Welcome to Bali
Bali has been a must visit destination for Aussies for a long time and is opening up again to welcome tourists back but if like me and you have never been before, perhaps this could be your opportunity to see what all the fuss is about! I decided to experience this island for the first time in January and I spent 10 sun & fun-filled days in Seminyak and Nusa Dua. It was a wonderful holiday and I came back truly refreshed and revitalised.
I came up with some tips for the first-time traveller to Bali and this is what I found really helped me to have an enjoyable and safe holiday:-
You need to be fully vaccinated to travel to Bali (you don't need all the booster shots but the original 2 vaccinations are mandatory) You need to show a valid International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate, which is different to the vaccination certificate that most of us have been using domestically, so be sure to download prior to travel. You can find information on this
here.
You do need a visa to enter Bali. You can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) and all the details for this
are here.
It's a good idea to take your own Band-aids - don't let a blister spoil your walking adventures, panadol/preferred headache tablets, Imodium & Electrolytes (in case you eat/drink something that upsets your stomach!)
Bring your own water bottle. This is very handy to take wherever you go. Fill only with bottled water. It's a good idea to buy some bottled water when you arrive and refill your own bottle. Most hotels supply complimentary water but it depends where you stay. In one hotel we had 4 bottles and in another only 2.
You need to use bottled water when brushing your teeth and cleaning your toothbrush, don't use tap water for anything, including rinsing out glasses/cups.
Hand sanitiser, tissues and wipes. Keep these packed in your day backpack or handbag.
Visiting Outer Islands like Nusa Penida
If you visit any of the islands, you need to take your own toilet paper! They don't have any at the ferry departure/arrival terminals and you need to pay to use the toilets on the island (you will be given toilet paper/tissue) so be sure to take smaller Indonesian Rupiah notes like 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 to use toilets on the island. This island has magnificent views and natural beauty. It's rugged in areas but very interesting.
Nusa Penida
Take a beach bag for when you go to the pool/beach and a good supply of sunscreen because you will apply more over there than what you do here and perhaps an aloe vera after-sun gel in case of sunburn. Also, a good idea is to pack your own beach towel - tesalate or similar that are not bulky. You will get towels from the hotel for the pool, but if you travel to an island, other beach or water park, you will need your own towel. If you stay at any of the larger hotels/resorts, you can ask at reception to borrow a towel to be taken from the resort,( it's not best practice to just take a hotel towel) for your excursion and staff will be very accommodating to your request.
Life Really is a beach in Bali
One of many infinity pools in Bali
Lightweight cotton, loose-fitting clothes are ideal - something that won't stick to your skin because it's quite humid and hot. Remember, appropriate clothes are needed when entering sacred grounds and temples.
Don't forget them!
Whilst most Balinese speak English, it is always nice when travelling to another country to be able to share their language and usually the basics of hello, good morning and thank you will be most appreciated, so give these a go and enjoy the interaction:-
Hello, how are you? - Halo, apa kabar?
Good morning - Selamat pagi
Thank you - Terima kasih
See You - Sampai jumpa
Yes - Iya
No - Tidak
It is polite to use your right hand to hand over something to somebody.
And whilst walking around Bali, you will see small palm leaf baskets, filled with rice, colourful flowers, food and incense - which are offerings known as Canang, scattered in front of every entrance door of houses, temples or shops. Avoid stepping on these as they are sacred.
Canang - Offerings
You can be as active or inactive as you like in Bali! There are beautiful places to visit, so get your passport out, dust off your travel luggage and make some plans.
This website is a good starting point
Photo Opportunity
