Developtment and Tourism
The 1970’s and 80′ were a time of growth for tourism. Under governor Ida Bagus Mantra, culturally-based tourism was promoted, with conscious efforts to control the industry, limiting development to specific areas of the island. When Ida Bagus Oka took over in 1987, investors and developers from Indonesia and abroad were welcomed, irrespective of any master planning, as long as their money was forthcoming. Globalism and mass tourism had arrived.
In 1997, Indonesia’s currency crashed as the Southeast Asian economic crisis undermined the country’s growing prosperity, and revealed its weak and corruption foundations.
In May 1998, the Suharto government fell and political turmoil ensued. While the rest of Indonesia was in recession, Bali proved resilient. Tourism now surpasses agriculture as the island’s main economic force, and despite setbacks, including a regional outbreak of SARS, and terrorist bombings in Jakarta and Kuta, the lustre of Bali as a travel destination still shine through.
Getting There
By Air
Bali can be easily reached by air as there are now many International Airlines operating scheduled flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport. In addition to Garuda Indonesia, the National Flag carrier, there are several foreign operators flying to Bali. Most of the other International Airlines fly to Singapore – the nearest foreign airport, from which the flight to Bali is only two and a half hours. There are also flights to Bali via Jakarta from Abu Dhabi, Rome, Zurich, Brussels and Frankfurt, while regular flights to Australia touch down at Darwin, Port Hedland, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.
Overland
Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travel first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi, where you will board another bus for the final passage to Denpasar. Petrol pumps and service stations are to be found in every large town, however in an emergency there are always roadside kiosks selling fuel out of drums and bottles at a slightly more expensive price.
By Sea
Two of the four sea ports in Bali that are anchored by International cruise ships and yachts are: Benoa, south of Denpasar, and Padangbai on the east coast for larger and luxury cruise ships. The harbor of Singaraja (Telukan Bawang), on the north coast now plays host only to very few Bugis schooners and smaller crafts serving the line between North Bali and Java. Gilimanuk, in the northwest, links Bali with Java where a regular ferry service connects the two islands around the clock.
Getting Around
Upon Arrival
If your hotel has not arranged transportation from the airport, you will be able to hire a taxi from the transport counter outside the arrival gate. Fares are listed by destination and must be paid in advance. Metered taxis are also available in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Denpasar.
By Bemo or Dokar
Bemos, pickups or mini-vans, cover the short routes between towns. They are not air-conditioned and can be crowded, but they are cheap. Fares vary according to distance, and bargaining is recommended. Alternatively, for something different, hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a shore ride costs next to nothing.
By Car or Motorcycle
While inexpensive public transportation is available throughout Bali, the best option for travelers looking for comfort and flexibility is renting a car. Rental agencies are widespread throughout southern Bali, and usually offer an inexpensive chauffeur service for those who don’t wish to drive themselves (or who lack a valid International Driver’s License). Motorcycles are also readily available for hire, but please note that standard helmets for both driver and passenger are required by law.
By Bus
Bus tours and daily excursions in air-conditioned coaches or mini-vans are offered at most hotels and travel agencies. Public buses ply routes throughout Bali from Denpasar Ubung Terminal. Public buses and minibuses are available to and from every corner of the island for a very inexpensive fare. They make many stops en-route to pick up and drop off local passengers, but this provides the stimulating experience of traveling with the locals.
Passport
All visitors to Indonesia must be in the possession of a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of the arrival when entering the country or applying for a visa. Invalid passports will not be tolerated. If your passport is not valid you will be sent home on the next available flight.
Visa on Arrival
The new pay-on-arrival visa only allows visitors to stay for 30 days. A tourist has to pay US$25 for a 30-day visit and $10 for a three-day visit. The pay-on-arrival visa will be required of visitors from over 20 countries. Before arriving at the designated airport or seaport, fill in the arrival/departure card. This card serves as visa application form. Upon arrival at the destination, go the bank counters available, pay the visa fee (US$10 for three days and US$25 for 30 days) and get a bar-coded receipt. Proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter to have the arrival/departure card, passport and payment receipt scanned and recorded on the immigration computer. A sticker visa is issued instantly.
Customs
Customs allow on entry per adult: a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars of 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable quantity of perfume.
Driving License
Should you want to drive a car or motorbike, you must be in possession of an International Driving License in order to avoid police fines. An International Driving License can be obtained at The Pelayanan Samsat (Vehicle Tax Service) Building, BPKB section, at the service window for foreigners, on Jl. Cok. Agung Tresna no.14 Renon, Denpasar – open Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays at 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, on Fridays until 1 pm, and closed on Sundays and public holidays. Contact: Foreign License Service at 243939. Requirements for international driving license are: one copy of passport (photo and identification pages and entry visa page) and one copy of valid home country driving license. Obtain and complete the application form, pay the fee and have your photograph taken on the spot. Your driving license will be ready in less than half an hour.
Health
International pox, cholera and yellow fever vaccinations are required only for those coming from infected areas.
Language
The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia although most regions have their own local dialect. However, all persons engaged within the tourism industry understand English.
Currency Exchange
Exchange of foreign currency bank notes and traveler’s checks can be made at major banks or authorized money changers. The rates offered for traveler’s checks are sometimes up to 5% less than cash, while small denominations sometimes attract a slightly lower rate. Rates offered by banks and money changers fluctuate on a daily basis, and can be very different between one place and another.
Local Currency
The local currency is Rupiah (Rp). The largest note denomination is Rp.100,000.-
