A Guide to Traveling to Bali, Indonesia

Getting in:

VISA

For ASEAN countries like the Philippines, there is no fee or forms for entry visas. A list of other exempted countries from visa fee is available on http://www.bali.com/visa-indonesia-entry-requirements-bali.html.

Departure Fee/Tax: 200,000 Rupiah (must be paid in Rupiah (upon check in)) You can also check if your airline ticket includes departure tax.

Getting around:

TAXI:

When taking taxis in Bali, you’ll encounter drivers who will try to contract the fare when you get in. In my experience, it was easier to get a taxi by asking them to turn on their meters before giving your destination. In several instances that we gave our destination before getting in the taxi, they often try to contract the price instead of turning on the meter. There is no shortage of taxis so you can just wait and catch another one if they don't agree.

Late one afternoon after Yoga, I hailed a cab back to the hotel. The taxi driver tried to contract the price of fare to 30,000 rupiah. Since I had also taken a taxi to the Yoga studio from the hotel I was aware of the metered fare, which was 13,000 Rupiah. I tried to haggle to 15,000 but he was insistent to 20,000. I got out of the car and walked to get another taxi. In less than 2 minutes, here comes the same cab following me and agreeing on my price.

KURA KURA BUS:

There are many options to getting around Bali. There is a tourist bus service Kura Kura with routes that can take you around Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud.

Website of Kura Kura: http://kura2bus.com

HIRED TRANSPORTATION: You can hire a car service for airport transfers and half or full day tours at reasonable prices. I’ve used Silas Tours for my arranged transfers on a couple of trips. I would suggest booking a hired car for you're a convenient airport transfer and touring Bali.

Website: http://www.silatours.com

CAR, MOTORCYLE & BIKE RENTALS:

You can rent your own car or motorcycle. Driving on your own can be tricky and some streets in Ubud does experience traffic. You can also rent bicycles to explore on your own.  Some hotels offer bike rentals and there are numerous rental places in Bali. Biking in Bali can be a little tricky with their narrow streets and limited sidewalk.  But it’s an excellent way to get lost and discover Bali.

TOUR:

A good and convenient way to see many of the tourist sites is also by joining a tour which many tour guides offer.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah. When changing your money at Foreign Exchange Kiosks, make sure to count your money before leaving. 

Electrical Plug: 2 round prongs

Etiquette:

Several tips to keep in respect for Balinese customs, rituals and sensibilities:

Don’t take a picture of anyone or something without first obtaining permission
Don’t enter a temple unless you’re completely covered knees to shoulders; you can buy a traditional sarong or sash around the temple or get one free to use, provided at some temples in Bali or better yet bring your own
 Don’t enter a temple or other holy places during menstruation, rather ask the local people about those places without necessarily entering the grounds
 Don’t touch anyone’s head or point at someone
Don’t give or receive an object with your left hand.