Flights to Bali

What Do I Need to Know About Bali?

Bali has an unparalleled magnetism for Australians. It is one of the most popular international destinations for Australian travellers, so much so that many travellers find themselves making multiple annual pilgrimages to this Indonesian isle - a feat made even more tempting thanks to incredible cheap flights to Bali. For some, flying to Bali from cities such as Perth or Darwin can often be cheaper than flying interstate. So where lies Bali’s perennial appeal? Travellers can take the bait with everything from stunning shorelines and sunset-blessed beach clubs, to spiritual pursuits at temples and health retreats and want-for-nothing accommodations at all-inclusive resorts and exclusive villas. Bali has the power to charm all its visitors, be it families, couples, groups or even solo travellers.

What Should I Know Before Visiting Bali?

• Much like other destinations through Asia, do not drink the tap water in Bali. Keep to sealed bottles (listen out for the crack of the seal upon opening), and it is also pertinent to avoid consuming fresh fruits and vegetables that have been washed in tap water.
• Be respectful when visiting local temples and dress accordingly. Men and women will need to cover their legs.
• There is more to Bali than Kuta. Travel to areas such as Ubud, Seminyak, Legian and Canggu for a Bali experience that isn’t as heavy on the clichés. 
• Avoid renting a scooter if it’s not covered in your travel insurance.
• Australians no longer need a visa to visit if their Bali holiday is less than 30 days. Travellers will need an Australian passport (valid for six months from the date of arrival) to qualify for the visa exemption; Australian residency does not qualify.
• Use your right hand to gesture; it is considered rude to use the left hand or foot.
• Plan for the worst and pack food poisoning medication in case you come down with a case of Bali Belly.
• Don’t write off spending extra time in Denpasar. It’s worth sticking around for a few extra days to discover Bali’s capital city.
   

What Are the Best Ways to Get Around Bali?

There are a handful of ways of getting around Bali and seeing everything the island has to offer. One of the most convenient methods is hiring a private car and driver. You can then be ferried between temples, beaches, rice paddies and other things you want to see on your Bali holiday. The rate for private drivers vary depending on the car make and the length of hire, however a good place to start budgeting is 195,000 IDR ($40 AUD) for the day.

Looking to get around via taxi? Only use metered taxis. One of the best companies to use is Blue Bird Taxi – look out for their blue cars with lights on the roof. Blue Bird Taxi also have an app you can download and request rides with. If using other taxi companies, be aware of common scams such as claims of a broken meter and scenic detours that cause prices to spike.

Renting scooters or motorbikes to get around Bali is a popular option for travellers who want to see the island at their own pace. Scooters can often access places and roads that are more difficult for cars. You do not need an international drivers’ license to rent a scooter in Bali and it is also not required by law for riders to wear helmets. That said however, travellers that do choose to rent a scooter should seriously consider wearing a helmet. Also note that some travel insurance providers do not offer cover that includes motorbike or scooter accidents or incidents.
 

What Are the Best Ways to Get to Bali’s Airports?

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar is the main airport linking cheap flights from Australia to Bali. It is commonly referred to as Denpasar International Airport. Airlines that offer airfares to Bali via flights to DPS include Virgin Australia, Garuda, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar. The travel time to Bali varies between 2 hours 45 minutes to less than 7 hours. The best way to travel from DPS to your Bali accommodation is via metered taxi. Find the taxi rank outside the airport’s arrivals hall. Fares may range from IDR 70,000 ($7 AUD) to 195,000 ($20 AUD) depending on where your hotel, resort or villa is located. Many Bali accommodations also offer the option of airport pick-up. A cheaper alternative to a taxi is the local public bus. The route servicing the airport stops at the arrivals terminal every 15 minutes, from 5am to 9pm. The bus fare is around IDR 7,500 (.75 AUD) per traveller.
 

What Are the Best Things to Do in Bali?

Log Some Beach Time

Bali’s beaches are said to rival Australia’s finest stretches of sand and notching up some serious time on the beach is on many a Bali visitor’s agenda. Step away from the well-trodden sand of the main beaches in Kuta and Seminyak to less crowded shorelines such as Kelingking, Pasih Uug, Blue Point, Nyang Nyan and Green Bowl.

Tour a Volcano

The nature of Bali’s volcanoes may occasionally disrupt flight plans, but seeing these powerful peaks in all their glory is an incredible experience. Active types can join a guided trekking tour that departs before sunrise, or you can book a driver for a more leisurely excursion.

See the Underwater World

Happy to get your hair wet? Slip on a wetsuit and wriggle into some flippers to take the plunge on a snorkelling tour. Explore the waters fringing some of the smaller islands off the Bali coast, or make a beeline for areas such as Nusa Dua, Padang Bai and Lembongan.

Chase Waterfalls

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall only opened to the public at the start of 2018, meaning it is still relatively under the radar. Walk to these falls in Wanagiri in only 20 minutes from the designated carpark. Travellers renting motorbikes should look out for the marked road near Lake Buyan. Or, hand over navigation duties to a private driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical shop opening hours in Bali?

Shops and shopping centres typically open at 10am and close at 9pm. Street markets are also common in Bali and open from 7pm until around midnight.

What language is spoken in Bali?

There are three main languages spoken in Bali: Balinese, Indonesian and English. In tourist areas, Indonesian and English are the most common languages spoken.

When is the best time of year to travel to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali for affordable hotel and accommodation prices, fewer crowds and sunny weather is during the dry season months, from April to June and September to October.

What is the best way to get around Bali?

For a quick and cheap transport option, consider hiring a scooter; rental costs about $5 AUD per day. Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter, and make sure your travel insurance policy covers you for this mode of transport. Booking a private driver is another popular option, costing on average $85 AUD for the day. Other transportation options are taxis, as well as local and tourist buses, however the route options are more limited on the bus. Both are relatively inexpensive, with most local trips costing less than $10 AUD, however the price will depend on the distance to the destination.

Do you need to tip in Bali?

Tipping in Bali is not required. In some restaurants and hotels however, a ‘service charge’ may already be included on your bill. As the earned wage in Bali can be lower, tipping can be appreciated in instances of excellent service.

What is Bali’s climate like?

Bali is known for its tropical climate and having warm weather all year round, with an average annual temperature of 27°C. The rainy or wet season is from November to March, and the dry season is from April to October.