Bali Travel - Brief Information about Bali

Bali is only one of over 17,000 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia and is definitely the most popular island destination for tourists. There is so much Bali travel information and advice available to help tourists, hopefully you will find all that you need to help you enjoy your stay in Bali as you read through this page and make your Bali experience as exciting and relaxing as possible.

Throughout the world, Bali is recognized as a fairy tale paradise island with sunny beaches, white sand, superb surfing, rural fishing villages, sculptured rice terraces and so much more. When you travel to Bali you are not only going to experience some of the most up market and luxurious hotels and villas available around the world, but in certain rural areas it will seem as though you are stepping back in time. Some of the Balinese people live the same way that they have done for centuries without changing with modern technology.

To most of the Balinese people religion is not only for Sundays but it is deeply ingrained and is a way of life. Hinduism is the main religion on the island and the beliefs and traditions have not been changed by the huge international tourist resorts, massive shopping malls and the many bars that are associated with many of the tourist resorts. Many of the smaller Balinese temples co-exist in between the Western influenced tourist areas. When travelling to Bali you will have to accept that sometimes the roads will be impassable due to religious ceremonies and instead of becoming impatient, enjoy the experience, after all there is nothing you can do to speed the process up. The streets are transformed into a maze of colours and costumes, with people dressed in beautiful traditional dresses and garments.

Many things in Bali go a lot slower that in developed countries, so patience is one thing you will need to pack with you especially if you intend to do some  travelling around Bali’s rural areas. The people of Bali are extremely friendly and always return a smile. The politeness and courtesy you receive in any of the service industries is supreme and renowned worldwide. The services are cheap and you will always feel happy to give a tip even in the expensive restaurants and hotels due to the exceptional service and friendly attitude that greats you. Tourism is a big source of income for the Balinese and they literally bend over backwards in order to make your stay as comfortable and happy as possible.
The local currency used in Bali and all over Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah IDR. XE is a live currency converter that is updated as exactly as the rates change on the world market. This is great not only for planning your holiday money, but also if you need to exchange money when in Bali, you can know in advance what the actual rate is before going to the foreign money exchangers.

Balinese Etiquette

When traveling to other countries it is always a sign of respect to try and learn some of the different customs of the people. Balinese people are very accommodating and will show their appreciation that you try to follow their customs even if you don’t get it right all the time.

The following matters of etiquette, should be observed especially when traveling around Bali’s rural areas and attending special occasions and festivals.

Always take off your shoes before entering a house even if you are told not to.
Patting anyone on the head is considered very rude.
If your baby is less than six months old, don’t let it touch the ground.
Don’t use your foot to point.
Don’t hang your shirt or any clothing on a temple wall.
Don’t walk under a washing line that has underwear hanging on it if is then above your head.
When hanging up laundry put your underwear on the lowest rung.
When at ceremonies, weddings etc, sit lower than honored guests, priests and sacred objects.
Don’t step in front of someone if you can’t avoid it, adopt a submissive posture and ask forgiveness.
Never step over a sacred object or offering, be careful of this as some masks at ceremonies can be sacred. When at special events and in doubt, just don’t do it.
You can sit on cushions, but not on a pillow.
Sleep with your head pointed towards the east or north, pointed to the mountains.
When visiting temples or less casual places, wear long pants or a sarong with a selendang (scarf like cloth) tied around the waist.

It may seem sexist to many women, but it is considered extremely taboo to enter a temple while menstruating.

Getting to Bali

By Air

The main international airport is Bali’s Ngurah Rai and is a gateway to many Indonesian countries. The main airline operating here is Garuda Indonesia as well as 12 other international airlines. Ngurah Rai is situated in the south area of the island and traveling to the majority of the popular resorts will not take more that 30 minutes. If you are staying in one of the northern resorts like Ubud expect a drive of over an hour.

Daily direct flights are available from Singapore on Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines.MAS and Garuda operate direct flights    from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and from Hong Kong with Garuda and Cathay Pacific. Direct flights are also available from Bangkok with Thai International and Qantas. UTA flies direct from Paris, KLM fly from Amsterdam via Medan, Garuda fly from Japan and Taiwan and Garuda and Qantas fly from the Australian cities of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Adelaide.

By Road or Rail from Java

Trains and buses from Java stop at Banyuwangi and a 24 hour ferry transports cars and passengers to Gilimanuk, where buses will take passengers to Denspasar.

Simply by Sea

International cruise ships and yachts utilize the Bali seaports associated with Benoa and Padangbai. Padangbai is mainly utilised by the larger luxury cruise ships as Benoa is relatively small. From Lombok’s port of Lembar a ferry service is available two times daily to Padagbai and from Benoa harbor to Lembar you are able to catch a hydrofoil.

Bali will be the departure stage for cruises in order to Lombok, as well as the close by island that men and women are beginning to discover are incredibly remote an unspoiled by travel and leisure. If you intend to visit right here ensure that you check with your doctor as this is usually known as a high malaria area.

As with all countries, laws can modify overnight and it is essential to have the particular latest up in order to date information just before travelling to the foreign country.

Bali Tourism Board (BTB)

BTB was set up within the 1st associated with March 2000 shaped by nine major Bali tourism associations. With all the unstable company climate hamper the island, BTB will be hoped to create and develop a much better and more environmentally friendly tourism industry within Bali. Considering the value of the travel and leisure industry and the capability of BTB in associating with government, community, plus industry alike, the particular Governor of Bali officially recognized BTB on 10 Might 2000 as the embodiment of a new partnership in between the travel industry, the government, plus the group. Considering that then, BTB has earned the regard and support of related government companies, including the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.

Visit Indonesia

Visit Indonesia is an up in order to date Indonesian web site offering anything through entry advice, 2 and don’ts in order to banking hours activities and activities.

Nationwide Portal Republic of Indonesia

The official Indonesian government website, National Portal Republic of Indonesia will be for everything Indonesian/Bali related not only with regard to tourist information plus is worth overlooking before leaving for the trip to Bali. In case you only would like to continue reading visitor related news plus advice visit their official tourism web site.

Smart Traveler

This is actually the Aussie Government’s travel advisory and consular support service website. Even though this web site is targeted to the Australian human population the advice is valuable to everyone wishing to stand up to date guidance on everything whenever you want in order to travel to Bali.

The Laws of Indonesia and Bali

Every major city has a law enforcement station called Holiday resort Polisi. The Visitors Police Office is usually positioned in Denpasar, yet its office hours are only 8: 00 am in order to 12: 00 midday, Monday to Saturday.

All narcotics are usually against the law in just about all Indonesian countries plus using, selling or buying any drugs can cause large fines, prison or even even the death penalty. If you are caught also your own federal government is going to be unlikely in order to help you, therefore stay clear of such type of recreation.

In case you lose your passport, report it immediately to the particular local Police train station and ask for the letter using the record details. Trying to get the replacement passport change if you do not produce this notice.

You can drive if you have got an international permit or one released in one associated with the ASEAN nations; Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Asia, Vietnam. If a person want to obtain a motor bike or even car license your own application is created by means of the Komdak Lalulintas in Jalan Seruni. A driving check is theoretically mandatory, however you will discover individuals that will end up being able to fast track the application with regard to you, obviously to get a fee.

Visa and other entry-and-exit conditions (such since currency, customs plus quarantine regulations) alter regularly. Contact the particular nearest Embassy or even Consulate of Indonesia for the many up-to-date information.

You should make sure you have got the correct, current visa at just about all times, otherwise you could be fined, jailed, deported or banned from re-entering Indonesia regarding a period of time.

Your passport must be legitimate for a minimal of 6 months through your date associated with arrival. Visitors may be granted a seven day visa upon arrival for the payment of USD10 or a 30 time visa on arrival for a charge of USD25. Each visas are non-extend-able and non-transferable. The period of stay with regard to visas is computed from the time of arrival. With regard to example, if a visitor with a 7 day visa showed up on a Weekend, they have to depart Philippines these Saturday. When the tourist left on the subsequent Sunday, they would certainly be considered to have overstayed their Australian visa. 

If you are usually staying in personal accommodation, you are usually required to sign-up with the nearby Rukun Tertangga (RT) Office and the local police whenever you arrive. If you are planning to be within Indonesia for more compared to 90 days, you need to register with the particular local immigration workplace and hold the particular correct visa.
Create sure your passport has at minimum six months’ validity and carry duplicates of a recent passport photograph with you in case a person require a replacement passport while overseas.

Essential Travel Safety measures

Whenever planning a vacation to some tropical location like Bali, almost all types of thoughts will be conjured up in your mind associated with the possible hazards that await both you and how to cope with them. The major concerns that individuals face would be the security of the as well as water, local assault crime rate, the particular transportation and any common or dangerous tropical diseases. Several expats live plus travel around Bali on a every day basis without issues, but as the first-time visitor presently there are certain safety measures that you can take to guarantee a safe plus enjoyable holiday.

Reduce health risks just before visiting Bali.

Before trips to Bali seek advice from your doctor to discover what the present health situation will be in the region you will stay within and find out there if there are usually any vaccinations required before you leave. Bali is a tropical region and does have some nasty bugs suspended or flying close to therefore it is important to know specifically exactly where you are going to be traveling to and allow your doctor understand. When you have arrived in Bali it is very important stay in the areas you have planned to as being a of the particular islands have different health risks that you might not exactly be conscious or prepared with regard to. For example Lombok will be considered as a increased malaria risk region than the key isle of Bali plus if you have got not been using malaria tablets it is not highly recommended to go there.

The more common vaccinations that you simply would end up being given are polio, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A plus W and malaria or even whatever is widespread at that particular time. If Bali is a normal holiday place for the vacations, it is usually important to go to your doctor each and every time you plan on heading as new illnesses can emerge very quickly.

Bali Travel insurance.

Traveling is dangerous, in particular when you are usually going an extended range to a international country. Insurance will not take the danger factor out yet can help you if a person do ending upward needing medical interest because of an incident or some illness. For short vacations, insurance isn't that costly compared to the particular reassurance that it offers and you could after that get on along with enjoying your holiday without worrying.

Drinking Water in Bali.

Faucet water is dangerous to drink in Bali. Although the quality of drinking water throughout the isle varies greatly, some coming piped, a few from the well, one should always believe it is unsafe to drink without having boiling. People surviving in Bali shower along with the local water, brushing teeth and so on. with no side effects, still your moving water should be bottled water. Wherever you stay, the tap water is dangerous for drinking, a few of the luxury hotels have signs on the particular basins advising that will their water will be safe, but this is not really worth the particular risk to drink this. Bottled water is freely available and it is cheap. Even whenever brushing your teeth use the water in bottles.

When staying in tourist areas, almost all food is prepared along with water in bottles, so you are safe to consume everything including the particular delightful salads. Glaciers out there establishments is usually also produced from bottled water and is usually safe, but whenever traveling outside visitor resorts prevent the snow and only purchase drinks that are usually in refrigerators, not in cooler containers covered with water and ice. All fruit and veggies can be eaten without the concerns as long since you use bottled water if a person are going for making some of your own own meals.

Bali Belly is not really common Diarrhea.

Bali will be renowned to have an severe gastroenteritis infection that should not end up being mistaken for simple holiday runs. A person will know for those who have caught this when you will have each diarrhea and throwing up simultaneously and may feel like hell. The best factor to do is seek medical suggestions from a local physician who will prescribe the needed medication to get you support on your feet usually within 24 hours. If a person do not obtain treatment then this could last for days and spoil your own holiday and the worst thing would be you will finish up in hospital.

Small cuts as well as scrapes.

Small slashes can produce into severe infections due to the hot damp conditions very quickly. Wash out any kind of cuts you obtain with clean bottled water and apply some Betadine. Allow the cut to air flow dry rather then placing a plaster upon as this will certainly make it “sweat” and much more in order to heal.

Carry the first aid kit.

Learn how in order to use a first aid kit and period own one along with you, trying to find one locally will be very difficult and people that are accessible are extremely limited. Do not pack it within your hand luggage as it might be confiscated because of the sharp tools.

Traveling for Healthcare help.

If a person are staying in a villa out of town this can be difficult to get transportation when most required. When you very first arrive, get the few telephone numbers associated with reliable taxi solutions that operate twenty-four hours and shop them in your own phone. Or you may book a Bali car rental service from the front office staff of your accommodation.

Emergency Numbers in Bali.
Police : 110
Fire Dept.: 113
Ambulance : 118
Search & rescue: 111,115 or 151
Operated Assisted Calls
Within Indonesia : 100
International : 101

Directory Information
Bali : 147
Indonesia : 106
Postal & Parcel Services.

Major hotels handle mail service, telegrams and telexes. The Central Post Office is located in Denpasar.

Central Post Office
Jl. Raya Puputan, Renon, Denpasar 80235. Tel: 23565. Open from
Monday to Thursday : 08.00 a.m. – 02.00 p.m.
Friday: 08.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon.
Saturday: 08.00 a.m. – 01.00 p.m.

Post Restante
Post Restante is an low-cost service regarding overseas visitors within Bali so they can receive characters or parcels through family or buddies while traveling about Bali. The providers are available from the Central Write-up Office and at the particular following post workplaces:

Sanur Post: 

Banjar Taman, Sanur, Denpasar 80277
Kuta Post Office: Jl. Raya Tuban, Kuta, Denpasar 80361
Ubud Post Office: Banjar Taman, Ubud, Gianyar 80571.
Singaraja Postal office shooting: Jl. Gajah Mada, Singaraja 81100.