Visa Information
There are two types of visas U.S citizens are eligible for in Indonesia:
Free Visa - max 30 day stay United States citizens are eligible for a free 30-day visa upon arrival at the airport. This visa is not extendable.
Apply for Indonesia E-Visa for longer stays.
Packing Tips
Adapters & Electronics - You will need an adapter for Bali! The standard outlet in Indonesia is a two-pin plug, similar to the ones used in Europe.
Temple-Appropriate Attire- The temperature in Bali can get hot, but if you are going to be visiting Bali's famous temples, you'll have to abide by the fashion rules. This means covered knees and shoulders for both men and women.
If all else fails, buy a sarong ! You can use this to cover up after the beach, wrap yourself in for the temples, and also as a fast-drying towel for the pool or beach. Plus, it makes the perfect souvenir; a win-win.
Currency The currency in Bali is Indonesian Rupees (IDR) May 2022- $1 USD = 14519.85 IDR. Currency Exchange
What to See in Bali
Temples
Tanah Lot - Perhaps Bali’s most famous temple, the Tanah Lot is the perfect place for a sunrise or sunset trip.
Uluwatu Temple - This cliffside temple is a perched beauty, located near Uluwatu, on Bali’s southeast coast.
Goa Gajah - More commonly known as the “Elephant Cave,” this complex has caves, fountains, and a bathing pool.
Tempak Siring Temple -This temple is home to the sacred springs of Tirta Empul, which are said to offer magical healing properties.
Volcanoes
Mt. Batur - Fancy a sunrise trek? The most popular way to visit this breathtaking volcano is via a guided sunrise tour. You will embark upon this journey at around 2am, hiking to the top until you are finally greeted by the sunrise.
Mt. Agung - While trekking this volcano is now off-limits due to recent volcanic activity, the silhouette of Mt. Agung will await you at every corner as you explore Bali’s north coast.
Beach Areas
Seminyak - For those with a taste for the finer things. Spend the day unwinding at the beach, enjoying some 5-star shopping, then finish off with a bite at one of the many world-class restaurants. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Potato Head Beach Club for a drink. Highlights: luxury, shopping, dining
Kuta - Bali's party central! With bars and shopping at every step, Kuta is one of the most developed beach areas of Bali. Highlights: relaxing, partying, souvenir shopping
Canggu - If relaxing beachside while listening to rock music is your jam, Canggu is your spot. The waves here are moderate, making it a great location for first-time surfers. The "alternative capital" of Bali is also a great spot for skateboarding, seeing live music, and is home to a a handful of world-renowned tattoo shops. The beaches of Canggu are some of the best for chasing that amazing Bali sunset. Highlights: surfing, skateboarding, sunbathing, live music, partying.
Uluwatu - For those looking for a more remote experience, head south to Uluwatu. The waves here are more vicious than those at Canggu, providing better surfing for experienced surfers. This region is also home to the beautiful Uluwatu Temple, which sits perched on a cliff overlooking the waters of Bali. Highlights: surfing, remote, cliffside temple
Amed - A sleepy beach town in Bali’s north, Amed is one of the world’s best places to go scuba diving. Here you can see remnants of a Buddhist temple underwater, ruins of a shipwreck, and even mail a letter in an underwater mailbox! Highlights: snorkeling, scuba diving.
Monkey Forests
Ubud - Smack in the middle of Ubud city center is the famous monkey forest, full of temples, lush flora, and of course: mischievous monkeys. These monkeys sometimes stray out of the forest onto the city streets, so hold on to your belongings!
Sangeh - If you're looking for a quieter experience, take a taxi (or hop on a motorbike) and take a 20-minute ride to the village of Sangeh, home to more serene monkey forest.
Getting Around
Rent a Motorbike
If you are feeling adventurous (and have your International Driving license), rent a motorbike for a day and hit the road. Motorbikes are the cheaper, faster, preferred way of traveling through the island.
Taxis
Bluebird Taxi Group - Bluebird is the trusted, metered taxi service on the island. You can call them ahead of time, wave down their blue cars, or download their app and have them meet you at your doorstep.
Street Stands - Alternatively, you will find taxi stands at every corner on the popular areas of the island. Here you can order a regular taxi or motorbike taxi, but be prepared to haggle feverishly for a fair price.
Transport Apps
Grab - Similar to Uber, on Grab you can order regular taxis, motorbike taxis, and even food!
GoJek - Indonesia’s go-to application for all things convenience related. Order taxis, motorbike taxis, get your groceries delivered, or even have massages delivered to your home!
What to Do in Bali: the 5 “S”
Spa - Bali is the land of amazing and affordable spa treatments! At around $10 a massage, you can treat yourself to a Balinese massage treatment as frequently as you'd like; but be warned: the Balinese massage is rough, but relaxing. You can also enjoy body scrubs, hair masks and massages, facials, or maybe a simple manicure and pedicure.
Snorkel or Scuba dive - In the mood to spot some of Bali's sea life? Rent a snorkel kit or go for a day of scubadiving and go on a hunt for the colorful fish and coral.
Surf - Grab a board and hit the waves at one of Bali's many beaches! Canggu and Kuta are great destinations for beginners, and there are plenty of surf schools offering affordable lessons taught by locals.
Get Spiritual - Ubud is Bali’s spiritual center, and home to many famous shamans and yoga schools - the perfect place to get your zen!
Sipping at Sunset - There are few things in the world as stunning as Bali’s sunsets. Order a coconut, lay out a beach blanket, and watch the skies change into a flurry of colors.
What to Eat & Drink in Bali
Tip: skip the tourist restaurants and eat in locally-owned warungs instead.
Banana Leaf BBQ - Forget bread and pita, wrap your dish in a banana leaf instead! All throughout Bali you'll find meats, rice, veggies, or even fruit offered in a grilled banana leaf. Be bold and give it a try - just don't eat the actual leaf.
Sate Lilit - Forget boring BBQ skewers, this dish swaps skewers for lemongrass sticks, usually topped with some spiced ground meat.
Nasi Goreng - Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian specialty, consisting of fried rice with various vegetables and sometimes meats. You can usually find this dish offered for under $2 a plate, the perfect meal when you want something budget-friendly, yet satisfying.
Fresh Fruit - What better way to spend the day than lounging beachside with a fresh fruit platter or coconut in hand? You won't find your typical apples here though; rather indulge in some fresh dragon fruit, mangosteen, or if you're feeling adventurous - ripe durian (very fragrant soft fruit).
Babi Guling (suckling pig) - You'll really feel like you are on an island vacation when indulging in Bali's savory suckling pig! The spit-roasted pig is stuffed with herbs such as lemongrass, coriander, and turmeric to take it to the next level.
Kopi Lewak - Don't leave Bali without trying its (in)famous weasel coffee - also known as poop coffee! The weasels of the island go foraging for the bean, then eat and release it. Coffee providers then search for these (un)digested beans, put them through a purification process, and sell a brew that is as bold as it is delicious.
Useful Balinese Phrases
Indonesian is the language spoken in Indonesia, but on the island of Bali, they speak their own language: Balinese.
Hello - Swastyastu
Good Morning - Selamat Pagi
Good Afternoon - Selamat Siang
Good Evening - Selamat Sore
Thank You - Suksma
Toilet - Kamar Kecil