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Ten Tips For Bali Vacation
Bali is a small, beautiful island famed for its unique arts and
cultures, enchanting nature and the friendliness of its people.
Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich cultural
heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves, others for pure
relaxation. Bali is situated in Indonesia, one of the best tourist
destinations in Asia.
For those who plan to visit Bali, I herewith write Ten Essential
Tips for Bali Vacation for your consideration.
1. To enter Bali, or Indonesia for that matter, make sure your
passport is valid for six months upon entry into Indonesia, otherwise
youll find yourself on the next plan out. You also must have
proof of onward passage (i.e. a ticket out of Indonesia). Tourist,
social and business visas can be obtained from any Indonesian embassy
or consulate abroad. Citizens from Asian countries comprising Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippine and Laos
do not require a visa, only a valid travel document. Visitors from
some thirty countries are also provided with a 60-days tourist visa
issued directly upon arrival. Consult your travel agent or airlines,
mention your nationality.
2. Money matters: The rupiah is the basic unit of money. Foreign
currency, in bank notes and travelers checks is best exchanged
at major banks or authorized money changers. Do change money at
a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotels
calculator before changing), as the ones used by some places can
be a little inaccurate. Most important; always count
your money before you leave the place. Travelers checks are
accepted at all major hotels and large shops; some smaller shops
will also accept them. Passport number is required. Do not forget
to take passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all time.
3. When changing large amounts of money please check each note
carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake bills in circulation.
4. There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after
one has cashed money at banks or money changers. Put your money
away in your bum-bag or hold onto your handbag tightly.
5. Credit cards and charge cards: To day many hotels, shops large
and small accept plastic, with the proviso that an additional 3%
is added onto your bill. However, when traveling to the village,
take rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in public
transports or buying drinks at warung.
6. Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance
that will cover in any accidents. If you rent a car (must be with
insurance), beware of motorbikes, as there are too many on the road.
When you park the car, always remember to remove all your properties.
Crime is on the increase and can spoil your holiday. Be careful
with your belongings at all times. Cases of handbag snatching have
been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe (carry
photocopies). Do not forget to look and listen while you cross the
road. Cars may stops, motorbikes may not!
7. Going to Bali, dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather
is warm-to - hot throughout the year. Remember Bali is a land where
prayer and religious festivals take center stage. When visiting
a temple or attending ceremonies, make it a point to respect local
customs and traditions. Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk
in front of people praying. Do not use a flash camera or point your
camera to the priests face. Do try not to step on offerings
in the street (walk around them). Women are not allowed to enter
temples during menstruation.
8. Do not drug! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough
foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Government prison service.
9. Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach,
current/undertows can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow
flags. Dont swim too far out. Do not leave your belongings
unattended on the beach.
10. Health: International health certificates of vaccination against
smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever are required only from travelers
comprising from infected areas. Typhoid and paratyphoid vaccinations
are optional but still advisable. Drink only distilled or mineral
water, or water that has been boiled and eat a lot of fresh fruit
do your body a favor. Dont worry too much about ice,
its a government quality controlled in established bars and
restaurants. Most people traveling through Bali get the infamous
"Bali Belly" at some time or other. Taking and Imodium
will stop you up. At the first time of discomfort (diarrhea and
cramping), drink strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy
foods. Taking charcoal tablets will help alleviate the cramping.
Bali is worth a visit, plan your vacation, go on line and book
your preferred Bali hotels or contact your travel agent. Thanks
you readers.
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