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AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Bali hotels available.
No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices under US$200, $150 or $100 (depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Bali tend to be expensive, however, we have done our homework and all hotels listed on this site are under US$100, but most are far less. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
Bali Crash Course
If there is one place on the planet that comes to mind when the word, 'paradise' is used, it is Bali. It is a lush, green island with active volcanos, clean panoramic beaches for swimming, surfing and diving, terraced rice paddies, and an exotic yet hospitable culture submerged in a strange and colorful form of Hindu with ceremony and dance as a daily occurance. More than three fourths of all international visitors to Indonesia head for Bali. The popularity of the Kuta Beachexperience, southwest of the Denpasar Airport, has sewn the seeds to its own destruction. When I first visited it in 1975, as a globe trotting backpacker, it was amazing. Jungle paths took the place of roads, with cute little t-shirt and batik shops, and small restaurants hidden in the jungle, candles and coal oil lanterns lighting your way, it was safe, and oddly wholesome in its innocence.
The owners of Losman Johnny, upon seeing me first thing in the morning sitting on a chair outside of my $8 per night room, maybe watching geckos slither up the walls, and the sun's early rays glimmering through the jungle canopy, would bring a large glass of sweet coffee, and bananas, and let nature slowly wake me up. A swim, a few blocks away, accessed through the jungle at the Kuta panoramic beach after an hour or so, would make the day come alive, later washing the salt water from my mouth at a local juice shop, then paying a few dollars for an excellent massage by a little old Balanese lady including every finger and toe, and had no quams about walking all over me. She must have weighed only about seventy pounds, and it tickled more than hurt.
Much of my time was spent driving around on a little motor bike exploring the entire island, stopping to take pictures on my 72 frame Olympus Pen and being swallowed up by the culture. In many villages I had to stop to give way to their ceremonial parades, obviously nearly daily occurances, where I became the center of attention as everyone in the parade studied me.
Today Kuta Beach has degenerated and lost much of its original charm. Poverty has drawn out the worst aspects of human life, to bother and molest unguarded tourists. I remember the amazing jungle paths where tiny little open-air restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops would be scattered along, invisible from one another, stop for an exotic fruit drink, before heading down to the panoramic beach, stringy mushroom omlettes sold in the Garden Restaurant adding weird colours, and exaggerating what you saw, ending in a major pounding headache during the night. Today much of the exotic natural beauty has been transformed into a world of protecting concrete, and shysters ripping off tourists, souvenir shopping, and a wild nightlife scene.
Bali's visibility as a symbol of Hindu beauty and First World infidel tourists has attracted terrorists and their warped acts, once in 2002, a second time in 2005. However Bali has still managed to somehow retain its appeal and originality particularly outside of Kuta. Bali will never be totally destroyed, offering amazing things for everyone. Though it still takes in heavy numbers of tourists each year, for those wishing to find peace and serenity, there are places on Bali to get completely away from it all.
Bali History
Hindus first arrived on Bali (driven from Java by the Muslims) around 100 BC. With a long and tired history of centuries of ruling rajas, sometimes resisting invaders to the west from Java and self-induced attempts to overtake Lombok to their east, Bali was finally conquered, after several brutal wars between 1846 and 1849 by Dutch interests. Many of the Balinese en masse fought to the death rather than be disgraced, but the victory by the Dutch and losses by the Balanese were unnecessary as later, the Dutch basically left Bali to itself.
In 1948, Bali was annexed by the new Rupublic of Indonesia, but being ignored by the Muslim Sukarno and his underlings based out of Jakarta, Communist sentiments spread on Bali, leading to disaster after a failed coup d'etat in 1965, when up to 200,000 suspected communists were killed making the 'rivers run red'.
Bali's modern history basically began in the 1970s when globe-trotting hippies (like myself) and Australian surfers 'discovered' Bali and its amazingly-preserved Hindu culture, its spectacular beaches, and warm waves, the jungle, the art, the peaceful people. Soon mass tourism became the primary money earner on the island. Even despite the Muslim terrorist attacks a few years back, the rich beauty of the Hindu culture of Bali will endure.
Culture
The Island of Bali is a small pocket of Hindus in a sea (literally) of Muslims. However, Balinese Hinduism bears little resemblance to the Indian variety of Hinduism. Traveling around Bali on a small motor bike one notices that just about all Balinese life is blanketed in its religion. Everywhere you go, even in the most remote, non-touristy places, you will see tiny flower offerings (sesajen) in bamboo leaf trays, with glutinous rice and salt, and a stick of incense burning sweetly. They are sprinkled in holy water before each meal three times per day.
Balinese music and dance have become internationally famous, always with the gamelan orchestra made of gongs, drums, flutes, two stringed violas and metal strips which hang over bamboo tubes called a pemugal, like different sized metal xylophones rythmically pounded with hammers. Your heart pounds when you see and hear it. Wayang Kulit Shadow-Puppet Theater predominates.
Some dances include the barong (lion dance), which is an authentic ritual dance showing the struggle between good and bad forces. Performers wear scarey looking lion masks. Another less authentic dance is called the kecak (monkey dance), invented by a German, Walter Spies, in the 1930s for a movie. It is spectacular nonetheless, having up to two hundred dancers forming concentric rings chanting "'ecak kecak', and a lone dancer in the middle does a dance summoning the spirits.
Festivals
They estimate there are twenty thousand temples called pura on the tiny island of Bali, each holding a festival or odalan twice per year. Funerals offer another occasion of ceremonial traditions when the deceased are cremated in lavish colourful rituals.
Some of the larger festivals are celebrated island-wide, with dates determined by Balanese calendars, like every 210 days, completely unsynchronized with western calendars.
Nyepi is special to the Balanese, where extreme silence is required to fool the evil spirits into thinking that nobody is on the Island Of Bali, so they will leave Bali looking for other prey until next year. Even the government and police are in charge of keeping the silence on Nyepi. The tradition helps the Balinese remember their need for understanding and tolerance in their day to day life. Bali's Hinduism is quite animistic as well, the blending being a sure sign of Bali's tolerance to anything.
Ramadan, though enforced by law to be a Balanese holiday, is naturally a less sophisticated event than in the rest of Indonesia where Muslims reign.
Geography
Bali, an Island 8 degrees south of the equator with a surface of 5632 square kilometers, with lots of mountains, volcanos and lakes; all surrounded by huge areas of rice fields and the beach areas of course. About 70% of the whole extent is agricultural ground, while the other part of 22% consists of forest and only a little part or about 8% left uncultivated. Mt. Agung is the highest of volcanic mountain with 3142 m, another one to visit is the Mt.Batur (1717 m) with its huge mountain lake.
Climate
Bali is a constant paradise as far as the climate is concerned, if you like the thrill of an occasional thundering rainstorm, which happen throughout the year. Though they consider April to October as their dry season and November to March as the cloudier, rainy season, it is only relative.
Probably a more inportant consideration for you should be the peak tourist seasons, where service and supplies are strained. Australians love to visit in July and August, and again during the Christmas/New Years holidays, or the school breaks in April, June and September. Also consider that wealthier Indonesians like to visit Bali on the various national holidays throughout the year. If you can locate a convenient shoulder season, the peace and quiet and good service you receive is combined with lower accommodation and restaurant prices.
Bali flora and fauna
Indonesia is home to more than 500 Animal species-more than anywhere else in the world. It also has the greatest number of endangered species in the world. Establishing an effective environmental conservation program is a formidable project. The government, with the help of private conservation agencies, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Nature Conservancy, is working to create a viable network of national parks and nature reserves where fragile ecosystems and threatened species can be protected. Two of these national parks, Ujung Kulon in West Java (home to the world's most endangered large mammal, the Javan rhino) and Komodo in the Lesser Sundas (home to the Komodo dragon) have been declared World Heritage Sites by the World Conservation Union.
Visiting Bali
Entry requirements
Visitors from the U.S., Australia, and most of Europe, New Zealand, and Canada do not need visas. Sixty-day stamps are available on entry through Ngurah Rai Airport or the seaports of Padang Bai and Benoa. For stays of longer than 60 days, a tourist or business visa must be arranged before coming to Indonesia. Tourist visas are valid only for 4 weeks and cannot be extended; business visas can be extended for 6 months at Indonesian immigration offices.
Money
One United States dollar is worth roughly 9000 Indonesian rupiah.
Getting around
Even though Bali is a relatively small, it is not so easy to explore its reaches without good planned transportation. Expect chaotic traffic in Denpasar and Kuta, where driving is a bit crazy and on the left.
Day excursions around Bali can be purchased through a street agency, often a tent with a 'tourist information' sign.
By taxi
Taxis with meters dominate southern Bali south of and into Denpasar but are unavailable elsewhere. You pay 5,000 Rp for the first two kilometers and 2,000 Rp per each additional kilometer. If a taxi driver must wait it is Rp 20,000 per hour. Above Denpasar, there is a 30% surcharge because the driver often return empty, however, it day tripping, i may be cheaper to charter him for the whole time.
To rent a car yourself will run you about 400,000 per day. Be sure the price is fixed, and do not pay anything until you are done.
Bemos
These are minivans doing a flexible bus-service, Bali's traditional mode of transport, though taxis have largely taken over southern Bali. Fares can be cheap though often the driver will insist foreigners charter the whole thing, and there goes you savings!
By car or motorbike
I rented a motorbike and found it safe once I got out of the craziness of southern Bali traffic. If you are not quite as adventurous, strongly consider contracting a car awith driver to show you around, it is far safer, and if he speaks a bit of English, it can be quite entertaining.
By bicycle
Traveling around the local areas by bicycle is a great alternative, and gives you the time to absorb the culture rather than racing through it with your nose pressed against a car window. Many bring their own touring bike, or buy one locally, like in Denpasar. A mountain bike is best with the fat tires. Within a day or two, you will be able to acclimatize yourself to the chaotic dangerous buzz saw of southern Bali traffic.
Temples
Bali's most popular sight seeing activity is checking out the numerous Hindu temples scattered all over the island. The smallest villages all have a few temples, often covered in a green mossy slime in the cool shade of the jungle. The nine directional temples called kayangan jagat are the biggest and most important to the Hindus. Uluwatu, on a cliff at the southern tip of Bali is accessed easily and therefore one of the most popular among tourists, and Tanah Lot, a famous rocklike formation found in the ocean twenty kilometers from Denpasar, is a famous pilgrimage temple, and photo op for tourists. However, for the Balanese, the most important Hindu temple for them is Besakih on Mount Agung' slope.
Attractions to see and do
It somewhat depresses me that tourists require to be entertained on such an amazing, exotic, different garden-like island unless you have kids who will drive you up the all otherwise.
- Helicopter around Bali with Air Bali
Bali Bird Park
- Check out the Bird Park at Singapadu, Gianyar.
- See the Butterfly Park at Wanasari, Tabanan.
- Camel Safari at Jl.Nusa Dua Selatan, Niko Nusa Dua http://www.nikkobali.com/leisurefacilities/index.html Camel Safari.
- Children Jungle Camp, Jl.Nusa Dua Selatan, Niko Nusa Dua http://www.nikkobali.com/childrenprogram/index.html Jungle Camp.
- Eka Karya Botanic Garden/Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Candi Kuning, Baturiti
- Elephant Safari Park, Desa Taro, Tegalalang, Gianyar http://www.baliadventuretours.com/BAT-Elephant_Park.htm Elephant Safari Park. Elephant Tour. Ride the elephants in the jungles lasting from fifteen minutes to an hour. During this time if there are not many tourists it is possible to ride the elephant sitting on its neck, make some circus tricks, get into the swimmimg-pool. The price is approximately 60 USD.
- Odyssey Submarine, Submarine Safaris Asia,Ltd, Jl. Raya Kuta Website: http://submarine-bali.com/ Odyssey Submarine. Underwater tour.
- Rimba Reptile Park, Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, beside the Bird Park.
- Waterboom Park, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Badung has a swimming pool and water slides.
- Zoo Park, Desa Singapadu, Gianyar is a wildlife conservation area.
- Bali has several hot springs. Near Lovina on the north coast is Air Panjar where several stone mouth carvings permit hot water to pass from pool to pool all in a beautiful lush garden setting.
- Bali is a paradise if you like the spa treatment. The Balinese have a 'lulur' body-scrub involving spices and herbs. Though it is a tradition before a wedding, tourists are increasingly eating it up! Traditional Balinese massage involves a little old lady with oil taking long full Swedish style strokes. They even get between your fingers and toes. One particular well-run span is Alam Alang Bali Spa, Jalan Mahardika no 10X Mumbul, Nusa Dua http://www.alambali.com/ Alam Bali Spa. They specialize in the Balinese cream-bath, a stone massage, Balinese mandi lulur, ayurvedic, facials and an oil head massage. You'll never feel the same again!
Night life in Bali
It starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the in-places often become crowded after midnight.
There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.
Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "houses of ill repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.
As reported in the Bali travel Forum: Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and a bit more. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 300,000 Rupiah although prices range from 100,000 Rupiah to 1,000,000 Rupiah and more, depending on the season, the time of night, the situation and the quality of service.
Sports
- Ayung River, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Benoa, to the Ayung River, offers whitewater rafting. http://www.baliadventuretours.com/BAT-Rafting.htm on the Ayung River
- Telaga Waja River, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Denpasar offers whitewater rafting. The whole rafting trip is about eight miles long, and takes btween two and three hours, including some exciting class three and four rapids, three and four meter high waterfalls to take the plunge over, and at the end, a great shower and lunch awaits. Enjopy 50% off in the summer, coming to about US$30.
- Go Kart, Jl. Kartika Plasa, Kuta, Badung.
- Paragliders, Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 12 A, Kuta http://www.baliparagliders.com Bali Paragliders.
- Try Scuba Diving with many interesting scuba dive sites around Bali. One is the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo near Tulamben. Also, Pulau Menjangan is quitepopular.
- Surfing, with the warm waters, inexpensive cost of living and reliable waves, they all keep Bali one of the world's most popular surfing locations. In southern Bali, especially Kuta and around Nusa Dua beginners will find easy, sandy areas great for learning. Surf instructors tanning on the beach are anxious to rent you a board and a hone hour lesson for under $50. I rented a board, and after having little luck surfing, lay naked on my board well out in the water for about half an hour. When I awoke, I noticed my bathing suit had floated away, so all I remember is walking up on the crowded beach with a surf board hiding my particulars, borrowing a towel, and running back to Losman Johnny for some clothes.
- Umalas Stable, Jl. Lestari No 9 X, Banjar Umalas Kauh Kerobokan, Kuta has horseback riding.
Adventure
- Adrenalin Park, Jl. Benasari, Kuta, Kuta, Badung offers bungy jumping, slingshot, a climbing wall and a pool.
- AJ Hacket, Double Six Club in Kuta, Badung has bungy jumping, a restaurant and an observation tower.
- Paintball, Jalan Danau Tamblingan.
- Sea Walker, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.7 Sanur, Denpasar, special equipment is provided for walking at the bottom of the sea.
- Sling Shot, Jalan Legian Bounty Mall, Kuta.
- Submarine Safaris Asia, Jl. Raya Kuta.
Cuisine
Because much of Balinese food is pork-based, it is not very popular among the visiting Muslims from other parts of Indonesia. Noteworthy dishes include:
- Babi guling is a ceremonial dish of roast suckling pig which must be ordered days in advance, often tourists will form a party over one, a great way to meet each other.
Simple Balinese plate - Bebek betutu means darkened duck, basted in a herbal paste then roasted within banana leaves. Ayam betutu is the same except using chicken.
- Lawar is a variety of Balinese thinly chopped vegetable salads, minced meat, with spices and coconut. Blood is traditionally mixed into lawar, but left out for tourist's delicate stomachs. Chicken and green beans are often used.
- Sate lilit is a minced-seafood satay wrapped around a sprig of lemongrass and served.
- Urutan is a spicy Balanese pork sausage.
Potent potables
Being Hindu rather than Muslim, like the rest of Indonesia, the Balinese enjoy a cold beer or alcoholic beverage, and therefore it is available in most locations.
Indonesia's most popular beer is Bintang, but the local Balanese 'Bali Hai' is just about as popular on Bali. If you want more taste in your beer look for Storm, a microbrew from Bali, coming in different flavours. Compared to other non-alcoholic drinks, beer is expensive, but not bad if you compare it to the rest of the world. Beer is fairly expensive, though still cheap by Western standards: at Rp. 10,000 or more, therefore it competes with the cost of a full meal in many locations. In tourist centres, happy hours are widely available before and after sunset, with regular bottles of beer going for Rp. 7,000 and the giant sizes for around Rp. 12,000.
Hatten is the most poplar wine, made right on Bali, available in red, white, sparkling and rose (which is the most popular). Quality may not be consistent so most people stick to the red which is far less expensive than imported wines from anywhere, even nearby Australia. Wine buffs should bring their own bottle from other countries from which they fly into Indonesia. Imported wines are readily available in Bali, but are very expensive relative to everything else. Nicer restaurants will let you bring your own bottle; some will charge a (very modest) corkage fee. Smaller establishments likely won't mind, but neither will they have a corkscrew!
Bali's traditional liquor is arak, a colourless spirit with 49% alcohol, and brem, which is a rice wine that has been fermented for a while, in attractive decorated clay bottles, but many feel it's taste leaves something to be desired.
Do not drink the tap water on Bali, stick to the incredibly cheap bottled water at about US 30 cents per 1.5L bottle. Restaurants generally cook with purified water. 'Filtered' water shops are everywhere, and cheaper and less waste than plastic bottles, giving treatment to on-site watermains to a drinkable standard. Reusable eleven liter containers cost about US 50 cents which is another option.
But you are in Bali, home of the best variety of fruit juices in the world, enjoy huge tumblers full of anything or combinations for about US$1. If you need to mix a bit of arak, it goes well!In Bali, avocado, known as alpukat is used for a dessert fruit, blended with sugar and ice, occasionally chocolate, you won't find it anywhere else.
Safely.travel
Bali has received international attention recently because of a pair of terrorist bombings in Kuda Beach targeting popular foreign-frequented nightclubs. Fortunately the Balanese themselves, who are involved in the lucrative tourism business condemn these acts. Though security has been beefed-up at the obvious targets of these twisted cowards, it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety. But as a tourist, one must keep things in perspective, in that far more tourists die each year of road carnage than these attacks produce.
Bali, being part of a Muslim-ruled country, like Malaysia and Singapore, has increased the penalties to extremes (long prison terms or the death penalty) for those convicted of possession of small amounts, trafficing, importation or exportation of illegal drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin derivatives. Beware of seemingly innocuous street vendors trying to give or sell you drugs. Often they work with or are police, with the goal of bribing you excessive amounts of money (whatever you have) before they release you.
The noon-time sun in Bali will fry an egg, or worse, a careless traveller, therefore apply lots of #25 or higher sun screen. Avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm. Keep your fluid levels up also. There is no need to bring you water with you as it is available out of the fridge in most locations, and very cheap.
Check out this site, it may save your life
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling in Bali, and the Third World in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely.travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travelers should pack an adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Bali.
Requirements to obtain VISA to enter Indonesia
Passport Information
All nationalities must have at least 6 months ofm remaining validity from the day of entry into the country for which VISA has been applied for. If validity is less than 6 months ETS will renew your passport (Fee's apply).
Indonesia Tourist Visa
- Valid passport with 6 months validity remaining
Another ceremony - 2 application forms completed and signed
- 2 passport type photographs
- If American, a valid green card or US visa
- A copy of the onward/return journey or confirmed Itinerary
- Proof of financial support
Indonesia Business Visa - In addition to the above, you need:
- a letter of invitation from the host company in Indonesia
- A letter in duplicate from your foreign employer, stating that the purpose and duration of the visit and guarantee all transportation, and sufficient funds for living expenses during your stay in Indonesia.
For other Information, call ETS for latest updates and questions.
Online Forms: http://www.myvisapassport.com/pdf/Indovisaapplication.pdf application form - (print on legal size paper)
Processing instructions for Americans. Forward the completed requirements as detailed above to:
Express Travel Services 10211 Pacific Mesa Blvd, Suite 401 San Diego, CA 92121 Toll Free: 1-866-376-1125 Fax Number: 1-858-225-0786 Email: mailto:info@etsonweb.com
Your application will be sent in to the Embassy.
Fees for Express Travel Services
- $50.00 - Per visa/non-rush
- $75.00 - Rush
- $150 - Expedite
Consular Fees
- $35.00 - Single Entry (1 month)
- $75.00 - multiple entry
- $60.00- single entry (2 months)
These fees are subject to change at any time by the Embassy. Fedex return Postage
- $14 Courier Service 2nd Business Day
- $20 Courier Service (Priority Overnight)
- $40 Courier Service (Saturday Delivery)
- $50.00 Courier service (First Overnight)
They use only Fedex services For further information contact
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia 3457 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90010 213-383-5126 http://www.kjri-la.net Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
Bali hotels
As mentioned above, the following Bali hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$100 per night. We have also listed budget accommodations as well as popular bed and breakfasts.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
Our most qualified Bali hotels under $100 (in order of value for money and location)
Ubud hotels
- Alam Shanti (peaceful nature) is Ketut’s newest creation located in Nyuh Kuning Village between sister hotel Alam Indah and Alam Jiwa. From Alam Shanti, a rice field path connects directly to Alam Jiwa or into the Monkey Forest. Luxurious rooms with exquisitely carved doorways, garden bathrooms along with the continued warmth and hospitality of Ibu Wayan's staff.
- Tunjung Mas Bungalows - Beauty and serenity abounds in the heart of Ubud Bali. Tunjung Mas Bungalows provides the ideal bungalow atmosphere located close to a Ubud Palace and in the middle of beautiful rice fields. Tunjung Mas Bungalows is set within a lush tropical garden. Balinese hospitality of our staff will make your holiday unforgettable.
- Bali Spirit Hotel - A tranquil place to return to at day's end, where traditional Balinese architecture, rich in natural materials, in enhanced by the luxurious appointments and services expected of a fine hotel. 25 private suites and villas, all with views, air-conditioning, fan, hot water garden showers, cotton sheets and towels, breezy terraces, and discreet service. Restaurant, bar, reception pavilions, massage and spa treatments, cultural programs and more. Now there is a unique facility in Bali to nurture the Self-a place to restore both body and soul. Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa brings together the traditional healing arts and ritual life of Bali in a serene, intimate setting of total comfort and top quality design. We are in close walking distance of Ubud-the island's cultural hub. Overlooking whitewater river and off-the-beaten-path, Bali Spirit feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Natural springs flow into a large swimming pool. And the Bali Spirit Spa provides a complete program of body massages, beauty treatments, and healing tools from traditional Balinese healers & Western practices.
Brother and sister - Ubud Village Hotel - The Ubud Village Resort is a refreshing retreat boutique villa that aims to make travelers feel at home yet away from the demand of modern life. Gently nestled among a serene hill side surrounded by ranges of storey rice field of Pengosekan, a total of 25 appointed private pool villas offering total privacy and comfortable, rivaled only by your own home. Each Villa, classified in a unique category named after the direction of winds in the Balinese language such as Villa Banjar Kelod (Southern part Village), Villa Banjar Kauh (Western part Village), Villa Banjar Kangin (Eastern part village) is set within a private gardens compound with private pools, open bathrooms and open air bathtub surrounded by a garden and free form fish ponds.
- Cendana Resort and Spa - Cendana Resort & Spa was opened in 1992. Built in traditional Balinese architecture, with balcony overlooking beautiful rice field, it has lush garden set with various plants and flowers. Cendana is the Indonesian name of a kind of fragrant wood called "Sandalwood", which in Bali is used for high quality carvings, ceremonial offerings (Banten), and traditional treatments. Quiet and peaceful, it is everyone's first choice to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali.
- Junjungan Ubud Hotel and Spa - Welcome to the friendliest resort in Ubud. Located in Ubud, the Art Centre of Bali, a lush and elegant private Balinese hotel awaits you. It's serene surrounding is a perfect place to relax and rest. Picturesque views from all rooms, the riverside restaurant and the experience at our spa will bring lasting memories.
- Biyukukung Suites and Spa - Jl. Sugriwa Ubud. 80571 Bali - Indonesia. Telp:(62-361) 978976. fax: (62-361) 972562 [1]
Seminyak hotels
- Villa Ixora - Beauty and serenity abounds in magical Bali. Villa Ixora provides the ideal resort atmosphere located close to a fine sandy beach and in the middle of beautiful rice fields. Villa Ixora is set within a lush tropical garden; Ixora, Frangipani, Hibiscus, gently swaying palms, sea breezes and tranquility. European management together with the Balinese hospitality of our staff will make your holiday unforgettable. The Bale Bengong (gazebo) is the ideal open space for watching the sun going down and having a drink.
Bali temple - Pelangi Bali Hotel - Bali, a wonderful romantic places. The beauty of it is enough to refresh your spirit. The music, dance, and culture will excite your curiosity and memories. Pelangi Bali Hotel, located in exotic Seminyak white sand beach makes it all possible, offering comfort, tranquility and satisfaction. Experience and carry with your dreams the memories of all magic of Balinese culture. The wide hotel lobby impress a strong Balinese atmosphere and reflect a tastefully balance of local culture and modern architecture. All superior rooms offer a nice room with marble floor, bathrooms are nicely finished with nature stones. Bathtub is separated with private inside shower, completed with bathroom's amenities. All rooms have air conditioner, mini bar, direct IDD call service and color TV which providing some International TV channels. Our International restaurants right in front of the beach and swimming pool, offers a superb selection and range of dinning and entertainment choices.
- Hotel Vila Lumbung - The Hotel Vila Lumbung is a small exotic village surrounded by masterly designed tropical gardens of approximately 12.000 square meters. The special shape of the grass-roof villas is derived from the typical Balinese "Lumbung". The upper part of this center hut of each family compound serves as a rice barn, while the lower floor - an elevated lounging area ("Bale") - is used as a meeting place. We transformed this concept into a unique design of our guest rooms. While the dome shaped grass rooftop of the upper floors conveys a spacious and tropical feeling, the ground floor's Bale is made into a cozy retreat next to the garden. The lobby, restaurant and shopping area are designed to follow the "Lumbung"-concept.
Nusa Dua hotels
- Ellie's - Bali is an island of contrasts and culture from the greenery of the rice paddies, to sandy beaches that boast some of the world's finest surfing, the serenity of Hindu ceremonies, to the hustle and bustle of the Balinese going about their daily life, and everything in between... Bali has something for everyone. Located close to the beaches of Nusa Dua, the surfing of Uluwatu, the shopping of Seminyak, and the nightlife of Kuta, Ellie's, Bali is a family-run hotel where we pride ourselves on our friendly and informal atmosphere. With attentive service, stylish and comfortable rooms and excellent private facilities, it's the perfect place to stay in Nusa Dua. From our roof terrace guests enjoy a stunning, panoramic view of Bali; from the sunrise over the Nusa Dua peninsula, taking in the splendour of the volcanic Mount Gunung that looms over Benoa Bay, to the sunset at the foothills of the Bukit Peninsula.
Praying at the temple - Aston Bali Resort - located on one of the most stunning private beaches on the island, set in beautiful landscape gardens overlooking the sea. Discerning travellers who seek a carefree escape can enjoy a unique and relaxing experience in a natural setting.
- Grand Mirage Resort - Rising like a vision from the sea, the GRAND MIRAGE is a refined, refreshingly comfortable resort. This low-rise resort is situated in lush tropical gardens facing a spectacular beach and crystal clear water.
- Suites Hotel Bali Royal - Suites Hotel Bali Royal offers cheap Bali vacation packages, Bali honeymoon packages, and holiday packages in Bali, Indonesia. As an added convenience you may make a Bali hotel reservation online. This affordable budget hotel offers discounted Bali luxury hotel rooms at rates up to 75% off. Located at the southern end of Tanjung Benoa, only 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the airport, the Suites Hotel Bali Royal has a unique blend of tropical garden settings, a spacious sandy beach, and classical architecture. It is distinguished from other hotels by the highest standards of hotel services available here in this region and at an international level. We offer quality accommodations in the hotel and the full range of modern facilities and amenities expected by today's discerning travelers.
- Benoa Beach Front Villas and Spa - Located in the remarkable coast of famous white sandy Nusa Dua Beach of the Indian Ocean , the Benoa Beach Front villas and Spa proudly offers you five Balinese villas, one Family Suite, thirteen suites rooms. Each type of those accommodations are also divided into various room types based on each own characteristic. All specious accommodation are surrounded by very well maintained tropical garden inviting free several birds to come by within the area. This magnificent atmosphere really promises perfect serenity and to not be missed out.
Lovina hotels
- Puri Bagus Resort - Lovina is a name of the beach in Northern Bali discovered by A. A. Pandji Tisna, a Balinese novelist. Lovina is an abbreviation of ‘Love Indonesia (INA)’ dedicated for the people who love Indonesia, especially Bali, as his own motherland. On its beautiful shoreline, we proudly present Puri Bagus Lovina, the first luxurious resort in the area. Built in traditional Balinese thatched roof architectural style on private beachfront, this Resort offers 40 spacious villas and two suites with private pool and dining room. The guest rooms offer touches of old Bali, such as a large open-air verandah and Balinese open air-secluded showers in the privacy of interior gardens. All are tastefully blended with international standards facilities, bed-side control panels, individually controlled air conditioning, radio, IDD telephone, Cable TV, private mini bar - all clustered around spacious and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.
- Rambutan Beach Cottages - Scattered among a hectare (2.4 acres) of coconut and fruit plantation, there are thirty rooms and three luxury Villa-Cottages.. Here you can enjoy two swimming pools, badminton court, table tennis, playgrounds and sports bar.
- Villa Agung Beach Inn - Villa Agung Beach Inn is a small, romantic, boutique hotel with cottages and family bungalow accommodation, right on the beach in Lovina, Bali. Budget vacation prices!
Tuban hotels
- Green Garden Beach Resort - Nestled in the village of Tuban, our Beach Resort is designed with discerning travelers in mind. The Resort is located a few steps from sandy Tuban Beach, South Kuta, with its clear, calm water protected by an off-shore coral reef. Kuta attractions (Discovery Shopping Mall, restaurants & pubs, Waterbom Park, Kuta Art Market, etc) are within easy strolling distance. A few fishermen’s boats are also available nearby for surfers who would like to take the famous Kuta Reef challenge.
- Balihai Resort and Spa - Bali, Morning of the World, an island where cultural rhythms strike a perfect balance with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surrounding, has cast its magical spell on travelers for centuries. Here you can encounter a people whose mystical ways are enriched by a gentle and gracious culture. Be embraced by warm and genuine smiles and discover for yourself the magic that is Bali at Balihai Resort and Spa. You will be rejuvenated as the glistening blue waters of the Indian Ocean break rhythmically along Balihai Resort & Spa's 500 meters of white sand beachfront just outside your door.
Sanur hotels
- Bumi Ayu Bungalows - Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods" with its unique art and culture, beautiful beaches and main tourist destination will make your holiday a memorable one. The island of Bali is world famous with Hinduism as the major faith of the inhabitants, intertwined in everything. Bumi Ayu Hotel hopes that one day you’ll come to Bali and enjoy our facilities and services during your stay with Bumi Ayu Hotel. Bumi Ayu Hotel's friendly staff and outstanding service will make your Bali holiday unforgettable. Bumi Ayu Bungalow is designed in a comfortable Balinese style, surrounded by beautiful lush tropical gardens. As a semi-traditional bungalow style hotel in the heart of Sanur, just 5 minutes drive to town and 10 minutes to the beach, Bumi Ayu Bungalow offers many great modern hotel features.
Extinct volcano - http://www.sanurparadise.com Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel - The Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel and Suites is located in the tranquil coastal village of Sanur, Bali. Bali has it all and Sanur is the best place to start the discovery of Bali. The Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel commands an ideal location, just minutes from great shopping, entertainment and the cultural and natural attractions of Bali. With all rooms located around the lush tropical poolside gardens, the resort answers to all the needs of both the business and leisure traveler. The Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is the perfect gateway for families while holidaying in Bali. Home to Camp Splash! Considered Bali's Best Hotel's Kids Club, the ultimate kids facility that features water slides and all day activities that keep the children occupied, and parents relaxed.
- La Taverna Hotel - La Taverna is a small, comfortable hotel on the beach in the heart of Sanur. The perfect place for a relaxing holiday. The ex-fishing village of Sanur is famous for its beautiful, lagoon-enclosed beach. It is also one of the cultural capitals of the island, where the Balinese way of life and heritage are still strong. * La Taverna is a Balinese-style hotel that provides European comfort. Its offers bungalows set in beautiful, lush gardens where a swimming pool and restaurant nestle beneath the palms overlooking the sea. The staff are all Balinese, who are renowned for their gentle manner and smiling faces.
- Mercure Resort - Mercure Resort, renovated in 2004 under Bali Contemporary design features 186 guestrooms in 41 Balinese cottages with thatch roof. Located just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the hotel is tucked into a peaceful corner of Sanur. It offers a direct access to a white sand tree lined beach where you can swim in the clear blue sea protected by a natural coral reef barrier. Stone pathways will lead you around the 5-hectare tropical garden with its fragrant trees, towering palms and 100 species of flora. It is a place where you will experience a natural ambience of calm and serenity. Guest and structured children activities are available daily. Complete recreational facilities include children's pool, floodlit tennis court, volley ball court, badminton court, table tennis, bicycles, spa, massage and beauty salon. Sightseeing tours, automobile or motorbike rentals are arranged by the hotel's multi-lingual staff. A perfect place to relax, to shop, and to have fun while experiencing a very unique culture.
Bali volcano - Inna Sindhu Beach - Inna sindhu Beach is the first hotel in Sanur Bali Area. Located on the white sandy Beach, it still retains the atmosphere of a seaside village, and the traditional ceremonies are still a part of the daily life. The warm blue waters of the sea and a magnificent sunrise are only meters away from your doorstep. Inna Sindhu Beach is centrally located, and makes it quick and easy to travel to Denpasar, the airport, the busy night life of Kuta or the famous artists colony of Ubud.
- http://www.villapuriayu.com Villa Puri Ayu - A vibrant culture, unique arts and ceremonies, a friendly people and scenic beauty make Bali an island almost unreal in today's changing world. Renouned worldwide, it brings an endless stream of visitors every year with so many attractions to offer: the surf is fantastic, the nightlife is exciting, the shopping is endless, ceremonies festivals and dances are fascinating, the spas are rejuvenating and the food is delicious and exotic. Nestled in the heart of the ancient Sanur village of Sanur, just a stroll from the beach, Villa Puri Ayu is a lovely boutique resort that consists of villa's, deluxe cottages and apartments, an ideal location if you like to relax and experience true Balinese hospitality.
Kuta hotels
- Bounty Hotel - This unique Balinese style hotel features 166 rooms. The Bounty Hotel is a full service hotel, ensuring that your holiday in Bali is completely enjoyable and relaxing.
- Grand Balisani Suites and Padma Hotel - the suites are on a completely natural, sandy beach and surrounded by lotus ponds. The hotel is built in Balinese village style and furnished to the highest standards with natural stones, beautifully crafted woods and finest local artifacts and textiles. The Padma Hotel is built in traditionally designed rooms, Balinese style and furnished with natural woods, beautifully crafted bamboo and local artifacts and textiles. It is set in tropical landscaped garden with a private pool and Sunken Bar.
- Dewi Sri Hotel - Nestled away in the midst of Bali's famous Kuta beach and the Legian shopping and entertainment centre. The Dewi Sri Hotel is a boutique budget hotel which offers excellent accommodation for today's value conscious traveler. Safe, quiet and convenient, the Dewi Sri Hotel is the perfect choice for a great holiday in Bali.
Jimbaran hotels
- Puri Bambu Hotel - Touch of traditional Balinese architecture enhances the strong mix of modern and ethnic interior & exterior set amongst this verdant greenery, giving Hotel Puri Bambu a charm of its own. The life of village and its surrounding are unchanged by the passage of time. The age-old traditions of Bail, colourful festivities and ceremonies make the setting ideal for direct and natural experience of the magic of this island. Located in a peaceful traditional village in south of Bali, called Kedonganan, near Jimbaran. Its white sandy beach, sunset view and the famous sea food cafe all the beach long is attracting tourists from all over the world.
Rice paddies
Pekutatan hotels
- Puri Dajuma Cottages - The Puri Dajuma cottage complex makes up a small village run by a two families from Indonesia and Europe. It was designed, built and furnished by adventurers and travelers who gradually garnered experience in accomodation and cultural discovery from countless trips worldwide. As such, most of the key guarantees of safe, comfortable and relaxing holidays are in place, in addition to the special emphasis on integration with the local landscape, culture and mentality. We hope to make your stay as pleasant as the one we have dreamt of before the hotel was built. Puri Dajuma Cottages is located 70 km from Bali International Airport. This means a one-and-a-half-hour drive along a scenic road through rice-fields and coconut and banana plantations with a view of the ocean guaranteed to take your breath way!
About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
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