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Travel Tips

Some useful information

Holiday Travel Tips

Things to Know Before You Go to Bali

If the transfer to the villa is arranged by us, the driver will be waiting in the arrival hall of the airport with a sign with your name (or names) and the villa name on it. The transfer from the airport to the east and north of Bali takes about 2 ½ – 3 hours, depending on traffic. If you are staying in one of our villas in the south (Kuta, Seminyak, Legian or Jimbaran area) the travel time to/from the airport takes between 20 and 40 minutes.

If you’re pick up is from a hotel or resort, the driver will meet you at the entrance or lobby. If you do not see your driver, please go to the information desk or reception. The people at the information desk or reception can call the driver for you.

Your return transfer can easily be arranged through the staff during your stay.

The weather in Bali is usually lovely between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. Almost every day is very sunny and warm. The usually hot weather on the coast is pleasantly tempered by a lovely cooling sea breeze. The monsoon causes high humidity, sometimes up to 95 percent in the rainy season. The rainy season lasts approximately from January to April.

North Bali is the driest part of the island and even during the rainy season most of the rain falls along the coast. Because of this, for a good stay in Bali, in principle, all months of the year are suitable.

  • Wet season: January-April;
  • Dry season: May-December;

It is not safe to drink tap water in Bali. It may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals, which can cause illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomachache.

It is important to drink bottled water or filtered water throughout your stay in Bali, even for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice cubes made with tap water, and be careful when eating fruits and vegetables that have been washed in tap water.

Most restaurants in Bali use bottled water for cooking, but it is always a good idea to check with the restaurant staff to be sure.

If you do experience stomach problems while in Bali, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some tips for staying healthy while traveling in Bali:

  • Drink bottled water or filtered water only.
  • Avoid ice cubes made with tap water.
  • Be careful when eating fruits and vegetables that have been washed in tap water.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Avoid eating street food from vendors who do not have adequate food handling practices.
  • Be careful when drinking alcohol, as it can dehydrate you and make you more susceptible to illness.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.

If you have any health concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor before traveling to Bali

The best way to get around Bali is with your own transportation, whether you drive yourself, hire a driver, take a moped or ride a bicycle. This gives you the flexibility to explore and allows you to reach many places that are otherwise inaccessible.

Public transportation is inexpensive, but can lead to very long trips if you don’t stick to a major route. In addition, some places are just impossible to reach.

For sightseeing tours, you can also use our private driver. Most of our guests do. Arrangements can be made through our villa staff or through our help desk (even on short notice). The driver speaks very good English and is also a good guide, he knows the most beautiful places and hot-spots to visit in Bali! There is also the possibility to rent motorcycles for RP 60,000 – RP 80,000 per day, including insurance.

Local Indonesian dishes like nasi campur and nasi/mie goreng will cost you a lot less, around IDR 30,000, a meal in a middle class restaurant will cost between IDR 100,000-250,000 and good restaurants will cost somewhere between IDR 500,000 and 1,000,000+.

The cooks at the villa can also prepare delicious meals for you. You have a wide choice of local dishes or even western food.

The local currency is the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR or Rupiah). If you want to exchange foreign bills in Bali, they should be clean, new and crisp. Indonesian banks and money changers do not accept old bills or bills that are damaged in any way. You can also use your credit or debit card at ATMs around town to withdraw Rupiahs. It is advisable to let your bank or credit card company know before you leave that you will be visiting Indonesia, as it is not unusual for the bank to block the card if it suspects it has been misappropriated. Bali is a cash country and vendors prefer to be paid in cash. However, most restaurants and larger stores do accept credit cards.

Check the most current exchange rate here. There are ATMs everywhere that accept Cirrus and Plus. Asia loves Visa and Master Card, so almost all stores and ATMs accept these cards, but very few restaurants and stores accept American Express.

In Bali there are enough first aid stations, doctors, dentists and hospitals, in case you come across something. Ask the villa manager or the staff, they know the best and they can assist you with any issue.

In Bali and Indonesia you can expect the 2 pin socket and plug (type C)  as used in larger parts of Europe. Most villas have adapters available.  But just to be sure it’s better to bring your own or buy a new one in Bali (very cheap).

Need an Adapter:
If you come from Australia, Japan, USA, Malaysia, UK, Canada, Singapore, and some countries in Africa you will most likely simply need a plug adapter otherwise the plugs for your electrical appliances will not fit into the “Bali Socket”, although the voltage should be o.k.

Learn common phrases of the local language

A simple “thank you” or “how are you doing” in the local language goes along way.

Don’t ‘forget to bring extra batteries for your camera

You don’t want to miss out on the perfect shot. So bring at least one or two extra batteries for your camera. Just to be sure.

Make a list

About a week or so before each trip make a list of items you don’t want to forget. I learned that if I think of something I don’t want to forget, I write it down immediately. .

Always take out cancellation insurance!

Of course nothing will happen, but you never know. So take out travel cancellation insurance just to be on the safe side.

Make photo copies of important travel documents

Before your trip, make photocopies and/or take photos of your documents (front and back) to pack along or leave with someone at home to email to you in case of an emergency. Or, better, make a photo with your smartphone! It’s smart to make a copy of prescriptions for eyewear and medicine as well

Do I need a visa ?

In conjunction with the revision of the visa policy, President of the Republic of Indonesia has issued and signed a revise decree no. 69, on 09th June 2015, the following countries do not require a visa to enter Indonesia for a short visit of up to 30 (thirty) days and cannot be extendable. Read more: http://www.topbali.com/indonesia-free-visa-entry/

Is your passport Bali proof?

To enter Indonesia (Bali) your passport needs at least valid six months from the date of entry Indonesia.

Bring your favourite sunscreen

Remember that you are in Bali near the Equator, very close to the sun. So specifically your sunscreen should contain no less than SPF 30. Sunscreen in Bali is most of the time more expensive, so better bring from home.

Ask the locals

We always ask the locals to point out the best local restaurants, awesome spots to watch the sunset, the best coffee shops etc. You will be surprised and it will let you to places you would never picked yourself.

Activate your debit card for international usage

Most banks and major financial institutions offer you the facility of using your Debit Card in foreign countries as well. But don’t forget to activate this before you travel to Bali.

Pack the right clothes

Where you are staying will have air conditioning or a fan 99% of the time, but it is hot and humid outside. Flip flops or comfortable walking sandals are a must with light clothing such as t-shirts and shorts to keep you cool are recommended and a light sweater in the evenings if you are on a motorcycle. When entering temples, be respectful, keep your shoulders covered and wear a sarong (for men and women) – usually sarongs are provided for you when you visit a temple.

Bali Vacation Homes