ENTRY FORMALITES
all visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of a national passport valid for at least six months when entering the country. A 30-day tourist visa is obtainable from any Indonesian diplomatic or consular mission, and may be used at any time within 6 months of issue, good for one entry only. Visa-free entry for a maximum stay of 2 months with a confirmed onward passage is permitted for nationals of ASEAN countries (Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore. Philippines & Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, Myanmar), plus Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea, United States of America, Canada, EC (European Community) member countries, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries. A special permit is required to visit the province of Irian Jaya.

HISTORY
There are few traces of Stone Age people on Bali, although it's almost certain that the island was inhabited very early in prehistoric times.
The Javanese Singasari dynasty conquered Bali in 1284, The Pejeng king was defeated by the great Majapahit dynasty in 1343 and Bali was brought back under Javanese influence. As Islam took hold in Java in the 15th century,
The first Europeans to set foot on Bali were Dutch seamen in 1597. Setting a tradition that has prevailed to the present day, they fell in love with the island and, when the ship's captain prepared to set sail, several of his crew refused to come with him.
In the early 18th century, as local rule in Bali began to fracture, the Dutch began muscling in using the tried and tested divide-and-rule policy. They used Balinese salvage claims over shipwrecks as a pretext to land military forces in northern Bali in 1846..

MODERN HISTORY
It took Dutch troops five days to reach the outskirts of Denpasar. Surrounded by superior forces, Balinese royalty and religious leaders decided to take the honourable path of a suicidal puputan - a fight to the death - rather than surrender. Dutch rule over Bali was short-lived; Indonesia soon fell to the Japanese in WWII. At the end of WWII, the Indonesian leader Soekarno proclaimed independence 1945
 In 1965, an attempted coup blamed on communists led to Soekarno's downfall. General Soeharto suppressed the coup and emerged as a major political figure.
Soeharto established himself as president, and under his government Indonesia looked to the West for alliances and investments. On Bali, economic growth and dramatic improvements in infrastructure were achieved by hugely expanding the tourist industry. This also resulted in the displacement of local populations and disruption of many traditional communities.

RECENT HISTORY
The end of the reign of Soeharto in 1998 threw the entire country into a maelstrom of change and turmoil. For some time it seemed that Bali was to be spared much of the anguish experienced on other islands in the archipelago. But the bomb attacks targeting Westerners that killed about 200 people near Kuta Beach on 12 October 2002 ravaged the tourism industry and destroyed any such complacency. It took about a year, during which the Balinese were in a kind of shock, but tourism recovered and 2004 was one of the best years on record for visits. More bombs in October 2005 killed about 20, and this time visitors did not return in previous numbers. With tourism at the centre of the local economy, the Balinese are at a crossroads in deciding their future direction.

GEOGRAPHY
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand

WEATHER
Bali has a tropical climate - the average temperature hovers around 30°C (mid-80s°F) all year. Direct sun feels incredibly hot, especially in the middle of the day. In the wet season, from October to March, the humidity can be very high and oppressive. The almost daily tropical downpours come as a relief, then pass quickly, leaving flooded streets and renewed humidity. The dry season (April to September) is generally sunnier, less humid and, from a weather point of view, the best time to visit, though downpours can occur at any time.

FLORA:
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo. And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.

FAUNA:
Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.

POPULATION:
Bali's population has grown to over 3.5 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali. Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

HEALTH
A valid international certificate of vaccination against smallpox and inoculations against cholera and yellow fever is required only for travelers arriving from infected areas.
It is recommended for passenger to equip themselves with tablets for stomach upsets, such us vomiting and diarrhea, and to avoid drinking un-boiled water or ice from wayside stalls, while traveling. Antiseptic creams and insect repellents are useful, also antibiotics for infections, particularly respiratory infections. Common sense should be used when eating out. Doctors are available through major hotels or at their private practices. Private clinics are preferable to the Public Hospital. Well-stocked chemists are in all major towns, including Kuta and Sanur.

CURRNCY.
Local Indonesian currency is known as Rupiah. With the decimal pieces: 50, - 100, - 500, - 1000, - 20, 000,-, 50.000, - 100.000, - .  There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency, which can be brought into, or taken out of the country, being a free money market. Most foreign currencies and traveller - cheques are easily changed. Larger hotels that have banks are easily found. It is advisable to change into Rupiahs before traveling off the beaten track. Credit Cards are generally widely accepted, except in small boutique or shops. Cards most accepted are , Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

CLOTHING
Dress is normally casual and light for the hot humid areas. A long sleeved shirt is fine for eveningwear, and for ladies simples’ frock. Jackets and ties are only used for official calls or formal occasions. Shorts and swimwear are acceptable on beach and around hotels, but should not be worn to villages or on visits to town. A light sweater or jacket is recommended when visiting mountain areas.

AIRPORT TAX
An airport departure tax of Rp 150.000 per person is charged for International departure and Rp 30.000 for domestic departure.

SHOPPING
Bali is famous for its woodcarving and sculptures; silver and gold jewelry, woven cloth, sarongs, traditional and realist paintings, bone and coconut shell carvings, antiques, basket wares and masks. More recently garment manufacture has increased and excellent designer garments are available cheaply. Tailoring is cheap and quick. Except in fixed-price stores & restaurants, shopping is done by bargaining, the national sport. Only one rule, both buyer and seller should end up satisfied, all can be negotiable, except on the supermarket and in the gallery,  when the price has note on the materials, in the restaurant and hotels.

ENTERTAINMENT
As well as superb traditional dances, there are classical Gamelan orchestras, Shadow Puppet Plays, Dramas, and a variety of traditional cultural entertainments unique to this culture. Nightlife also abounds in certain areas, Discos, Restaurants, and Supper Clubs provide western style enjoyment.

FOREIGN CONSULATES IN BALI :
AUSTRALIA
(also rep. Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea & other commonwealth in emergencies)
Australian Consulate
Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 88 B – Tanjung Bungkak – Denpasar, Bali 80324
Tel : ++62-(0)361-241118 Facsimile: ++62-(0)361-241120
Email : bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
BRITISH
British Honorary Consul
Cat and Fiddle Restaurant - Jalan Mertasari No. 2 Sanur Tel / Fax: 62-361-282968
Email: tamarin@dps.centrin.net.id
CHILEAN CONSULATE
Jl. Pengembak Gg. 1 Nr. 3 Sanur 80827, Bali
Indonesia
Tel: 62-361-281503
Fax: 62-361-285216
Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com
CZECH REPUBLIC
Consulate of the Czech Republic
Jl.Pengembak 17, Sanur
Tel : 62-361-286465, Fax : 62-361-286408
Email : bali@honorary.mzv.cz
FRANCE
Consular Agency of France
Jalan mertasari Gg.II No. 8, Sanur Kauh - Denpasar.
Tel: 62-361-285485 Fax: 62-361-286406
Email : consul@dps.centrin.net.id
GERMANY
Consulate of Germany
Jalan Pantai Karang 17, Sanur Denpasar.
Tel. 62-361-288535, 62-361-288826, Fax 62-361-288826
Email : dtkonsbali@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
ITALY
Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy
Lotus Enterprise Building
Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran, Denpasar
Tel. 62-361-701005, Fax 62-361-701005
Email : italconsbali@italconsbali.org
JAPAN
Consulate Office of Japan
Jalan Raya Puputan, Renon Denpasar No.170
Tel. 62-361-227628, Fax 62-361-231308
Email : konjdps@indo.net.id
MEXICO
Honorary Consulate of Mexico
Puri Astina Building
Jalan Prof. Moh. Yamin 1-A, Renon, Denpasar
Tel. 62-361-223266, Fax 62-361-244568
Email : astina@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
NETHERLANDS
Consulate of The Netherlands
Jalan Raya Kuta No: 127, Kuta
Tel. 62-361-751517, Fax 62-361-752777
Email : dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com
NORWAY & DENMARK
Royal Danish Consulate
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Tel. 62-361-701070 (ext 32)
Fax. 62-361-701073, 62-361-701074
Email: mimpi@mimpi.com
SPAIN
Honorary Consulate of Spain
Jl.Raya Sanggingan, br lungsiakan, Kedewatan Ubud
Tel. 62-361-975736, Fax. 62-361-975726
Email : rabik@indo.net.id
SWEDEN & FINLAND
Consulate of Sweden and Finland
Segara Village Hotel
Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur 80228
Tel. 62-361-288407, Fax 62-361-287242
Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galleria
Blok Valet 2 No. 12 Jl. Patih Jelantik - 80361 Kuta
Tel: +62-361-751735 Fax: 62-361-754457
Email: swisscon@telkom.net or swisscon@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Consular Agency of the United States of America
Jalan Hayam Wuruk 188, Tanjung Bungkak Denpasar 80235
Tel. 62-361-233605, Fax 62-361-222426
Email : amcobali@indo.net.id