Bali has earned itself a long string of plaudits, including the “Morning of the World,” “Island of the Gods” and the “Last Paradise on Earth.” Although it has undergone much development, most of the island still deserves those appellations. Its natural beauty, the colorful Balinese Hindu festivals and the friendliness of the people lure vacationers here again and again
The word paradise is used a lot in Bali, and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia’s unparalleled number one tourist attraction. Eighty percent of international visitors to Indonesia visit Bali and Bali alone.
The popularity is not without its flip sides — once paradisaical Kuta has degenerated into a congested warren of concrete, touts and scammers live on overcharging tourists, and the island’s visibility has even drawn the unwanted attention of terrorists in 2002 and 2005 — but Bali has managed to retain its magic. Bali is a wonderful destination with something for everyone, and though heavily traveled, it is still easy to find some peace and quiet if you like
Diving and other entertainment
Bali, as an island, is surrounded by sea. All year-long, sunshine gives you a chance to enjoy many offshore attractions.
Diving and snorkeling are among major attractions in Bali. Divers can view various marine creatures, such as colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. The best time for diving here is in the dry season that lasts from April to October, when warmer temperatures invite more fish and the objects can be clearly viewed.
Bali offers a lot of sites for beginners and professional divers, with some of them adjacent to the shore with abundant colorful hard and soft corals. Once you start diving, a wide variety of marine life, such as dolphins, rays, turtle, sea snakes and moray eels will greet you.
The locations for diving and snorkeling in Bali spread out along Bali's sea. The popular sites are located on the southern part: Sanur and Nusa Island (Lembongan and Nusa Penida); in the western part are Labuan Lalang, Menjangan Island, an uninhabited island with some of the best diving in Bali; in the north of the island is Lovina that will undoubtedly satisfy your diving needs. On the east coast are Amed where virgin nature can be enjoyed, Tulamben, Candidasa and Padang Bay also.
Surfing can be done everyday in Bali. Bali's magnificent surfing was introduced by Australian surfers at the end of 60's, and since then, Bali has become a paradise for surfers. Not just because of various choices for beaches and breaks, but surfing in Bali can be done everyday! Perfect wave to ride on are always available somewhere on this island. Kuta and Ulawatu are recognized for their magnificent surfing waves.
Out-standing reef breaks are found in Kuta and Sanur. Sanur reef is a real pleasure because, here you will find a tube-forming wave that will carry you back to the seashore and in this way, it is unnecessary for you to paddle like a madman
General information
Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The island home of approximately 4 million people is approximately 144 kilometres from east to west and 80 kilometres north to south.
The islands varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides provide a picturesque backdrop to the colourful and deeply spiritual culture of this ‘Island of The Gods’. Some people say that Bali is not a real world – it is a magnificent, syblime, and attractive picture painted by a very talented painter.
Climate
Bali is always warm, humid and tropical, remaining around 80-83°F all year round. The April-October dry season and November-March rainy seasons are only relative, with plenty of rainfall around the year, but the Balinese winter is cloudier, more humid and with a higher chance of thunderstorms.
A more important consideration is the tourist season, as Bali can get packed in July-August and again around Christmas and New Year’s. Australians also visit during school holidays in early April, late June and late September, while Indonesians visit during national holidays. Outside these peaks, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and good discounts on accommodation are often available.
Nature
The wild forests of Bali can be found mostly in the Bali Barat National Park, dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. And the tropical climate of Bali endows it with a rich flora. In the forests, tall tropical trees reach for the sky, nursing a variety of wild orchids to grow on their branches. Pine trees carpet the mountains. Ever protective, waringin trees faithfully stand at the center of every village. Flowers beautifully punctuate little gardens in every house, and most importantly, spreading their sweet fragrance into the midnight air and completing offerings to the gods and goddesses. Bali is also blessed with a beautiful nature. Endless sand beaches envelope most of Bali's shores, where silvery waves come home to. Tall cliffs border the eastern shores. Volcanic mountains crown the center of Bali, home to Gunung Agung (Mount Divine), the sacred abode of the gods and the goddesses. Green forests stretch on from east to west of the northern part of Bali, nurturing numerous flora and fauna that can only be found here.
Beaches
The beaches of Bali are, in one word, magnificent! From the stretch of sand in Kuta, fenced far in the South by the runway of Denpasar International Airport; the peaceful elegance of Nusa Dua; the mysterious quietness and somberness of Candidasa, as a temple dedicated to the sea goddess submerges; to the spectacular sunsets of Lovina in the North.
Waves
The beaches of Bali readily accept the arrival of the waves, time and time again. And they vary. In the stretch of Nusa Dua alone you can find soft waves for the beginner surfers to the wildest of waves that will challenge even the most experienced of the surfers. Yeh Saneh in the East, Uluwatu in the South, and Medewi slightly to the West, are all excellent site for waves.
Lakes
There are four lakes in Bali. Lake Batur, the old crater of Mount Batur, is the largest. Kintamani offers an excellent panoramic view of the lake, and the lake itself effectively fences in the Bali Aga people in Trunyan. Lake Bratan, the second largest, is near the town of Bedugul. Lake Buyan and Lake Temblingan are also near.
Fauna
Bali tigers (Panthera tigris balica ) used to roam these forests, but now you can only find deer or wild boars. Bali Barat National Park is also reestablished as the new habitat for Bali Starling (Jalak Bali), a sweet, white bird that has inspired many a painter. Sea turtles, another protected species, can playfully accompany you when you go snorkeling in the the waters of Nusa Dua. Animals have a very important position both spiritually and materially in Bali, bringing about a special day of “Tumpek Kandang” especially for cattle breeders. They pray to “Sang Hyang Rare Angon” to give thanks for protecting and safeguarding their animals. Some people call the special day “Tumpek Andang”, others call it “Tumpek Pengatag” and “Tumpek Uye”, celebrated on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon Wuku Uye, once every 6 months.
Currency
The rupiah (Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia.
Time zone
There are three Standard Time zones:
Sumatra, Java and West & Central Kalimantan are 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7)
Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi are 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8)
Irian Jaya and Maluku are 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9)
Language
If you speak English or German, the local people will understand you. The three major languages spoken on Java are Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese
Custom-house
You are not allowed to import drugs, weapons, pornographic production, Chinese drugs, or any newspapers or other production printed in Chinese.
Paying at the airport
Leaving the country, you will pay about 7 U$D for the international voyage and about 1,5 U$D for the voyage inside the country. Currency used for paying: rupees.
Electricity:
220 volts.
Transportation:
Between the islands, there are used motor-launches and traditional boats. Going somewhere by a taxi, you should ask about the price in advance.
Holidays and State festivals:
January 1; May 10, 25, and 31; August 9 and 17; December 20 and 25; local and Muslim holidays.
Tips
There is no official tip system; however, it is advisable to leave tips (~10%)
Medical treatment and how to be safe
Travel Insurance is fine for short stays in Bali but long term expatriates in Indonesia need a different kind of insurance
In Bali medical treatment of a reasonable international standard is usually not available. So please make sure you do have medical insurance. Bali has been the scene of lethal terrorist bombings in 2002 and 2005, both waves of attacks targeting nightclubs and restaurants popular among foreign visitors. Security is consequently tight in obvious targets, but it is of course impossible to protect fully against terrorism. If it is any reassurance, the Balinese themselves — who depend on tourism for their livelihood — deplore the bombings and the terrorists behind them for the terrible suffering they have caused on this peaceful island. As a visitor, it is important to put the risk in perspective: the sad fact is that Bali's roads are, statistically, far more dangerous than even the deadliest bomb. It is still prudent to avoid high profile western hang-outs, especially those without security measures, and the paranoid or just security-conscious may wish to head out of the tourist enclaves of south Bali to elsewhere on the island.
Bali is increasingly enforcing Indonesia's harsh penalties against importation, exportation, trafficking and possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy and heroin. Even the possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use puts you at risk of a trial and prison sentence if searched. Watch out for seemingly harmless street vendors looking to sell you drugs (marijuana,cocaine, etc.). More often than not they are undercover police and will try to sell you drugs so that they can then get uniformed officers onto you and demand a bribe (anything from Rp200,000-1,000,000) to let you go.
In Bali if you see a red flag planted in the sand, do not swim there: they are a warning for dangerous rip currents. These currents can pull you out to sea with alarming speed, and even the strongest swimmers cannot swim against them — the thing to do is to stay calm and swim sideways (along the shore) until out of it, then head for the shore.
Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. before buying some food, think carefully because on the markets, you will see veriaty of different exotic goods, which may harmfully influence your stomach. Do not overeat sea products. Better buy products on supermarkets. It is highly recommended to drink mineral water that you buy in bottles in supermarkets. Never wash dishes with tap water. Instead of buying food on the street in some suspicious stall, better visit restaurants, which can guarantee a hight level of hygiene.Use more salts and drink more water. To other alcohol drinks, a European tourist should prefer local beer.
Since the clime on Bali is warm and wet, it is highly recommended that you take clothes that is made of natural materials. In Ubuda and other areas women are not recommened to wear shorts. Going to mountains, take a sweater or a cardigan with you. In some areas of Bali, it is allowed to dress in a free way; however, you should forget that in some areas, the locals do not accept it. Knees and belly should be covered with clothes – this is a way of showing that you respect God. Going to the office, men ususally wear shirts and throusers, and women usually wear dresses, skirts, and shirts with long sleeves. Sandals are not acceptable; therefore, you should put on shoes.
Going to the Jungles, be very careful because you may face scorpions or snakes. Never walk without shoes!
It is resommened to inoculate yourself against hepatitis A and B and yellowe fever.
Going to the beach, try not to take your shoes off. Use suncsreen, put a hat on, and do not forget about the sunglasses because there is always a danger of sunburn.
The midday sun in Bali will fry the unwary traveller to a crisp, so slap on plenty of suntan lotion and drink lots of fluids. However, don't carry liters of water as you can buy a bottle virtually anywhere. The locals tend to stay away from the beaches until about two hours before sunset, when most of the fierceness has gone out of the sun.
Rules of behavior on Bali
Take and give objects with your right hand.
Point at some object with the thumb of the right hand; the elbow should be pressed to your side. Never point at the object with the leg.
You may appear without the skirt or in the swimsuit when you are at the beach.
Becoming sunburn without clothes is forbidden.
Do not make pictures of those who are at the beach.
Enter to Bali temples is more of less free. The only rule you should follow is buying special clothes in kiosks or renting it.
It is a tradition to give 1,000 rupees to the temple, which is viewed as charity. The sum is written down to the special book in order to show it to the next visitor.
Entering big temples that are usually visited by tourists, you have to buy a ticket (1,500 rupees)
For using a camera in the temple, you should pay 1,000 rupees. For using video camera – 1,500 rupees.
People who suffer from bleeding (any kinds of it) are not allowed to enter any temple. The rule does not mean to discriminate women.
Never sit higher than the priest.
Never stand in front of those you are praying.
Never touch other people’s heads because the head is considered to be saint.
Passionate kisses and hugs are considered to insult other people and are absolutely forbidden in all temples.
Always keep an eye on your belongings because pickpockets are always there.
Some owners of the souvenir shops pay the tour guides a commission (therefore, the price of any souvenir object increases), so, in order to save money, better choose the souvenir shops on your own and create the shopping on your own, too.
In Indonesia, there is a general negative attitude towards hard drinking in public. In Muslim areas it is absolutely forbidden. So, never drink too much.
Shopping in Bali
Shopping in Bali is not simply walking into a shop, picking something from a shelf and paying for it. Shopping is an art. In every traditional market and art shop around Bali bargaining is a must.
This traditional way makes shopping in Bali a fun time, where you can feel the warmth of human value in every transaction. Before you begin your shopping tour on this island, please obtain cash because most places do not accept credit cards.
Even if you are not a seasoned negotiator be prepared to enjoy the bargaining process. It is a fun activity and be patient and you will get the 'best (and maybe even local) price'. In some places you can bargain until you get 50% off. Always go in at less than a third of the price (maybe even a quarter) and bargaining and even walk away, until you get the price you want. Then make sure you pay the right money. Avoid the DUTY FREE SHOPPERS outlets by all means! All local products are ridiculously expensive here.
Most shops are opened since 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. and since 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. The rest-day is Sunday. Supermarkets and shopping centers are opened since 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. every day with now days off.
Cuisines
Bali has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, serving both Indonesian and international food; see Indonesia for a menu reader. For better or worse, some American chains have established a presence here, although almost exclusively confined to the southern tourist areas. You'll see KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Starbuck's Coffee. Interestingly, the menus are often highly adapted to the local tastes. The menu at Pizza Hut looks nothing like one you'll find in the U.S. Try the smaller local restaurants rather than touristy ones, the food is better — and cheaper. Be sure to try the ubiquitous Indonesian dishes nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). These dishes should rarely cost more than Rp 25,000 (sometimes a bit more if you add chicken — ayam — or shrimp — udang), so their cost on a menu can be a good indicator of a restaurant's relative cost and value.
Some of the most authentic food can be found from roving vendors called kaki lima, which means "five legs." This comprises the three legs of the food cart and the vendor's own two legs. Go to the beaches of Seminyak at sunset and find steaming hot bakso, a delightful meatball and noodle soup, served up fresh for a very inexpensive Rp 5,000. You can season it yourself, but be forewarned: Indonesian spices can be ferociously hot. Go easy until you find your heat tolerance level!
Actual Balinese food is common on the island, but it has made few inroads in the rest of the country due to its emphasis on pork, which is anathema to the largely Muslim population in the rest of the country. Notable dishes include:
• babi guling — Roast suckling pig, a large ceremonial dish that must usually be ordered several days in advance.
• bebek betutu — Literally "darkened duck", topped with a herb paste and roasted in banana leaves. The same method can also be used for chicken, resulting in ayam betutu.
• lawar — Covers a range of Balinese salads, usually involving thinly chopped vegetables, minced meat, coconut and spices. Traditionally, blood is mixed into this dish, but it's often omitted for tourists' delicate constitutions. Green beans and chicken are a particularly common combination.
• sate lilit — Minced seafood satay, served wrapped around a twig of lemongrass.
• urutan — Balinese spicy sausage, made from pork.
• Grilled Chicken with Sliced Shallot Chilie and Lime (Ayam Panggang bumbu bawang mentah)
• Grilled Chicken with Red Chilie and Shrimp Paste Sauce (Ayam Panggang bumbu merah)
• Steam Chicken Cooked with Balinese Herb and Spicy (Ayam Tutu - Ala Kak Man Restaurant)
• Steam Duck Cooked with Balinese Herb and Spicy (Bebek Tutu - Ala Kak Man Restaurant)
• Mince Chicken with Shredded Rind combine with Spicy Sauce (Lawar Ayam, Klungah, Buah Kacang)
• Sliced Chicken mixed with Herbs and Spices Steam in Banana Leaf (Tum Ayam / Ketopot)
• Grilled Snaper (Ikan Bakar Bumbu Terasi)
• Special Balinese Salted Dry Fish (Sudang Lepet)
• Sliced Fish mixed with Herbs and Spices Wrap in Banana Leaf (Pepes Ikan Laut)
• Special Mixed Vegetables from Klungkung (Serombotan ala Klungkung)
• Water Cres with Shrimp Paste and Lime (Pelecing Kangkung)
• Fern Tip Vegetables with Shrimp Paste and Lime (Pelecing Paku)
We highly recommend you
To visit the local temples. We also recommend you to enjoy the night life on Bali, which will be a wonderful surprise for those who are like the trythm of the night.
To have a dinner in the beach restaurants, enjoying the sunset. This is a wonderful and magnificent gift of the local nature, which dazzles you with its sublime beauty. By the way, the food is not very expensive there.
To go to the very centre of the island and to watch different ‘faces’ of local nature.
To watch the sunrise.
To have a honey moon or a wedding ceremony on Bali.
Renting a car
Driving a car on Bali may be dangerous because the roads are very narrow and dogs and chickens often appear on the streets. In the case of an accident, you will also be considered to be the responsible one. Therefore, safer is to rent a car and a driver. We also recommend you to rent a minibus. If you are satisfied with the way the driver does his work, it will be logical to give him some money for a dinner when you have a dinner time. If you have decided to drive a rented car yourself, you must have the driver’s license (an international standard) or a permission of the local police. You can rent a car before going on trip or already in the hotel.
