Ngurah Rai International Airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport is situated in the south of the island, not far from the resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. It is about 15km from Bali’s capital city of Denpassar.

There are a range restaurants and shops, including duty-free and souvenir, in the airport. Several banks and currency exchange is also available, but do not offer great rates, better to visit one in town. Information desks are located on the first floor of the international arrivals terminal.

To/From The Airport

It is recommended to use the airport taxi service, located to the left of the terminal exit. This service charges a fixed price, while other taxi’s fares will have to be bargained. The prices for airport taxis are on display outside the terminal buildings.

If you are travelling on a restricted budget, you can flag down a Blue Bird Taxi from outside the airport or stand in the corner of the International Departure side near the ATM and catch them once they drop off a passenger. Blue Bird Taxis are safe and reliable. Flagging down another taxi company (other than the licensed airport taxis), is not recommended.


Ngurah Rai International Airport
Indonesia Airport

Bali Nature

Geographically, the Province of Bali is located 80-30'-40" to 80-50'-48" south of the Equator and 1140-25'-53" to 1150-42'-40" east longitude.

The relief and topography of Bali have their main features of a mountain range that transverse the island from West to East. Among those mountains are two of significant sizes: the volcanoes of Gunung Agung ( 3.140 m ) and Gunung Batur (1.717 m).

As well as these features, Bali also has four lakes: Lake Beratan (375,6 Ha), Lake Buyan (336 Ha), Lake Tamblingan (11 Ha) and Lake Batur (1.607,5). Rivers, which have their sources on these lakes as well as forests, flow to the southern side of the island. Such rivers are; Unda, Petanu, Ayung, Pulukan, Loloan and many others.

Because of its location, Bali has a tropical climate, which is influenced by seasonal wind pattern and alternate every six months. There are two seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from October to April. With such climate, Bali is in inhibited by variety of tropical flora and fauna.

Bali People & Culture

In religion, the prehistoric influences, especially those of the megalithic periods were still quite strong. Beliefs at that time were focused on worship of the spirit of the ancestors which was symbolized in the form of temples which was called pyramid terraces or terraced buildings. Sometimes at the top of the building a menhir was placed, i.e. a monolith column as the symbol of their ancestor's spirit.

During the Hindu period, menhir could be seen in the construction of the temples which looked similar to the terraced pundan. Belief in the gods of the mountains, the sea etc, originated from the period before the arrival of Hinduism, was still reflected in the lives of people after the Hindu religion came in. At the beginning and during the period of King Sri Wijaya Mahadewi, the religion practiced is not mentioned. We know only the names of the priests who bore the name Siwa, such as Piwakangsita Siwa, biksu Siwanirmala and biksu Siwaprajna.

About Bali

Bali is comprised of several islands: Bali, Penida, Ceningan, Lembongan, and Menjangan. Bali covers an area of 5,632.86 square kilometres with a population of 3,021,247. These averages out to 517 inhabitants per km2.

The Bali strait separated Bali from East Java on the western side. Meanwhile, the Lombok strait on the eastern side separated Bali and Lombok. Administratively, the Province of Bali is divided into 9 districts (8 regencies and 1 municipality), 51 sub districts, 565 villages, and 79 local political districts.

Geographically, Bali is located at 80-30’-40" to 80-50’-48" south of the equator and 1140-25’-53" to 1150-42’-40" east longitude.

Bali's relief and topography have their main features of a mountain range that transverse the island from west to east. Among those mountains are two of significant sizes: Agung ( 3,140 m ) and Batur (1,717 m).

Bali also has four lakes: Beratan (375.6 Ha), Buyan (336 Ha), Tamblingan (11 Ha), and Batur (1,607.5). Rivers, which have their sources on these lakes as well as forests, flow to the southern side of the island. Among these rivers are: Ayung, Ho, Loloan, Pakerisan, Petanu, Pulukan, and Unda.

Bali has a tropical climate, which is influenced by seasonal wind pattern and alternate every six months. There are two seasons: the dry season (April - October) and the wet season (October - April). Temperatures vary from 24 °C to 30.8 °C. Rainfall during the last five years ranged between 893.4 mm and 2,702.6 mm.

Humidity averages are 90 %, during the wet season as high as 100 % and in the dry season around 60 %. (Balibagus)

Weather in Bali

Coastal Areas:
During the wet season in Bali the humidity levels are high, which compounds the slightly higher temperatures. Daily highs could be 32-34C, with lows of 26C. Dry season temperatures feature highs of 29C and lows of 24C. The effect on your experience can be quite dramatic. In the wet season you’ll feel clammy and hot most of the time, while in the dry season mornings and evenings are cool, days being sunny and warm.
The SW part of Bali receives the most rainfall, with the NE coast the least. As you head inland from the coast, climbing in elevation temperatures drop, cloudy skies are more frequent as is precipitation. It never snows in Bali.

Kuta Beach at windy weather

Since Bali is 8 degrees south of the equator, the months of September to March are slightly longer than April to August, dawn coming around 6.25am and sunset around 6.30pm. Proximity to the equator means strong sunlight most of the time. Visitors should remember to bring a sun-hat, sunglasses and sunblock.

During the height of the dry season, June-September, the SW coast, which includes Kuta, Seminyak and western Bukit (Uluwatu, Bingin, Dreamland) gets offshore winds, creating good surfing conditions. Winds are usually at their lowest in the morning, getting stronger in the afternoon. October is a very changeable month as far as wind direction, making the surfing less than perfect. From November through the rest of the wet season . winds are onshore for those locations, meaning the eastern Bukit (Nusa Dua) and SE coast (Sanur, Ketewel, Keramas) are the favoured spots enjoy offshore winds.
Bali gets it rain from storms coming in from the Indian Ocean to the SW. This means that the southern facing mountain slopes of Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung receive the highest amount of rainfall. East Bali gets less rainfall than the western side of the island as does north Bali. Bali’s 4 large mountain lakes (Batur, Bratan, Tamblingan and Buyan) mean most of the island is fed water year round.

Beratan lake, Bedugul, Tabanan

• Highland Areas:
A trip from Kuta to Singaraja on the north coast will take around 3 hours. One will notice after about an hour the clouds overhead and the cooler temperature. Reaching Bedugal in the highlands temperatures will be considerably cooler than at sea level, requiring a sweater / jacket. People travelling by motorbike should expect cool temperatures with increased elevation and failing to bring warmer clothing will leave you shivering. Likewise, a trip to the highlands (Bedugal, Munduk, Kintamani, Batukaru, Gunung Agung) may mean showers even in the dry season.
• July winds:
Visitors to Bali will notice that July is the month the local people fly enormous kites. July is the windiest month of the year, which may make life uncomfortable for some beach goers, on the south coast.
• Wet Season:
The wet season, November to March means some heavy storms, high humidity and temperatures. Ideal clothing for a tourist is a cheap umbrella, sun hat, shorts, t-shirt and sandals / Crocs. Streets can go from being bone dry to having a foot of water in an hour. You may get your feet wet, so pack accordingly. The increased humidity means fungus grows like crazy. Wet jean and shoes will stay wet and smell nasty, before a green fungus starts. Best bet is to bring light clothing that dries easily. Skin can also get affected by fungus in the air, so you might pick up a tube of anti-fungal ointment (Fungiderm) at one of the street-side pharmacies (apoteks).
If renting a motorbike during the wet season be sure to pick up a poncho. These go for a few dollars and do the job. Goretex rain jackets are more of a pain to use, because the storms may not last more than an hour or 2, then you have to carry a soaking jacket around with you. When using a poncho make sure the rear flaps do not become entangled in the rear wheel.

Sekumpul Waterfall in Buleleng

If you are renting a car during the wet season make sure the AC works before you drive off. Also make sure the windows roll all the way up.
• Dry Season:
Most people agree the dry season, especially at its peak (July-October) has the best weather of the year. Cool mornings and evenings at sea-level, clear skies and warm days allow you to maximize your time in comfort. Remember to bring sun protection in the form of a hat, sunglasses, sun hat, sun block and light comfortable clothes.
• AC or Fan?
People from northerly latitudes often prefer cool temperatures. Expats living in Bali for some time tend to get used to the climate in Bali and forget that fact. If you are trying to decide if you need a room with AC or fan at a sea-level location, chances are that between June and October you’ll be okay with just a fan. In higher elevations such as Bedugal, Batukaru, Kintamani you’ll never need AC.

Interesting Places in Bali (Paradise Island) 2

Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah is the bat cave. This cave is crammed with thousands of bats which are unseen but certainly not unheard during the day. The cave is part of a temple that is said to lead all the way to Besakih but it's unlikely that anyone would be interested in investigating.

Kerta Gosa
Kerta Gosa was used a venue for the administration of justice by kings and priests during pre-colonial times. It is surrounded by a moat and is decorated with beautiful paintings on its ceilings, which depict tortures in hell and bliss in heaven.

The Bale Kembang (Floating Pavilion) stands behind the Kerta Gosa. Its painted ceilings depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and his sacrifices, and of Pan and Men Brayut, known as the couple who had too many offspring.

West Bali National Park
West Bali National Park is situated in two regencies: Jembrana and Buleleng. The entrance on the Jembrana side of the park is at Melaya on the Denpasar - Gilimanuk road. Visit this place if you are looking for pristine tropical nature. The park is the last natural habitat of the endangered Jalak Putih, fewer than fifty are believed to be left in the wild, where they are threatened by poaching. The park also home to banteng and deer-like Menjangan. The National Park contains a broad rang of natural environments, from magrove coastal forests to savana and rainforest shelters.

To enter Bali National Park one must go to the park office in Cekik. Accommodation is available in basic huts but you must bring your own bedding and untensils.

Tampak Siring
The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampaksiring. Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water's curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings, and seashell ornaments.

Batubulan
Driving northeast from Denpasar, stone figures on the roadside mark the village of Batubulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshops can be visited to watch artists at work.

Batubulan also is famous for Barong Dance which is performed daily here. The dance symbolizes the never-ending battle between good and evil. The Pura Puseh Batubulan, a beautiful temple, is also worth visiting while in Batubulan.

Celuk
Celuk is center for Balinese goldsmiths and silversmiths. More 40 jewelry workshops are located along the road from Batubulan to Celuk. The jewelries are exported worldwide.

Sukawati
Sukawati is famous for its art market (Pasar Seni) and dalangs (puppeteers). Set in a two-floor building, the market sells everything from statues to dance costumes.

Mas
Mas is famous for woodcarving. Mas offers a myriad of wooden items. The main road of the town is lined with dozens of workshop.

Kuta
Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.

Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Menjangan Island
This little island off Bali's west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself including Terima Bay, are by themselves worth a visit because of the beautiful sceneries they offer.

Nusa Lembongan Island
Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait, is the perfect location for a holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine unspoilt beaches. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear sapphire-blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung.

Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.

Sanur
Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar. The palm-lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a short distance from Denpasar. Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into the night. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves to make it popular for wind surfing, boating and other water sports.

Peliatan Ubud
Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It has been known as the center of traditional music, and dances. The fine art of local woodcarvers started a new style of wood carving producing such things as fruits, flowers and trees in their real shapes and colorings.

Interesting Places in Bali (Paradise Island)

Bali is famous for its culture and beautiful natural view. The culture is so unique and nowhere else to be found in the world. The view is dominated by beautiful rice field terraces, coconuts and rain forest as the main occupation of Balinese is farmer. The culture and the nature have a strong relation with Hindu, their religion. Everywhere you go, you may see many Hindu temples. And their life is also strongly related with and influenced by their religion. This is the reason why Bali is called the Island of God, the Island of Thousand Temples, and the Paradise Island.

Below some interesting places in Bali Island;

Besakih Temple
Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.
To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Besakih Temple - The Mother temple in Bali

Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located beside Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the "Ulun Danu" temple which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good-walks. Boats, water skiing, and parasailing are available for hire. The Bali Handara country club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.

When the heat and humidity gets to you, why not escape to Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 metres above sea level.
Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create a freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruits , vegetables and flowers.

Ulundanu Beratan temple is one of interesting place in Bedugul area

Kintamani
The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.
The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap losmens are available here.

Batur Lake in Kintamani, Bangli

Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.

Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

A spectacular view of Tanah Lot Temple

Denpasar City
The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura Jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.
The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on.

Bali Museum

Ubud Village
The cultural image of Ubud is paramount to people as home to the best art museums in tte country, like Puri Lukisan, Neka Museum, ARMA (Agung Rai Museum & Art), etc. Ubud is an ideal place to see Balinese dance, Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in or aroud the Ubud area.

Ubud gives you opportunity to see real Bali. It is a place for leisurely strolls through rice terraces, lush forests, breath-taking gorges and deserted swimming holes, all within walking distance from the center of Ubud. You must visit Monkey Forest - walk along Monkey Forest Road from Ubud, down into a dense forest where you will find a bunch of happy monkeys waiting for passing tourists.

Goa Gajah Temple
The Elephant cave is carved in to rock face and reached by a flight of steps. It probably dates back to the 9-12th centuries and shows elements of both Hindu and Buddhist. You can enter the cave through the huge mouth of a demon. In front of the cave are two bathing pools with spring water gushing from spouts help by female figures.

A kilometer from Goa Gajah is Yeh Pulu. After a short walk through rice terraces, you will arrive at an ancient rock carving dating from the 14th century. The carving depicts various scenes of everyday life and the figures of elephant-headed Ganesha indicating a close relationship between the two sites.

Uluwatu Temple
South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural marvel situated on headland at the western tip to the plateau. According to local tradition, the first Uluwatu temple was built in the 11th century, In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into its current state. The temple has some of the most exquisite architecture in Bali. The carvings made in the unusually hard coral stone have withstood time well.

Sangeh
Sangeh is the famous Monkey Forest, set in heart of the only primary forest in southern Bali. This forest consists entirely of pala (nutmeg) tree. The monkeys living here are considered sacred and hence used to make barong.

Lovina
Tourists looking for a quiet beach resort can head 10 km west from Singaraja to Lovina, a long stretch of beach (with hotels and bungalows). The black sand beach is safe and a perfect place for the swimming and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing. It is the perfect base from which to explore northern Bali.

Tips - Bali Travel

Bali Tips Travel

The following list has been compiled to help you make the most of your stay in Bali. General things that you should or shouldn't do...

Do...

v be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!

v change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!

v put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).

v drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.

v try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).

v respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!

v haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods.)

v buy 'Immodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.

v have a wonderful holiday!

× Don't ... ×...forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times! ×...swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags. ×...do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service! ×...touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindu’s. ×...enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies! ×...forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot. ×...worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants. ×...forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not! ×..forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 30,000

It is important to also note the following:

• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments
• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed

Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country

Currency The Rupiah. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Currency Converter

Bali Time Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

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 adaptor for your appliance.

Getting Around You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.

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.

Tips Travelling to Bali

Bali Travel Tips

Do and dont travelling to Bali

Bali best travel

The Map of Bali

Bali Map

Here is the map op Bali.









Bali Map
Denpasar Map
Kuta Map
Sanur Map
Singaraja Map