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General Information
Bali is one of more 18 thousands island in Indonesia. It is very strategic location, between two islands, Java & Nusa Tenggara and two continental, Asia & Australia. Bali is located between 8 03 40 8 degree South latitude and 114 25 & 115 42 40 degree East longitude.
As a part of 30 provinces in Republik Indonesia, Bali is divided into 8 regencies (Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan, Bangli, Karangasem, Jembrana, Buleleng and Klungkung), 1 municipal city (Denpasar), 51 districts and 666 administrative villages. Denpasar is the capital city of Bali province.
Standard time zone UTC/GMT + 8 hours.
Immigration & Custom
Immigration Offices:
Jl. D. I. Panjaitan, Niti Mandala, Complex Renon - Denpasar
Phone : (62 361) 238 168
Ngurah Rai Airport Complex, Tuban, Kuta
Phone : (62 361) 751 038
Customs regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of one litter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 gram of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic, video and filming equipments, radio, typewriter and car are admitted as they are recorded in you passport on entry and taken out on departure. Narcotics, arms and ammunition TV, sets and Chinese medicines are items that strictly prohibited while fresh fruit, plant and animals must be passed by the Quarantine Office.
Climate
Although Indonesia is hot and humid throughout the year, the official wet season runs from October to August and is marked by heavy, short rainstorms after which the air is fresher. Temperatures range from 21 to 33°C in the lowlands. Higher altitudes enjoy cooler conditions.
Communications
Bali is linked via satellite to all major countries in the world and to make an International call can be made from any private house, business center, hotel telephone, or "Wartel" (Telecommunication Counter). Internet is also can be reached at many "Warnet" (Internet Counter).
For local and international phone and fax service look out for a sign like this: Int'l Direct Dialing 001 or 008 + country code + area code + local telephone number.
Int'l Direct Inquiries : 102, 101
Local Inquiries : 147
Operator Assisted : 110/104
Currency
The local currency is the Rupiah (Rp) which can be found in the following denominations: the notes come in 100, 500, 1.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, 100.000; while the coin are in 25, 50, 100, 500, 1.000 rupiah denominations. We recommended to carry US$ cash or travellers cheques.
Credit card and change cards are also accepted in most retail establishments, at hotels and on airlines. In some cases, a service fee is included when charging a purchase to your card. However, when travelling to the village, take Rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in bemo (public minibus) or buying a drink at warung.
Time
Indonesia is divided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead, and East Indonesia Time (Maluku and Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead.
Electricity
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts.
Office hours
Most government offices are open from 8 am to 3 pm. On Fridays, they close at 11:30 am. On Saturdays, they are open until 2 or 3 pm. Business offices open from 8 am or 9 am to 4 pm or 5 pm. Some work half day on Saturdays. Banks open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Banks are closed on Saturdays. Money-changers open longer hours till the evening.
Language
The national language is Bahasa Indonesia. English is spoken by most of the younger people.
Clothing
Going to Bali, dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is warm-to-hot throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Bali - the wet or rainy season the rest of the year. But the rains usually fall in short spells.
Customs & Traditions
Shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in and around temples. It is a custom to take off the shoes in temples, on festivals grounds and in private houses. We strongly recommended these customs to show your respect for the religious traditions.
Embracings and intimate touchings are not well seen in public. Nude or topless bathing is forbidden.
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