Bali is a favourite holiday destination for many Australians, with the number of travellers tripling over the past 10 years. We’ve found you some amazing deals, now we’d like to inspire you with a few tips for getting away.

Best Time to Travel

The great thing about Bali’s weather is that it is fairly consistent. There really is not a bad time to go. The temperature averages around 28 degrees all year around. The rainy season is from December through to March , but the rain tends to be a sharp downpour late afternoon or at night time. Even in this time of the year it is not long before there is brilliant blue skies again and the air is a lot fresher.

Flights

Cheap as chips! Return flights start as low as $378 return (Perth) and $798 return (Sydney & Melbourne), arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Airport Transfers

Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar.

Getting from the Airport to your hotel is relatively easy with the official taxi counter being located in the Airports arrival hall. A taxi to Seminyak is 60.000 rupiah (around $6 AUD).

We’ve taken the hassle out of getting from the airport to your hotel. Most of our deals include free transfers.

Tip : There will be many “tour guides” as you leave the Airport trying to sell you transfers and tours ignore these unless you want to pay more.

Getting around

The best way to get around is with your own transport, whether you drive, hire a driver or ride a bike.  This gives you the flexibility to explore at will and allows you to reach many places that are otherwise inaccessible.

Public transport is cheap but can be cause for very long journeys if you’re not sticking to a major route.

Distances in Bali are relatively short, so you won’t have cause to ride many large buses unless you are transferring between islands or going from one side to another.

Bemo - If you want to travel like a local, then it’s time you tried riding a bemo. “Bemo” is the generic name for Bali ubiquitous open-air minibuses, also called “angkot”.

Note: Bemo routes are incredibly complicated but they do reach into most towns in Bali.

Public bus - Larger minibuses and full-size buses ply the longer routes, particularly on routes linking Depensar, Singaraja and Gilimanuk. They operate out of the same terminals as the bemo. Buses are faster than Bemo because they don’t make as many stops along the way

Tourist Bus - Quicker, more comfortable and more convenient than public transport. They are popular with budget and midrange travellers. Perama Tour has a near monopoly on this service in Bali. It has offices or agents in Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Lovina, Padangbai and Candidasa. At least one bus a day links these Bali tourist centres with more frequent services to the airport.

Car - This is the most popular way to get around Bali and one of the most comfortable. You can hire a car or a driver from $35 AUD to $90 AUD a day.

Note: If you wish to hire a car you will need to register for an international drivers licence which only costs $25 AUD if you are a member of a motoring organisation such as NRMA or RAC.

Tip: Be sure to book your trip at least a day ahead in order to confirm schedules. It is also important to understand where Perama buses will pick you up and drop you off as you may need to pay an extra 5000Rp to get to/from your hotel.

Seminyak is a very dynamic place, home to dozens of restaurants and clubs and a wealth of creative shops and galleries. World-class hotels line the beach, and what a beach it is – as wide and sandy as Kuta's but less crowded.

Shopoholics will be impressed with the large range of shopping options which offer travellers the greatest choice of style and budget in Bali. Sure, there are exclusive boutiques, but there are also workshops where everything is wholesale.

Flights

Cheap as chips! Return flights start as low as $378 return (Perth) and $798 return (Sydney & Melbourne), arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Location & Getting There

Seminyak is located on the South of the island, only 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The district is known for its luxury accommodation and high-end restaurants and bars.

Getting from the Airport to your hotel is relatively easy with the official taxi counter being located in the Airports arrival hall. A taxi to Seminyak is 60.000 rupiah (around $6 AUD).

What to Do

Seminyak offer travellers a range of activities to enjoy including day trips to the stunning Tanah Lot temple, a spot of golf at Nirwana Golf Club and the kids will love a day at the Waterbom Water Park and Bali Safari and Marine Park.

Surfing - It doesn’t have the wild reef breaks of Uluwatu and west Bali, but the long straight beach at Seminyak is a beginner’s paradise.

Air Bali - Discover the island from up above. Air Bali run an array of tours  from Ngurah Rai Airport. Choices include the Temple Flight (which takes in some of the island’s most gracious ancient buildings, including Besakih), and flights that tour the Agung and Kintamani volcanoes.

Devadan Show - Located in Nusa Dua at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre (Ex. Amphitheatre Nusa Dua) which is 25 mins from Seminyak.  Devdan  is a stage performance, highlighting the diversity of Indonesia culture. From Bali, Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua, this show is full of state of the art stage lighting effects, impressive illusions, breathtaking acrobatic effects, exotic cultural dances and costumes. (Tickets start at $60 AUD)

Eating & Drinking

When staying in Seminyak you will be spoilt for choice. Each night the streets come alive with an array of chefs cooking up a storm of world-class cuisine. Popular beach side cafes include La Plancha and Potato Head.

Don’t miss Seminyak Square which boasts a large selection of traditional restaurants and open air markets.  At night quench your thirst and get your groove on at the trendy Ku De Ta Nightclub or the new Mint Bali Club, which feature local and international DJ’s.

Kopi luwak - ”Civet coffee, where cherries are passed through the native cat”, is a very nice way to describe the natural process of creating Bali’s special kopi luwak (or civet coffee). By passing through the civet’s digestive tract, the coffee beans are mellowed out, creating what’s arguably the world’s most expensive coffee. Expect to pay about $9 a cup. Head to Anomali Coffee (Jl. Kayu Aya 7B, Seminyak) to experience this Indonesian delicacy.

Shopping

The island’s best fashion precinct is found in Seminyak, with beautiful, often handmade clothes at a price you’ll never find in Australia.  Head to Legina and you will find everything from surf gear, clothes, beads, wall hangings, dvds, sarongs, bags, electronics, jewellery, hats and more.

Palasari Negara is located on the west region of Bali, 120km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and offers travellers the perfect holiday away from the hustle and bustle.

Flights

Cheap as chips! Return flights start as low as $378 return (Perth) and $798 return (Sydney & Melbourne), arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Location & Getting There

Palasari is located on the west region of the Island, 120km from Ngurah Rai International Airport , and offers travellers the perfect holiday away from the hustle and bustle.

Getting to the region is easy as all busses from Denpasar to Gilimanuk pass through Negara. Another affordable option is to hire a driver.

Eating & Drinking

When staying in Palasari, you will have the opportunity to enjoy local and traditional Indonesian cuisines. Note there are restaurants that serve international food, including the Malaya Restaurant which is Located at the Taman Wana Resort. On the main road of Negara there’s a huge roadside eatery, with long hours and buffets.

Things to see and do

West of Negara moving towards Gilimanuk, the terrain becomes quite rugged and there are some great views into the West Bali National Park. The whole area is sparsely populated, and the two areas of interest are the villages Blimbingsari and Palasari.

Both villagers are well signposted from  the main coast road between Negara and Gilimanuk at the village of Melayu. There is also a large reservoir at Palasari from where there are great views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

Buffalo races – Held in Delod Berawah about 9 km east of Negara town. Originally held as part of the harvest festivities, the festival showcases colourfully decorated carts and buffaloes which race on a four km track every 2nd and 4th Sunday morning starting at 7am.

Madurese style fishing boats - These very colourful boats adorn the coast south and southwest of Negara. The best place to see them in daylight (they often fish at night)is at the village of Pangambengan which lies about seven km southwest of Negara Town.

Rambut Siwi Temple – This under  visited temple  lies between Negara and Medewi Beach. Sitting on top of a low cliff overlooking a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields on one side and black sand beaches on the other. Donations for entry – about 20 000 RP ($2 Aud).

While staying at Palasari you will have a range of activities to enjoy including tours to Menjangan Island, wild life tours, National Park tours, traditional fishing, Subak trekking and much more.

Popular with couples and families, Lovina Beach is located 7 minutes west of Singaraja in North Bali and is a beautiful part of the island away from the fast pace of the south. 

This region is comprised of several narrow stretches of black volcanic sand and boasts some of the best sunsets on the Island.

Flights

Cheap as chips! Return flights start as low as $378 return (Perth) and $798 return (Sydney & Melbourne), arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Location & Getting There

Popular with couples and families, Lovina Beach is located 7 mins west of Singaraja in North Bali, a beautiful part of the island away from the fast pace of the south. This region is comprised of several narrow stretches of black volcanic sand and boasts some of the best sunsets on the Island.

Getting to Lovina Beach is quite simple and will take around 3 hours from Depansar. You have a few options including:

Bus – Travelling by bus will cost around Rp 125,000 ($2.35 AUD) using Perama which leave from  Kuta, Sanur, Ubud,Candidasa and Padang Bai. Note that these mini buses do not have air-con.

Bemo – In all honestly travelling long distances in a Bemo is a bit of a challenge for most. The upside is they are half the price of a bus and leave from most major towns in Bali, almost always via Singaraja.

Car - This is the most popular way to get around Bali and one of the most comfortable. A journey from Denpasar takes about 3 hrs and from Sanur slightly less. Ubud is a 2 hour car journey over the central highland range. Many visitors from the south choose to break their journey at Bedugul or Kintamani.

You can hire a car or a driver from $35 AUD to $90 AUD a day.

Note: If you wish to hire a car you will need to register for an international drivers licence which only costs $25 AUD if you are a member of a motoring organisation such as NRMA or RAC.

Taxi

A pre-paid coupon taxi direct from the airport will cost you Rp 450,000 (42.30 AUD) and takes about 3 hours.

Things to Do

Some of Bali’s most beautiful natural attractions are located on the north side of the island. This includes Banja Hot Springs, Kintamani (Lake Danau), Monkey sightseeing and many water activities.

Eating & Drinking

There are a range of dining and nightlife options in the village of Kalibukbuk, suiting all budgets and tastes. ‘Kakatua’ in Kalibukbuk is one the most popular restaurants and not without reason. The menu is varied, the staff friendly and you can see the food being prepared and cooked from fresh ingredients. There are two clubs and several bars, but the nightlife is generally low key and easy going.

Shopping

Great for souvenirs and gift shopping. Benny Tantra’s T- shirts are created by a local artist who uses the air-brush technique creating life like dragon, snake and amusing images of daily life. You will find his shop on Jalan Raya in  the centre of kalibukbuk. 7 mins from Grand Sunsets Resort in Singaraja there is a wonderful local food market where merchants have been trading the same way for nearly a century and a great clothing market for fashion shoppers.

Travel Guide: Discovering Batam, Indonesia

Introduction

Best Season to Visit

Main Attractions

1. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
• One of the largest shopping malls in Batam, Nagoya Hill offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to find electronics, fashion, and local handicrafts, as well as to enjoy a meal in one of its many restaurants.
2. Barelang Bridge
• An iconic symbol of Batam, the Barelang Bridge connects Batam to several nearby islands. The bridge offers stunning views and is a popular spot for photography. Nearby, you’ll find seafood restaurants offering fresh local catches.
3. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
• One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is a serene place to explore. Admire the beautiful statues and architecture, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the temple grounds.
4. Nongsa Beach
• Nongsa Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. The area also offers luxurious resorts and golf courses, providing a perfect getaway for relaxation and leisure.
5. Batam Miniature Park
• A unique attraction, Batam Miniature Park features replicas of traditional Indonesian houses from various provinces, offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural heritage. It’s an excellent spot for families and those interested in Indonesian architecture and culture.
6. Water Sports and Activities
• Batam is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at jet skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, or diving. Many resorts and beaches offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners.

Other Useful Information

• Transportation: Getting around Batam is convenient with options like taxis, rental cars, and motorbikes. There are also shuttle services provided by many hotels and resorts.
• Local Cuisine: Indulge in local dishes such as seafood, nasi goreng (fried rice), and soto ayam (chicken soup). Batam is particularly famous for its fresh and affordable seafood. Don’t miss the seafood restaurants near Barelang Bridge and on the coast.
• Currency: The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and local markets.
• Respect for Culture: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It’s also polite to greet locals with a smile and learn a few basic Indonesian phrases such as "terima kasih" (thank you) and "selamat pagi" (good morning).

Travel Guide: Discovering Lombok, Indonesia

Introduction

Best Season to Visit

Main Attractions

1. Mount Rinjani
• The second-highest volcano in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani offers one of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in the country. The trek to the summit is challenging but rewards hikers with stunning views of the crater lake, Segara Anak, and the surrounding landscapes.
2. Gili Islands
• Just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are famous for their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. These islands are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying a laid-back island vibe.
3. Kuta Beach
• Not to be confused with its namesake in Bali, Kuta Beach in Lombok is a beautiful stretch of coastline known for its powdery white sands and excellent surfing conditions. The nearby Tanjung Aan Beach and Selong Belanak Beach are also worth visiting for their stunning scenery and surf spots.
4. Sasak Villages
• Explore the traditional Sasak villages, such as Sade and Ende, to get a glimpse of the local culture and way of life. The Sasak people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lombok, and their villages feature unique architecture and traditional weaving techniques.
5. Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach)
• One of the few pink sand beaches in the world, Pink Beach is a hidden gem located on the southeastern coast of Lombok. The beach gets its pink hue from fragments of red coral mixed with white sand, creating a mesmerizing and picturesque shoreline.
6. Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls
• Located near the village of Senaru, Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile are two stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. A short hike through the forest brings visitors to these cascading falls, where they can enjoy the cool, refreshing waters.

Other Useful Information

• Transportation: Getting around Lombok is easiest by renting a scooter or car. Taxis and private drivers are also available. For longer distances, such as reaching the Gili Islands, boats and ferries are the main modes of transport.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local Lombok dishes such as Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken), Plecing Kangkung (water spinach with spicy sambal), and Sate Rembiga (spiced beef satay). Street food stalls and local markets are great places to sample authentic flavors.
• Currency: The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in more remote areas.
• Respect for Culture: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It's also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and a little knowledge of basic Indonesian phrases can go a long way in creating positive interactions with locals.

Best Season to Visit

• Dry Season (May to October): The best time to visit the Gili Islands is during the dry season when the weather is sunny and the seas are calm. This is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and lounging on the beaches.
• Rainy Season (November to April): While still warm, the rainy season can bring occasional showers and rougher seas. However, this period sees fewer tourists, offering a quieter experience and lower accommodation rates.

Main Attractions

1. Snorkeling and Diving
• The Gili Islands are a haven for snorkelers and divers. Vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish, make for incredible underwater adventures. Popular snorkeling spots include the Turtle Point off Gili Trawangan and the underwater statues near Gili Meno.
2. Underwater Statues at Gili Meno
• Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, these hauntingly beautiful underwater sculptures are a must-see. They’ve become a famous snorkeling and diving spot, teeming with marine life.
3. Beaches
• Each island boasts pristine white-sand beaches perfect for relaxation. Gili Trawangan’s western shore is ideal for sunset views, while Gili Meno’s serene beaches are great for solitude.
4. Nightlife on Gili Trawangan
• Known as the “party island,” Gili Trawangan is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with beachfront bars and clubs hosting nightly events, live music, and fire dancers.
5. Cycling Around the Islands
• With no motorized vehicles allowed, the only way to explore the islands is on foot, by bike, or with a horse-drawn carriage (cidomo). Cycling around the islands is a relaxing and eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenery.
6. Yoga and Wellness
• Yoga studios on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan offer classes in serene settings, perfect for those seeking to unwind and reconnect.
7. Island Hopping
• Take a boat trip to explore all three islands in a single day. Each has its own unique vibe and attractions worth experiencing.

Other Useful Information

• Transportation: The Gili Islands are accessible by fast boats from Bali (approximately 1.5-2 hours) or by ferry from Lombok (30-45 minutes). Once on the islands, walking, cycling, or using a cidomo are the only transport options.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, Indonesian specialties like nasi goreng (fried rice), and international dishes at beachfront cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss a seafood barbecue dinner while watching the sunset.
• Environment: The islands are dedicated to eco-tourism. Be mindful of marine conservation efforts and avoid activities that harm coral reefs or marine life.
• Currency and Payment: The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially if visiting Gili Meno, which is less developed.
• Travel Tips: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, as protecting the coral reefs is a priority. Also, be sure to stay hydrated and use mosquito repellent, especially in the rainy season.