Having been in Bali on and off since January 2018, I've learned a thing or two about this magical island. This guide is created with you in mind, I hope it is helpful! The list is only a start of some of the questions I have been asked over the years!
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Visa Info/Entering the Country/Preparation
Less than 30 day stay = Visitor, free of charge
31-60 day stay = Visa on Arrival at the airport, must have 500,000 IDR cash (ATM's are not reliable). You can also apply for a Social Visa from the Indonesian Consulate in your home country, in Singapore, or in KL. I recommend Visa4Bali as an agent, to support with this process. You will need to go to Immigration Services to extend after the first 30 days.
You will absolutely need an outbound flight and be prepared to show your itinerary at the airport.
Overstay fees are 1 million IDR (~$100 CAD) per day. The day you fly in and fly out are counted as full days.
^^ visa info is changing rapidly post pandemic. This may or may not be up to date when you're reading it ;) check the links + definitely do your own research!
I can recommend Safety Wing health insurance, as I have been using them for years!
Canadians this link is for you - If you plan on driving or scootering, acquire an International Driving Permit. The chances of being pulled over by the police as a tourist are very high.
2. Top towns to visit
- Ubud (culture, yoga, healing, rice patties, events, community, food) -- this is where I live!
- Uluwatu (beaches, surf, relaxing, beautiful scenery)
- Canggu (beaches, surf, food)
Other towns to visit, time permitting:
- Sanur (beach, extremely relaxing)
- Sideman
- Lovina
- Off island: Lombok, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Gili Islands (Gili Air is the best)
3. Best time to visit
June - September. These are the dryer, cooler months. June and September will be less busy than July and August!
4. Currency & Language
The currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 100,000/100k IDR = $8.80 CAD
Balinese and Bahasa Indonesian are spoken by the local people. It is nice to know a few phrases, as the locals really do appreciate the effort! The following are in Bahasa Indonesian:
Terima kasih = Thank you
Sama sama = You're welcome
Apa kabar? = How are you
Baik = Fine & Bagus = Good
Selamat pagi = Greeting in the morning/good morning
Selamat siang = Greeting in the afternoon/good afternoon
Selamat sore = Greeting from 4-6pm
Selamat malam = Greeting or farewell in the evening/good evening
Sampai jumpa (lagi) = See you (soon)
Cantik = Beautiful
Aku cinta kamu = I love you
Hati hati = Be careful!
Tidak apa apa = No problem
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ubud Recommendations
The following are for UBUD area only:
Transportation
Nyoman: +62 813 3872 0177
Scooter Rentals
Komang: +62 819 1625 0993
Accommodations
Airbnb or booking dot com for short term, facebook marketplace for long term
Restaurants
Sayuri Healing Food
Zest
Sage
Seeds of Life
Suka Espresso
Muse
Moksa
Alchemy
Bella
Clear Cafe
Mudra (pictured left)
Places to Buy Snacks/Staples
Bali Buda + Green Habit
Yoga Studios
Yoga Barn
Intuitive Flow
Radiantly Alive
Ubud Yoga Centre
Alchemy Yoga Centre
To Do:
Endless massages and spa treatments!
Events at Akasha
Visit Bambu Indah Resort
Visit Four Seasons Resort
Walk around the rice patties (Use this dropped pin location)
Saturday 10am-2pm Organic Market at Moksa
Waterfall visit - there are quite a few within 1 hour from Ubud
Vasu Dev's Kirtan Tuesday nights 630-8pm @ Svarga Loka
Ecstatic Dance: Thursday 730pm @ Paradiso, Friday 730pm & Sunday 11am @ Yoga Barn
Hang out at Sayuris - you're bound to meet a friend. Plenty of events there too
Tea temples at Zest restaurant
ATM's:
Maybank or Commonwealth. Fees are about $5 CAD per withdrawal plus your bank's fee. The max withdrawal is 3 million IDR which is a little less than $300 CAD.
Do Not's:
Do not drink the tap water, if you can, seek out Balian water
Do not forget to drive on the left side of the road and always wear a helmet :)
Do not leave your valuables unattended
Do not go out too late at night alone and put your bag inside the scooter
Final note:
It is a privilege to be able to visit Bali. May we continue to respect the lovely Balinese, their resources, and their culture. Thank you for stopping by, I hope this was helpful!
xo
Rhaya