Bali has been called a paradise on earth, and you would be
hard pressed to find another spot on earth that so richly deserves the title.
The island of Bali, described by many as born of fire and water, is blessed with a spectacular
landscape of volcanoes, intricate rice terraces, rainforest and beaches. It has
a deeply spiritual culture and many colorful traditions woven into the fabric
of island life, strongly influenced by the unique form of Hinduism which is the
island's main religion.
Most people come to Bali for the beautiful rich cultural heritage experience, some come for the beaches and the waves, others for pure relaxation. Bali is located in Indonesia, one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.
For those who want to visit Bali, these are essentials tips for Bali Vacation for your consideration
Passport - If you go to Bali, Indonesia, or for that matter, make sure your passport is valid for six months at the time of entry into Indonesia, otherwise we will find on the next plane out. You must also have proof of onward passage(i.e. a ticket to Indonesia). Tourist, social and business visas can be obtained from an Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad.
When to go - Bali has five tourist seasons. The best one for you depends on variables such as time, money, weather, and availability.
Most people come to Bali for the beautiful rich cultural heritage experience, some come for the beaches and the waves, others for pure relaxation. Bali is located in Indonesia, one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.
For those who want to visit Bali, these are essentials tips for Bali Vacation for your consideration
Passport - If you go to Bali, Indonesia, or for that matter, make sure your passport is valid for six months at the time of entry into Indonesia, otherwise we will find on the next plane out. You must also have proof of onward passage(i.e. a ticket to Indonesia). Tourist, social and business visas can be obtained from an Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad.
When to go - Bali has five tourist seasons. The best one for you depends on variables such as time, money, weather, and availability.
Pre-prime season.
Rooms are easily found and prices, crowds and the weather are moderate. It spans from April to May.
Prime season.
Sunny days rule. Prices and crowding soar, and airline seats and hotel rooms in Bali are heavily booked, especially in August. It Spans May through September
Post-prime season
From September to mid December. Variables similar to the pre-prime season (see).
Holiday season
Spans mid-December to early-January when visitors come for their Christmas and New Year's vacations. Like the prime season, prices and crowds rise -- and airline seats and hotel space become scarce. The biggest difference is more rain.
Rainy season
This category spans from early-January to April (though the actual rainy season starts in December). Everything comes down -- prices, crowds, room scarcity and, of course, the rain. That's not as bad as it seems because the rainfall is the refreshing warm tropical variety (not the cold damp type temperate zone residents experience). Moreover, there will always be plenty of sun during the rainy season.
Electricity - Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.
Money: The Rupiah is the basic unit of currency. Foreign banknotes and traveler's checks is the best exchanged at major banks or authorized money changers. Do not forget your passport (or a photocopy of your ID take) with you at all times.
Credit Cards - Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques. However, travel in the country, taking with you rupiah. Keep small change handy when riding in public transports or buying drinks at Warung.
Personal Insurance - Make sure you have a personal insurance or travel insurance that covers all accidents. If you rent a car (with insurance should), watch out for motorcycles, because there are too many on the road. If you park your car, always remember to remove all your belongings. Crime is increasing and can ruin your vacation. Be careful with your belongings at all times. The cases have been reported tearing of the bag, so important documents behind in your hotel safe (carry photocopies)
Rooms are easily found and prices, crowds and the weather are moderate. It spans from April to May.
Prime season.
Sunny days rule. Prices and crowding soar, and airline seats and hotel rooms in Bali are heavily booked, especially in August. It Spans May through September
Post-prime season
From September to mid December. Variables similar to the pre-prime season (see).
Holiday season
Spans mid-December to early-January when visitors come for their Christmas and New Year's vacations. Like the prime season, prices and crowds rise -- and airline seats and hotel space become scarce. The biggest difference is more rain.
Rainy season
This category spans from early-January to April (though the actual rainy season starts in December). Everything comes down -- prices, crowds, room scarcity and, of course, the rain. That's not as bad as it seems because the rainfall is the refreshing warm tropical variety (not the cold damp type temperate zone residents experience). Moreover, there will always be plenty of sun during the rainy season.
Electricity - Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.
Money: The Rupiah is the basic unit of currency. Foreign banknotes and traveler's checks is the best exchanged at major banks or authorized money changers. Do not forget your passport (or a photocopy of your ID take) with you at all times.
Credit Cards - Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques. However, travel in the country, taking with you rupiah. Keep small change handy when riding in public transports or buying drinks at Warung.
Personal Insurance - Make sure you have a personal insurance or travel insurance that covers all accidents. If you rent a car (with insurance should), watch out for motorcycles, because there are too many on the road. If you park your car, always remember to remove all your belongings. Crime is increasing and can ruin your vacation. Be careful with your belongings at all times. The cases have been reported tearing of the bag, so important documents behind in your hotel safe (carry photocopies)
Etiquette - Respect Balinese customs, rituals and sensibilities (remember, you
are a guest on their island). This means, for example:
• Don't take a picture of anyone without first obtaining permission.
• Don't enter a temple unless you're completely covered knees to shoulders.
• Don't enter a temple if you're menstruating.
• Don't touch anyone's head or point at someone.
• Don't expose the sole of your shoe by, for instance, crossing your legs as you sit.
• Don't give or receive an object with your left hand.
• Don't take a picture of anyone without first obtaining permission.
• Don't enter a temple unless you're completely covered knees to shoulders.
• Don't enter a temple if you're menstruating.
• Don't touch anyone's head or point at someone.
• Don't expose the sole of your shoe by, for instance, crossing your legs as you sit.
• Don't give or receive an object with your left hand.
Dress casually – Take light clothes, such as the climate is warm-a - hot
all year. Remember Bali is a land where prayer and religious festivals are
central. When visiting a temple or attending ceremonies, make it a point to the
customs and traditions. Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not run for people in
prayer. Do not use flash camera or point the camera at the priest's face. Try
not to step on any choice in the street (walk around). Women can not in temples
during menstruation.
No drugs! - Bring drugs/narcotics can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the prison of the government.
Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, current / Undertow strong especially on the South side area of the island. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Do not swim too far. Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
Health - International health certificates of vaccination against smallpox, cholera and yellow fever are required only from travelers coming from infected areas. Typhoid and paratyphoid vaccinations are optional, but always recommended. Drink only distilled or mineral water or boiled water and eat lots of fresh fruit - do your body a favor. Do not worry too much ice is a quality-controlled government in bars and restaurants to make. Most people traveling through Bali get the infamous "Bali Belly" at one time or another. Taking and Imodium will stop you. The first time of discomfort (diarrhea and cramps), drink strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy foods. Take charcoal tablets will help relieve cramps.
Bargain - It's an art worth learning because it will save you money in Bali. All it takes is a little practice to gain your confidence.
No drugs! - Bring drugs/narcotics can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the prison of the government.
Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, current / Undertow strong especially on the South side area of the island. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Do not swim too far. Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
Health - International health certificates of vaccination against smallpox, cholera and yellow fever are required only from travelers coming from infected areas. Typhoid and paratyphoid vaccinations are optional, but always recommended. Drink only distilled or mineral water or boiled water and eat lots of fresh fruit - do your body a favor. Do not worry too much ice is a quality-controlled government in bars and restaurants to make. Most people traveling through Bali get the infamous "Bali Belly" at one time or another. Taking and Imodium will stop you. The first time of discomfort (diarrhea and cramps), drink strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy foods. Take charcoal tablets will help relieve cramps.
Bargain - It's an art worth learning because it will save you money in Bali. All it takes is a little practice to gain your confidence.
Some Useful tips of negotiate :
First, establish in your mind what you're truly willing to pay (your ultimate max). Next, ask the seller, "What's your very, very lowest price?" Offer considerably less than what he quotes you (don't be shy about offering 50% of his opening figure). Then -- after a series of friendly back-and-forth counter offers -- you and the vendor reach a mutually fair and acceptable figure.
Taxi meters - Cab fares in Bali are very low if you're charged the metered rate. As you step into a taxi, specify to the driver that you want the meter to run. If he says his meter is broken, get out because it's likely a ruse. Once the cab gets rolling, be sure the meter is running. Otherwise, you risk being charged an exorbitant fare.
Cab fleets in Bali are color coded. The white taxis branded "Bali Taxi Company" are one of the trustworthy fleets.
Driving Car - They drive at left side as English and Australiens. Watch your step. Bring your international driver license and rent a bike...cheap.
Don't be a beach cowboy...smiling girls husbands are often around. Bali is not Thai-way...be careful.
First, establish in your mind what you're truly willing to pay (your ultimate max). Next, ask the seller, "What's your very, very lowest price?" Offer considerably less than what he quotes you (don't be shy about offering 50% of his opening figure). Then -- after a series of friendly back-and-forth counter offers -- you and the vendor reach a mutually fair and acceptable figure.
Taxi meters - Cab fares in Bali are very low if you're charged the metered rate. As you step into a taxi, specify to the driver that you want the meter to run. If he says his meter is broken, get out because it's likely a ruse. Once the cab gets rolling, be sure the meter is running. Otherwise, you risk being charged an exorbitant fare.
Cab fleets in Bali are color coded. The white taxis branded "Bali Taxi Company" are one of the trustworthy fleets.
Driving Car - They drive at left side as English and Australiens. Watch your step. Bring your international driver license and rent a bike...cheap.
Don't be a beach cowboy...smiling girls husbands are often around. Bali is not Thai-way...be careful.