General Facts about Bali

Bali Must-know Facts & Information

Can I travel to Bali? Do I need a Visa? What are the travel requirements?

When are the best months to travel to Bali?

In general, best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain, making it ideal for a tropical holiday.

What are the best destinations to visit or stay in Bali ?

In general one can say, that these 5 destinations are offering something for everyone. Canggu & Berawa | Ubud | Seminyak | Sanur | Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan

How is the weather and climate in Bali?

Tropical Climate

The climate in Bali is warm, humid, and tropical characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Bali has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.

During the dry season, temperatures typically range between 80-90°F (27-32°C) and humidity is relatively low. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit Bali, as the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain. During the wet season, temperatures are still warm but the humidity is higher and there is more rainfall. The island receives most of its annual rainfall during this time, and it can be quite heavy at times. Even though it's the rainy season, it doesn't rain all day, usually there are short spells of rain that might last an hour or two in the afternoon.

  • The highlands and mountains are significantly cooler than the coastal areas
  • The best time to visit would be during the dry season if you want to enjoy sunny and dry weather, but the island is a popular destination year-round and offer many activities to do even in the rainy season. Very best months to visit: May, June, September.
  • You should pack light, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or sunglasses. It's also a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for the occasional rain shower.

How much does a holiday cost in Bali?

Bali is a destination, that offers in general great value for money, whether you are traveling on a budget, or if you are the luxury traveler only seeking the best.

Backpacker

Accommodation USD 15-30 per room per night / a meal USD 2-4 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6

Mid-Segment 3 to 4*

Accommodation USD 80-120 per room per night / a meal USD 6-10 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6 / Car Rental per day USD 35-45

Luxury Segment 5* (Bali-Lux)

Accommodation USD 170-400 per room per night / a meal USD 12-20 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100

The Bali-Supreme Experience - The Best of the Best

Accommodation USD 400+ per room per night / a meal USD 30-60 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100 Imported Wines & Spirits are rather expensive compared to most other countries, due to an additional taxed imposed. A cocktail in a nice bar will cost you around USD 8-12.

What are the forms of transport i can use in Bali?

Transportation in Bali comes in plenty of flavors, some more tourist-friendly than the others. If you're not relying on your hotel to get you around—not that there's anything wrong with that—you can get around town on foot, on rented bike or motorbike, taxi or a wheeled ride-hailing service such as Gojek or Grab. If you're seeking to go between towns, you can catch a ride on a taxi, a car/driver rental package, rent a car to drive or use wheeled ride-hailing service such as Gojek or Grab..

Is Bali still a Paradise?

Yes, and No. Depends. What is a paradise? Bali is not a paradise like the picture postcards of Maldives or the Bahamas suggest. The beaches of Kuta up to Canggu are quite different and less tropical than one might expect. Mass tourism has lect its mark on most places such as Kuta, Seminyak, and even Ubud. There is traffic at times, the trash problem of a developing country is still not completely solved, and there is some crime and scamming going on that's all not matching the idea of a paradise. Bali is a paradise, because it is tolerant and inviting and lets you be who you want to be. It has an incredible variety of almost everything any traveler wishes to explore or experience. It offers great value for money, and an art and culture that is unique in this world, authentic, and alive. If you want to leave the mass tourism behind, all you need is a short drive and you will enter a Bali that has almost not changed in decades. There are countless areas and sites that are absolutely remote, quiet and almost untouched, where magnificent nature shows her beauty. Bali is a paradise because of the whole package it offers, and not because it looks like a white sandy beach cofonut tree postcard wherever you go.

Is Bali Safe?

Yes, for sure it's safer than other places. And single women can travel freely and safely. Of course, like everywhere else in the world, where there is tourism, there is crime and scam. But if you keep a normal level of common sense and don't fall into the traps of senseless drinking and drugs, you should be fine.The biggest threat is probably when untrained drivers rent a scooter and overestimate their skills and underestimate the complexity of the traffic.

Dos & Don’ts of Bali

General Ettiquettes of Bali

Dos

  • Respect the sanctity of temples, pratimas (sacred statues), and religious symbols
  • Wholeheartedly respect the customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom of the Balinese people during ongoing ceremonial processions and rituals
  • Dress modestly, appropriately, and respectfully when visiting sacred areas, tourist attractions, public places, and engaging in activities in Bali
  • Behave politely in sacred areas, tourist areas, restaurants, shopping areas, roads, and other public places
  • Be accompanied by licensed tour guides (who understand the natural conditions, customs, traditions, and local wisdom of the Balinese people) when visiting tourist attractions
  • Exchange foreign currency at authorized money changers (both banks and non-banks) that are officially licensed and display the authorization number and QR code logo from Bank Indonesia;
  • Make payments using the Indonesian Standard QR Code (QRIS);
  • Conduct transactions using the Indonesian rupiah;
  • Comply with the applicable traffic laws in Indonesia, including possessing a valid international or national driving license, obey traffic rules, dress modestly, wear a helmet, follow traffic signs, not exceed passenger capacity, and no driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Use four-wheeled transportation that is roadworthy and officially registered or two-wheeled transportation that is operated by a legal business entity or association for two-wheeler rentals
  • Stay in accommodations that possess the required permits according to applicable regulations
  • Adhere to all specific provisions/rules that apply to each tourist attraction and tourist activity.

Dont's

  • Trespass sacred territories: Steer clear of utamaning mandala and madyaning mandala, holy and sanctified spots like puras and pelinggihs — unless you’re there for a Balinese traditional ceremony, during which you must wear the appropriate attire, and you’re not menstruating;
Touch sacred trees Engage in behavior that defiles sacred places, temples, idols, and religious symbols, such as climbing sacred structures and taking indecent or nude photos
  • Litter and pollute lakes, springs, rivers, seas, and public areas Use single-use plastics like plastic bags, polystyrene (styrofoam), and plastic straws
  • Utter offensive words, behave disrespectfully, cause disturbances, and act aggressively towards government authorities, local communities, and fellow tourists, both directly and indirectly through social media, including spreading hate speech and hoaxes
  • Engage in work or business activities without proper documentation issued by the relevant authorities
  • Get involved in illegal activities, such as trading illegal goods, including endangered flora and fauna, cultural artifacts, and sacred objects, as well as illegal drugs.

Good to Know when Visiting Bali – Customs and Manners

Beliefs, values, and rituals that have been practiced for generations are what make up Indonesian tradition. Indonesia, however, is not merely a collection of islands; rather, it is a massive archipelago home to thousands of islands and more than 300 distinct ethnic groups. There are more than 700 living languages spoken there, and while there are some commonalities in how Indonesians interact with one another, many of the individual islands also have their own traditions. Even Bali can’t escape this rule. The majority of Bali’s residents are Hindu, so the island’s culture and way of life are quite different from its Muslim neighbors. The traditions of Bali have many interesting and unique aspects, and a tourist who respects the local culture by adhering to a few of its rules will quickly earn the affection and esteem of Balinese people. Additionally, the Balinese will welcome you with open arms if you can speak even the tiniest bit of Indonesian. A  few kind words will go a long way.  Here is a quick rundown of a few traditions that will help you in your interactions with the Balinese and deepen your understanding of their culture.

Gestures

One shouldn’t point the finger at another because it’s considered rude. Also, standing akimbo gives the impression of being ready for a fight or shows aggression. If you want to call out to someone using your hand, remember to have your fingers downward. As a foreigner, you may be surprised to see that people here may not queue up in the lines or allow pedestrians to cross the road either, or give you the right of way in traffic. They don’t consider it rude or offensive because it’s just the way things are done around here. This flagrant disregard for punctuality frustrates both tourists and foreign residents. Jam Karet (Rubber Time) represents this carefree approach to time. When someone is late for an appointment and, in the rare case, feels compelled to explain why, bad traffic is frequently used as an excuse, whether true or not, and everyone nods and moves on. Jam Karet is ever-present, and in some ways, it’s just a part of life that can be quite relaxing if you’re not pressed for time or need to conduct business.

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VISA REQUIREMENTS

Single-Entry Visitor Visa (Index B211A)

Duration of Stay

You are allowed to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days or 180 days, depending on your visitor visa type.The stay permit derived from this visa can be extended, with each extension granted for up to 60 days with a maximum stay in Indonesia no longer than 180 days.

Procedure & Requirements

You can apply for single-entry visitor visas for 60 or 180 days through the Online Visa Approval application.

Required documents:
  • Travel document
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months for a single-entry visitor visa application with a 180-day stay duration.
  • A passport valid for at least six months for a single-entry visitor visa application with a 60-day stay duration.
  • A valid travel document for at least 6 months for foreign nationals without nationality.
  • Letter of sponsorship from the sponsor, except if you are a tourist visitor. Or proof of immigration guarantee funds for individuals intended to conduct pre-investment activities.
  • Proof of funds of at least US$2000 (two thousand US dollars) or equivalent to support the cost of living of foreign nationals and/or their family in Indonesia.
  • A return ticket or connecting ticket to continue their journey to another country, except for crews of means of transport who join the ship/vessel in Indonesia and continue their trip to another country.
  • 2 (two) color passport photos of 4 cm x 6 cm.

Additional Requirements

Proof of having received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccine. You can check the international travel health protocols for entering Indonesia at www.imigrasi.go.id

Visa Submitting and Processing

Sponsors or foreign nationals can apply for a visa on the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration at www.imigrasi.go.id or directly on the Online Visa Approval application. The granting of a multiple-entry visitor visa submitted by foreign nationals proceeds through the following stages:

  • Review of the submitted documents.
  • Payment of immigration fees by applicants
  • Profiling and verification
  • Visa approval
  • Visa issuance

Legal Basis

  • Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 29 of 2021 on Visa and Stay Permit
  • Minister of Finance Regulation Number 9/PMK.02/2022 on Non-Tax State Revenue on Type and Tariff of Immigration Services in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
  • Circular Letter of Acting Director General of Immigration Number IMI-0549.GR.01.01 of 2022 on Immigration Facilitation to Support Sustainable Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic