Bali Events

Bali is not only a tourist destination but is also well known for its international conferences held at 5-star hotels in the Nusa Dua area. The Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting was held in Bali at the Westin Hotel from April 27 – May 6, 2009.

For the sport enthusiasts on June 28, 2009 there will be the annual MRA Bali International Triathlon at Jimbaran Bay.   You can run, swim and cycle to win cash prize, merchandise and attractive holiday prizes. For further information visit www.balitriathlon.com

For tennis aficionados there will be The Road for the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions on November 4-8, 2009 at The Westin Resort in Nusa Dua.  Venus Williams and Marion Bartoli will be the latest additions for the contenders.  For more info visit www.commbanktennis.com

Bali Festivals

Arts Festival

Highly notable is the Annual Arts Festival, which takes place from every second Saturday of June to the second Saturday of July.  This Annual Arts Festival is a celebration of exhibitions and performances of various kinds of artworks and cultural achievements, including the absorbing Kite Festival held in Padang Galak area of Sanur Beach. The event is a seasonal religious festival intended to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests.

Bali Spirit Festival

The festival is an annual international celebration of Yoga, dance and music in Ubud. It’s an opportunity to showcase the unique creative talents of Bali and Indonesia and to bring conscious global creative artists and yogis to share and inspire positive changes within the community. This year’s Bali Spirit Festival was held between 28th April and 3rd May. For more info, please visit www.balispiritfestival.com

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

The festival which first took place in 2004 has been noted as “One of the best writers’ festivals in the World” by UK’s Harper Bazaar.  The Festival helps to promote Ubud as an arts and cultural centre, showcases Indonesian writers on an international stage and helps young Indonesians to reach their potential through educational programs and literature. Proceeds from ticket sales are also used to cover free public evening events, free workshops for local children and high school students and their teachers and to subsidize attendances of local residents who could not otherwise afford to attend.  This year’s festival theme is Suka Duka (Compassion and Solidarity).  For more info please visit www.ubudwritersfestival.com

Bali Jazz Festival

For those into Jazz there is the Annual Bali Jazz Festival held every November.  The Bali International Jazz Festival is fashioned in a manner so that it can be a dialog forum and culture-sharing between contestants who come from various countries around the globe, with the main objective on producing new creativities with universal references needed into the building of a nation. The main focus of this festival is unity and global brotherhood. This festival lasts for three days.

Kuta Karnival

Want to have some fun and mix with the locals? Come and join Bali's 7th annual international event Kuta Karnival. It's about surfing competitions, fun games, bands, skate competitions, kite competitions, food festival, traditional dances and much more.  The Kuta Karnival is a "Community" and "Recovery" initiative of the Kuta Small Business Association (KSBA) for the Island of Bali and  is officially endorsed by the Government of Bali, Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) BALI and Bali Tourism Board (BTB).  The first Kuta Karnival was held in October 2003 with its theme of 'A Remembrance of        Love'.  This year’s Carnival will be held from the 19th to the 27th of September at Kuta Beach.  For more info go to www.kutakarnival.com

Sanur Festival

This is also another venue to get to know the people better and join in the fun. The Sanur Annual Village Festival is held by the folks of Sanur to celebrate fun, food arts and culture of Bali.  Attractions held this year include Balinese culinary competition, traditional jukung race, cartoon drawing, kites festival, traditional dance performances and art exhibition.  Sanur village festival was established by the Sanur Community under the Sanur Development Foundation ‘Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur’ to increase the volume of tourist to Sanur and to entice them in doing business there.  Sanur is a place for local artists and cultural observer to express their creative and artistic ideas and especially for the tourism industry to promote their products and services.  Sanur is also the place to go for entertainment for tourists and locals alike.  This festival is filled with the arts, culture, entertainment and sports activity. For more info on this fascinating festival go to: www.gotosanur.com

Bali Climates

Bali has a climate that is tropical all year. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round.  Rainy season tends to be between November-April and dry season between June-September.

Bali Transportation

Air Transport

Bali can easily be reached by both domestic airlines from Jakarta and international airlines from most part of the world at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban.

Sea Transport

Those arriving from Java will enter from Gilimanuk ferry port at Bali's western most tip. Other port of calls for sea travel is the Padang Bai ferry between Bali and Lombok. Native style public boats take passengers from Kusamba, Padangbai and Sanur to the off-shore islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.  

Public Transport

Bali's cheapest and fastest motorized transports are the mini buses and bemos. The island transport system is extensive that you can get anywhere with these public vehicles. Ubung Bus terminal is the main terminal at Jl. Cokroaminoto and Batubulan 10 km northeast of Denpasar as the hub for central, northern and eastern Bali.  For those still craving the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle there are many taxi companies in Bali. Most reputable and trustworthy is the Blue Bird Group at 0361-701111.

Rentals

There are cars and bikes rental agencies in Bali to fit your budget. The price should include insurance. Highest concentrations are in Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua.  Ask at your hotel for the best agency and deals.

• Car Rentals

Price depends on the make and year of the car. Most tourists prefer air-conditioned Jimnys for easy riding/parking and long on mileage. Price of rentals includes transfer and pick up. Check to see if insurance is included. Rental period is usually 24 hours for self drive and 10 hours when with driver.

• Motorbike Rentals

Prices for rentals can vary so make sure you bargain. An average Suzuki Jimmy or a 200cc motorbike (Honda Tiger) goes for US$20 a day, without insurance.  Smaller 100-125cc goes for IDR 50.000. All motorcyclists must wear a helmet. Do not forget to bring along your international driving license and bike's paper (STNK).

Bali Travel Tips

Currency

The Indonesian currency is Rupiah. The Notes are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. The Coins are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.

Bali Time

Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Accommodation

There is a large selection of accommodations available in Bali. It varies from magnificent five star resorts to simple jungle cabins, depending on the location and your holiday budget.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques.

Electricity

Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adapter for your appliance.

Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries.

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Useful Numbers

• Emergency Numbers

Ambulance : 118

Fire : 113

Police : 110

Search & Rescue : 51111

Red Cross : 26465

• Operator Assisted Calls

Within Indonesia : 100

International : 101

• Directory Information

Bali : 108

Indonesia : 106

Places of Interest

Denpasar  

The capital of Bali has many community temples called 'pura’.  One of them is Pura Jagatnatha, next to the Bali Museum on Jl. Mayor Wisnu. It was built in 1953 and is usually busy during the full moon. Look for Pura Masopahit, one of the oldest pura in Bali, off Jl. Sutomo in a small alley.

Benoa

The main harbor of Bali is located about 6 km south of Denpasar.  This harbor is the home to the many cruises in Bali. The Bali Marina for yachts is also located here.

Le Mayeur Museum   

Located about 200m to the North of Grand Bali Beach. Formerly the home of this Belgian artist and is well known for the Ni Polok painting.

Kuta Beach

The most popular beach and is good for surfing. The currents are quite strong and lifeguards are on duty throughout the day. It is famous for its sunsets and hotels and restaurants are plenty in this area.

Batubulan  

Located Northeast of Denpasar and is well known for its stone figures handicrafts. Nearby are the villages of Batuan for paintings and wood paneling, Celuk for silver and gold jewelry and Mas for woodcarving.

Ubud        

The haven for artist from the day of Walter Spies to the present. There are art galleries and museum in the area and also is home to the most famous Babi Guling dish in Bali.

Pura Kahen

Bali's second largest and sacred temple in the Bangli Regency.

Tanah Lot  

Located 13 km southwest of Tabanan it sits on the outcropping of rock offshore. On high tide the temple is separated from the mainland. There are souvenir shops outside the temple area.

Besakih

Located 60 km northeast of Denpasar, Besakih is Bali's oldest, largest and most sacred temple. It is considered to be 'Mother Temple' of Bali.

Kintamani

Located 68 km from Denpasar, Kintamani is a cool mountain retreat. Also well known for its Kintamani Dog breed.

Tampaksiring

There is Tirta Empul temple, over 1000 years old built around the sacred spring. The spring is believed to have curative powers.

Tenganan

Located halfway between Padangbai and Amlapura, this is an original pre-Hindu settlement. It has maintained its pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of not getting involved with outsiders.

Bali Shopping

Bali is a treasure house for shoppers. From traditional antiques to the latest fashion all are available. Bargaining is considered a 'must' when shopping in traditional markets. From modern air-conditioned malls to bustling traditional markets, to small shops selling arts and crafts to trinkets, Bali is a shoppers’ paradise.

Modern Stores

Bali Galeria, Kuta - Large Matahari Department store , smaller shops, restaurants, bookstores, Cafes and a spacious parking area

Discovery Mall, Kuta - Centro department store with a number or specialty stores, electronic city, restaurants and handicrafts, bookstore and ice cream stands

Kuta Square - Large Matahari and many small shops selling designer clothes

Kuta Center - Range of small shops and restaurants - operates as a night market with stalls in the evening

Matahari Department Store, Denpasar

Ramayana Bali Mal, Denpasar

RIMO, Denpasar

Robinsons, Denpasar

Tiara Dewata, Denpasar - good for shoes, and clothes

Libi Plaza, Denpasar - good for sporting items, electrical goods and stationary needs

Makro, Sanur - For electrical goods and lots more at excellent prices, pay a small fee for a Makro card and enjoy a huge range of cash and carry items

Traditional Markets

Kuta Art Market (Pasar Seni) - In the vicinity of Matahari Department Store and next to the beach. Small shops selling Balinese clothes, shoes, sandals, sarongs, trinkets etc.        

Kumbasari  Shopping Complex - Clothes, bed covers, batik, paintings, Celuk silver, trinkets

Pasar Badung (Jl Gajah Mada) - Different goods sold in different sections such as flower offerings, textiles, songkets, sarungs, kitchen utensil, tin/brass wares etc.

Bualu Art Market - Slower pace than Kuta and not so hectic. The items are mostly identical to those found at Bali's tourist center.

Sanur Area (Jl Danau Tamblingan) - With its tree-lined street and small shops, is a more relaxed place to do your shopping. A large department store is in the area for convenient one-stop shopping is available.  

Adventure Tours

Rafting

There are superb white water rafting on the Ayung River northwest of Ubud and Unda River North of Klungkung. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting as you journey through winding gorges, dense green jungles and magnificent lime- green terraced rice fields.  Good for all ages. Your safety is always the company's first priority.  They use first rate well maintained equipments and have guides with the highest in their fields. Most rates include transfer from/to hotel, professionally trained guides, all safety equipments, tea or coffee, snacks, refreshments, buffet lunch, hot shower facilities, insurance.

Cycling

Cycling through the country side filled with picturesque paddy scenery and photo taking opportunity.

Escape the touristy Bali to the more rural Bali, one that you will never forget. Stop awhile to enjoy the scenery with refreshments provided by your tour company.  Most rates include transfer from/to hotel, towels, refreshments and lunch.  Most cycling trips are done in the morning to avoid the hot afternoon sun.

Hiking

Trekking in Bali is best done with guides. Rafting companies usually do trekking tours from jungle trekking, rain forest treks, herbal trekking and through rice fields. For the more energetic you can also do mountain trekking. Always ask around for reliable companies.

ATV Rides   

Many adventure tours offer this new way to explore Bali's interior. You will travel using powerful 250 – 360 cc four-wheel motor bikes. Those wheels are modified to travel over rugged and unfamiliar terrain. Prices vary from each company but most rates include free pick-up and transfer to hotel on some tours, welcome drinks, face towels, refreshments on trip, delicious lunch, clean rest / shower rooms.

Land Cruises

This land cruise usually uses the legendary Land Rover. Discover Bali through public and tiny country roads and tracks; passing through villages, terraced rice fields and virgin rainforest. Prices include refreshments during trip, delightful lunch with soft drinks and or wine.

Big Bike Tour

Discover Bali on the back of a big motorbike. There may be regulations you need to fulfill like minimal age, ability to control/ride a bike and so forth. Like all tour there will be half and full day tours.

Elephant Safaris

A relatively new attraction in Bali and only two tour operators do this. Experience the feel of riding atop an elephant like the Maharajas of India. It is an outing not to be missed.

Camel Rides

Camel rides have come to Bali in Swangan Beach, Nusa Dua area and Tanjung Benoa. A unique way to have fun in Bali with the feeling that you are in the Arabian Desert!

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours are usually done on ½ to Full day Basis. Prices include air-conditioned vehicle/English speaking guides/ transfer from and to hotel. Full day includes lunch.    

Tanah Lot ½ Day

Sights visited are Pura Taman Ayun / second largest temple complex in Bali, Alas Kedaton / Holy Forest inhabited by hundreds of monkeys and Tanah Lot / temple on a rock outcropping and well known for its sunsets. This tour usually starts at 2 pm to 7 pm, to coincide with the sunsets at Tanah Lot.

Ubud ½ Day

Sights visited Puri Saren Agung, Agung Rai Museum of Art and handicrafts villages.  Tour usually starts at 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Ubud Full Day

Sights visited are Art Gallery, Pura Saren Agung, Ubud Botanical Garden, and Petulu Bird Village. A full day tour usually starts at 8 am – 4 pm.

Kintamani Full Day

Sights visited are Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Tampaksiring/Tirta Empul and Kintamani.

Water Sports

Surfing

Bali's coastline provides an ideal place for surfing. Places to go are in Kuta Beach, which is good for beginners and experts and for masters of the surfboards at the Bukit Peninsula, home to the Uluwatu, Impossibles and Bingin.

Diving

There are excellent dive sites in Bali offering magnificent coral reefs with marine life.

Nusa Lembongan – Home to the manta rays and the unique mola-mola, a large flattened fish with elongated dorsal and vertical fins.

Nusa Ceningan – Famous for its drift dive location with healthy coral and good visibility.

Menjangan Island – This is one of the best dive sites in Bali with calm, clear water and many kinds of marine life.

Gili Tepekong – This site is for experienced divers who wish to have an adrenaline rush; currents are not predictable but hold a variety of beautiful marine life and home to the White Tip sharks.

Tulamben – This dive site is on the northeast coast of Bali and diving is best done in July and August. This site is also well known for its USS Liberty ship wreck. Now home to many fish varieties.

Padang Bai – There are three dive sites around Padang Bai, they are the Pura Jepun, Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Bungsil.  

Good dive company / operators are plenty in Bali. Rates  include all transfer (land and sea), from  hotel to dive  site and back to hotel, lunch, soft drinks, 2 dives a day with 2 Full Tanks, weight belt, entrance fee and dive guide (dive master or instructor).

Windsurfing

Sanur, Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa are good places for windsurfing. Some have board rentals and tutoring.

Other Water Sports

Parasailing, banana boat and jet skiing is available at Tanjung Benoa. Prices vary between tour operators.

Unique Tours

Romantic Sunset Dinner

Most cruise companies have evening dinner cruises. Have your cocktails and dinner on deck while watching the sun sets and the shore start to twinkle with lights. Prices vary for each tour operator but the range is within the US$ 42-48. It includes international buffet dinner, drinks and transfer to/from hotel.

Picnic Lunches

Most big hotel establishments and Private Villas and Spa can arrange this for you. Or try going on the Land Rover trip where you will be served a sumptuous picnic lunch.

Cruises

There are many cruise companies in Bali offering full day cruise either to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. These cruises depart from Benoa Harbor around 8:30 am and return 4:30pm. What you get is free pick-up and return transfer, sumptuous international buffet lunch, water activities such as snorkeling, canoe, banana boat rides, semi-submersible submarine, 44 m waterslide, aqua board and village tour or beach club. Activities vary for each cruise company. There are also charter boats to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Dua, Sanur and other interesting sites. Prices range between US$ 45-98.

Bali Spas

Spas abound in Bali with different treatments to pamper your body and relax the soul.

Chocolate Therapy

Massage using oils made from natural chocolate and herbs. This is used in combination with stones to detoxify your body from the inside out. This treatment kills the bacteria in the body and flushes it out, resulting in clearer smooth skin, better blood circulation and an overall rejuvenation. The Vitamin P in chocolate or polyphenol prevents skin cancer.

Red Wine Therapy

Used only for royalties in France and Italy, this treatment of using red wine after a Green Tea or Chocolate scrub detoxifies the body making the skin feel younger and more radiant. Red wine contains resveratol which reduces skin cancer loads of vitamins and minerals.

Seaweed Treatment  

Seaweed body wraps originated in Europe where they are called thalossotherapies which are based on a variety of mediums including sea salts, seaweed, algae and sea sand. Seaweed contains essential minerals including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, strontium, molybdenum, and boron.  This concentration of minerals detoxifies and makes your skin smoother, clearer and rejuvenates.

Mud Treatment

This treatment using mud draws impurities from the skin. Dead cells and toxins are then washed off.  Mud facials are great for clearing away blemishes and blackheads.  Mud is also used in spa scrubs, body wraps, and even spa soaks - the spa mud bath.

Herbal Treatment

Bali is a botanical treasure trove. The medicinal qualities of the abundant plant life have been used for centuries but only recently appreciated. Most commonly used ingredients are Turmeric for its astringent and cleaning properties, used externally and internally, cinnamon, sweet basil, mint, cloves, ginger and a host of other herbs that have exceptional healing properties.

Jamu Treatment

Used for scrub these traditional herbs are Java's ancient secrets to a glowing and healthy skin. Jamu balls are mixed with rose water and then applied to the body. After it dries it is gently scrubbed off leaving the skin cleaner and healthier.

Bali Golf

One of the world's top 50 golf courses is on the grounds of the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club in the mountains of Bedugul. It is an 18-hole championship golf course.

Other 18-hole championship golf courses are Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Tanah Lot which has been voted by Asian Golf Monthly Magazine and     Golf Digest Magazine as Indonesia's best golf course.

Bali Golf & Country Club in Nusa Dua which offers three settings for players to go through. Holes 1 through 9 play inland and uphill through dense tropical vegetation and provide the player with magnificent views of Nusa Dua; holes 10 through 16 present the golfer with lush gently sculptured fairways through a mature coconut grove and the third setting is of holes 17 and 18 the golfer experiences a beautiful seaside setting.

Price includes green fee, cart fee, caddy service, player's insurance.  Other rental fees not included.