So, you’ve chosen to head to Bali for your next vacation. Traveling abroad requires a fair bit of pre-planning. But don’t worry. At SOTC, we’ve done the prep work already and this step-by-step guide will take you through all the essentials of planning the perfect Bali vacation.

From two weeks to right up to a few days before your trip, we have got all the bases covered. 

Two Weeks Prior to your Bali Trip

Here are some questions you may have before you head on to that fun trip in Bali:

What Are The Important Documents Required To Travel Abroad?

• Visa - If your visit is under 30 days, then you don’t need a visa since Indians are exempted. There are a few mandatory requirements:
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Bali
• Ensure there are a few blank pages for the visa stamp at arrival
• If your visit is between 30-60 days then you are eligible for Visa on Arrival at the immigration hall.
• Passport – with at least 6 months validity and enough blank pages for your visa stamp.

What Do I Pack?

• Swimming gear and sarong
• Waterproof phone case
• Affordable underwater camera
• Slip-on mesh water shoes
• Mosquito repellent
• First-aid kit with motion sickness medicine
• Comfortable light clothing
• Some munchies to snack on

What Is The Maximum Luggage Allowed By Airlines?

• Your checked-in luggage should not exceed 23 kgs. 
• You are allowed one cabin bag, weighing not more than 7kgs and one laptop bag or purse.
• Do check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying with before packing.

Two To Three Days Before The Trip

Foreign Currency

At SOTC, we are geared to take care of all your foreign currency requirements, whether currency notes or Forex Cards which can be used at ATMs and for payments at outlets. The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah, with 1 INR = 196 Indonesian Rupiah.

Power Banks and Adapters

Make sure that you are never out of touch from the people that you are traveling with as well the folks back home. Keep your phone adequately charged before you board your flight and have a power bank ready to boost up the charge until you reach your hotel. Charge your power bank every time you have access to power so you never run out of battery when traveling. Pack a universal plug charger and adapter with you before you head over to Bali. The power voltage in Bali is 230V and the country uses plugs of type C and F.

Toiletries

• You will be traveling all the time and you never know what your hands come in contact with. A pocket hand sanitizer keeps you safe from germs or bacteria that you might pick up. 
• While most hotels provide toothpaste and toothbrush, it helps to carry your own just in case you decide to stay at low-budget accommodation.
• Bali is an outdoor destination and you must use a waterproof sunscreen lotion and moisturiser to stay safe from the sun.
• Bring your own face wash, shampoo and conditioner since the ones in the hotel might not be suitable for your skin and hair. 
• Sun-kissed, windblown hair needs combing down. Carry your personal hair comb or brush, and don’t share it with anyone else.

Clothes

• Swimwear, because it’s Bali
• A sarong is an original Indonesian garment; this is the time to buy and flaunt one
• A pair of shorts to stay cool and comfortable
• Light and loose tops in cotton or linen
• A summer dress for the evening
• A shawl or a light cardigan if you plan on traveling to the interiors
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun
• Flip flops, flats and trekking shoes
• A pair or two of heels for the night

Medicines

Carry your prescription medicine along with the prescription for the duration of the trip and a few more in case the return gets delayed. Besides that, always keep a basic first-aid kit ready:

• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines
• Antidotes to indigestion or an upset stomach

The Day of Travel

Food

Pack a light snack with you in case of any flight delay or if you just feel hungry from the excitement. Biscuits, nuts, sandwiches, rolls or fruits are great foods to carry. Get homemade food or pick up ready stuff from a reliable place. The last thing you want is an upset stomach on the flight or during your vacation.

Important Documents

• Keep valid photo identification proof, like your passport, easily accessible when entering the airport; you will even need it at the hotel and some places in Bali
• Carry your visa everywhere you go
• A printed copy of your ticket
• Photocopies of all important documents, like your passport, tickets, valid photo IDs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scan all these documents and email the copies to yourself

Insurance

God forbid something unplanned comes up and you are forced to cancel or cut your trip after bookings are made. Travel insurance is a way to get some money back. Nearly all international travel insurance companies offer medical assistance on your phone and reimburse medical costs incurred during the trip, wherever you are.

Important Numbers

Note down the telephone numbers of the local consulate, police and other emergency services along with those of the travel consultants and agents you booked your trip through. Write them in a notebook. To be on the safer side, mail the numbers to yourself. 

Hotel Bookings

Confirm your hotel bookings and ask for the payment receipt or booking voucher before you leave for your vacation. Check if your resort provides free pick-up and drop facilities from and to the airport. At SOTC, we can help organise your hotel bookings as a part of our holiday packages.

Cash/Card

Most places in Bali accept credit and debit cards. Among the more widely-accepted cards are American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Popular places will have 24x7 ATMs as well. Do inform your credit card company of your travel dates to understand the applicable charges. 

During The Trip

If you have booked a Bali tour package for your trip, knowing a few Balinese phrases will endear you to the locals and also prove helpful.

• Hello/Good Morning – Selamat pagi 
• My name is – Nama saya adalah 
• Can you help me? – Bisakah kamu membantuku?
• Where? – Dimana?
• I feel sick – Aku merasa sakit

Tips for Travelling in Bali

Bali is crowded. If you wish to avoid the throng of people, head to the central mountains or the north and west coasts that are much more peaceful. 

The main places to visit in Bali are Uluwatu Temple, Pura Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Lovina and Ubud, among many other exotic locations.

Getting around – The best way to see Bali is by being in control of your own transport. You can hire bicycles, scooters and cars to travel at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a cab from the Blue Bird Taxi service. These are by far the most honest taxis in Bali.

Balinese cuisine is heavily influenced by traditional Indonesian, Chinese and Indian foods. The main inhabitants of the island are Hindus and this reflects in their food as well. 

If you like exploring local cuisine, you must have satay, nasi ayya, (local variation of chicken rice) served at every warung (local eatery).

Social Etiquette

• Dress modestly in Bali, especially when visiting temples. Shoulders, legs and waist should be covered.
• Don’t smoke in public. It is forbidden by law.
• Avoid plastic bottles and use a stainless steel bottle to help reduce the environmental impact of tourism on Bali.

Cost of living in Bali

Bali is a mixed bag of prices. You can stay in guesthouses and have a fantastic holiday on a shoestring budget.

Or you can blow up a sizeable chunk on drinks, food, spa and room rates at a high-end establishment that cost the same as those in Australia, UK and the US.

Bali offers numerous options for road transport – self-driven or with driver. Choose from bicycles, scooters, cars, vans or public transport.

When to Visit Bali

July-August is the best time to visit Bali. The weather is just right and has the perfect balance of rainy days and dry days.

If you want to party with the crowds, plan your trip around Christmas and New Year when the beaches are buzzing with festivities and the air is rife with merriment.

A glimpse of Bali through art:

Movie – Eat Pray Love: This 2010 movie adapted from a book by the same name was shot in Bali and is responsible for the many young women who now make trips to Bali to follow in the footsteps of the author.