Besides acknowledgment of the travel tips in Bali, before you travel to Bali and/ or before getting around Bali , you should take the time to do some research for getting detailed useful and important information about Bali, such as its weather/climate, interesting places in Bali, distances, map of Bali, the best time to visit , emergency telephone numbers, consulates office, Airlines offices, health services, belief, customs & etiquette of Bali people, currency/exchange rates, accommodation, Transportation, prices, etc in order you can enjoy your wonderful trips & holidays in Bali.
The followings are many useful information you should definitely know before making trips Bali:
Bali Climate & Weather
The climate of Bali is tropical all year with average temperature between 22 – 28.7 degrees Celsius year-round. There are dry and wet seasons - dry from April to September and wet from October to March - but it can rain at any time of year and even during the wet season rain is likely to pass quickly. In general May to August are the best months to visit Bali. At that time of year the climate is generally sunny and beautiful.
When you are in the highland plain and or in mountain villages like Kintamani or Bedugul you should use a warm sweater as the weather is very cool.
Best Time to Visit The Island of Bali.
The month of May till August is the best time to visit Bali as it is generally sunny and its temperatures are a bit cooler at this time of the year and chances of rain are also less. However, during the months, all tourism objects will be crowded and the roads , especially pass trough Kuta, Legian, Tuban, and Denpasar are often traffic jams because of Indonesian school holidays . There are a lot of tourist domestics travelling to Bali during the months. Besides those, for period of July up to September 2011 the prices of accommodation in Bali are much higher due to most of hotels apply the high season surcharge .
Bank, Money Changer & Currency
In Bali, Hotels, moneychangers, and banks provide foreign exchange services. the Banking hours are from 08.00 to 15.00(Local time) from Mondays to Fridays, and from 08.00 to 12.00(local time) on Saturdays. Money changers are generally open until early evening.
The currency of Indonesia is the rupiah (IDR) which is often abbreviated to Rupiah Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 IDR. Coins come in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 AND 1,000 IDR. The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) offers very favorable rates of exchange and buying power against most foreign currencies.
Most of hotels and other businesses in Bali will accept foreign currency, but be warned hotels usually charge a lower rate of exchange than offered by banks or money changers.
Perhaps there are still many small money changer shops are operating in the regions of Bali, especially at Kuta , Legian & Seminyak areas and they run as an illegal business which might lose your money after changing as they have many special ways & tricks of ripping off the overseas tourists. The modus of operandi these shops showing their attractive exchange rates on a whiteboard at front of their shops . The exchange rates, of course, are higher than the Bank Indonesia selling rates which the tricks can much attract even stimulate your desire to change your money in one of the illegal money changers. Once you are changing the money, some shop staff will surround you and having nice talk to deceive you when the money calculation. Therefore in order to save your money we strongly recommend you to change your money in one of the closet banks or only in authorized money changers although the exchange rates are below than the market exchange rate, however you will feel safe and can easily claim if any problems.
The followings are several requirement & tips you should definitely know before changing your money, especially at small money changers: Before changing money:
- The majority of Banks and Money changers refuse to accept foreign bank notes that are soiled, torn, scratch, notes, stapler or generally on poor condition.
- The US$ Bank notes with series of CA,CB,CF,DB,DH and AB or below year 2000. Those are not valid in Indonesia . The majority Bank and money changers will not accept them and or might get difficulties in exchange them and get less value.
- Make sure and recount the total of your money before changing
- Check the current exchange rate accurately
- Calculate the rate by using your own calculator and compare with the calculator in the Bank or Money changer as they can modify their calculators just for their benefits will
- Ask to the bank or money changer concerned regarding any administration or bank commission fee
- keep special attention toward other foreign persons around you for security reasons
After having processed of changing money into Rupiah:
- Recalculate your money carefully before accepting it.
- When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation and or several counterfeit/false bank notes in it.
- Refuse if the staffs give you a lot of coins with his reasons, not enough bank notes available( this one of bad tricks in order you finally return all of the coins as tips)
- If you have already counted your money correctly and the total is correct, do not give your money back to the money changer staff to re-count as the staff can try to manipulate and or steal your money with his trick (for instance, steal some notes by falling down under the counter desk.
- please note that every change money you must get official receipt (any signature and stamp of the company). Otherwise you should immediately ask for one for approval if any problem happened with the bank or money changer. Always insist on an official receipt at the time of the transaction and take your time to make sure the money received matches with the total amount shown on the receipt
- If the total amount received is not correct nor match, ask him/her urgently for the rest , then call the nearest security or police for handling the case.
- Keep your money immediately in your bag and don’t show it opened or Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag tightly as any possibility of crime can happen with you as there have been several cases of handbags being snatched on road after foreign tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers!
Credit Card
Majority of credit card (Master, Visa and Amex) are widely accepted by most of the hotel including the bar, restaurant and shops in Bali. The currency is converted in rupiah at time of transaction. Please make sure the current currency converted in Rupiah rate (IDR) should use the Bank Indonesia Selling rate on that time.
Before using your credit card for payment, kindly ask the concerned staff if any additional administration fee/bank fee for your credit card as many companies like hotels, villas, shops, and restaurants can apply the additional fee of 3% for Visa & Master card and 3,5% for American Express card(AMEX)
Bali Health Care
Due to the climate in Bali is tropical, for foreigners’ tourists should use special cream and a hat to protect their skin from extreme heat of sun. You can consult with the doctors specialist for skin in Bali or just buy special cream/medicines for your skin at the Chemistries in Bali
Regarding the health care or medical services, There has already had modern medical centers with international standard services established in Bali. The majority of hotels & resorts have also 24 hour drop-in clinics and or have 24 hours on call doctors.
The followings are the hospitals & clinics in Bali:
- Emergency - 112
- Central Public Hospital, at Sanglah-Denpasar - Phone : (0361) 227 911
- The Central Public Hospital . Wangaya-Denpasar – Phone (0361) 222142
- Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic, Jl Pratama No. 81,- Phone : (0361)761263
- Kuta Clinic - at Jalan Raya Kuta 100, Kuta. Phone (0361)7761268/53268
- Ubud Clinic , Jl Raya Ubud Campuhan No. 36 Campuhan - phone (361) 974911
- Nusa Dua Medical centre at Jalan Cmp. BTDC ph.(0361) 772392
- SOS International : Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Denpasar
- Bali International Medical Central (BMC) at Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai no. 100X, Tuban, Kuta
- Surya Husada Private Hospital, Jl. Pulau Serangan , Denpasar
Emergency Telephone Number
You can find the emergency telephone numbers daily tourist newspapers in hotels lobby or just contact the information telephone operator in Bali by directly dialing number “ 100(for local), or number “108”(for overseas). It is very important for you to keep the emergency number in your wallet whenever you make trips around Bali. The followings are the emergency telephone numbers:
Ambulance - 118
Police - 110
Fire Brigade - 113
Search and Rescue - 115
Directory Assistance - 100
International Direct Dialing - 102
Local Directory Assistance - 106
International Operator Assistance - 108
Denpasar Public Hospital - 22 79 11
Immigration - 227828
Bali Government Tourist Office - 222387
Post Office - 223565
Bali Taxi (Blue Bird Taxi) - 701111
Praja Taxi - 1289090 / 191
Red Cross - 0361 226 465
AEA International - 0361 228 996
(World Wide Emergency Assistance) - 0361 228 996
Ambulance - 118
Police - 110
Fire Brigade - 113
Search and Rescue - 115
Directory Assistance - 100
International Direct Dialing - 102
Local Directory Assistance - 106
International Operator Assistance - 108
Denpasar Public Hospital - 22 79 11
Immigration - 227828
Bali Government Tourist Office - 222387
Post Office - 223565
Bali Taxi (Blue Bird Taxi) - 701111
Praja Taxi - 1289090 / 191
Red Cross - 0361 226 465
AEA International - 0361 228 996
(World Wide Emergency Assistance) - 0361 228 996
Foreign Consulates in Bali
The followings are the addresses of foreign consulates in Bali:
- AUSTRALIA
Australian Consulate
Jalan Tantular Renon No. 32 Denpasar, Bali 80324
Tel : 0)361-241118 Facsimile: 0)361-241120 Email : bali.congen@dfat.gov.au - BRITISH
British Honorary Consul
Cat and Fiddle Restaurant - Jalan Mertasari No. 2 Sanur
Tel : (0361) 287804/Fax: (361)-270601/Email: tamarin@dps.centrin.net.id - CHILEAN CONSULATE
Jl. Pengembak Gg. 1 Nr. 3 Sanur 80827, Bali
Tel: (0361)-281503/Fax: (0361)-285216/Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com - CZECH REPUBLIC
Consulate of the Czech Republic
Jl.Pengembak 17, Sanur
Tel : (0361)286465, Fax : (0361)286408/Email : bali@honorary.mzv.cz - FRANCE
Consular Agency of France
Jalan mertasari Gg.II No. 8, Sanur Kauh - Denpasar.
Tel: (0361)285485 Fax: (0361)-286406/Email : consul@dps.centrin.net.id - GERMANY
Consulate of Germany
Jalan Pantai Karang 17, Sanur Denpasar.
Tel. (0361)288535, (0361)288826, Fax (0361)-288826/Email : dtkonsbali@denpasar.wasantara.net.id - ITALY
Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy
Lotus Enterprise Building
Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran, Denpasar
Tel. (0361)701005, Fax (0361)701005/Email : italconsbali@italconsbali.org - JAPAN
Consulate Office of Japan
Jalan Raya Puputan, Renon Denpasar No.170
Tel. (0361)-227628, Fax (0361)231308/Email : konjdps@indo.net.id - MEXICO
Honorary Consulate of Mexico
Puri Astina Building
Jalan Prof. Moh. Yamin 1-A, Renon, Denpasar
Tel. (0361)223266, Fax (0361)244568/Email : astina@denpasar.wasantara.net.id - NETHERLANDS
Consulate of The Netherlands
Jalan Raya Kuta No: 127, Kuta
Tel. (0361)761502, Fax (0361)752777/Email : dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com - NORWAY & DENMARK
Norway Consulate
Royal Danish Consulate
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Tel. (0361)701070 (ext 32) /Fax. (0361)-701073, (0361)-701074/Email: mimpi@mimpi.com - SPAIN
Honorary Consulate of Spain
Komplek Istana Kuta Galeria Blok. 2 No. 11
Tel. (0361)769286, Fax. (0361)769186/Email : rabik@indo.net.id - SWEDEN & FINLAND
Consulate of Sweden and Finland
Segara Village Hotel
Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur 80228
Tel. (0361)288407, Fax (0361)287242/Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id - SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galleria
Blok Valet 2 No. 12 Jl. Patih Jelantik - 80361 Kuta
Tel: (0361)751735 Fax: (0361)754457/Email: swisscon@telkom.net or swisscon@denpasar.wasantara.net.id - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Consular Agency of the United States of America
Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Tanjung Bungkak Denpasar 80235
Tel. (0361)233605, Fax 90361)222426/Email : amcobali@indo.net.id - HUNGARY
Honorary Consul
C/- Marintur
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 219, Sanur
Phone: 287 701 , Fax: 735 232 E-mail: sweconsul@yahoo.com - BRAZIL
C/- By The Sea Store
Jl. Raya Legian No. 186, Kuta 80361
Phone: 757 775, Fax: 751 005/E-mail: brazilconsul@bali.net - SWISS
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria (former Central Parking)
Blok Valet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 751 735,761 511, Fax: 754 457/E-mail: bali-swiss@gmx.net - THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE
Jl. Puputan Raya No. 81, Renon Denpasar 80235
Phone: 263 310, Fax: 238 044/Email: RTC_bali@thaimail.com - MALAYSIA
Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
Jl Pantai Kuta, Legian, Bali 80030
Phone: 752 520 / 766 373 , Fax: 766 373 /Email: info@consulmalaysia-bali.com - REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIC TIMOR LESTE
Jalan Prof. Yamin No. 4, Renon Denpasar
Phone: 235 093 , Fax: 235 092/Email: cgtl@dpsbali.com
Religious Services
For religious services in Bali Island , most major religions are represented in this island with Catholic and Protestant denominations providing English language services. Particularly worth a visit is the inspiring Puja Mandala complex near Nusa Dua in which places of worship for the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist and Moslem stand side-by-side in a single complex.
Airlines Offices in Bali
There are many representative airlines offices in Bali you can contact for reconfirming airlines or buy Airlines Tickets.. Among of them are the followings:
Cathai Pacific Arline Limited at Wisti Sabha Building, Lt II, Inetrnatinal Airport Ngurah rai, Tuban. Ph. (0361) 766931
Garuda Indonesia at Jalan Melati 61, Denpasar . ph. (0361) 225245
Singapore Airlines at GOI Building 2 nd floor, Ngurah Rai International Airport . Ph. (0361) 768388
Thai Airways International at Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur. Ph (0361) 288141
Qantas Airways at Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur. Ph (0361) 288331
Malaysia Airlines at Ngurah rai Airport .Ph.(0361) 757294
POST OFFICES IN BALI
The followings are the address of post office in Bali:
- Central Post Office at Jalan Raya Puputan, Denpasar, ph. (0361) 223566
- Post Office at Jalan raya Kuta, Ganga Selamat , Kuta . Ph. (0361) 754012
FREGHT FORWARDED(CARGO) SERVICE IN BALI
The followings are freight forwarder/cargo services in Bali :
- DSCR Cargo at Jalan Raya Kuta, Tuban
- Alpha Sigma at Jalan Raya Kuta no.139, Kuta
- Cargo Bali Prima at Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 225 X, Denpasar
Time zone & Electricity
Bali Time Zone
It is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8 hours)
Electricity
In Bali the electric power is normally at 220 volts. There are not all hotels provide adaptors so it will be better if prepare your own with a two-prong plug before tarvelling to Bali. If you plan on using your own electrical equipment in Bali, be particularly careful to determine the voltage and phase delivered by the outlet before plugging in. If your electrical equipment is of a different voltage or phase, a power convertor will be required. Plug adaptors can be easily purchased at most duty free shops and electricity shops and are sometimes available at the reception desk of hotels.
In Bali the electric power is normally at 220 volts. There are not all hotels provide adaptors so it will be better if prepare your own with a two-prong plug before tarvelling to Bali. If you plan on using your own electrical equipment in Bali, be particularly careful to determine the voltage and phase delivered by the outlet before plugging in. If your electrical equipment is of a different voltage or phase, a power convertor will be required. Plug adaptors can be easily purchased at most duty free shops and electricity shops and are sometimes available at the reception desk of hotels.
Passport and Visa
All arrivals from international visitors to Indonesia after Since February 1, 2004, the Indonesian Government has made new visa regulations for all arrivals from overseas visitors in all regions of Indonesia including Bali.
Please check the latest visa requirements by contacting the Embassy / Consulate in your country of origin before travelling to Bali. The followings are important things you should know:
Please check the latest visa requirements by contacting the Embassy / Consulate in your country of origin before travelling to Bali. The followings are important things you should know:
Visa purchasing process will take about 3-5 minutes per applicant
The Visa on Arrival can not be extended and converted into a different visa
There are available 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments located at the airport
Once purchasing the visa on arrival, you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.
For passport, it must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bali, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the island.
Check-in Policies in Hotels/Villas in Bali
The majority of International hotels & villas in Bali provide 24 hours reception Service. So it is not any problem whenever you check-in to the hotels & Villas. However, there are hotels & villas regulations/policies & procedure of check-in in each hotel or villa in Bali.
Official check in time is commonly 14:00 hours and check-out time at 12:00 noon(local time)
Each guest should be completely registered upon arrival
Show validity ID card/Passport for copying. Why the hotel staff should make a copy of ID card/Passport upon your arrival?:
Fraudulent Bookings is one made with a stolen credit card or by someone who is not authorized to use the card. They are generally booked by someone who either do not have access to the physical credit card (they have copied, guessed or stolen the number) or by someone who has stolen the card. So it is important/vital to ask each guest who is checking in for photo ID. If someone check-in has booked with a stolen credit card, their photo ID probably won’t match with the guest details of booking. For security to encounter the fraudulent check in- by asking full cash payment upon arrival.
The majority hotels & Resort in Bali, however, will allow earlier arrival guests to check into their respective rooms based on the availability and the readiness of each designated room.
If no room available, the guests can keep their luggage in the hotel store room , then the guests will be directed to restaurant while waiting for their room and will be served with welcome drink. The guests are allowed to use the facilities such as swimming pool etc.
Clothing
In Bali, the Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and will find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.
Please note that when entering Police Office or other government offices in Bali you must wear polite dresses. Otherwise you will be not honored, even refuse to enter the office.
Finally, again we strongly suggest you in order to always well prepared your plan trip carefully, recheck your health condition before travelling, bring enough medicine & vitamin to protect your physic against the contrast of weather changes, bring map of Bali , recheck all of the important documents required, etc. Besides these. You should make 2 set copies of all your important documents, like your airline tickets , Visa, passport, credit card (front & back sides), hotel voucher/itinerary, etc. One set copies must be kept at home and another set copies should be kept in hotel safety deposit box. You can make a list of all travelers' checks and your credit card details. Then please store all of the data & copies separately from your wallet.
