Bali is a beautiful tourist destination in Indonesia. Today it is amongst the top 10 most traveled tourist destination in world. Bali is famous for its majestic scenery, exotic beaches and rich culture.
First time travelers could find it little difficult travel around Bali. Below are some tips for tourists to make your stay in Bali easy, safe and enjoyable.
Bali is visited by millions of tourists from around the world. If you want to avoid crowd then do not plan to travel Bali in July - August and Christmas time.
Its smart to book hotel well in advance especially if you are planning to visit around peak tourist season. Usually hotels prices goes up during tourists season and it could be very difficult to get a room at last minute.
Although Bali has some of the best luxury hotels and resorts in the world. There are also plenty of budget hotels which offer good service at affordable price.
In Bali Money exchangers offers better exchange rates than Banks. They take less time in transactions and provide services longer than banks. Always check conversion rates before transaction.
Do not carry lots of money in Bali, alternately its better to carry credit cards and travelers checks. They are acceptable widely in Bali.
Getting around in Bali could be very dangerous for tourists from Europe and United States. There aren't any road rules, so if you are walking around Bali of crossing streets, be very careful. Don't expect cars to slow down for let you through. And its better to avoid driving in Bali. You will also require International Driving License in order to drive in Bali.
There are several local shops in Bali selling fake designers clothes or Rolex watches. Beware of these stores.
Always bargain when buying stuff from local stores or hiring car and taxis, you can save significant amount of money bargaining in Bali.
Women travelers should cover their bodies as much as possible while entering a temple.
Crime is Bali is on increase. There has been many cases of handbag snatching, so always be careful on streets and do not carry your passport and other important documents around. Its safe to leave them in your Hotel.
Real Estate scam is pretty common in Bali these days, do not buy any property in Bali.
By following these tips, you will get the most out of your holiday with the least amount of hassles. Have a great trip and enjoy!
Before setting go to explore the island of Bali, especially when you are on your own and not with driver, it would be great if you pay attention into the following information.
Driving License
An International driving license is a must. If you do not posses it, a Tourist Driving License in Bali can be obtained at Cok Agung Tresna Street No. 14, Renon, Denpasar. The office is in the Pelayanan Samsat Building, BPKB section. Requirements: one copy of passport (photo and identification pages and entry visa page) and one copy of valid home country driving license. A car or motorcycles license will cost about Rp.75.000 each and are valid for one month. Obtain and complete the application form, pay the fee and have your photograph taken on the spot. The licenses are ready in ten minutes. Contact: 243-939, Foreign License Service.
Check Your Car
On the hand-over, please check the car e.g. the spare part wheel, vehicles's license, whether it is gasoline or diesel fule, etc.
Maps and Information
Free maps often available in most department stores for easy pick up. Buying detailed maps with information such as from Periplus is by far better.
What to do and not to do
* In many places cattles e.g. cows and dogs are often crossing the street, just speed down and be careful.
* Religious ceremonies and cultural festivals may occupy the road - if you are caught behind it, enjoy the experience and do not horn.
* As developing country, during peak hours, roads especially in the towns are quite busy, please be patient.
* It is not unusual for cars and motorbikes to swerve into your lane especially in around traffic light or where obstacles on the sides of the road exist e.g. parked cars or trolley procession.
* Drivers (often motorbike) from side streets sometimes do not look the situation when joining the main road, please be aware.
* There are several places where traffic in the left lane may turn or continue straight through while the light is red with a sign "Belok kiri jalan terus" or "Lurus Jalan terus"
* Remember to "toot" your horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as drivers sometimes drive in the middle of the road, especially when they think it is quite.
* There are a lot of one way roads in Bali (meant to help traffic flow but it has not really turned out that way). If you miss your turn off, you may have drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. This has resulted in motorbike riders riding a few hundred meters in the wrong direction, as a shortcut rather than following traffic flow. Be alert!
Cheap buses are main forms of public transport on Bali, minibuses and bemos (a general term for any vehicle that is used as a public transport which is normally a minibus or van with a row of low seats on each side). They normally run on somewhat set routes within or between towns. Having your own transport can be arranged; there are cars, motorbikes, and bicycles for rent. Tourist shuttle buses that run between major tourist centres are more expensive than public transport but are definitely more comfortable and convenient.
Charter vans or mini buses can be rented at a reasonable cost including petrol and a driver/guide. These are great for parties of 6 or more. Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Bali. If you decide to rent one, drive slowly and defensively. The cost of hiring a motorcycle is negotiable and varies according to the condition of the machine, length of rental and time of year. Buying insurance is a good idea to avoid being responsible for damages, but be sure to test-drive the motorbike to see that everything is in good working order. A valid International Driving LIcense ( international drivers licence) is required or if you forget it you can spend a morning at the Denpasar Police Office to obtain a temporary permit, which lasts for three months, but the process can be a huge hassle. It would be wise to get an International Driving Permit in your own country before you leave home.
Seeing Bali by bicycle has become increasingly popular in recent years and the quality of rental bikes has improved. Some airlines will carry your own bike for free if you would prefer to bring one with you. The most common bikes offered are mountain bikes as their low gear ratios and softer tyres are better suited to Bali.
For something different hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a short ride costs next to nothing. It’s a novel, if somewhat slow, way to view the passing scenery and is always popular with children.
A helicopter ride is the experience of a lifetime. What better way to fully appreciate every contour, mountain and valley on this wonderfully picturesque tropical island than from the air. Trips vary from long to short and it’s a good way to transverse the island..
Car hire is easy on Bali. Large international rental companies offer good deals, but local companies are very competitive. The most popular rental vehicle is the Jimny - a small, Suzuki Katana jeep with ample ground clearance. The Jimny has a tiny 800 cc engine, two seats in the front, and two to four bench seats in the back. The larger Toyota Kijang seats six and is very economical and lightweight. The majority of hire-cars have manual ’stick-shift’ gears as opposed to automatic transmission.
TIP - Shop around for a good rental deal. Check out the net, Bali’s local papers and Magazines for the best prices.
TIP Carefully check the condition of your car before accepting terms (especially the horn, as this is used to warn other road users of your presence).
TIP - All rental cars should have registration documents and registration plates prefixed with the letters: RC (for ‘Rental Car’). These are legal requirements for renting and without them the police could stop you and impose fines. Registration plates should also include both Balinese and Lambok licensing for use on both islands. Inform the rental company if you intend to use the vehicle on both islands and request appropriate documentation.
TIP - During the major holiday periods of Galungan and Nyepi, hire vehicles are in great demand from Balinese locals going home for the festivities, so it is advisable to book your vehicle in advance of these periods. Car Hire with Driver Known in Bali as ‘chartered transport’. Although prices vary, depending on the places you wish to visit (and the distance covered), a car with driver will run about 15,000 - 20,000 rp per day (12 hours). Negotiate with the driver before agreeing a deal and check what extra costs will have to be paid such as petrol, meals, etc. Insurance Requirements Some rental companies offer insurance for an added fee. Check the small print as the conditions of policies vary considerably.
TIP - Maximum write-off damage will require an approximate payment of US $25 variable according to the individual policy, but minor damage such as a smashed wing or headlight could result in the hirer paying the full cost of repair which can be very expensive. Licence Requirements An International Driving Permit is required in addition to your own national Driving Licence. These are obtainable from motoring organisations in your country.
WARNING - Driving in Bali without a licence can incur a fine of 2,000,000 rp. Seat Belts Seat belts are fitted to some vehicles, but there are no legal requirements to use them. If you intend to rent a motorcycle, helmets will be supplied by the hire company for the rider and passenger. It is a legal requirement to wear one and it has to be in good condition. Which Side of the Road Traffic drives on the left. Priority It is your responsibility as driver to avoid all other road users. Any vehicle has the right of way to pull out in front of you. Drivers in Bali rely on audible warnings, so use the horn regularly to let them know of your presence and in particular when overtaking. Likewise, other drivers will use their horns to let you know of their presence.
WARNING - Be extra vigilant when driving at dusk or at night in rural areas. Many bicycles and carts are not illuminated by lights and street lighting is to be found only in the larger towns. Routes Indonesia’s main roads are generally excellent surfaced highways, though overland travel may be hampered by the IMF’s insistence that the government remove price subsidies on petrol. In Badung regency especially, there are certain roads that change priority from two-way to one-way during the course of the day. Be extremely careful as road priorities can change without warning and the police will fine anybody driving in contravention of altered road priorities. Speed Limits There is a maximum speed limit of 70 kph. Petrol Expect to pay over 6000 rp a litre.
PAPERWORK agents specialized in obtaining driver's license for tourist or expatriates to Bali or even guide you with setting up a domicile in Bali. They can assist you in acquiring legal documents or pertinent information necessary to relocate to Bali.
Their areas of expertise include:
• SIM (Driver's License)
• International Drivers' Licenses
• SKLD (Certificate of Police Registration)
• Population Documents
• SKJ (Travelling Permit)
• Wedding Papers
SIM (Driver's License)
Foreigners are allowed to obtain an Indonesian driver's license or SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) that issued valid for one year from the date of issuance. Foreigners are only permitted to obtain Class A licenses (private cars) or Class C licenses (motorcycles). Procedure to make a driver's license are: • Go to the Police Office which is responsible for issuing driver's licenses for residents of Denpasar. You will need to bring: • Original passport.
• Original and copy of KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).
• Original and copy of your current driver's license
• Copy of the identity and valid visa pages in your passport
• Purchase "Tanda Pembayaran Permohonan Pembuatan Surat Ijin Mengemudi" slip from either of the two bank offices on the premises. This slip represents the payment of the official fee.
• Present this bank slip at the adjoining booth and you will receive a copy of the application form (Surat Permohonan SIM).
• Complete this form, which is only available in Bahasa Indonesia, and proceed to the foreigners window. You will be required to give: • Original passport.
• Original and copy of KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).
• Original and copy of your current driver's license
• Copy of the identity and valid visa pages in your passport
• Purchase "Tanda Pembayaran Permohonan Pembuatan Surat Ijin Mengemudi" slip from either of the two bank offices on the premises. This slip represents the payment of the official fee.
• Present this bank slip at the adjoining booth and you will receive a copy of the application form (Surat Permohonan SIM).
• Complete this form, which is only available in Bahasa Indonesia, and proceed to the foreigners window. You will be required to give: • Copy of your passport
• Copy of your KITAS card
• Copy of your current driver's license
• Bank slip
• Completed application form
• Additional payment in accordance with the following depend on if you posses an international driver's license or applying for a new license without a valid license.
It is not usually required that you take a written test or driving test. The attendant will want to see your original documents at this time, but they will not keep your originals. Proceed to the next window with above documents.
• Your picture will be taken with a camera, also your fingerprints, and you will be asked to sign a slip of paper, from which your signature is then scanned.
• You will then be asked to wait in the waiting area. The length of the wait depends on the number of people ahead of you. When your name is called, you can pick up your license, depending on the class of license that you are making.
International Drivers' Licenses
Alternatively, you can drive in Indonesia (as a resident) on an international driver's license. In the US, there are only two agencies that can issue valid US IDPs. Other organizations issuing them are not issuing official US State Department sanctioned permits. Now, that is not to say that Indonesian officials will know this or won't accept the other permits.
SKLD (Certificate of Police Registration)
The SKLD (Surat Keterangan Lapor Diri) is issued by the Direktorat Intelpam Sub Direktorat Pengawasan Orang Asing of the National Police. This is an important document and you should carry a photocopy with you at all times. Before the issuance of the SKLD, you need a STM. The STM is a resort police report acknowledging your residence, which is issued by the resort police office nearest your residence.
Population Documents
Expatriates are required to obtain several documents from the local municipality's population office. Once you have established yourself in your place of residence you must report your presence to the local neighborhood head, klian banjar. You should keep copies of all your relevant immigration documents at your home, just incase you are caught in an occasional "sweeping" check of expat documents.
These are relatively routine operations that are conducted periodically and are not an effort to harass or otherwise inconvenience the foreign community. They are usually checking for people who are here illegally. If you are here legally and have the documents to prove it there is nothing to fear. If you are approached or threatened by suspicious persons, try to get their names, affiliations and contact numbers.
SKJ (Travelling Permit)
A Travelling permit or SKJ - Surat Keterangan Jalan means travelling permit in Indonesia. It is required by the police office in the event that you want to visit a work location outside of the island of Java.
Wedding Papers
Please refer to things to prepare for information on these documents.