Ahh Bali! My heart has been set on this beautiful island ever since. The idea of cycling in the rice fields, the crystal blue water of its beaches, being greeted by the warm-hearted Balinese people, and the possibility of me too finding love in Bali, made me yearn to go to this mesmerising island.

An eight-day trip and some 600 dollars to spend. I planned the Bali trip on my own. No external help, no agents. And my Bali trip was a hit. At least in my own eyes. I had a blast in minimal money to spend and managed to see the most of Bali.

So, how did I do it?

ALSO READ:

• Backpacking in Southeast Asia
• Southeast Asia travel route and itineraries
• Travel budget for Southeast Asia

I decided on a budget

This is the first thing I did as soon as I decided to go to Bali. I told myself I would not be spending more than 600 dollars on this trip. The air tickets itself cost me some $370. So, I left the rest of £230 for my accommodation and food.

Bali is a little cheap in the sense that the value of its currency is very low. 1 dollar is 13,841 Indonesian Rupiah. A lot, right?

Not to ignore the fact that the denomination of their currency notes is very high. They have a 100,000 rupiah note too. But yes, Bali is cheap. So sticking to your budget is not tough.

​I travelled light

I packed very little stuff for my trip. Your fun gets spoiled if you take too much luggage with you. You end up packing and lifting weight most of the time.

So, I kept 2 party dresses, 2 beach dresses, 2 pairs of shorts and tees, my Danner tactical boots and a couple of flip flops for my footwear and clothing quota. That’s all!

This also allowed me to travel and commute between cities and destinations on a scooter. And, you don’t have to worry much about your stuff getting lost or stolen.

I decided to do the bookings on my own

I didn’t hire an agent to make the bookings for me. First, they charge you a lot. Second, they make reservations for expensive and unnecessarily hyped places, which I absolutely didn’t want.

Doing the bookings over the counter or look them up online and with a little research about the best and cheapest option available saves you a lot of money.

So, I decided to do all the bookings myself, from air tickets to accommodation to tours. I booked other packages like a cycling tour, fast boat, and water sports while being in Bali.

I assure you it is not tough. Just a little bit of research on the internet and talking to friends who have been to Bali.

I booked only homestays and guest houses

Personally, I’m not too fond of hotels. They are sometimes too expensive and commercialised and ended up having no personal touch or essence of that place. This is the reason I prefer homestays over hotels.

This helps me to stay close with the locals, observe their daily routine, and eat the local cuisine. I also get to feel the true essence of that place, and it is always so lovely to get a chance to speak to the local people and get to know them.

I rented a scooter

The first thing I did after checking in my homestay was to ask for places I could get a scooter on rent. Riding one in Bali is way cheaper than booking taxis. You can rent a scooter for as little as 4 dollars a day, and the fuel doesn’t cost you much.

Plus, ‘Scooter is Bali’s lifeline’, everyone is riding a scooter in Bali. It’s so much fun!

I avoided crowded places

I didn’t go to crowded beaches and restaurants. I absolutely hate waiting for tables or in queues or going to littered or overcrowded beaches. Also, you end up not enjoying the sport because of the presence of too many people around. And, quite often, there is too much noise even to feel the place.

There are some beaches in Bali, like Pandawa Beach, which do not see many tourists. Do visit these. And, avoid beaches like Kuta Beach in Kuta, which are crowded and dirty.

So, by avoiding crowded places, not only did I have fun, I saved time too.

I didn’t drink inside the pubs

If you like to party hard, you know how much it hurts when the party expense burns a hole in the pocket. So, I decided to do this!

Girls entry is generally free inside the pubs, but the alcohol very expensive, so I always had a beer outside the pubs, and then went inside for parties. This allowed me to have fun in the famous pubs without having to spend a lot of alcohol.

Final Words

Guys, Bali is gorgeous and serene. You leave a piece of yourself here, and something stays with you forever. YOU ARE HEALED! I am sure I am convincing enough to make you long to go to Bali too.

Just make sure not to do anything that hurts their sentiments or poses a threat to the environment. Be a responsible tourist! Considering they are experiencing a water crisis in Bali.

So, this is how I planned a fantastic trip to Bali, all by myself. And, proudly so!​

Are you ought to move? Explore around, to taste and fulfil the fantasy of being in a place unknown, and you wander without direction. In this article, I will walk you through a tourist visa for visiting Indonesia.

ALSO READ:

• Backpacking in Southeast Asia – everything you need to know
• Visas for Southeast Asia – cost, requirements, how to apply
• Vaccinations for Southeast Asia – shots you need to stay safe
• Southeast Asia travel routes and itineraries – where to start, where to go next
• Travel budget for Southeast Asia – how to plan your budget

VISA-FREE COUNTRIES TO ENTER INDONESIA

If your nationality is not on this list, you can enter and travel in Indonesia for 30 days. You can reach their international airports and harbour in these dazzling places as long as you won’t overstay for 30 days. Provided here are some of the locations you can land in Indonesia visa-free; Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Surabaya, Batam, and Riau. 

Indonesia government is very generous in giving visa-free access to more than 90% of the world to their country. This helps a lot in attracting a lot of travellers from every corner of the world, not to mention how beautiful Indonesia is.

The exemptions of Visit Visa Presidential Regulation no. 21/2016 acts Indonesia to allow residents of 169 countries (listed on the table below) to travel and depart from their international ports with free of charges.

VISA ON ARRIVAL NATIONALITIES

Those who are eligible for a visa on arrival can apply online. Here are the things to know about this type of visa.

Cost of visa on arrival

There will be fees which cost;

If your planning to visit the exclusive economic zone;

• Seven days (7) – $15
• Thirty days (30) – $35
• Extension for more than 30 days – another 35$

Note: Overstay in visa will cost you about $23 per day if you haven’t informed the immigration office. It is advisable to locate the nearest immigration office for possible risk of forgetting your arrival and the day of departure.

Process of getting a visa on arrival

1. First-time foreigners should seek for the VOA and pay for the requisite fee, take note, they only accept cash. 
2. Once your payment is settled, you will acquire your entry stamp.
3. The second counter will hand you over with the counterfoil visa or visa sticker.
4. Head to the immigration office for validation and accreditation for official entry in Indonesia.

NATIONALITIES NEED TO GET INDONESIA TOURIST VISA

Here is a list of countries who need a visa before entering and travelling to Indonesia:

• Afghanistan
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Colombia
• Congo
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Liberia
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• Micronesia
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Pakistan
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INDONESIA TOURIST VISA

Visiting Indonesia doesn’t require you to have a visa upon entering in their international airports, and staying for up to 30 days. Find out the things you should know about Indonesia tourist visa.

Visa Requirements

But residing more than the limitation will sanction you to secure your Visa immediately. There are certain documents one must gather before a successful possession of a more extended visa such as this;

• Passport Requirements
• Indonesia Visa Application Form
• Photo Requirements
• Letter of Invitation
• Proof of State Residency
• Proof of Travel Arrangements – pre-arranged accommodation 
• Medical Requirements
• Proof of Sufficient Funds
• Letter of Employment

The requirements are particularly a lot but never worry. The time required for you to acquire this will bring a magnitude of rewarding travel experiences in choosing Indonesia as your next departure. Continue reading to learn more about this visa guide for Indonesia.

Multi-entries Visit Visa

There is good news for foreigners that fell in love with the culture and beautiful tourist spots of Indonesia. A multi visa is commonly issued for one year of visit, the government extended it to five years. This Visa is beneficial for researchers who’ve enjoyed re-entering and exiting Indonesia valid for a maximum of five years.

The amendment suggests that all pending and future holder of a multiple-entry visitor visa is credible for up to five years of stay.

Multi Visit Visa is for foreigners who want to travel back and forth to Indonesia for visiting and tourism. This Visa can also be issued for different types of interactions – official visit, business visit, or family visit.

Requirements for multi-entries visa visa

1. Your passport must be 18 months validated
2. Submission of a telex approval firstly in Jakarta
3. Fill-up the application form or guarantee letter and present it to the office or agent.
4. Appeal for an annexe sponsor letter
5. Show proof of your return flight ticket – look for cheap flights
6. Copy of your bank account statement (you have at least 2000 USD).
7. Two recent Passport photos.

Temporary Stay Permit

KITAS or Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas is an access card for a limited stay longer for a few months or years in Indonesia. This card can be known as residency permit card and can be issued to foreigners who have these following agendas;

• Foreigner investors that will reside for more than 3 months
• Foreign professional who has expertise or specialization to offer in Indonesia
• Outsiders who conduct prolific scientific or technological research, this usually falls with the agreement of Universities in Indonesia
• This card can also be issued to religious clerics such as bishops, priest, imam, and nun
• Retirees can also be granted with KITAS for a temporary stay which can be renewed upon expiration

If you think you will stay longer for a few more years, it is suggestive of having your KITAP or Permanent Stay Permit Card. Once you have KITAP, you will be eligible to get a five-year driver’s license, open your bank accounts. And apply for credit cards and loans specifically in banks of Indonesia.

For foreigners who plan to exceed its stay for 30 days in Indonesia and only have a limited stay permit, you will have to convert it to a KITAS/ITAS. The process requires resubmitting of your biometric data to the immigration office. The agent will take hold of your passport until processing of your KITAS is done. You cannot travel internationally, though you can visit all around Indonesia instead.

KITAS effectiveness is only valid for six months. That’s why you should take note of the date of expiration, and be prepared every half of the year to go back and renew your KITAS at the immigration office. Failure to do so will be subjected to overstaying, and foreigners can be exposed to 5 years of incarceration with a maximum fine of 37,000 USD.

INDONESIA EVISA

Indonesia is eligible to apply for e-Visa provided that the applicants meet the necessary conditions and requirements. 

Electronic visa nowadays has a very convenient way of processing visa with lower cost. It is proven to be efficient and effective in terms of reliable speed. You can either apply to the internet and can go by directly in the Indonesia Embassy.

The process will take you 5-6 days of waiting time. This is to evaluate and investigate your visa approval and to be granted if not found an issue.

OVER STAYING INDONESIA

Thirty days wasn’t enough the first time I traveled to Indonesia, to be honest. There are just millions of reasons and things stuffed in one place that can bring you utter amazement.

If you want to experience Indonesia to the fullest, I suggest that once you land, try and consider to extend your 30 days visit. Immigrations are friendly and want tourists to stay longer. It’s worth it.

REMEMBER: Overstay in visa will cost you about $23 per day if you haven’t informed the immigration office. It is advisable to locate the nearest immigration office for possible risk of forgetting your arrival and the day of departure.

This guide will give you information about the right visa for you. And once you’ve known, surely, you are on your way of getting your application in the nearest embassy. Or in making things much more relaxed, hiring an agent in applying for a visa for you to bypass all the hassle if you prefer that.

We hope that this Indonesia tourist visa article helped you in planning your next trip. If you have any questions or you think we missed something, let us know in the comment section below.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS TO READ LATER:

Five Architectural Jewels of Bandung, Indonesia

Indonesia is popular for so many things such as islands, volcanoes, great food, warm local, and affordable activities to do. Bali and Jakarta are the two most popular destinations here, what many travellers miss the hidden gem called Badung. While many tourists visit Indonesia for different reasons such as surfing, hiking and diving, speaking of diving, if this is on your list, check this diving in Indonesia article to give you more idea about this fun water activity. If you enjoy visiting an architectural site, Badung is just for you.

Bandung is nicknamed Paris of Java because of its European atmosphere and resemblance to Paris, it is definitely one of the places in Indonesia that you should not miss. As the city used to have a lot of flowers, it is also referred to as the Flower City. Located at an altitude and surrounded by the lush green Parahyangan mountains, the climate of Bandung is very pleasant, and this is a great city for gastronomic adventure. The city is also famous for its unique architecture. Look for budget-friendly and cheap hotel deals in the city and a good name to start with is Bukit Dago Hotel known for its great services, great accommodations at a competitive price.

Bandung architecture carries a Dutch colonial style that comes from the 18th and early 19th century. You will come across various fine examples of these architectural styles, and most of the historical buildings are very well preserved. Make sure you see explore the buildings and the stunning architecture when travelling to Bandung.

Villa Isola

This was built in 1932, the Villa Isola lies in the northern part of Bandung and was made for an Italian millionaire. The villa overlooks the city to the south. Its magnificent gardens are simply eye-catching. You will find a unique blend of Indo-European architectural style.

RELATED ARTICLE: Heading to Raja Ampat soon? Here’s a checklist for you

Gedung Sate

It was built in 1921, Gedung Sate was used as the head of the Dutch Indies Government Companies, The decoration of a popular satay food on the roof is now as famous as the name. The complex houses the office of West Java governor and local, provincial house representatives. Italian Renaissance can be seen all over the building, and your wall loves the Spanish-Moorish style for the windows. The building is open to the public, and one can enter the facade that faces the Mt. Tangkubanperahu directly.

Cipaganti Mosque

The architect C.P.W built Cipaganti Mosque. Schoemaker in 1933. This is the only mosque built in the European residential style and the central facade still carries the original design. The mosque has been grown and expanded to both of its sides. Popularly known as the Masjid Cipaganti, the mosque was the only one to be built in the European residential neighbourhood. The elements of European architecture, ethnic Javanese bad Arabic influence can be seen in the mosque.

ITB West and East Hall

This is the oldest institute of technology in Indonesia and was built by the architect Maclaine Pont in 1918. It is known for the most noticeable Dutch East Indian construction as well as the Sumatran style of architecture. Located in a prime zone of Bandung, the campus of the University is completely green and has gigantic trees. There are massive grass yards, gardens, and flowers around the building.

Gedung Merdeka

Van Gallen built Gedung Merdeka in 1895, and the clubhouse was meant for rich people. The building became the first Asian-African conference venue and is named the Concordia Society. Today, it is a well-known museum for that conference. The simple building covers a massive area of 7500 square. The modern “super club” meeting hall was the most luxurious, exclusive and well facilitated and carries an international style architecture.

RELATED POST:

• Unmissable Places to Visit in Bali

Looking for Hostels? Check my Recommended Hostel List

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT!