A Guide to Traveling to Bali, Indonesia
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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.
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.
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.
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