Travel

Attention

Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 are continually changing and the most up to date information can be found on the official Indonesian Government Immigration website or the IATA travel website

Quick-guide to Bali

  • Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and offers myriad opportunities to enjoy stunning natural beauty, exotic adventures, and rich cultural heritage. Many locals speak English in addition to Indonesian or Balinese, making it easy for travelers from around the world to navigate. Enjoy guided group tours, solo ventures on a mountain bike or the ubiquitous motorbike, or travel around the island in comfort with a hired driver to visit the many unique destinations around the island.

 

  • The tourist hot spots of Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud draw the most crowds and are worth a visit to experience the distinct flavors. The Canggu area, broadly stretching from the neighborhood of Pererenan in the north to Seminyak in the south along the southwestern coast, is a hipster paradise buzzing with activity centered around the digital nomad and entrepreneur lifestyle. You’ll find surfing, shopping, and long stretches of beach to walk at sunset. A wide variety of dining options cater to every palate and it’s the best place to go for nightlife.

 

  • Ubud has traditionally been known as Bali’s spiritual and cultural center. A visit to Ubud wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local temple for a water blessing, a stroll downtown to shop for handmade art, jewelry, and sacred items, or dining at one of the many veg-friendly cafes the village is known for. You’ll see Balinese wearing traditional garb as they make daily offerings and participate in ceremonies that are a central part of the island’s strong spiritual tradition.

 

  • Uluwatu, a 20-minute drive from Jimbaran Hub in the south tip of Bali, is a surfer’s heaven and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach. The area is known for rugged cliffs, chill vibes, and the cliffside Uluwatu Temple.

 

  • Other areas worth a visit include Sanur on the southeast coast of the island, an upscale beach community with an array of shops, cafes, and convenient ports where you can book a ferry ride to neighboring islands: the divers’ destinations of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are 30-45 minutes away, while Lombok and the Gili Islands are a 2-hour ride.

 

  • The northern part of the island is rich with natural beauty and deserves at least a few days, if not more, to explore the spectacular landscapes. The UNESCO Heritage site, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, is a must-see in the Tabanan area of central Bali. Traveling north from here, visit one of the many breathtaking waterfalls dotting the cooler mountainous region around Munduk, and check out the food forests where clove, coffee, and cacao grow plentifully.

 

  • Amed is a popular diving destination along the northeast coast of Bali and a place to enjoy a break from the crowds. Enjoy postcard views of Mount Agung while snorkeling, and if you’re up for an adventure, hire a local guide for a strenuous hike that starts in the wee hours of the morning so you arrive at the top as the sun rises. A two-hour drive west along the coast will take you past the well-kept secret of Les Waterfalls in the valley of Tejakula, and on to the sleepy beach town of Lovina where you might get to swim with dolphins.

 

  • The island of Bali has something to offer everyone, from water sports and hiking adventures to natural wonders and unique cultural traditions. It’s a place that’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so you can take in all the sights, sounds, and experiences that it has to offer.

Regulations are easing and more countries are being added, for a total of 43 countries currently approved (as of May 19, 2022) for travel into Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar.

Current COVID travel requirements are proof of WHO authorized vaccination, a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, health insurance that provides COVID treatment coverage at least US$25,000, and a completed electronic Health Alert Card (e-HAC) through the PeduliLindungi application. If fully vaccinated (two or three doses), no quarantine or pre-flight negative PCR test is required. If only one dose has been administered, a 5-day quarantine is required and a negative PCR test before release. A COVID recovery certificate or medical exemption letter are also accepted in lieu of vaccination. Children under 18 are not required to show proof of vaccination.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

The tourism-only Visa on Arrival (VoA) grants a single entry Visitor Stay Permit valid for 30 days, with payment on arrival of the 500,000 IDR (US$35) fee. It is not required to apply in advance for this visa.

The VoA can be extended one time for an additional 30 days through the local immigration office (800,000 IDR or US$55 extension fee applies). This visa requires a passport valid for a minimum of six months from an approved country, a return ticket or a connecting outward plane ticket, and other documents required by the COVID-19 Task Force. Note that this visa cannot be changed into any other type of stay permit.

Business Visa (B211)

A single-entry 60-day visa is available for travelers visiting Indonesia for business-related purposes that do not involve being hired or receiving payment for work while inside the country (it is not a work permit). It can be extended for a 30-day period a total of four times, based on approval by the local immigration office.

In addition to the requirements for the VoA, applicants must submit a reference letter from an organization in their country of origin as well as an invitation letter from a sponsoring organization in Indonesia. Note that Bali Fab Fest is not offering this sponsorship.

A tropical island near the equator, Bali is generally hot and sunny. There are two seasons: rainy (November to March) and dry (April to October). In general, the southern beach areas are hotter and sunnier, while the central jungle region is a bit cooler and tends to get more rain. Traveling north to higher altitudes gets much cooler, and if you plan to go on a hike or visit the mountains you’ll definitely want to bring long pants and a jacket, even gloves, and a hat, as it can be very cold. Sunrise and sunset are around 6:30am and 6:30pm, year round.

Bali is one of the safest places in the world. You’ll quickly discover that the local Balinese are the most gentle, friendly and helpful people in the world. Strong spiritual beliefs form the core of the community, and the byproduct is a culture that in many ways embodies gentleness, service, and taking care of each other. That being said, it is always advisable to keep purses and handbags under the seat of your scooter when driving, especially at night, in touristy areas. Always wear a helmet and drive with caution when operating a motorbike, as the roads present the most danger due to highly dynamic traffic patterns.

Monkeys are one of the natural hazards to be aware of in certain areas like Uluwatu and near the Monkey Forest in Ubud. They’ve been known to snatch sunglasses, phones, and even earbuds as these super-intelligent creatures have learned that they can barter these for the fruits that they enjoy. They can be menacing so it’s best not to approach them or have food near them, as they will likely attempt to steal it. Locals have various tactics to scare them away when needed.

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp. for short) and currently US$1.00 equals 14,365 IDR (shorthand is 14K). Cash can be withdrawn at local bank ATMs, with max withdrawal around 3,000,000 IDR (a little more than US$200) at PermataBank or Maybank.

Many places accept credit cards, adding a small transaction fee, though local warungs (cafes) and other roadside shops often only accept cash. You’ll learn that they often prefer “small money”: the largest bill is 100K (approximately US$7) and they want to be paid using smaller bills between 2K, 5K, 10K, 20K and 50K when possible.

The Balinese economy has suffered immensely with the loss of tourism over the last two years, and many families have struggled to survive in conditions of poverty. Most things in Bali are priced much cheaper than other parts of the world, and extra tips for the warm service they provide are much appreciated.

 

Join us:

Oct

12 - 22, 2022

Bali, ID

Jimbaran Hub

Jl. Karang Mas, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel.,
Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
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