the images of the puputan highly tarnished the Dutch in the international community. Perhaps to make up for this, the Dutch did not make the Balinese enter into a forced cultivation system, as had happened in Java, and instead tried to promote Balinese culture through their policy of Baliseering or the "Balinisation of Bali". Bali became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1945. In 1965, the military seized power in a CIA-backed coup, and state-sanctioned anti-communist violence spread across Indonesia. In Bali, it has been said that the rivers ran red with the reprisal killings of suspected communists—most estimates of the death toll say 80,000, or about five percent of the population of Bali at the time. The current chapter in Bali's history began in the seventies when intrepid hippies and surfers discovered Bali's beaches and waves, and tourism soon became the biggest income earner. Despite the shocks of the terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005, the magical island continues to draw crowds, and Bali's culture remains as spectacular as ever. Religion[edit]Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture. Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion, but the most visible signs are the tiny offerings (canang sari, or sesajen) found in every Balinese house, work place, restaurant, souvenir stall and airport check-in desk. These leaf trays are made daily and can contain an enormous range of offering items: flowers, glutinous rice, cookies, salt, and even cigarettes and coffee! They are set out with burning incense sticks and sprinkled with holy water no less than three times a day, before every meal. Don't worry if you step on one, as they are placed on the ground for this very purpose and will be swept away anyway (But you better not step on one on purpose, because - as Balinese believe - it'll give you bad luck!). Balinese Hinduism diverged from the mainstream well over 500 years ago and is quite radically different from what you would see in India. The primary deity is Sanghyang Widi Wasa (Acintya), the "all-in-one god" for which other gods like Vishnu (Wisnu) and Shiva (Civa) are merely manifestations, and instead of being shown directly, he is depicted by an empty throne wrapped in the distinctive poleng black-and-white chessboard pattern and protected by a ceremonial tedung umbrella.  An empty throne of Sanghyang Widi Wasa, with poleng cloth and tedung umbrella, Ubud The Balinese are master sculptors, and temples and courtyards are replete with statues of gods and goddesses like Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility, as well as guardians and protecting demons like toothy Rakasa, armed with a club. These days, though, entire villages like Batubulan have twigged onto the tourist potential and churned out everything imaginable from Buddhas to couples entwined in acrobatic poses for the export market. Balinese dance and music are also justly famous and a major attraction for visitors to the island. As on neighboring Java, the gamelan orchestra and wayang kulit shadow puppet theatre predominate. Dances are extremely visual and dramatic, and the most famous include:
Culture[edit]The culture of Bali is one of the slow pace, the people are very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, however, they are also very modest and polite people so dress modestly and behave modestly. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Indonesia, Balinese are more tolerant than the mainland of Indonesia but partners kissing and public nudity is not acceptable and 60% of tourists to Bali are from the mainland. Balinese culture is not to complain and not to get angry in public, you may find they giggle if they are uncomfortable if you confront them. Ceremonies[edit]
There are an estimated 20,000 temples (pura) on the island, each of which holds ceremonies (odalan) at least twice yearly. With many other auspicious days throughout the year there are always festivities going on. The large island-wide festivals are determined by two local calendars. The 210 day wuku or Pawukon calendar is completely out of sync with the western calendar, meaning that it rotates wildly throughout the year. The lunar saka (caka) calendar roughly follows the western year.
All national public holidays in Indonesia apply in Bali, although Ramadan is naturally a much smaller event here than in the country's Muslim regions. Reading[edit]With its truly unique culture, Bali has inevitably been the subject of much attention from anthropologists, both amateur and professional. At a more informal level, much has been written about the island by interested visitors and artists in particular, some of whom made Bali their home. The following is a shortlist of some reading that would benefit any visitor before and during their visit to the island.
Climate[edit] Rice fields, Ubud Daytime temperatures are pleasant, varying between 20-33⁰ C (68-93⁰ F) year-round. From December to March, the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but days are still often sunny with the rains starting in the late afternoon or evening and passing quickly. From June to September, the humidity is low and it can be quite cool in the evenings. At this time of the year, there is hardly any rain in the lowland coastal areas. But be aware of floods along the beach from Tuban to Melasti (Kuta) because the drainage is not sufficient anymore in line with the development of occupying the land. The flood does not occur every year, but please don't stay on the ground floor, because the one to two hours flood can reach your knee on the road in front of your hotel. Even when it is raining across most of Bali, you can often enjoy sunny, dry days on the Bukit Peninsula which receives far less rain than any other part of the island. On the other hand, in central Bali and in the mountains, you should not be surprised by cloudy skies and showers at any time of the year. North Bali is also drier than other parts of the island. At higher elevations such as Bedugul or Kintamani, it gets distinctly chilly and you will need either a sweater or jacket after the sunsets. Time[edit]Bali is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA, Waktu Indonesia Tengah), same as Western Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and China and 1 hour ahead of Jakarta. Electricity[edit]Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. American and Canadian travelers should pack a voltage-changing adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment (although a lot of electronics with power adapters will work on 220 volts, check your equipment first). Tourism information centres[edit]
Some major destinations in Bali have their own tourism offices; contact details are given in the relevant destination articles. Talk[edit]Balinese is linguistically very different from Bahasa Indonesia, although the latter is the lingua franca in Indonesia and is spoken by practically everyone in Bali. In tourist regions, English and some other foreign languages are widely spoken. Balinese is a difficult language, and any visitor who makes an effort to speak a few words will be especially warmly received by the local people. Get in[edit]By Aircraft[edit]Most visitors will arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (IATA: DPS), also known as Bali International Airport or Denpasar International Airport. Despite the misleading names, the airport is actually located in Tuban between Kuta and Jimbaran, roughly 30 mins away from Denpasar. Ngurah Rai is Indonesia's 3rd busiest international airport (after Jakarta and Surabaya) and a major hub well-connected to Australia, South-East Asia, and the rest of Indonesia. Domestic[edit]A number of domestic airlines operate as LCC - low cost or budget carriers. It is a difficult distinction for some operators as they may be using a low cost model but not promoting or identifying themselves as doing this. Lion Air is an "LCC" and so does Citilink which is an LCC of Garuda Airlines. Some are smaller regional operators REG or feeder airlines.
International[edit]A number of international airlines serve this airport including several LCC - low cost or budget carriers
International Arrival Procedures[edit]Once inside the terminal building passengers should proceed to the immigration counters as quickly as possible (as lines can be long during peak periods). International visitors enter queues designated ‘foreigners only' and form a line to present their passport,,and secure a visa from Immigration Officials. There are two immigration sections; Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) and Non VoA. All passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia and have at least 2 blank pages available for stamps. There are typically two ways to enter Indonesia as a Tourist:
"Requirements for Visa-Free Short Visits". Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months as from the date of entry into Indonesia. Onward or return tickets are compulsory. Important: If you enter on a visa-free entry you cannot extend your visit and must exit the country. If you purchase the USD $35 visa that is extendable. Visitors on Visa-Free Short Visits must enter and exit from certain airports and seaports in Indonesia. Refer to the current list of immigration checkpoints provided by the Indonesian Immigration Department. Visa waiver (for eligible nationalities) and a separate channel for Indonesian passport holders are displayed on signage above Immigration Processing counters. Once passengers have cleared Immigration and checked luggage has been collected from the carousel, passengers proceed to the customs clearance area. Passengers with goods to declare including items above the allowable limits and/or prohibited items (according to the completed Customs Declaration Card) should proceed through the Red Channel. Passengers with nothing to declare or those carrying goods within the permitted customs limits (and not carrying prohibited items) proceed through the green channel. Duty-Free[38] limits do apply for passengers entering Indonesia, including Bali. Entry by passengers into either the Red or Green Customs channel constitutes a legal declaration. Consequently, if a passenger enters the green channel and is found to be carrying goods above the customs limits or prohibited items, he or she may be prosecuted for making a false declaration by virtue of having gone through the green channel. Each channel is a point of no return, meaning once a passenger has entered a particular channel they cannot go back. Once passengers have cleared immigration and Customs the arrival hall and meeting point pick-up zone await those who have arranged vehicle transfers onward to their accommodation or to meet up with family and friends. If you plan to stay in a private Balinese residence rather than a hotel, you must register with the local Rukun Tetangga (RT) Office and police, upon arrival. If you will be in Bali or Indonesia for greater than 90 days, registration with the local immigration office is required. The correct visa must also be held for a stay of this length. General Aviation[edit]General aviation offers additional options for direct flights to Bali, especially from regions that do not offer commercial airline service to the island. ExecuJet Indonesia offers access to planes based at DPS, and companies including Air Charter Advisors offer charter flights to Bali International using a variety of aircraft rentals around the world. The Airport[edit]Ngurah Rai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Indonesia. To compensate for the growing amount of visitors to the island, it has recently been largely revamped. A new international terminal was opened in 2013, and domestic service transferred to the old international terminal. It now features fairly modern decor, much-improved signage, and is generally up to par with Indonesia's other international airports. The domestic terminal's arrival area has all check-in counters on the first floor (before any security checks, unlike Jakarta's airport), with Garuda Indonesia on the left and other airlines on the right. After a single security check, which serves as the limit for non-passengers, escalators lead to a short section of shops on the second floor before opening up to the main departure area. Restaurants and cafes are also spread out here, with lounges near the ends. There is generally ample space, even during busy hours, especially in restaurants. Shopping and Dining Directory[edit]The is a multitude of shopping and dining options for arriving and departing passengers at the International and Domestic airport terminal buildings and can be found within the Departure Hall, Arrivals Hall, and Public Hall.
Security protocols including passenger and baggage screening are similar to other large international airports in the region. Limitations similar to those in the EU and US are placed upon the carrying of fluids and other so-called security items in hand luggage. International passengers should be prepared for scrutiny of their baggage, including all carry-on items. When departing, you will likely pass through a total of three security checkpoints, and possibly a further one at the boarding gate, so be patient, particularly when things are busy. The staff does not generally require the removal of belts, laptops, and jackets like other large airports - signage may indicate this, but they are not always enforced. Belts that set off the metal detector will need to be sent through, however. Security protocols at the domestic terminal are similar to those applied at other Indonesian domestic hub airports, with baggage and carry-on screening, x-ray, metal detection, hand inspections, and other security measures in place for departing passengers. Porters now usually will not take control of your luggage unless they either ask you or you request their assistance (depending on which one comes first). If you do utilize them; tipping is based on the size of your baggage and the time spent helping you get through customs. In most cases, your baggage will be off of the conveyor belt and lined up on the side by the time you make your way to the baggage claim area. When departing from Bali, the airport departure tax is already included in the ticket price and you do not have to pay a separate departure fee. Customs examination on exit: Be aware of items that require declaration and make sure they are appropriately reported. Baggage does 'not' need to be wrapped to be checked in - the wrapping stalls are an optional measure.
Get from the airport[edit]
In terms of transportation from the airport, Ngurah Rai is not too bad but is also far from being perfect. Some hotels organize free transfers from the airport, but plenty of public taxis are also available: go to the ticketing booth. Just after you x-ray your bag, you'll enter a concourse. You can go left or right and all the waiting hotel drivers will be on the other side of a wall from you. Head left and the (tiny) ticketing booth will be on your right, just before the air-conditioned duty-free area. Here you can buy a fixed-fare ticket and a driver will be assigned to you trouble-free. However, the ticketing booth closes after the last flight arrival for the day and re-opens at 8 am, so anyone wanting an airport taxi during this period should be prepared to haggle or seek the alternatives described below. Beware of being overcharged by the staff behind the counter, citing reasons such as new rates. This commonly happens to travelers who appear new to Bali and unsure of the pricing and can be as much as 100% more. It is best to determine your destination's locality and prepare the exact amount for a trip to that area. At the counter, the hand that amounts over while confidently stating your destination. If necessary, mention the pricing on the board behind the counter to reinforce the amount you give. Note that the price is per car, not per person. If you are traveling on a restricted budget, you can flag down a motorbike from outside the airport gate (3-5 minutes walk from both terminals). If you walk outside the airport to the street, you can also flag down a bemo (local minivan). Most of the bemos in this area will be heading to Kuta (road to Kuta heads to the left if looking out from the airport gate), but don't absolutely bank on it, and be prepared for a hot, crowded journey. It should cost no more than a few thousand rupiahs per person (ask the driver beforehand). There's also an air-conditioned bus service called Trans Sarbagita that runs following route Term. Batu Bulan (Gianyar) - Tohpati (DPS) - Sanur (DPS) - Kuta Central Park (Badung) - Jimbaran (Badung) - Nusa Dua (Badung), occasionally the bus heading to and from Nusa Dua will stop at the airport. There is no marked Trans Sarbagita bus stop at the airport. Bus stops at the roundabout on the left side from the airport exit. The bus fare is 3.500 RP for adults and 2.500 for students. If you are heading for a real adventure in Bali, you can also rent a car at the airport. There are plenty of international car rental companies such as Avis, Trac, or Europcar, where the price of the car is around 30 to 50 us$ a day for Toyota Avanza. If you are traveling on a budget, you can try several online car rental operators such as Balicarfinder, Tripbase, or Baliguider where the prices start on 15us$ days. All the car renters deliver their cars to the airport as well as to hotels. Make sure your car is insured and check the condition of the car before signing the contract. Most travelers prefer to make a few photos before signing. By bus[edit]There are direct bus services to Bali from all major cities on Java and Lombok that link with ferries for sea crossings. These are cheap and easy, but slow. Tip : 1- Trans SARBAGITA bus company (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trans-SARBAGITA/114451925323386) operates fully airconditioned buses all colored in blue. The one-way adult fare to any destination on the bus route will only cost you Rp3,500 per person. If you want to take the bus, exit left and continue walking until you are outside of the airport building (about 200 meters) until you reach a roundabout. Wait at the opposite end of the roundabout (the bus stop is yet to be built but is planned by the authorities). If you are not sure please ask around. Tell the bus driver that you want to go to Central Parkir Kuta. You can continue your journey to your hotel in nearby Kuta or Legian by taking a cab at a much lower fare. 2- redBus Indonesia (https://www.redbus.id/) is a popular brand for bus tickets booking. they offer bus tickets to different locations in Indonesia. By boat[edit]Ferries cross from Ketapang on the island of Java to Gilimanuk in western Bali every 15 min, 24 hr every day. These are very cheap, and the crossing takes just 30 min (plus sometimes considerable waiting around for loading and unloading). A number of speedboats, catamarans, and day cruises operate into Benoa Harbour near Kuta (~2 hr) and Padangbai (80 min) from Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands of Lombok. These are convenient for some travelers but are frequently priced much higher than the equivalent air crossing. Crossing times are subject to weather and other operational conditions and trip times can be longer than those publicized. Caution should be used in selecting a suitable operator and craft for a fast boat crossing to Lombok or Nusa Lembongan. Some of the operators on these routes use inappropriate equipment and have inadequate levels of crew training, personnel and safety equipment. The Lombok Strait fast boat crossing can be subject to inclement weather and equipment breakdowns. Boarding an overloaded craft or departing in adverse weather conditions may lead to serious disappointment. Currently, there are no operators offering craft suitable for open water all-weather crossings. Rather they are operating light duty hulled craft of fiberglass or aluminum construction powered by outboard petrol engines. One of the current operators plans to introduce a more suitably specified and equipped craft sometime in the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2011. The new boat will be powered by diesel inboard engines and have a more robust hull construction appropriate to open water use. A previous craft of similar specification was withdrawn from this route as operations could not be sustained in competition with the lower cost base alternatives. Two of the light-duty craft have already sunk whilst carrying passengers, fortunately, they had not yet entered open waters at the time, fortunately, nearby assistance was available and there were no fatalities. There are also public ferries from Lembar, Lombok, to Padang Bai every few hours, with the trip taking around 3 to 4 hours. This service has notable safety, operational and equipment standards issues, some ferries are better than others, or worse depending upon your perspective. Delays are commonplace due to loading and unloading issues and services may be canceled or postponed during periods of inclement weather. It may be prudent to avoid sea crossings during the monsoonal period when sea conditions may lead to deteriorated comfort levels or a dangerous crossing. See the Nusa Lembongan, Gili Islands and Lombok articles for full details concerning traveling and arriving in Lembongan, Lombok, and its nearby islands. Cruise ships occasionally stop so that passengers can tour or shop. Some ships still anchor off-shore toward the southeast side of the island and tender guests to shore. Modest-sized ships can choose to dock at the port of Benoa not far from Denpasar, Kuta, and Sanur. The dock area is basically industrial, with few amenities and no ATMs, but masses of taxis are usually ready to whisk you to nearby destinations at a moderate cost. Get around[edit]Bali is a fairly large island and you will need a method to get around if you plan on exploring more than the hotel pool. Rapid, seemingly uncontrolled development and aging infrastructure, mean that the roads struggle to cope. In major tourist areas, the traffic is chaotic, and there are daily jams. Particular blackspots are Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar. For different excursions around the island, it is common to join a tour via your hotel or at one of the many street agencies which are found everywhere in booths normally marked "Tourist Information". Once you arrive at your destination you may encounter difficult walking conditions as sidewalks in most parts of Bali are simply the covered tops of storm-water drains and in many places only 60cm (2 ft) wide. This makes for uncomfortable single-file walking next to traffic. Often sidewalks are blocked by a motorbike or a caved-in section, necessitating dangerous darting into traffic. Many of the island's conventional streets are simply not pedestrian-friendly. Beach areas and major tourist areas are easier to walk around and Sanur in particular has a wide beachfront pathway with many cafes and bars. But although the walking conditions are difficult, they are by no means impossible. Lots of tourists and locals travel the roads by foot and even the traffic is generally very accommodating to pedestrians if it is given time to react. By bus[edit]The Perama bus company serves the budget traveler well in Bali and beyond, and they have offices in several major tourist destinations on the island. There are other scheduled shuttle buses between many of Bali's most popular destinations, such as the Kura Kura bus, and these are cheap and reliable. Check locally advertised services (you cannot miss them) and book one day in advance. A new Trans Sarbagita government bus service operates in Bali since August 2011. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned (similar to Transjakarta Busway but even more spacious), and the fare is only Rp 3,500. These buses stop only at permanently elevated bus stops built on the road curb. As of June 2012, only Route 2 was operating (Route 1 and Route 3 are planned to be open soon). The buses serving Route 2 start from Batubulan bemo terminal, go via Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai (stopping in Sanur on the way) and Dewa Ruci statue (Kuta roundabout, also known as Simpang Siur roundabout) to Central Parkir Kuta (near Giant supermarket on Jalan Raya Kuta, a kilometer or so inland from the main tourist areas of Kuta), make a loop via Sunset Road back to Kuta roundabout, and go south all the way to Nusa Dua, then go back. For visitors, the main advantage is there's no need now to change bemos and to deal with 2-3 bemo drivers to get to Batubulan terminal (from where direct bemos to Ubud, Kintamani and other north and north-eastern destinations are available) or to Sanur. Those going to Nusa Dua or Benoa may find the southern part of the route useful. The bus stop nearest to the airport is Central Parkir Kuta, a Blue Bird taxi caught outside of the airport gate will cost you around Rp 25,000. If boarding at Central Parkir Kuta, beware that both southbound (Nusa Dua) and northbound (Batubulan) buses seem to use the same stop - if no signs on the bus, ask the conductor or other people waiting for the bus. By taxi[edit]Taxi mafias have a strong presence in Bali. In the main urban areas competition between companies means prices are reasonable, but away from the towns you will likely be reliant on the car and driver arranged by the guesthouse, at a considerably higher cost. There are several reliable taxi companies but these are not always easy to identify. If entering a taxi with no working meter, you can negotiate a price if you know how to bargain. Alternatively, always insist on the meter being turned on, and leave the taxi if that request is not met. Due to the traffic, the taxis may refuse to use the meter in traffic jams, and you need to negotiate a price. Bali also offers Grab and Uber, which are both ride-sharing services. Uber drivers in Bali will try to haggle for more money than what Uber says it will charge you. They will either do this by saying they will not pick you up or they will haggle once you are already in the vehicle. Getting a Grab or Uber from the airport may prove impossible as the taxi mafia there set up fake drivers to accept requests, who then don't show up. Go to departures dropoff and flag a taxi there. To get a more convenient service, you can look for or order private airport transfer before you arrive at Ngurah Rai Airport. This is of course you will avoid the taxi mafia If day-tripping (eg to a temple), it is often cheaper and more convenient to arrange for your taxi to wait and take you back. You will likely find it impossible to find a (non-mafia) taxi for the return trip. By bemo[edit]Bemos are minivans which serve as a flexible bus service (also known as "Shuttle Bus") and are Bali's "traditional" form of transportation. However they have largely given way to metered taxis in the south. Fares on shared bemos can be very cheap, but drivers will often insist that foreign tourists charter the entire vehicle, in which case they will usually ask for a price equivalent to a taxi or even more. By self-drive car or motorbike[edit]Driving in Bali is on the left-hand side. Car and motorbike rentals are widely available but you should think very carefully about your ability to handle driving in Bali with its lack of formal traffic rules. Consider hiring a car and driver as you can relax, be safe, and not get lost. If you rent a car to drive yourself, a modern four-door Toyota Avanza or Daihatsu Xenia should cost Rp 200,000-250,000 per day. If on a tighter budget, you should be able to get an old, rough Suzuki Jimny from about Rp 90,000 to 110,000 per day.
Renting motorcycles or scooters can be a frightening yet fascinating experience. They are typically 125cc, some with automatic transmissions, and rent for between Rp 40,000 and 100,000 per day (for a week or more, a cheaper price can be bargained). In areas outside of the tourist enclaves of south Bali, a motorbike is a wonderful way to see the island, but in south Bali, with its crush of traffic, the chances of an accident are greatly increased. Bali is no place to learn to ride a motorbike. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for vehicle rental, with a motorcycle endorsement if renting a motorbike. The IDP is seldom requested by the person renting you the vehicle but will be required (along with the vehicle's registration papers) if stopped by the police (typically a Rp 50,000 "fine" will allow you to keep driving and if they ask more write his name down to stop it). An IDP is easily available from motoring clubs in your home country (e.g., AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance in the United States provide them for around US$15) and it is valid for one year. You can rent your car or bike before your arrival at Bali on plenty of websites with competitive prices and communicative staff with online assistance. By rental car with a driver[edit]Rental car services owned by individuals or companies are easy to find in Bali and this is the best option for first-time visitors. Using a rental car with a driver is certainly cheaper than taxis and far more efficient than using other public transportation. The drivers are usually English-speaking and they can also act as informal tourist guides recommending good destinations and restaurants. Choosing to rent from a large car company is naturally more expensive than sourcing from a private individual. Ask the hotel staff to recommend a good individually owned rental car with a knowledgeable driver. Price varies between Rp 300,000 to 600,000 per day (usually defined as 10 hr) depending on your negotiation skills and the class/age of the car. Make sure the price includes petrol and driver for the day. Petrol costs, after the removal of some government subsidies in recent years, have escalated dramatically (although still very cheap by international standards) and the distance traveled is a factor if you have not fixed a daily price. The day price usually includes any parking fees. There are differing views on whether to offer to buy lunch for your driver. For those on a tight schedule, visiting most of the major tourist destinations in Bali will need about 3 days with a rental car and driver. Commonly drivers could accompany you to tourist destinations in Bali. The places are not well recognized by the public or written down by the tourism guiding book.
Also, if you want a Chauffeur Service, you can find Ground Transportation through Bali with a luxury and comfortable fleet, reserve via App mobile are the fast way to organize tour transportation. By bicycle[edit]Travel by bicycle is quite possible and provides a very different experience than other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, or buy locally—there is at least one well-stocked bike shop in Denpasar, but with a racing/mountain bike focus. Bicycles are also widely available for rent and some of the better hotels will even provide them free of charge. While traffic conditions may appear challenging at first, you will acclimatize after a few days, especially once you escape the chaotic heavy traffic of southern Bali. See[edit]Temples[edit]Bali's best-known attractions are its countless Hindu temples. Each village is required by adat (customary law) to construct and maintain at least three temples: the pura puseh (temple of origin) located at the kaja (pure) side of the village, the pura desa (village temple) at the center for everyday community activities and the pura dalem (temple of the dead) at the kelod (unclean) end. Wealthy villages may well have more than these three obligatory temples, and additionally, all family compounds have a temple of some nature. The nine directional temples (kayangan jagat) are the largest and most prominent. These are located at strategic points across Bali and are designed to protect the island and its inhabitants from dark forces. Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple), at the southern tip of Bali, is easily accessed and hence very popular, as is Tanah Lot. For the Balinese, the "mother temple" of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is the most important of all and sits above the nine. The other seven directional temples are Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Pura Pasar Agung, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Goa Lawah, Pura Masceti and Pura Luhur Batukaru. All of these are located on either rugged high ground or at the water's edge, and this is a clear indication of the likely source of dark forces as far as the Balinese are concerned. Balinese temple design is an involved subject and one which baffles many visitors. Local geography has a fundamental effect on design, and two temples are rarely the same. Everything you see, be it decorative or structural, has a specific, well-considered function that may be of an earthly or spiritual nature. There are, though, general elements that are common to the vast majority of temples, which are always split into three courtyards: jaba (outer courtyard), jaba tengah (middle courtyard), and jeroan (inner courtyard). Each of these courtyards contains various structures and/or shrines of differing levels of importance. The tiered, black-thatched roofs that you see on temples are made from palm fiber, and this material is not permitted to be used for any roof other than those on temples. The elegant, pagoda-like tiered structure is itself called a meru (named after sacred Mount Meru (Mahameru), the home of the gods), and the most dramatic of them can consist of as many as 11 tiers. The number of tiers, though, is always an odd number. The temple entrance is always on the kelod axis point (facing away from Mount Agung) of the compound and is usually a gateway of some nature. This leads into the jaba which is the domain of humans and all things earthly. The jaba contains only minor shrines, is where some celebratory dance performances take place, and during special ceremonies is where the food stalls are set up. Non-Hindu tourists are nearly always allowed to visit this part of a temple. A gateway called a candi bentar leads into the central courtyard which is called the jaba tengah. This is the intermediary point between our earthly domain and the realm of the Gods, and this is where daily offerings are prepared in an open pavilion called a paon. The jaba tengah also usually contains a large pavilion called a wantilan, which is used for special dance performances. The kori agung gate leads into the jeroan—the inner sacred area. This houses the most important shrines to different Hindu gods and deities and is where serious rituals and prayers take place. Shrines are many and varied but usually include a padmasana, the throne of the supreme deity Sanghyang Widi Wasa. The large pavilion in this section is called a gedong pariman, which is always left completely empty to allow the gods to visit during ceremonies. Sometimes properly dressed visitors will be allowed into the jeroan and at other times not; it depends on the individual temple and the ceremonies that have been, or are about to be, performed. The most common and practical architectural features to be found in virtually all temples are gazebo pavilions called bales. Each has a raised seating section and either an alang-alang (grass-thatched) or tali duk (black palm fiber-thatched) roof and has a myriad of social functions. Bales can serve as a place for the gamelan orchestra to sit, as a village meeting point, host dance performances or simply be a place of rest for worshipers. This part of traditional Balinese temple architecture has been copied by hotels all over the island and in the wider world. The open grass-roofed pavilions you see everywhere in Bali are all derived from this original piece of temple design. To enter any temple you must be appropriately dressed in a sarong and sash. These are always available for rental at the large temples which attract a lot of tourists (usually included if you're paying to enter, else a few thousand rupiahs per set), but it's better to buy one of each when you arrive and use them throughout your visit. Temples are a place of worship, it is strictly forbidden to enter a temple, the grounds of a temple or stand on the steps of a Temple unless appropriately dressed. Landscape[edit]Most of the coastline of Bali is fringed by beaches of some type, with the exceptions being some important areas of mangrove forest in the southeast, and certain parts of the Bukit Peninsula where high cliffs drop straight to the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.  Legian Beach in south Bali Unsurprisingly, given the volcanic nature of the island, black sand is the norm, but there are also some beaches in the south that have fine-grained white sand. Beaches that are especially safe for swimming include Jimbaran Bay and virtually all of the north coast. At all times though, visitors should be aware of and obey local swimming safety markers—far too many visitors to Bali drown each year after ignoring these. Bali's popular southern beaches are sometimes not the cleanest you will find. This is particularly true during the height of the wet season (December to January), when the heavy rains cause extensive agricultural run-off and garbage to be washed onto the beaches. Away from the coast, Bali is largely lush, green, and fertile, and rice paddies are the dominant agricultural feature of the island. In some areas, paddies take the form of dramatic sculpted terraces which efficiently utilize every available acre of land for cultivation. Especially beautiful examples of terraced paddies can be found in the center of the island north of Ubud and in east Bali around Tirta Gangga. Elsewhere, gently rolling rice fields make for very pleasing rural scenery. All of Bali's mountains are volcanoes, some long dormant and some still active. At 3,142 meters (10,308 ft), magnificent Mount Agung dominates the landscape of East Bali and has not erupted since 1963. Much more active is Mount Batur, which permanently smolders and periodically produces a large bang and plumes of ashy smoke as pressure is released from within. Taking only two hours to climb, Batur is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the whole of Indonesia. Art[edit]Art, both traditional and modern, is everywhere in Bali and impossible to miss. Ubud is the artistic capital of the island with several museums and a variety of informal workshops and retail outlets. Ubud's museums showcase the works of local artists, both living and dead, as well as works by many foreign artists, who either have a strong affinity to Bali or have made the island their permanent home. Monuments[edit]A sad reminder of the modern world is the Bali Bomb Memorial on Jalan Legian in Kuta, which commemorates the 202 victims of the first Bali Bomb attack in October 2002. The site of the former Sari Club, obliterated in one of the blasts, lies adjacent to the monument and has not been redeveloped. There are several monuments commemorating the puputan (suicidal fight to the death) of the Balinese against the Dutch colonialists in the early 20th century. The two most famous are in the town center of Klungkung in East Bali and in Puputan Park, Denpasar. Do[edit]Bali's Hindu culture and history are both extraordinary and unique. Many visitors get so wrapped up in shopping, partying, and beach life to miss the opportunity to understand and absorb at least some of this. You cannot fail to see temples, come across ceremonies, and witness daily offerings, and those who take the time and effort to understand what is going on around them will find their visit very rewarding. There are several hot springs to be discovered in Bali. One of them, on the north coast of the island near Lovina, is Air Banjar, where stone mouth carvings allow hot water to pass between the pools, which are set in lush gardens. Another good choice is at Toya Bungkah on the shores of Lake Batur, high in the northeastern mountains. Last but not least, there is also a Bali dive safari which includes both shore and boat diving, and encompasses a wide variety of dives: walls, muck, reefs as well as Tulamben’s world famous 120m USAT Liberty shipwreck, with opportunities for macro and wide-angle photography.  The scented oil menu at a spa in Sanur Bali is a paradise for spa lovers, and all sorts of treatments are widely available. The Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices—traditionally performed before a wedding ceremony—is particularly popular. Balinese massage is usually done with oil and involves long, Swedish-style strokes. In steep contrast to exorbitant western massage fees, Balinese massage is an incredible value, and visitors should definitely avail themselves of this luxury. In local salons, a one-hour full body massage will cost between Rp 70,000 and 100,000, and the 2 hr mandi lulur, which incorporates a body scrub and hydrating yogurt body mask in addition to the massage, will cost about Rp 150,000. The curiously named creambath is a relaxing scalp and shoulder massage, usually lasting 45 min, in which a thick conditioning cream is worked through the hair and into the scalp. A creambath typically costs about Rp 60,000. Note that these same services in an upscale hotel will cost many times more. Fish spa, where small fish will nibble dead skin off your feet and hands, is an unusual spa treatment that is recommended for the adventurous and is available for around Rp 35,000 for 15 minutes (December 2012 prices). Bali is host to some of the finest yoga and well-being centers and retreats in the world. You can find an abundance of amazing yoga classes to suit all levels in most of the tourist areas. Look for the best yoga centers in Ubud and Seminyak. You can find a plethora of options for great retreats on book retreats, Destination Deluxe, or WellBook. Bali is also now home to a number of renowned yoga teacher training centers, including Yoga Union, East+West yoga, Zuna Yoga, and Peaceful Warriors. Weddings in Bali have become very popular in recent years. Many couples who are already legally married choose Bali as the place to renew their vows. Full wedding-organizing services are widely available: ceremony arrangements, photography, videography, flowers, musicians, dancers, and catering. There are several wedding chapels available that are usually attached to luxury hotels, and the number is growing all the time. There are many professional organizers to handle your wedding in Bali, and these are easily found on the Internet. Destination weddings, featuring all types of religious and presentation arrangements, are becoming increasingly popular, with large private villas being one of the island's many offerings for venues. An excellent way to get to know and understand more of the country is to do some volunteer work. There are organizations that arrange work for international volunteers in Bali and other places in the region. Volunteers can for example teach English at some non-profit organizations. Outdoor activities[edit]Bali’s outdoor activities are outstanding. For those looking for adventurous things to do in Bali, we have an option to bring you these ideas which go from gentle to adrenaline pumping.
Water activities[edit]There are many interesting scuba diving sites around Bali. Particularly popular are the wreck of USAT Liberty at Tulamben in the east, the chilled out coral bommies in Padang Bai, the serene reefs around Menjangan Island in the northwest, and dramatic drift diving off Nusa Penida in the south. Bali is a major teaching center, and there are numerous reputable dive centers around the island affiliated with PADI and SSI. Choose a dive center operating their own boats on dive sites where strong currents are present in order to increase safety. For those who want their diving to make a difference as well, dive voluntourism has gained a foothold in Bali, such as in Sea Communities in Les Village, Tejakula, where divers could help rebuild coral reefs and learn to catch ornamental fish in a sustainable way.
Freediving Amed and Tulamben are fast becoming recognized as the best place in Bali to learn freediving (apnea or breath-hold diving). Several freediving schools exist in this region of Bali.[39] Warm waters, crowds of young backpackers, cheap living, and reliable waves keep Bali near the top of the world surfing destinations. The southern coast at Kuta, Legian and Canggu, the Bukit Peninsula and Nusa Lembongan are the primary draws. Expert surfers usually head for the big breaks off the Bukit Peninsula, whilst beginners will find the gentler, sandy areas between Kuta and Legian to be ideal for learning. All Bali's surf beaches are described in the "Indo Surf and Lingo" surfing guidebook, together with Free Bali Tide Charts on their website [40]. There are formal surf schools on Legian beach and Kuta beach. The more adventurous might like to try informal lessons from one of the many local self-styled surf teachers to be found hanging on any beach in South Bali. Regular surf reports are provided by Baliwaves [41]. The waters of Serangan harbor are protected from big waves and swells by a reef, but open to the winds. It is an excellent location for the sport of sailing. You can easily drive onto Serangan island as it is connected to Bali by a bridge. When driving to the island you will see a spectacular view of the bay on your left. Many private yachts and magnificent traditional Indonesian Phinisi schooners are moored in the smooth waters of the bay. On the beachfront of Serangan you may meet other sailors who come to learn or practice their skills and share their knowledge and experience of yachting in Indonesia. There are a number of reputable white-water rafting operators in the Ubud area, and the rafting is of good quality, especially in the wet season. If you want to go to a noncommercial area and feel more sensations you can also do canyoning. The rafting companies usually include pick up and drop off in the ticket price, and include lunch. Sport fishing is an increasingly popular activity with visitors to the island. Trolling, jigging and bottom fishing can all be very rewarding, with a large game far from unusual. Charters are available from many coastal areas but the most popular points with a competitive range of options are Benoa Harbour and nearby Serangan close to Kuta, just to the north in Sanur and Padang Bai on the east coast. Canoeing is available on Lake Batur (The Holy Lake). Waterbom Park [42]is located At the main street of Kuta, close to several shopping centers, it takes only 5 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and 15 minutes from the main tourist destinations of Sanur, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, and Jimbaran. Exciting water slides slice through 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks providing hours of fun and entertainment for the young and the young at heart! The park operates daily from 9am – 6pm. Bali, Indonesia is a unique island with a rich Hinduism culture and friendly people. It is probably the best island in Indonesia when you come as a tourist. Bali has a beautifully varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces, and barren volcanic hillsides all providing the best and most colorful cultural, in deep spiritual that visitors claim as island of paradise. Bali is a paradise for surfing and diving lovers, family travelers, honeymooners including backpackers. Other sports, adventure and family activities[edit]Bali has become a famous destination for golfers and there are 5 Golf Courses: "Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club" in the mountains near Bedugul, the "Bali Golf & Country Club" in Nusa Dua, a 9-hole course at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, the "Nirwana Bali Golf Club" near Tanah Lot, and the New Kuta Golf Course at Pecatu on the Bukit Peninsula. Visitors can see animals at the Bali Zoo in Singapadu near Ubud, at the Bali Bird Park, at the Taro Elephant Park, and at the Bali Marine and Safari Park located near Gianyar. Many companies also provide adventure activities such as Paragliding at Nusa Dua, Mountain Cycling in the hills of Ubud or downhill cycling from Bedugul and Kintamani, Jungle Trekking, Bungy Jumping on the beach in Seminyak, Horse Riding in Seminyak and Umalas, and Hiking in the rice fields near Ubud and many other places in the hills. Nature can be observed while trekking in West Bali National Park, at the Butterfly Park (Taman Kupu Kupu) in Wanasari, or at the Bali Botanical Gardens in Bedugul. Inside the Botanical Gardens, visitors can also get a bird's-eye view of nature from the Bali Treetop Adventure Park.[43] Cultural and family activities[edit]Many companies run bike tours in the mountains as adventure tours but some will offer more than just a ride, they offer a Cultural experience, visiting traditional villages, school visits, etc. Balinese Food Cooking Classes[edit]Popular and run by local families around Ubud and include a trip to the local market. These make great rainy day activities when you can't get to the beach or hike in the hills.
Scooter Hire (motorbikes)[edit]It is a requirement in Bali to carry an international driver's license to ride a motorbike over 125cc (there are no 500cc motorbikes in Bali). However, it is not a requirement to rent one, so don't be tempted to rent one unless you have a license as the police do regular checks and the fine is $25 for no license, however, if you are not wearing a helmet, etc the fine will increase with every small thing they can find you are doing wrong. Learn[edit]In addition to various private institutions, there are four public universities in Bali: Udayana University, the largest institute of higher education on the island, Indonesia Institute of Arts in Denpasar, Bali State Polytechnic and Ganesha University of Education. Study Abroad in Bali[edit]Originally established as a cultural think tank in 1962, Udayana University has become one of the foremost higher education institutions in Indonesia. The university has approximately 22,000 students attending 12 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate degree programs. Most of the international students come from China, Japan, German-speaking countries, Nordic countries, and the United States. Udayana University offers study abroad semester for international students in its Bali International Program on Asian Studies (BIPAS). The program includes courses in Business, Economics, Law, Tourism, Culture and Languages. The interdisciplinary approach complements most degrees. Buy[edit]Whether it is simple trinkets, a nice statue, or high fashion boutiques that turn you on, Bali is a shopper's paradise. A huge range of very affordable products is offered to the point where shopping can overwhelm a visit if you allow it to! Clothing is a real draw. Popular sportswear brands are available in a multitude of stores in Kuta and Legian for prices approximately thirty to fifty percent lower than you would pay at home. If the mass market is not your thing, try the ever-increasing number of chic boutiques in Seminyak and support young local designers. Jalan Laksmana is a good starting point. Bali is an island of artisans, so arts and crafts are always popular. Try to head to the source if you can rather than buying from identikit shops in Kuta or Sanur. You will gain more satisfaction from buying an article directly from the maker and seeing the craftsman in action. Bali has a huge range of locally produced paintings, basket ware, stone and wood carvings, silver and shell jewelry, ceramics, natural paper gifts, glassware, and much, much more. Dried spices and coffee are very popular items to take home. Most supermarkets have specially designed gift packages aimed at tourists, or, if you are visiting Bedugul, buy at the Bukit Mungsu traditional market. Whatever you are buying, make sure you are in your best bargaining mode, as these skills will be required except in the higher-end stores that specifically state that their prices are fixed. And of course, bargaining is a lot of fun. For more general shopping, Bali is home to a myriad of small stores and supermarkets and you will not be short of options. In recent years, 24-hour convenience stores have mushroomed in South Bali with the CircleK and 7/11 franchise chains being especially prominent. The staff at these always speak English and the product lines they stock are very much aimed at visitors; everything from beer and magazines to western foodstuffs and sun lotion are available around the clock. Eat[edit]Bali has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, serving both Indonesian and international food (see Indonesia for a menu reader). You could also find American fast-food chains here, although almost exclusively confined to the southern tourist areas. You can enjoy KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and Starbucks. Interestingly, the menus are often highly adapted to the local tastes, e.g the menu at Pizza Hut looks nothing like the one you find in western countries. Try the smaller local restaurants rather than touristy ones; the food is better and cheaper. Be sure to try the ubiquitous Indonesian dishes nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi campur (pronounced nasi champur, steamed rice with various vegetables and meats), and mie goreng (fried noodles). These dishes should rarely cost more than Rp 25,000 and are often considerably cheaper. Balinese Nasi Campur is on a must-try list. The food is consist of Indonesian food staples: white rice served with babi guling, fried peanut, sambal matah, deep-fried pork skin crackers, lawar (vegetables with grated coconut and base bali seasoning), sate lilit and sambal goreng. The other Balinese delicacies would be Nasi Ayam. It's chicken and rice with Balinese taste. You can also find the other Indonesian food in most local restaurants: Nasi goreng (sauteed rice with various toppings), Mie Goreng (sauteed noodles). The price range for local food is no more than Rp50,000,- with iced tea or mineral water. Some of the most authentic food can be found from roving vendors called kaki lima, which literally means "five legs". This comprises the three legs of the food cart and the vendor's own two legs. Go to the beaches of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak at sunset and find steaming hot bakso(pronounced ba-so), a delightful meatball and noodle soup, served up fresh for a very inexpensive Rp 5,000. You can season it yourself but be forewarned: Indonesian spices can be ferociously hot. Go easy until you find your heat tolerance level! Padang restaurants are a good choice for both the budget-conscious and those visitors wishing to experience authentic Indonesian (but not Balinese) cuisine. These are usually marked with a prominent masakan padang sign and serve food from Padang, Sumatra. The options are usually stacked on plates in the window, you choose what you want and it is served with steamed rice. The most famous Padang specialty is rendang sapi (spicy beef coconut curry) but there are always a number of chicken, fish, egg, and vegetable options. Padang food is always halal Balinese food[edit]Actual Balinese food is common on the island but it has made few inroads in the rest of the country due to its emphasis on pork, which is anathema to the largely Muslim population in the rest of the country. Notable dishes include:
Other local Balinese specialties include:
Dietary restrictions[edit]Unlike Indian Hindus, virtually all Balinese eat meat, and vegetarianism has traditionally been limited to part-time fasts for some priests. It's thus best to assume that all local food is non-vegetarian unless assurances are given to the contrary. In particular, the Indonesian spice paste sambal is a hot paste of ground red chilies, spices, and usually shrimp paste. Always check to see if the sambal being served to you contains shrimp paste—you can find it without at a few places. Additionally, kerupuk crackers with a spongy appearance contain shrimp or fish. Instead, ask for emping which is a delicious cracker made from a bean paste and is totally meat free—it resembles a fried potato chip in appearance. However, restaurants catering to tourists do nearly always provide some vegetarian options, and in places like Seminyak and Ubud there are even dedicated vegetarian restaurants. Halal eateries catering to the Muslim minority exist, but may require a little searching for and tend to be downmarket. Padang restaurants (mentioned above) are a good option. Kosher food is virtually unknown. Budget[edit]A meal in a basic tourist-oriented restaurant will be around Rp 20,000-50,000/person. In a local restoran or warung the same meal might be about Rp 15,000 or less. Simple warungs sell nasi bungkus (a pyramid shaped paper-wrapped parcel of about 400 g of rice with several tasty extras-to take away) for as little as Rp 3,000-5,000. One very reliable option is nasi campur (rice with several options, chosen by the purchaser) for about Rp 10,000-15,000. Note that rice is often served at ambient temperature with the accompanying food much hotter, this is common practice in Indonesia. At the other end of the scale, Bali is home to a number of truly world-class fine-dining restaurants. Seminyak is home to many of the trendy independent options, and elsewhere on the island, the better five-star resorts have their own very high-quality in-house restaurants with prices to match. At all but the cheapest local restaurants, it is normal for 10% government sales tax and 5% service charge to be added to your bill. Some restaurants include this in the price, but most expressly state these plus plus terms. Drink[edit]The Balinese have nothing against a drink, and alcohol is widely available. However, this doesn't mean that drunken behavior is entirely acceptable. Indonesia's most popular beer is the ubiquitous Bintang, but the cheaper Bali Hai is nearly as widespread. Bintang is a fairly highly regarded classic light Asian beer, Bali Hai is a lager, and despite the name, it's actually brewed in a suburb of Jakarta. The Bali-based microbrew Storm is available in several different flavors, and the pale ale is especially good. The Storm beer is more expensive though. The other local beer is Anker. Both Carlsberg and San Miguel are brewed locally under license. A wide range of more expensive imported beers is also available. Beer is relatively expensive in local terms, though still cheap by western standards; at Rp 15,000 and up a small bottle costs the same as a full meal in a local eatery. In tourist centers, happy hours are widely publicized before and after sunset, with regular (stubbie) bottles of beer going for Rp 10,000 to 20,000 and large bottles for Rp 18,000 to 30,000. Bali produces its own wines, with Hatten [44] being the oldest and most popular brand, available in white, red, rose (most popular), and sparkling varieties. Quality is inconsistent, but the rose is usually OK and much cheaper than imported wines, which can easily top Rp 300,000 per bottle. Wine aficionados are better off bringing their own bottle in with them. Most restaurants will let you bring your own bottle and some will charge a modest corkage fee. Smaller establishments may not have a corkscrew, so bring your own! Bali also produces its own liqueurs and spirits, with Bali Moon being the most popular. They offer a wide range of flavored liqueurs: banana, blackcurrant, butterscotch, coconut, hazelnut, lychee, melon, peppermint, orange, blue curaçao, pineapple, and coffee. Vodka and other spirits are also produced locally, with Mansion House being the most popular brand. Be aware, though, that many of these local spirits are little more than flavored rice liquor. Cocktails in Bali range from Rp 30,000 in small bars to Rp 100,000 in high-end establishments. Bali Moon cocktails are available in almost every bar, restaurant, and hotel in Bali. Liqueurs are available in many retail outlets; just enquire within if you wish to have fun making your own cocktails! Bali's traditional hooches are arak, a clear distilled spirit that packs a 80° punch; brem, a fermented rice wine sold in gift shops in attractive clay bottles that are much nicer than the taste of the stuff inside; and tuak, a palm 'wine' which is often served at traditional festivities. Visitors should be extremely careful about where they purchase arak, as there have been a number of serious poisoning cases and even some deaths involving tainted arak. Tap water in Bali is not drinkable, but bottled water is universally available and extremely inexpensive (Rp 5,000 or so for a 1.5-liter bottle); restaurants usually use commercially purified water for cooking. The most popular brand is Aqua and that name is often used generically for bottled water. Filtered water shops are also common, providing on-site treatment of the mains water to a potable standard. This is known as air putih (literally "white water"). These shops are much cheaper than retail outlets, selling water for about Rp 5,000 per 11-liter reusable container, and they avoid the waste created by plastic bottles. Very cheap (about Rp 15,000) are fresh fruit juices and their mixes (it can be watermelon, melon, papaya, orange, lime, banana or almost any other fruit you can think of). In Bali, avocado (alpukat) is used as a dessert fruit. Blended with sugar, a little water and ice—and sometimes chocolate syrup—this is a beverage you will rarely find elsewhere! If you do not drink alcohol, Bali's fresh juices in various creative combinations will please you no end. Almost all restaurant menus have a section devoted to various non-alcoholic fruit-based drinks. Sleep[edit] A high-end hotel in Ubud, set in a terraced valley with infinity edge pool and rice paddies Bali has, without a doubt, the best range of accommodation in Indonesia, from Rp60,000 per night ($6) losmens to US$4,000 per night super-homes. The backpackers tend to head for Kuta, which has the cheapest digs on the island. However, if the accommodation is located near a nightclub it can be noisy at night. One quiet and clean place in the cheaper category is Hotel Oka in Jalan Padma in Legian, only a kilometer from the nightclubs of Kuta and walking distance from the beach. Many of the numerous five-star resorts are clustered in Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Ubud. Sanur and Jimbaran offer a fairly happy compromise if you want beaches and some quiet. Ubud's hotels and resorts cater to those who prefer spas and cultural pursuits over surfing and booze. Legian is situated between Kuta and Seminyak and offers a good range of accommodation. The newest area to start offering a wide range of accommodation is Uluwatu which now boasts everything from surfer bungalows to the opulent Bulgari Hotel. Further north on the west coast is the district of Canggu, which offers many traditional villages set among undulating rice fields and a good range of accommodation. For rest and revitalization, visit Amed, an area of peaceful fishing villages on the east coast with some good hotels and restaurants, or head for the sparsely populated areas of West Bali. Thanks to Bali's balmy climate, many hotels, bungalows, and villas offer open-air bathrooms, often set in a lush garden. They look amazing and are definitely a very Balinese experience, but they may also shelter little uninvited guests and are best avoided if you have a low tolerance for critters. Bali hotel prices may be given in three different currencies. Prices in U.S. dollars are most common, particularly away from the budget sector. Euros are sometimes used, particularly at hotels owned by European nationals. Lower-end places usually (but not always) price in Indonesian Rupiah. If you pay your bill by credit card, then the amount in the currency you agreed to when making the booking is converted to Indonesian Rupiah on the day you pay and your account is charged with that amount of Rupiah. This is because Indonesian banking law does not permit credit card transactions in any other currency. If you pay by cash, you can settle with the currency in which you were quoted the room rate. It is important to understand the tax and service charge that hotels are obliged to levy by Indonesian law. All high-end and mid-range (and a fair proportion of budget) hotels will levy a 21% tax and service charge on the room rate (the so-called "plus plus"). When you make a booking, you should always ask whether the rate quoted includes or excludes this. Simple budget homestays/losmen and informal accommodation are not obliged to levy these charges. The 21% consists of 11% sales tax which goes to the government and a 10% service charge which goes into a pool shared between the staff. Private villas[edit]Bali has become famous for its large collection of private villas for rent, complete with staff and top-class levels of service. Low labor costs result in single villas boasting staff teams of up to 30 people at the really high end. A private villa rental can be a great option for a visit to Bali, but it pays to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Not every place sold as a villa actually fits the bill. Prices vary widely and some operators claim to go as low as US$30 per night (which usually means a standalone bungalow on hotel grounds with little actual privacy). Realistically, you will be looking at upwards of US$200 per night for anything with a decent location and a private pool. At the top of the range, nightly rents can easily go north of US$1,000. The general rule of you get what you pay for applies here. There are, of course, exceptions, but a 4 bedroom villa offered for US$400 and one for US$800 per night will be different in many ways—the standard of maintenance, the number of staff and their English ability, and the overall quality of furnishings and fittings in the property. Look carefully as to who is running the villa. Is it run by the owner, a local company, a western company, or by local staff who answer to an absent overseas owner? And who you are renting through— directly from the owner, a management company, an established villa agent or one who just opened a month ago after his friend Nyoman told him how easy it was? Each path has its pros and cons. If it is an agency, see if there are press reviews. Ask how long the villa has been taking commercial guests, as villas normally take a year or so to get to the best service levels. In the first six to 12 months of operation, great villas may offer introductory rates that are well below market value to gain awareness. In all circumstances thoroughly examine and query the security arrangements, especially if dealing with an apparently inexperienced or opportunistic operator to ensure you are not exposing yourself or your belongings to any unnecessary risks. Private villas are found mostly in the greater Seminyak area (Seminyak, Umalas, Canggu), in the south around Jimbaran and Uluwatu, in Sanur and around the hill town of Ubud as well as Lovina in north Bali . They are rare in heavily built-up areas like Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. Long-term[edit]For an extended stay, it is worth considering a long-term rental , which can be as low as US$2,500 per year. Restaurants, shops and bars frequented by Bali's sizable expatriate community, particularly in Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud, are good places to find information about long-term rentals. Look for a bulletin board with property advertisements tacked up or pick up a copy of the local expat biweekly publication, The Bali Advertiser [45]. You can also join several Facebook group about Bali, usually agents or house owner will post long term rental accommodation there. Remember that with a year-round tourism trade, villas that have everything right are usually available for more lucrative short-term rental only. Long-term rental houses tend to be older and not as well maintained. If you are willing to be flexible, though, you can find nice house options over a wide range of budgets. Stay safe[edit]Bali is, in general, a safe destination, and few visitors encounter any real problems. However female travelers must take care and avoid carrying handbags or riding motorbikes, especially in the Canggu - Seminyak area, there have been many reports of female ex-pats, tourists, and local girls being pulled from motorbikes (scooters). Bali was the scene of lethal terrorist bombings in 2002 and 2005, with both waves of attacks targeting nightclubs and restaurants popular among foreign visitors. Security is consequently tight at obvious targets, but it is of course impossible to protect oneself fully against terrorism. If it is any reassurance, the Balinese themselves—who depend on tourism for their livelihood—deplored the bombings and the terrorists behind them for the terrible suffering they have caused on this peaceful island. As a visitor, it is important to put the risk in perspective: the sad fact is that Bali's roads are, statistically, far more dangerous than even the deadliest bomb. It may still be prudent to avoid high-profile western hang-outs, especially those without security measures. The paranoid or just security-conscious may wish to head out of the tourist enclaves of South Bali to elsewhere on the island. Bali enforces the death penalty against the import, export, trafficking, and possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin. Several high-profile arrests of foreigners have taken place in Bali since 2004, and a number have been executed recently. Even the possession of a small number of drugs for personal use puts you at risk of a trial and prison sentence. Watch out for seemingly harmless street boys looking to sell you drugs (marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, etc.). More often than not, they are working with undercover police and will try to sell you drugs so that they can then get uniformed officers onto you. The police officers will (if you are lucky) demand a bribe for your release, or, more likely, look for a far larger payday by taking you into custody. Just avoid Bali's drug scene at all costs. The unfortunate people who are caught and processed will find there is little distinction between personal use and dealing in the eyes of the Indonesian legal system. 'Expedition fees', monies paid to shorten jail or prison time, can easily run to US$20,000 and are often a lot more. There is a fair chance that you will be offered magic mushrooms, especially if you are young and find yourself in Kuta. It is not worth taking the risk. If you see a red flag planted in the sand, do not swim there, as they are a warning of dangerous rip currents. These currents can pull you out to sea with alarming speed and even the strongest swimmers cannot swim against them. The thing to do is to stay calm and swim sideways (along the shore) until out of the rip and only then head for the shore. The ocean is not to be trifled with in Bali, and dozens of people, some experienced some not, die by drowning every year. Petty scams are not uncommon, although they can usually be avoided with a modicum of common sense. If approached on the street by anybody offering a deal on souvenirs, transport, etc., you can rest assured that you will pay more if you follow your newfound friend. Guard your bags, especially at transport terminals and ferry terminals. In addition to the risk of them being stolen, self-appointed porters like to grab them without warning and then insist on ridiculous prices for their "services". Timeshare scams are common in Bali with several high-profile, apparently legitimate operators. If you are approached by a very friendly street canvasser asking you to complete a survey and then attend a holiday resort presentation to claim your 'prize' (this is inevitably a 'free' holiday which you end up paying for anyway), politely refuse and walk away. You may also be cold-called at your hotel to be told you have 'won a holiday' - the caller may even know your name and nationality thanks to a tip-off from someone who has already seen your data. If you fall for this scam, you will be subjected to a very long, high-pressure sales presentation and if you actually buy the 'holiday club' product, you will certainly regret it. Timeshare is a completely unregulated industry in Indonesia, and you have no recourse. When leaving Bali, if you have anything glass in your baggage (such as duty-free alcohol) the security guards may put some pressure on you to have it wrapped to keep it safe, and it can seem like a requirement rather than a suggestion (it is Rp 60,000 a bag). Similarly, when arriving in Bali, some airport officials may offer to take your bags for you and walk you through customs, be generally friendly and helpful, and then demand a tip. The money changing rule is simple: use only authorized money changers with proper offices and always ask for a receipt. The largest is called PT Central Kuta and they have several outlets. If you are especially nervous, then use a formal bank. You may get a better rate at an authorized money changer though. Avoid changing money in smaller currency exchange offices located within shops, as they more often than not will try to steal money by using very creative and "magician"-like methods. Often the rate advertised on the street is nowhere near the rate that they will give you in the end. Many times the rate is set higher to lure you in so that they can con you out of a banknote or two, and when this is not possible, they will give you a shoddy rate and state that the difference is due to commission. This even applies to the places which clearly state that there is no commission. If you do get your money changed, always be the last person to count and touch it before you leave the shop. Do not rely on the money changer to count it even if they do it in front of you. When withdrawing money from ATM, avoid card-skimming by using ATM inside the bank lobby, or getting your cash from the bank teller. Tourists have had their debit cards skimmed and lost all their money in their bank accounts. The notorious ATMs to avoid (don't use) are the Mandiri Bank ATM: with reported card skims in the Mandiri ATM near Bintang in Ubud and Mandiri Bank ATM in Canggu, the ATM on Jalan Hanoman near Coco Supermarket in Ubud. Be sure to get the receipt from the cashier when shopping at convenience stores. It is very common for them to charge you more while not giving the receipt. When you ask them for it, they may tell you that the cash register is not working. More often than not, it is not true, just be persistent, and eventually, they give you back what they tried to steal from you. Don't expect apologies though, they will make blank faces as if they don't understand what happened. Also always pay attention to the face value of banknotes you are giving to any seller. They may try to switch your 100,000 rupiahs to 10,000 and convince you, that you gave them the wrong banknote. For many, the largest irritant will be the hawkers and peddlers who linger around temples, malls, beaches, and anywhere tourists congregate. It may feel difficult or rude to ignore the constant come-ons to buy souvenirs, food, and assorted junk, but it can be necessary in order to enjoy your holiday in semi-peace. Last but not least be wary around the monkeys that occupy many temples (most notably Uluwatu and Ubud's Monkey Forest). They are experts at stealing possessions like glasses, cameras, and even handbags, and have been known to attack people carrying food. Feeding them is just asking for trouble. Rabies is present in Bali and several deaths arising from rabies infections have been recorded in early 2011. Visitors to the island should avoid contact with dogs, cats, monkeys, and other animals that carry the disease. If bitten seek medical attention. Stay healthy[edit]Although the standards of healthcare and emergency facilities have improved greatly in recent years, they remain below what most visitors would be accustomed to in their home country. Whilst minor illness and injury can be adequately treated in the ubiquitous local clinics most overseas visitors would not be comfortable having serious problems dealt with in a local hospital, and insurance coverage for emergency medical evacuation is, therefore, a wise precaution. If a medical evacuation is required then patients are normally moved to Singapore or Perth in Australia. Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, does however have some high-standard medical care facilities if seeking medical attention at a closer location. Be aware that the purchase of travel insurance still means that most clinics and hospitals may require payment in advance, or sometimes by incremental payment as various services are rendered. This may require access to a quite significant amount of cash to keep things moving. Any claim is then made to the insurance company upon your return home. This is almost always the case if the problem is one that can be dealt with on an outpatient basis. Make sure that your insurance company has an agreement with the provider or immediately establishes one, otherwise you will also be landed with a bill for an inpatient stay. I would not recommend Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC)which is a relatively expensive option and even they ask for payment for outpatient treatments (for example: removing stitches cost 1200000 IDR). Siloam hospitals are very reliable and provide fair healthcare and emergency facilities. You can find them in Kuta, Bali (6 km far from the airport), Manado, Sulawesi and even Labuan Bajo, Flores... The major travel insurance companies may be slow to respond with appropriate assistance and equally slow to refer a claimant to a suitable medical service. Delays may also be experienced if the insurer is slow or indecisive in authorizing treatment. Difficulties may arise from an insurer not authorizing a payment guarantee to the local medical services provider. Delays in rendering appropriate treatment are a common outcome. Try to gain an understanding of the policy terms and limitations of your travel insurance cover prior to departing your home country. Trying to gain an understanding of the limitations of cover whilst amidst a crisis is not recommended. Some insurance companies and their emergency response centers may not live up to your own expectations of regional knowledge, appropriate case management and speedy response. Your best insurance is always common-sense, some basic pre-departure research on your destination and the application of good situational awareness whilst travelling. Try to have your own plan in place to deal with any crisis you may encounter when travelling rather than relying solely upon a possibly inadequately skilled and under-qualified person sitting in a distant call centre who may have their own role complicated by problems with language, communication and access to the insurers decision makers. You may wish to consider carrying the names and contact numbers of one or two of the major local medical and evacuation providers in your wallet or purse so that you know how to quickly obtain medical assistance should an emergency arise. Always ensure that you contact your insurer as soon as possible should an emergency arise otherwise you may find they are later unwilling to accept liability for payment for any expenses that arise. Always keep a thorough record of all expenditures and communications with your insurer and obtain full and detailed invoices and receipts for all services provided and any incidental costs. If you do not understand the detail of anything that you are billed for ask for an explanation; if information is not forthcoming withhold payment or authorisation until such time as an acceptable explanation is given. International SOS Indonesia (AEA SOS Medika) [46] was founded in Indonesia in 1984 and has grown into an international organisation handling a round 9 million cases per year. It has a professionally staffed and operated clinic in Bali. They offer clinic services, hospital referral,s and emergency medical evacuation services. They have agreements or associations in place with many of the major travel insurers and are a principal medical service supplier in the SE Asian region, including Indonesia. The midday sun in Bali will fry the unwary traveler to a crisp, so slap on plenty of high-factor sun protection and drink lots of fluids. However, there is no need to carry liters of water as you can buy a bottle virtually anywhere. The locals tend to stay away from the beaches until about two hours before sunset when most of the ferocity has gone out of the sun. Surfers often experience coral cuts or more serious injuries on the sharp reefs, so it is highly recommended to get Travel Insurance with full Emergency Medevac cover. "Indo Surf Travel Insurance" is now available which is the only company to cover damage to surfboards even while in-use surfing (Australian residents, or non-residents traveling to Australia and Indonesia on the same trip) [47] Traveling to Bali may expose you to some risks in contracting one of many tropical diseases that are present in the region. Bali is officially a malaria-free zone but dengue fever is a problem and all sensible precautions should be taken against being bitten by mosquitoes. Take care in restaurants and bars; although it is very rare nowadays, some may use untreated/unsafe tap water to make ice for drinks otherwise made with clean ingredients. Tap water in hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless explicitly labeled as safe. Both drink adulteration with methyl alcohol (methanol) and drink spiking in bars and clubs is not uncommon in Bali. Sensible precautions should be taken when buying and consuming beverages. From 2009 until now (2012) a number of Indonesians and visiting tourists in Java, Bali, and Lombok/Gilli Islands have been poisoned by consuming drinks containing methyl alcohol resulting in fatalities. Methyl alcohol (wood alcohol) and other contaminants are highly dangerous and have been found in some locally produced alcoholic drinks including locally made Arak although precautions must also be taken when buying any mixed drink. The initial symptoms of methyl alcohol/methanol intoxication include central nervous system depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, and confusion. If methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected seek medical assistance immediately. The HIV infection rate in Bali is increasing, mainly amongst sex workers of both genders and intravenous drug users. If you engage in any risky activity, always protect yourself. Contact[edit]Unfortunately, it is very unlikely you will find a working public telephone on the street, which can be very frustrating in emergency situations. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to rely on mobile phones (local SIM cards may be used in unlocked phones with economical local and international calling rates) or phone/internet shops. Purchasing a local SIM card is recommended if you foresee that you will have to make multiple calls during your stay. There are several cellular operators In Bali: Telkomsel (simPATI) and Indosat (IM3) have the largest coverage area. In addition to the GSM standard, you can find CDMA (operator Smart). Local calls from hotel rooms are charged an expensive flagfall and per minute rate. Budget accommodation options are unlikely to offer telephone services to guests. International phone operators: ☎ 101. International Direct Dialling prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquires: ☎ 108 (if using a cell phone locally dial the area code you are in (eg 0361) and then 108) Immigration office:
Area Codes[edit]Bali has six area codes.
Emergency[edit]
Hospitals with 24 hours emergency room (ER):
Selected medical clinics with English language abilities: South Bali
Central Bali
East Bali
North Bali
West Bali
Visa Extensions[edit]Initial one-month tourist visas can be extended by a further one month. There are many visa/travel agencies that can do this for you and it takes about a week. Costs vary but surprisingly they seem more expensive in south Bali than it is in more rural locations further away from the immigration passport office. In south Bali expect to pay between Rp 600,000 to 750,000 or even more. Elsewhere it can be as low as Rp 500,000 such as in Amed. A good place to find cheaper visa agents is at scuba diving centers. They often have divers wishing to stay longer and therefore know where to get visa extensions done cheaply for their customers. Consulates[edit]Some countries have set up consulates in Bali and these are their contact details, the nation's capital Jakarta has a number of embassies representing a wide range of nationalities.
Get out[edit]Boat services run regularly to Lombok, Flores and islands further east. Combined bus and ferry services will take you to destinations in Java such as Yogyakarta.
WikiPedia:Bali wmc:category:Bali
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