Emergency Info

For those of you who like to be prepared we have listed some important numbers in case of an emergency. All numbers are local. To dial from overseas, first dial your international access code then 62 for Indonesia then 361 for Bali.

Office	Dial
Police	110
Fire Dept	113
Ambulance	118
Search & Rescue	111 / 115

There are police stations called Resort Polisi in every major town. A special tourist police force has been formed. In case you lost your passport or other document(s), report its loss immediately to the nearest police station and ask for a letter of reported theft/loss. Without this letter, required negotiations with immigration can be difficult. New passports or letters of travel can be obtained through consuls or embassies.

Visa Guide for Bali and Indonesia

Visa Guide for Bali and Indonesia

Visa-Free Short Visit 11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge: 1. Brunei Darussalam 2. Chile 3. Hong Kong SAR 4. Macau SAR 5. Malaysia 6. Morocco 7. Peru 8. Philippines 9. Thailand 10. Vietnam 11. Singapore The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit: 1. Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above. 2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia. 3. Onward or return tickets are compulsory. 4. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an ?international gateway? by the Indonesian Immigration department Visa on Arrival (VOA) Facility In conjunction with the revision of the visa policy, the Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights has issued and signed a revise decree no. M.02-IZ.01/2007, on 28th May 2007, effective from 5th July 2007, stating that Nationals of the following countries can now apply for their Transit (7 days maximum stay) and/or Tourist visa upon arrival at any of the 14 airports and 23 seaports designated as ?international gateways? in Indonesia for a maximum visit of 30 days. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa. 63 Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a ?visa on arrival (VOA):? Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival: 1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above. 2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia. 3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required. 4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory. 5. Visitors must enter through the following airports and seaports in Indonesia. There are 14 (fourteen) Airport and 23 (twenty three) Seaport across Indonesia that has the VOA facilities. Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa. Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days. Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of Rp. 25 million Tourist Visa Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy aboard. Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.

Visa Issued on Approval All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling. The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia. 1. Afghanistan 2. Albania 3. Angola 4. Bangladesh 5. Cameroon 6. Cuba 7. Etiop?a 8. Ghana 9. Iraq 10. Israel 11. Nigeria 12. North Korea 13. Pakistan 14. Somalia 15. Sri Lanka 16. Tanzania Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors There are several other classes of visas available to visitors to Indonesia: Business Visa - This visa is given by an Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia. This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration. Social-Cultural Visa - This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia. The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration. Employment Visa - This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia. Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) - This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period. NOTICE: The information supplied was believed correct and current at the time of publication. When in doubt or if you have questions, we strongly suggest that you contact the travel company making your travel arrangement or you?re nearest Indonesian Embassy.

Arrival information to Bali

Arrival information to Bali

By Air Traveling to this exotic island in the sun can be made with ease with daily flights to and from the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia. Most of the International Airlines fly to Singapore first as the nearest foreign airport and it only takes a two and a half hour flight from Singapore to reach Bali. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta receives direct international flight connections from Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Brunei, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Guam, Honolulu, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Munich, Nagoya, Osaka, Paris, Perth, Rome, Seoul,Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Vienna, and Zurich. Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport is one of Indonesia's main tourist gateways and is served by the national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, on its internatinal and domestic routes as well as by 12 international airlines on scheduled services and charters. Ngurah Rai International Airport is situated in the south of the island, not far from the resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur.

By road or rail from Java Land transport from Java, both rail and road, stops at Banyuwangi from where a ferry service operates 24 hours a day, bringing cars and passengers across the Straits to Gilimanuk in Bali. Buses carry passengers from Gilimanuk to Denpasar. Java - Bali overland packages are available. By sea Two of Bali's four sea ports are used by international cruise ships and yachts. Benoa is a small port relatively close to the airport, while Padangbai is used by larger and luxury cruise ships. A ferry service runs twice daily from Lombok's port of Lembar to Padangbai and a hydrofoil service operates from Benoa harbour to Lembar. On the north coast, the harbour of Singaraja is used by Bugis schooners and smaller craft serving the lines between Java and north Bali.

History of Bali

Bali has been inhabited since early prehistoric times firstly by descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated through mainland Asia to the Indonesian archipelago, thought to have first settled in Bali around 3000 BC. Stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island's west. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, and particularly Sanskrit, culture, in a process beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Balidwipa has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong charter issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD and mentioning Walidwipa. It was during this time that the complex irrigation system subak was developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293?1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declined, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests and musicians from Java to Bali in the 15th century. The First European contact with Bali is thought to have been when Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman arrived in 1597, though a Portuguese ship had foundered off the Bukit Peninsula as early as 1585. Dutch rule over Bali came later, was more aggressively fought for, and they were never ultimately able to establish themselves as they had in other parts of Indonesia such as Java and Maluku. In the 1840s, the Dutch mounted large naval and ground assaults first against the Sanur region and then Denpasar. The Balinese were hopelessly overwhelmed in number and armament, but rather than face the humiliation of surrender, they mounted a final defensive but suicidal assault, or puputan. Despite Dutch demands for surrender, an estimated 4,000 Balinese marched to their death against the invaders. Japan occupied Bali during World War II. Following Japan's Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, immediately to reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. This was resisted by the Balinese rebels now using Japanese weapons.

On 20 November 1946, the Battle of Marga was fought in Tabanan. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, 29 years old, finally rallied his forces at Marga Rana, where they made a suicide attack on the heavily armed Dutch. The Balinese battalion was entirely wiped out, breaking the last thread of Balinese military resistance. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly-proclaimed Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali was included in the ??Republic of the United States of Indonesia?? when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence on Dec. 29, 1949. In 1950 Bali officially renounced the Dutch union and legally became a province within the Republic of Indonesia. The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung killed thousands, created economic havoc and forced many displaced Balinese to be transmigrated to other parts of Indonesia. In 1965, after a failed coup d'etat in Jakarta against the national government of Indonesia. Bali, along with other regions of Indonesia most notably Java, was the scene of widespread killings of (often falsely-accused) members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) by right-wing General Soeharto-sponsored militias. Possibly more than 100,000 Balinese were killed although the exact numbers are unknown to date and the events remain legally undisclosed. Many unmarked but well known mass graves of victims are located around the island. On October 12, 2002, a car bomb attack in the tourist resort of Kuta killed 202 people, largely foreign tourists and injured a further 209. Further bombings occurred three years later in Kuta and nearby Jimbaran Bay.

Geography of Bali

Geography of Bali

Bali is an Indonesian island located at 8°25'23"S, 115°14'55"E, the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of 33 provinces of Indonesia with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km wide and 112 km north to south (95 by 69 miles, respectively), with a surface area of 5,632 km². The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) above asea level, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Mount Batur (1,717 m) is also still active. About 30,000 years ago it experienced a catastrophic eruption - one of the largest known volcanic events on Earth. Bali consists on some islands like: the island of Bali, the island of Nusa Penida, the island of Nusa Ceningan, the island of Nusa Lembongan, the island of Nusa Serangan and the island of Menjangan. All of these islands are Bali (province of Bali).

In the south the land descends to form an alluvial plain, watered by shallow rivers, drier in the dry season and overflowing during periods of heavy rain. The principal cities are the northern port of Singaraja, the former colonial capital of Bali, and the present provincial capital and largest city, Denpasar, near the southern coast. The town of Ubud (north of Denpasar), with its art market, museums and galleries, is arguably the cultural center of Bali. There are major coastal roads and roads that cross the island mainly north-south. Due to the mountainous terrain in the island's center, the roads tend to follow the crests of the ridges across the mountains. There are no railway lines. The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west black sand. The beach town of Padangbai in the south east has both: the main beach and the secret beach have white sand and the south beach and the blue lagoon have much darker sand. Pasut Beach, near Ho River and Pura Segara, is a quiet beach 14 km southwest of Tabanan. The Ho River is navigable by small sampan. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot, this is not yet a tourist area.

	: : Kuta : : Once a small, sleepy, hard scrabble fishing village Kuta woke up and smelled the money. This is Bali's premier beach area. You will either love the excitement of this unique and dynamic area where East meets West or not because of the noise and ever present street hawkers. Kuta today often refers to the entire area of what is really three separate villages (Kuta, Legian and Tuban) and is the main entertainment area for tourists - especially famous (and justly so) for its nightlife. Kuta started to develop after it was "discovered" by Western surfers and backpackers some 40 years ago. As such Kuta still has a lot of inexpensive - but good - accommodation. Same goes for the restaurants and shops. However that being said, Kuta also has it share of fine, family oriented 3, 4 & 5 star hotels with many establishments being renovated and moving upscale. FYI, in order to remain objective, hotels are listed in alphabetical order. We don't favor any hotel for any reason. Preferred Star Hotels in Kuta Bali Rates inclusive of 21% Gov't tax and service charge. No hidden charges. $ = US Dollars / Rp. = Indonesian Rupiah    Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort  4 star / 80 rooms / Rating: 7.9 (9 reviews)   Rates: Alam US$ 65.00 / Family US$ 90.00 Long a favorite for bringing the Balinese way of life into an intimate and charming setting, the Alam Kul Kul continues to set the pace with today's discerning travelers. Contemporary Balinese design together with professional and courteous service and a unbeatable location make the Alam Kul Kul a fine choice.    Barong Hotel Kuta  2 star / 98 rooms / Rating: 7.5 (46 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 31.00  (include breakfast) Tucked away on Jalan Segara Batu Bolong in the midst of Bali's famous Kuta Beach, The Barong Hotel, one of Kuta's favourite hotels offers excellent accommodation for today's value traveler.    Bounty Hotel Kuta  3 star / 166 rooms / Rating: 7.4 (23 reviews)   Rates: Standard IDR 375,000 / Superior IDR 475,000  (include breakfast) The Bounty Hotel, situated in the heart of Kuta, is one of Bali's most popular hotels. Ideally located on Jl. Poppies II between the beach and Kuta's best night spots. The Bounty Hotel puts you in the center of Kuta's nightlife at very reasonable rates. Good value for money.    Champlung Mas Hotel  2 star / 70 rooms / Rating: 7.9 (12 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 27.00 / Superior US$ 35.00  (include breakfast) Located in the very heart of Kuta just 20 minutes drive from the airport and surrounded by shops, restaurants, nightspots and just a few metres from Legian's attractive white sand beach and popular surfing spots the Champlung Mas Hotel offers 70 clean, comfortable and spacious guestrooms at down to earth rates. With good value for money, Champlung Mas is a good choice for a fun filled holiday.    Dewi Sri Cottage Kuta  2 star / 58 rooms / Rating: 7.7 (33 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 31.00  (include breakfast) Situated at the end of Gg. Troposone, just off Jl. Legian (about 500 metres) the Dewi Sri is the perfect blend of being in the middle of Kuta's nightlife and tucked away at the end of a quiet alley. A sister hotel of the ever popular Barong Hotel - you'll find the same great money for value services and facilities as at all Bounty Group properties.    Ida Hotel Bali  1 star / 64 rooms / Rating: 7.9 (26 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 27.00  (include breakfast) A tranquil oasis in the midst of bustling Kuta, Ida Hotel is set in a lovely tropical garden. Just a quick stroll to Kuta's white sand beach and surrounded by great shopping, dining and night spots, the Ida Hotel Kuta Bali puts visitors in the centre of Kuta with good, clean rooms at good value for money rates that is well suited for the budget conscious traveler.    Inna Kuta Beach Hotel  4 star / 137 rooms / Rating: 7.6 (32 reviews)   Rates: Superior US$ 65.00 / Standard Bglw US$ 70.00  (include breakfast) Formerly the Natour Kuta Beach, with premier beachfront location in the heart of Bali's famous resort area, Inna Kuta Beach Hotel is located across the street from the Hard Rock Beach Club Hotel & Hard Rock Cafe and just steps from the several shopping sites.    Kuta Beach Club Hotel  3 star / 100 rooms / Rating: 7.7 (22 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 42.00 / Bungalow US$ 57.00  (include breakfast) Situated in the heart of Kuta's bustling restaurant, entertainment and shopping district and just a short stroll from Kuta Beach, the Art Market, Water Bom Park and Hard Rock Cafe the Kuta Beach Club Hotel is in the ideal location to explore Kuta and offers excellent value for money.    Kuta Lagoon Resort  3 star / 72 rooms / Rating: 8.3 (21 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 40.00 / Deluxe US$ 50.00  (include breakfast) Situated in the heart of Kuta, at the end of a narrow lane that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, the Kuta Lagoon Resort (formerly the Kuta Legian Village) is a small oasis of tropical tranquility where simple yet clean and comfortable accommodation at a very affordable rate awaits.    Kuta Seaview Cottage  4 star / 79 rooms / Rating: 8.1 (64 reviews)   Rates: Superior Twin US$ 75.00 / Superior Seaview US$ 80.00  (include breakfast) Situated directly across from Kuta Beach with a backdrop of pounding surf and magnificent sunsets, the Kuta Seaview is conviently located between Jl. Poppies I & II making access around Kuta fast and easy. Guest rooms are comfortable, clean and well appointed.    Mercure Kuta Bali  4 star / 130 rooms / Rating: 7.4 (18 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 78.00 / Superior US$ 88.00 Set directly across from world famous Kuta Beach and smack in the centre of the beach scene, the Mercure Kuta Bali Hotel's contemporary design takes full advantage of the stunning ocean views and memorable sunsets. Incorporating the best of traditional Bali with a modern flair the Mercure Kuta Bali puts you on Kuta Beach in style and comfort.    Ramayana Resort & Spa  4 star / 217 rooms / Rating: 8.0 (44 reviews)   Rates: Superior US$ 75.00 / Deluxe US$ 85.00  (include breakfast) It's hard to say enough about the Ramayana Hotel. One of Kuta's all time favourite hotels, Ramayana just keeps getting better with time. Location couldn't be better, smack in the heart of Kuta and near the family attractions in Tuban and with a recent renovation the hotel offers 4 star facilities at very reasonable rate. All in all, excellent value for money.    The Oasis Hotel Kuta  3 star / 70 rooms / Rating: 6.9 (20 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 44.00  (include breakfast) Located in the heart of Kuta on Jl. Bakung Sari only minutes from the Airport and just down the street from the Hard Rock, The Oasis Hotel Kuta is ideal for budget conscious travelers looking for a contemporary setting and environment.    White Rose Hotel & Spa Bali  4 star / 144 rooms / Rating: 7.8 (7 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 65.00 / Deluxe US$ 75.00  (include breakfast) An oasis of tranquility smack in the heart of Kuta, the White Rose Hotel puts you within walking distance of all the attractions of Kuta's famous beach scene. The hotel's generous sized rooms and four star rating combined with reasonable rates make it one of Kuta's favorite hotels.   Preferred Melati Hotels in Kuta Bali    Bali Sorgawi Hotel  3 melati / 26 rooms / Rating: 7.7 (27 reviews)   Rates: Standard Room IDR 250,000 / Deluxe Room IDR 300,000  (include breakfast) Even though it is in the heart of Kuta, it takes a bit of looking to find the Bali Sorgawi with its location at the far end of a private drive. But the search is well worth it for budget conscious travelers looking for safe, clean and affordable accommodation within walking distance to innumerable shops, restaurants, nightclubs and of course, Kuta Beach. Small and cosy with only 26 rooms , the hotel is surprisingly full featured. Excellent value for money is on offer at Bali Sorgawi.    Balisandy Cottages  3 melati / 37 rooms / Rating: 7.5 (20 reviews)   Rates: Superior IDR 300,000 / Deluxe IDR 325,000  (include breakfast) Situated at the end of a quiet lane just off popular Poppies Lane II, the Balisandy Cottages is an easy hotel to overlook and that is unfortunate as the Balisandy Cottages offers some of the best value for money accommodation in the centre of Kuta. Although simply furnished, guestrooms are very spacious for a budget hotel and clean as a whistle. And being small hotel with only 37 guestrooms, the Balisandy Cottages is able to offer friendly and personalised service larger hotel hotels just can't match. Those looking for a comfortable secure accommodation at extremely attractive rates will be hard pressed to do better than the Balisandy Cottages.    Bamboo Bed & Breakfast  2 melati / 7 rooms / Rating: 8.2 (7 reviews)   Rates: Twin - Private US$ 29.00 / Triple - Share US$ 33.00  (include breakfast) Situated along Jalan Legian in the heart of Kuta/Legain shopping and entertainment district is the Bamboo Legian. With its distinct and modern design, the Bamboo Legian offers true european style bed and breakfast accommodation at very attractive rates for today's dynamic international traveler. Small and personal with only seven rooms available, the Bamboo Legian is a cosy alternative for those looking for simple accommodation in a stylish setting.    Legian Express Hotel  3 melati / 23 rooms / Rating: 6.7 (21 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 23.00 / Cottage US$ 27.00  (include breakfast) Ideal for anyone looking for value for money accommodation in Kuta. Situated in the heart of Kuta directly on Jl. Legian, The Legian Express Hotel offers unparalleled access to all the shopping, surfing, restaurants and nightlife for which Kuta is so famous.    Restu Bali Hotel  3 melati / 50 rooms / Rating: 7.9 (10 reviews)   Rates: Standard US$ 32.00 / Superior US$ 39.00  (include breakfast) With it's unbeatable location along Jl. Raya Kuta, smack in the heart of Kuta - the Restu Bali Hotel is within walking distance to just about everywhere. The areas best shops, restaurants and nightclubs are at your doorstep. Even so, the hotel is set back off the street, a quiet oasis with rooms that are clean, fresh and comfortable. And the service is warm and friendly treating each guest like family making the Restu Bali Hotel one of Kuta's better values.    Simpang Inn Kuta Bali  3 melati / 60 rooms / Rating: 6.8 (11 reviews)   Rates: Economy IDR 210,000 / Standard IDR 245,000  (include breakfast) Surrounded by shops, restaurants and nightclubs and just a minutes from Kuta Beach the Simpang Inn is within easy walking distance to all the fun in Kuta. A small family owned hotel known for its friendly service and clean accommodation, Simpang Inn puts guests in the heart of Kuta at reasonable down to earth rates.    Yulia Beach Inn Kuta  2 melati / 47 rooms / Rating: 7.5 (15 reviews)   Rates: Superior US$ 30.00 / Bungalow US$ 33.00  (include breakfast) Welcoming guests since 1972, the Yulia Beach Inn has a well deserved reputation as one of Bali's premier value for money hotels. Ideally located in the heart of Kuta just down the street from Kuta beach the hotel is smack in the heart of all Kuta's attractions and entertainment options, shops and restaurants. As a family run hotel you can be assured of friendly Balinese service and clean, well maintained rooms at rock bottom rates.