A Spontaneous Bali Trip

📍 Bali · 👁 2344 reads · ❤️ 1 likes

The Bali trip originally planned for January 2020 was interrupted by the pandemic. After three years, the pandemic ended, I picked up my passport and set off without hesitation.

This article might be more of a collection of tips I’d like to share with everyone, rather than a typical travelogue, to help you avoid pitfalls during your trip.

First, a brief introduction to Bali: Bali has no time difference with China. The direct flight takes about 4.5 hours. The currency is Indonesian Rupiah. A simple way to convert to RMB is to remove four zeros and multiply by 5, so 10,000 IDR = 5 RMB. Rupiah notes come in large denominations; banks usually give out 100,000 IDR notes. I suggest exchanging for more small denominations. Remember to bring plenty of small cash, small cash, small cash... Although Indonesia is not a tipping country, you still need small cash for hotel services and such.

Indonesia offers a visa-on-arrival policy for Chinese citizens holding valid passports and round-trip tickets, allowing them to visit Bali anytime. However, I recommend getting a visa in advance in China, especially for those who are not confident in their English. For visa-on-arrival, you have to scan various QR codes, fill out electronic forms, and wait in multiple lines at Bali Airport. To save time and effort, it’s much more convenient to get the visa in China before departure. The cost of a visa agency in China is slightly higher than a visa-on-arrival, which costs 500,000 IDR or equivalent in USD/RMB, and can also be paid by card. To avoid any trouble with Bali customs officials, it’s best to have the exact amount in cash.

Next, transportation. Before the pandemic, many Chinese cities had direct flights to Bali. Currently, only Xiamen and Nanjing have resumed direct flights. You can wait a bit longer; perhaps more cities will restore direct routes.

Bali has no public transportation. If you want to visit attractions, consider chartering a car after deciding on the places. If you just want to wander near the hotel, you can take a taxi. Bali also has ride-hailing apps; just download Gojek. Taxis charge a fixed price, so prepare the exact small change. Bali taxi drivers seem to be trained the same way: no matter how much you pay, they claim they have no change. That feels like another pitfall. Now you understand the importance of small cash, small cash.

Upon landing in Bali, the long-lost island atmosphere hits you. Bali Airport is full of Southeast Asian vibes. To be honest, the usual attractions in Bali are not particularly appealing. So I suggest finding a nice hotel, soaking in the sea, and just eating and drinking. The attractions aren’t that important.

Regarding hotels, you can book according to your preference. The main island of Bali is in the Denpasar area. On the west side, Jimbaran Beach is great for sunset.

Because we arrived a bit late, we couldn’t capture the most beautiful sunset. Although the sunset was stunning, the public beach was a bit dirty, with piles of trash that spoiled the view. If you want to enjoy Jimbaran’s sunset properly, choose a hotel along Jimbaran with a private beach.

On the east side, Nusa Dua Beach is good for sunrise. If you want to greet the morning sun, book a hotel along Nusa Dua Beach.

Of course, you can also choose to stay at two hotels—two days for sunset, two days for sunrise—and experience different hotel services.

Finally, a brief word on attractions. Tanah Lot Temple is famous, but there’s not much to it—just a small island on the beach. During rough seas, you can’t even enter, but you still have to buy a ticket. Go figure. Worse, the toilets in the scenic area are all paid, costing 3,000-4,000 IDR, and they are very basic. I advise you to drink less coconut water before visiting Tanah Lot.

Let me share some photos of Tanah Lot.

The black sand beach at Tanah Lot.

Ubud Palace has typical Indonesian architecture but is very small. It is said that descendants of the royal family still live there.

There are two nearby islands to visit: Lembongan and Penida. This time we only went to Lembongan, so I can’t say which is better. To get to the islands, you need to take a speedboat from the harbor. You can book a one-day tour to Lembongan on Ctrip, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Remember to wear swimwear—first, because the speedboat moves fast and seawater splashes; second, because some sea activities like banana boat rides and diving require swimwear. Wear it under your clothes so you don’t have to change. Also, bring a change of dry clothes for after the activities.

Devil’s Tear is worth a visit. Over years of erosion by seawater, a cliff opening has formed with two holes at the bottom that look like eyes. At high tide, waves swirl inside, and the spray creates many rainbows when sunlight refracts.

If you’re lucky, you might even see sea turtles.

Next to Devil’s Tear is a stunning beach with fine sand and clear water. After visiting Devil’s Tear, you can relax and play in the water here.

As for the famous swings and bird’s nests, they’re just for taking photos and checking in.

You can try the Ayung River rafting.

After visiting the attractions, the highlight is eating and drinking.

The famous dirty duck dish is just average—not comparable to our Chinese roast duck. Not recommended.

Pork rib rice tastes okay, worth a try.

Various fried rice dishes are also local specialties.

Seafood is a must.

Let’s check out fresh coffee beans on the tree.

The raw material for civet coffee.

Fresh coconuts are cheap and delicious, around 15,000 IDR each. I could drink two a day and still want more.