Visiting Bali

Visiting Bali - Suggestions for hotels, transportation and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in Asia. Don't book travel until you read through this site!

Helpful links for Visiting Bali


Shipping from Bali
Mosaic Restaurant Ubud, Bali
Google Maps Bali
Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Shipping from Bali


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Many westerners visit Bali and purchase large items that need to be shipped back home. Shipping furniture and art from Bali to the U.S., UK, or Australia is not impossible but requires some diligence on your part. You have several options when shipping from Bali:

Shipping from Bali using a cargo company:

Cargo companies are professionals at shipping from Bali to locations overseas. These companies pack all of your furniture, art, and other large items. They should also include a shipping list and bill of lading so that you can reclaim your goods in your home country without any customs trouble.

One shipping company in Jimbaran, Ritra Cargo, will ship goods to the U.S. and other international destinations.

Ritra Cargo Address:
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, 168X
Kedonganan 80364 Jimbaran
INDONESIA

Rita Cargo Phone: (0361) 702240

Shipping from Bali via the store where you purchased the items:

If you don't want to deal with a cargo company, you can try shipping goods from Bali through the store where you made the purchase. Make sure that they pack the items well. Also make sure you get a shipping list and bill of landing from the store, as you will need them to pick up your goods and clear customs when they arrive in your home country.

Cost of Shipping from Bali:

The cost of shipping goods from Bali to your home country will be assessed by cubic meter. There are also customs duties to keep in mind, and other fees depending on which country you are shipping to.

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Bali Currency


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What is the currency of Bali?

Bali's currency is the same as the Indonesian currency, the rupiah (abbr: Rp.). The Indonesian rupiah notes come in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100. Indonesian rupiah coins come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.

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Mount Agung, Bali


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Mount Agung or Gunung Agung in Bali is the highest mountain on the island of Bali. Mount Agung is an active volcano which last erupted in the 1960's.

People visiting Bali can enjoy climbing Mount Agung in Bali via two different routes: one route up Mount Agung starts at Besakih and the other route starts at Pura Pasar Agung, near Selat.

Guides for Mount Agung are available, although it is not required.

Climbing Mount Agung takes anywhere from four or five hours to two days depending on where you start and at what pace you climb.

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Oberoi, Bali at Seminyak


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The Oberoi Hotel in Bali is located in Seminyak, just north of the city of Kuta. One of Bali's luxury hotels, the Oberoi Bali is a popular destination for honeymoons in Bali and other romantic getaways. The Oberoi is located right on Seminyak beach in Bali, and guests can stay in the Oberoi's secluded bungalows with great views of the water.

Rooms at the Oberoi in Bali cost around US$400-800/night.

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Kuta, Bali


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Kuta is one of the the most touristed cities in Bali. Located on Bali's southwest coast, Kuta is known for its huge beach (Kuta Beach), its nightlife, its restaurants, its shopping, and its congestion.

While many people visiting Bali stop in Kuta for surfing, eating, and sightseeing, Bali's famous beauty is best experienced in more less populated areas.

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Bali Transportation


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Most people visiting Bali use taxis or private drivers to get around the island. Taxis in Bali are usually used to get from the Bali airport to a hotel. Taxis in Bali are also available at restaurants and clubs in cities, and in busy areas like Kuta.

Hotels in Bali usually have their own hotel shuttles that take guests around for free or for a small fee. Sometimes there are free hotel shuttles in Bali that will take guests to a destination and guests can take a taxi back to the hotel.

Many people visiting Bali hire a driver to drive them around Bali for a day. Prices are reasonable and drivers are usually reliable. Make sure to settle on a price up front.

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Best Time of Year for Surfing in Bali


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There are two seasons in Bali: the dry season in Bali and the wet season in Bali. Surfing is done in Bali all year, but the best time of year for surfing in Bali is during the dry season. The dry season in Bali runs from May through September. This is the best time of year to surf in Bali.

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Bali Surfing


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Bali is famous all over the world for surfing. Bali surfing is popular with both visitors and locals, and there is no shortage of great reefs for surfing in Bali.

Among the best spots for Bali surfing are:

Bali surfing at Medewi
Bali surfing at Tuban
Bali surfing at Uluwatu
Bali surfing at Kuta Reef
Bali surfing at Padang Padang
Bali surfing at Impossibles
Bali surfing at Sanur
Bali surfing at Serangan
Bali surfing at Nusa Dua
Bali surfing at Green Balls
Bali surfing at Airport Left and Right
Bali surfing at Balangan
Bali surfing at Bingin

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Boats from Nusa Dua to Pulau Penyu


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Boats from Nusa Dua to Pulau Penyu (Turtle Island):

The boat ride from Nusa Dua to Pulau Penyu costs around Rp. 100,000 / person.

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Pulau Penyu, Turtle Island Bali


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Pulau Penyu, Bali, or Turtle Island in English, is an island off the coast of Nusa Dua, Bali. Pulau Penyu is known for its turtle population. Turtle conservation is the main industry on the island of Pulau Penyu, Bali, and visitors to the island can visit the turtle conservation sites.

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Dreamland Beach, Bali


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Located in Nusa Dua, Bali, Dreamland Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali. Dreamland Beach is a popular destination for visitors, and is also a great surf spot for amateur surfing in Bali.

Dreamland beach is large with white sand, and while the beach attracts many visitors, the size of the beach usually prevents overcrowding.

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Nusa Dua, Bali


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Nusa Dua, Bali is a peninsula at the southern tip of the island of Bali. Known for its beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, Nusa Dua caters to an upscale clientele.

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Pictures of Bali on Flickr


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You can see pictures of Bali on Flickr!

Click Here

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Bali Dancing


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Balinese dancing is centered around religion. Dating back to the beginning of the known history of Bali, Bali dance is an integral part of Balinese culture. Most Bali dances are done in temple festivals and Balinese religious ceremonies, and the dances performed for visitors are inspired by religious beliefs.

Some of the most well known Bali dances include the Barong Dance, the Legong Dance, the Ramayana, the Sanghyang Jaran Dance, the Tari Panyembrama Dance, the Yudapati Dance, the Ghopala Dance, the Semarayana Dance, and the Gebug Ende Dance.

Those visiting Bali can enjoy traditional Bali dance performances at hotels and dance venues throughout the island.

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Airlines That Fly to Bali


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The following are airlines that fly to Bali:

Air Asia
Air France
Air New Zealand
Ansett
Australian Airlines
AWAIR
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines
Continental
EVA Air
Garuda Indonesia
Jetstar
LTU International Airways
Malaysian Airways System
Mandala Airlines
PT. Merpati Nusantara
Qantas
Royal Brunei
Singapore Airlines
Thai Airways
Transaero Airlines
Valuair

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How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and Other Cities


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The Bali airport is called Denpasar International Airport. Located in the south of Bali, the airport is not particularly close to any of the popular destinations for visitors. As such, most people visiting Bali take taxis from Bali airport to Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and other cities in Bali.

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La Lucciola Restaurant, Kuta, Bali


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La Lucciola Restaurant in Bali is a great place to watch the sunset on Kuta beach. La Lucciola is located right on the beach in Kuta near the Petitenget Temple. As the name implies, La Lucciola is an Italian restaurant, so don't expect Balinese cuisine there. Reservations are highly recommended, especially around sunset.

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Mosaic Restaurant Ubud, Bali


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Ubud's Mosaic Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Bali. The head chef is formerly of French Laundry and the food at Mosaic Restaurant does not disappoint. The best option is to go with one of Mosaic's tasting menus. Diners at Mosaic Restaurant can choose to sit outside in the beautiful patio or inside the restaurant.

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Google Maps Bali


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Google Maps is now available for Bali and Indonesia!



Link to Google Maps

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Best Places to Dive and Snorkel in Bali


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Bali is famous for diving and snorkeling, so it is hard to pin down just a few great places to dive in Bali. Among the top places for diving in Bali are:

Best Place to Dive in Northern Bali: Menjangan Island

Best Place to Dive in Southern Bali: Nusa Dua

Best Place to Dive in Eastern Bali: Amed - Lipah

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Diving in Bali and Snorkeling in Bali


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Bali, Indonesia is a very popular place for diving and snorkeling. Bali's warm water and coral reefs making viewing and diving in Bali an ideal experience.

Diving in Bali is easy to set up through a local outfit. Bali diving tours, individual dives, snorkeling tours, and diving lessons and certification in Bali are all available through most dive companies.

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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


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Ubud is Bali's cultural center. Visiting Ubud, Bali is popular for a variety of reasons. Many visitors to Ubud enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and river rafting on the Ayung River. Others enjoy visting Ubud's art galleries and wood carving shops, or enjoying one of Ubud's Bali dance performances. Animal lovers flock to the Ubud Monkey Forest, where visitors to Ubud can mingle with the local Bali monkeys. Foodies love Ubud's restaurants, such as Mosaic restaurant, a great place for a gourmet dinner at a reasonable price for Westerners.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


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10. Explore Ubud's Wood Carving and Sculpture Shops
9. Visit Ubud's Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
8. Hike along Ubud's Rice Terraces
7. Visit a Temple in Ubud
6. Explore Ubud's Art Galleries
5. Go to a Spa for a Balinese Massage
4. Eat Dinner at Mosaic Restaurant in Ubud
3. Go Ayung River Rafting
2. Watch a Bali Dance Performance (Legong, Ramayana, Baron, Kecak)
1. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest

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Art Galleries in Bali


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Art galleries in Bali are seemingly everywhere. Walking down the main streets in Ubud, art galleries are all around. The same can be said of art galleries in Kuta, Seminyak, and other coastal cities in Bali. Most art galleries feature works by local Bali artists and will work with visitors to ship large pieces home for them.

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Four Seasons Resort, Bali


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Four Seasons Resort, Sayan
Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

There are two Four Seasons Resorts in Bali: the Four Seasons Resort, Sayan and the Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay. The difference is in location. The Four Seasons Resort, Sayan is located in Ubud, a city in the lush center of Bali. The Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay is located on the coast of Bali in Jimbaran.

Both the Four Seasons Resort, Sayan and the Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay are spectacular and have all the amenities associated with the Four Seasons name. These include private pools, workout facilities, spa treatments, and excellent restaurants.

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Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali


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The Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali is one of the most popular destinations for visitors. Upon arrival, visitors pay an entrance fee and are then free to walk around the Monkey Forest. There is a broad path to follow which is flanked on either side with stone carvings and hundreds of monkeys. While there are a few staff members who make sure the monkey-human interactions are safe, visitors are free to walk around the Ubud Monkey Forest on their own. Be warned: if you have food or anything else that looks interesting in the eyes of a monkey, you might find yourself surrounded very quickly.

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KU DE TA Restaurant and Bar, Bali


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KU DE TA Restaurant and Bar
Jalan Oberoi 9, Seminyak, Bali

KU DE TA restaurant and bar in Seminyak, Bali is one of the top night spots in Bali. Located right on the beach, KU DE TA is famous for its stylish atmosphere and its hip scene. KU DE TA is open all day but is most popular at night, when patrons can watch the sunset and sip designer cocktails from their lounge chairs.

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Honeymoon Guesthouse, Bali


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The Honeymoon Guesthouse in Ubud, Bali is an inexpensive hotel in a great location in Ubud. The hotel has large rooms with huge beds, bathrooms, and windows. The woodwork of the doors and windows is amazing, and the hotel itself feels like a temple. Enjoy the Honeymoon Guesthouse swimming pool and great fresh fruit breakfasts, and make sure to explore the grounds.

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Hotel Tugu, Canggu, Bali


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Hotel Tugu is an amazing hotel in Bali. Located in Canggu, Bali, the hotel is in a secluded location and abounds with the treasures of the owner, who is an art collector. Rooms feature spectacular views of the gardens and ocean, and the hotel is right on a black sand beach. One of the highlights of Hotel Tugu is that the owner's art collection is showcased all over the hotel. Guests can explore various rooms and eat meals anywhere they want to-- including in Hotel Tugu's museum rooms, outdoor tables, and dining area. The food is of the best quality and the service and staff are exceptional. Hotel Tugu is worth every rupiah.

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Welcome

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Welcome

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Recent articles:

Shipping from Bali
Bali Currency
Mount Agung, Bali
Oberoi, Bali at Seminyak
Kuta, Bali
Bali Transportation
Best Time of Year for Surfing in Bali
Bali Surfing
Boats from Nusa Dua to Pulau Penyu
Pulau Penyu, Turtle Island Bali
Dreamland Beach, Bali
Nusa Dua, Bali
Pictures of Bali on Flickr
Bali Dancing
Airlines That Fly to Bali
How to Get from Bali Airport to Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and Other Cities
La Lucciola Restaurant, Kuta, Bali
Mosaic Restaurant Ubud, Bali
Google Maps Bali
Best Places to Dive and Snorkel in Bali
Diving in Bali and Snorkeling in Bali
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Top 10 Things to Do in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Art Galleries in Bali
Four Seasons Resort, Bali
Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali
KU DE TA Restaurant and Bar, Bali
Honeymoon Guesthouse, Bali
Hotel Tugu, Canggu, Bali
Welcome
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