A first-timers guide to Bali.

Are you a Bali Beginner? 

When I first visited Bali in 1972 as a young Australian on my 1st trip to another country, I was captivated. The smell of tropical flowers and incense, the smiles of welcome I received on stepping off the plane, the warmth and humidity, unlike the cold, grey and bone-chilling cold of a Melbourne winter, I was in love, a love affair that has continued to this day.  Balinese people are welcoming to strangers, the culture gently captures your imagination and the food and sights make you feel like you have arrived in a small part of paradise. That said, travelling to Bali, or any other developing country, requires at least some thought and planning to make sure your trip is as stress-free and tailored to your needs as possible. Here are some tips I hope will make your time on the Island of the Gods, a safe, happy and memorable one for all the right reasons. 

Passport & Visas

Passports and visas are an essential part of international travel. When planning your trip, take the time to ensure your passport is valid with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. If not, then apply for a new passport ASAP or you will be refused entry onto your flight. It is also imperative that your passport has at least 6 blank pages and, is in pristine condition. The dog-chewed corner, the coffee stain or the torn page will prohibit you from boarding an aircraft and/or entering Indonesia. 

Foreigners entering Indonesia for less than 30 days will need either a Visa On Arrival or E VOA available online through the immigration website (unless you are one of the few ASEAN countries that get a ‘free’ VOA). If in doubt, check with your local Indonesian embassy. There are many visa options now available online. It is your responsibility when travelling or transiting on your journey that you have a valid passport and visa, which meet the requirements of Immigration and other government authorities in Indonesia.

Healthy Travel

Diseases that have been eradicated in most countries may still be present in Indonesia and Bali. It’s imperative that before departure, you talk with your local doctor or travel health clinic regarding possible diseases in the region you are travelling to obtain the necessary vaccinations.

If you need to take medication overseas, you should check the medication is legal in the destination country. On occasion, you will need a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and a detailed list of the medication required. In general, the medication should be carried in its original packaging and clearly marked.

It is important to remember that many countries do not provide free health care for tourists. So without proper Travel Insurance, a visit to a foreign doctor or hospital can be very costly.

More than just cheap drinks.

Bali is, and always has been, so much more than cheap accommodation, parties and beach clubs. The true Bali, with its rituals, festivals and ancient culture, remains firmly intact. While in Bali, we suggest you engage with the locals. Angel House encourages guests to participate by involving them in the local community of Mas Ubud and offers classes in making Balinese offerings, Canang Sari, cooking classes and temple visits. We can even lend/rent to you the appropriate Adat /ceremonial attire to ensure you are properly dressed to attend the Temple or participate in a ritual blessing or cleansing ceremony. 

What to do in Bali?

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies (Sawah), beaches, villages and coral reefs. Bali is home to religious sites such as cliffside Tanah Lot Temple and in Ubud, Pura Taman Pule Temple and thousands of smaller temples. It offers ecotourism, adventure activities, blissful retreats and more. 

To the south, the beachside areas of Seminyak, Legian, and Canggu all offer fantastic beaches, vibrant shopping, dining and beach club scene. Packed with bars, clubs  and fine dining as well as casual cafes, local warungs and family hotels. Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular laid-back resort towns with plenty of excellent dining and shopping on offer. To the East the rugged coastline of Amed and Candi Dasa and the green rolling hills of Sidemen. 

North to Lovina and its picturesque beaches. Or West to the quiet wilderness of Bali’s National Park. The whole island is also known for its wellness industry including yoga and meditation retreats, eco-tourism and spa treatments. The Southern Bukit is a world-renowned for its prime surfing spots such as Padang Padang and Uluwatu. Ringing the island are coral reefs teeming with sea life, making it a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Or take a ferry trip over to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida or further afield to the Gili’s. 

Enchanting Ubud is the home of Balinese culture and art. With world-class festivals running year-round. You can eat local at a warung or in a Michelin-starred restaurant – the choice is yours. Visit a gamelan percussion performance, a nightly dance performance, art galleries and markets or one of the thousands of Hindu temples, which feature intricate sculptures and art works. Ubud is the heartbeat of art and culture on the island. 

Clothing

Balinese culture and dress are traditionally very modest. And Bali is humid, hot and at times wet. So pack accordingly. Forget the heels – pack comfortable shoes to walk in and breathable clothes. And dress appropriately when entering villages and temples. Keep the skimpy clothes for the beach clubs.

Transport

There are no ‘meter-taxis’ in Ubud, however, there are many local taxis which can be flagged down just outside on the main road into Ubud, or to take you South to Sukawati. If you stand on the footpath and look ‘hopeful’ it will not be long before you will be asked where do you want to go, or commonly “transport, transport?” Negotiate a price before your trip if you do decide to take a local driver.

You can also easily get into central Ubud on the new, local bus; Trans Metro Dewata, an air-conditioned cheap way to see the sights as it makes its way to the Monkey Forest car park.

If you do need to catch a taxi on the island make sure you ask for the meter to be started, or if you know where you’re going and how long it takes barter before your trip starts. 

If you find yourself at the airport without a transfer there are plenty of taxis just outside the doors, and drivers that you can barter with. 

It’s 45 mins to 1.5 hours at times from the airport to Mas, Ubud (unless in peak hour or during special celebrations).

Safety 

Common sense and personal responsibility are needed in Bali. 

Take care of your personal belongings, bags and mobile phone when out walking or on a scooter. Or if you visit anywhere that has monkeys.

Don’t take your passport out with you unless you are going to the moneychanger – lock it in your room or if you are staying elsewhere in Bali, have it held at the reception in a locked box if you are at a larger resort.

Only use your credit card in a restaurant or a shopping department store not at the markets – not worth the risk and it is better to barter with cash (IDR).

When hiring a scooter make sure you have the correct International Drivers Licence and travel insurance. 

Traffic is hectic so keep a look out when crossing the road.

Footpaths are often badly maintained and there are open drains in Bali so be careful when walking especially at night.

Always check your money after exchanging with a money changer after they give it to you and never let them touch it again after you have counted.

Money 

No need for traveller’s cheques or money passports – there are plenty of ATMs on every corner that are safe and convenient.

IDR’s can be withdrawn from the ATM at the airport as this way you get the best exchange rate on the day. 

There is an authorised money changer and ATM (in front of the local hospital) just 3 minute walk south of Angel House.

If you arrange transport with us, our driver can stop at an ATM for you on your way to Angel House. 

Welcome to Bali and Angel House Ubud wishes you a wonderful stay.