Bali: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Bali: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Bali

Overview

Bali, a province in the country of Indonesia, is an oasis of tropical forests, active volcanoes and vibrant culture. Shaped by many geological processes, the island is a hotspot of diversity from its black sand beaches in the north to its limestone cliffs in the south. A country shaped by being the only Hindu island in a majority Muslim nation, Balinese culture, architecture and cuisine are one of a kind.

 

Capital City: Denpasar

Population: 4.3 million (2020est.)

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone: Central Indonesia Time - WITA (UTC/GMT -8)

Emergency Number: 112

Outlet: Type C/F

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TrovaTrip Bali Temple

Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: Balinese is the official language of Bali, but all locals also speak Bahasa, the language of Indonesia.

 

  • Good morning - Selamat pagi (s’lah-mawt pag-jee)
  • Good afternoon - Selamat sore (s’lah-mawt sore-eh)
  • Good night - Selamat malam (s’lah-mawt maw-lahm)
  • Good bye (to a person leaving) - Selamat Jalan (s’lah-mawt jah-lahn)
  • Good bye (if you are the person leaving)  - Selamat tinggal (s’lah-mawt ting-gahl)
  • Thank you - Terima Kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-see)  Sukseme (sook-sah-Moor) (Balinese)
  • How are you? - Apa Kabar (up-ah kah-barr)
  • I’m fine - Baik baik (bike-bike)
  • I’m Sorry - Saya minta ma’af (sigh-ah min-tah mah-uff)

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here 

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Weather

BALI WEATHER

Culture Notes

  • You will need to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting Balinese temples – men included.
  • This is usually done with a sarong although trousers and long skirts negate the need to wear one. The larger temples will provide you with a sarong to borrow but you’ll need to bring your own to smaller more local temples.  
  • Menstruating women are not allowed in the temples. You’ll likely spot signs outside the entrance of all large temples but don’t be surprised if a local also asks you directly about this. this menstruating rule actually also applies to any type of bleeding for both men and women. So if you’ve cut yourself, you also shouldn’t go in.  Women who are more than seven months pregnant or have given birth within the last six weeks will also need to sit this one out.
  • As the Balinese culture is a conservative one, PDAs should be kept to a minimum in Bali. Holding hands is probably the max level you want to get to in public.
  • In the Balinese culture, the left hand is considered to be dirty so people will usually give and receive something with either the right hand or both hands. You’ll see this when exchanging money or being given the menu in a restaurant for example. Try to remember to use your right hand, or if you get stuck, then using both is a sign of great respect.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated.  If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $3-4 per person/per day
Drivers USD $1-2 per person/per day
Restaurants  USD $1 to 10% of the total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up to date information on safety while traveling.

What is the Bali tourist entry fee?

Starting February 14, 2024, Bali is implementing a  ~$10 USD (IDR 150,000) fee for foreign tourists prior to or upon arrival in Bali. It is recommended to use the "Love Bali System" to pay prior to or upon arriving arriving in Bali.

This fee aims to provide tangible benefits to protecting Bali's culture and environment.  As one of the most touristy destinations in the world, the funds go towards protecting nature and keeping things clean and sustainable while protecting and promoting Balinese customs, traditions, cultural arts, and local wisdom. It is a great way to give back to the local economy and people who give so much to their visitors. You can learn more here.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all Travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all Travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? Taxis are everywhere in Bali but make sure you look for a license and clarify that the cab ride will be metered. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a fake taxi and overpaying. Helpful tip: make sure to have small bills and know the exact address where you would like to go.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Not anymore, however, there is a replacement ride share called 'Grab' which uses an app, screens its drivers, allows payment through the app and tends to be cheaper than normal taxis. FYI: hotels have restrictions on what taxi companies or if Grab can pick up at their location.

 

What about Wi-Fi? Almost all areas in Bali are reached with a local 4G network unless you are really off the grid. In the south, there is a pretty decent connection everywhere compared to the north or central Bali. WiFi is available in almost all public spots like cafes and beach clubs, but don't expect much from the speed.

Luggage Restrictions

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Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

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