Balinese Fun Facts & Travel Tips!
Fun Facts:
1. Bali is an island and province of Indonesia. The province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighboring islands.
2. Indonesia comprises 17,508 - 18,306 islands and8,844 that have been named according to estimates made by the Government of Indonesia, with 922 of those permanently inhabited.
3. With a population of 3,890,757 in the 2010 census, and 4,225,000 as of January 2014, the island is home to most of Indonesia's Hindu minority. According to the 2010 Census, 83.5% of Bali's population adhered to Balinese Hinduism, followed by 13.4% Muslim, Christianity at 2.5%, and Buddhism 0.5%. Since Bali is mostly Hindu you will see lots of offerings to the good and even the bad spirits. The ones for the good spirits are high up and the ones for the bad spirits are down below and these offerings are made everyday.
4. In March 2017, Tripadvisor named the island the world's top destination in its Traveler's choice award.
5. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species. In this area alone over 500 reef building coral species can be found.
6. The Capital is Denpasar
7. Being just 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali has a fairly even climate year round. Average year-round temperature stands at around 30° C with a humidity level of about 85%.
8. A major form of transport in Bali is the scooter!
9. Bali’s dependence on tourism! This may not be such a surprise, considering Bali’s popularity as a tourist attraction. However, did you know that about 80% of Bali’s economy depends on tourism? Bali certainly wouldn’t be what it is without the steady stream of tourists. For better or for worse, tourism has made Bali what it is today.
9. Nyepi day has just passed, and this unique festival is only ever celebrated in Bali. The whole island shuts down, and no work, traveling or even noise is allowed. They certainly take their silence very seriously.
10. Wayan, Made, Nyoman, Ketut-The Balinese usually have one of the following four names: Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut. They simply mean First born, Second born, Third born and Fourth born and it doesn’t matter if the child is a boy or a girl! If you have a fifth child the cycle repeats at Wayan. Everyone you meet in Bali is named Wayan!
Travel Tips:
Getting to Bali
1. VISA: Nationals of 169 countries can visit Bali visa-free (for 30 days), while Visa on Arrival applies for others at USD 35 (extendable once). I was only there for 10 days so a visa wasn't necessary for me!
2. Weather: Wet season: October-April; Dry season: May-September; Best time to go: May-August. I was in Bali during mid April and I only experienced a small amount of rain. When it rained it would down pour for a few minutes and then it would be sunny the rest of the day. I was very fortunate to have such good traveling weather!
3. Special Days: No travel during Saka New Year, aka ‘Nyepi’ (usually coincides March - specific dates vary every year based on the Saka lunar calendar).
Getting Around
4. Driving: Drive on the left! Don't be alarmed if people get super close to you on the road, there are multiple people per scooter, there are children driving scooters, and two or more cars in one lane. I would not recommend driving here if you don't know the local driving etiquette or rules.
5.Traffic: Traffic in Bali is notoriously congested so allow plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. Most of the places I went to visit were in walking distance of my hotel and when I couldn't walk somewhere I would take a taxi or the bus provided by the tour group I was on.
6. Crossing the Street: Be careful when crossing the street. Look right first, then left. Crossing the street in Bali can be a daunting task because of the congestion on the road and how close people will get to you when they're driving. If you step out onto the street and keep walking people will break for you and make a complete stop. But once you start to cross you don't stop just keep going.
Money Matters
7. Currency: 1 US Dollar equals 13,300.00 Indonesian Rupiah. Get used to feeling like a millionaire while in Bali. Things are very cheap and inexpensive so you only need around $200 cash if you're traveling for 10 days. $200 USD is a little over 2 million Indonesian Rupiah.
8. 10) ATMs: ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or Mastercard vary and can be high. If you're going to the Gili Islands I wouldn't recommend using the ATMs there they're known to crash and trap your credit card inside.
9. Exchange: Always check your money when exchanging money at street-side money changers, even if they’re signed ‘Authorized’. I would recommend converting $200 before leaving because lots of places prefer cash over credit card or don't even take credit cards. I would only rely on a credit card in case of emergencies.
10. Bargaining/Bartering: Bargain hard, from half tag price, only at traditional and art markets. Not at shopping malls or fixed price stores. AND DON'T STEAL! Not only is it rude to steal but the stuff people are selling at the markets are really there only source of income.
11. Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory since prices are subject to 10% government tax and up.
Staying Connected:
12. SIM Cards: SIM cards are widely available at kiosks and convenient stores; most are mobile internet-ready. Verify SIM and micro-SIM factors upon purchasing. I did not purchase a sim card and I relied on connecting to WiFi at the hotel and it was never really an issue for me. The WiFi is a bit slower and not as reliable compared to the WiFi we're used to but just relax and be patient and remember you're there to experience the culture and not be on your phone 24/7! Live in the moment and enjoy your surroundings! You can update your social media when you're at the hotel.
13. Electricity: 220 Volts, 50Hz. Electrical plugs are two-pronged ‘Europlug’ type. So you will need to get an outlet converter. Your hair dryer and flat iron won't work there unless you have a voltage converter or international one. I was fine just using my international hair dryer.
Customs and Etiquette
14. Temples: Must-wear on temple visits: waist cloth and sash. I was fine wearing leggings and a t-shirt. Temples are generally free to visit, although most keepers will show visitors to a 'donation box'. Always use right hand for gesturing; never left hand or feet. There will also be signs telling women not to enter if they're menstruating.
Staying Safe
15. Water: Tap water is not potable; ice in drinks at established bars, hotels and reputable restaurants are usually safe. Be mindful about what you put in your mouth because lots of food items are washed with water like most fruits and vegetables and ask to have your drink without ice. I was very lucky and I did not get Bali Belly. I was very conscious about what I was putting into my mouth and made sure I didn't open my mouth in the shower and brushed my teeth with bottled water. Don't buy food off street vendors incase of risk, go to restaurants, and only drink bottled water.
16. Drugs: The penalty for drug is death or imprisonment. Take it seriously.
17. Monkeys: Wear minimum accessories when visiting monkey forests; don't feed or approach the monkeys – they are wild animals, not pets.
18. Use common sense: Remember you're in a foreign country and you need to be sensitive to the culture and people around you. If something doesn't feel right take the proper steps or actions to prevent an accident.
