One of the so-called problems of travelling to a destination for the first time is knowing which activities are the ones that you really should try to do whilst you are there. If you travel to Bali the problem is somewhat different in the sense that there are so many outstanding experiences and activities available, that your biggest problem is going to be trying to fit them all into the time you have available.
To give you just a small taste of some of the great activities that you can try in Bali, we are going to highlight 5 of them, and we have tried to make these as diverse from each other as we can so that hopefully there is at least one that will everyone reading this will be keen to do. So, let get started…
#1: View The Sunset
We will start with something that everyone can enjoy and that is watching the awesome sunset that occurs each evening over Bali. Bali’s sunset is simply spectacular and turns the sky into a kaleidoscope of orange, red, pink, and yellow.
The sunset can be enjoyed in all parts of Bali, but there are also some locations in particular where your view will be enhanced. These include The Lawn Beach Club in Canngu, La Laguna Restaurant, Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu on the southern tip of Bali, and of course, any beach of your choice.
#2: Visit The Rice Terraces
Bali is famous for its rice terraces and the most famous rice terrace of them all is Tegalalang, which is near to the town of Ubud. If you would prefer to see the largest rice terraces on Bali, head west to the Jatiluwih rice terraces which are stunningly beautiful.
One word of warning is that the rice terraces are extremely popular with tourists and are a regular stop on bus tours, therefore, you should expect them to be relatively busy. To avoid this you should set out early and try to arrive by 8 a.m. so that you are there before the busiest periods.
#3: Go Surfing In Canggu
For the more adventurous, physically fit, and water sports-minded amongst you, surfing is on the agenda in Canggu. Specifically, we are talking about Canggu’s Batu Bolong Beach where the surfing conditions are exceptional.
There is no need to pre-book as you can simply turn up and hire a surfboard from one of the shacks that are clearly visible. The cost can vary but it is extremely low. If you require or wish to have surfing lessons from an instructor the fee for a 2-hour lesson is around 35 Australian dollars.
#4: Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
Apart from the fact that the Ubud’s Monkey Forest is stunningly beautiful thanks to having more than its fair share of tropical trees, and a river flowing through it, it is also the home to a temple and dozens of monkey families, which makes the forest a must-see destination when are in Bali.
Whilst the monkeys are friendly, they can also be mischievous too, so make sure you keep your hat, sunglasses, and wallet secure, otherwise, you must just find them being stolen by one of the monkeys and whisked away to the top of the nearest tall tree.
#5: Walk Along Campuhan Ridge
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Bali. Whether you walk it in the morning as the sun rises, or in the evening when the sun sets, the array of colours on display from the jungle that surrounds it, is a sight to behold.
There are no entry fees, and with a total round distance to walk the entire ridge and back of around 3 miles, you should allow up to 2 hours to complete it, assuming you wish to stop and take photographs, although in truth you can take as long as you wish.
As is often the case when you travel abroad, if the location you are visiting is Bali, then as well as your passport, you may need a visa to be able to enter the country, bearing in mind that the country Bali is part of is Indonesia. As such it will be the visa requirements of Indonesia that apply when you visit Bali.
In mirroring a trait of the rules regarding visas in many other countries, Indonesia’s visa requirements differ depending upon the length of time you wish to stay in the country and the purpose of your trip there. It will therefore be helpful to you if we went through the main visa regulations of Indonesia, and by default, those which apply to anyone who wishes to travel to Bali in particular. If that includes you, then you will be pleased to know that we start with good news.
Tourist Visa
If you are holidaying in Bali and your length of stay is definitely going to be less than 30 days, including the days of your arrival and departure, then the good news we mentioned above is you do not require a visa. Instead, your date of entry will be stamped in your passport on arrival, which effectively acts as your tourist visa. Provided you leave Bali within the required 30 days, there will be no fee to pay.
You cannot extend the length of time and must leave within 30 days. Should you fail to leave you can be fined IDR 1,000, 000 for each day, which is equivalent to a daily fine of 90 Australian dollars. You could be also refused permission to leave if the accumulated fine is not paid. Ultimately you could be detained and imprisoned for breaking Indonesia’s visa regulations, which is why you might wish to consider the next visa type.
Visa On Arrival
If there is the slightest possibility that you might wish to extend your stay in Bali beyond 30 days, or if you simply want some reassurance that should some emergency or drama arise, you are not risking fines and imprisonment for staying longer than 30 days, then a ‘Visa On Arrival’ is what you should opt for.
You pay for this visa when you arrive at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, and the cost should be around $45. When you purchase this visa, your initial entitlement to stay is still 30 days, as before, however, you now have an option to extend that, should you wish to. The extension period is a further 30 days, meaning you can stay for a total of 60 days in Bali.
Social and Business Visa
If your trip to Bali is not as a tourist but is instead related to some business or commercial interests or activity, then the visa you can apply for is a ‘Social and Business visa. This entitles you to remain in Bali for up to 180 days, and the cost will be between 360 and 450 Australian dollars.
The reason for the range of prices is that in order to obtain a social and business visa you must have a visa agent who acts as your sponsor. They also complete the necessary administration required for this type of visa to be issued. The price you pay will depend on which visa agent you choose, due to the fact that they each charge different amounts for their services.
Important Note
Depending on when you read this and the level of Covid-19 restrictions which are currently in place in Bali, there may be differences to certain visa regulations than to those which normally apply.
When you decide to travel with your children, finally checking into your luxury Bali villa can feel like the best thing in the world. After all, trying to organise not only yourself but your children on a long-haul flight can feel like achieving the impossible. However, when you master it and make it to your destination and settle into your Bali villas for a relaxing holiday, you now feel like you can tackle anything.
Travelling with children is not the most straightforward task, but when you follow these tips below, you can make it a far less stressful experience. You can then start your holiday on the right foot.
Do as Much in Advance as Possible
Trying to keep excited children contained when you’re waiting in an airport queue can feel like herding chickens. If you want to skip the fuss, take care of as many airport tasks at home as possible. Rather than wait in queues to get your boarding passes and check in, print them at home then check in using your provider’s app. You can then sit down, chill out, and wait for your plane to arrive.
Know the Rules
Every airline has a different list of rules when it comes to travelling with children. It is not the same across the board. Therefore, when you’re preparing your itinerary and flights and booking your Bali villas accommodation, it’s worthwhile to read the fine print on your flight information. Find out whether any young children need their own seat and at what age they can sit on your lap. Most airlines allow young children under two to sit on your lap, but it’s not the case for all.
