BALI USEFUL INFOS

Indonesian Visa information

New Indonesian visa regulations were introduced in 2004, effective February 2004

There are currently three different visas available for tourists visiting Indonesia:

Tourists from any country wishing to stay in Indonesia for over 30 days must apply for a visa prior to arrival in Indonesia.

This information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.
To validate these status and for further information, please check with your local Indonesian Embassy.

Please note that access to the Indonesian territory requires a passeport validity no less than six months. This information should not be overlooked as some, including me, have incurred the unpleasant reprocities that may come with a passeport of lesser time validity. These can be as severe as being sent back out on the next leaving plane to any destination out of the Indonesian territory.

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Upon arrival

We strongly advise making:

It is important to know that by law all visitors to the Indonesian territory are required to register with the local authorities. Upon arrival a designated member of staff in your villa will require your passport to make a photocopy of it with the appropriate staying visa and then make sure that you are registered with the authorities. The cost is  generally 25,000 indonesia rupies/person (approximately 2 euros).

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Health consideration

The sun is very strong here, Bali being a mere 8° south of the equator.
Don’t disregard the need to lather yourself with adequate protective sun lotion.
Even on a cloudy day the sun is of high potency and burns are the most common of ailment amongst foreigners in Bali. 
20 is the minimum thugh 30 is the recommended protection and an absolute minimum for children.
Rest assured that you will acquire a beautiful tan.

First time visitors to a tropical destination are advised to check with their physicians for recommended immunization before travel. Allow a month before your planned date of departure.

Insure proper travel health coverage prior to departure, and carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription to avoid any issues from Indonesian customs, in the event you are to travel with medication.

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While packing

Keep in mind that you’ll be in the tropics. You’ll want to dress light and favor comfort and natural fibers. A casual wardrobe, beachwear and open shoes are what you’ll enjoy and make use of most, with a few elegant additions, though ease and comfort is of essence here... always.

Remember to include light rain gear for the appropriate season, a sweater or light jacket if you intend to visit the hills or spending time in Bali during the dry season as the evenings can cool down considerably. A shawl might be a welcome addition….wonderful to have for the flight regardless.

Do bring socks, adequate footwear and a warmer sweater or jacket if you plan to do a sunrise volcano climb… it does get chilly up there. Don’t over do it however!

Remember that mosquitoes are one of the largest community of the island’s inhabitant! Though rarely carriers of aggravating disease, they remain mostly unpleasant.
Ensure to pack repellent and a soothing balm or tincture in the likely events of bite’s itch.

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Monies

Money changers and ATM machines are readily available just about everywhere in the main tourist center of the island.
Most money changers will take travelers checks.
Euros and US$ are the currency of choice to travel with though beware that some series of US$ banknotes will not be accepted for payment or exchange on the Indonesian ground, so check your bills prior to departure to avoid disaggrement.

* US$ notes with serial number beginning with CB, BB, CF, DB and CA and notes that are 1999 and under will not be accepted anywhere for payment.

For accurate daily rate please check Oanda.

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Bali Weather

Hot and humid year round, the average temperature is 32°C. Keep in mind however that though this average is fairly steady within the skirting coastal area, it can get considerably cooler in the hills and mountainous regions dropping down to 10°C.

Bali has two season.

• A wet or commonly called "rainy season": Normally from late October to beginning of May. It is characterized by regular showers, with varying degrees of intensity.
  Though there is indeed days when the rain never stops, for the most part showering time happily restrain itself to the night and few morning or afternoon hours, leaving sun and cloud to dispute for the rest of the day.
  A constant and sticky feel is typical during this time of the year, providing for a tropical weather experience at its best.

• The dry season: May through October, graces the island with a constant and lovely breeze.
  The sky is of intense blue and showers are sparse.
  The days are agreeably warm and the evening refreshing.

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Getting around in Bali

Taxis are numerous and cheap in the urban areas. Though remember that often villas only have names and upon arriving on the island one might find it awkward and at times impossible to give directions to a taxi driver.
Thus you may want to consider hiring a personal driver and car. It is still a very affordable expense and will facilitate greatly your rounds and abouts.

For more independence and in rural area it is definitely the way to go.

Though if you enjoy the freedom of being the sole commander, even if it might mean getting lost at times, self-driven cars, motorbikes or scooters are widdly available for rent and a common options.
Thus said keep in mind that:

• The system for street names and numbering in Bali is illogical.

• The traffic in Bali is chaotic and rules for priority obscure and unclear (largely because there aren’t any!).

To drive legally in Bali, you must possess either an Indonesian licence or a valid International driving licence.  Not having these leaves you open to on-the-spot fines by traffic police.

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Quick access:

Indonesia Visa information

Upon arrival

Health consideration

While packing

Monies

Bali Weather

Getting around in Bali