Bali, a captivating province of Indonesia, is a paradise brimming with lush tropical forests, dynamic volcanoes, and a rich tapestry of culture. This island, sculpted by various geological forces, offers a stunning array of diversity—from the striking black sand beaches in the north to the majestic limestone cliffs in the south. As the sole Hindu island in a predominantly Muslim nation, Bali's culture, architecture, and cuisine are truly unique and enchanting.
Capital City: Denpasar
Population: 4.3 million (2020 est.)
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Time Zone: Central Indonesia Time - WITA (UTC/GMT -8)
Emergency Number: 112
Outlet: Type C/F
Travel Guide
Bali: Trip Preparation & Destination Information
Your complete travel guide to Bali
Overview
Packing List
Active shoes
Perfect for venturing into lesser-known trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, and tackling hiking paths. We absolutely adore sturdy hiking sandals like Chacos or Keens, especially when exploring warmer climates!
Conservative Clothing
When exploring the beautiful temples of Bali, it's important for everyone, including men, to ensure their knees and shoulders are covered.
Protect Your Tummy
We suggest packing some Pepto Bismol and Imodium.
Sunblock with SPF
Ah, Bali! The sun is always shining, and we don't want a lobster sunburn to spoil your fun. Keep your skin safe from harmful rays by packing plenty of sunscreen. And remember, choosing Reef Safe options helps protect the beautiful marine life too!
Bug Spray
We suggest using bug spray that contains DEET or Picaridin to keep those pesky bugs at bay and ensure you stay healthy throughout your adventure.
Anti-Motion Sickness Medication
If you're someone who tends to feel queasy on bumpy roads or during boat rides, we find that Dramamine can be a real lifesaver for motion sickness!
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay refreshed and do your part for the environment by skipping those plastic water bottles! You'll find plenty of opportunities to refill your reusable bottle with clean water at all the hotels.
Packing Cubes
We'll be hopping from one hotel to another, and these will help keep everything neat and tidy.
Hand Sanitizer
Do I need to say anything else?
Portable Chargers
Keep your energy up, folks!
Ear Plugs
Are you a light sleeper? It's handy to have just in case your roommate snores.
Laundry Soap
Individual packets are ideal for quick sink washes when you're short on clean outfits!
Swimsuit
We're heading to the beach!
Travel Adapter
We suggest bringing along a universal plug adapter. It's your best bet for keeping all your devices charged and ready to go, no matter where your adventures take you!
Local Currency
We suggest grabbing some local currency before you head out. If you wait until you're at the airport, you might find yourself losing about 15% due to exchange rates. Although lots of places accept cards, those charming little local eateries often prefer cash. So, it's handy to have some bills ready for those delightful meals!
Call Your Bank
Banks can sometimes freeze your card if they notice any unusual transactions. It's a good idea to give them a heads-up about your travel plans, including your destinations and dates, to avoid any hiccups.
Always pack extra underwear!
Language Information
Language: Balinese is the official language of Bali, but all locals also speak Bahasa, the language of Indonesia.
Common Phrases
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)
Local Weather
Culture Notes
When visiting Balinese temples, it's important for everyone, including men, to cover their knees and shoulders.
We typically use a sarong for this purpose, though wearing trousers or long skirts can make it unnecessary. At the larger temples, they often have sarongs available for you to borrow. However, when visiting smaller, more local temples, it's a good idea to bring your own sarong.
In many temples, there are specific guidelines regarding who can enter, and menstruating women are traditionally not permitted inside. You’ll often see signs at the entrances of larger temples, and locals may also inquire about this directly. This rule isn't limited to menstruation; it applies to any form of bleeding for both men and women. So, if you have a cut, it's best to refrain from entering. Additionally, women who are more than seven months pregnant or have given birth within the last six weeks are also advised not to enter.
In Bali, the local culture is quite conservative, so we suggest keeping public displays of affection (PDAs) to a minimum. Holding hands is generally considered the most acceptable form of affection in public.
In Balinese culture, it's important to note that the left hand is traditionally viewed as unclean. As a result, people typically use their right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items. You'll notice this practice when exchanging money or receiving a menu at a restaurant. We suggest trying to use your right hand, but if you're unsure, using both hands is a wonderful way to show respect.
Tipping Guide
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information on travel safety?
Visit the US Department of State's website for the latest travel safety updates.
Is the water safe to drink?
Travelers should steer clear of tap water. It's best to avoid using it for brushing your teeth if possible. Opt for treated water for drinking, which is available at all lodging options.
Do I need a Visa?
To find out about visa details, click here. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contains at least two blank pages. Otherwise, entry into some countries might be denied.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Although it's not mandatory, we strongly suggest all travelers consider travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected events! Explore travel insurance options with our partner, worldnomads.com or choose a provider you prefer.
How much should I pack?
Since we'll be using shared transfers and spaces during our tour, we suggest all travelers pack as lightly as they can. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.
What does public transportation look like?
Taxis are abundant in Bali, but be sure to check for a license and confirm that the fare will be metered. Otherwise, you might end up in an unlicensed taxi and pay more than necessary. A useful tip: carry small bills and have the exact address of your destination ready.
Is Uber or Lyft available?
Not currently, but there's a ride-sharing service called 'Grab' that operates via an app, screens its drivers, accepts payment through the app, and is generally more affordable than traditional taxis. Just a heads-up: hotels may have rules about which taxi services or if Grab can pick up at their premises.