Bali Travel Forum

This is our (me and my husband) first trip to Bali and in fact our first international vacation (march 13-21). We are based in Dubai. Although i've read previous posts, but still i've lot of questions before, particular to our trip.
*We'll be flying by emirates from dubai to jakarta then by garuda indonesia to denpasar. we have boooked both the flights independently, it's not a connecting flight. I believe we'll have to change the terminal at jakarta and have to take VOA at jakarta, is that right?
*How much money should we carry?
*Our scheduled arrival at Denpasar is midnight, will it be safe there? we don have airport pick-up service from hotel, should we ask for it?
*We've booked All Seasons Legian for the entire trip, we'll be out roaming all day, so settled for a budget hotel. Is this a good decision or should we split our trip b/w two places? Don't want to stay overnight in Ubud and we want to spend the least possible time in hotel room.
*How's denpasar and surrounding areas for walking? How safe streets are after dark?
*Additionally, we're planning a day trip to Ubud, and most of the southren Bali is on our trip. What else should we see in our 7 day trip?

Thanks in advance!!

Hello

I hope you have a great time in Bali for the first time.

# Yes you will have to change terminals, but it's not far
## Yes you are correct when you arrive in Jakarta you will have to get your VOA it's 25 US$ (because you are in Indonesia for more than 7 days, the 13th and the 21st also counting for visa purposes so you are actually here for 9 Days)
### How much money you should carry is really up to you, but you should change some dollars at the airport into Rupiah, I know this will not be a good exchange rate but you will need some rupiah for when you arrive in Bali. I would suggest only change around 50$US (or the equivalent in whatever currency you are bringing)
#### Arriving in Bali at midnight is not too much of a problem, as there are many other flights arriving also.
##### Arranging pick up from your hotel might be more expensive than taking a taxi. The airport taxi's are a fixed price, to Legian at midnight is going to be around 80,000rp. So unless your hotel has free pick up then you would be better getting airport taxi. The airport taxi counter is on your right as you leave the arrival area in Bali (unless they take you to International arrivals then it is on your left. Go to the counter, and tell them where you are going pay the money and they will issue you a voucher, the driver will come and take you to the hotel.
###### Walking the streets of Legian/Kuta/Seminyak at night is the same as walking the streets in most other places, you have to be careful where you go. Generally it is very safe and it is still quite busy, so there will be plenty of others around but obviously some of the back streets and one's which do not have lighting you should avoid.
####### As to what else you should see on your trip apart from Ubud, depends on what you want to see, there are many different things to see and do, explore some of West Bali National Park is something which many people enjoy and get to experience the Bali away from the usual tourist things, more traditional and spiritual journey. Personally I would give the trip to Kintamani to see the volcano a miss, as there really isn't a lot to see, and it might be raining still in that area (big rains this year in the area)the views are ok, but a lot of clients come back dissapointed. But the nthat's only my suggestion, if you want to try it, no problem.

######## Other suggestions also, stay away from the monkey forest in Ubud, apart from the monkeys carrying a strain of Japanese encephalitis, there have been some outbreaks of rabies here in Bali, and although there is no need for panic, and the authorities are doing everything they can to contain it, including trying to keep the dog population away from the monkey forest, it is better in my opinion now not to go there.
######### Legian and Seminyak beaches are in better condition at the moment than Kuta or Tuban, Kuta is improving and may be ok by the time you arrive. If you want a day or 1/2 day on the beach then Gerger beach near to Nusa Dua is probably the best in the southern area, the beach is very clean the sea is good and safe, and there is some very good facilities with not so many hawkers (the ones that are there have to be licensed so they are not so aggressive and constant as other beaches.)

Relax and enjoy yourselves over here whatever you decide to do.

We have been to Bali 3 times in the last 5 years. We stayed about 3 weeks each time. We have used the same driver each time. First, I don't care what country you go to, arriving at midnight is not the greatest thing. I would definitely hire a driver to meet me and take me to the hotel. Merta, lives in Denpasar, he is a certified guide and driver. He is honest, very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I would split up the tour and Ubud would definitely be one of the places I would stay. I think Ubud is a fantastic place, restaurants, museum, shopping, and a number of Temples. Kuta I would leave out. I would email Merta at mertagct@telkom.net
phone: 62 081 337 377 925.
You can pay in US dollars to Merta and that is a huge advantage, you don't have to go around the airport looking to exchange money. Our trips to Bali are posted on both Trip Advisor and Virtual Tourist. jonbarb709