Bali Travel Guide

Passport and Visa Information:

  • To enter Indonesia, you'll need a passport that's valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

  • U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa if they're staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa before you leave.

  • Some airlines have “visa on arrival” in your ticket cost. Otherwise, you will need to buy a visa on arrival in Indonesia. It’s 500,000 IDR or $35USD for the 30 day visa. You can use USD, EUR, GBP, JPY and other major currencies in cash to pay as well as Indonesian Rupiah. You can’t use a credit or debit card to pay. * I have had 2 flights where I did not have to buy a visa on arrival, and one where I did.

Flights:

  • Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is the main airport in Bali. Most international flights arrive here.

  • Some airlines that fly to Bali include Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. China airline is a bit cheaper if you’re looking for a more budget option.

  • Before arriving at Immigration, there’s a row of desks where your vaccination status is checked. Join the queue and wait for a desk to become free.

    You need to show proof of vaccination and your passport. The vaccination certificate needs to show you’ve had at least two shots. If you print out your vaccination record it’s easier for the staff to see it.

    Remember your passport needs to have six months validity and two blank pages otherwise you may be refused entry into the country. Officially you are also required to have proof of your return flight for departing Indonesia, although this is rarely requested to be seen by immigration officials.

Accommodation and Transportation:

  • Home stays are cute way to explore Ubud before arriving for our YTT. I have always used booking.com. Although a friend has stayed at the Four Seasons in Ubud and said it was the best resort he had ever stayed in his life!

  • It is also an option to arrive early and tour Ubud from the resort. We are located about 15min from downtown Ubud. Please note that there is construction on one of the roads leading to the resort, so if you are using a scooter it may be a more difficult drive.

  • To/From the airport: You may book a driver through the resort, or if you use the official taxi stand at the airport, the charge is 300,000 rupiah (about $21 US)

  • The most convenient and affordable way to get around in Ubud is by renting a scooter. Scooter rentals are available all over Ubud, and prices can range from IDR 50,000 to IDR 80,000 per day. Be sure to wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, and carry your driver's license with you at all times. Another option is to hire a driver or a taxi for the day. Negotiate the price before getting into the taxi or car, as there are no meters in Bali. A full-day car rental with a driver will cost around IDR 500,000 to IDR 600,000. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are available in Bali. Walking is also an option, as Ubud is a small town and many attractions are within walking distance. However, it can get hot and humid, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.

COVID-19 Information:

  • Indonesia requires you to show proof that you have had 2 vaccine shots, or proof of negative COVID-19 test up to 72hours before departure. Remember, an at home kit does not count for this COVID-19 test, and a friend of ours recently tried to travel to Japan was denied because they used an at-home kit.

Packing:

  • Bali is a tropical destination, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing.

  • Make sure to pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting temples (or pick up a sari in Bali.)

  • Make sure to pack an all white outfit for ceremony

  • Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs!

  • Some may have “Bali belly” from drinking the water! If you have specific branded medication that is your favorite (Tylenol, Pepto Bismal, Imodium, etc) or specific brands of cosmetics, make sure to pack those, since Bali drug stores do not always have American brands.

Planning:

  • You may want to come a few days early to get acclimated to the time zone difference.

  • Booking Karsa Spa in advance is a great way to spend the time as you get adjusted to Ubud. Karsa Spa is one of the most popular/ beautiful spas in Ubud and can get booked out even months in advance!

  • You may also love checking out the Ubud Art Market, Locavore Restaurant (one of the top 50 restaurants in Asia!), vegan cafes such as Alchemy or Sayuri Healing Foods, or local yoga studios like The Yoga Barn (an Ubud institution with amazing on site foods/drinks) or Radiantly Alive (slightly smaller local yoga studio, with guest workshops coming through all the time.)

Need more inspo? Check out this blog. They have amazing packing lists and tips for Bali.

Ngurah Rai Airport
Ngurah Rai Airport
Homestays are a great way to meet Balinese people & get a lay of the land.
Scooters are a great and easy form of transportation.

The local yoga studios, spas, and healthy cafes are unrivaled!