Bali
Bali is associated with an exotic paradise, where picturesque fields and plantations, lakes, and fast rivers are located. It is washed by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Bali Sea of the Pacific Ocean to the north. The official language is Indonesian, but English is understood in tourist centers. The national currency is the Indonesian rupiah. You can bring dollars or euros with you. It is better to take larger denominations as they have better exchange rates than smaller bills.
Seasonality of Recreation:
The best time for vacation is considered to be May-June. The weather on the island is excellent, but there is not yet a large influx of tourists, and prices remain moderate. From July to October, the dry season lasts, but prices noticeably increase. From December to March, the tropical rainy season begins. The rains last for 2-3 hours, but sometimes there may be prolonged downpours. The humidity is 95%.
Visa Regime:
Visas are issued upon arrival in the country. The duration of stay is up to 30 days. Required documents include a passport (valid at the time of leaving the country), flight tickets, a voucher, and insurance.
Etiquette and Country Specifics:
Greetings, transactions, eating, taking or giving something should only be done with the right hand. The left hand is considered unclean. Sunbathing and swimming topless are prohibited here. We recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings, as there are quite a few pickpockets in Bali.
National Cuisine:
The foundation of Indonesian cuisine is rice. It is fried with vegetables (nasi goreng), steamed (nasi campur), and served fresh with various sauces. An interesting dish in Bali is roasted suckling pig on a spit (babi guling), marinated in spices. Try lemongrass skewers (sate lilit), and for soups, taste Bakso soup, which is meatball soup (made from any kind of meat, fish, or seafood) floating in broth. For desserts, fried bananas (gorengan) are popular. Among fruits, dragon fruit, mangosteen, mango, papaya, longan, and passion fruit are recommended.
Interesting Places to Visit:
The green heart of Bali – the rice terraces of Jatiluwih. Immerse yourself in the waters of the holy spring of Tirta Empul, which is over 1000 years old. Near the springs are the rocky caves of Gunung Kawi. Climbing the active volcano Mount Batur to catch the sunrise at the summit is highly recommended. After climbing to the top, we recommend bathing in hot springs. Take a tour to Lake Batur, which is considered sacred in Bali. According to legend, it is inhabited by the lake goddess Devi Danu, who controls the island’s water balance.
What to Bring Back:
Natural cosmetics. Coffee and almond scrubs Balitaza and Nadis Herbal. Coconut oil. Buy exotic fruits slightly unripe. Bali Moon liqueur, local moonshine Arak, rice wine. Black rice, as well as Goji berries.
