The island of Bali is located in the Republic of Indonesia, to the east of the island of Java. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 1.4 million tourists between January 2008 and September 2008. Bali is famous for its natural and cultural attractions, including beaches, mountains and Buddhist and Hindu temples. Bali is home to more than 3 million people.
Attractions
- Bali's beaches range from the busy haven of Kuta to the quiet Sanur, which features temples nearby. Bali's beaches have anything from dangerous surf breaks to challenge experienced surfers to calm snorkel sites sheltered by reefs. For adventurous travelers, Bali offers extreme sports such as bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding, wakeboarding and white water rafting. Culture buffs can visit Bali's temples and watch traditional dances at palaces. Other attractions include lakes, volcanoes, museums and villages.
Climate
- Bali has a tropical climate and is warm all year round. Temperatures average 88 degrees Fahrenheit. During the wet season, between October and April, humidity is high and rainfall is frequent. The dry season, between May and September, has only occasional rainfall. The mountainous areas are usually cooler than the coastal areas, especially at night. Bali has a relaxed attitude with regard to dress code, so you can enjoy the weather wearing whatever you are comfortable in. The temples do have stricter rules, so leave your shorts, mini skirts and sleeveless tops at the hotel if you plan to visit a temple.
Accommodations
- Accommodations in Bali range from cheap rooms in local houses to luxury resorts with private beaches. Guest rooms in Balinese families' houses are available; some of them can cost less than $20 per night. Hotel rooms in Bali can be booked through travel agents or websites. You also can choose to stay in a private villa, which can be anything from a small cottage to a seven-bedroom mansion.
Money
- The Indonesian currency is the rupiah, but U.S. dollars are accepted in some places. If you bring bills, they should be in mint condition because some local moneychangers may not accept bills with tears or marks. Change your currency at authorized moneychangers and count your money before you leave. You can also use ATM machines to get your rupiahs.
Getting Around
- Bali is a rather small island, spanning an area of 2,175 square miles. It is about 55 miles from north to south and less than 90 miles from east to west. You can easily go anywhere on the island and back within one day. In the urban areas of Bali, you can get a taxi cheaply. If you are traveling outside a city, you can book a minivan or a taxi for the day. Bargain with the driver to get a cheaper price. You can also get around by bus, but the typical bus in Bali is hot and crowded. Otherwise, you can rent a vehicle and drive.
Considerations
- To enter Indonesia, you need to hold a passport with a validity period of at least six months from the date of arrival. You also need a visa, but you can get a thirty-day visa on arrival if you are a U.S. citizen. Other nationalities may also qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA). Arrange travel medical insurance before you leave and research medical service providers on the island. Two hospitals-the Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) and SOS International Hospital in Kuta--are privately run and employ both expatriates and Indonesians. Medical staff in Bali, especially in big hospitals, are often multilingual. Foreigners are treated the same as locals. The electric power supply in Indonesia is 220 volts, and the sockets will only fit plugs with two round pins. You might need to get an electrical adapter, which your hotel might provide.
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