Do I need a VISA to enter Bali?

The visa-on-arrival process in Indonesia is completely free for the first thirty days (tourist visa). You will be required to pay $35 at the airport when you arrive in order to have the opportunity to extend your stay with an Indonesian agent for up to 60 days for a visit that is longer than 30 days. This extension can be for a maximum of 60 days. Important information: Your passport must still have at least six months of validity remaining on it in order for you to enter Indonesia legally. If it does not, the airline will not allow you to board the plane. Before you fly to Indonesia, check to see that your passport has been recently updated.

Is Bali Safe?

Yes. Up to the bombs in Kuta in 2002 and 2005, which were plotted by people from outside of Indonesia, Bali has always been a tranquil place. It is the sole Hindu island in the Islamic Indonesian archipelago. However, since the attacks, the Indonesian government has taken the threat of terrorism very seriously and used measures to monitor and work to prevent future attacks. As for safety in the streets, there is very little violent crime in Bali, especially in Ubud – just be cautious against pickpockets in the beach areas and with handbags on motorbikes late at night. When riding a motorcycle or scooter, you should always keep your valuables under the seat.

Should I get a rental car?

The rental of a vehicle is neither required nor recommended while in Bali. From Denpasar International Airport to Ubud, you may expect to pay between $25 and $30 for a taxi ride (approximately a 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic). In Ubud, the majority of hotels will transport you to the main part of town via free shuttles or taxi services. You also have the option, for $40 to $60 a day, to rent a private driver and car for your day excursions.

Is it safe for me to drink this water?

No! Drink bottled or filtered water. To avoid “Bali Belly”—mild diarrhea that lasts a few days—drink and brush with bottled water, as 99% of Bali’s eateries use it for cooking.

When visiting Bali, do I need to get any vaccinations?

Staying in civilized, built-up parts of Bali (such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu/Jimbaran, Ubud, or Amed) and dining at decent restaurants and staying in hygienic accommodations can ensure that you have a pleasant experience. It is recommended that you get vaccinated against typhoid, and if you have any concerns or will be working with animals or in an area that is more isolated and jungle-like, you should also get vaccinated against rabies. Malaria pills, vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis, and polio vaccines aren’t necessary if you’re only going to be in urban regions.

We recommend that you bring the medicine with you just in case you get Bali bellies, such as diarrhea rehydration sachets/Immodium or an oral antibiotic for stomach ailments. In addition, you should bring a lot of water, coconut water, or even electrolyte tablets because the weather is typically hot and humid. In any other case, make sure to apply copious amounts of mosquito spray in the evenings, particularly during the wetter months, in order to avoid getting bitten. Because there is no vaccine available and the risk of contracting dengue fever is high in Bali, you should be sure to use mosquito repellent.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is an infectious disease caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes and has no known cure. The symptoms can range from being very minor to the point that they are practically invisible, to being severe enough to require medical treatment. It is possible to contract the disease four times, at which point you will develop a permanent immunity against it. After an incubation period of 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the symptoms (high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, rash, pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints) last for 2-7 days. The symptoms include high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. We recommend using insect repellent and mosquito nets to protect yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes. At Tirta Usada in Ubud, Dr. Tjok provides an alternative homeopathic treatment that can be taken once a week for a period of four weeks, and it has the potential to be preventative. In the event that you become infected, it is important to obtain enough rest, drink plenty of water, and take pain medication as directed. AVOID BLOOD-THINNING MEDICATIONS like aspirin and ibuprofen at ALL COSTS! Chewing on basil leaves, drinking tea made from neem leaves, and consuming green papaya leaf juice are all examples of alternative natural treatments. Even while the use of natural therapies could assist to speed up the recovery process, we strongly advise going to the doctor as soon as possible if you exhibit any symptoms to confirm if you have dengue.

What about medical treatment and insurance under an insurance plan?

On the island of Bali, there is an abundance of international medical facilities, particularly in the areas surrounding Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, as well as in Ubud. Since the bombings in Bali, the government of Indonesia has put a significant amount of money into the improvement of the local hospitals, and many more private hospitals have opened their doors as a result. Even if you have a relatively mild illness or condition, you should be perfectly OK. It is extremely recommended that you get international medical insurance to cover your costs in the event that you need to travel to the hospital or, in the event of an emergency, be evacuated to Singapore or Australia to receive specialized care or surgery that could save your life. Before you travel to Bali and the rest of Indonesia, check that you have received all vaccinations that are required of you and that you have both purchased and read the terms of your travel insurance policy. It has the potential to save your life.

What kinds of clothing should I bring with me to Bali?

Even though the place you will be staying will almost always have air conditioning or a fan, the weather outdoors will be hot and muggy. Flip-flops or other comfortable walking sandals are a requirement, and you should wear light clothing like t-shirts and shorts to stay cool. If you are going to be riding a motorcycle in the evening, you should also bring a light pullover with you. When going into temples, it is required that you show respect by having your shoulders covered and by wearing a sarong (this applies to both men and women). Sarongs are typically given for visitors when they go to a temple. If you are going to be in Ubud between the months of November and February, you should bring a waterproof jacket with you just in case you get caught in the rain. The showers can come on suddenly and be quite intense.