🇮🇩 Indonesia Travel Guide: Bali, E-Visa & Gojek

passport Visa & Entry

• Visa on arrival 500,000 IDR ($35) for 30 days - extendable
• e-VOA at molina.imigrasi.go.id - skip the queue
• Bali tourist levy 150,000 IDR ($10) since 2024
• Passport 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages

bike Gojek & Transport

• Gojek super-app - motorbike, car, food, packages
• Grab also works - competition keeps prices low
• Scooter rental best - IDR 60,000-80,000/day ($4-5)

flower Bali Highlights

• Ubud: cultural heart - rice terraces, yoga, art markets
• Canggu/Seminyak: beach lifestyle - surf, cafés
• Uluwatu Temple sunset + Kecak fire dance = iconic
• Nusa Penida: stay overnight, day trips too rushed

hand Culture & Etiquette

• Temples require sarong + sash - rent at entrance
• Do not touch people heads - most sacred body part
• Use right hand for giving/receiving - left hand impolite
• Bali is Hindu in Muslim-majority country

beach Beyond Bali

• Lombok: 2h fast boat - less crowded, Rinjani volcano trek
• Gili Islands: no cars - horse carts. Gili T party, Gili Air chill
• Komodo: dragons, Pink Beach, Padar Island

landmark Java Culture & Volcanoes

• Yogyakarta: Borobudur sunrise magical, Prambanan Hindu temple
• Mount Bromo: sunrise over crater - jeep at 3am
• Ijen Crater: blue fire phenomenon - leave midnight

calendar Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (Apr-Oct): best for Bali, Java, Komodo
• Wet season (Nov-Mar): cheaper, daily downpours
• Avoid Nyepi (Balinese New Year): island shuts down 24h

💡 Quick Tips

• Bottled water ONLY - even for brushing teeth
• ATMs: withdraw max 2.5 million IDR ($160). Use bank ATMs
• Scooter #1 cause tourist hospital visits - wear helmet
• Cash essential outside tourist hubs
• eSIM ideal - Indonesian SIMs require IMEI registration
• Sunset at beach club is a Bali rite
• Massage incredibly low - 1-hour Balinese $5-10

⚡ Pro Tips

• Avoid Kuta if over 25 - Ubud/Canggu/Uluwatu better
• Best waterfalls in north Bali - hire driver $40-50/day
• Lombok and Gilis 2-3h fast boat - much less crowded

📋 Summary

Indonesia (especially Bali) is a tropical paradise. Respect temple customs, use Gojek/Grab, protect your stomach, and rent a scooter.