Bali is a truly beautiful tropical island paradise where the passage of life is measured through elaborate rituals performed by artistic and hospitable local people. The Balinese maintain a precious heritage of unique arts and a dynamic culture amidst breathtaking panoramas of cultivated rice terrace, awesome volcanoes, pristine beaches and thousands of temples,augmented by an unrivalled range of modern leisure activities.
Successfully combining business with pleasure is just one of Bali’s unique attributes. Improved accessibility, technological expertise, experienced ground-handling operators, reliable forwarding agents, innovative publishing consultants, well-informed travel operators and first rate support services have combined to provide the enlightened 21st century event organizer with the perfect location for a successful event. Bali is more than a tropical island paradise; it is a unique destination within Southeast Asia and any visit to its magical shores creates and enduring memory.

Nusa Dua
Developed as a luxury resort complex in the southern-most tip of Bali, Nusa Dua is home to the island’s most luxurious hotel and resort accommodation and conference facilities. Located in a secluded enclave with access controlled by private security, and just 10 kilometers from Bali’s international airport and 25 minutes from the chic and vivacious Kuta, Legian and Seminyak districts, Nusa Dua exceeds all expectations as a world class tourist destination.

Facts about Bali

Bali
Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok. Stretching approximately 140 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south, Bali is one of more than 13,500 islands that make the Indonesian Archipelago. Lying 8° south of the equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average annual temperature of around 28° C. The rich volcanic soil and healthy monsoon season make this island extremely fertile with a range of crops are grown here. Bali is famous for its terraced rice paddies - among the most spectacular in the world coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, and cattle.
Bali is also known as the "Island of the Gods", where temples and ceremonies can be found almost everywhere and everyday. The majority of Balinese are Hindu. Although they have a caste system, Balinese Hindus are very different from Hindus in India. Religious life in Bali is almost inseparable from cultural life. One of the daily rituals is presenting offerings. Offerings play a significant role in Balinese daily life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family.

Climate
Located in the tropical zone, Bali enjoys an average year-round daily temperature between 20° - 33° Celsius. Fluctuations do occur but they are minimal. Because of abundant rainfall and high temperatures, Bali’s climate is also characterized by high humidity, around 85%. Here in Bali, only two seasons predominate, a dry and a rainy season. The rainy season lasts from December to March, whereas the dry season from May to October with the transition period between October and December, known as ‘Musim Pancaroba’, characterized by changing winds and inconsistent weather. The average temperature in Bali in December is between 28° C (82° F) - 30°C (86° F) and the relative humidity is about 88%. There is comparatively little difference between the daytime and night time temperatures.
Weather report online, please visit: http://www.baliguide.com/weather/index.html

Customs
The Island of Bali is known as the land of a thousand temples, although there are actually more than 5000 scattered throughout the island. Each temple celebrates its birthday every 210 days, so there are always festivals going on. In addition to the many important religious ceremonies held throughout the year, cremations, which are occasion for great celebration, are particularly frequent between July and October.

Travellers Cheques and Credit Cards
Travellers cheques are accepted by leading banks and hotels in principal cities. The use of travellers’s cheques in Indonesia is as popular as in any other county. Diners Club, American Express, Visa and Master Card are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and night clubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards should be charged in local currency.

Airport Tax
An airport departure tax of Rp. 150,000 is levied by the airport authority for travellers on international flights and Rp. 20,000 for domestic flights. The tax must be paid in Rupiah.

Electricity
Electricity used in Indonesia is 220 volts.

Currency
Only Rupiah (Indonesian currency) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies and major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and souvenirs shops.

IDD (International Direct Dialling)
country code - Indonesia: 62 city code - Bali: 361

Business Hours
Government offices open at 8 am daily except on Saturday and Sunday. Many small shops in Denpasar are closed in the afternoon (usually 1 pm to 6 pm) and re-open in the evening until 9 pm. However, shops in tourist areas are generally open all day. Banks are open from 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Foreign Exchange
Most major countries currencies, either bank notes or traveler’s checks, are easily converted into rupiah (Indonesia currency). Banks and Money Changers can easily be found in the largest towns in Bali, but it is advisable to carry sufficient rupiah (Rp) when traveling to the less popular areas of Bali. Almost all hotels and other business will accept foreign currency, but usually at lower rate of exchange than offered by Bank’s and Money Changers. For your convenience a bank is located at Ngurah Rai International Airport. ATMs, located throughout most popular tourist areas to include the airport, provide quick and safe access to funds from your personal or business bank accounts.

Telephone Service
Bali is linked via satellite to all major countries of the world. International calls can be made (via the operator or IDD-001/008) from any private / business or hotel telephone.

Important Telephone Numbers
Fire: 113; Police 110; Ambulance 118; Indonesia Red Cross 225465; Rescue Coordination Office 751111; Directory Enquires 108; International Operator 101; Telemarketing Service Information 162; Post Service information 161; Time 103; Immigration Office 227828,7510388; Public Hospital 227911

Tourist Information
The Bali Department of Tourism has six Information Centers where booklets and brochures can be obtained free of charge.

Addresses:
• Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban, Phone(0361)751011
• Bina Wisata Ubud, next to the village Head in Ubud
• Government Tourist Information Center Jl.Raya Kuta No.2, Kuta Badung, Kuta
• Government Tourist OfficeJl.S. Parman Niti Mandala, Denpasar, Phone (0361)222387       
• Buleleng Government Tourist OfficeJl.Veteran 23, Singaraja, Phone (0361)25141 

Immigration
Visitors coming to Bali by air from outside Indonesia must be in possession of passport that is valid for at least 6 months and have with them upon arrival either a return or onward ticket. Visitors wihtout a valid visa are required to pay Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the visa counter in the airport, 10 U.S. dollars for seven days and 25 U.S. dollars for a thirty day visa. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined upto 20 U.S. dollars per day. The Tourist Pass is for a maximum of two months and is not extendable. For more information please contact immigration office (0361) 764993.

Tips for Taking Taxis in Bali
1.It is always best to order a taxi by phone especially at night.
2.If you must hail a taxi on the street, be sure that the name of the taxi company is clearly marked on it.
3.Insist on using the meter. Do not use a driver who bargains or claims that his meter is broken.
4.In the taxi, note taxi’s number and the driver’s ID. This may come handy if you want to register a complaint or trace belongings left behind.

Other Information:
Consulate in Bali: http://www.baliconvention.com/consulate.htm

Content and Pictures about Bali on this site are courtesy of Bali International Convention Center for APMF 2008.