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TRAVEL TIPS
Visa Info
Clothes to Pack
Travel Health
Arriving in Bali
Getting Around Bali
Changing Money
Don't Forget
BALI WEATHER
Monthly Averages
Current Daily Forecast
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
A VISA on arrival program is now in effect. You may be required to pay USD 25 or Ruphia equivalent when you arrive. If you have one of ABSOLUTE SCUBA sponsored visas, you do not need to stop for the visa on arrival cashier.
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but check the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs website, listed below for changes.
All visitors must have a valid passport for at least six months from the date of departure from Bali. Proof of onward travel is also required. If you need a visa, you can contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate nearest to you. To find Indonesian missions worldwide or find foreign missions in Indonesia, visit the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs website at
www.deplu.go.id/diplomatic/diplomatic.htm
.
CLOTHES TO PACK
*
Don't pack too much!!
Quick, reliable laundry services are easy to find and very reasonable. The entire contents of your suitcase or back pack will be washed, dried, pressed and returned for a minimum fee. And Bali is home to wonderful fashion design which you can pick up to supplement any clothes you might need at a good price!
* Light sweater and/or wind-breaker
that can double as a rain coat, for mountain hikes, cool evenings spent on the beach or a light shower of warm rain. Remember you'll be in the tropics and heavy clothing is typically not necessary.
* Cotton clothing or other natural fibers
are most comfortable, absorbing perspiration and drying quickly.
* Sarong
Buy one when you get here. A great souvenir of your travels, sarongs are also versatile for covering up, spreading out as a blanket on the beach, and entering temples which require you to cover your legs.
* long pants and a collared shirt for men and a dress or slacks for ladies
will improve your opportunities for successful completion of your interview, if you will be visiting a government or other official office.
* A pair of water shoes
or booties are great for diving and all your water sports, but for shopping, trekking and just getting around, it's good to wear something that will prevent stubbed toes(not one level surface in all of Bali) and sprained ankles. Sturdy walking shoes are great.
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TRAVEL HEALTH
*
Vacinations
- travel to Bali does not currently require any special vaccinations (check for last-minute information at
www.cdc.gov
- the U.S. Center for Disease Control) although diphtheria, pertusis and tetanus (DPT) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots are recommended for everyday life wherever you are. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A (and Hepatitis B for long trips over 2 months) require thinking ahead for inoculations from a few weeks to 7 months before your visit. If you are concerned, consult with your doctor.
*
Prescriptions
- bring plenty of any required prescription drugs with you and their generic names. Most prescription drugs are found on Bali but may be under different names. A copy of your prescription may also help you avoid any questions at customs too.
*
Cuts and Scrapes
- In the tropics, small cuts and scrapes may take longer to heal. Having a small first aid kit with a minimum of an antiseptic wash or cream and an antibiotic powder or ointment and small adhesive bandages will come in handy. See a doctor if an infection sets in. Coral cuts can be especially nasty and may require diligent attention to keep them from becoming infected. Nebocetin is a dual acting antibiotic that comes in both powder and liquid form. We have found it to be excellent.
*
"Bali Belly"
- Diarrhea is a common traveling companion when faced with changes in your climate, diet and sleeping arrangements, and overexertion. Take it easy and experience the wonderful Indonesian cuisine sensibly. Ice is manufactured in government-run facilities and is generally safe as long as it's been handled in a sanitary method between leaving the facility and getting to your table - you can judge this well by the general state of the restaurant where you are eating. Over all, stick to bottled water. If you do succumb to Bali Belly, relax as much as you can and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids including the water from a young coconut (aire kelapa muda). Doses of Imodium or activated carbon (both available on Bali) and a good book for company will help. It typically runs it's course in 2 to 3 days. If longer than that, go see the doctor.
*
Malaria
- Bali is typically not a threat for malaria although long stays in the rural western portions, especially during rainy season, may warrant care. Use repellant brought from home (preferably with DEET) when out. Mosquito coils are available on Bali to keep the nasties away.
*
Doctors' Services
- most larger hotels will have a doctor on call close by, ask there first. SOS Medica Klinic is located in Kuta at Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.24X or can be contacted by phone on (0361) 764-555. The 24 hour Emergency number is (0361) 755-768.
*
Hyperbaric Recompression Chamber
- available at Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar(0361)227911 extension 232
*
Contact lens wearers
- bring any solutions you might need, especially for gas permeable lens wear
ers.
The Basic Traveling Emergency First Response
* Anticeptic/Disinfectant (Betadine, Dettol, etc.)
* Antibiotic powder or ointment-Nebocetin is super
* Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids, ectoplast, Hansa plast)
* Ibuprophen or other over-the-counter pain reliever
* Multivitamins
* Decongestant (12 or 24 hour dosages)
* Anti-diarheal (Kaopectate or Lomotril)
* Tiger Balm - for itching bites and muscle pain
* Pre-packaged alcohol towelettes and/or gelled alcohol
* Sulfur soap and/or medicated body powder (Herocyn) if prone to prickly heat and skin fungi
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ARRIVING IN BALI
* Most likely you will arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport, also called Denpasar airport (DPS) which is actually closer to Kuta than Denpasar. If you're traveling from cold climates, you might do yourself a favor and pack a light shirt and shorts in your carry-on to change into before landing.
* Processing through immigration may take a while if you're traveling on a full plane although it is relatively easy and without hassles. After having your passport stamped, you'll pass through an x-ray machine for carry-on goods before coming to the luggage carousels. Things are a bit faster for you if you arranged a visa prior to arrival. If you haven't, you will need to pass through the visa-on-arrival line.
* If traveling with lots of luggage or heavy dive equipment do yourself a favor and get a porter. At 1,500 IRP per bag, porters can help you transport your stuff through customs and out to your transportation at a very reasonable price. I've found that travelers who hire a porter pass through customs a bit faster-hint hint.
* Upon emerging from the International Arrivals gate, prepare for the barrage of hotel and service representatives with a sea of signs seeking out their guests. A novel idea and one that gets a good laugh from the service reps is to have your own name and that of your hotel prepared to flash to them. Even if it's not your hotel's representative, the reps are very helpful and will try to get you going in the general direction of your hotel.
* If you haven't pre-arranged pick-up at the airport, no frets! Upon exiting the Arrivals gate, turn right and proceed 20 or so metres to the taxi ticket window. Here you'll get a voucher for your transport (prices are fixed and very reasonable at around 25,000 IRP to Kuta and 120,000 IRP far inland to Ubud). These prices are much better than the USD$15 to USD$35 charged by hotels.
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GETTING AROUND BALI
Driving in Bali is
EXCITING
to say
the least. The swerving motorbikes, straying dogs, large trucks
and sporadic construction and ceremonies make driving truly a professional's
world. Let them do the work! Hiring a car with driver ranges from
IRP 250,000 to IRP 500,000 for all day in an air conditioned car
or minibus. Many drivers are also fantastic tour guides willing
to explain the culture and sights to you! Considering that renting
a car without driver ranges from 150,000 to 300,000, the driver
is a bargin! If you insist on renting a motorbike, expect about IRP 300,000 to 500,000/month.
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Money changers are easy to find in most
tourist destinations. Exchange rates are best in the Kuta/Nusa Dua
area and may be less advantageous in less tourist-populated areas.
Best rates are had from official "authorized" money changers
with rates from the banks not far behind. Always visit "authorized" money changers, have a friend go with you to help you watch for sticky fingers and always double count your money before leaving
the door. Bills in larger denominations and in crisp conditions
and current year are accepted readily. Heavily wrinkled, torn, or older bills may not be accepted by money changers or the banks. Euros and Pounds Sterling are easily exchanged, but any USD with a date more than a year or so old will yield a lower rate, or may not be exchanged at all.
Currency converter:
www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Word to the wise: some of our clients
have told us that they had a hard time cashing travellers cheques.
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DON'T FORGET...
* Always keep photocopies of your passport, onward ticket,
travelers check numbers, birth certificate and credit card numbers
separate from the originals. Leave a copy with a friend or family
member back home. If you have a travel partner, swap document copies.
* A small flashlight
for finding your room or just digging through your back pack.
* Hat and sunglasses -
Bring them or pick them up easily here, but remember you're probably
closer to the equator here than at home and you'll want to protect
yourself. If you purchase them here, look for UV and polarized glasses
and expect to pay a reasonable price. If it's too cheap it may not
offer UV protection or be polarized, regardless of the stickers
on it. Expect approximately usd 40 for a pair of real Polaroid glasses. Anything that costs you USD 3 isn't what it says it is.
* Sunscreen - Brand name
products are available at stores in the tourist area but may be
a little more expensive than prices back home. If you're traveling
to out of the way locations, be sure to bring some with you. Apply
it often and use a high SPF factor - lying in your room suffering
from sunburn is not a fun way to spend a holiday! Take note that
a lot of sunscreen and body lotions here contain skin bleaching
agents. Read the labels carefully.
* Bring a small calculator to help you with exchange
rates.
* Tipping is not a custom here but highly appreciated
for special service. Hotels will add a 10% service fee to your bill
and some restaurants will add a 5% service fee. Taxes of 10% are
charged by the government on all purchases. Remember, wages here are low, and anything you can tip will go a long way in helping a family meet its obligations.
* Good wine and cheese is always appreciated by the ABSOLUTE SCUBA staff.
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BALI WEATHER
Monthly Average Temperatures and Precipitation (Metric)
|
Month
|
Avg.
High
|
Avg.
Low
|
Precipitation
|
|
January
|
30/32deg C
|
23/25deg C
|
350/355 mm
|
|
February
|
30/32deg C
|
23/25deg C
|
280/285 mm
|
|
March
|
30/32deg C
|
23/25deg C
|
215/220 mm
|
|
April
|
31/33deg C
|
22/24deg C
|
85/90 mm
|
|
May
|
30/32deg C
|
22/24deg C
|
70/75 mm
|
|
June
|
29/31deg C
|
21/23deg C
|
70/75 mm
|
|
July
|
29/31deg C
|
21/23deg C
|
50/55 mm
|
|
August
|
29/31deg C
|
22/24deg C
|
10/15 mm
|
|
September
|
30/32deg C
|
22/24deg C
|
40/45 mm
|
|
October
|
30/32deg C
|
22/24deg C
|
90/95 mm
|
|
November
|
30/32deg C
|
23/25deg C
|
150/155 mm
|
|
December
|
30/32deg C
|
23/25deg C
|
290/295 mm
|
(ie, it's like hot)
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hly Average Temperatures
and Precipitation (Imperial)
|
Month
|
Avg.
High
|
Avg.
Low
|
Precipitation
|
|
January
|
86/90deg F
|
73/76deg F
|
13.8/13.9 in
|
|
February
|
86/90deg F
|
73/76deg F
|
11.0/11.1 in
|
|
March
|
86/90deg F
|
73/76deg F
|
8.4/8.5 in
|
|
April
|
87/91deg F
|
72/76deg F
|
3.4/3.5 in
|
|
May
|
86/90deg F
|
72/76deg F
|
2.9/3 in
|
|
June
|
85/88deg F
|
70/74deg F
|
2.7/2.8 in
|
|
July
|
84/87deg F
|
70/74deg F
|
2.0/2.1 in
|
|
August
|
84/88deg F
|
71/74deg F
|
0.5/0.6 in
|
|
September
|
86/89deg F
|
71/75deg F
|
1.5/1.6 in
|
|
October
|
87/90deg F
|
72/76deg F
|
3.5/3.6 in
|
|
November
|
87/90deg F
|
73/77deg F
|
5.9/6 in
|
|
December
|
86/90deg F
|
73/76deg F
|
11.4/11.5 in
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(it's hot no matter how you measure it)
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