Bali



Tailor Made Holiday to Bali and Sulawesi This 11 night/12 day tailor-made tour takes in some of the key highlights of Bali and Sulawesi and finishes with time to relax in the remote Spa Village Resort at Tembok on the north coast. The many sights, peoples, cultures and religions of Sulawe . . . Read more...

In Search of the Komodo Dragons This 15 night/16 day tailor-made tour takes you to the rarely visited island of Flores, one of the most beautiful islands of the Indonesian archipelago. You will spend time exploring the island, including the sleepy coastal town of Maumere, a centr . . . Read more...

Bali, Off The Beaten Track This 13 night/14 day trip takes in the lesser known interior regions of Bali using some of the pioneering Eco Lodges on offer in the region. You visit Bali's cultural and artistic centre in Ubud. Then head further north to the cool mountain slopes . . . Read more...

Discover Bali and Lombok This is a wonderful 12 night/13 day tailor-made itinerary which gives you a real insight into the two islands. On arrival you will head to the north coast and the remote village of Tembok. You will stay in the Spa Village Resort for a day or two re . . . Read more...



The Damai, Lovina **** Hidden in the jungle-clad hills overlooking Bali’s North coast, The Damai is a retreat dedicated to the finer things in life: beauty, tranquility and fabulous food. Here, just a few hours from the airport you feel light years away from the crowds . . . Read more...

The Bale, Nusa Dua **** The Balé is a rare gem, a retreat dedicated to revitalizing your soul. With just 29 blissful pavilions, each with their own private swimming pool and modern, fashionable interiors, The Balé offers you the chance to relax and revitalize in style.S . . . Read more...

Spa Village Resort, Tembok **** Inspired by the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut, the new Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali embraces the same healing ethos of celebrating the local culture, honouring the ancient remedies of the region and infusing each visit with the essence o . . . Read more...

Sarinbuana Eco Lodge *** The Sarinbuana Eco Lodge is one of Bali's best kept secrets. Located on the slopes of Mt Batukaru in central Bali, the lodge is only a short transfer from the accommodation hubs of Sanur, Seminyak and Ubud but a world away from the hustle and bustl . . . Read more...

Quinci Hotel and Pool Villas, Lombok *** The Quinci Hotel and Pool Villas is located a short distance from the town of Sengiggi. Offering just 20 rooms and villas, the hotel has a clean line design which also incorporates traditional materials and designs. . . . Read more...

Puri Lumbung Cottages ** The ‘lumbung' or rice granary is part of Bali's unique cultural heritage. Traditionally used to store rice under the protection of the goddess Dewi Sri, lumbungs are now seldom used because farming techniques have changed. The Puri Lumbung Cottag . . . Read more...

Puri Bagus, Lovina **** The Puri Bagus Lovina offers 40 spacious villas including two suites with private pool and dining room. This beautiful resort provided plenty of space between each villa for stunning tropical gardens to enhance your privacy. . . . Read more...

Menjangan Resort **** The Menjangan is a peaceful retreat located in the heart of an unspoiled national park on the stunning north west coast of Bali. It is the largest resort set in 382 hectares within the boundaries of the Bali Barat National Park and offers guests th . . . Read more...

Maya Ubud **** Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is set in 10 hectares of hillside garden, stretching 780 metres along a peninsula set high above two river valleys. It flows from the hilltop down to a riverside hideaway 30 metres below. Just minutes by foot from ubud, with . . . Read more...

Jeeva Klui Lombok *** Along an uninterrupted stretch of curving beach, Jeeva Klui, "The Soul of Klui," blends the full spectrum of sea, tropical foliage, and local culture with the natural beauty of Klui Beach.From dramatic sunsets etching the volcanoes of Bali to the s . . . Read more...

Jiwa Damai, Ubud ** The Jiwa Damai is an organic garden and retreat centre with a heart set in a secluded and peaceful setting a short drive from the cultural centre that is Ubud. Offering just 6 spacious guestrooms and 3 Lumbungs set amidst the tropical gardens, the . . . Read more...

Hotel Tugu, Bali ***** Owned by an avid collecter of Southeast Asian art, hotel Tugu, Bali was built to bring back to life the luxury and romance of Balinese and Javanese history. Set on pristine Sunset Beach, this elegant hotel features 22 luxury thatched suites and pav . . . Read more...

Hotel Tugu, Lombok ***** Hotel Tugu, Lombok is located on the miles and miles of virgin white sand beach of Sire, on the northwest coast of the island. Neighbouring this tropical haven is a beautiful 18 hole-golf course and virgin landscapes, traditional thatched roofed hu . . . Read more...

Alila Ubud **** Alila Ubud is a tranquil and secluded hillside retreat that sits high up on the edge of the rich green Ayung River valley in Bali’s central foothills. The resort is located just minutes from Ubud, the island’s cultural heart. Blending contempor . . . Read more...

Alila Manggis **** One of Bali’s best kept secrets, Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali. Set amidst a coconut grove, the resort is nestled between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain. . . . Read more...

The Pavilions, Sanur ***** The Pavilions Bali, located on the Eastern shoreline, is 30 minutes from the airport and only a stroll away from a stunning lagoon that is fringed on one side by a reef and on the other by a long white sand beach. The 24 villas are designed to refl . . . Read more...

Waka Gangga Resort **** The ten bungalows of Waka Gangga perch on the gently sloping rice terraces which fringe a sparkling black sand beach on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Located close to the famous Tanah Lot Temple, the Resort embraces the textures and colours of natu . . . Read more...

Villa Kubu ***** Villa Kubu is a unique group of luxurious villas, each with its own private swimming pool. Located in Seminyak, away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, yet close enough to the many shops and restaurants. The villas are individually furnished in Ba . . . Read more...

The Elysian Villas, Seminyak ***** The Elysian Bali Villas we are designed with just one thing in mind - to reflect the beauty and charm of modern Bali while still respecting the traditions and history that made this the "Island of the Gods". Each private villa has been built with c . . . Read more...



Nusa Dua & South Coast The South Coast resorts of Bali are generally large and sprawling, but we have chosen our favourite properties here as we feel they have something special about them. The beaches here are good and you can safely swim from the beach. Day trips to Lombok or Lembongan Island are easily arranged from here.

Bali Barat National Park The Park lies in the north-west corner of Bali and comprises of a total area of 19,000 ha. The area is mountainous and consists of forests, mangroves, coral reef and of course sandy beaches. This is a wonderful area to snorkel, the best of which is found on Menjangan Island with hectares of colourful coral reef.

Singaraja, Lovina & North Coast The north coast is famous for its black sand beaches and is generally quieter than the rest of Bali although only 1½ hours north of the capital Denpasar. If you want to get away from it all, there are some truly spectacular properties in this region particularly focusing on wellness, spa and yoga.

Sanur, Candidasa & East Coast The East Coast of Bali is generally quieter than its western counterpart and is laid back and relaxed. There are some beautiful resorts here if you want to get away from the crowds.

Ubud Ubud is now probably one of the most famous areas of Bali. The town in the hills popular with hippies, artists and musicians in the 70’s is now popular with tourists. There are a multitude of boutique properties to stay at and we have selected our favourites. This is a wonderful place to go for a few days to truly relax away from the beach.

Kuta, Legian & West Coast Generally busier that other areas in Bali, the west coast has a host of nightlife, restaurants and bars - but again we have selected our favourite properties which offer something a little different from the norm. The white-sand beaches here are beautiful but bear in mind that you are unlikely to be able to swim in the ocean due to the strong current and the waves. A little further up the West Coast, things quieten down considerably and you can discover the famous temple Tanah Lot.

Useful Information for Bali

Passports & Visas

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date. Visas are required by all nationals of EU countries - you will be able to apply for a Visa on Arrival valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival by air in Bali, Jakarta and a few other international airports or by ship at a limited number of Indonesian sea ports.

Country

Indonesia lies between the mainland of South-East Asia and Australia in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's largest archipelago state. Bali is the most southern island in Indonesia.

Capital

Capital of Bali is Denpasar.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language. Altogether, there are an estimated 583 languages and dialects spoken in the archipelago.

Religion There is a Muslim majority of approximately 90%, with Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities.

Weather

Bali has a tropical climate which varies from area to area. The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather (June to September), while the western monsoon brings the main rains (December to March). Rainstorms can occur all year.

Currency

Rupiah (IDR - symbol Rp). Notes are in denominations of Rp100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of Rp1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 25.

Credit Cards

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Bali in the main tourist areas. In more remote areas, it is best to carry cash in small denominations.

Banking Hours

Mon - Fri 08:30-14:00

Telecommunications

Country code: 62 followed by 361 for Bali. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage may be limited to main towns and cities. There are Internet cafes in all major cities and tourist destinations.

Time

Bali is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electricity

Electricity in Indonesia is 220 volts AC and 50 Freq/Hz. cycle power.

What to Wear

Living in a tropical climate, local people dress very informally (e.g. lightweight linens and cottons, T-shirt, shorts, jeans). For dinners and night spots, smart casual wear is the norm. Topless or completely naked sunbathing is not allowed. When entering mosques and temples, please wear long sleeves and loose trousers or long skirts as a sign of respect.

Shopping

Indonesia has a wealth of shopping, and you can buy anything from batik to diamonds. And just because Indonesia is a third world country doesn't mean that it doesn't have its fair share of shopping malls!

Bargaining is part of the culture in Indonesia. The difference between a starting price and the price a vendor is willing to sell at can be large, especially in tourist areas. One essential trick is the slow walk away. Shake your head in sadness – yes you like the item, but surely it is not worth that amount. Slowly turn your back, and step away – but not too fast, as you are waiting for the vendor to call you back and lower the price.

Stay Safe

• Never bring any recreational drugs into Bali or Indonesia. Possession and/or trafficking of even minute amounts can lead to a mandatory death sentence.
• Crime levels are relatively low in Bali, but common sense precautions should be observed. Beware of pickpockets and snatch-and-run thieves.
• Exercise caution when crossing the streets. Some drivers will not stop at pedestrian/zebra crossings. Use pedestrian bridges if available.
• Drink driving is a serious offence and breathalyser tests by the police are common.
• Travel documents and valuables are best deposited in a hotel safe or carried safely with you, as there is a potential of theft from hotel rooms while guests are away.
• Women travelling alone should be wary of opening their room doors to strangers. In such situations, common sense judgment should prevail.
• Credit card fraud can be a problem, so use your card only at large, reputable retailers, and do not let your card out of your sight.

Stay healthy

• Tap water is not safe to drink. Indonesians boil tap water before drinking it. It is recommended for visitors to stick to bottled water and to always check the seal on the bottle before drinking.
• Ice in drinks might be made from tap water but the cylindrical variety with a hollow tube down the middle are mass-produced at ice factories and are safer to consume.
• Avoid buying food or drinks from street vendors if you find the hygiene standard is questionable.
• Heat exhaustion is rare, but do consume lots of fluids, use a hat and sunscreen and shower often. Pack clothing suitable for a warm humid climate.
• Due to the constant humid climate, mosquitoes tend to be present throughout the year. To repel mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods, apply an insect repellent.
• The risk of malaria is extremely small in Bali, however, if you are visiting rural areas Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. The best protection is of course prevention so try to avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, use insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net.

Local Cultures: Dos and Don'ts

Bali is generally a laid back and relaxed place. However, it does have its own customs and visitors should try to observe these practices when they arrive. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

• When entering mosques and temples, wear long sleeves and loose trousers or long skirts as a sign of respect.
• Shoes must always be removed when entering an Indonesian home.
• Drinks and food are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept but to first wait until the host invites you to eat or drink.
• The right hand is always used when eating with one's hands or giving and receiving objects; never pass or accept anything with the left hand.
• Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon, and kissing in public will attract a great deal of unwanted attention.
• Pointing is considered impolite.
• Avoid patting children on the head
• Smiling is a cultural tradition and Indonesians smile frequently, even in an uncomfortable or difficult situation. Visitors should avoid losing their temper.
• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.
• The list goes on and on, however, practice common sense, and enjoy the holiday.