Republic of Indonesia

The largest archipelago in the world, comprising more than 17,000 tropical islands, fringed with white sandy beaches. Straddling the equator, Indonesia is positioned between the Asian and Australian continents. The tropical climate and unique geographical characteristics have provided shelter for flora and fauna that are as diversely rich as the land and people. The Indonesia’s cities are in constant state of urban evolution, while concealing a wealth of cultures and naturalelandscapes. Its capital city is Jakarta.

Bali – 8th QS-APPLE Host City

Bali is one of the many thousands of islands that together constitute the Republic of Indonesia. It is well known as "the world’s best island resort" with enchanting culture, beaches, dynamic traditional dances and music. Because of its unique features, Bali has become a primary destination for tourists who have chosen to travel to the Asian tropics from all over the world.

Useful Information

Language
Balinese and Bahasa Indonesia are widely spoken, while English is a common third language.

Religion
About 92% of Balinese are Hindus, while the rest are Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.

Weather
Tropical monsoon climate, with pleasant day temperatures of between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The wet season runs from November to March.

Currency
The Rupiah (Rp) notes come in denominations of Rp 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000, while coins are in Rp 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.

Credit card
Majority of credit cards are accepted by most hotels, including their bars, restaurants and shops, along with American-dollar travellers cheque.

Time
Jakarta is seven hours ahead of GMT and Bali is eight hours ahead.

Calling code
+62 (Indonesia)

Business hours
Business hours are flexible, depending on many factors. Banks are open on Monday to Friday 0800- 1200 and Saturday 0800-1100, while moneychangers in the tourist centres and at bank windows at the airport open till as late as 2100.

The shops operate from 0900 to 1800 or later six days a week, while shopping arcades remain open till 2100.

Tipping
Most hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill on top of the 10% tax. In restaurants where service charge is not added, a tip of 5% to 10% on the bill will be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment.

Local transport
Due to its size, it is not difficult to get around Bali by various modes of transportation, from the traditional to the modern. Taxi is the most efficient and convenient option. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, whether chartered or metered.

Electricity
Bali’s electricity power supply operates at 220V/50Hz.

Getting there
The Ngurah Rai International Airport is the prime international airport in Denpasar, capital of Bali. A valid passport and accurate visa details will ensure a problem-free entry into the country.

Passport/visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six 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 requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Visa is not required for nationals from Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Nationals from the following 64 countries are required and eligible for visa-on-arrival, which costs US$25 per person for a stay of up to 30 days.

You may find the information at http://www.balitourismboard.org/immigration.html .

Other visitors must apply for visa at Indonesian embassies or consulates in their countries. You can find their contact details at http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Information/Indonesian-Embassy.htm . In addition, the visa cannot be replaced with any other immigration letters. It is to be administered by a visa officer in the presence of the applicant concerned.

Airport tax
Visitors flying out of Indonesia pay the international airport tax of Rp 150,000, while those departing for a local destination pays the domestic airport tax of Rp 50,000.