In this article, we will give you tips for getting the ultimate Bali experience and making the best of your trip.
Bali is famed as a destination for relaxation and culture by travellers worldwide and also, home to many new sights and experiences to discover.
GETTING A VISA
If you have a US/Canada/UK/Australian passport, you can get a visa on arrival. If you have a Ghanaian and Kenyan passport, visa on arrival applies to you too.
For Nigerians, a Calling Visa is required. This means you need approval from the Director-General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia before you can apply. This may be a strenuous process for you and takes a longer time to process but the experience is worth it.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
Bali has two different seasons – Wet and Dry. The wet season falls between October and April while the dry season falls between May and September. Your preferred would determine the best time to make the trip and of course, when it is finally safe to travel.
ACCOMODATION
In Bali, there is always a place to stay regardless of your budget. Ubud and Seminyak are excellent places to base out from for all your tours and sightseeing.
VILLA IN UBUD:
Tanadewa Ubud Resort and Spa
This is a great place to stay, it features some magnificent views. For a great experience, Courtyard Villa is great for your stay, it costs $250 per night and has a private pool. You could also opt for the suite which costs $100 per night. The suite doesn’t have a private pool. They both come with complimentary breakfast. There is an infinity pool there. It is beautiful.
VILLA IN SEMINYAK:
iVilla Seminyak
iVilla Seminyak is a great place to stay. It is perfect for group travels. We recommend the suites. It costs $455 per night, a little pricier but worth the splurge.
With Bali generally, there are so many things to do! So, don’t try to see everything all at once. Ubud is a great place to base out from as it is centrally located. Ubud is zen, green and quiet.
Seminyak is a party city built for a faster pace, shopping, dining. Both places are worth checking out.
MOVING AROUND IN BALI:
If you plan to do a fair bit of sightseeing, The most honest taxis in Bali are the blue taxis marked “Bali Taxi” (known as Blue Bird Taxis), They always follow the meter and will not impose any additional charges. They’re so honest, other taxi operators hate their guts and collude with some hotels to exclude Bluebird taxis from their area. Catch a Bluebird taxi in Bali if you can.
Aside from taking taxi rides, some people may choose to hire a personal driver to take them around Bali.
Getting a driver in Bali is cheap and reliable, while the cost of of getting a driver and a huge passenger car will most probably cost you 500,000~650,000 a day (app. $50 to $60). If you do hire a personal driver, you may want to keep an eye out for bogus commissioned drivers.
And generally if you’re travelling long distances, such as from Kuta to Ubud, make sure to ask the driver beforehand and check if there are any surcharges.
Do your own research, do not expect the driver to plan the itinerary for you, or to recommend places to go to even if he gives all sorts of excuses to specifically go to a certain restaurant or shop.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIPS
Travelers trying to get their money changed in Bali run the risk of being fleeced by dishonest money changers. Fortunately, there are several establishments where you can change your cash without worry.
Try changing your currency at one of Bali’s more reputable banks, or even better, try using their Automated Teller Machines to withdraw cash directly from your credit card or bank account.
Some hotel front desks often permit currency exchange, but with lower exchange rates compared to banks and money changers.
Trust only money changers that have been recognized by Bank Indonesia; these establishments advertise their status as Pedagang Valuta Asing Berizin or PVA Berizin (Indonesian for “Authorized Money Changer”) with a green PVA Berizin shield where customers can see it.
THINGS NOT TO DO IN BALI:
• Don’t smoke in public areas. A “smoke-free” bylaw went into effect across Bali in 2011; smoking is now forbidden in most public areas, including restaurants, hotels, temples, and tourist attractions.
• Do not carry drugs like weed and other highs, Be wary of people who may try to sell drugs to you, some of them are undercover cops. Indonesia has very strict laws against drugs and offenders may get a couple of years in jail or capital punishment, depending on the quantity found in possession.
THINGS TO DO IN BALI:
Here are some top things to do get that ultimate Bali experience;
A Floating Breakfast
Most hotels with pools will organize this for you. It costs about $30 for a basket at hotel Tanadewa. Just make sure to arrange in advance. How comfortable and practical is a floating breakfast? Not very practical but it’s a lot of fun. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re in Bali, why not? The food is also completely edible (and tastes amazing).
The Tegallalang Rice Terrace
When in Ubud, visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud. Entry fee is $1. (15,000 Rupiah)
TIP: Go between 7 am and 9 am OR 4pm and 6pm to beat the crowds.
The Bali Swing
Of course, you have to! There are lots of swings in Bali but do your research and go to the “original” one. It cost $35 and you can stay for as long as you want. It’s such an exhilarating feeling. You get to overlook the beautiful rice fields. This place has a 100% safety record, so you have nothing to fear. They strap you in nicely. All you have to do is enjoy your ride.
A Flower Bath
You’ll want to end your day with this unique spa treatment. Lots of places offer for $30 but we recommend Udaya Resorts and Spa. It is a luxury spa and one of the best in Ubud. Ask for the celebration of flowers treatment.
The Wanagiri Hidden Hills
One of the most picturesque places in Bali. It is located about two hours away from Ubud. Entry is $1.5 (20,000 Rupiah.) Tickets can be bought at the gate. It’s a stunning place to visit when in Bali.
The Ulun Danu Temple
A temple that floats on water. Entry fee is $4 (or 50,000 rupiah).
Balinese Waterfall
End your day at a Balinese waterfall. This one is called Banyumala twin waterfall and it’s in Northern Bali. Free entry but are donations welcome.
Kelingking beach
Take a day trip to Kelingking beach. This beach is beautiful. A little unreal. It cost about $80 to get there.
Diamond beach
About an hour away from Kelingking beach is Diamond beach. Recommend spending more time here as it’s even more stunning. The hike down is intense but it will be worth it.
Oh! Also, you can’t go to Bali without treating yourself to a luxury spa. Sundari Day Spa, Seminyak is a great place. It costs $119 per couple for the traditional Balinese massage. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is it.
GATES OF HEAVEN, BALI
I didn’t add this as a part of my top things to do in Bali because, Sort of breaks my heart to say but this place is an illusion. There’s no reflection or a lake as it may seem. What there is, is a photographer holding a mirror directly under the a phone camera to create that illusion. (Dissappointing, huh) it’s up to you to decide if you wanna go there or not.
Details about the place
• It’s a three hour drive from Ubud
• You have to go wearing a sarong to go in (you’ll be given one when you get there for a small fee)
• You go in and pick your number
• You wait your turn
When it’s your turn, hand over your phone to the guy and take your shots. You only have four poses to make until it’s the next person’s turn.
• It can take up to three hours until it’s your turn. There’s a seating area, so you can be comfortable while waiting. You can also pick a number and go to Tirta Ganga or explore the area and come back.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE WITH YOU
1.) A universal travel adapter
2.) Bug spray (those flies eek!)
3.) Sunscreen (the sun is brutal)
4.) Those portable hand fans will come in handy.
5.) Travel insurance
6.) Comfortable walking shoes
7.) A scarf for the ladies. For temples.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR BALI:
Most likely, the most expensive part of your trip will be flights out there. It can be upwards of $1500.
When you get there, cost eases up. There’s an available accommodation for every budget, as mentioned earlier, and as you can tell, entry fees are between $1- $5.
If you go with a group, it’s even cheaper as you can split the cost of accommodation, transportation, etc.
A chauffeur (recommended) costs $60 per day. You can easily split this with your friends or take turns paying.
Check out travel booking agencies such as booking.com and filter based on price. You’d most likely find something that fits your budget. Also, Airbnb has some great villa options. Just be sure to read the reviews first.
Safe flight to Bali and be sure to make the best of it!
