PRACTICAL INFORMATION
This is the place to unwind
Travelling
Several airway companies can take you safely from a series of European cities to Denpasar (Bali), like Singapur Airlines, KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda etc. The traveltime from Amsterdam is ca. 16 hours. If you have made a reservation, our driver will pick you up from the airport and will drive you to Brong Bong where you will be welcomed by the staff of your holiday accommodation Villa Bima Sena.
Money and ATM
The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupia (IDRP). The rate of the Euro or USD depends on the economic and political circumstances. You can request the exchange rate at Indonesian banks or at money changer offives. On average 1 Euro = 12,000 Indonesian Rupia. At the airport you can also change money. This is useful for the first expenditures. Most larger cities have ATM machines. In smaller stores or restaurants often don’t have change. It is therefore useful to always carry some small change. For tips (often about 0.25 cents) it is also useful to carry some change. Outside the major cities credit cards are often not accepted.
Transport
Tourist travel mostly with private transport, but you can also easily use bemos. These are small buses for traveling short distances. There are also bus services between major cities and towns. Of course there are taxis in big cities. You can also rent a scooter or car, but here you should be aware of the necessary permits.. Please note in Indonesia traffic drives at the left hand side of the road. It is also important to stay alert on the local roads because at the roadsides people and animals are sometimes making unexpected moves. Furthermore, road signs are often incomplete, so often you will have to ask for directions. To rent a car in Bali you need to have an international driving license.
Practical
Time difference: During summertime it is GMT +7 hours GMT and in wintertime GMT +7 hours in Bali.
Telephone and internet
To ensure that you can call with your cell phone you should contact your provider. To reduce the cost per minute you can choose to buy a prepaid card in Indonesia. This card often costs only a few dollars. Almost everywhere you will find internet cafes where you can check your email or just surf the net. The cost per minute are low. In general the connections are not so fast.
Bargain
It is common to bargain in shops but also at markets.
Language
The language spoken is Bahasa Indonesia and is the official language in Indonesia. Many Indonesians also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Food and hygiene
Indonesia is known for its cuisine. Especially the rice table, the fried rice (Nasi Goreng) and satay are known. Often the food is much spicier than in Europe. It is recommended to drink water which is boiled first, or bottled water with a sealed lid. Food should be well cooked. Fruit is best washed before consumption. Do this with “clean” water.
Health
Bali is a tropical island and therefore you will be more likely to get ill than at home. A tropical climate with moist heat is a breeding ground for pathogens. Without wanting to exaggerate the possible dangers, it s recommended to take health risks into consideration.
Rrecommended vaccinations are those against DTP and hepatites A. For stays longer than 2 weeks a typhoid vaccination is advised.
Climate and holiday Bali
Bali has a tropical climate. The temperature is always around 30 degrees. The dry season begins in March and continues until October / November. Also during the monsoon between October / November and March is generally a nice place in Bali. In this period it is quieter than in high season. The rainy season, unlike other tropical countries, very moderate. This is because the rainy season over a long period is spread, but also because a relatively small island, Bali is where the influence of the sea air quickly pulls. There are generally many days when it’s not raining. Consider the fact that you can quickly burn. Cover the head, regularly drinking water from drying out and walk mostly in the shade.
