BesarRahasia's VirtualTourist Home Page

I came to Bali 26 years ago, fell in love with the island, it's people, the culture the climate and totally laid back way of life.

I decided to settle here and make a new life for myself, However it soon became apparent that living and working in such a paradise is not the same as coming here on holiday, but with the help of my new found friends, my dream became a reality.

Slowly but sure I became accepted into their society and culture, life was mostly relaxed, sometimes a little stressful, mostly due to misunderstandings through different cultures and values, but through communication and understanding we overcame most problems.

I became more and more involved in the local community and helped with the setting up of a number of projects designed to improve the quality of life for some of the less fortunate. I started a business with just myself and my best and most trusted friend, which we used to help people come to Bali and experience the magic of this mystical island, the objective was to create a sustainable business for both the business and the local communities. We are still going strong with over 64 employee's all over Indonesia.

I have develpoed this site in order to try to help those wishing to come to Bali, with an insight into the life and things to do whilst you are here. I will always try to give clear unbiast and honest advice and opinions wherever I can, on these pages, and in my answers on the forum.

WELCOME TO BALI

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

Getting In.
Indonesian law forbids visitors from bringing weapons, illegal drugs, or pornography into the country. Penalties can be severe and includes death for weapons or drugs. 

Your passport needs to be valid for minimum 6 months from the date you enter Indonesia,

There are at present 11 countries of which the citizens can enter Indonesia without a visa; Brunei Darussalam, Chile,Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The length of stay is a maximum of 30 days, and must be for the purpose of visiting as a tourist.

Citizens of all other countries must apply for a visa. There are two types of visa:
1/ Visa on Arrival:
This type of visa can be obtained by citizens of 63 countries (check with your Indonesian Embassy) There are 2 types for the length of stay in Bali,
A/ Up to 7 Days,
B/Up to 30 Days,
You can obtain the visa upon arrival in whichever airport or sea port that you are coming into Indonesia. the fee's at present are

$10 US (or equivalent in Rupiah, or Australian Dollars)per person including children for the 7 Day Visa, or

$25US (or equivalent as previous) for the 30 day visa per person including children.

The fee can be paid for by credit card, but my advice is to bring US $ good clean notes, without damage or marks, and newer than year 2000, that way is much easier and quicker.

The Visa on Arrival cannot be extended beyond the 30 days, There are fines for anyone overstaying the visa period, at present it is Rp 200,000 per day per person(or equivalent) for a maximum of 60 days, after 60 days overstaying the fine can be as much as Rp 25,000,000 or up to 5 years in Jali.

2/More than the 30 days Visa On Arrival
Prior to July 2007 if you wanted to stay for more than the 30 days Visa On Arrival then you had to either apply for a Social Cultural Visa (Index 211) or a 60 day tourist visa. The difference between the two was that for the Social Cultural Visa you needed sponsorship from an Indonesian and other requirements, and this visa could be extended renewed within Indonesia for up to 6 months. The 60 day tourist visa wasn't extendable within Indonesia.

After July 2007 they changed the visa rules such that now for any stay longer than the 30 days Visa On Arrival they issue the Visa Index 211 for all applications regardless of whether it was for social or cultural reasons.
So now if you want to stay for longer than the 30 days then you need to apply to the Consulate or Embassy in your country for the Visa Index 211, you need sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen, and you need to fullfill all of the other reqirements. There is still some confusion around as SOME Indonesian embassy's/consulates are still issuing the old 60 day tourist visa, which is fine as long as you don't want to extend. If you plan to stay longer than that, you should make sure that you have the Vias 211.

All other countries not listed as having Visa Free entry or Visa on Arrival, the citizens of which have to apply to an Indonesian Embassy in advance. check with the Indonesian Embassy in your country

There are presently 17 countries the citizens of which need to apply to the Indonesian Immigration office in Jakarta The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia. These countries are; AFGHANISTAN, ALBANIA, ANGOLA BANGLADESH CAMEROON CUBA ETHIOPIA GHANA IRAQ ISRAEL NIGERIA NORTH KOREA PAKISTAN SOMALIA SRILANKA TANZANIA TONGA

There are other types of visa I know but that just about sums up the requirements for TOURISTS.

Getting Out
That's a little less complicated. There is an airport departure tax which currently (as from Nov 1st 2007) is RP 150,000 per person including children. This cannot be paid in any other currency, so make sure you keep enough Rupiah to pay this tax.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

Balinese people are amongst the most friendly and gentle of people I have ever known. They are deeply religious, and you will inevitably encounter a ceremony of some sorts during your stay, there is just about a ceremony everyday in Bali.

There isn't enough space to get too deep into explaining the beliefs and culture, but briefly, Bali is mostly Hindu in religion, there are some Buddists and Christian and Muslim, but mostly it's Hindu, and a unique type of Hindu, which developed through the influence of neighbouring Java, which until the mid 1300's was also mostly Hindu. Gradually as Islam crept through Java, the King and Priests who practiced Hindu retreated onto Bali,where they remained and developed the slightly off beat Hindu religion we see today on Bali.

They believe that there is one God, and that God can become many many other Gods, for example the God can become another God for all things to do with money, the same God can also become another God for all things to do with food, or water or fire etc etc.

You will definately encounter the offerings that they make to the God in whatever form, these offerings are called canang (pronounced Chanan), these are placed in all sorts of places which may seem strange to you, but they are placed at a points where there is something relevant for that God in whatever form it is in, so outside every house outside every shop on the pavement, at the entrance to toilets, on cash registers or other places they keep money, etc, they place the canang, which is made from banana leaves shaped and sewn together to make a basket, into which they place all sorts of things that they think the God will need to in order to protect them from evil spirits and guide them throughout the day.

They also take the canag to the various temples of which there are thousands in Bali. Be careful not to step onto the canang if you can help it, although as far as they are concerned once they have given the offering and said their prayers, the spirit of what's inside has already gone, just the physical remains are left behind, but it is polite to try not to disturb them if you possibly can.

There are many many ceremonies held in Bali everyday, from weddings to cremations. Many many people ask me if I can arrange for them to attend a wedding, this is probably in the belief that a wedding is more to see and probably a more happy occasion than the cremation ceremony, well to be honest it isn't, and usually you need an invitation to someone's wedding (much like you would at home), however a cremation ceremony is definately more interesting it is a celebration of the life of the person or persons (sometimes up to 5 people in the same ceremony), and is a happy event, where many many people from all over the area attend, they are usually very happy to accept visitors to these ceremonies, and especially if you pay your respect by joining in, wearing the polite clothing (shirt & long trousers, and ladies no bare shoulders etc.) Be respectfull take pictures by all means, they love their picture being taken, but be mindfull of the situation, don't stand higher than the priest presiding over the ceremony, and you will have a wondefrul experience and memory to take home.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

Currency and Money Changing
The currency in Bali is the Rupiah, available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 notes, (there are some coins around also, but they are relatively worthless) It is advisable to always have some of the smaller notes with you, especially when shopping in the local areas or paying for the taxi fare etc etc, as most people cannot change the larger denominations.

Don' t be surprised if you receive some sweets in your change,especially if shopping in the supermarkets this is normal practice in most of the shops, and is counted as small change.

Travelers cheque's are usually accepted in most hotels. There are a large number of places available to change your money. Banks and most hotels offer this service, although the hotels exchange rates are usually lower than from the other Authorised Money changers. Please do not be tempted by people approaching you in the street offering bigger exchange rates. Only use the Authorised Money Changing shops , please be aware of where you are, don't use any in the back streets.

Also watch carefully, and once you have counted the money to check it, don't let anyone else touch it to check it again. It has been known for 100,000 rupiah notes to be replaced by 10,000 rupiah notes, and with so many zero's around it sometimes can get confusing, and they are also very similar in colour. So just be aware and be careful.

Also please be aware that if you plan to take some hard cash from home, most money changers and banks will not exchange old notes or one's which are in bad condition. So if you plan to take hard cash, make sure it's reasonably new and in good condition.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are taken in hotels and villas., Most of the larger shops and stores take all major credit cards, but please note some of the smaller local establishments do not.

ATM' s
Many -- but not all -- Bank ATM's in Bali are linked to major international networks such as Cirrus, Link, Plus, Visa, and Master Card. There is a Visa cash exchange bank in Kuta, and on the outskirts of Denpasar, if you get desperate to change money in an emergency. The one in Kuta is open on Saturday mornings until 12:00. It is located just down the road from the Bali Bakery towards Kuta Centre.

Banking Hours
By and large the banking hours are Monday to Friday 08:00am - 02:00pm, in the more remote areas don't rely on these time at all. There are two banks (Mandiri and BCA) which are in the Bali Discovery Shopping Mall Kuta which open until 05:00pm Mon - Fri, and 10:00 am - 5:00pm Sat and Sun

Western Union. Money Transfer
Should you need someone to send you money quickly, there are many Westrn Union outlets in the main tourist areas (less in the North) Mandiri Banks have a western Union counter.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

Getting around and about in Bali is relatively easy
Walking
Walking is the best way to explore some of the back streets and less known areas and is a fabulous way to discover the real Bali and it's people, to go shopping in some of the markets in the towns, or to explore the beautiful countryside of the interior.
Taxi
In the touristy spots, there are lots of taxi's driving around looking to take you around, In the less touristy areas, they are not so common, and in some remote areas non at all, The better one's are from the Blue Bird Group, they are a pale blue colour, In Nusa Dua, the Gold Taxi's are also good. These taxi's are metered, so you can see for yourself how much the fare is, as you journey. They will also agree a price for you. There are other taxi companies, some are ok, others are a bit dodgy.
Ojek (Taxi by Motorbike!!!)
These are not so easy to find in Bali now,
BEWARE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO WILL OFFER YOU TRANSPORT ON THE BACK OF A MOTORBIKE. THESE ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE LICENSED AND MORE IMPORTANTLY NOT INSURED. USE THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Self Drive
Hiring a car or motorbike in Bali is easy, we drive on the left, with RHD cars. The driving conditions in Indonesia, are CHAOTIC to say the least. There are rules about driving, but they are mostly ignored. They drive on pavements, they drive the wrong way down a street if it suits them, they will turn in the road without indication, they don't really know the meaning of "give way", So unless you are really confident and or used to driving in these type of conditions, be careful. To hire a car or motor bike from a reputable company, you will need an
International Driving License, many visitors think that their own driving license is enough, well it isn't, all visitors need an international driving license.
You can hire cars or motorbike from the less reputable people, without one but be aware that if you are stopped by the police for a check,you will face either a large fine (and you could get stopped many times in one day, even by the same policeman). or they would take the SDNK card from you (like road tax license), in which case you won't be allowed to carry on driving. Also be aware that
INSURANCE IS OPTIONAL many motorists are not insured, and unreputable hirers do not have insurance included in the price. So you would be driving around completely UNINSURED. Which in the worse case would mean that you would be responsible for the replacement of whichever vehicle you hired. In extreem cases if you are involved in an accident where someone else is killed you would automatically go to Jail , until the police and or the court decide what sentence or punishment you should recieve, and if you are not insured,or cannot pay the deceased family sufficient compensation it could be a long jail sentence
The wearing of seat belts in the front seats of cars is compulsory in Bali and you should wear a crash helmet on motorbikes,
Car Hire With Driver
This is the best option to consider if you want to explore further afield. (use this service to see for yourself how the driving conditions are, then if you still feel confident, Self Hire one next time)
Most companies offer a 8 or a 10 hour day, and you are free to decide where you want to go. Again BEWARE there are people who will offer you transport at low prices, these will not be insured or licensed, and you should do so only at your own risk. AS THE HIRER YOU ARE CONSIDERED RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DAMAGE, NOT THE DRIVER.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

The main touristy areas are in the South of Bali. and there are hundreds of hotels/villa's. ranging from world class 5* to 2 * basic, the villas are also different in class and style, some private some as part of a resort,with prices varying accordingly, there are homestay complexes very basic in facilities but very cheap.

There are 8 main spots for visitors, and 3 which are up and coming but not yet as popular as the others .

Kuta is arguably the most popular, and perhaps the most lively as far as night/social life. However a lot find Kuta too much, too busy and to be honest too dirty. It is safe to walk round, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained, the shopping is good with some expensive places, and aslo the cheap art markets where you can haggle all day to get that special bargain. The beach in Kuta is reasonably clean and safe to walk, and isgood for surfers, especially those wanting to learn, or not so experienced. The waters are not really that good for swimming, as the currents and the waves can be a bit strong. There are some good hotels not over expensive, there arn't so many villa resorts, although some hotels have villas within their grounds.

Tuban, is difficult to distinguish between Kuta, it is joined at the hip so to speak, but there are some higher class hotels in Tuban of 5* quality, and some great shopping in the Discovery Shopping Mall (no haggleing here though it's fixed priced). The beach is Ok and joins with Kuta Beach, the area is undergoing some renovation and improvement works at the moment, so is a little noisy and not as clean as the Kuta side. I't such a short walk to Kuta and all that goes on there it's counted as the same, but the hotels are a little better and quieter.

Legian, again this is also joined with Kuta at the hip so it is difficult to seperate them, however there are more Villa style accommodations available in the Lergian area, there are more restaurants and Bars than in Tuban, and the night life/social scene is close if not equal to Kuta, it is also a popular hang out for the gay visitors and attracts a lot of the cross dresser brigade. The beach in Legian is great but still not really suitable for swimming.

Seminyak, is a little bit further away from the life in Kuta, and it is a little more sedate there, still lively but not as much as the others. There are some top quality hotels and villlas here, the beach is the best in the area and the waters a little safer for the stronger swimmer. The shopping in Seminyak is a little higher in quality with some top names having outlets.

Jimbaran, is further away, it is home to some of the top hotels in Bali, and the famous sea food restaurants that line the stretch of golden sands, this is the place to go eat and watch the sun setting. It is however quiet with little night life outside of the reorts.

Nusa Dua, this is the specially built resort area where there are many 5* hotels and some villa resorts. It is a bit clinical for some, but the quality is there. Not a lot going on socially outside the resort area. It has some shopping and is expensive. The beaches are great and the swimming is safe.

Tanjung Benoa, next door to Nusa Dua has more shopping, more restaurants, and some great watersport facilities. The beaches are ok, and swimming is ok if you stay within the designated areas.

Sanur, this is the original tourist location on Bali, it is a traditional village style spot popular with Europeans, it is not as lively as Kuta, but more than Nusa Dua and Tanjung. It has some great hotels, and some really good restaurants and bars. The beach is great and the swimming good.

There are other spots I know but not enough room to give description in this chapter.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages

Away from the hustle and bustle of the South, to the North East and West, is where to go to experience some of the beauty, peace and tranquillity of Bali. It is here that you will encounter the real Bali, it's people, it's traditions, and panaoramic views that seem to go on ond on forever.

Arguably the most famous area for people wanting this style is Ubud, closely followed by Lovina in the North. It is hard to distinguish the town of Ubud from all the surrounding villages, and in fact Ubud is now more like an area of Bali than just a single place. It is here that many artists congregated in the past, and the area still retains it's relashionship with the arts and culture. Shopping is slightly more relaxed than Kuta although slightly more expensive. On the way to Ubud from the south you will pass through some places where you can get everything from Batik, Silver jewellery, wood carvings and stone ware. The Ubud area is also home to some very exclusive and secluded hotels and villas, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. You can also get more reasonably priced accommodation, from Homestay to 3 or 4 star hotels/villas. Getting around in the area isn't as easy as in Kuta for example, taxi's are not that common, but most hotels/villas provide free shuttle services, and or car hire with driver. Ubud is ideal for those wishing to get further into the real Bali, and the surrounding countryside is spectacular. And is a good base for getting to see some of the other parts. There are many many opportunities to explore by bycicle, walking, or by car, the surrounding area, but it is wise to use an organised trip for this, with a qualified guide.

In the East of Bali, the shore line has been eroded away, and is very rocky, but still magnificent, there are a number of places to stay, Candi Dasa, Manggis, Amed etc all have good hotels, but be aware there isn't much else to do in these places other than laze about in the hotel grounds, or go on trips into the countryside. You definately won't find it easy to get a taxi in these areas, hiring of a car with driver is more the usual way of getting around.

In the North of Bali the most popular area is Lovina, here the sand is black, and the sea good for swimming.Not a lot goes on in Lovina away from the hotels/resorts, there are some restaurants and bars, but nothing like the quality and life as in the South. There are some top quality hotel/villas in Lovina and the surrounding area, there are other places to go away from Lovina, where you will find the peace and tranquillity and luxury and service beyond your expectations. But again there isn't a lot to do, so if you crave social life move back to the South after a few days.

The West of Bali is still developing as a touristy spot, however there are a few places where you can stay. Mostly it is an area of natural beauty (although thats always in the eye of the beholder) The shore is a mixture of rocky beaches with great surfing, but no good swimming, to grey/silver sands, good for relaxing on and you probably won't see another soul all day (no facilities though), the waters are a little strong for good swimming, although ok for quick dip in and out.

For further more detailed information about Bali, where to go, what to see, tips and warnings etc visit my Bali travel pages