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Resources & References

Resources & References

Bali, Indonesia

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • GoJek / Grab

    For transportation, food delivery, and various local services.

  • Google Maps

    For navigation. Download offline maps of Denpasar and Bali.

  • Google Translate

    For language translation. Download Indonesian for offline use.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used by locals and businesses for communication.

  • XE Currency

    For real-time currency conversion, understanding local prices.

Accommodation & Reviews

Useful Websites & Social Media

Tourism Indonesia

The official tourism website for Indonesia, offering general information and inspiration.

Travel Advisories

Check your home country's foreign affairs website for security updates specific to Indonesia.

Social Media

Search for local Bali tourism accounts on Instagram or Facebook for events.

Digital Content & Podcasts

Podcasts

  • Search "Bali travel podcast" on your preferred platform.
  • These podcasts offer valuable insights for your trip.
  • Find inspiration and practical information.
  • Many focus on local culture and travel stories.

Digital Content

  • Follow local news outlets like Bali Express.
  • The Jakarta Post provides broader Indonesian current events.
  • Explore travel blogs for niche interests and hidden gems.
  • YouTube channels often feature detailed Bali travel guides.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

  • Local maps are available at tourist centers or hotels.
  • These help in understanding Denpasar street layouts.
  • Especially useful for navigating older areas on foot.

History & Culture Books

  • "A Brief History of Bali" by Willard A. Hanna.
  • "Island of Bali" by Miguel Covarrubias.
  • "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert (partly set in Ubud).
  • These offer deep insights into Balinese culture.

Local Publications

  • The Bali Times: English-language newspaper.
  • Bali Advertiser: Free publication with event listings.
  • These are often found at tourist spots.
  • Provide current events and cultural articles.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 118 or 119
  • Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115

Hospital Locations

  • BIMC Hospital Kuta: Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.100X.
  • Siloam Hospitals Denpasar: Jl. Sunset Road No.818.
  • Sanglah General Hospital: Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar.
  • Private hospitals are often preferred by tourists.

Embassy & Consulate

  • Australian Consulate-General: Jl. Raya Puputan No.170.
  • US Consulate Agency: Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.219.
  • Keep their emergency contact details accessible.
  • Consider registering your travel with them.

Lost Document Procedures

Initial Steps

  • Report loss/theft to local police for a police report.
  • This report assists with insurance claims.
  • It is needed for emergency passport replacement.

Embassy Assistance

  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate.
  • They handle emergency passport replacement.
  • Bring your police report for the process.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Staying Informed

  • Follow instructions from local authorities (BNPB).
  • Familiarize yourself with your hotel's emergency plans.
  • Monitor local news for alerts (volcanic activity, tsunamis).

Preparedness

  • Listen to emergency broadcasts.
  • Locate emergency exits and assembly points.
  • Keep an emergency kit ready if advised.

Further Reading & Exploration

Films & Documentaries

  1. "The Act of Killing" (offers Indonesian historical context).
  2. "Bali: Island of the Gods" (various travel documentaries).
  3. "My Trip My Adventure" (Indonesian travel show).
  4. These provide visual insights into Bali's culture and landscapes.

Music & Art

  1. Experience Gamelan Music, the traditional ensemble music.
  2. Seek out live Gamelan performances.
  3. Familiarize yourself with Balinese painting styles (Batuan, Ubud).
  4. These arts reflect spiritual and mythological themes.

Online Communities & Language

Online Forums

Reddit communities like r/Bali for questions and tips.

Facebook Groups

Groups for Bali travelers or expats provide real-time advice.

Language Learning

Duolingo for Bahasa Indonesia basics. Babbel also offers language courses.

Critical Safety Alert

Indonesia applies extremely severe legal consequences, including the death penalty, for drug offenses.

Deepening Your Bali Journey

Cultural Understanding

Documentaries & Films

  • "The Act of Killing"

    Offers insight into a dark period of Indonesian history.

  • "Bali: Island of the Gods"

    Various travel documentaries showcase Bali's beauty.

  • "My Trip My Adventure"

    Indonesian travel show often features segments on Bali.

Music & Art Appreciation

  • Gamelan Music

    Listen to recordings or attend live performances of this traditional ensemble music.

  • Traditional Balinese Painting

    Familiarize yourself with distinctive styles from Batuan or Ubud.

  • Reflects Themes

    Art often reflects spiritual and mythological stories.

Connect & Learn

Online Communities

Reddit (r/Bali) and Facebook groups offer traveler forums.

Language Learning

Duolingo for Bahasa Indonesia basics. Consider Babbel for more depth.

Cultural Events

Check local listings for ceremonies, dance performances, and festivals.

Beyond Denpasar

Culture & Adventure

  • Yogyakarta (Java) for Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
  • Flores/Komodo National Park for unique Komodo dragons.
  • World-class diving experiences await in Komodo.
  • Mount Bromo in Java for breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

Beaches & Islands

  • The Gili Islands (Lombok) for quiet, car-free island life.
  • Fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Gilis.
  • Sumba for untouched natural beauty and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
  • Fast boat connections make multi-island escapes easy.

Nature & Wildlife

Wildlife Encounters

  • Borneo (Kalimantan) for orangutan sanctuaries.
  • Rainforest expeditions offer deep nature immersion.
  • Wildlife viewing trips are popular.
  • Photography opportunities with diverse species.

Regional Combinations

  • Combine Bali with Java for Indonesia's cultural heartland.
  • Travel via ferry or domestic flight between islands.
  • Explore ancient civilizations and volcanic landscapes.
  • Consider a longer Southeast Asia itinerary.

Traveler's Insight

Connecting with locals transforms your experience. A simple "Terima kasih" (thank you) makes a big difference.