Australians Traveling To Bali 2023: Read Before You Leave

Australians traveling to Bali is very common in Indonesia. Bali is very famous among Australians. In short, Bali is Australia’s favored vacation spot. Before the global pandemic, a lot of Australians traveled to Bali. 

Over one million Australian citizens would travel to Bali each year, extending Australia’s leisure spaces. The island attracted various types of visitors including excitable teenagers experiencing their first taste of independence in Kuta during schoolies and families seeking a peaceful retreat in Ubud’s private and serene villas.

The beauty of Bali lies in the fact that it can be whatever its visitors desire – an opulent escape, an exploration of a captivating culture, a wellness sanctuary, or a bumper pub tour.

In light of Bali’s impending reopening, now is the perfect time to plan your next visit.

Our comprehensive guide may aid your preparations.

The Passport Requirements 

For Australians traveling to Bali, a passport is a must thing to bring. It’s important to be aware of the following requirements regarding your passport prior to travel, as failing to adhere may result in being refused entry:

1. Validity: Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the day of your arrival. Non-compliance will lead to immediate expulsion; no exceptions are given.
2. Empty Page: Ensure that your passport has at least one available empty page.
3. Condition: Your passport needs to be well-preserved and in a presentable state. Passports that are torn or severely worn out may result in entry refusal.
   There are cases of travelers denied entry into Indonesia and consequently returned due to the poor condition of their passports.

The Visa 

To travel to Indonesia, you have to have a visa.  Now, you have the option to apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) at least 48 hours before your trip. We recommend reviewing the e-VOA conditions set by Indonesian Immigration before initiating your application.

If you are unable to secure an e-VOA 48 hours prior to the journey, you have the option of obtaining a regular Visa on Arrival (VOA) at specific international airports, seaports, and land border points like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Medan, Manado, Tanjung Pinang, and Yogyakarta, among others.

Please note, that additional conditions are applicable for those traveling on government assignments.

The e-VOA and VOA’s cost is IDR 500,000 (around AUD 50). The e-VOA incurs a small fee for online processing.

It should be noted that some airports, such as Jakarta’s international airport, only accept cash payment for the VOA. Facilities for card payment are located at Bali’s international airport.

ATMs may experience high usage. Be ready to pay in cash if necessary.

The visa suffers for 30 days and can be extended once, for an additional 30 days, by submitting an application to an Indonesian immigration office.

To prevent an overstay fine and deportation, make sure to extend your visa during the initial 30 days.

Requirements for a regular VOA application include:

• A standard (non-emergency) passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining from the planned entry date.
• We also recommend ensuring 6 months of passport validity from your planned departure date from Indonesia, to prevent any potential issues for your exit or onward journey.
• Proof of a return flight booking to Australia or an onward flight booking to another country.

 Health Advice

For Australians traveling to Bali, there are sometimes health-related issues. Conditions in Indonesia, especially Bali, may be different from those in Australia.

So you should prepare some things related to this health issue.

Update Your Vaccinations

Make sure you’re all caught up on your routine jabs, those include measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Depending on your itinerary and personal health status, talk with a travel health specialist about any further vaccinations you may need, such as hepatitis A and typhoid.

  Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers any possible medical emergencies – including hospitalization and evacuation, as well as trip cancellations. Remember to confirm that your chosen policy specifically includes coverage for Bali.

 Food and Water

• Only consume bottled water or use proven water purification methods (e.g., water purification tablets or a water filter).
• Use caution when drinking beverages with ice and eating raw or undercooked dishes.
• Always opt for well-respected restaurants and street food vendors with high standards of hygiene.
  

  
  Sun Protection 

Bali has a tropical climate, so protect yourself from the sun’s strong UV rays by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.

Mosquito Protection 

• Use DEET-containing insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially around dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Think about booking a room with air conditioning or a mosquito net.
• Take precautions and be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.
  

  
  Diarrhea 

• Be cautious about what you eat and drink to avoid stomach issues.
• Avoid drinking raw water and spicy food. Indonesian street food tends to be spicy and strongly seasoned. It may not be friendly to your stomach.  
• Opt for dining establishments, such as food stalls or restaurants, that prioritize cleanliness. Refrain from consuming food haphazardly at roadside stands.
  

  
  Medication 

Bring a compact medicine kit filled with your go-to prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain medicines, antihistamines, and other important meds. Include supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and fundamental first aid things as well.

Health Facilities 

Get to know the places of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the region you will visit. Bali provides up-to-date healthcare facilities, yet it’s beneficial to understand where you can seek aid when required.

COVID-19 Precautions

Keep up with the most recent COVID-19 policies, including vaccination requirements, testing requirements, and mask requirements. Observe local health restrictions and guidelines.

 Laws 

Australia has had its fair share of run-ins with Indonesian authorities. Obey Indonesian law at all times.

• Penalties for drug violations are severe, including fines, imprisonment, and the death penalty.
• Some prescription medications are banned narcotics in Indonesia, so if you need morphine, sleeping pills, or ADHD medication, check with the Indonesian embassy beforehand.
• The legal drinking age is 21 years old.
• Gambling is prohibited in Indonesia.
• Visitors are required by Indonesian law to carry identification at all times.
• In some cases, taking photographs in Indonesia is unlawful. Follow any signage prohibiting photography and, if in doubt, seek assistance from local authorities. 

 Safety

There are petty crimes like bag stealing and violent offenses like drink spiking, and solo female travelers are more vulnerable to these crimes. It’s best to always be aware of where your drinks and belongings are and to keep valuables hidden.

In crowds, cabs, bars, and clubs, stay vigilant at all times.

In the area, there are occasionally natural catastrophes like earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods. Always keep an eye on the news, heed local authorities’ guidance, and utilize travel warnings as needed.

With a few precautions, Bali is a remarkably accessible and friendly location that is ideal for family vacations.

Currency 

The local currency of Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants, it’s handy to keep some cash for street markets and local eateries.

It is better if you check for the current currency of AUD or USD to IDR before you leave. 

Dress Code 

For Australians traveling to Bali, this dress code can sometimes be confusing. Due to cultural differences, it’s always best to learn about the local culture. And, better for you to adjust with local culture.

In contrast to the predominantly Muslim populace in the majority of Indonesia, Bali is primarily Hindu. Although modest dressing is essential in other regions of Indonesia, the dress code in Bali, known for its beaches, is quite relaxed.

It is common to see beachwear near the coast, shorts and mini skirts in tourist hotspots, and plenty of sun-tanned skin in bars. 

Nevertheless, when visiting the local villages and temples, it’s important to adhere to the local customs by covering bare shoulders, low necklines, and legs.

It is advisable to bring an ample supply of light, breathable layers, and sturdy sandals suitable for walking on rough terrains.

How To Get There 

So, how exactly does one get from Australia to Bali? Bali is roughly 3 to 6 hours away by plane, depending on where in Australia you’re jetting off from. The Ngurah Rai International Airport, popularly known as Denpasar International Airport, serves as the main gateway to Bali.

A number of airlines, such as Qantas, Garuda Indonesia, and Jetstar regularly provide services to major Australian cities. Here’s a quick flight duration breakdown for some major Australian cities:

• From Sydney: Approximately 6 hours
• From Perth: Roughly 3 hours
• From Melbourne: Around 5-6 hours
• From Brisbane: Around 6 hours

Australians traveling to Bali can easily find direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Other cities may not offer a direct flight, but you can easily book a connecting one.

The Best Time to Go to Bali

The best time to go to Bali is the dry season. The dry season, which runs from April to September, is said to be the most fitting time as the humidity is bearable, there’s ample sunshine for beach time, and it’s great for outdoor activities.

In addition, festivals like Bali Arts Festival and Kite Festival take place during this period. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, the months of May, June, and October are ideal.

Although the wet season (October to March) brings more rain, it’s definitely not a washout. There are still many sun-drenched hours and the surroundings are even more lush and verdant. Plus, this is often considered an off-peak travel time, meaning fewer tourists and lower prices.

You can compare about this two season and make plan to go to Bali.

Where to Stay 

Bali has so many choices for you to stay. All are based on your budget. You can choose a luxury resort with the finest accommodations if you are over budget.  

Or you can choose budget-friendly stays such as hostels, guest houses, and homestays that are cheaper than those luxury resorts. 

In Bali, there are several places you can choose to stay. Mostly if you are first timer to go to Bali, you will be a bit confused about deciding which place to stay. 

• The most lovely destination to stay for breathtaking natural scenery and cultural activities in Ubud.
• The best district in Bali for shopping, fine dining, and sunset bars is Seminyak.
• A terrific place to stay in Bali for those who want a relaxed, boho-chic beach lifestyle is Canggu.
• The greatest beaches and premium clifftop resorts in Bali may be found in Uluwatu.
• The ideal area to stay in Bali for surfers and friends is Kuta.
• Bali’s safest resort for families and water activities is Nusa Dua
• North Bali is a peaceful area in Bali where couples may enjoy the natural scenery.
• Sanur is the ideal accommodation in Bali for a leisurely beach vacation.

Things To Do 

There are many things you can do and explore when you visit Bali. From visiting temples, surfing, exploring the countryside, enjoying the sunset or sunrise, enjoying Kecak dance to relaxing by the beach. It’s all there in Bali. But, many Australians traveling to Bali love the beach. 

Conclusion

To sum up, Australians traveling to Bali find an exquisite mix of captivating natural landscapes, affluent culture, and thrilling escapades. The island’s closeness, cost-effectiveness, and abundant culture consistently attract Australian tourists.

This ensures Bali will remain a beloved travel spot in the years ahead.

But, since maybe this is your first time as Australians traveling to Bali, you may need some insight and also guide which place you should go, which home stay or hotels that fit your budget.

You can rely on us. Please kindly take a look our page and Bali package. We love to help you to make your Bali vacations as dream come true.

So what took you so long? Feel free to contact us.