Bali

Country or Region Description

Welcome to the Island of the Gods. Bali! One of the most exotic places on earth, the island of Bali lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the largest archipelago in the world comprised of over 13,000 islands that make up Indonesia.

Surrounded by a golden rim of beaches, an irregular landscape of verdant green terraced rice fields and deep ravines, the island is home to a diverse, exotic culture and gracious people.

Come experience the music, art, cuisine and magic that is Bali!

The very name of this lovely unspoiled island conveys an aura of magic - a favoured sea kissed haven of volcanic mountain, lakes and rivers, terraced rice fields, giant banyans, palm groves and sun-dappled roads that lead past peaceful villages and markets to tucked away bays, bordered by white sandy beaches.

Bali is a great stopover enroute to Downunder, travelling around the Pacific or around the World

Bali is also a fabulous one-stop vacation destination. Let us custom make an escape for you that also includes the best airfare.

Bali is perfect for honeymoons.

Country Facts

Located a short distance from the eastern coast of Java, this island is comprised of only 2,095 square mi. Despite its size, Bali supports a population of 2-1/2 million people.

The vacation regions are in the south, around the beautiful Sanur Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, and Kuta, which lie on the other side of a narrow isthmus. Here, visitors can engage in sailing, surfing, swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, or play tennis or golf. Best shopping buys include wood carvings, bone carvings, batik, jewellery, puppet figures and paintings - all creations by local artisans, as skilled as they are friendly.

Weather

The cooler dry season from April to October is the best time to visit Bali. The rest of the year is more humid, more cloudy and has more rainstorms, but you can still enjoy a holiday.

Things to know about Bali before you go

Passports and Visas

All travellers to Bali must have Passports valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival and have proof of onward or return passage.

A visa on arrival can be obtained for Canadian and US citizens as well as some other specific passport holders. The fee is US$10 for a stay up to 7 days and US$25 for a stay from 8 to 30 days.

Vaccinations

International health certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required, except for travellers coming from infected areas.

Customs

Customs allows on entry a maximum of two litres of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Car, photo equipment, typewriters and recorders must be declared on entry and when re-exported.

Currency

Rupiah (RP 1 = 100 sen).

Population & Language

The population of Bali is around three million of which ninety-five percent are ethnic Balinese with a Javanese minority. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language spoken and written, some Dutch is still spoken and understood in the bigger cities. French is increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants. The older generations still speak Dutch as a second language.

Electricity

Power supply is usually 220 volts/50 cycles in the big cities, but 110 volts are still used in some areas. Normal outlets are plugs with two rounded prongs. It is advisable to check before using your appliances.

Banking & Travellers Cheques

Banking hours are 8:00am to 3:00pm Mon. to Fri. and until 1:00pm, Sat. Money can also be changed at hotel cashier, and authorized money changers. Jakarta has several international banks. Major tourist destination areas have banks with foreign exchange facilities. Credit cards are acceptable at major hotels, restaurants and travel agencies. US dollars are the most accepted currency.

Clothing

Due to the Climate, dress is normally informal in Indonesia. Accepted attire for men is shirt and long pants. Jacket and tie are required for official calls or more formal occasions. Long sleeved batik or hand-woven shirts are acceptable for evening functions. For ladies, dresses, blouses, and long pants are appropriate. Shirts, halters or tank tops should only be used at sports facilities or on the beach.

Tipping

Major hotels usually add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate, if service is satisfactory. Airport porters expect RP 2000, for a small bag and RP3000, for bags weighing more than 20kg. Tipping taxis is not mandatory, however if service has been satisfactory, RP1000.

Arrival Guide

Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Bali is a masterpiece of nature.

The major attraction is its beaches. Kuta is the most commercial and the busiest with many shops, restaurants and bars. Sanur is quieter and fairly secluded. Most hotels are isolated from the others. Nusa Dua is more upscale and very organized with a park-like atmosphere. Inland is Ubud with its special charm. It is the artistic and cultural centre of Bali and offers much wood carvings and paintings. It is also an excellent alternative to the beach areas. The scenery is lush and very exotic.

Excursions are available to travel further north to Mount Batur and Lake Batur with an active smoking volcano. The last major eruption was 1917. Kintamani is the town next to it, where lunch can be taken with excellent views of the mountain.