FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General FAQs Bali
Yes, you can travel to Bali (Indonesia) if you are fully vaccinated. Travelers from 80+ countries can now obtain Visa on Arrival (VoA).
If your country is NOT on the VoA list or/and you intend to stay longer than 60 days, then you need to apply for an extension before you arrive.
Note: *) The immigration/customs declaration (QR Code) requirement needs to be completed online before arriving in Indonesia.
Click for updated TRAVEL regulation VISA ON ARRIVAL B211A
Click for updated VISA regulations.
In general, best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain, making it ideal for a tropical holiday.
Of course, Bali will be beautiful in November, even if there is a little rain.
In general, one can say, that these 5 destinations are offering something for everyone. Canggu & Berawa | Ubud | Seminyak | Sanur | Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan
During the wet season, temperatures are still warm, but the humidity is higher and there is more rainfall. The island receives most of its annual rainfall during this time, and it can be quite heavy at times. Even though it is the rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day, usually there are short spells of rain that might last an hour or two in the afternoon.
The island is a popular destination year-round and offers many activities to do, even in the rainy season.
You should pack light, comfortable clothing made of breathable fabrics, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or sunglasses. It’s also a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for the occasional rain shower.
Transportation in Bali comes in plenty of varieties, some more tourist-friendly than the others. If you’re not relying on your hotel to get you around, not that there’s anything wrong with that, you can get around town on foot, on rented bike or motorbike (with a helmet of course), taxi or a hailing service such as Gojek or Grab. If you’re seeking to go between towns, you can catch a ride on a taxi, a car/driver rental package, rent a car to drive or use a hailing service such as Gojek or Grab.
Conference organizers will be identifying vetted drivers during the meeting.
Bahasa Indonesia, but with English you will have absolutely no problems in Bali. The Balinese speak their own local language among each other (Bahasa Bali). Bahasa Indonesia is fairly easy, and if you manage to remember only a few words, you will open hearts and doors.
When travelling within the Inner area of ITDC taxi transport has a fixed rate of Rp 50.000 (~ USD 4)
For this event, it is advised for attendees to wear smart casual outfits that are comfortable for a tropical climate and made of breathable fabrics, such as: short-sleeved dress shirts or blouses, smart ankle pants, lightweight pants or dresses. Suits and ties are definitely not required, even at the gala dinner.
Yes, you are required to get travel insurance, you can read more in detail here.
Prices are usually written without decimals and with stops (.) rather than commas (,) separating millions and thousands; for example, one hundred
and fifty five thousand rupiah is written Rp155.000 (This is approx. US$IO.OO)
Sometimes, on menus or in markets, this price might be shortened to Rp155 but it still means Rp155.000 . Menus usually have an explanation that
the listed price is (x Rp1000). In markets, it should be clear from the face value of the item, but you might want to check!
Yes, for sure it’s safer than other places. And single women can travel freely and safely. Of course, like everywhere else in the world, where there is tourism, there is crime and scam. But if you keep a normal level of common sense and don t fall into the traps of senseless drinking and drugs, you should be fine. The biggest threat is probably when untrained drivers rent a scooter and overestimate their skills and underestimate the complexity of the traffic.
No, a PCR test is no longer required to enter Indonesia. However, different airlines or carriers may have their own specific requirements regarding PCR tests, so it’s best to check with them directly.
Yes, it’s suggested to download the Indonesian mobile application, Satu Sehat. It is available on Google Play, App Store, and App Gallery.
You can register your Covid-19 vaccine certificate on the Satu Sehat app, which will then grant you access to some indoor public places in Indonesia.
All domestic and international travelers are urged to protect themselves from Covid-19 infections. This can include following good hygiene practices, maintaining social distancing where possible, and wearing a mask if unwell or at risk.
Yes, if you are at high risk of Covid-19 infections, it is suggested to receive a second booster of the Covid-19 vaccination.
It is permissible not to use a mask if you’re in good health and not at risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19. However, it is recommended to continue to use a mask that is properly covered if you are in an unwell condition or at risk of Covid-19, especially when traveling and doing activities in public facilities.
Reference:
SE No 1 TAHUN 2023 tentang PROKES PADA MASA TRANSISI ENDEMI COVID-19/ Indonesian Covid-19 Task Force Circular Letter No 1 Year 2023 regarding Health Protocol on Transition Time into Endemic (Covid-19) (Surat Edaran Kepala Satgas No 1 Tahun 2023 tentang Protokol Kesehatan Pada Masa Transisi Endemi (Covid-19))
'Dos & Don'ts' in Bali
Dress appropriately when visiting temples. The island is full of extraordinary open-air temples and everyone who visits must wear a sarong and waist sash. Frequently visited temples may have these garments available for visitors, but for smaller temples, take your own. Don’t show too much skin out of respect. T-shirt style coverage is perfect.
Do take your shoes off when entering a temple or a person’s house. You will know because there will be shoes everywhere outside.
Do leave a donation at the temple…because it is the right thing to do, and good karma.
Temples are also to be avoided if you are bleeding in any way. This could be from a shaving cut, a recent wound or even for ladies, If you are menstruating, do not enter a temple. Blood is considered impure in the context of a temple.
Observe one of the many ceremonies that you are likely to chance upon. It is not considered rude, so feel free to watch the locals, but do sit behind the priest who is easy to spot given the accoutrements of the role. Do not sit higher than the locals. If they are seated on the ground, you should follow suit.
Learn a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia such as terima kasih, which means ‘thank you’; or selamat pagi which means ‘good morning’. As a thoughtful gesture, say a few words to the Balinese in their indigenous language. ‘Hello’ is om swastiastu; ‘thank you’ – suksma and ‘you’re welcome’ – suksma mewali. The locals will appreciate the fact that you made the effort.
The Balinese will ask you about world politics and what you think about executions, and terrorism because they seem genuinely interested in world events. However, this is the time to be very politic and avoid discussing such sensitive issue. While the Balinese are different in some respects from Indonesia, they are still Indonesian and bound by Indonesian laws and restrictions. Just be careful.
Ensure you buy travel insurance. Accidents happen, in the most unexpected of places. Did you know that gravity’s pull on a falling coconut harms more world travellers every year than sharks do?
Don’t drink tap water. Carry a refillable water bottle because every villa kitchen has a dispenser of high-quality chilled water. Think of the environmental impact of buying multiple plastic bottles of water.
Please do not pet or call out to stray dogs or cats encountered on the streets, or even in the temples. They are used to people and will generally pass right by you without engaging with you. They may not be vaccinated. They receive food and water from the local Balinese people.
Dodge any situation that feels uncomfortable. Some street sellers may offer prescription medicine, or any other drug, for sale. Indonesia has strictly enforced drug laws, so just keep walking.
Do not walk the streets in a state of undress or ride a bike in your swimwear. This is fine for the boat, beach or poolside but always throw on a shirt, shorts or sarong when hitting the streets, shops, a café or restaurant. The Balinese are modest in their dress and you may even attract a ticket from the police.
Haggle at the markets as it is expected and a bit of fun, but do so with a smile and in a polite, fun manner. Enjoy the rolling of the eyes and all the associated drama but do not suggest unreasonably low prices.
Yes, please keep your cool while encountering one. Hawkers on the beach and other tourist destinations can be annoying. Keep your emotions in check. It’s a hard way to make a living, and being openly angry or confrontational is offensive.