Bali Trip Preparation
Taking a trip to Bali can be a daunting task. There's a lot to do if you want to be prepared adequately. Even so, some people we know quickly throw everything in a backpack and take off. It's your choice, but we always rest easier the night before if we've prepared well.
Bali Preparation Check List
These are some things we always make sure to do before leaving for Bali (as of 2010):
• Passport Acquisition or Renewal (& Visas)
• International Drivers License
• Research Bali
• Decide on Time of Year
• Decide on Locations
• Get Vaccinations for Diseases
• Find Accommodations
• Get Surfboards Ready
• Prepare Money
• Pack - Checklist
This is what we do each time. Everyone is different, so take from this what you will. Everything is written in 2010 and may change at later dates. Please research more for yourself if you feel this is out dated.
Passports and Visas
First off, as of the time of this publishing (2010), Americans can get a tourist visa for around $25 USD. They are given at arrival to the airport. You will also need a small amount of money to leave (around $10 USD for departure tax.) Countries other than the USA may need to get a different Visa.
Passports, on the other hand, are mandatory. Make sure it's up to date before you do anything else. Realizing that it has expired can be an ugly surprise. Also, make sure it's valid for at least 6 months after you leave.
International Drivers License
If you want to drive a moped or a car in Indonesia, we highly suggest getting an international Drivers License. You can get one for around $15 USD plus a little extra for postage through AAA. You don't have to be a member either.
This is important because if you do get pulled over, you will get a ticket that will most likely out weight the small 15-20 dollar cost. If you get in an accident, you're in a little better of a place too, though not great. If it's your fault, you're screwed. You better be ready to shell out cash. Not Fun.
We suggest renting cars with drivers. You can negotiate for pretty good rates. You shouldn't be paying more than $40-50 USD for the entire group for a full day of driving around. This includes gas, the driver, any tolls, and a full day. It's best to get a van with a small group for the day; You save money and take on none of the liability.
Research Bali
Well, you've started in a good place. Keep looking around on the web, but also go out and buy some guidebooks. Some Bali Guidebooks we suggest are:
• Surfing Indonesia - A Search for the World's Most Perfect Waves
(Periplus Action Guides)
This one is a must for surfers. It breaks down all the well-known surf spots in detail.
• Bali & Lombok
(Insight Guides by Discovery Channel)
An excellent guidebook on Bali. It even comes with a fold out map.
• Indonesia - A Quick Guide TO Customs & Etiquette
(Culture Smart!)
A quick little read that will better acquaint you with traditions and customs.
• Bali - The Island of the Gods
(Periplus Guide to Bali)
We got more out of the Discovery Channel book, but this one is more in-depth as far as history and culture.
What Time of Year for Bali?
This is entirely up to your preferences. If you want less tourism, go in the rainy season from October to April. Keep in mind that with rain comes a lot of humidity. The most rain comes between December and February.
If you want better surf and better weather, go in the dry season between May and September. You may still get rainfall, but the weather will be better. The waves will also be better, and with the waves come the crowds.
Where in Bali to Go?
Before you finish preparations, you should decide where you want to go. Most people stick to the southern portion of the island. If you plan on going North or inland, you may need to get different vaccines and pills. You also may need to prepare for cooler climates at higher altitudes and much wetter areas.
At least loosely research and look into the areas that appeal to you. This way to can better prepare yourself. Check out the Bali Map.
Bali Diseases - What Vaccinations do I need?
Though Typhoid and Malaria occur on Bali as well as on the outer islands, they are less common afflictions in the southern areas of Bali. Dengue Fever is also a problem, but again, it is less likely in the south. (Though we do personally know of at least 1 person that got it in the South.)
We highly recommend that you get the following:
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
• Tdap - Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
Other diseases to be aware of and possibly get vaccines for:
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Tuberculosis
• Dengue Fever
• Avian influenza - Bird Flu
• Herpes B (Monkey Bites)
• Rabies (Monkey and Dog Bites)
It's also advisable to see your doctor for some powerful anit-diarrheal pills. Also, if you can get drops for ear infections, you'd be better off bringing them.
Bali Accommodations
You can find accommodations in Bali without booking ahead of time (especially off season), but we don't recommend it. Sometimes you'll stumble on an amazing deal at a place that no one has heard of, but having places lined up before hand makes for less stress. See our Bali Accommodations.
Surfboards and Equipment
You're going to want to make sure you're equipped with the right boards. Make sure you have a rash guard, extra leash, plenty of wax, sunblock (they charge an arm and a leg for it), reef booties, earplugs and fins. Board shorts should be packed, but keep in mind that you can buy them in Bali for near to nothing.
MONEY
We suggest hitting up the ATM at the airport for enough money to get you in a cab and to your hotel. You can find better places to exchange money in towns. Ask around for the best rate. Also, keep in mind that bigger bills get a better exchange rate. We suggest going to your local bank and grabbing some large currency to exchange later. Credit Cards are accepted in a lot of locations, but not everywhere. You'll need the local Rupiah for cabs, local vendors, and much more. Break your big Rupiah bills as much as possible. The locals seem to NEVER have change.
Many people suggest traveler's checks. We personally have had nothing but hassle in foreign countries with Traveler's checks. Theft is not a very popular thing with the Hindu people of Bali. Though, you should still be cautious. Do what you want, but we don't use Traveler's Checks. If you're really freaked out about theft, get an American Express and use your ATM card.
Some places, like Nusa Lembongan, are notorious for not having easy access to money, so bring rupiah to these places.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that all of your bills are paid or on autopay, and also call your bank and credit card company to tell them where you're going and when. Otherwise, you may have your card declined in a foreign country. Don't forget to tell them about connecting flights and layovers.
Pack Up and Go!
Make sure to start your packing checklist early on, so that as you think of things you can add them. This is an example of a standard Bali Travel Checklist:
Unlocked Cell Phones
Passports
Padi Dive Cards
Paper copies of passport, credit cards, drivers license. (Keep in different place)
International Driver Licenses
Little calculator with current exchange rate written on back
Light Poncho
First aid kit (hydrogen peroxide, aloe, bandaides, duct tape, sunscreen, mosquito spray, advil, excedrin)
plug adapters (small)
info books - Guide books on waves, customs, maps, etc...
snacks for plane
sleeping pills
vitamins
voltage plug adapter
little music player
movies for plane
socks for plane
computer
bathing suites
hat
curling iron
blow dryer
camera/video camera (lenses, memory cards, flash, flash batteries, cam batteries, tripod, adapter)
socks
books
bathroom (tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, brush, shampoo, conditioner, floss, soap, comb)
wash clothes
music
sandals
moneybelt
Clothes (sweatshirt, t-shirts, shorts, one pair of pants)
trunks
surfboard
surfboard bags
wax, leash, rash guard, reef booties, fins, fix kit, etc...
video camera
medications
Itinerary / Flight Info / Hotel Info