Bali is a small island, just 140km by 80km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.
Less developed than Bali, some say Lombok has better beaches, a bigger volcano and more varied landscapes. Tourism is still low key, and many visitors are independent travellers drawn by the island’s intoxicating diving and snorkelling, hiking and surf spots, as well as Lombok’s intriguing endemic culture.
Population: 235 Million nationally, 2.5 Million in Bali and 2.5 Million in Lombok.
Capital of Indonesia: Jakarta
Time Zone
Bali is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time during the daylight saving months and two hours behind during the rest of the year.
Climate
Being close to the equator the temperature of Bali is tropical with temperatures ranging from 21 to 33 degrees Celsius. Bali has two main seasons – wet season generally from October to March and dry season March to October.
Health
Vaccinations may be required. It is important to discuss your travel plans with a qualified doctor to ensure that you are adequately protected against endemic diseases. Please also note that, as Bali enjoys a hot, humid, sunny climate for much of the year, it is important to pack a hat and 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin. You might find it useful to carry a first aid kit with the basic essentials you might need for diarrhoea, fever, etc. plus mosquito repellent, band aids, and antiseptic.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand along with many other countries now enjoy Visa Free entry into Bali for a period of 30 days. For more information on specific entry point, or for a longer Visa, please ask your travel consultant for Visa information. For passengers travelling on different passports please check with your travel consultant. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. This rule is strictly enforced. Failure to have 6 months validity can result in being denied boarding or entry to Indonesia.
Departure Taxes
For Australians, the Departure Tax has already been included in your airline ticket price.
Currency
The local currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Australian dollars are readily accepted in all areas of Indonesia. Money can be changed in Banks, moneychangers or at your hotel (the rate of exchange is generally lower at your hotel) When changing money at moneychangers it is advisable to ask if any commission will be charged. Please recount your money before leaving the money changer, bank or hotel cashier. When cashing traveller’s cheques you will be required to show your passport. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, in most shops and restaurants. Credit cards may not be accepted when shopping in local markets.
Tipping
Whilst not expected for most common services such as taxi drivers and porterage, tipping is a way to express thanks for exceptional service. Hotels and restaurants usually add 10-15% service charge into to the total bill in lieu of a tip. We recommend checking before accepting the service if you are unsure if the charge is included.
Electricity
220 Volts – Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two pronged slim plug.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia (similar to Malay) is the national language as well as English, Dutch, and local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese).
Visitors who wish to learn a few local words will be able to pick up some words of Pasar, known also as “Market Indonesian”. English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, resorts and tourist areas.
| NUMBERS | |||
| One | Satu | Six | Enam |
| Two | Dua | Seven | Tujuh |
| Three | Tiga | Eight | Delapan |
| Four | Empat | Nine | Sembilan |
| Five | Lima | Ten | Sepuluh |
| COMMON WORDS & PHRASES | |||
| Good morning(until 11am) | Selamat pagi | Excuse me | Permisi |
| Good afternoon (until 3pm) | Selemat siang | Please (may I have) | Minta |
| Good afternoon (until 6pm) | Selamat sore | Please (help) | Tolong |
| Good evening | Selamat malam | How much? | Berapa? |
| Good bye | Selamat jalan/tinggal | Price | Harga |
| Thank you (very much) | Terima kasih (banyak) | Eat | Makan |
| Drink | Minum | Large | Bisar |
| Water | Air | Small | Kecil |
| Food | Makanan | Good/Very good | Bagus /Bagus sekali |
| Yes | Ya | Like / Don’t like | Suka / Tidak suka |
| No | Tidak | How are you? | Apa kabar? |
| To the beach | Ke pantai | I’m fine | Kabar baik |
| To the shop | Ke toko | See you soon/again | Sampai jumpa lagi |
| Toilet/Bathroom | Kamar kecil | You are welcome | Samar samar |
| Doctor | Doktor | Go away! | Pergi sana! |
Getting around
The best way to get around Bali is with your own transport, whether you drive, hire a driver or ride a bike. This gives you the flexibility to explore at will and allows you to reach many places that are otherwise inaccessible. It’s worth noting that many pricier restaurants in places such as South Bali and Ubud will arrange free transport to/from the establishment. Just ask. Public transport is cheap but can be cause for very long journeys if you’re not sticking to a major route. In addition, some places are just impossible to reach. There are also tourist shuttle buses and these combine economy with convenience.
Clothing
Take lightweight cottons including T-shirts, shorts, casual dresses and swimwear. Dress is very casual in some parts of Bali such as Kuta, but more conservative in Sanur and Nusa Dua.
In Ubud and other places inland, women should favour a skirt or cotton dress rather than a pair of shorts.
If you call into a government office, dress neatly and conservatively. Generally, revealing clothing is to be avoided except at beach resorts, so both men and women are advised to keep a sarong handy as a cover-up.
Thongs are fine around beaches, but closed, lightweight shoes are more practical for walking any distance.
Some of the upmarket resorts will have a more sophisticated dress code, so be prepared to dress up on occasions.
A light sweater will be needed for visits to elevated, inland areas.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Always drink bottled water. Ice in drinks is safe
- Do put on high factor waterproof sunscreen cream.
- Do shake hands. Handshaking is customary, for both men &women.
- Don’t drink from the tap, even in the most luxurious resort.
- Don’t forget to take your passport or a photocopy of your ID with you at all times.
- Don’t swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong.
- Do swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Don’t point at anything with your foot as this is considered very rude.
- Information can also be obtained through your hotel and notices outside establishments.
INFORMATION WEBSITES:
http://www.1stopbali.com/facts
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g294226-Activities-Bali.html
https://balibible.guide/public_favorites/70-amazing-things-to-do-in-bali-9969
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali/top-things-to-do/a/poi/1323403