Planning Your Trip to Bali: Essential Travel Tips

Bali: The Paradise You Need to Experience Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, is a dream destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike. If you’re planning your trip, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your stay in Bali. When Is the Best Time to Visit Bali? Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons: Dry Season (April to October): This is the best time to visit the island. Expect sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration. Rainy Season (November to March): During this period, short but heavy downpours are common. However, if you don’t mind occasional rain and prefer a quieter atmosphere, this season can be a great time to visit. Plus, accommodation prices tend to be lower. Visa & Entry Requirements for Bali For travelers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 30 days in Indonesia. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for $35 USD, valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you need a return or onward ticket as proof of departure. For stays exceeding 60 days, a visa must be obtained before departure from the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. As visa regulations may change, always check the latest requirements on official Indonesian government websites or with your country’s Indonesian embassy before traveling. Getting Around in Bali Transportation in Bali can be a bit chaotic, but you have several options: Ride-hailing apps: Services like Gojek, Grab, and MyBluebird are widely used in Bali, offering affordable car and scooter rides. Scooter rental: The most popular way to explore Bali freely. However, it can be dangerous if you’re not used to riding a scooter. Make sure to have an international driving permit and ride cautiously. Car rental with a driver: For a more comfortable journey, you can rent a car with a driver. Many local drivers offer competitive rates for day trips or longer. Taxis: Available throughout Bali, though they tend to be more expensive. They are a good option for airport transfers but always negotiate the fare before your ride. What to See in Bali Bali is full of amazing places to explore. Check out our detailed itinerary on the blog to plan your perfect trip! How to Get Internet Access in Bali To stay connected during your trip, here are your best options: Local SIM card: The most practical and affordable choice. Providers like Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL offer packages suited to your stay duration. You can buy SIM cards at the airport or in local stores, where vendors will set them up for you. Public Wi-Fi: Many cafés, hotels, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but the connection quality varies, and security isn’t always guaranteed, especially in rural areas. International roaming: You can activate a roaming option with your provider before departure, though this is often costly with limited coverage. Mobile hotspot: If you need to connect multiple devices, renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a convenient solution. Money in Bali The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, it’s advisable to carry cash for purchases at local markets and small shops. Here’s what you need to know about managing your money in Bali. How to Withdraw Money in Bali Withdrawal limits: The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction depends on your bank and card type. Generally, you can withdraw between 1,500,000 IDR and 3,000,000 IDR per transaction (approximately €85 to €170 EUR | $90 to $180 USD). This amount may vary between ATMs. ATM fees: Some ATMs charge withdrawal fees, especially for foreign cards. These fees typically range from 5,000 to 50,000 IDR (about €0.28 to €2.80 EUR | $0.30 to $3 USD) per transaction. Things to Consider When Withdrawing Money Bank withdrawal limits: Some banks impose daily withdrawal limits for both local and international transactions. Check with your bank before traveling. Additional fees: Your bank may charge extra fees for international withdrawals, so verify these costs in advance. Multiple withdrawals: If you need more cash, you may have to make multiple withdrawals from different ATMs. Tips for Managing Money in Bali Watch out for extra charges: In tourist areas, service charges (usually 10-15%) are often added to restaurant and hotel bills. Check whether they’re included—they’re usually mentioned on menus or receipts. Use a fee-free travel card: Bring a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees to minimize extra charges when withdrawing cash or making payments in IDR. Inform your bank before traveling: Notify your bank of your trip to avoid card blocks and ask about their fees for overseas withdrawals. Budget in Bali Your daily budget in Bali depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown based on travel style: Luxury travel (€200+ per day | $220+ USD per day): Stay in 5-star resorts or private villas, dine at high-end restaurants, enjoy private excursions, premium spa treatments, and exclusive activities like private temple tours. Mid-range travel (€50–100 per day | $55–110 USD per day): Stay in 3–4 star hotels, dine at quality restaurants, and participate in guided tours and day trips while enjoying trendy cafés and local eateries. Budget travel (€30–50 per day | $33–55 USD per day): Stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat at warungs (local restaurants), and use public transportation. This is the best option for experiencing Bali affordably while still enjoying its beauty. What to Pack for Bali Here’s a checklist of essentials to ensure a comfortable trip to Bali: Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your arrival. Light, breathable clothing: Opt for fabrics like linen … Read more

Uluwatu: Famous Beaches and Majestic Cliffs

Praia e falésias impressionantes de Uluwatu, Bali, com vista para o Oceano Índico

  A Blend of Wild Nature and Energy After a few relaxing days in Nusa Penida, we headed to Uluwatu, located on the southern tip of Bali, to explore its stunning beaches and impressive cliffs. From the moment we arrived, we were in awe of the raw beauty of the place: steep cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. However, it quickly became clear that Uluwatu is a very popular destination, frequented by tourists, which gives it a less authentic feel. Despite this, Uluwatu remains an appealing option for those seeking beautiful views and a lively atmosphere, as well as being conveniently close to the airport for the end of the trip. Padang Padang: A Hidden Beach and Unexpected Encounters Padang Padang is one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu. Nestled between cliffs, it offers exceptional views of its turquoise waters and white sand. It’s the perfect spot to relax or surf. This place surprised us with an unexpected encounter with a sea snake, a moment that added a touch of adventure to our stay. Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy a quieter beach before the crowds arrive. Be prepared for a steep descent to access the beach, and don’t forget sunscreen and water. While the beach is beautiful, the heat can be intense. Bingin: Surf and Serenity at the Heart of Uluwatu If Padang Padang is ideal for swimming, Bingin Beach is a surfer’s paradise. The waves here are known to be among the best in Bali, attracting surf enthusiasts from around the world. Less crowded than Padang Padang, it offers a great alternative for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle while enjoying breathtaking views. Pro tip: Bingin Beach is quieter in the morning or late afternoon, making it the perfect spot for a stroll. Uluwatu Temple: A Cultural Site with an Incredible View Uluwatu Temple, perched atop the cliffs, is one of Bali’s most iconic sites. This Hindu temple, overlooking the Indian Ocean, offers a spectacular view of the waves crashing against the rocks below. During our visit, we had the chance to explore not only the spiritual side of the temple but also one of the most beautiful panoramas on the island. The experience is even more magical at sunset, when the light enhances the landscape. Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy a calmer atmosphere, especially if you want to attend the traditional Kecak dance at sunset. Although very popular, this performance is a must-see to experience Balinese culture from a unique perspective. Crowds in Uluwatu: Anticipate the Tourist Rush By mid-morning, the popular beaches and sites in Uluwatu can quickly become crowded. To make the most of your visit without the crowds, it’s best to start your sightseeing as soon as the sites open. This will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the landscapes before the crowds arrive. Uluwatu is a stunning destination, but tranquility can sometimes be hard to find during the day. Why Visit Uluwatu? Uluwatu, with its stunning beaches, impressive cliffs, and majestic temples, offers a beautiful blend of nature and energy. However, we were not particularly charmed by the place. It’s highly frequented by tourists, and as a result, it lacks the authenticity we were looking for. We chose to make it our final stop on the trip mainly for its proximity to the airport, making our departure more convenient and stress-free. If you’re looking for a practical spot before leaving Bali, Uluwatu can be a good option. However, if surfing isn’t your thing, one night will be more than enough. Despite its breathtaking views, the atmosphere can sometimes be too lively for those who prefer quieter, more authentic places. Uluwatu didn’t feel as memorable as other spots in Bali that were more in line with our expectations.