Bali, a small paradise in Indonesia, is a favorite destinations for those on holiday. It is a small island in the east of Java with warm air, sunny days, and beautiful beaches. The island offers many areas to gaze and has become a favorite site for wedding ceremonies. Tourists are welcome here. If you wish to spend your holiday in Bali, then follow these tips below to perform it an unforgettable moment:

-. Confirm your hotel reservation before you land in Bali. In peak season, it’s hard to find a room, especially if you’re looking for a budget hotel. In Indonesia, peak seasons are: Eid-ul Fitr festival, Christmas and New Year. June-July is also peak season since they are school holidays, so make sure you have a place to stay before you advance. Most hotels in Bali can be reached from the internet by googling them.

-. For an overseas tourist, your passport must be valid for at least six month from your arrival date. Visa on arrival is available for seven or 30 days. Both are non-extendable and non-transferable. Period of stop is calculated from the arrival date, so If you advance on Monday and hold a seven-days visa then you must leave Indonesia on Sunday.

-. Make a photocopy of your passport, visa and id card. Leave important documents in safe deposit box in your hotel and carry the copies instead. You might want to write down your id card/passport/visa number, just in case.

-. Make a plan. There are so many things you can do and see in Bali. If you love beach and water adventure, there are Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran and more. If you prefer mountain, valley and traditional village there are Ubud, Bedugul and more. If you love shopping there are so many traditional markets and galleries art. Which one you want to go? A week is not enough to explore Bali so opinion your vacation carefully and don’t be greedy. If you try to rob them all then you may end up getting nothing. Don’t worry, you can always return to Bali next time.

-. Manage your absorb schedule. The best design to explore Bali is to rent a car/motorcycle and go around. Acquire sure the car has insurance. Most car rental in Bali offers driver service but if you have international driving license, have no problem with manual transmission type, hold a good Bali arrangement and can afford a little adventure then you can forget driver. A little knowledge in Bahasa Indonesia might also help. Unlike Jakarta, traffic in Bali is friendlier but tranquil, drive carefully. Motorbikes sometimes ignore the traffic light and the vehicle in front of you may produce a quick turn without sign, so keep your distance and watch your speed.

-. Bargain, bargain and bargain. Do not hesitate to bargain if you go for shopping in traditional market but how much? As low as possible but one thing you should know, do not start the bargain if you have no plan to acquire the item.

-. Bring cash (Indonesia Rupiah) with you. Credit card is only favorite in restaurants, shopping mall, big department store, café and boutique. You’re gonna need it for supermarket or ticket entrance and remember to always maintain small change handy.

-. Bring your camera with you. It is free to take picture in Bali so do not lose the moments. Remember not to walk in front of people praying or taking picture using flash on the priest’s face.

-. Leave your backpack bag in your hotel before entering café, restaurant, shopping mall or another popular set to hang out. Since the Bali Bomb incident, people with big carry bag are getting extra attention from local security. They may think you are here to blow up the place.

-. If you see a small coconut-leaf basket filled with rice and flower, be aware that it is Hindu offerings called “canang” or “canang sari”, a kind of ritual of giving back what they have been given to God. You will find canang every where in Bali, in temple, house, shrine, sidewalk, ground and it is wise not to step on it.

-. “B’li” is a kindly call for Balinese men. Try it to win their heart especially when you bargain.

-. Like any other city in Indonesia, the tap water is not the thirsty quencher. Even the local citizen does not utilize it for drink but boiled it first. Bottled water from local supermarket is the best option. Avoid buying it in hotels or café, the price can be about three-four times higher.

-. If you wish to exchange money, find an authorized money changer. Their rate is usually good and honest. Avoid money changer that offers high exchange rate. We know when it seems too good to be true then it isn’t true at all. There are many issues about Bali money changer that rip tourist off. Usually, they do the following tricks:

Say you want to exchange US$ 100. Bank Indonesia (The Central Bank of Indonesia) rate is US$ 1 = Rp 10,000 but they offer RP 10,700 for US$ 1, so you’ll score Rp 1,070,000.

And then they’ll exchange your $$ in RP 10,000 or 5,000 notes and here’s where the trick goes. Since they are using small size notes, you will get:

100 * 10,000 notes (RP 1,000,000) + 14 * 5,000 notes (RP 70,000) = 114 notes. It’s a big number to count and you probably have no enough time and patience to count them all. When you leave the shop, you may end up with only 110 notes or less in your pocket.

Or they will do another trick: First, they offer Rp 10,490 for US$ 1. If you have US$ 100 then it is equal to Rp 1,049,000. Second, they’re using 50,000 or 20,000 notes and while you are busy counting your money they’ll ask if you have Rp 1,000 then they’ll give you Rp 5,000 (should be Rp 50,000, examine the extra “0″!) to gain it Rp 49,000 for the last 50,000 note. If you say ok then there goes your Rp 45,000 or Rp 15,000 (if it is 20,000 impress).

So before exchange your $$, ask the guys what size notes they have. Ask for 100,000 and 50,000 notes, it’s the most suitable size and easy to count. Trust your own calculator, never forget to re-count your money and be the last one who touches your money before leaving the shop

-. If you’re using taxi in Bali, behold for the light blue cab with a bird logo. No, this is not advertising as I’ve been there before. Their rate is always at the top but in return you’ll get good service, air conditioned car with age is less than five years old and also the cab is using the meter.

-. Nyepi is Hindu new year. On that day the entire island falls into silence. Nyepi starts on 06:00 AM and ends on 06:00 AM on the next day. For 24 hours everybody stays in their home and streets are very quiet. No market and shop are open. No radio, no TV, no one works, no lights and no traffic are allowed. People are prohibited to be on street on that day. Pecalangs (traditional Balinese security) are deployed to maintain security and to make certain no one tries to disturb the day.

I went to Bali about a year ago, spent a few days in Kuta, Sanur and Jimbaran and I must say, I shall return. Many things those I haven’t spy them yet.