UPDATED – 21ST JUNE 2023<\/p>\n
Bali is a surfer’s paradise, but there are a few things that are useful to know to save you time, money and stress before arriving, especially if it’s your first time. With COVID protocols, visas and rumours spreading through social media, even the most leather skinned Indo Vet will currently be struggling to sift through the information, so we’ve collated this article with relevant travel advice as well as a few tips and tricks ensuring Indonesian holiday smoothness.<\/p>\n
Visa<\/strong> Upon arrival expect queues at immigration, however a small tip to take note of is to be prepared for this and book a seat at the front of the plane and travel with hand luggage only (more on this later) you will breeze through in no time.<\/p>\n Arrival protocol<\/strong> Collect your bags(if you have any) grab your first Bintang from the drinks dispenser in arrivals, sieve through the crowd of taxi \/ transfers drivers and you’re in Bali baby.<\/p>\n Buy it out there<\/strong><\/p>\n The reason I mentioned traveling with hand luggage only is not just to save you time getting through immigration, but because everything you need for a trip to Bali is cheaper to buy once you’re there. You will need surfing clothes, casual light clothes, toiletries and a surfboard. Clothing is easily 1\/4 of the price of back home and I bought a brand new Luke Studer weapon<\/a> for the 4.5million IDR, which is the equivalent of \u00a3250.<\/p>\n They know you\u2019re here<\/strong> Expect crowds<\/strong> Go the extra mile<\/strong> Have the right board<\/strong>
\nBefore departing to Bali, you need to prepare yourself with the information about the Visa and requirements to enter Indonesia. As of the 6th April 2022 there are 43 countries subjected to simple Visa on Arrival program. Check to see if your country is on the list here<\/a>. If your country is not on the list you can still enter Indo, you will just have to apply and jump through the hoops of the e-visa, which can be applied for here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nGet to immigration and show your Visa. It’s always best to just have this printed out, just in case your phone runs out of battery or whatever. I once forgot about the visa (yes I know) and thought I would just get a visa on arrival. I had no cash on me either and when I went to get cash out my bank card got blocked. I had no way of getting through to my bank to unblock the card and basically nearly got sent straight back, until some absolute German Hero (funnily enough called Max) poked his head in the immigration room where I was being detained and essentially sorted everything out for me but being very polite to the officer and paid for my visa, so I got his business card and thanked him financially a few days later. Thank you Universe (and German Max).<\/p>\n
\nAll this being said, as soon as you arrive into Denpasar airport you will be \u2018greeted\u2019 by what feels like hundreds of drivers all offering you taxi services as mentioned above. You will naturally be tired and the constant question \u201cTaxi Sir\u201d will tire you more, but politely decline with a smile, they are just doing their job. The same goes for all the street vendors, your bright white complexion will stand you out from the tourists they have already hustled, so be prepared to decline constant sales pitches. Otherwise if you stop and ask how much, you\u2019re probably going to end up with a bracelet on your wrist, which you will then buy. Know where you are going and what you need to buy and you’ll be fine.<\/p>\n
\nBali is a busy island full of tourists and an increasing number of ex-pats looking to surf perfect waves, but if you\u2019re in good hands (or on one of our trips) you\u2019ll will be pleased to surf many secluded corners and will find some surfing solitude.<\/p>\n
\nLike literally. A small, fun surf town where we base ourselves on the trips has a great buzz about it, incredible waves and every type of eatery you can imagine, right on the doorstep. But sometimes it\u2019s nice to escape the \u2018buzz\u2019 so we travel a mile or two up the road for our surf lessons where we have had the waves to ourselves on plenty of occasions.<\/p>\n
\nUnless you\u2019re an expert surfer who can tell the difference in \u00bd litre of volume, you really don\u2019t need to pack a skinny pintail that you can hardly paddle in the hope of refining your tube-riding. Pack (or buy out there) a board you are comfortable surfing. If you are coming from a wetsuit wearing location (which most of us are) you can afford to shave off a litre or two of volume and go for a more progressive shape, but don\u2019t sell yourself short. You will have more fun on a 6\u20196 mid length than you will on a 5\u201911 pin tail (talking from experience).<\/p>\n