Find cheap flights to Denpasar

Bali lacks public transportation, but there are easy rental options available. Rental cars are a viable option, with numerous rental car agencies at the airport for approximately Rp 500,000 per day. However, you must have an international driver’s license to use a rental car. Try to look for a fuel-efficient option due to high fuel prices (such as the Toyota Avanza or Suzuki APV). Scooter rentals are Rp 50,000 per day and do not require an international driver’s license to rent.

Shuttle services also help you get around the city. You can enjoy unlimited travel for five days, with a hop on/hop off type of service. With a shuttle ticket, you will enjoy discounts on a free Indonesian SIM card that has a balance of Rp 10,000 to use around town.

Citizens of up to 140 major countries do not need a visa before entering, and there is a 30-day free entry that cannot be extended. If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need to pay a visa fee, unless you plan to stay longer than 30 days. Certain foreign nationals must purchase a visa upon arrival, which costs approximately 46 AUD (*01/03/2017) for 30 days and can be extended once. Please check the Bali visa and immigration website.

All passports must be valid for six months when arriving or you will not be permitted access.

Things to do and places of interest in Bali

Bali is known as a scuba paradise, and there are more than 100 dive centres ready to teach you the undersea ways. Be sure to check out Amed, where you can explore the Japanese shipwreck underwater. Also, Bali is known for having the maximum number of spas in the world, so book your appointment for a luxury treatment.

Want to learn to surf?

Visit Kuta, Legian or Seminyak Beach for surfing lessons and beginner-ready waves. Some of the temples you must definitely visit include Tanah Lot, Besakih, and Uluwatu. When visiting a temple, you must wear a sarong and sash. You can hire one, and men and women must cover their legs with a sarong to respect Balinese culture.

Tips and Tricks for visiting Bali

Remember the Day of Silence

The Day of Silence may limit you on flights to Bali (or exits). Known as Nyepi, it is a Hindu celebration to commemorate the Saka New Year. On this day, there is no check-in or check-out allowed in hotels, and all major airports are shutdown.

Always Be Cautious in the Water

Bali has breathtaking beaches, but night swimming is not encouraged due to harsh rip tides and currents. Also, weather and wind conditions can make sea conditions change quickly.

Trash and Debris

Everything you throw in the garbage stays on the island or is washed into the sea. So, be cautious about what you throw away.

Always Use Bottled Water

While plastic water bottles do create waste, it is best to drink bottled water only, and brush your teeth with it too. Also, local eateries do serve bottled water, so make sure you ask for it.

Be Aware of Hawkers and Touts

Hawkers and touts often approach tourists, and hassle you to purchase their items, especially in areas like Ji Legian, Kuta Beach, and the Gunung Batur areas.

Some Areas Prone to Flooding

If you have a hotel on the beach from Tuban to Melasti (in Kuta), ask for a room that is not on the ground level. Occasionally, water will flood every one to two hours in front of the hotels, and it can reach knee-height.

Money

USD, AUS, and EUR are accepted and can be exchanged in most locations. Traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted today, and the payments are made in IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). Even if a hotel indicates USD rates, the IDR payments are what they accept when you check-in.