GETTING YOUR BALI VISA

 

Bali is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and it’s not so hard to see why! From list of never ending beaches, captivating spiritual energy, rice fields and exotic sunrises and sunsets. There is so much to see and experience on this beautiful island which known as Island of the Gods.

Going to Bali is feels like finding your inner soul. The local Balinese people are treasurable and humble down, to the earth. I was welcomed to visit Bali for the first time through a local I met online. This is a step by step guide to arranging your dream trip to Bali.

Most of the countries are eligible to get a FREE 30 days visa upon arrival in Indonesia which is non-extendable. If you are planning to stay longer than 30 days you will have to pay for the extendable 30 day visa. (I have not mentioned the prices as prices and law must have changed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

The moment your flight is descending to Bali Island you will get goosebumps. Once you arrive and the moment you leave the terminal be prepared to be bombarded because all taxi drivers can fully access the arrival terminal. My best advice is to pre-book your airport transfer. It is stress free since you are already suffering from jet lag.

Otherwise, you can download Go-Jek. Go jek is an app like Uber and it is completely legal. Grab and Uber is banned in most of the areas of Bali. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

Language -: The main Language spoken in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. Most languages spoken in Bali are Bahasa Indonesia, Balinese and English.

Currency -: The currency of Bali is Indonesian Rupiah. One USD is equivalent to IDR 13,901 (2019)

Credit Cards & ATMs -: There are plenty of ATM machines in the island. Cashless payments are accepted in most shops and restaurants unless you are not eating at a local restaurant (Warung) which only accepts cash. Be vigilant in ATM scams, only visit ATMs within the banks and try to avoid ATM machines at the mini marts and street side. Before you arrive in the country set a daily limit in your credit or debit card for cash withdrawals.

Plugs -: The plugs used in Bali are type C and F. Voltage is 230V and standard frequency is 50HZ in the island. I recommend you to carry a universal adapter as I had to roam around the street of Bali to find a universal adapter in my first visit. You can find quality adapter from ‘ACE Hardware’ in the island. 

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

 

In my first visit to Bali I stayed at ‘Puri Saron Hotel Denpasar’ as it was close to my local friend’s house. It’s mid-budget perfect location and just off the main road. This hotel is definitely a spot of luxury at a reasonable price. Rooms are equipped with flat screen TV, air conditioning and electric kettle. Rooms are featuring an attached bathroom with shower, which comes with slippers and towels. Cons about this place are bad hygiene in some bathrooms and cockroaches as some guests complained about this issue when I was staying there.

On the second visit I stayed at a home stay in Canggu. ‘OK BALI HOMESTAY’ this place was recommended to me by my local friend. I would say, I have nothing wrong to say about this place. You will feel like you are living with a local family. I stayed with them for two weeks and very affordable price as well. You can book this property through Airbnb. But I would advise you to book it through the family itself. You can contact me to get the contact number of the local family.

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND BALI

 

Depending on where you are staying in Bali according to your budget and your experience renting a motorbike can be more efficient and affordable option for you. A scooter rental starts from about IDR 50000-80000 per day. You need to have a valid international driving license before you arrive on the island. But no renter will enforce this. However, if you get stopped by the police you will be fined. Rent a scooter if you are adventures and willing to explore the way of locals life in Bali. Otherwise, I would suggest you to rent a car which is more costly. Do this if you do not want to end up in a hospital in your dream vacation as Bali is densely populated and can be congested with traffic and in some of remote areas roads are very narrow and not in good condition. My recommendation would be only experienced and confident travelers should rent a scooter in Bali. 

AREAS IN BALI TO EXPLORE

 

Kuta -:

Kuta beach is one of the best places to enjoy Bali’s famous sunset while enjoying a Bintang beer on your first day in the island, Located near Ngurah Rai International Airport and coast line is 2.5km long. It is very famous as a surfing paradise among surfers and it is a backpacker’s paradise. Once the sun goes down Kuta will be a party zone of Bali. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of coffee in the afternoon time at Kuta Mc Donald’s looking at the Kuta Sea from a distance and the hustle of people and vehicle along the Mc Donald’s front street, but sadly you will not be able to get this experience as McDonald’s Kuta beach was closed permanently due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Canggu -:

As a result of the over packed tourists in Seminyak, Backpackers seems to have now shifted over to Canggu, or ‘the gu’ as locals call it. Located just north of Seminyak on the west coast of Bali. Canggu is one of the best spots on the island with surfers and if you go – you’ll definitely end up with a cocktail or two at Old Man’s as you watch the sunset beyond the horizon. It was one of the best sunsets I have experienced in my life. I didn’t even have time to take my camera out and take a photo of the beautiful sunset over the horizon as I was drowned in that beautiful moment. Don’t forget a visit to Tanah Lot, one of the most popular and beautiful temple on the island.

 

Ubud -:

Ubud is known as the cultural hub in the Island with temples, holistic centers, yoga studios and local markets on every corner of the street. With access to locally grown produce of every varieties, it is here in Ubud that the vegan and raw dining culture was born in the Island. The food and drink options are amazing with the local vibe, as well as the options to explore the famous rice fields,temples, the nearby Mt.Batur and the legendary Monkey Forest.

Uluwatu -:

Uluwatu is some of the best surf breaks in Bali and to some of the most consistent, sought after reef breaks in the world. This surf town is located on the south of the island on the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula. Here you’ll also find the Pura Luhur temple and some of the exclusive hotels and restaurants and hotels on the island.

 

Sanur -:

Considered as the sleepier towns and host to many local families hotels and restaurants, Sanur is very famous among the young travellers. I simply love it here. It’s the perfect place to get more Balinese experience. Plus, this is the gateway to the nearby Islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, Flores, Komodo and the Gilies, all of which you can visit and explore in a day trip or two days trip.

Nusa Dua -:

Nusa Dua is an area of Bali with luxury 5 star hotels and resorts that back onto the white sandy beach. The hotel and restaurant are all at western prices, even all the extra excursions are on the pricey side.

Don’t forget to experience the best sunset viewed at Jimbaran beach where sunset into the sea. Jimbaran is worth the visit as the place to get fresh sea foods on the island.

 

The East & North -:

I haven’t actually explored much of the East and North of the Island. Without doubt at some point I will return back to this heavenly island. When I do, road trip up the east coast and the north is at the top of my Bali bucket list. There are some gorgeous temples alongside the coast. Don’t forget to go on a waterfalls hunting as waterfalls are spilling all over the island. 

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