Practical information about Bali

The country of Indonesia is formed of 18,307 islands. None quite capture the global imagination in the same way as Bali, the country’s undisputed traveller capital. Famous as an island of rest and relaxation, people from all over the world come to bask in Bali’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s soaking up the wellness at one of the many spa retreats, hiking up its magnificent volcanos, or stretching out under the tutelage of its world-famous yoga instructors, Bali is a place to escape and relax.

Bali stands out amongst the countless, excellent travel destinations in Indonesia for a number of reasons, most notably its Hindu majority population, a feature very few places outside of India share. This cultural distinction means Bali is unique in so many respects, its architecture, its festivals and its people differ dramatically from much of the rest of the country, and certainly the rest of the world. It’s an island that begs for immersive exploration.

The spread of activities available to visitors is immense, and with such a dazzling array of things on offer, there really is something for everyone. The southern end of the island is famous for its surfing. The swell crashes over lush white sand beaches, often in the shadow of Bali’s stunning cliff faces. The beach culture is so inviting and friendly, even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll find ease amongst these friendly locals. The yoga retreats and spa outlets are also a fabulous way to unwind. But if you’re looking for culture, there’s food and history aplenty too, with unique temple architecture and distinct culinary traditions.

Bali is a true bucket-list destination, and deservedly so. The island has earned its place in the traveller hall of fame. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Bali!

Essential Bali information for visitors

Emergency numbers: Main Emergency Number: 112, Ambulance: 118, Police: 110, Fire Department: 113

Government Office opening hours: Bali is one island of thousands that form Indonesia. There is no Canadian consulate or embassy in Bali, but there is one in the nation’s capital Jakarta. That office is open between 7:30 am - 4:15 pm Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am - 1:00 pm on Fridays and closed over the weekend.

Temperature: The average temperature across the year in Bali is 26-27°C and doesn't vary much across the year. The 12 months can usually be divided into the rainy season and the dry season, although the timing of these are rarely predictable. Generally speaking October to April is the rainy season and May to September, the dry.

Currency: Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as its currency. While cards are accepted in some places across the island, it's not as standard, cash is necessary most of the time. It's also worth noting that ATMs are not evenly distributed across the island, so it's worth planning in advance and making sure you have enough cash.

Local time: Bali uses central Indonesian time which is GMT+8

Electricity: Bali uses two pin (round) plugs with the power source at 230 V and 50 Hz

Language: The official language of Bali is Balinese, although as part of Indonesia, Indonesian is also very common. English is used regularly particularly in the more tourist areas of Ubud, Sanur and Seminyak.

Required travel documents: No visa is required for Canadian citizens to enter Indonesia planning to stay less than 30 days. Proof of onward travel (a plane or ferry ticket, for example) may be required in this instance.

Health: There are no vaccines that are required for entry into Bali (or Indonesia). These things are however subject to change and it is always recommended that you speak to a doctor prior to travel to hear the most up-to-date advice.

Tipping and taxes: There is no formal tipping etiquette in Bali, although it is always welcomed as a response to good service. Approximately 2-5% is considered fair in a restaurant, and rounding up a Taxi fare is welcomed too.

If you're ready to experience the unrivalled beauty of Bali, book your flight today. Be sure to check out BudgetAir for the best prices on flights and hotels so you can make the most of your stay.