Bali can be so many different holidays depending on what you are looking for. I have travelled to Bali seven times, and each trip has been an extremely different holiday every time.
Entering the Country
Upon arriving into Bali, you are required to purchase a visitor’s visa which will allow you to holiday in the country for 30 days. The Visa costs US $35 and can be purchased prior to going through immigration. You can either pay with US dollars or purchase with your own currency which may vary according to the exchange rate.
Upon exiting the country you are required to pay an exit fee of 200,000 rupiah (approx. $20 AUD) which can only be paid in local currency.
Where to Stay
This depends on the type of holiday you are interested in. My recommendation having stayed in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak would be Seminyak.
Kuta
Kuta is the main tourist area and where you will find a lot of young Australian tourists. Kuta is very busy and has a number of popular bars/clubs frequented by foreign tourists. A popular, cheap hotel where many young foreigners stay (in particular Australians) is The Bounty Hotel on Poppies Lane.
Legian
Legian is also popular among tourists and borders on Kuta, Legian is within walking distance to many popular spots in Kuta however it is not quite as busy. Legian still has a somewhat hustle and bustle feel to it though so if you’d like a nice mix of relaxation and party time/shopping time then Legian is the place for you.
Seminyak
Seminyak is popular among couples, or those wanting a really chilled out, relaxed holiday. Seminyak is known for having some amazing villas that once you arrive are very VERY hard to leave.
Places to Go/Things to Do
Potato Head
A beach club opened in December 2010 and located in Seminyak. Potato Head has a very ‘upper class’ feel to it and for Bali, the price tag to match.
Cocoon Beach Club
A beach club that opened during the middle of 2010, Cocoon offers a mix of Mediterranean decore coupled with pool side lounging and fine dining. It is definitely somewhere you want to check out.
Waterbom Park
Great fun for the whole family! A water park with something for everyone, whether it be the speed slide for those that like a thrill, or the lazy river to float on your tube and by some beautiful native Balinese plants and around the park.
Bali Safari & Marine Park
The elephant ride is a short 10 minute ride, maximum two persons per elephant and you will have your photo taken at the end of the trip which is available to purchase.
The opportunity to ride a camel is also available. Photo opportunities with some of the animals are also available to purchase. The Safari Park also has a water park which is a great option on hot days.
Rock Bar
If you are into amazing views and perfect sunsets, this is the place for you. Located approximately 40 minutes from Seminyak, Rock Bar is part of the Ayana Resort and Spa Hotel an extremely exclusive and secluded hotel. Rock Bar is on a cliff top and you are taken down by cable car from the hotel area.
Jimbaran Bay
Consists of many seafood restaurants along the bay, set up with table and chairs along the beach. There are other options instead of just seafood, however Jimbaran Bay is known for its seafood.
Echo Beach
A 30 minute drive from Seminyak, Echo Beach is frequented by the surfing crowd. The waves are big and the surf is spectacular. Basically Echo Beach consists of a few restaurants up on a cliff side overlooking the beach.
Ubud
Ubud is located up in the mountains and takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes to reach. White water rafting is great fun if you are looking for some adventure, just be sure to check you are there when the water is high, some tour companies will take you even when the water is low and you will spend the majority of your time walking your boat over rocks.
JESSICA PASCO
