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BALI TODAY - Continually Updated Insider's Guide to the "Ultimate" Island
For many years the island of Bali in Indonesia has been voted the "best vacation destination" by the readers of many reputable travel magazines.
This guide is not for bargain hunters but for discriminating travelers looking for the very best this island has to offer. The joy of saving a few dollars is very short-lived compared to memories you may have of a spoiled vacation.
You find up-to-date and down-to-earth information on Bali as a destination, weather, Visa & Customs regulations, money matters, prices and costs, how to get around, what to see and do (and what to avoid), shopping, food and the best restaurants, nightlife, hotels and recommended private villas, and how to get married in Bali.
A special single column version is available to be used on smart phones able to read Adobe pdf documents such as the iPhone, Blackberry, etc. Active links make it easy to navigate within the guide and to access external websites.
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| Help save the Bali Starling! |
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| Fund collecting in progress... |
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| The Bali Starling, known locally as "Jalak Bali", is a rare bird endemic to Bali Island. Both sexes of the species have white plumage with black tips on the wings and tail. The bird also has grey legs, a yellow bill and bare patches of blue skin around its eyes. According to The IUCN Red List, the Bali Starling is critically endangered. Its decline towards extinction has been caused by the destruction of its habitat for agriculture and urbanisation, as well as trapping for the illegal pet trade. |
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| What's an a4trip guidebook? |
| An a4trip guidebook is a travel guide that'll provide you with the information you'll need to plan your trip and to find your way around. Our guidebooks are downloadable in PDF format, and are designed to be so compact, you can take it with you everywhere you go. |
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| How can I pay for a guidebook? |
| We accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only) and Discover (USA only) via PayPal. Your transaction will appear as 'PAYPAL*A4TRIP' on your credit card statement. |
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| Help! Why can't I download the guidebook? |
| Don't worry, just get in touch with us and we'll deliver the guidebook right to your inbox. |
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| Just how often do you update your guidebooks? |
| We try to update our guidebooks at least once a month. |
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| Have more questions about a4trip? |
| Just Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you. |
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Bali is an Indonesian island situated between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Its breathtaking beauty makes it one of the most, if not the most popular tourist destination in the country. Its distinctive and rich heritage is strongly influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures, and although the island once had a Portuguese and Dutch presence, colonialism didn't quite take off here, as it did in other parts of Indonesia.
The island's natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches, coral reefs, picturesque rice terraces, majestic active volcanoes, mysterious caves and lush tropical rainforests. It is also home to a menagerie of exotic wildlife, which is why the Bali Barat National Park was established. Popular activities in Bali include: jungle trekking, cave exploring, yachting, scuba diving and surfing. There are also quite a number of relaxing cruises on offer. Due to its varied landscape, the island's modes of transportation include cars, buses, bikes, boats and sea planes.
As a resort island, Bali remains very much alive after dark. Reportedly, 'partying' begins at around 1.00 a.m., and the most popular spots for night owls are Sanur, Kuta and Ubud, where the discos and bars are concentrated. But, for most visitors, Bali's appeal lies in its diverse and sophisticated culture, which includes stunning temples and palaces, gamelan music and traditional dances inspired by Hindu epics like the Ramayana. Balinese artisans are particularly renowned for their decorative paintings, stone sculptures, woodcarvings, silverware and textiles. The island's unique heritage is well preserved, particularly in museums like the Agung Rai Museum of Art, the Neka Art Museum and the Puri Lukisan Museum.
In Bali, you can have a tasty meal for very little, as there are many warungs or food stalls to choose from. However, there are also many top restaurants serving all kinds of Indonesian favourites, seafood and international fare. If you happen to be craving fast food, have no fear, as a fried chicken, burger or pizza outlet will be easy enough to find. Tourists have the option of staying in luxury hotels like the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton or The Oberoi or to settle for more humble alternatives. However, seasoned travelers would say that private villas are the best option, as they offer more space, personalised service, privacy and total relaxation.
Bali is also a place for spectacular bargains, with many stalls selling their wares right on the beach. Almost every part of Bali has its own traditional market, like the Kumbasari Market at Denpasar, the Kuta Art Market and the market at Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur. Popular items include clothing, handicrafts, modern artwork, leather goods, surf boards, puppets and silver jewellery. If you dislike the hassle of dealing with street vendors, head on to departmental stores like Jl Gajah Mada or Galeria Nusa Dua. There are also several duty free shopping outlets that sell a wide range of designer labels.
To get to Bali, look for listings under 'Denpasar', its provincial capital. Bali's international Ngurah Rai Airport is located just 15 to 30 minutes by car from Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Visas to Bali can be obtained by post or in person at Indonesian embassies or consulates. Some visitors have the option of getting their Visas upon arrival. The fee will depend on the type of Visa, but a single-entry Visa on arrival will generally cost around USD25 for 30 days and USD10 for 7 days. Visitors from Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam do not require Visas for short visits.
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