31/05/2016
BALI INFORMATION SHEET
AIRLINE CONTACT DETAILS
Garuda – Australia Phone: + 61 1300 365 330 + 61 1300 365 330
Bali - Phone: (361) 761 414 (361) 761 414 Ext 7807
Jetstar - Australia: + 61 (03) 9645 5999 (03) 9645 5999 or 131 538
Indonesia - 001 803 852 9779 001 803 852 9779 or (613) 9645 5999 (613) 9645 5999
Air Asia – Australia: + 61 1300 760 330 + 61 1300 760 330
Bali - +62 21 2927 0999 +62 21 2927 0999
Tiger Airlines - Australia +61 7 3295 2104
Bali - +62 21 21889098
AREA GUIDE
o Kuta and Legian, the life and party of Bali
o Seminyak, fashionable and upmarket beach area
o Sanur, sleepy pristine beachfront resort for families
o Ubud, culture, cafes and healing in the heart of Bali
o Uluwatu, Bukit & Beyond, surfing, water sports, beach clubs, sunset venues, yoga, breathtaking landscapes
o Nusa Dua, peaceful and safe 5* family resort
o Jimbaran, charming small luxurious fishing village
o Umalas, Canggu, surfing laid back beach and café area
o East Coast Keramus, Candidasa & Beyond charming small coastal villages some surf spots and diving
o North Bali Lovina & Beyond, charming small coastal villages known for diving
o West Coast Medewi, Balian & Beyond, surfing, local cultural areas, stunning volcanic seascapes
o Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan, laid back island life surfing, water sports
o Mountains Bedugal & Beyond, areas of natural remote beauty
ATM MACHINES
ATMs can be located in every area in Bali. Ensure you take your card out at the end as many people leave it in the machine not realising it returns your card after cash.
Although ATM's are located all over the island there is a maximum limit of 3 million rupiah per transaction withdrawal (Approx. $300 AUD) with a 3% bank fee from your bank plus an ATM usage fee in Australia if it is not your own bank. A small trick with the ATMs is to look for the ones that give 100,000Rp notes then choose other amount and key in manually a larger figure up to 3 Million Rp. It is best to change your pin number as soon as you get home to avoid card details being on sold.
BEACH CLUBS
http://www.thebalibible.com/bali/balis-best-beach-clubs
CEREMONIES
Make sure you cover your shoulders and legs with a sarong and a sash around the waist when entering temples. Ladies cannot enter when menstruating. Unless it is an organized tour or you have been invited, please do not walk into people’s homes and temples to photograph. The beautiful offerings on the ground are to ward off evil spirits. Please be aware at certain times of the year when major ceremonies take place things in Bali may run more slowly than normal. If you are lucky enough to be invited to a local wedding it is correct etiquette to give the wedding party money in an envelope.
http://www.balispirit.com/events/bali_ceremony_ritual.html
CHEFS FOR PRIVATE VILLAS
http://www.balikrisnaservice.com/
CONSULATES IN BALI
AUSTRALIA Embassy
Mr Bruce Cowled
Australian Consulate
Jalan Tantular Renon No. 32 Denpasar, Bali 80324
Tel : ++62-(0)361-241118 Facsimile: ++62-(0)361-241120
Email : [email protected]
Web: www.bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au
For emergencies only, Australian citizens requiring urgent assistance outside normal Consulate-General office hours, including weekends and public holidays can call (+62 361) 241 118 – follow the instructions (press 4, wait for the information recording to begins and then press 6), this will connect you to the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra. Alternatively call them direct on (+61 2) 6261 3305.
CLOTHING
Light casual clothing and beachwear is recommended all year round. Some restrictions apply when visiting temples. Shorts, short skirts and exposed arms are not allowed in and around temples. It is also custom to take off your shoes in temples and in private houses. A pair of sandals, thongs and a comfortable pair of joggers or walking shoes will be sufficient for footwear. Please note some venues do not allow branded singlets and thongs for men.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit Cards – Visa, Amex, MasterCard are all accepted and can be used in 90% of stores and hotels in Bali. If visiting other islands it is always best to take cash.
CURRENCY
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency, also abbreviated to Rupiah or Rp. Denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000 are in coins and 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 are in notes.
RUPIAH GUIDE
1,000 = 10 CENTS
5,000 = 50 CENTS
10,000 = $1
20,000 = $2
50,000 = $5
100,000 = $10
ELECTRICITY
220v AC. 50Hz - You will need a European two round pin plug in Bali. Available at any minimart for $1-2.
ESSENTIAL PACKING ITEMS
(Most items can be purchased in Bali though some will be more expensive)
*best to pack
*Copies of travel insurance and passport
*International Divers License if driving
*Credit and debit cards with extra cash for emergencies
*ID tracker bracelet www.idtracker.com.au
*Medications include extra and a letter from your GP
*Power board with surge protector
Phone chargers
Battery pack
Headphones
USB Hard Drive
Universal travel adaptor
Bluetooth speaker for iPhone
*Sunscreen and aftersun
*Red cordial (for Bali Belly)
*Imodium, daily probiotic
*Bubble wrap
Packing tape, marker and pen
Post pack cylinder for Art
Plastic sandwich bags
Swimmers
Mozzie coils and repellents
*Sanitary items
*Reusable bags for shopping
*Vegemite, peanut butter
Joggers
Travel tissues
Hand sanitizer
*Small drink chiller bag
*Ice pack for chiller bag
Stubble holder and wine glass woozy
Hydrolyte or similar
*Travel scales
Torch
Disposable rain ponchos and small fold up umbrella
*Detol wipes and Bosistos eucalyptus travel spray for planes
Sarong to use for beach, temples and travel
Hat and sunglasses
*Tablet, iPad, iPhone, books, magazines
*Flotation devices for kids
*Duty free spirits, wine and champagne
FIRST AID
Chemists such as Guardian or local Apotek’s are located in all areas
For Bali Belly my No.1 recommendation is Flagyl Forte antibiotics available over the counter (2 tablets every 4 hours for 24 hours with fluids).
Please also be extra vigilant in using mozzie spray as there have been increasing numbers of Dengue Fever in all areas of Bali this Wet Season according to BIMC.
Dengue Mozzies are most evident early morning so please use freely day and night.
My top recommendations readily found in supermarkets in Bali are Soffel, Utama Spice Begone Bug, My Baby Minyak Telon Oil.
http://www.bimcbali.com/medical-news/watch-out-for-dengue-fever.html
HOSPITALS
Hospital contact details
Bali Med Hospital Jl. Mahendradatta no 57X Denpasar Tel: (+62-361) 484748 Fax: (+62-361) 484748
BIMC HospitalsJl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X Kuta 80361 Tel: (+62-361) 761 263 - Fax: (+62-361) 764 345
Kawasan BTDC Blok DNusa Dua 80363Tel: (+62-361) 3000 911E-mail: [email protected] website: www.bimcbali.com
BROS HospitalJl. Tantular No.6Renon, Denpasar - Bali IndonesiaTel: +62 361 247499
Kasih Ibu Hospital Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar Tel: (+62 361) 223 036 Fax: (+62 361) 268 690
Prima Medika Hospital Jl. P Serangan 9x, Denpasar Tel: (+62 361) 236225
Sanglah Public Hospital Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1Sanglah DenpasarTel: (+62 361) 227 911 - 15 / (+62 361) 232 603 (VIP rooms) / (+62 361) 247 250/5 (Super VIP rooms) Fax: (+62 361) 226 363
Siloam Hospital Jl Sunset Road No. 818Kuta, Badung Tel: (+62-361) 779900 - Fax: (+62-361) 779933E-mail: [email protected]
Surya Husada Hospital Jl. P. Serangan 1 Denpasar Tel: (+62-361) 233787 or 235041 Fax: (+62 361) 231177
Ambulance 118
LAW
Indonesia has very strict laws relating to drugs (including possession for personal use). Drugs are rife in Bali and on the surrounding islands and drug use, possession and trafficking can lead to long jail sentences and even the death penalty. Be aware that many people trying to sell you the drugs are often undercover police trying to lure you in. Be especially aware in the nightclubs in and around Kuta. Take precautions when drinking late at night in these areas and if you are a lone female please watch your drink at all times. If a cocktail sounds too cheap do not drink it as it will most likely consist of backyard Arak and can be lethal.
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.
Medical Clinics
There are three medical clinics that cater almost exclusively to foreigners in Bali. Both are western owned and operated, and are well located for access from Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur.Clinic contact details:
BIMC HospitalsJl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X Kuta 80361 Tel: (+62-361) 761 263 - Fax: (+62-361) 764 345
Kawasan BTDC Blok DNusa Dua 80363Tel: (+62-361) 3000 911E-mail: [email protected] website: www.bimcbali.com
International SOS Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 505X Kuta 80361 Tel: (+62-361) 710 505 Fax: (+62-361)710 515 E-mail: [email protected] website: www.sos-bali.com
Medical evacuation companies
BIMC Hospital Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai no 100X Kuta, Bali 80361 Tel: (+62-361) 761263 Fax: (+62-361) 764345 Contact Person: Lisa Budd, Operations Manager
Careflight International Sydney Darwin Perth Cairns Tel: (+61) 1300 655 855 (24 hr phone) Fax: (+61) 2 9689 2744
International SOS Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No 505X Kuta, Bali 80361 Tel: (+62-361) 710505 Fax: (+62-361) 710515 Contact Person: Karen O’Keefe, Technical Advisor
Klinik Penta Medica Jl Teuku Umar Barat - Marlboro No 88 Denpasar, Bali Tel: (+62-361) 490709 / 7446144 Fax: (+62-361) 490708 Contact person: Wayan Sukadhana, Operation / Evacuation Manager Dr Yudi, Head of Medical team
Pack your regular medicine, diarrhoea tablets, stingose, bandaids and general items such as headache tablets. If you are concerned taking some medications through customs travel with a letter from your local GP and you will not have an issue.
Take out travel insurance (including coverage for pre-existing conditions & any additional coverage for activities such as water sports and riding scooters).
Drink only bottled water (no tap water) and brush your teeth with bottled water.
Pack a First Aid Kit something small that may contain "immodium" anti-diarrhoea tablets , Flagyl Forte or "charcoal" tablets for Bali Belly , antiseptic for cleaning any cuts and abrasions, Panadol, anti-fungal powder, insect repellent , some burn cream, Band-Aids. There are chemists in Bali, and most drugs are readily available.
Some recommended Inoculations may be recommended by your doctor. (Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B are recommended if you are going to visit remote areas of Bali) though may not be necessary in the more built up areas. Please seek advice from your doctor
MONEY CHANGERS
There are, we regret to say, some dishonest moneychangers in Bali. From fixed calculators to miscounted money, the speed at which they work defies belief. Whatever trick they use, you will end up with less rupiah than you should have. Having said that, the Balinese are fundamentally honest and helpful people. There is a reliable chain of moneychangers called PT Central Kuta (blue signs with white writing) that also give good exchange rates. You will also see signs at the KODAK shops with PT central money changers written on them. Make sure you always ask for a receipt.
Don't rely on their calculators. Ask for larger denominations, the less notes you receive, the less you will have to count and the less chance of being ripped off. Try and always change an amount that will give you a round and easy figure to work out in your head. Always be the last person to touch and count your money. If the money changer is using an auto counting machine count your money out in front of them first as notes have been known to disappear.
Look for the money changers that charge NO commission and ask again when you are in the shop if there is a commission. Avoid any money changer offering a surprisingly high exchange rate.
NANNY SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT HIRE
http://www.balisbestbabysitting.com/
http://www.balibaby.com/
NYEPI DAY
Day of Silence
https://www.facebook.com/villatheo1/posts/445718452252645:0
All activity and transport stops (including flights in and out of Bali), shops close and guests are required to stay in their hotel or villa. Please check the date of Nyepi day prior to booking your holiday as it changes year to year but is generally in March.
http://www.indo.com/culture/nyepi.html
PASSPORT / VISA REQUIREMENTS
Australian citizens require a current passport with more than 6 months validity. A 30 day tourist visa is now free for many countries including Australia.
Departure tax is now included in any ticket price purchased after 9 February 2015. If purchased before this date the tax is payable in Rupiah at the airport as you leave Bali or prepaid on the relevant Airlines website before departure.
International departure tax is 200,000.00 Rp for tickets purchased prior to 9/2/15. Domestic departure tax is 40,000.00 Rp.
QUESTIONAIRES
Do not fill in timeshare questionnaires or open scratch tickets on the street as they are a scam. People will constantly call you once they have your number and will not be deterred.
RESTAURANTS
There are so many different areas and restaurants to choose from now for any taste and budget you will be spoilt for choice. In fact too many to mention. Prices range from a few dollars to $$$ dependant on venue.
http://www.thebalibible.com/bali/bali-best-restaurants
http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/travel/travel-guides/2011/2/balis-best-restaurants/
http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/travel/travel-guides/2015/1/balis-best-local-food/
SHOPPING
Markets
The BEST place to barter. You will find some of the largest outdoor markets at Kuta Art Market, Melasti Street Markets Legian, Ubud Markets and Sukawati Markets. Remember to bring cash as no market stalls have credit card facilities. You will find that there are hundreds of small shops, all selling similar items, a great place to try out your new found bartering skills. Wood carvings, silver wear, DVDs, T-shirts and sarongs are a few of the items laid out to tempt you. Generally the t-shirts are copies and therefore bring a cheaper price than the originals.
The best selection of fabrics can be found in Jl Suluwesi in Denpasar.
Designer Stores
Stores such as Surf Brands, Reebok , Nike , Hugo Boss, Guess, Armani are just the tip of the iceberg for what's available in Kuta Square, Discovery Mall, Beach Walk, Galleria and Lippo Mall. Although there is NO bartering involved the prices offered are generally cheaper than Australia.
Supermarkets
Stock up on cheap toiletries at Hypermart Galleria, Carrefour Jl Sunset, Lippo Mall Jl Kartika Plaza.
Shopping hours are usually between 10.00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for department stores and supermarkets with shorter hours on Sundays.
Street Hawkers
If you are walking the streets and you do not want to be harassed by the street hawkers, avoid looking at their wares and avoid eye contact with them, It is more polite to say nothing and continue walking. Please remember, trying to sell things to tourists is a way of life in Bali so it is important that you accept this is the way things are and are prepared to be harassed somewhat. Fixed price shops are becoming more popular now and it is a good idea to visit one first so you know the prices before you start bartering at other shops.
Fixed Price Shops
Geneva Handicrafts – Jl Raya Kerobokan
Biaritz – Jl Sunset
KETUT'S – Jl. Saha Dewa Gg. Sorga No 2 (Garlic Lane)
MISS DEBBIE'S – Saha Dewa Street Legian
DIANNE'S – Kartika Plaza Street (opp Green Garden Hotel)
Or a guide to more upmarket fashion and homewares:
http://styleandshenanigans.com/bali-where-to-shop/
Shopping Tours
Or even better why not book a guided shopping tour through
Niki at THE BALI BUDDY
http://thebalibuddy.com/category/shopping/
Bartering
If you have just arrived it is best to get a general idea of how much people are paying as the sellers are very quick to know who is a "newbie" in town and who isn't and will take advantage of the fact. Visit Ketut’s or Miss Debbie’s in Legian to find out the fixed price of items first. This way you will help avoid the first day rush to buy and then find you paid 2 to 3 times what you should have. A few tips for first time shoppers:
Negotiation is expected. First offered prices are often double or triple the real price
Don’t reveal this is your first trip to the island (even if it is)
Have a clear price you are willing to pay before you start negotiating
Knowing a little Bahasa Indonesian will often reward you with a better price
Be aware shopkeepers do this for a living and are persistent and “athletic” negotiators
Go early for best “Morning Price”
If you think it’s a reasonable price, then do the deal
Remember that 10,000Rp is equal to approximately $1.00Aus
Watch the zero’s on your notes as it can be confusing.
Be prepared to walk away
If you buy multiple items, you should be able to negotiate a lesser price
Maintain your sense of humor and be polite
MARKET PRICES (GUIDE ONLY)
ALL PRICES ARE IN RP
BAGS BATIK 50,000
BAGS CLOTH BRIGHTLY EMBROIDERED MORROCAN 75,000-300,000
BAGS CLUTCH INDIAN 200,000
BAGS CROCHETED 50,000
BAGS LARGE OVERNIGHT 200,000
BASKET RATTAN SET OF 3 WITH MESH FOOD COVERS 50,000-75,000
BEANBAGS OUTDOOR FABRIC MED SIZE 250,000
BELT 35,000-50,000
BELT LEATHER 80,000-150,000
BOARDSHORTS 50,000
BOWLS SILVER ALUMINIUM 50,000-150,000
BRACELETS BEADED 25,000
BUDDHA STATUE COLOURED 50,000-150,000
CAPS BASEBALL PEAKED NO NAME 30,000-50,000
CAPS BASEBALL PEAKED BRAND NAME 50,000-75,000
CARDIGANS CROCHETED 75,000
CUSHION COVERS 35,000-70,000
DRESSES SHORT 45,000/ LONG 80,000
DRESSES MAXI 3/4 LENGTH 100,000-250,000
EARRINGS STYLES VARY 50,000
EARRINGS PEARL STUDS 50,000
FISH BOWLS GLASS AND WOOD SIZES VARY 100,000-500,000
FLAGS TRADITIONAL SIZES VARY 50,000-75,000
GAMES NINETENDO DS 25 PACK 700,000
GAMES PS2/XBOX GAMES 15,000
HAIR CLIPS FRANGIPANI 10,000-25,000
HANDBAGS DESIGNER 100,000-300,000
HANDBAGS NON DESIGNER 50,000-150,000
HAMMOCK PARACHUTE MATERIAL 250,000
HAVIANAS STYLES VARY 50,000 COPY 150,000-400,000 ORIGINAL
HOODIES 100,000
INCENSE HAND ROLLED 10,000 PER PACK
INCENSE HOLDER METAL COIL 200,000
JACKETS LEATHER TAILOR 750,000-1,200,000 DEPENDANT ON SIZE
KIMONOS 65,000
KISPRAY 10,000
LAMPS MOSAIC 200,000-250 000
LAWANG ROOT OIL 25,000MASKS SMALL 25,000/LARGE 100,000
NECKLACES 25,000-50,000
NRL SHIRTS CHILD 100,000/ADULT 150,000
OFFERING BOXES SIZES VARY 25,000-100,000PANTS RAYON 65,000-100,000PASHMINAS 50,000-100,000
PLACEMATS WOODEN SET OF 6 100,000
PLACEMATS WOVEN SET OF 6 100,000
POT PLANT HOLDER MACRAME SIZES VARY 60,000-100,000
PURSE BEADED 25,000-40,000
SALAD SERVERS ALUMINIUM 75,000
SANDALS LEATHER 75,000-150,000
SANDALS LADIES 75,000-150,000
SARONGS HAND PRINTED BATIK 250,000-400,000
SARONGS SHORT 40,000
SARONGS LONG 50,000
SARONGS EMBROIDERED 75,000
SCARVES SILK/SEQUINED 50,000-100,000
SHIRTS POLOS MENS 80,000
SHORTS LADIES WITH ZIP 65,000
SHORTS MEN’S PULL ON 60 000-100,000
SIM CARD 25,000
SINGLETS BRAND NAME CHILD 40,000/ADULT 60,000
SINGLETS BINTANG PRINTED RP 15000 -20,000
SKULL ORNAMENT COLOURED 100,000
SKIRT DENIM 80,000
STUBBY HOLDERS 6 PACK 40,000
SUNGLASSES DESIGNER 25,000-50,000
TABLE RUNNERS VARIOUS SIZES 40,000-100,000
THONGS 50,000-100,000
TOWELS BINTANG 40,000
TRAVEL CUSHION 60,000
T-SHIRTS 30,000 CHILDREN/50,000 ADULT
UMBRELLA FOR RAIN 40,000
UMBRELLA TRADITIONAL SIZES VARY 75,000-1,000,000
UNDERWEAR CALVIN KLEIN 30,000-50,000
VANS 125,000-250,000
WALLET MEN’S SURF 80,000-120,000
WALLET LADIES BRANDED 80,000-120,000
WALL HANGINGS SHELL/FEATHER 300,000
WATCHES 50,000-200,000
WIFI PORTABLE SMARTFREN MODEM 350,000
WIND CHIMES BAMBOO SMALL 10,000/LARGE 40,000
SPA SERVICES
These are just my personal recommendations but well worth a visit.
Ayana Perfectonic Water Therapy
http://ayanaresort.com/en/spa/thalassotherapy
Spa Bali
http://spabali.asia/viewpage.php?page_id=1
The Shampoo Lounge
http://www.shampoolounge.com/
Glo Spa Bali
http://www.glospabali.com/
SWIMMING
When swimming in the sea current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and yellow flags and do not swim too far out. There have been many deaths by drowning when people are unaware of the strong currents. Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Always travel in pairs and do not venture out in the water alone.
TELEPHONE CALLS AND INTERNET
If using your own phone please ensure your phone has global roaming activated and do not forget to turn your data roaming off.
Look into options for a prepaid mobile data package prior to departure or purchase a local sim card in Bali available at any phone shop or supermarket for a few dollars.
To call Australia from Bali dial:
International code +61 then the phone number minus the 0
For internet why not try a moble mifi device from Smartfren. Available for $40 includes 7GB data located next door to Careffour on Jl Sunset. 4G internet wherever you go.
http://www.smartfren.com/id/mifi-m2p/
TIME ZONE
+ 8 same time zone as Perth, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
TOURS
Please see the link below for the top 30 recommended sights to see on the Island of the Gods while you are in Bali. I highly recommend getting out and about to see as much of the island you can.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g294226-Activities-Bali.html
If booking external tours please book through a reputable tour agency rather than one off the street as to not risk losing your money and also for personal safety. Please be careful when booking a tour to swim with the dolphins as some companies are being investigated at the moment by the animal cruelty charity BAWA due to their treatment and captivity.
Or book with The Bali Buddy for set tours.
http://thebalibuddy.com/
TRANSPORTATION
The expression Jam Karet (Bali Rubber Time) is a way of life. Things happen when they happen in Bali and you may just have to relax and wait, there is no point getting stressed as this won’t make things happen any faster. There is no point getting angry either, as generally Indonesians do not respond well to confrontation, so try to just go with the flow. Traffic can be slow and this can be due to a car doing a 50 point turn in the middle of the road, a ceremony or cremation procession which has closed off the streets or road works. Try not to leave things to the last minute when traveling around the island especially getting to the airport for flights or a ferry to another island.
Make sure you only get Blue Taxis that will turn the meter on for you as rogue taxi drivers are on the rise. Bali Taxi 0361 701 111
If a taxi will not turn the meter on hop out. There will be many more to choose from
Uber is also now available in Bali. The average cost of a driver per day is $50-$60.
You can rent a car or motorcycle if you have a valid Tourist, Indonesian or International Driving License. A one month Tourist Driving License can be obtained in Bali – you will need your passport and Australian driver’s license but I find it easier to visit your local RAC to obtain one before you go.
If you intend to hire a car or scooter in Bali, this is a must along with a helmet. Always carry your insurance and registration papers with you for the hired vehicle as there will often be police checks if you are travelling in the busier areas. If you do need to bribe the police at their insistence the going rate is usually 50,000rp or $5 AUD but usually if you ask for a receipt they will back down. A way of life in Bali unfortunately though they are cracking down on corruption.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please make sure you are covered by travel insurance before leaving for Bali. Medical evacuations can be very expensive.
Motor bike accidents are common – it is recommended you take out full medical insurance to cover this and in order to be legal, you must have an International Driver’s Licence along with a motorcycle licence from your country of residence. While you may find a clause in your travel insurance stating you will be covered if the scooter is under 50cc no scooters in Bali are.
You will need a police report to replace a stolen passport or for your personal insurance claims.
Two of the top Australian Insurance Agents at present are Australia Post and Covermore.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Dial Codes 62 Indonesia 361 Bali
Ambulance 118
Fire 113
Search and Rescue 111
Police 110/112
Tourist Police 0361 224 111
Tourist Office 0361 222 387
VOA & IMMIGRATION
Bali’s airport Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) is located 13kms south of Denpasar and 2.5kms from Kuta. The airport code is DPS.
The official taxi counter is located outside the Arrivals Hall.
VOA is currently free for many countries for stays under 30 days including Australia. Go directly to the immigration counter past VOA.
Go one by one to the customs desk as they are very particular and ensure you do not cross the line until you are called. Arrival cards are no longer necessary.
Next collect your luggage from the carrousel and go through a bag inspection point please have the Blue Customs Dec ready. All foodstuffs are fine to take in to Bali as long as you declare them. Alcohol limit is 1litre per person and customs are strict to police this. Do not be surprised if your luggage has already been removed from the carrousel and is sitting on the floor. This is common in Bali. When you pick up your luggage there will be "porters" waiting to see if you want help. Just politely say "No, Thank you". This is a service you will need to pay for and $10 is not uncommon to the unsuspecting tourist. Trolleys are free.
If you have transfers booked, they will be waiting outside the doors here for you with a sign. Money changers are available just past customs and generally have a reasonable rate though not as good as on the street.
WATER
Do not under any circumstances drink the water. Do not brush your teeth in it, do not open your mouth in the shower. Bottled water is very cheap from the supermarket if you are out and about and is supplied in most accommodation free of charge. Ice is fine as it is regulated and made with bottled water.
WEATHER
The average year round temperature in Bali is 20 – 33° C
Wet season November to April.
Dry season May to October.
If you are not used to humidity please do not overdo things on the first day until you acclimatize. It helps if you do not have the room air conditioner at its coldest setting. Keep up your fluids by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.
ABOVE ALL ENJOY THE RICH CULTURE AND DIVERSITY THE ISLAND HAS TO OFFER. TRAVEL TO AS MANY PARTS OF THE ISLAND YOU CAN AWAY FROM THE BUILT UP TOURIST AREAS TO EXPERIENCE THE TRUE BALI.
A small collection of the cooler spots to hang out, enjoy the beaches and drink a cocktail or bintang.
