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POPULATION
Geographically, Bali is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok. Bali is small, stretching approximately 140 km from east to west, and 80 km from north to south. The tallest of a string of volcanic mountains that run from the east to the west is Gunung Agung, which last erupted in 1963. Located just 8o south of the Equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons (wet and dry) a year with an average temperature of around 28oC. The wide and gently sloping southern regions play host to Bali’s famed rice terraces, which are among some of the most spectacular in the world. In the hilly, northern coastal regions, the main produce is coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, cattle and rice. The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which, although originally from India, comprises of a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs; It is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today. Naturally creative, the Balinese have traditionally used their talents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. The majority of Bali’s 3,000,000 people live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are Denpasar (the capital) and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area stretches from Kuta to Seminyak. Kuta became a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70’s because of its famed white-sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets. Today, the Kuta to Seminyak stretch is a major tourist destination, with hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa on the east coast, or Lovina in the north. Nusa Dua, on the southern-most peninsula of the island, houses many five-star hotels. The central village of Ubud, in the hilly region of Gianyar, has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of Bali.
HOSPITAL
The main hospital is Sanglah hospital located on Jl. Diponegoro, Ph. 227911, and open 24 hours. Many chemists provide centralized doctor practices for dentists, oculists, THT. Surgeons are open between 18 to 20 hours like Kimia Farma. Chemist located on Jl. Diponegoro, ph. 227811
CREDIT CARDS
Most credit cards accepted are Amex office at Hotel Bali Beach Ph. 286060, 288449. Diners Club at Jl. Veteran Bali Hotel. Ph. 235584. Visa/ Master Cards at Jl. Veteran No.3 Ph. 227138, 234771, BCA on Jl. Hasanudin Denpasar, Ph.431012, etc.
MONEY CHANGERS
The exchange rate varies daily and you might opt to shop around for the best rate. Always check the money changer’s figures. The calculators of the less reputable are often 'erratic'.
POST OFFICE
Main office on Jl. Raya Puputan Ph.223566 with many branches. Postal fees; postcard or letter to Australia or New Zealand Rp.4.000, Europe Rp.6.000 and USA Rp. 7.500.
CURRENCY
The currency is Rupiah or IDR. Most foreign currencies are accepted like US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Singapore Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, EURO, etc.
AIRLINES
Garuda Indonesia at Jl. Melati Ph. 227825.
Thai Airways at Hotel Bali Beach Ph. 288141 Fax. 288063.
Orient Thai Airlines, Bali Gardenia Resort Nusa Dua Ph. 751471.
Cathay Pacific at Grand Bali Beach Sanur Ph. 286001,288511.
Merpati Airlines on Jl. Melati No.51 Denpasar Ph. 235358 Res. 235557 Fax. 231962.
Malaysian Airlines at the departure hall Ngurah Rai International Airport Ph. 751011 ex. 1454.
IMMIGRATION
Central office on Jl. D.I. Panjaitan Denpasar Ph. 227828 or Ngurah Rai International Airport Ph. 751038.
SHOPPING HOURS
Shopping hours 09.00-21.00 hours.
CONSULATES
Australian Consulate at Jl. M. Yamin 51 Denpasar, Ph. 235093/2, Fax. 231990.
France at Jl. By Pass Ngurah rai 35 X Sanur Ph. 285485.
Honorary Consul of Federal Republic of Germany at Jl. Pantai Karang 17 Sanur. Ph. 288235, 282009, Fax. 288826.
Honorary Consul of Sweden and Finland at Jl. Segara Ayu (Hotel Segara Village) Ph. 288407, 288408. Fax 288580.
Netherlands at Jl. Imam Bonjol 599 Kuta. Ph. 751517, Fax. 752777.
Consul Agency of USA at Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.188, Ph. 233605, Fax. 222426.
Honorary Consul of Norway at Jl. Jayagiri VII/10 Denpasar, Ph. 23598, Fax. 234834.
Switzerland Consulate on Swiss Restaurant at Jl. Werkudara, Kuta, ph. 751735, 761311, Fax. 754457.
Japan Consulate at Jl. Raya Puputan Renon, Ph. 227628, Fax. 231308.
Honorary Consulate of Denmark on Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Ph. 701070.
Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic at Jl. Pangembak 17, Sanur Ph. 286465, Fax. 286408.
British Honorary Consul at Cat and Fiddle Restaurant Jl. Mertesari No.2 Sanur, Ph.270601.
ATTRACTION
Bali provides wide tourist attractions such as sigh seeing tours, water sport facilities including scuba diving, deep sea. Water fishing, rafting, many golf courses, etc.
RESTAURANTS
Wide verities of International food: Chinese food, European, American, Japanese, as Well as Indonesian dishes are served at most restaurants.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity power through Bali is 220 volt, and mostly use 2 pin plugs; Adaptors can be purchased cheaply for 3 pin plugs.
MUSEUMS
Bali Ethnology Museums on Jl. Letkol Wisnu Denpasar Open Tuesday to Sunday. From 8a.m to 2 p.m.
Bali Archeology Museum on Jl. Tampak Siring, Bedahulu Gianyar, Ph. 942347. Open Monday to Saturday from 7.30a.m -2 p.m expect Friday closed at 12 p.m.
Museum Le Mayeur on Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur. Open Saturday to Thursday from 8a.m to 4 p.m. Friday 8a.m -1.30p.m.
Agung Rai Museum of art on Jl. Pengosekan,Ubud. Open every day from 9am to 6pm.
Puri Lukisan Museum on Jl. Raya Ubud. Open everyday 8 am 4p.m.
Neka Museum on Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud. Open everyday 8am to 5 pm.
Bali Traveler Tips
The following list has been compiled to help you make the most of your stay in Bali. If you have any further concerns that are not mentioned here, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries that you may have.
General things that you should or shouldn't do...
√ Do...
• change money at a reputable looking location; use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
• put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
• drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.
• be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
• try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
• respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!
• haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).
• buy 'Imodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
• have a great holiday!
× Don't ...
• forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times and a copy of Bali Plus!
• swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!
• touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
• enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
• forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot.
• worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
• forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!
• forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 50,000
Passports and Visas
Bali Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.
Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia visa policy.
(updated December 1st 2006)
Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali:
Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region,
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - cost for these visas are US $10 for a stay of up to 7 days, US $25 for a stay of up to 30 days.
(updated June 18th 2007)
Algeria
Arab Emirates
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
China
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Panama
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tunisia
United Kingdom
United States America
It is important to also note the following:
• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.
• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.
Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, 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 country.
Currency
The Rupiah. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.
Bali Time
Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
Getting Around
You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go. For car rental service on Bali, visit our Car Rental page
Driver's License
If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License, license from ASEAN countries or obtain Tourist Driving License (Car Rentals : www.gobalicarrental.com).
Clothing
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll 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.
Useful Numbers
Taxis
• Taksi Praja: 289191, 289090
• Taksi Bali: 701111
Medical
• AEA International (Medical Evac) Jl. Hayam Wuruk 40, Denpasar. Tel: 228996
• Bali International Medical Center Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X Denpasar. Tel: 761263
• Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel: 227560
• Kuta Clinic: Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel: 753268
• Nusa Dua Clinic: Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel: 771324
• Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel: 227911
Emergency Numbers
• Ambulance: 118
• Fire: 113
• Police: 110
• Search & Rescue : 51111
• Red Cross: 26465
• Operator Assisted Calls
• Within Indonesia: 100
• International: 101
Directory Information
• Bali: 108
• Indonesia: 106
Credit Card Enquiries
• American Express
Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur. Tel : 288511 ext. 111
• MasterCard & Visa Card
Bank Central Asia, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Denpasar. Tel : 759010 / 11
A Word of Advice Attending ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:
• Always wear a sarong and sash.
• Do not walk in front of people praying.
• Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!
• Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
• At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is!
• Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.
Dangerous sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.
Driving
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident.
Money changers
Please be very careful when changing your money. Always check the rate of exchange and commission (if any) the money changer is taking. Most importantly, always count your money before you leave the premises and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some places can be "a little inaccurate".
Petty crime
There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers! Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag.
When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
When trying on garments do not take your jeweler off and leave it lying round - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.
Swimming in the sea
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and yellow flags, don't swim too far out! Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
Donations
When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received. Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple.
Thank you for respecting above suggestions. |
