by Mark Albert
Top Travel Tips in Two Minutes
Love it? Live it!
Indonesia Ministry of Tourism
BALI
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple
On Bali, Mark stayed at an adorable, eco-friendly cottage in Sukasada, on the north side of the island, listed on Airbnb. It’s as far away from tourists and skyscraper resorts as you can get. First time Airbnb users can save $40 with our referral link. Thank you for supporting our journalism.
OTHER ISLANDS
Major transportation services to Bali are available, including an international airport, buses, rental cars and motorbikes, tour groups, and drivers for hire.
Denpasar International Airport (DPS) is the international airport on Bali.
Indonesia has recently overhauled its visa and immigration requirements for foreigners. Now, visitors from 169 countries, including the United States, do not need a visa if visiting for less than 30 days. Tourists can use the benefit at Indonesia’s 29 airports, 88 seaports, and seven land border crossings. Those planning to stay longer than 30 days can apply upon arrival for an extendable visa.
Indonesia has very strict controls on some types of content. The country’s Ministry of Tourism warns “Films, pre-recorded video tapes, laser discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by the Censor Board.” In addition, narcotics drugs and pornography are expressly prohibited. Read more restrictions at the bottom of the Visa and Immigration page.
Restrooms in most places are not free. We suggest you carry a pocket full of change for when nature calls.
If you don’t want to pay the IDR 40,000 entrance fee to see Bali’s Monkey Forest (although that’s only about $3 in US dollars), then just pull over to the side of the road on your way driving through and the monkeys will come to you.
Dorms are available for budget travelers, starting at about $10-$20 USD per night for basic accommodations. Be aware that during sweltering months, you may wish the dorm rooms had come with air conditioning.
Consider night markets for dinner instead of sit-down restaurants or at dining establishments that are more buffet style.
Motorbikes are ubiquitous on Bali and renting one may be cheaper depending on the length of your stay than negotiating with taxi drivers.
If you just want to hike to the waterfalls on Bali and don’t want to swim, the 125,000 IDR fee ($9.30) is 10,000 IDR, instead — just 75¢.
For more in-depth—and often candid—travel advice when visiting Bali, consider LONELY PLANET’S BALI & LOMBOK guide, which you can check out via our referral (“affiliate”) link on Amazon.com.
What did you do on your visit to BALI or INDONESIA?
Share your favorite tips and tricks in the comment section below!
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The Scoop
Who: 258,316,051 people
What: 1,183,444 sq miles
Where: Asian continent
When: 1949
Why: Temples, Monkey Forest, Waterfalls
Source: The World FactBook
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