A lush, exotic destination, Bali is one of the 33 provinces that make up Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. The island is 8 degrees south of the equator, with the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. A vacation in Bali is a dream come true for many, who find their visions of paradise come to life when they land on the island.
Bali boasts many beautiful beaches, with Kuta being the beach area that caters most to tourists. Most visitors travel throughout the island to soak in such scenery as picturesque lakes, towering volcanoes, tropical forests and terraced rice fields. A mostly Hindu island, Bali is home to beautiful temples. At least one should be visited during a Bali vacation. The many festivals celebrated on the island are another way to get a glimpse into the fascinating island culture. Vacations to Bali are ideal for watersports, particularly diving and surfing. Yoga retreats have also caught on here, as the serene setting lends itself to spiritual pursuits.
U.S. citizens traveling to Indonesia must have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, and a return or onward air ticket. A visa is also required. Travelers may apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Indonesian Consulate in the U.S. U.S. citizens may also apply for a visa upon arrival at the Bali airport. Indonesian visas require an entire passport entry page, and travelers without an extra page may be denied entry. A visa on arrival for a stay of up to 7 days costs $10, while a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days costs $25. An international driver’s license is required to rent a car. A more popular option is to hire a car with a driver. Bali has a tropical monsoon climate. Temperatures generally range between 70 and 90, with July being the coolest month. Rainy season is October to March, while June to September are the driest months. Currency is the Rupiah. For more information on a vacation to Bali, log on to www.balitourismboard.org, the Bali Tourism Board’s website.