Bali
Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok. Stretching approximately 140 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south, Bali is one of more than 13,500 islands that make the Indonesian Archipelago. Lying 8° south of the equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average annual temperature of around 28° C. The rich volcanic soil and healthy monsoon season make this island extremely fertile with a range of crops are grown here. The Balinese maintain a precious heritage of unique arts and a dynamic culture amidst breathtaking panoramas of cultivated rice terraces, awesome volcanoes, pristine beaches and thousands of temples, augmented by an unrivaled range of modern leisure activities for adults as well as family.

Bali is also known as the "Island of the Gods", where temples and ceremonies can be found almost everywhere and everyday. The majority of Balinese are Hindu. Although they have a caste system, Balinese Hindus are very different from Hindus in India. Religious life in Bali is almost inseparable from cultural life. One of the daily rituals is presenting offerings. Offerings play a significant role in Balinese daily life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family.

Climate
Located in the tropical zone, Bali enjoys an average year-round daily temperature between 20° - 33° Celsius. Fluctuations do occur but they are minimal. Because of abundant rainfall and high temperatures, Bali’s climate is also characterized by high humidity, around 85%. Here in Bali, only two seasons predominate, a dry and a rainy season. The rainy season lasts from December to March, whereas the dry season from May to October with the transition period between October and December, known as ‘Musim Pancaroba’, characterized by changing winds and inconsistent weather. The average temperature in Bali in December is between 28° C (82° F) - 30°C (86° F) and the relative humidity is about 88%. There is comparatively little difference between the daytime and night time temperatures.

Weather report online, please visit:
http://www.baliguide.com/weather/index.html

Customs
The Island of Bali is known as the land of a thousand temples, although there are actually more than 5000 scattered throughout the island. Each temple celebrates its birthday every 210 days, so there are always festivals going on. In addition to the many important religious ceremonies held throughout the year, cremations, which are occasion for great celebration, are particularly frequent between July and October.

Travellers Cheques and Credit Cards
Travellers cheques are accepted by leading banks and hotels in principal cities. The use of travellers’s cheques in Indonesia is as popular as in any other county. Diners Club, American Express, Visa and Master Card are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and night clubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards should be charged in local currency.

Airport Tax
An airport departure tax of Rp. 150,000 is levied by the airport authority for travellers on international flights and Rp. 30,000 for domestic flights. The tax must be paid in Rupiah.

Electricity
Electricity used in Indonesia is 220 volts.

Currency
Only Rupiah (Indonesian currency) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies and major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and souvenirs shops.

IDD (International Direct Dialling)
country code - Indonesia: 62 city code - Bali: 361

Business Hours
Government offices open at 8 am daily except on Saturday and Sunday. Many small shops in Denpasar are closed in the afternoon (usually 1 pm to 6 pm) and re-open in the evening until 9 pm. However, shops in tourist areas are generally open all day. Banks are open from 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Foreign Exchange
Most major countries currencies, either bank notes or traveler’s checks, are easily converted into rupiah (Indonesia currency). Banks and Money Changers can easily be found in the largest towns in Bali, but it is advisable to carry sufficient rupiah (Rp) when traveling to the less popular areas of Bali. Almost all hotels and other business will accept foreign currency, but usually at lower rate of exchange than offered by Bank’s and Money Changers. For your convenience a bank is located at Ngurah Rai International Airport. ATMs, located throughout most popular tourist areas to include the airport, provide quick and safe access to funds from your personal or business bank accounts.

Telephone Service
Bali is linked via satellite to all major countries of the world. International calls can be made (via the operator or IDD-001/008) from any private / business or hotel telephone.

Important Telephone Numbers