BALI TRAVEL TIPS

BALI TRAVEL TIPS

Passports & Visas :

Bali Visa Information - Important changes to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists. Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia‟s Visa policy, if in doubt check with your Travel Agent or local embassy.

Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali are: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Countries that require and are eligible for a VOA (Visa-On Arrival) are:
Algeria, Arab Emirates, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy Japan ( processed on plane), Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States America VOA Price is: US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days (can now be extended). The 7 day visa is NO longer available.

Bali Time

There is a joke that says everything on the island is done in “Bali Time” in reference to Bali‟s laid back style of getting things done. Bali‟s “actual” Time Zone however is : GMT + 8 hours.

Credit Cards & Offices in Bali

Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques.

American Express :

Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur. Tel : 288511 ext. 111

Mastercard :

Bank Central Asia, Jl. Cokroaminoto, Denpasar. Tel : 222652

Visa Card :

Bank Duta, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 165, Denpasar. Tel : 226578

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Emergency & Useful Phone Numbers

Emergency Numbers

110 : Police 224111: Tourist Police

113 : Fire 51111 : Search & Rescue

118 : Ambulance 26465 : Red Cross

Medical

AEA International (Medical Evac) : Jl. Hayam Wuruk 40, Denpasar. Tel : 228996

BIMC (Bali International Medical Center) Private Hospital : Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X Denpasar. Tel : 761263

Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) : Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel : 227560

Kuta Clinic : Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel : 753268

Nusa Dua Clinic : Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel : 771324

Sanglah Central Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum) : Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel : 227911

Bali Fast Facts

Area: 5620 km2 Population: 3551000

Timezone: GMT +8 Languages Spoken: English, Indonesian

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah Code: IDR Symbol: Rp

Area Dialling Code: Elecrical Plugs: Two pin Euro

0361 (Central Mountains, East Bali,

South Bali, West Bali & Ubud)

0362 (North Bali) and 220V 50Hz

0370 (Lombok)

Country Code: +62 Operator Assisted Calls: 100

Directory Assistance: 108

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GETTING TO & AROUND BALI

There are many modes of transport to help you "Jalan Jalan" your way around Bali.

By Air

Most international visitors will fly to Bali directly. There are numerous direct flights from Europe, America, Australia and most Asian Countries and also domestic flights to and from other major cities within Indonesia like Jakarta. Helicopter Charter: One way to beat the traffic around Bali is to go around by air! Air Bali can provide helicopters and seaplanes for joy rides and/or charter flights. It's all possible in Bali…...

By Sea

There are regular passenger ferry services from Java and Lombok. Also, cruise ship stop-overs in Bali are becoming more frequent with the upgrading of Benoa Harbour, (Bali‟s main shipping port). Beat the traffic by boat. It is noted that one ingenious individual who wanted to avoid a traffic jammed By-pass road chartered a boat from Benoa Harbor to Nusa Dua.

By Land

You can also get to Bali by car or bus from mainland Java (via a vehicular ferry traveling between Gilimanuk in west Bali and Ketapang in east Java every 15 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The actual ferry crossing takes around only 30 minutes. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver in the street who will also act as your guide. Whilst walking about, you will be barraged with constant calls of "Transport, transport?". Competition is tight and many drivers know several languages. Tell the driver your desired route or destination and then negotiate (barter) a fee with him. Usually 350,000Rp for a half day and 550,000Rp full day is what you should be paying him, this is inclusive of vehicle and fuel, if you enjoyed yourself then a 10% tip on top is considered appropriate.

Walking

Is still one of the best ways to see Bali. You'll be close to the action but don't forget the essentials, a sun hat and bottle of water (Aqua). If you're walking in Kuta be wary of the undulating footpaths and access holes placed every meter or so in the footpath. Every so often, the access holes are left open or the lid is broken, which can result in a nasty fall (especially at night).

Buses – Bemos – Bicycles

The public transport system in Bali can virtually take you anywhere you want to go but slowly. Buses and bemos are often over-crowded and hot and are recommended for short trips only. Metered “Bluebird” branded taxis are everywhere and at the very reasonable prices of 5000Rp flag fall and 4000Rp per kilometer. Bicycles are available for rent but bear in mind the heavy traffic in Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. Bicycles are ideal in areas like Sanur and the Ubud countryside if you're fit. A few companies offer mountain biking excursions, the best part being that they are all “downhill”. Car Rental & GPS: If you're feeling adventurous, drive yourself hire cars and motorbikes are everywhere. You will need your license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for renting a car or a motorbike. Types of cars range from small 4WD Jeeps & larger 4WD Kijangs (for 6 people), to Suzuki APV‟s and comfortable sedans and hatchback vehicles. Around 99% of car rentals are manual transmission, it‟s very rare to find automatic hire cars in Bali, although they are becoming more available (at a price).

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HISTORY OF BALI

OVERVIEW & HISTORY

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali was awarded the world‟s best island by The International Travel Magazine. The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, and it is this preserved Balinese culture and civilization that makes the island so different from any other destination.

HISTORY

The first Hindus arrived in Bali around 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 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. 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 (the "Balinisation of Bali").

Bali became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1945. The current chapter in Bali's history began in the seventies when intrepid hippies and devoted 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.

PEOPLE AND LIFE STYLE

Bali‟s population of over 3 million is spread over an island just 130klms across and 110klms north to south. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus (approx 95%), with the increasing number on non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. The coastal areas in the south are the most populous areas with over 370,000 people living in various professions in the capital of Denpasar. Farming has been the primary way of living in Balinese life, with fishing, and craftsmanship also in fashion from generation to generation. But the fast growing tourism industry now takes the lead with over 45% of Bali‟s workforce linked in some way to tourism. Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called the “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the Bali Government. The government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and the Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association which exists within the Banjar named “Subak” that concerns in the production of rice and organizes the complex island irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A Banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local Gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

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POPULAR BALI TOURIST DESTINATIONS

KUTA

Located in southern Bali, Kuta was a sleepy fishing village half a century ago, but it has slowly expanded since the 1960s after its long sandy beach was discovered by travelers from Asia and wandering surfers from nearby Australia. Nowadays Kuta is quite busy and packed with varied accommodation from four-star hotels to budget hostels. Cheap bars and clubs make it “Party Central” amongst revelers, while local and international restaurants offer great dining. Kuta also offers shopping aplenty, from the chic beachfront „Discovery Shopping Mall‟ and Kuta Square to the small shops lining the famous Poppies Lane, Jalan Pantai Kuta and up to Legian and trendy Seminyak – all within easy walking distance. Despite its negative “party town” labels, Kuta has its own beauty and attractions and remains one of Indonesia‟s major tourist destinations; particularly during the peak season from July to August and the holiday season for Christmas and New Year: at these times Kuta will be fully booked by a local younger crowd of Asian travelers and Australian teenagers who are intent on enjoying an affordable vacation in Bali.

LEGIAN

Kuta‟s neighboring suburb Legian is probably the second most popular area with visitors after Kuta because of its close association with beach life and its parties. Indeed, one of Legian‟s main attractions is its extravagant night life. Another attraction is the white sandy beach filled with tanned wannabe celebrities. For first timers Legian is just like another Kuta but give yourself a day, and an evening walk along the famous Double Six Beach, and a night in a cosy niteclub, then you decide what you‟ll do with the rest of your vacation.

SEMINYAK

A few miles north of Kuta and bordering Legian is Seminyak which has the reputation as being the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's most chic bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques. Cool comes at a price, featuring strongly are world class hotels and resorts located next to the beach.

SANUR BEACH

While the rest of Bali's beaches have developed at a breathtaking pace, Sanur (Bali's first beach resort) remains largely unchanged. Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues compliment traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life. Many ex-pats choose Sanur as a place to live on the island. Its only 15 mins by car to all the action in Kuta but a quiet haven to retreat to. Sanur is fast gaining a reputation as the islands gastronomic capital with many fine dining restaurants in the area.

NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua (meaning Two Islands) is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, hosting a pristine complex of luxury hotels. A heavy concentration of big name international hotels lines the beautiful white sand shore that offers excellent swimming conditions in a protected lagoon. Located ten kilometers from the international airport, Nusa Dua is designed as an enclave of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world dedicated to big-spender tourists. It is an idyllic place for honeymooner and those who are bringing the entire family, the white sand and shallow water are ideal for children to play in the sea while lifeguards keep a watchful eye. The roads in the area are well maintained and 24/7 security staff guard two entrance gates with full security procedures for every incoming and outgoing guest.

TANJUNG BENOA

Like many other beachside destinations in Bali, also used to be a fishing village and an old dock, and today most of the shore-side properties have become upper class hotels and resorts. The remaining mangrove marsh still lies at the western side entrance. Tanjung Benoa is located 15 kilometers from the international airport and neighbors Nusa Dua.

JIMBARAN

Located on the west coast of Bali‟s southern peninsula - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and peace is the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. Jimbaran Bay is world renowned for its many beachside seafood restaurants with produce straight from the
fishing boats to your table.

CANDIDASA

Pronounced “Chandi-dasa” it‟s located at Samuh Bugbug Village about 12 kilometers from Amlapura, the main town of Karangasem. It was formerly known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay), but since the tourism industry was introduced the name was changed to Candidasa. Only one thing is for sure, Candidasa is a tranquil village offering varying accommodation, from basic to five-star resorts and quite a
few great restaurants in between.

UBUD

In many ways Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specialising in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewellery as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

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