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Getting started.
As you land you will be required to purchase a tourist entry visa. A one month holiday visa will cost US$25. per person. On exit you will need to allocate 150,000Rp per person for Departure tax.
Visas and Passports
Two-month tourist visas will automatically be issued to visitors from 46 countries, which include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, and most of western Europe. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months upon entry into Indonesia or you will find yourself on the next plane out.
You will be given a 60-day tourist card as long as (i) your passport is valid for at least six months, and (ii) you have a ticket out of Indonesia and (iii) have enough money to fund your entire journey.
This tourist card has to be returned when you leave Indonesia, so do not misplace it. Extension of your tourist visa is possible by leaving the country and returning again. This is as simple as going to Singapore and returning the same day. Paperwork is involved for extending business and social cultural visas, and this can be done only once per visa. Contact your local Indonesian Embassy/Consulate for more details, or the immigration department once in Bali.
Hyatt Reef - Sanur
Packing
Bali is an island where you can go with just the basics, and you can purchase what you need as you go very cheaply. With just a valid passport, boardingpass and cash you can set yourself amoungst the swaying coconut palms. However, you may want to consider taking these other items:
Visa or Mastercard. - The essential travel tool. A great way of documenting your expenditure, taking advantage of online rates when booking accommodation or flights, and indespensible in case of unforseen expenses.
Travel insurance. - For the 'peace of mind' alone it is worth taking out this form of insurance, for the medical coverage alone.
Be aware though that all claims must be backed with reciepts. Depreciation on items is often factored into your claim settlement, ie. a 3 year old, $700 camera will be de-valued to near half it's original cost. Payment is generally made as a reimbersement for your expense.
A Smartphone. - Starting with the phone feature, when loaded with a local prepaid sim card it is the cheapest international call option. Your phone must not be 'network locked' to use other sim cards. 'Roaming' multiple networks is a very expensive option in comparison. Other useful features when travelling are the calculator for exchange rates, mp3, wi-fi for free internet, camera and video recording. Now the modern traveller is equiped with phone applications like Google maps to navigate around the island. Skype, Facebook and Messenger mobile provide free correspondence and will let you document your travels with ease. Then there's the various other app's including language translators which are a valuable travel tool for understanding signage and for basic communication. E-books for relaxing by the pool, and netbrowsing tools allow you to find a range of relevant information off the internet while you're on the go.
A memory card. - Video recording and photo's will quickly use up your available storage. Take a spare one too.
A Day pack. - A small backpack is nessesary when you tour Bali. One with padded backing is best, and at a size that is not cumbersome. When you add together the day's basic item checklist: Water, tissues (toilet paper), wallet or purse, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen or mosquito repellant, towel, bathers and keys, you can soon see the need for a comfortable carry all.
A compact/expanding barrel bag: That can fold up and sit in a small compartment of your luggage until needed. This will come in handy when packing to return home.
Binoculars. - A compact pair will help you take advantage of rare views, find destinations, check surfspots, or just survey the landscape. A handy addition to your day pack.
Flashlight. - Environmentaly friendly light sources are the way of the future. Many do not require batteries and are more reliable because of this. Very handy for navigating your way around a room when you don't want to disturb others, and numerous other instances.
Indonesian phrase book. - The quickest way to break down the language barrier and reep the rewards is to simply purchase a small phrasebook. Just having a try will lead to you having a more rewarding experience with the local Balinese people, (and usually a better deal when bartering). The Lonely Planet Indonesian Phrasebook is our recommendation.
Micro Multi-tool. Often prove themselves worth carrying on tour. From scissors to bottle openers, you can have them all at the ready in one convenient folding tool.
Sunglasses. - Quality, UV400 lenses. Many cheap copies are available on the streets of Bali, however these have no protective qualities against the harmful rays of the sun.
Sun hat or cap.
Sunscreen. - Such as Zink Creme, is best for sun protection of the face and ears when exposed to UVA and UVB sunlight for long periods of time. Check that the creme you chose does not irritate the skin or eyes, and is waterproof. Sunscreen Spray and body lotions. - Are better for covering larger exposed areas. It is best to have this in your toiletry bag as well. Sunscreen is often expensive in Bali.
Mosquito repellant. - A must after dark in the tropics! Cases of Malaria, dengue fever and other mosquito spread viruses are common in the wet season or jungle areas. Be better prepared! Caution: Repellants with high percentages of DEET are a health risk, and should not be applied directly onto the skin. They definately should not be used by pregnant women. (i.e Bushmans - Tropical Strength)
Anti-itch creme. - For those instances when you have been bitten by bugs, sea lice, sand flies or struck by stingers, this is the soothing remedy.
After sun lotion. - Is your over exposed skin feeling sore and red? Happens everyday in Bali. Aloe vera based products are best.
Hand sanitizer. - Is a popular prevention technique for Bali Belly. Often simple acts such as handling money will transfer germs and bacteria, then you unknowingly transfer them to your food or mouth. So Maybe it wasn't the food which you ate that made you sick.
First-Aid kit. - A good quality kit that is compact as well as complete. One with sutures and syringe is recommended for the adventure bound, especially when visiting remote areas for surf missions, etc. A good range of gastro and fever remedies, and various bandages and dressings is also advised. Add your own extra headache tablets, charcoal tablets and Gastrolyte for those killer hangovers or bouts of nausia.
Important: All perscribed medications will require the appropriate paperwork from your doctor, or you may be in for some real trouble with Bali customs!
Tanah Lot
Our first tip! Work out exactly what it is that you want from your Bali holiday, and plan around it!
Often dissappointment, lost time and money can all be avoided by following a few guidelines. Read more
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