I recently promised to give you all the low down on 'my' Bali. First things first. Before you even hit these beautiful shores there are a few things every visitor to Bali should consider. Being well prepared makes for a much better trip so do your research well. Below are just some of the things you should consider before leaving on that jet plane. Read on for all the details ...
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WHEN TO VISIT
There is no right or wrong answer to this question because it will be different for everyone depending on what they are looking for. There are a number of factors to consider that will help you chose the best time for you to visit. July and August are the busiest months with many Australians trying to escape winter for a spell of sunshine. Expect to pay more during this peak period. Bali has two distinct seasons, the wet (Nov - April) and the dry (May to October). While the temperature is fairly consistent year round expect it to be slighter warmer and much more humid during the wet. Afternoon thunderstorms can also somewhat hamper outdoor activities during this time. I have visited in December, August and of course now in March. March and April tend to work best for me not least because my favourite hotel gets a better sun aspect at this time. Remember to check for local events and festivals particularly Nyepi (silent) day when the whole island, including the airport and all ATM's shuts down. You will be confined to your hotel for the entire day but are welcome to continue to use the facilities. If this doesn't suit you should plan your visit to avoid it, which is exactly what I will be doing in future. The days preceding and post Nyepi include many local festivals and parades. Saturday will be our first ever Nyepi and last night we saw saw the first of the events leading up to the big day, known as a Melasti pilgrimage (pic below).
DOCUMENTATION
Everyone needs a valid passport with at six months validity. Australians need to get a Visa On Arrival (VOA) at a cost of USD$35. You can of course pay in AUD but I highly recommend taking enough US cash to cover this and it will speed the process dramatically. More here.
FLIGHTS
I never pay full price. Ever! Sign up to all the airlines email lists to get the scoop when the sales are on. My price limit for Bali is $1000 for two return fares. This time we got a super bargain all up for $800. Jetstar, Virgin & Garuda all fly the Sydney - Denspasar route direct. Air Asia is an option but transits through Kuala Lumpur so for the inconvenience you would be wanting to get a damn good price.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation ranges from budget backpackers through to luxury villas so depending on your taste and budget there really is something for everyone. There are four main areas you can stay in Bali; Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua and the Seminyak/Legian/Kuta area. My preference is Legian, it's close to the airport (20 mins drive), smack bang in the middle of Seminyak and Kuta so that you can walk to both (about 25 mins) but far enough away from the craziness of Kuta that you can still relax. My pick of hotels is the Ossotel as I believe it is the best value in the area and is perfectly located. Expect to pay about $100 a night for a swim up room, slightly less upstairs. Other hotels close by include Niksoma, The Legian Beach Hotel, Mangani, Padma and Mandira.
WHAT TO PACK
OK so Bali is hot pretty much year round and very laid back so you don't need a lot really. It is possible to do a week with your 10kg carry on limit. I don't, but it is possible lol. Here's a few things I recommend you don't leave home without:-
Sunscreen - It's pricy here so BYO. Make sure it's 30+
Chocolate - While of course they do sell it in Bali don't be fooled by the familar purple wrappers, Cadbury here is imported from the Phillipines and not a patch on the Aussie stuff. Mr SFH bought 3 kilos for a week. What can I say he loves it!
Chips - Asian countries seem to have very strange flavour choices ... Spicy Crabmeat and Seaweed anyone? Unless this is to your taste bring some from home.
Plug Adapter - At least a double, better yet a power board. Electronics seem to trickle charge here so plug space will be at a premium.
Jeans & Jacket - Only one of each and just for the plane. You won't need them while you are here.
T-Shirts/Tanks/Shorts - One T Shirt/Tank for everyday you are here. You will get sweaty and they won't be able to be backed up for another day. Even if you live in tank tops like I do, I suggest at least one T-Shirt in case you need to give your shoulders a rest from the unrelenting sun for a bit. You can probably get away with wearing the shorts more than once if needed. Opt for natural fibres if possible. Synthetic is not your friend in the heat.
2 Pairs Swimmers - It's humid and swimmers take a long while to dry out. Take two so you can alternate without the need to drag on wet swimmer each time. Throw in a sarong or cover if walking around in your swimmers all day in public is not your thing.
A Summer Dress - In case you go somewhere really nice for dinner. Keep it casual.
Thongs - The ones for your feet not your butt! 2 Pairs, one everyday and one blingy pair for evenings. Yep that's how casual it is, blingy thongs are considered evening wear. I like Holsters.
Make Up - Seriously you really don't need much. My make up routine here is simply mascara, eyeliner and lip gloss. And that's making an effort for dinner! Pack moisturiser in your hand luggage. Flying dries you out like you wouldn't believe.
An Extra Suitcase - I always pack one inside the other to cover any purchases I may happen to make :)
Travel Pillow - It's usually an overnight flight home. This makes trying to get some sleep a whole lot easier.
CURRENCY
Indonesian Rupiah. AUD$1 = IDR10,000 so AUD$100 = IDR1,000,000. Probably about the only legitimate time you can call yourself a millionaire. No need to worry of you arrive without any of the local currency as there are ATM's in the airport that will sort you out. Most ATM's give a max of IDR1,000,000 so you may be visiting a few.
So that's the basics covered you. Ready to book yet? Maybe I'll convince you some more over my next few posts.
