If you are thinking about emigrating to Australia, this episode is for you. Cheap Hotels in Kuta If you want a room to stay in Kuta Bali at a price below IDR 300,000/night, look it around Jalan Three Brothers, Gang Poppies (1 and 2), Gang Puspa Ayu, Jalan Raya Tuban or Jalan Bakung Sari. Car Rentals Discover Cars But having a comfy sneaker in your suitcase is a huge bonus if you wanna go for a hike. Head to Uluwatu for the beach not Canggu, 14. Sorry, I dont have any experience with Indian rupees. Your photos are incredible! Ive been daydreaming of Bali since Eat, Pray,Love! The valleys flowing off Gunung Batukaru (Mount Batukaru), rice terraces of Munduk, the lakes and botanical gardens of Bedugul, and holy water bathing site of Tirta Empul Templeare just a few places well worth a visit. A swanky trip to Ubud might include a stay at the indulgent Como Uma Ubud and a night of palate-pleasuring at Locavore. It is generally more expensive than renting a scooter but in exchange, it takes away all the stress and you dont have to worry about transportation during your stay. Also, make sure to only purchase from the official website! To recap and ensure you capitalize on your outing as Bali first timers, utilize these tips for the best get-away ever. $1 US is around 15,200 IDR. Its a great idea! Be sure to have your US Dollars ready (or your local equivalent) in cash. The Indonesian island boasts what is essentially a year-round summer, its seasons categorized as dry and wet as opposed to cold and warm. Tanah Lot Temple. Bali Travel Tips for First Timers. An oldie but a goodie, this glamorous venue isaccessible by an open-air elevator that is rarely without a sizeable sunset queue. I have a love-hate relationship with Bali but Im sure there are wonderful hidden corners of the island I had not yet discovered, so might be back one day. . With an outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and an on-site restaurant this place has so much to offer. Its also worth mentioning that you need to be careful when typing in the address of the place you want to go to. I contacted him while we were still at home. or better yet do you recommended a better route to get to Bali from the US? So learn from our mistakes! Overview Tap sections below to scroll to the relevant section A. Fortunately, its not that much but the bad news is that there is a daily withdrawal limit. You can go up to the top, or just stroll around the tower. With a lush tropical climate and endless miles of sandy shoreline, Indonesia is the ultimate beach destination. Thanks for sharing this informative post, x, Thank you so much for sharing it! O wow I wish Id had this guide before my first trip to Bali! One of the best things that stood out for us when visiting Bali is how close it is to Australia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. The only exceptions are the religious sites where you always have to wear a sarong (and a scarf if your shoulders are not covered by your clothes). Address: Jl. Of course, you can exchange all the major currencies into rupiahs at the airport or banks but you always have to pay a commission fee and the exchange rates are not always in your favor. Gojek by the way is the cheaper one to order taxis from. They have a new Visa on Arrival (VoA) in place, and more than 90 countries can apply for this type of visa. Be prepared because it is really full on, much more than we personally saw in Italy and Greece months beforehand. Theres a reasons why Telkomsel had a line because they are the most popular network to go with. Thanks for the exhaustive guide. The taxi driver who picked us up from the airport gave us a story about how hes desperate for work, and of course we paid him more than double to take us back to the airport the following morning for our flight to Flores. It also surprised us not to see that much pollution in Bali. But this 12km stretch of south Baliboasts diverse shopping, myriadsleeping choices, world-class dining, authentic warungs (food stalls), beach bars, clubs and day spas. East Bali and Sanur. When we visited Bali for the first time, we spent 8 days on the island and it felt really short. One thing we just loved about Bali are the flower baths. Some articles on Rachel Off Duty contain ads and affiliate links. Honestly, its the best thing in the world! As I said, make sure you get travel insurance from Cover More here before you go. As weve spent a fair bit of time in Southeast Asia, we were expecting the food to be super cheap in Bali. Bali, Indonesia is one of the most visited and popular travel destination for people all around the world. When we arrived at the airport Putu was already there, waiting for us. If you plan to hike Mount Batur you should prepare with some warm clothes too! Youll need to have your knees and shoulders covered, but most of the entrance fees will include a sarong to borrow while youre there. We had a big private swimming pool, kitchen and lounge room with an ice cold bedroom which was beautiful. Thank you, Hi Danny! All the while, they are skirting the stunning Taman Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park), with its calm, secluded beaches that are home to families of wild deer, and missing out on unique regional flavours likeayam betutu, a wood-smoked chicken broth. LUXURY Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa. From admiring the sunset to seeing traditional artisans in action, many of Bali's most amazing experiences are free of charge. Subscribe and be first to get the latest updates! Read our Privacy Policy. Thank you! And by that, I mean very, very early. We decided to visit Bali in the wet season which is also one of the high season too because it was at Christmas, but it rained a lot. I wonder if possible for you to share the contact details of Putu, the private driver you hired during your stay in Bali. As my last destination during my 7-month solo trip. 4. If you are only looking for beautiful beaches and you wish to relax all day long, one week could be enough. It feels so much different this way! Ubud is full of budget-friendly accommodation options but not many are as beautiful as this place! The rooms are very budget-friendly, and each one is spacious and features a balcony. If youve been pawing through holiday brochures, you may recognise one of Ulus main attractions, the Rock Bar at Ayana Resort, overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Arriving in Bali and Getting Around. When we visited the nearby Sumba Island, we struggled to find toilet paper because they just dont use it. ATMs typically charge you a transaction fee for every transaction. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Most places in Bali accept only cash, although some larger hotels and restaurants accept credit cards as well. During this time it usually rains a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon so you can still have some rain-free hours during the day if you are lucky. Each accommodation at the 4-star resort has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sun terrace. The villas sleep up to four people so are a great option for groups and small families. We tried to visit a temple but because there are many with almost the same name, we lost each other for about 1h30m while we ended up at different sites. You can also see the Dubai Fountain, the Wings of Mexico, and the Dubai Mall too because they are all in one place. I had heard people talking about Grab and Gojek before, and they are basically Indonesias version of Uber but much more. First-time visitors to, Indonesia's best beaches for basking, surfing and underwater wonders, The 12 most beautiful beaches in Bali for an island escape, 14 free things to do in Bali for paradise without the price tag, Asian travelers face discrimination as coronavirus fears spread, 10 signs youre travelling with the one, Why we chose to elope and get married abroad, These are the beaches voted the best in the world for 2018, Amazing workspaces for digital nomads: Canggu, Bali, The philosopher's guide to fighting your Big Trip fears, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Thank you Maria! Episode 16: Mind blowing Q&A about visas to Australia with Kelly Lloyd from AUREC Migration and Mobility, We chat to Kelly Lloyd from AUREC Migration and Mobility (our podcast sponsor) about visas to Australia. #07 - BALI PRIVATE DRIVER. Here are 10 ways to know if youve found a travel partner for life. Just stunning! Renting a bicycle is possible but Bali is far too big for biking around. You ought to think about any wild creatures beyond reach in Bali, even canines. We were there first in October 2018 so these are the prices from that time. Tip since we recently returned from Bali, we met a couple who lived there for two years and avoided getting Bali belly the entire time. This hotel also has lots of excellent facilities including an outdoor pool, a spa & wellness center, and a bar. The village where the spa is, is currently charging cars to drive through. Based on all this, the best time to visit is May, June, or September. Hopefully these 7 tips for Bali first timers will help to calm your nerves and make preparations for your trip easier. They will definitely come in handy when I finally get to go . Here is my recommended 1-week itinerary for exploring Bali! While I was expecting areas to be a bit like Koh San Road in Bangkok with a strip of bars, restaurants etc, most of the places in Bali are spread out. Try your hand at kite surfing or learn the intricacies of Indonesias culinary favourites at Bamboo Shoots cooking school. Expect to pay around $40 for breakfast for 2 and about $80 for dinner in Bali. South Bali is packed with beautiful beaches, posh cafes, fancy restaurants, and cool party places. Here's our pick of Indonesia's best beaches. If youre planning to drive a scooter, you might be interested in reading a comprehensive guide about scooter rental in Bali! Volcanoes rise from the sea, monkeys swing in the trees, and there are still dozens of idyllic spots to escape the crowds. The Location of Bali, Indonesia. You can generally pay with credit cards at most of the hotels and cafes in the urban area but you will need cash for everything else. TRAVEL TIPS YOU WILL FIND: [ hide] #01 - BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BALI. Nusa Penida is the biggest and most developed of the three Nusa Islands and there are so many places to visit there that youre gonna need the most time for this island. This is one of the best budget-friendly accommodation options in Candidasa. Do you happened to have a recommendation of what to do in Dubai for 7 hours? Munduk Moding Plantation is easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Bali. We typically paid around 600-800k IDR (42-56 USD) for one day depending on how far did we go from our hotel. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. He is the sweetest guy ever! We hope this guide to Bali has helped prepare you for your trip to this Indonesian island! Theres also a variety of room options and many of them offer views of the ocean. Kamandalu Ubud is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island. Bali is located in the Indian Ocean, its by far the most famous of the more than 17,000 islands of Indonesia. Decades of tourism havent dampened Bali's deep-rooted spirituality and natural charms. After a while it will become exhausting. Menjangan Island offers one of Balis least crowded dive spots, despite the appeal of its fluorescent marine life and surreal coral cliffs. You can purchase the visa online in advance which I would strongly recommend. When you get to the airport, they will be waiting outside the arrivals with a sign with your name on it. Other attractions include limestone caves and rugged coastal cliffs, as well as a number of Hindu temples. And floating breakfasts are hard to eat, 25. There are also several restaurants on-site, a pool bar, and a private beach area. With arguably the island's best dive spots right off the shores of Amed and Candidasa, and the island's highest point, Gunung Agung, looming authoritatively above them, east Bali is a place of literal highs and lows.. Make time for the floating palace of Puri Taman Ujung and seek out the quaint fishing village of Amed, home to the jam/tea/kombucha garden of Aiona . I knew Ubud would be beautiful but the jungle is exceptional here. We were really lucky with the weather because it only rained on our last day. Dont miss any update! But for real transportation, I wouldnt consider this as an option. The non-Bluebird taxis on the other hand are often corrupt and they usually play dirty tricks with the tourists, like claiming to have a broken meter or taking you on a long road to pay more. So when someone says one hundred, they most likely mean 100,000 IDR (around $6.5 US). Youll also notice a trend with Bali taxi drivers. Might seem obvious, but cover up when you visit Bali temples. Nevertheless, I still wouldnt recommend this period for traveling especially if youre traveling to Bali for the first time. Sawah Indah Villa is just a 30-minute drive from Tirta Gangga and is surrounded by lush rice terraces and forested mountains. Guests will benefit from a swimming pool, a spa & wellness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious Indonesian dishes. This is extremely informative! He was really flexible with the timing as well. First-time visitors to Bali can be confused about what to expect so here's how to findyour own piece of paradise on the Island of the Gods. This new VoA costs 500,000 IDR ($33 US) and you can stay with this on the island for a maximum of 30 days. Getting to Bali B. After such a long trip, you really do not want to have to wait 20 more minutes at the carousel. The Bluebird taxis always go by the meter and they are safe to use. All right, this is not exactly true: there are some public minibuses called bemo. Bali, in particular, can feel like a whole new world to first-time visitors. Originally we were going to go to Finns Beach Club in Canggu or Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu but we decided that logistically it made more sense to spend it in Ubud. If you want to explore all the beauty the northern part of the island has to offer I recommend staying at least one night in Munduk! Long story short, I really cant recommend enough to have a private driver. If youre reading this Bali travel guide from Australia, youll probably find it weird to see a lot of people smoking in restaurants. #02 - WHY WE LOVE VILLA MANAGERS. Were in! Many tourists end up heading over to Gili Islands to go snorkelling or scuba diving, and Nusa Dua, Sanur Beach and Nusa Penida are super popular destinations. Bukit Peninsulaoffers up world-famous waves inUlu Watu, surf-shack vibes inBingin,and winderfully clear waters in Dreamland and Padang Padang. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Seminyak, and there are two swimming pools on-site as well as a spa & wellness center. We gave up in the end and hailed down a cab. We were surprised that you have to pre-book some restaurants in Bali, especially if its the weekend. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, 2. All rights reserved. Bali is still my favorite place on Earth and cant wait to go back soon , Great and detailed guide, thanks, I will save it for future! Usually the way to play the game is to offer 25% of the price the market dude has just quoted but don't take the piss. That being said, you can still visit some incredible places that are easier to reach but youll definitely need to let go of many places. Its just a guy driving around on a motorbike, but I like how authentic his videos are none are edited. And even though the tourists in Bali are probably the worst part about visiting Bali, the culture is evident. However, I am not so young or mobile now and wanted to ask you many many questions on how I should make the most of this long cherished dream come true. Hey! As a destination, Bali seems to get hotter every year. Why? Make time for the floating palace of Puri Taman Ujungand seek out thequaint fishing village of Amed, home to the jam/tea/kombucha garden of Aiona, great villas (such as Griya Villas and Spa), and restaurants offering every variation of mahi-mahi under the scorching Indonesian sun. Bali Ayu Hotel & Villas is set in a great location as its just a 4-minute walk from the beach and its close to Petitenget Street. Travel Tips For Visiting Bali For The First Time 25-Oct 105,109 times 9 min read by Tini 2.5k Shares Who can resist a Bali Holiday? If you plan on buying or booking something I've . Thank you so much for your lovely comment Julie! This is super useful and I just know someone heading over there, I will recommend reading this post. With a large swimming pool, landscaped tropical gardens, and a spa & wellness center this place has plenty to offer. If you're unsure of how to shop for car insurance, follow these tips to help the process go as smoothly as possible. (function() { One thing to note is to get way more internet data than you think youll need. YouR beautiful photos have given me some serious wanderlust for the weekend! It will be a totally different feeling to stay there compared to the rest of the island and the area is really beautiful too. Canadian-owned online travel, Once a sleepy surfing village known for its beginner-friendly waves and picturesque sunsets, Canggu has transformed into a booming digital nomad hub, The Big Trip has long been a rite of passage,butfor many buddingtravellers even those blessed with the bravado of youth the thought of months on. Since this is a Bali travel guide for first-timers I will give you a rough overview of the different areas of Bali including the best places to visit and the best places to stay in each area. Bowling, tennis courts, a water park, and trampoline centre are all available at theCanggu Club, and you can join the crowds visiting neighbouring TabanansPura Tanah Lottemple, sitting among crashing waves on an isolated rock. Guests will benefit from an outdoor pool, an open-air restaurant, and a bar during their stay too! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 14 Crucial Tips For How To Get Around Sumba Island, Indonesia, The Real Story Behind Waimarang Waterfall In Sumba Indonesia, What Our 5 Day Sumba Island Indonesia Itinerary Looked Like, Free International Money Transfers For Life. Therefore we only needed to finalize the program I had in mind and he helped me organize every little detail. Definitely saving this for a future trip and I love your advice about a driver! By car. Best places to visit in North Bali: Munduk Moding Plantation, Wanagiri Hidden Hill, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Banyumala twin waterfalls, Sekumpul waterfall, Handara gate. Or how much did you end up paying him in total and for how many days? 1. With arguably the islands best dive spots right off the shores of Amedand Candidasa, and the islands highest point, Gunung Agung, looming authoritatively above them, east Baliis a place of literal highs and lows. } English is widely used as well due to the high level of tourism. Theres also a garden and terrace area, and bicycles are free to use. The area is especially famous for surfing, with several long stretches of beaches and perfect waves year-round. A beach hat or baseball cap is also a good idea to protect your head from the sun. The natural beauty of the island, combined with the local cuisine and yoga studios dotted around the jungle, its no wonder many people have an amazing time when they visit Bali Indonesia. Hey! Agung View offers lumbung-style rooms overlooking the sea and the picturesque village of Toya Pakeh. Maybe its true the Aussies are all heading to Europe now instead?! As an analysis determines the 5 most popular destinations around the world for wedding elopements, five couples share their stories. If youre planning to visit the Nusa Islands you might be interested in reading my Perfect Nusa Islands Itinerary as well! Wait until you see my sunrise pictures!) Travel in Bali ~ Quick Tips For Your First Visit Travel around Bali with a driver? Denpasar (the capital city of Bali) is located here together with the Ngurah Rai International Airport. So its better to stack up on cash while you are in a more touristy area. And I would hop on a flight tomorrow in the middle of coach if I could go back again. Tegallalang Rice Terrace feels like a theme park, 31. So lets dive in! Sumba and Flores were way hotter and of course Ubud was hotter than by the beach areas. So be careful with October, it can really be a hit or miss. While we visited the one next door called Finns Beach Club, its not as intimidating as you might think. Candi Beach Resort & Spa is located along a private beach and offers three swimming pools, a variety of water sports, and a spa & wellness center. But, there is a way to get around it. Balinese people live in a magic world of people, spirits, gods, and demons. #04 - BALI AIRPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS. I tried to top up on the XL app but it wouldnt accept any bank cards. Here's a guide to Bali's best beaches. There are just so many things do to and see in Bali that I can go on and on for hours without ever repeating myself. Firstly I just didnt understand what a driver really is. I've got you covered with this handy guide. Thank you Kriszti for the informative travel guide to Bali and for sharing amazing photos as well. If youve been to Thailand or Vietnam, Bali isnt the same with the restaurants having plastic kids chairs out on the street. In hindsight we should have bargained with him, but we had just landed and I totally wasnt in the mood to haggle $10 or so. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anytime and its better to be prepared for that. (I know, you must think Im crazy. When the madness of the mainland gets too much, two offshore options are worth considering. While away your days surfing, diving and snorkelling, experimenting with yoga moves on a stand-up paddleboard, or kayaking through mangrove forests. . Montigo Resorts is situated right next to Potato Head Beach Club so is in a great location. event : evt, Literally the best Bali Guide I have read! This is such a great guide and I love your writing style! How much did you pay the driver each day to stay with you for the whole day? I've been living in Sydney since 2011 and am bringing you everything you need to know about moving to Australia, moving back to England as well as some fab tips from our travels around the world! There are over 20,000 temples in Bali and you cant go anywhere without seeing countless offerings to the gods and spirits. Jimbaran Bay itself is more low-key. Some general trip advice for Bali First Timers: - Try not to check in any luggage, only use carry-on suitcases. Thank you Jen! Central Balis tapestry of wonders stretches well beyond Ubud. The funny thing is they are really hard to eat at! All the rooms are spacious too and feature air conditioning, a seating area, and an ensuite bathroom. They even have their own app which you can download and after registration, you can summon a taxi as you please. To be honest, Bali is not really a good place for people with limited mobility. You don't have to guess how much you'll have to spend as a first-time car insurance buyer getting quotes from insurance . I also wouldnt recommend hiring a motorbike unless youre a super confident motorbike driver. From volcanoes rising from the sea, to the deeply-rooted spirituality, Bali offers a savage energetic atmosphere that is a plus for any millennial. However, the highlight of this place has to be the surrounding rice terraces! Its also worth noting that buying a SIM at the airport will cost you 350,000 IDR ($35) for 25GB. From Los Angeles, it took us 15 hours to get to Hong Kong and another 5 to get to Bali with a layover in between. listeners: [], From canceled Ubers to outright racism, Asian travelers and communities are facing discrimination amid coronavirus fears. Decades of tourism havent dampened Bali's deep-rooted spirituality and natural charms. They will ask you the same questions, all trying to poach you to give them extra work. When we were visiting Uluwatu in Southern Bali, it took us only 40 minutes to get there from the airport because we arrived early, but we had to give ourselves at least 1hr-1h30m to get back because of the traffic. Really hoping to visit there sometime this year ? Bali is home to more than 4.3 million people. The island itself is huge and it's hard to pick for the best place to stay and eat. This is also one of the best spas in Bali for a reason. Bali is one of the most breathtaking dream destinations in the world and you can easily spend months on the island without ever getting bored. Check out our, 32 Brutally Honest Tips Before Visiting Bali For First Timers 2023 Guide. 1. Breakfast in the pool? If youre looking for mid-range accommodation in Munduk then make sure you check out Nadira Bali Villa. Central Bali is home to many beautiful temples, deep river gorges,unbelievably green rice terraces, andgorgeous waterfalls. Best places to visit in East Bali: Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Pura Luhur Lempuyang (Gate of Heaven), Tirta Gangga Royal Water Garden. To be honest with you I knew almost nothing about Bali before I visited. If you're traveling to Bali for the first time, this guide will show you how you can experience Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, Ubud, and Canggu in just 7 days. Amazing KUTA (Seminyak, Bali, via . Generally, the rainy season is between November and March but it can vary a bit from year to year. Dont worry too much, people only smoke in outdoor restaurants, but it surprised us as we never see smokers much anymore where we live. Having lived in Australia for over 11 years now, I cant say Ive ever heard good things about visiting Bali in Indonesia. Kuta - best place to stay in Bali for surfers & party lovers Kuta has become the most popular beach area in Bali and one of the first parts of the island that started development for mass tourism. The most wonderful thing about Bali is that it offers a wide range of lifestyle and experiences depending on where you stay. 3. in november ending is it ok to travel ? Unsurprisingly, its not that easy to find proper local restaurants in the touristy areas. 3-d. Really helpful tips specially for first time travellers with family. Therefore the prices are often given with the thousands implied and left off of the end. So much information and now I can plan my trip accordingly! Know Where You Should Stay in Bali It's all about location, location, location. on: function(evt, cb) { What surprised me was seeing everyone party here, including families with their grandparents! Required fields are marked *. The free visa can't be extended so you need to leave Bali when your 30 days are over. Make sure you dont bring your tiniest wallet with you! However, if you wanna explore the countryside close to your accommodation it can be a great way to get around. I am going in June 2023 as a 1st timer. Obviously we all know that, but sitting on a flight for just six hours and there being only a 2 hour time difference is absolute gold dust for anyone living in Australia. Thanks for all of the great details! The official local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp). Im curious because I might do that too when I visit! Some friends of ours told us about Tis Cafe where you can use their infinity pool over looking the rice terrace when ordering food or drinks here. Getting around Bali. But, its not only the flower baths, the actually bath tubs in Bali are just incredible and feel like youre in a sunken rowing boat. callback: cb We paid $40 each for the best one hour massage weve ever had, a body scrub and flower bath and it was absolutely amazing. Theres a super peaceful energy about the jungle vibes here, just a shame about the crazy traffic in the town. This article was originally published in April 2015, updated in September 2017 and again in August 2019. I know it sounds weird to pack a jacket and a warmer sweater for Bali, but trust me, youre gonna need it. If you want to read more about what is in our camera bag,check out my detailed post aboutour travel photography gear! There are plenty of fantastic facilities too including two swimming pools, a spa & wellness center, and a fitness center. We spent $40 on breakfast at a Westernised restaurant, and about $80-$100 on dinner. For a window into Balis past, swing by the town of Singaraja, the administrative centre of Bali during Dutch colonial times and, until the boom of the south, the port of arrival for most visitors. So if youre not a fan of mass tourism I would avoid these periods as well. The cheapest and most popular way of transportation is renting a scooter. Thank you. When we visited again in March 2020 we didnt go for a trip so I dont know the exact prices now but you can always ask our driver, Putu . While we were there, we made loads of notes of things that stood out for us that we wish we knew before exploring Bali. A haven for the artistic, spiritual and alternative, Ubudis where Balis heartbeat can be heard and where vegan cafes, crystal shops and chakra cleansing workshops reign supreme. A trip to Bali must be a thrilling moment for first-time travelers. If theres one thing everyone said to me when I mentioned we were going to Bali, everyone had a driver we could contact. Bali looks like a great escape from the chilly winter in Europe. Seriously. While you can eat local food away from the touristy areas, we didnt expect touristy areas to be that expensive. Thanks so much. We celebrate their enduring connection to the land, their rich cultural heritage, and and their continued contributions to our society. In Canggu, theres no footpaths so you have to share the path with so many travelers on motorbikes which isnt a very enjoyable walk. So, on our final day, one of the staff from our hotel helped me do it and I gave her the cash. Trip Inspiration Food + Drink Cruises Arts + Culture Coasts + Islands Indonesia Inspiration + Guide Bali trip blog The super Bali travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bali for the first-timers By Living + Nomads - October 3, 2020 Bali is really an island with many mixed opinions. Aside of being so happy to arrive at this beautiful island, many things are still unfamiliar right? Apart from the main island, the Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida) also belong to Bali. Bali Travel Day 1 Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Tirta Empul Temple: Tegenungan Village Waterfall: Bali Travel Day 2 Uluwatu Temple: Padang Padang Beach: Melasti Beach: Shop My Beach Favorites Like this article on Travel in Bali? Thank you Anna! The appeal of Nusa Lembongan, a 30-minute boat ride across the Badung Strait, lies in the authenticity of island life. What about people with limited mobility? Could you be a match made in Havana? The pool is beautiful but get here early to secure a sun lounger. Staff at the hotel can also help arrange rentals and excursions. If thats not enough to convince you, this hotel has two bars and a tour desk that can help with excursions. This podcast series is sponsored by AUREC Migration & Mobility. More Europeans than Australians visiting Bali now, 12. We thought that was kind of weird, so just check to make sure. Have you already visited Bali or is it still on your bucket list? It doesnt impact tourists as its a law for local people, no matter how crazy it really is. Perched on the quiet hills of Nusa Penida, this hotel offers sweeping views of the island and the sea beyond. Image by: bali travel blog. If you have any suggestion for me, I really welcome to hear from you. East Bali is dominated by the largest volcano on the island: Mount Agung. 147 Planning to travel to Bali? Bali sits at the very eastern tip of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a string of islands that include Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba . Top Tip for Bali #1: Arriving, staying, departing A 30 day Visa on Arrival is available for many international travellers to Bali and will set you back $35 US dollars. Read the fine print on the menu as it should say whether the tax is included in the price or not. BY MOTORBIKE BY BEMO OR BUS BALI TOP ATTRACTIONS WHERE TO STAY IN BALI WHERE TO EAT IN BALI BALI ITINERARY AND BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES BALI BUDGET BALI HELPFUL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS ALSO READ: GILI TRAWANGAN TRAVEL GUIDE TOP THINGS TO DO IN YOGYAKARTA I hope your Bali trip will be amazing! When we went out, the bars were dead. This means you have to order taxis or hire a motorbike to get around. Cash is the king in Bali, therefore you always need to carry around some cash in your pocket. i am planning to visit bali in coming november. 39K followers View more on Instagram 1,208 likes Add a comment. When you reach the spa, its in the most beautiful rice paddies. To be honest, its not. This episode includes many mind-blowing things we never knew about applying for a visa to Australia. What could be better than a tropical island filled with beach days and adventures through forests? She has been the only migration agent we have ever mentioned on londonerinsydney.com, and for good reason she's great! So first of all, the answer is yes! Obviously we all know that, but sitting on a flight for just six hours and there being only a 2 hour time difference is absolute gold dust for anyone living in Australia. Bali tips for first timers I've seen too many tourists have their Bali vacation ruined by a simple mistake they didn't expect. Must-dos include early-morning coffee at Revolver;sunset drinks at Potato Head Beach Club; conga lines and coconut cocktails at Motel Mexicola; haggling and people watching on Kuta Beach;and a day of shopping and eating on Jalan Laksmana, also known as Oberoi, Eat Street or Jalan Kayu Aya. All on an island less than half the size of greater Tokyo. So well written, thank you for sharing! I recommend hiring a driver who can take care of your transportation and he can also help with questions about specific attractions. Within 16 hours of being back in Bali after our trip to Flores Island, I got severely ill with really bad stomach cramps and had to spend a few days in bed. Love this! Compare auto insurance quotes online. This meant we could start our trip straight away as soon as we landed as Ngurah Rai International Airport without feeling a bit delirious when we landed. Currency The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Villa Barong is just a 5-minute walk from the beach and is nestled within landscaped gardens and coconut trees. This beachfront 5-star hotel is situated close to popular attractions within Kuta including Waterbom Bali and the Discovery Shopping Mall. With the Love Bali sign, the endless amount of big swings at every restaurant lining the rice terrace, it just felt like a theme park for us and we didnt stay too long. They took dukoral before they landed in Bali and again a few weeks later and swear that was the reason they never got sick! Im not sure if public transport is something that many travelers do in Bali, but it seems everyone gets around using motorbikes or drivers. And . Listen to the end youll get so much out of this episode! How much time you need to spend in Bali also depends on what you want to see and do. Breakfast is included with your stay too, and theres a garden area where you can relax. BUDGET Gita Maha Ubud Hotel by Mahaputra. I was so surprised to see how deeply religious they are! Ubud is the heart of Central Bali with many hotels to choose from and its packed with amazing restaurants and bars as well, so its worth spending at least 3 days in Ubud. Generally using an ATM is a better option but its really up to you. Like 1 am or 3 am. Their religion and culture are really interesting so try to learn about them as much as you can while you are there! When will the Working Holiday Visa be available for up to 35 year olds for Brits? After many hours of research, I decided to choose SafetyWing and I can honestly recommend them! ); If youre traveling to Bali for the first time, its best to spend at least 2 weeks in Bali to be able to properly explore the island. And while the ice has to be imported, make sure you brush your teeth with bottled water and never drink tap water. You may have heard about Bali belly and unfortunately it really is a thing. Let me know in the comments! Bali is a brilliant little island to introduce you into the South East Asia because there are so many westernised places here. I really love that movie and everything it represents! The other option is Nusa Penida. What about the sex before marriage law? #05 - BALI CULTURE. At the time of publication 1 USD was equal to 14,700 IDR. We were in the same boat too. One of the best things that stood out for us when visiting Bali is how close it is to Australia. Dont worry, if you cant buy the visa online (the website doesnt always work properly), you will still be able to do it at the airport after arrival. As I mentioned before the southern side of the island is the most touristy area so you will find a wide range of hotels to choose from. 1. In this Bali travel guide, were going to start off by sharing the pros for visiting Bali. If youre traveling to Bali for the first time I would recommend staying at either Seminyak or Kuta but Canggu, Uluwatu and Jimbaran could be a great option as well. Tours Get Your Guide - Omnivagant Bali / Indonesia Bali for First Timers: 21 Things to Know Before You Go! Well, November is technically the start of the rainy season but its different each year so nobody can tell you how it will be this year. The places we booked in Bali which were all amazing were the following: I strongly recommend booking a taxi from the airport to your accommodation before you arrive in Bali. Luckily the cost of living in Bali is totally budget-friendly so if your time allows or if youre a digital nomad, you can even make it your base for a few months. The visa can be extended once for another 30 days (this has an additional cost of course). Happy travels! 340,000 (approximately USD$22.35) for kids (5-12 years old) Website. Its not as hot as other Indonesian islands, 8. Because the traffic is crazy! This is when the days are sunny and the weather is dry, making it the busiest time of the year and the island is often overcrowded with tourists. Buy a SIM card from Telkomsel not from XL, 7. Offering an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and spa treatments this hotel has everything you could need and more! The northern side of Bali is really different from the rest of the island. However, make sure to always haggle. Planning a Trip? hi , thank you sooo much for a very detail explaination. So by the time we arrived in Bali we already had a perfect itinerary and everything was taken care of. Hey! However, this is only true for like 170 countries so please check the official list before arriving just to be on the safe side. 32. In this episode, she answers our readers and followers questions which include: What to do while waiting for a partner visa? The villas and suites are also stunning and many of them offer superb views of the surrounding mountains. If youre looking for a luxurious getaway, then stay at Wapa di Ume Sidemen. Your email address will not be published. If youre looking to drink alcohol, cocktails are around $12 and wine can be as expensive as $17 for a small glass of Australian wine. Bali is blessed with a full hand of beautiful beaches, from buzzing surf hubs to wild strips of black volcanic sand. Local people say that the Nusa Islands (Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida) are the perfect place to see how Bali was like 20 years ago before it became a tourist hotspot. It youre especially visiting Uluwatu, you will need to hire a cab or bike to go everywhere because its all spread out. When we were in Uluwatu, we had to wait about 1h30m to get a table at a restaurant so it really helps to plan where you want to eat out. Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: First period over 1.5 goals (+120) Look, it is going to be a hyped environment, and I think all of that excitement leads to goals in the first period. We wanted to check out one of the beach clubs because Bali is home to the biggest beach club in South East Asia. There are also plenty of other facilities at the hotel including an on-site restaurant, a spa & wellness center, and a bar. } Its not quite as cheap as you think it will be, 24. The rooms are inspired by traditional Balinese decor and most units feature a daybed and a private pool. But if we had really known, we probably would have spent it by the beaches if we were up for partying. The best time to visit Bali is in May to October All on an island less than half the size of greater Tokyo. Seminyak remains the epitome of sophistication, Kutaplays the wild child, and Legian falls somewhere in between. We managed to cover all the famous sites but in exchange, we spent almost no time at the beach and we were extremely tired at the end. The only general rule is that they dont work more than 14 hours a day which is totally understandable. You will have pleasant weather with almost no rain and the beaches and famous sites will not be that crowded either. I like the beach, so I will be staying in the southern part. Best places to visit in the Nusa Islands: Kelingking beach, Rumah Pohon treehouse, Peguyangan Waterfall, Angels Billabong, Broken Beach, Devils Tear, Blue lagoon. Coincide your visit with the International Kite Festival (usually in July and August) to see Sanur in full swing. Technically US dollars are not accepted in Indonesia, however, you can almost always use them in reality. The largest denomination is the 100,000 IDR banknote so your wallet will always be stuffed with a lot of banknotes. Hope you will have an amazing trip! Travel Insurance Safety Wing. Yeah I really get why you have a love-hate relationship with Bali, thats why I usually try to wake up early in the morning and explore the places without the crowds or go to off the beaten path spots. There are several villas available at the property and each one offers a private pool, a modern kitchen, and a terrace area. Exploring a new place with a different culture can be daunting, especially without proper guidance. But for others, I have thought of a few Bali travel tips to perhaps prepare you for your first time. You will be constantly asked by the locals where are you headed and whether if you will need a ride. Hi Chona! Say goodbye to sunbathing. Innorth Bali, days start with dolphin-watching trips from Lovinain traditional outrigger canoes, followed by long afternoons bathing in the mossy air terjun (waterfalls) of Sekumpul, Gitgitand Sambangan. Do you have any recommendation for me. Will I be able to do it?? On the high edge of west and north Bali, the mythical stone fountain baths of Air Panas Banjarnod to the islands strong spiritual roots. How many days to keep? I was expecting to see mostly Australians in Bali, yet we just heard mostly Europeans and Brits there which definitely surprised us! Set within tropical gardens, this hotel has plenty to offer with excellent facilities and spacious rooms. If youre looking for a more unique stay, you can also find the many magical bamboo houses in Bali, especially in this part of the island. XL didnt work in Ubud or Sumba for us. Thank you so much Linnea, Im so happy you liked it! Here's our pick of the best. (obviously, in my opinion and for travellers . Worrying about safety, health, transportation, and cultural etiquette are completely normal. Book a driver for first thing in the morning and youll cut the time down significantly because it seems the traffic doesnt build up until after 10am. This is a very active volcano with constant eruptions, therefore it is not allowed to visit. However, the traffic in Bali is really bad, so be mentally prepared to be stuck in jam for hours. Sure, Ive seen a million pictures of this dream island, I knew that every proper Instagrammer had been there at least once and I saw Eat, Pray, Love, but that was it. A more sea-oriented dining experience awaits at La Cevicheria, specialising in ceviche prepared using authentic Latin-American techniques, while movie buffs shouldnt miss a film with nutritious nosh on the side at Paradiso Ubud, an organic vegetarian restaurant with a 150-seat cinema. Club so is in our camera bag, check out our, 32 Brutally honest tips before Bali... Sawah Indah Villa is just a 5-minute walk from the sun that.! 35 year olds for Brits sea beyond this article was originally published in April 2015, updated in September and. Around the world for wedding elopements, five couples share their stories hotel helped me organize every little.... Our last day you the same with the Ngurah Rai International airport a comment the madness of the end too... 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