BALI BEACHES

Indonesian Food

Indonesia and Bali, the Spa Capital of Asia

•Types of Beaches in Bali:
Bali is a volcanic island and as such has a selection of black sand beaches, most notably on the east coast, the north coast and the west coast. White sand beaches can be found on the Bukit Peninsula, Sanur, Nusa Lembongan and a few select places in East Bali, such as Padangbai and Candi Dasa.

• South Bali Beaches:
Sun, sea and surf, or whatever triple combo tickles your fancy, is easily available since hotels in Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are built on the beach. Crazy vendors may not be your kettle of fish, or maybe you are looking to meet a Kuta Cowboy, whatever your goals here is a quick look at some local beaches.

• Kuta Beach: Good for getting a taste of the Bali vibe. Busy with vendors, tourists and locals. Food and drinks widely available, shade under trees close to the street and nice sandy beach. Perfect place to learn to surf. This is the place where foreign females hook up with local guys. Not a good beach if you want peace and quiet.

• Kuta Halfway: Located straight up the street from the main part of Kuta beach. Way less people, less service and less shade. Good for more peace and quiet without walking too far. Sand still decently light colored.

• Blue Ocean Beach:
Located at the end of Jl. Double Six, takes 15 minutes from Kuta. Very busy afternoon scene. Plenty of bars and decent places to eat. This area features people playing bat and ball games. There is a gay volleyball pit and this is the beach where foreign guys come to hook up with local ladies. The sand is a brown color. Best food Zanzibar, best beer, Blue Ocean, best place to meet ladies on the beach under one of the drinks stands.

• Pantai Gado Gado:
At the end of Jl. Dhyana Pura is Gado Gado restaurant. A high end place with a beach front patio. If you have money to spend and want an elegant environment, Gado Gado will work. For a cheaper option close by, go 100 meters back up Jl. Dhyana Pura to Cin Cin restaurant (part of Puri Cendana hotel). You can get a club sandwich for 35,000rp. Keep going down Jl. Dhyana Pura towards Jl. Legian and you’ll hit a slew of places to eat, including Santa Fe (western food), Warung Mimpi (Indonesian food) and C’Bo (Italian food), all cheap / mid range. A north distance to the west in Ku De Ta restaurant, located at the end of Jl. Oberoi, another great place to enjoy a beach-side breakfast or sunset drink. Pantai Gado Gado is popular with locals and expats for playing with the family and walking.

• Echo Beach Canggu:
Takes 35 minutes from Kuta. Beach is virtually deserted, very few vendors, good surf and a great place called The Beach House serving good beer and food. Great Sunday night bbq’s. Don’t swim on this beach because of the rips.

• Pantai Seseh Canggu:
Pantai Seseh is reached by following the main road Jl. Raya Canggu) towards Canggu. Reaching the big tree at the intersection in Munggu, with the sate sellers camped out and attracting locals, you hang a left towards the coast. The next 10 minutes are a dream come true as far as lovely quiet sawah. Looking around you’ll see no villas, few shops and views of the coast. The beach itself is nothing to shout about and locals with gather before sunset to gaze at the waves and the setting sun. Pantai Seseh is rugged and windswept, with dark volcanic sand.

• Pantai Berawa Canggu:
Pantai Berawa is a local beach that is reasonably close to Kuta. Sand is a light brown, fairly clean. There is low scrub and trees at the back of the beach, but not the swaying palms some people associate with paradise. Pantai Berawa, and the whole Canggu beach area is windy and part of the attraction is watching the waves crash in. Sipping an iced tea at Legong Keraton is very pleasant and relaxing. Souvenir vendors hang around the entrance to the beach, but on the beach its pretty deserted.

• Jimbaran Beach:
Jimbaran Bay lies just south of the airport in Tuban and the Four Seasons hotel. Jimbaran beach has yellow sand and the waves are not too big for swimmers. Although this beach still has a sleepy fishing village feel there are great food places and more springing up. A friend of mine was there recently and recommended the excellent food that is available on the beach.

• Sanur Beach:
Located 2 miles SE of Denpasar, Sanur Beach has a lagoon that makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There’s a mixture of traditional village life and tourist accommodation which varies between traditional style and luxury. This place is way more relaxed than Kuta.

• Semawang Beach:
Semawang Beach in the southern part of Sanur is protected from waves and offers a safe place for families. Located at the beach is Stiff Chili restaurant.

• North Bali Beaches:

• Lovina Beach:
Lovina is located on the north shore of the island and has a volcanic grey sand beach. It’s definitely a different scene from the spendy hotels down on the south side of the island and is a good place to chill out for a while. You will probably be offered an early morning dolphin watching boat ride. Take my advice and decline. Twenty boats powering after four dolphins isn’t my idea of fun.

• Bukit Beaches:

The Bukit is a limestone plateau and the beaches are a pale yellow / white sand. The largest beaches on the Bukit are in Nusa Dua on the eastern side of the Bukit. Dreamland has the largest beach on the western side.

One of the best Bali beaches, is at the very southern end of the Bukit. Looking at a map, you ride up the hill from Jimbaran, heading to Uluwatu. Instead of turning west, you keep going straight south, towards Pura Masuka. This temple is tiny and is perched on a cliff-top, overlooking the ocean. Directly in front of it is a hiking trail that leads you down to the beach, which is usually empty. The hike takes about 15 minutes.

• Ulu Watu & Padang Padang:
Hang around surfers and these two places will come up often. Ulu Watu was Bali’s first famous break and although isn’t developed for luxury tourists is getting more crowded. Located at the very south of the island on western edge of Bukit Badung (that bit that sticks out) Ulu Watu is a chill place to relax, visit the temple and watch the surfers.

• Dreamland Beach: Located on the Bukit peninsula, takes 25 minutes from Kuta. Good for low end surfers who like a beach break, people who like the simple beach-side warungs and a lower stress scene. There are about 20 warungs serving food and drinks, surf board rental in the high season. Vendors generally leave you alone. No shade other than inside a warung. Lovely sandy beach.

• Padang Padang:
Around the point to the left is Uluwatu, around the next point is Padang Padang. You could actually walk around during low tide. For this article we’ll refer to the beach as Ulu-Padang. The beach has decent sand, with a coral reef protecting the beach from big waves. When the tide is out it might not look so great, but when the tide is in you’ll be able to swim. This is Bali so remember to proceed with care as currents can be strong. Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat. The only shade is the densely packed trees at the back of the beach.

•Nusa Dua:
Great lagoon and white sandy beaches. There is a heavy build up of luxury hotels and resorts but there are also local warungs offering cheap food.

• Pantai Geger:
Pantai Geger is located on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula. Pantai Geger is ideal for families with young kids, as the beach is protected from waves and is comfortable.

• Pura Tegalwangi:
Adding to the ever growing list of ’secret beaches’ we can find in Bali is the secluded white sand beach at Pura Tegalwangi, on the Bukit peninsula. You’ve probably never heard of that temple and it’s certainly not one of the most famous in Bali. The great thing about the beach, which is adjacent to the temple, is that tourists don’t go there. This is for a couple of reasons including 1) they don’t know its there, 2) there are plenty of other beaches closer to Kuta. So if you are looking for a quiet, unspoilt beach with no one else around the beach at Pura Tegalwangi might work for you.

• East Bali Beaches:

• Padangbai:
Padangbai is a fishing village located on the SE coast approximately 40 miles from Kuta. The snorkeling is quite good and there are locals offering jet skis and other water sport activities.

Padangbai sits at the end of a road running off of the Klungkung-Candi Dasa main road. There is a busy main beach and 2 much quieter beaches. The first, Blue Lagoon, is accessed by heading to the far left of the main beach and hiking 10 minutes up and over the hill, dropping down onto a white sand beach with a couple of warungs. This is a good place to snorkel and dive boats come here. You might want to hire a boat to take you snorkeling for safety. The second beach, Biastugal is also called Pantai Kecil (small beach), and is located on the other side of the ferry terminal. You can’t see it from the main beach, and the only way I knew it was there, was by taking the ferry to Lombok, looking back and seeing it.

• Pantai Kecil is accessed by walking through town round the back of the ferry terminal, up the hill and down to the beach. From downtown it takes 15 minutes. Here you will find several warungs, a pleasant beach with yellow / white sand and some beach vendors. Pantai Kecil is easily the best beach in Padangbai and the level of harassment isn’t too bad.

•Candi Dasa:
Candi Dasa used to have a good beach, but it washed away, because the locals destroyed the reef for lime. That is a well known story. Between Senkidu to the west and Candi Dasa, there is a small section of beach. The main road runs very close to the shore in this part of Bali and its easy to stop and take a look. In the evenings, young Balinese like to park their bikes and chat here, its the local hangout scene. The Lotus Restaurant has a nice little chunk of beach next to it, a low tide anyway. Lotus Restaurant is right there at the entrance to the Candi Dasa main street. At the far end of the main street, Forest Rd. curves to the left and heads off into the boonies. If you keep going straight, you will drive down what feels like a quite lane, but one that is lined with small hotels. There is also a sign saying ‘The Beach’, which you follow. The sign directs you through a nice boutique hotel. No problem to walk through and access the beach, which is very nice.

•Pasir Putih:
What Pasir Putih offers is an almost pristine white sand beach, with little development, in a tropical setting. Drive East from Kuta towards Sanur. Take the Kusamba Bypass to East Bali. Follow the coastal road past Candi Dasa. When you come to Perasi, slow down and ask locals for ‘Pasir Putih’. Driving time from Kuta: 2.5 hours.

•Lipah Beach Amed:
East Bali is probably the closest thing a tourist will got to the ‘real Bali’. To be honest, tourists aren’t looking for the ‘real Bali’ anymore than they would want a ‘deserted beach’. We’re looking for postcard landscapes, with elegant locals…and enough creature comforts to keep us happy. East Bali has all these and the Amed area, location the far SE coast is a very laid back, tranquil area.

Location: East Bali, far south east coast
Travelling time from Kuta: 4 hours
Accommodation: Budget & boutique
Restaurants: Budget / mid range
Nightlife: None to speak of except the occasion joged dance.
Activities: Snorkeling / diving
Internet access: Yes. Slow.
Closest big town: Amlapura
Closest western location: Candi Dasa

Lipah beach is the most developed beach in the area (although still very peaceful), located around 10km from Culik. There’s accommodation at Hidden Paradise and slightly after this, Coral View. Both places have large, well-furnished bungalows in lush gardens with pools next to the beach.

• West Bali Beaches:

•Candikusumah:
Driving east from Gilimanuk towards Kuta, one will pass through the kecamatan (municipal border) of Melaya. Along this stretch of road are many small potholes so one is advised to stay alert, as each 20 meter section of road appears to be made by a different person. On the beach side of the road is a sign indicating the beach at Candikusumah. This is accessed by a narrow lane just 100 meters long. The black sand beach here is nothing to shout about, but might be good for a rest stop or a quick dip in the ocean.

•Pantai Rening:
Around 15km east of Candikusumah heading into Negara, is a junction sign pointing the way to Cupel. On this corner are various local warungs offering masakan Muslim (Muslim food) and sate ayam (chicken satay). Take this road south to the first junction and head right to the end. Around 4kms away from the road is Pantai Rening, another sweeping black sand bay. There is a sizable local hotel (Hapel Beach Resort) at the end of the road, with security and what appears to be decent grounds. This place is off of the western tourist radar, and might be a change from Medewi for a place to stay on the coast in west Bali.

•Yeh Gangga:
Yeh Gangga beach is 10km SW of Tabanan. The attraction of this area is natural beauty, with rice fields leading down to the beach, volcanoes in the distance and a rugged, empty coastline. Yeh Gangga beach, like many of the beaches on the SW coast, is not suitable for swimming, due to the currents and lack of any emergency services. When its low tide, the beach is quite wide and easy to walk on, there are not many places to buy food / drinks, although Yeh Gangga beach itself has a few very basic places.

Places to stay in Yeh Gangga include Bali Wisata Bungalows , and the expensive Waka Gangga . Bibi’s (081 361 0914)is another small place, that is located at Pusat Beach, to the west of Yeh Gangga. This is the simplest and cheapest option. Staying in Yeh Gangga, renting a scooter and slowly exploring the countryside, meeting locals etc. would be a lovely way to go. This area has a touch of East Bali, slow paced and removed from the tourist scene.

•Balian:

When people think of surf spots in west Bali, they think of Medewi. The quiet black sand coast at Balian can be a great location for some people.

Balian as a surfing / holiday destination

Pros:
•Quiet
•Natural
•Gets some decent swell
•Uncrowded
•Easy access, close to main road.

Cons:

•Can be too quiet for some people
•Isn’t the greatest surf spot in Bali
•A limited choice places to stay, eat.
•No nightlife
•Nasty busy road back to Kuta.

On my trip to Balian, I stayed with a friend of a friend, in a simple place overlooking the beach. Here is a message board on Wannasurf, with people talking about the good old days at Balian.

Accommodation options in Balian have been increasing in recent years. Here are a few options.

Villa Tranquil
Pondok Pisces Bungalows & Balian Riverside Sanctuary
Balian Breezes

There is a place called Balian Surf Bungalows, but my browser keeps crashing, every time I try to load their site. So as far as we’re concered, they don’t exist.

How far in Balian?
Balian is 90 minutes from Kuta
How do you get to Balian?

From Kuta you take the Sunset Rd to Kerobokan, head towards Canggu, Tanah Lot, Tabanan, then Gilimanuk. Balian is along the way after Soka Beach.
What’s Balian like?
Balian is a quiet stretch of coast, lined with palm trees, and rice fields / hills behind. Quiet village life, with a dirty great main road going through the middle.
Who is Balian good for?
Balian is good for surfers, people who like a quiet existence, and people who would enjoy an interaction, more in tune with a Balinese village, than a shopping mall.
Who would Balian not be good for?
People who need to be entertained. Attention deficit kids. People who demand a wide choice of places to shop, eat, drink, party.
Best time to come to Balian:

Dry season, April-October.
What should you bring to Balian?
A car to allow you to explore. Books, reading materials. Special snacks you might like, liquor. Cash money.
Dangers and annoyances:
Currents / drowning. Don’t swim by yourself without telling anyone where you are going. Main road is very busy.
Convenience stores:
Last time I went there was a little shop and a warung, probably more now.

• North Bali Beaches:

Lovina:
Lovina is actually a string of small villages ( Kalisasem & Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Tukad Mungga and Pemaron. Kalibukbuk also has a section known as Banyualit ) that have been dumped under the same name. Along this coastline is a quiet black sand beach, with the occasional Balinese fishing boat parked on it. The water is warmer on the north coast that down south and there is virtually on surf, making this a god area for snorkeling.

•Tejakula:
Located on the NE coast of Bali, this section of the coast has to be one of the quietest. The black sand beach sits close to the road generally, the water is clear and unpolluted and there is the occasional development. The best place to stay in the area is Poinciana Resort in Tejakula / Tembok. The nearest place to go for supplies is Singaraja, around 1 hour.

A record 3,000,000 people visit the paradise island of Bali each year making it one of the most impressive areas in Indonesia to visit. Still reminiscent of the original island some 500 years ago, the Balinese people have a rich religious culture. The island is an impressive venue for those seeking the true tropics.

Bali is very small; visitors can drive around the entire coast of Bali in a day’s trip. However, the area is so profound; you would not want to overlook the enormously interesting history and variety found within the numerous suburbs located throughout Bali. Bali has been extraordinarily developed within the last few years. Isolation is not a word exclusive to Bali any longer. Bali has been discovered and by being so, the solidarity of the island has been reduced to information found in textbooks.

When vacationing in Bali, comfort and luxury go hand in hand with the tropical mysticism of this vacation attraction. Many people find that the privacy of a beautiful villa is one of the best ways to spend their time enjoying the sights and scenery around them without having to deal with hustle and bustle of a hotel crowd. Villa rentals are also ideal for couples looking for some romantic alone time.

When vacationing in Bali, there are some extremely enticing areas which vacationers find to be those most desirable:

Ubud

– Overview of Ubud
When considering a location to rent a villa, Ubud is perhaps one of the most culturally rich and artistic places to be. There are many villas available for rent and most of them even come with their own pool so that you can enjoy a cool swim any time of the day or night. This is an ideal location for those who enjoy cooler temperatures since the land here is elevated above the rest. For the art, history and nature buff, this is the best place to be. Take a stroll among the lush surroundings, visit one of the art galleries for an amazing visual experience or soak in the history at the museum. Either way, Ubud in Bali has divine tastes that one could only dream of.

Villas available either in Central Ubud or the outskirts range anywhere from $100 – $750 per night. This is the perfect place for a variety of budgets. Villas are available with a full staff which includes a cook, waitress, housekeepers, a groundskeeper, pool management and security guards for your safety. You can relax and enjoy the cool airconditioning of your own master bedroom. Most villas also feature satellite tv and a DVD player. If you are worried about personal belongings you can request to have your valuables kept in a deposit box for safe keeping.

Kuta

– Overview of Kuta
Many tourists frequent Kuta while on vacation in Bali for the sense of excitement and fun while surfing along the beach or strolling through the shops restaurants and bars. Villas are available for a variety of budgets ranging from $85 to $530 a night. Relax in your own personal swimming pool and roam through the spacious living facilities while you vacation in Bali. If you plan on vacationing during the holidays or for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary, ask about special package pricing for what it is that you need. There are many bundles available with many amenities that are sure to please anyone.

Kuta has developed well since the 60’s. Food stations are set up to tempt tourists, hungry after a day of exploring with delicious and savory flavors of authentic local dishes. Shopping vendors boast interesting and colorful displays that offer unique trinkets to those who are interested in making a purchase. Cool off while you sit and enjoy a cool drink at one of the bars or perhaps meet new faces. The busier area is a common attraction for many tourists who enjoy all that Kuta has to offer. Renting a villa while in Kuta is just an added benefit to all there is to see and do.

Lovina

– Overview of Lovina
For the ultimate water lover, Lovina is recommended for villa rental. These spacious villas offer a breath taking view of beautiful sunsets over the water. Many extras are offered such as maid services, a full staff all day long and safety or your valuables. Villas are offered at a number of different price ranges to satisfy the budget of all. Not only can you enjoy the sultry air coming in off the beach, the privacy that you can be experienced when renting your own villa is a definite added plus for any vacationer looking to enjoy their experience in Bali to the fullest.

Lovina is well known for water recreation. Those vacationing in this part of Bali are bound to experience the untamed beauty of nature as they see dolphins swimming by or enjoy a day of sailing upon the open water. The beach of Lovina has drawn a number of locals and tourists alike for years. The golden sandy beaches and tropical air are a refining stress relief for families, individuals, couples and business men and women. That is what makes this one of the best areas for renting a villa in Bali.

There are many more great places in Bali to rent a villa. Depending on what you are looking for, privacy, history, art, culture, or the busy shopping centers is what you have to base your location on. Renting a villa is one of the most recommended ways to spend your time in Bali because you can relax in a home away from home after a long day of traveling and exploring. The quiet comfort that a villa can offer is like no other and what makes these places so highly sought after. Amenities are endless and enjoyable and the price is well worth the experience.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is one of the most economically developed islands in Bali. Tourists take in the view of the area while languishing in common and desired development consistent with western cultures. Nusa Lembongan is interestingly enough, free of smog. Neither cars nor motorcycles are available in Nusa Lembongan. Host to about 7000 people as reported by the last census count, the locals reside in two small villages: Jungutbatu and Lembongan. Money available from tourism is imperative in keeping water running and electricity operating. Traveling to and while on the island of Nusa Lembogan can be quite a task. By far, the most comfortable means of travel is by boat. Day-trippers provide the Perama boats and public boats. Those who have been to Nusa Lembongan recommend traveling light. The area is not large at all. Therefore, walking to and from locations is the recommended method of transportation while on the island. If walking is a problem, bicycles and scooters are available for rent.
Candidasa

Candidasa has development from one end to the other. Nonetheless, with no beach or even easy access to one, Candidasa is still an attractive area and the destination requested by many seeking to vacation in Bali. Located off main roads between Amlapura and South Bali, Candidasa has no bus terminal. Tourists generally hail down bemos (buses) which sometime just seem to pass the hailer by. Vacationers looking for rest and relaxation without a hectic touring schedule love Candidasa. In addition, if you have the urge to try unique and different cuisine, Candidasa has some of the best restaurants in Bali. Even without beach activity, divers and snorkeliers find the area beaming with sea life.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BALI

AIRPORT:
Bali’s Ngurah Rai international airport is south of Kuta Beach. There are licensed currency exchange offices inside the airport in the baggage claim area and duty-free shops for departing international passengers. You will be collected from the airport as advised at the time of booking. A departure tax of 100,000 rupiah is charged, payable in cash after check-in for international flights.

BANKS:
Banks are open from 8 or 8.30 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m., Monday to Friday but be prepared to wait if you do require service at a bank. Money changers keep longer hours.

MONEY:
Currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp or IDR). It comes in banknotes (bills) from Rp1000 to 100,000, and various coins of minimal value. Hotels may exchange foreign currency and traveller’s cheques, but money changers usually give better rates. Always count the money you are given when changing. All but the least expensive hotels accept major credit cards. So do some restaurants and shops, but they may add 3-5% to prices to cover the commission costs.

CLIMATE:
This close to the equator, temperatures remain fairly stable year round. In lowland areas they range from a nightly minimum of 24°C (75°F) to an average daily high of 30°C (86°F) in the shade. Mountain areas can be a lot cooler. The rainy season runs from September to March in Sumatra, a month or two later as you go south and east. Humidity is high at all times of the year. Click here for yearly average temperatures and rainfall.

CLOTHING:
Cool and casual. Beach wear, miniskirts and shorts are out of place in temples, where you may be asked to cover up with a sarong, as well as to wear a yellow sash tied round your waist. You can usually borrow these at the entrance, in exchange for a fee or donation.
Kuta

COURTESY:
Except for a few who have learned bad habits from foreigners, Indonesians are instinctively courteous, especially to older people. It is polite to shake hands on meeting and taking leave. Only your right hand is used for passing food or gifts, and for eating. Pointing at someone with a finger, beckoning and standing with hands on hips or in your pockets are all seen as rude, aggressive gestures. It is a sign of disrespect touch anyone (children included) on the head.

CREDIT CARDS:
These are accepted at most hotels and at most of the larger shops and restaurants. Otherwise, you’ll need cash.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCE:
The following duty-free items may be taken into Indonesia: one litre of alcoholic drinks; a reasonable quantity of perfume; 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 100g tobacco; personal goods of a total value up to US$250.
Bali Social Visa

DRIVING:
We will be happy to arrange a driver and car for the duration of your stay. If you choose to drive yourself, we can also arrange a car and you should have a licence from your own country and an International Driving License. The minimum age is normally 25, sometimes 21. In densely populated areas, roads are often choked with motorbikes, trucks, bicycles, wandering pedestrians and animals. Elsewhere, there’s much less traffic and driving can be a pleasure. Traffic drives on the left, although some drivers only pull over at the last moment. Most major roads are well-surfaced, but in remoter and mountainous regions, they can be rough, tortuous and narrow. Petrol (gasoline) is available in the grade needed by most rental vehicles: pumps are marked “Premium”. Diesel (“Solar”) is also obtainable.

ELECTRICITY:
Most hotels are on 220-volt, 50-cycle supply, and use plugs with two rounded pins.

EMERGENCIES:
You will be supplied with a 24 hour service number for emergencies.

ESSENTIALS:
Travel light. You will rarely need anything more than summer clothes, preferably loose-fitting cottons, and Indonesia is a good place to buy casual and beach wear-the local sarong is a useful accessory. A sun hat is recommended. On visits to religious sites, you’ll need to cover up. If you plan an expedition to the mountains, prepare for it to be positively chilly at night. Remember to take sun protection cream, sunglasses and hat, and mosquito re-pellent. These are also all available locally.

FORMALITIES:
To enter Indonesia as a tourist you will need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. You may be asked to show an onward or return ticket. The stay is limited to 60 days. Please see this site for Visa details. If you are carrying any medication which might be mistaken for an illegal drug, bring a letter from your doctor or copy of a prescription. Weapons and ammunition are forbidden. You may be asked about cameras and electronic equipment but problems are unlikely. If you have nothing to declare, you can use the green lane. No more than Rp 5,000,000 in local currency may be brought into or taken out of the country. There is no restriction on foreign currency.

HEALTH:
Well before leaving home, ask your travel agent if any immunizations (vaccinations) are required. Ask your doctor which are currently recommended, for example cholera, typhoid, hepatitis. Your polio and tetanus shots should be up to date. The threat of malaria exists in some parts of Indonesia so if you plan to travel extensively, and particularly in rural areas precautions may be adviseable. Doctors and pharmacists in your own country will have up-to-date information. As well as taking the prophylactic medicines as prescribed, try to avoid being bitten. Take an effective insect repellent with you and apply to all bare skin and around ankles, even if they are covered, as soon as dusk falls. Mosquitoes may carry dengue fever, another good reason to avoid their bites. We can access doctors on call. Pharmacies (apotik) are quite well-stocked and can make up prescriptions. Medical services must be paid for, and although charges are not high compared to many Western countries, you should take out travel insurance covering medical expenses. If you have flown through several time zones, take it easy at first. Many mild cases of traveller’s diarrhoea result from unfamiliar food, too much sun and time changes. Rest, drink plenty of (non-alcoholic) liquids and don’t starve yourself: many people find a diet of plain rice, bananas and tea to be effective. Be careful of the tropical sun. Sunscreen creams-not oils-with high protection factors (SPF 30 or more) are recommended.

HOLIDAYS:
On 1 January (New Year’s Day), 17 August (Independence Day) and 25 December (Christmas Day), public offices and banks close. Shops, especially in tourist areas, will usually be open. In addition, many Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian holidays are observed which are governed by the lunar calendar and move from year to year.
Bali Dance

LANGUAGE:
The national language is Bahasa Indonesia (or just Bahasa), although among themselves many people speak their own local language. It is not difficult to learn a few words and phrases of Bahasa, and everyone will respond cheerfully if you try.
Language Bali

PHOTOGRAPHY:
The best times to snap away are early morning when the air is clearer, and in the golden light of late afternoon. Some temples and other sites charge a small fee for allowing photography, and in some places flash is banned. If you would like to photograph local people, ask permission, and respect their wishes. With children, the problem is to stop them waving and grimacing. Most popular film makes and sizes are available. Colour print films can be quickly processed locally but transparency film is best kept until you get home.

POST OFFICE:
Post offices (Pos Kantor) are usually crowded, and it’s more convenient to buy stamps at postal agencies (agen pos) run by small shops, or ask your housekeeper to make arrangements for you.

SAFETY:
Most people are naturally honest, but theft does sometimes occur, so take commonsense precautions. It will be automatically assumed that you are rich, and in comparison with most local people, you probably are. Put your valuables in provided room-safes and don’t leave desirable items unguarded. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded places, and carry only the cash you need. If you do have something of value stolen, report the loss your housekeeper who will arrange for documents to show your insurance company. The possession, sale, import and export of narcotic drugs is illegal and punished by severe jail sentences and fines. DO NOT get involved.

SHOPS:
Most shops open daily 9 or 10 a.m.-9 or 10 p.m. Some close on Sunday.
Seminyak

TELEPHONE:
The telephone system is modern, with direct dialling. To telephone Indonesia from other countries, dial the international access code, then 62 for Indonesia, then the area code (omitting the initial 0) and number. For calls from Indonesia, dial 00, then the country code, area code (omitting initial 0) and number. More recently VOIP connections have become available with the prefix (017). Look out for the efficient WARTEL offices – here you can make local and international calls and send faxes, economically and without delay.

TIME:
GMT+8.

TIPPING:
A service charge of 10 per cent is added to most hotel and some restaurant bills. Tipping is not expected in small local eating places but always appreciated!
Tipping Bali

TOILETS:
Establishments intended for Western visitors have Western-style facilities. Elsewhere they are likely to be simpler, and in rural areas rudimentary.

TRANSPORT:
Buses are cheap but generally overcrowded. It is more comfortable to use a bemo, a minibus or van following a fixed route and picking up and setting down passengers all along it. There are supposed to be fixed fares for all journeys but most drivers will charge as much as they can get away with. All taxis should be equipped with a meter – insist that the driver uses it.

WATER:
Drink only bottled mineral water.

Official movie trailer – some scenes shot in Bali, starring Julia Roberts.

Nice introduction to Bali from Lonely Planet.  Enjoy!

Bali beaches is dedicated to the beautiful island of Bali, the pristine beaches, and friendly Balinese people.

We will feature mainly the beaches in Bali, Bali Spas, food in Bali, and Bali hotels.