Ask Locals Anything in Bali!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Bali for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
How much does a single-entry Indonesian tourist visa cost?
Hi the website says visa on arrival for British national is IDR 500,000/-. But when I tried to apply for the same via evisa site it says it cost IDR 1,000,000/- Is it cheaper at the airport?
The discrepancy is probably due to different visa types or processing fees. The airport fee might be the cheaper option, but always confirm directly with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in the UK before you travel to avoid any surprises. Better safe than sorry!
Bali Hotel Noise
Foreign tourists frequently complain about poor sound insulation in Bali hotels, making it hard to sleep due to noise from neighboring rooms. As an Indonesian, I'm used to this, but wonder how much b… more
It's a common issue across Southeast Asia, honestly. Older hotels, especially, often prioritize aesthetics over modern soundproofing techniques. I've experienced similar issues in other parts of Indonesia and even neighboring countries. Don't get me wrong, some newer, higher-end places are much better, but it's a fair point that it's not always consistent. You'll find a wider range in soundproofing quality depending on the price point and age of the hotel, not just location.
New Year's Eve Airport Traffic
Returning from our honeymoon in Ubud on New Year's Eve, our flight is at 4pm. Hotel staff strongly advise leaving 5 hours for the airport drive instead of the usual 2. Is this really necessary? Has… more
Five hours for a two-hour trip on New Year's Eve in Bali? Sounds about right. Expect insane traffic jams, especially around Denpasar. Think gridlock, potential road closures for celebrations, and everyone else heading to the airport at the same time. Better safe than sorry – that extra time is probably a good buffer. Enjoy the honeymoon!
Canggu Workspaces
Seeking a café or coworking space in Canggu, Bali for focused work sessions (4-6 hours/day). First-time visitor, open to suggestions.
Depends on your vibe. If you want something super trendy and Instagrammable, check out Crate Cafe. It's a bit pricier, but the atmosphere is great. For something more low-key and possibly cheaper, wander around Batu Bolong – you'll find plenty of smaller cafes with decent wifi that are perfect for a few hours of work. Just look for places that are relatively quiet and not completely packed.
Komodo Honeymoon Trip: Luxury Boat Recommendations?
Seeking advice on higher-end Komodo trip options (3-4 days). Many online booking sites seem unreliable for addressing potential issues. Looking for recommendations on reputable boat operators or ind… more
For a luxurious Komodo trip, consider contacting local Indonesian travel agencies specializing in high-end yacht charters. They often have better vetting processes than online booking sites and can handle any issues that arise more effectively. Look for agencies with strong reviews focusing on their customer service and responsiveness. You'll likely find better options and more personalized service by going this route than relying solely on online platforms. Focusing on agencies based in Bali might yield more relevant results given your starting point.
Bali Hotel or Airbnb?
Traveling Asia with my girlfriend, looking for a beautiful place to stay for 5 days with a $150/night budget.
For that budget in Bali, you're looking at some seriously gorgeous private villas through Airbnb. Hotels at that price point will likely be nice, but you'll get far more space and privacy – and often a pool – with a villa. Just make sure to read reviews carefully, paying attention to location and how far you'll be from things you want to do. Seminyak and Ubud are popular, but transport costs can add up depending on where you choose.
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't even considered villas – I was just focusing on hotels. The extra space and a private pool definitely sound appealing. I'll check out Seminyak and Ubud and factor in transport costs – good point! Any recommendations on sites besides Airbnb for finding villas?
Komodo Cruise: Pre-book or Wait?
Should I book a Komodo cruise in advance, or wait until I arrive in Labuan Bajo? I've heard it's better to book locally, but I'm worried about availability and price (especially as a solo traveler) i… more
May is peak season in Labuan Bajo, so pre-booking a Komodo cruise is strongly recommended, especially as a solo traveler. While you might find something locally, the risk of limited options and inflated prices is real. You'll have a much smoother trip if you secure your spot beforehand. Think of it as travel insurance against disappointment.
Seminyak Shop Still Open?
I'm planning a trip to Seminyak and want to know if a particular shop is still open before I go. Google Street View isn't helping, so I'm looking for a way to ask a local. I haven't been there since… more
Try reaching out on Instagram. A lot of smaller Bali businesses, especially in Seminyak, are very active there. Search for the shop's name – you might find their account and see if they're posting regularly, or even send a direct message.
Luxury Bali Resort for a Romantic Proposal
Seeking a top-tier Balinese resort for an unforgettable proposal, focusing solely on the hotel experience, not sightseeing.
The Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua is stunning. Seriously opulent, incredible service, and multiple restaurants on-site so you won't even need to leave for anything. The villas are ridiculously private, perfect for a romantic getaway and proposal. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
Wow, that sounds incredible! The Mulia really does look amazing from the pictures I've seen. The price is definitely a factor, but if the experience is as luxurious as it seems, it might be worth it for such a special occasion. Have you, or anyone you know, stayed there before? Any specific recommendations on which villa type might be best for a proposal?
Police presence at Nusa Penida church
Attended a Christmas service at an independent church in Nusa Penida this morning and noticed a significant police presence (6-7 officers) throughout the service. Anyone know why?
Security concerns are heightened around religious sites globally, especially during major holidays like Christmas. It's possible this was a routine precaution, perhaps related to recent events elsewhere in Indonesia or even just standard practice for a large gathering in that area. It's also conceivable that they were responding to a specific, albeit unpublicized, threat. Without more information, it's hard to say for certain.
Seminyak Salon Scam: $2500 Debit Card Fraud
I was scammed at a Seminyak salon. A massage costing 400k IDR resulted in a $2500 USD unauthorized charge to my debit card. The salon is untraceable, and my bank won't issue a chargeback due to EMV… more
That's brutal. Your bank's suggestion about going through Singaporean police is...optimistic, at best. Indonesia and its legal systems aren't exactly known for swift or efficient cross-border investigations, especially for relatively small amounts (relatively, to the scale of international fraud). Your chances of recovery are unfortunately slim. The EMV chip protection likely means the salon used some other method to steal your card information (skimming, possibly?), making tracing the actual perpetrator incredibly difficult. Consider it a very expensive lesson in travel safety and using credit cards instead of debit cards abroad, where fraud protection tends to be better. File a police report in Bali as well — it might be a long shot, but it’s better than nothing. And document everything meticulously.