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Indonesia [Bali]

Bali, Indonesia

A popular destination for singles holidays. Bali rightly earns its place as one of Asia's most beloved beach paradises. This province in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands attracts plenty of tourists with its rich culture, lush landscapes, and Hindu temples. 

There are plenty of areas to explore within Bali. The popular resort spots include, Kuta, Sanur and Seminyak.  In the hills, not far from Denpasar is Ubud and worth a visit to experience a contrast to the beaches. Peaceful Amed features a number of traditional fishing villages suitable for those looking for a bit of relaxation. Mount Agung, home of Besakih Temple, offers a lesson or two on Spirituality 101. Tourists yearning for the sea take a ferry across to Nusa Lembongan -besides water sports like snorkelling, surfing, and banana boats, this small island boasts clear waters and white sand. Finally, younger travellers can go all out while partying in Kuta, the island's surfing utopia and centre of nightlife.

 

Location: Indonesia (Bali), Asia
Size: 5,780 km2
Capital: Denpasar
Largest Cities: Denpasar, Singaraja, Kuta, Ubud
Climate: The climate of Bali can be divided into two main seasons: the dry season, which is May to September, and the wet season, occurring from October to April. Aside from the rain, the wet season brings about a lot of humidity as well.
Population: Around 3.9 million people
Language: Indonesian, Balinese, Hindi, Tamil
Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist
Literacy Rate: 90.4%
Government Type: Republic
Head of State: Governor
Land Borders: Bordered only by sea
Currency: Rupiah
Natural Resources: Rich volcanic soil, water, biomass, biofuel
Main Agriculture: Rice, Arabica coffee, copra, coconuts, cattle
Main Industry: Tourism, agriculture, fishing
Electricity: 220 V AC, 50 Hz
Time Zone: GMT+8
Country Tel. Code: + 62
Visa/Passport: A 30 day visa may be obtained upon arrival for a fee of 25 USD. A 30 day extension may also be granted if necessary.
Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is 13 kilometres south of Denpasar. Also known as Denpasar International Airport, it is Indonesia’s second busiest international airport.
Departure Tax: Passengers departing from Ngurah Rai International Airport are required to pay IDR 150,000 for international flights (about USD15) IDR 30,000 for domestic flights.
Getting Around: Visitors who want to explore the island as much as possible are advised to hire or rent their own means of transport. Hiring a car, for example, lends travellers flexibility and allows them to access areas that public transport does not reach. The cost should come out cheaper than it would to take a taxi. Some bus companies cater specifically to tourists, while public transport buses usually serve longer routes. Another form of public transport in the island is the bemo, which usually comes in the form of a minivan. This option gives travellers an “authentic experience” but can be inconvenient and frustrating otherwise.
Credit Cards: For the most part, credit cards are accepted in the island, especially by major shops and establishments.
Drinking: The legal drinking age is 17, but this policy is rarely implemented.
Shopping: Bargaining is a common practice in the island. Take note, however, that once you agree on a price with a shopkeeper, you are expected to purchase the merchandise in question. Souvenirs to buy include wood and stone carvings, sarongs, and local furniture.
Tipping: Tips are not required but are always welcome. Some upscale service establishments may add an additional 5 to 10% charge on a customer’s bill as a service charge.