General Information

PASSPORT & VISA

All foreigners wishing to enter Indonesia must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival along with proof (ticket) of onward or return passage. Please contact the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate in your country well before the Conference in order to check if you require any immigration documents necessary to visit Indonesia.

Free Tourist Visa:
Non-extendable visa-free entry to Indonesia for 30 days is available to passport holders of Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival:
The Visa on arrival’s fee are classified into: USD 10 for 1-7 day and USD 25 for maximum stay of 30 days. Visa on arrival is given to nationals from 63 countries, i.e Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lao PDR, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Tunis, United Arab Emirate, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Passport holders of all other countries and non-tourists of the aforementioned countries must obtain a valid Indonesian visa at an Indonesia Embassies or Consulates in their home country prior to departure to Indonesia.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Air transport is the easiest and comfortable means of travel to Indonesia. A number of carriers offer international direct flights to Bali and many of the world's major carriers connect Bali via regional air hubs in Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Japan, Seoul, Sydney, Guam and Taipei.

International airlines serving Bali include Garuda Indonesia the national flag carrier (Jakarta, Darwin, Melbourne/Sydney, Perth, Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore), Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines (Kuala Lumpur), Royal Brunei (Bandar Sri Begawan), Korean Airlines (Seoul), Thai Airways (Bangkok), Japan Airlines (Osaka, Tokyo), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), China Airlines (Taipei), Qantas Airways (Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Singapore), Continental Micronesia (Guam).

Many domestic airlines to Bali on a daily basis include Garuda Indonesia (the most frequent), Lion Air, Batavia Air, Merpati Nusantara, Mandala Airlines and many more.

International airlines representative available in Bali are Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific Airlines, China Airlines, Continental Micronesia, Eva Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Merpati Nusantara, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International. Most of these airline offices are located in Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport and Denpasar.

AIRPORT DEPATURE TAX

An airport tax of 100,000 Rupiah (equiv. USD 11) is imposed on travellers for international routes and Rp. 30,000 for domestic routes. Airport tax is payable after check-in at airport.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Transportation in Bali is always cheap by any standard. From airport to the conference venue in Nusa Dua, will cost around Rp. 70,000 (equiv. USD 8); whereas from Nusa Dua area to Kuta or Legian area will cost around Rp. 80,000. It is advisable to carry small change as taxi drivers are often short of change.

Taxis are operated from all major hotels and the airport with rates varying according to distance. Some of the airport taxis are Golden Bird, Ngurah Rai Taxi, Kowinu, etc. At all major airport terminals, inquiries about local transportation should be directed to the information counter. Furthermore, car and motorcycle rentals are also available in Bali at negotiable rates.

LIVING COST

Cost of living in Bali is reasonable. For three times of daily meals (incl. drink) at local restaurants will cost around USD 15 to USD 20 per person. Food and drinks at better hotels cost about the same as any category hotel elsewhere in the world. Breakfast is USD 8 to USD 30, lunch and dinner USD 20 to USD 70 or more per person – and that does not include wine which can be very expensive. On the other hand, restaurants outside the large hotels are often 60% to 80% cheaper.

CUSTOMS

Customs allow on entry a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared at Customs.

Prohibited are firearms, narcotic drugs, pornography, transreceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.

While there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Indonesia, those who bring into the country currency worth more than 100 million Rupiah must be declared to customs upon arrival at the first port of entry.

CLIMATE

Bali enjoys warm, tropical weather all year. Temperatures average is between 21^o to 33^o C (68^o to 93^o F) year round. In the mountains, however, it can go as low as 5^o C at night. Humidity varies between 60% and 100%. In general, Bali experiences two seasons: moist and wet. The dry season is normally from May to October, whereas the rainy season is normally from November to April, during which it can rain for several hours each day. The rain tends to be intermittent, however, with plenty of sun in between. There is comparatively little difference between the daytime and night time temperatures. All conference sessions will be held in air-conditioned venues.

TIME ZONE

Bali is in the Central Indonesian Time zone, which is GMT+8 hours.

LANGUAGE

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

CURRENCY

The Indonesian currency is Rupiah (IDR). Most foreign currencies are easily changed at airports, banks, hotels or money changers. The currency exchange rate fluctuates regularly. Check you bank for the latest exchange rates. Banking hours are from 08.00 am to 14.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and from 08.00 am to 11.00 am on Saturdays. Bank in hotels usually stay open longer hours while money changers are generally open till evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA, MASTER, ALTO and more.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS

Travelers’ checks are accepted by leading banks and hotels in principal cities, including Bali. The use of travelers' checks in Indonesia is as popular as in other countries. Diners Club and America Express, Visa and Master Card are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and pubs. According to Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards will be charged in local currency.

ELECTIC CURRENT

The electric current in use throughout Indonesia is 220-230 volts at 50Hz. Most hotels can provide power outlet adapters.

IDD (INTERNATIONAL DIRECT DIALING)

Country Code (Indonesia): 62
City code (Bali): 361

SECURITY ARRANGEMENT

Strict security measures will be provided at the conference venue and all designated hotels. Security is provided at places outside the conference venue and hotels where official activities are held.

BUSINESS HOURS

Business offices are open either from 08.00 am to 04.00 pm or 09.00 to 05.00 pm. Government offices are from 08.00 am to 03.00 pm from Monday to Thursday, 08.00 am to 11.30 am on Friday and 08.00 am to 02.00 pm on Saturday.

CLOTHING

Dress is normally casual and light clothing advisable due to the hot, humid climate. Trousers or slacks and shirts are generally considered appropriate but a jacket and tie are required for formal occasions when making official calls. For certain formal occasions, long-sleeved batik shirts are acceptable. For travel to mountain areas, a light sweater or jacket is recommended. Halter tops and shorts are frowned upon in most places except around sport facilities or on the beach, proper decorum should especially be observed when visiting places of worship.

GRATUITIES

Tipping is not encouraged in hotels and restaurants if 10% service is already included in a bill. Extra tips from satisfied customers are for encouragement. At most hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bills. An airport porter expects Rp. 15,000 / USD 2 per bag.

SHOPPING

The major cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They open from 09.00 am to 09.00 pm everyday and some even on Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary.
Bali has various shopping spots. Main tourist roads are often lined with shops and stalls selling crafts of all types. Ubud (25 km North of Denpasar) and the surrounding villages of Pengosekan, Mas and Batuan are breeding grounds for arts, ranging from 'wayang style' paintings, polished woodcarving and antiques to traditional Balinese carvings made from volcanic purnice. For those who do not like to wander too much from the beach, Kuta and Legian have more modern shopping areas.

GOLFING IN BALI

Bali the "Island of the Gods" is fast developing a reputation as a sought after golfing destination. It's not surprising, that golfers are coming from all parts of the world, to play on Bali's, four top class 18-hole championship golf courses. Those are Pecatu Golf Club, Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Bali Golf and Country Club, Bali Handara Kosaido.

SIGHTSEEING

Places of interest in Bali include Ubud, Bangli, Batubulan, Bedugul, Besakih, Celuk, Denpasar, Goa Gajah, Goa Lawah, Jimbaran Bay, Lovina, Kintamani, Klungkung, Kuta & Legian, Mas, Menjangan Island, Nusa Dua, Peliatan, Sangeh, Sanur, Tampak Siring, Tanah Lot, Tenganan, Trunyan, Yeh Saneh, Sanur Beach.

MUST SEE

Balinese popular dances are Kecak, Baris, Barong & Rangda, Legong, Sanghyang Trance Dances and Topeng (Mask) Dances.

WORSHIP PLACES

Worship places for Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims as well as Protestants are available in Bali. One of the most recommended worship place is Puja Mandala. Puja Mandala is an icon of Bali's tolerance, a cluster of houses of worship representing all of Indonesia's religions can be seen on a scenic hilltop close to Nusa Dua. This two-hectare slice is home to a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, a Catholic Church, a Protestant Church and an Islamic mosque.

Dubbed as the 'Hill of Prayer', Puja Mandala is also probably unique in global terms since, although one finds major cities with an array of houses of worship belonging to various faiths, it is very rare to find so many different ones check by jowl. What makes it all the more surprising - and indeed is part of its charm - is its non-urban setting overlooking the sparkling sands of Sanur Beach and the bustling harbour of Benoa. It is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Jl. Bukit Kampial, Komplek Puja Mandala, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363