You'll need a tourist visa, pay tourist levy and submit a custom and health declaration form to enter Bali.

I recommend applying and paying for these online in advance to avoid long lines at the airport.

There are no direct flights to Bali from Vancouver (YVR), so expect at least one stopover.

The journey takes approximately 21–24 hours, depending on your flight and stopover. Expect a 13–15 hour flight from YVR to your stopover destination, followed by another 4–6 hours to Denpasar, Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport).

Here are some airline options:

- CHINA AIRLINES: 1 Stop in Taiwan (TPE/Taoyuan International Airport)
- EVA AIR: 1 Stop in Taiwan (TPE/Taoyuan International Airport)
- CATHAY PACIFIC: 1 Stop in Hong Kong (HKG/Hong Kong International Airport)
- KOREAN AIR: 1 Stop in Incheon (ICN/Incheon International Airport)
- JAPAN AIRLINES: 1 Stop in Tokyo (NRT/Narita International Airport)

BOOK A RED-EYE FLIGHT
If it’s your first time on a long-haul flight to Asia, we highly recommend booking a red-eye flight.

DON'T FLY AIR CANADA
Aleena doesn’t recommend flying with Air Canada unless you have Aeroplan points. The service, meals, and seat comfort are generally underwhelming.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Also, keep in mind that Bali is 15 hours ahead of Vancouver, so be sure to account for the time difference when planning your travel and activities.

BOOK AN AIRPORT SHUTTLE IN ADVANCE
When you exit baggage claim, you'll encounter numerous solicitors offering taxis and shuttle services. We recommend booking a shuttle service ahead of time, either through your hotel/Airbnb or online, to avoid the hassle and extra costs of airport taxis.

MULTI-CITY TRIPS
Since you're already heading to Asia, why not extend your trip and visit other cities in Southeast Asia like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, or Singapore?

PREVENT JET LAG
Download the TimeShifter app and start adjusting your sleep schedule 2 days before your trip to avoid jet lag and make the most of your vacation.

Washers and dryers are not common in Bali or Indonesia in general, unless your Airbnb includes one or offers housekeeping with laundry service. If not, you'll need to hand wash and air dry your clothes. Serviced laundromats are available in busy areas and generally they will wash, dry, and fold your clothes for you and they will be ready for pick up in 6-8 hours.

PACKING ESSENTIALS
- Bring plenty of bathing suits and underwear.
- Pack flip-flops, sunglasses, hats, and house slippers (it gets quite dusty in Indonesia).
- When visiting temples and other religious sites, it’s important to dress conservatively. Linen pants and a light cardigan are ideal for staying cool while still being respectful and appropriately covered.
- Skip the jeans—they’re heavy and impractical in Bali’s humidity.

WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
- You’ll be traveling during the rainy season, so bring proper clothing and footwear.
- This isn’t Vancouver rain—it’s tropical rain. Don’t take it lightly.
- A mini umbrella is handy during monsoon season.

PACKING TIPS
- Pack light and leave extra space in your luggage—you’ll want to shop for clothes and souvenirs!
- Sunscreen is a must. Bring your own, as brand-name options like Banana Boat cost CA$25–CA$40 in Bali.
- For the ladies: Tampons are not available in Indonesia, only pads. If you'll need them, bring your own.
- If you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, pack some Gravol.
- Pack or buy mosquito repellent. If you plan to buy it in Bali, get separate sprays—one for your body and one for your room. Apply the body spray after sunscreen and spray the room before evening or bedtime. This will help keep the mosquitoes away!

PLUGS
Bali uses the European-style two-pin round plug (Type C).

VOLTAGE
230V, 50Hz. So, if your hair dryer is dual-voltage (110-240V), you'll only need a plug adapter; otherwise, you’ll need a voltage converter to avoid damage.

Our venue is far from touristy areas, so I recommend finding accommodation closer to a lively area for convenience.

SEMINYAK
Upscale beach town known for boutique shopping, chic cafes, luxury resorts, and stylish nightlife.

CANGGU
Trendy and laid-back surfer town filled with cool cafés, beach clubs, boutique shops, and a vibrant creative scene.

UBUD
The cultural heart of Bali, surrounded by lush jungle, rice terraces, temples, art galleries, and serene spas.

NUSA DUA
An exclusive resort area with pristine beaches, luxury hotels, and a peaceful, all-inclusive vibe — perfect for relaxing.

ULUWATU
Famous for its dramatic clifftop views, white-sand beaches, high-end beach clubs, and stunning sunsets.

NUSA PENIDA
A rugged island paradise known for epic coastal cliffs, clear waters, Instagram-worthy viewpoints, and snorkeling adventures.

AIRBNB
Offers cheaper stays, especially if you’re sharing a villa with multiple others. Many come with private pools and sometimes even housekeepers and a chef. However, they may be located further from popular tourist spots, so you will probably need a car.

HOTELS
More expensive but tend to be closer to tourist hubs and mostly walkable.

We highly recommend Airbnb for the best bang for your buck.

When searching for an Airbnb, make sure to apply these filters:

- ENTIRE HOME – For privacy and comfort.
- AIR CONDITIONER – Trust us, you'll need it.
- PARKING– Essential if you're renting a car.
- WIFI– A must for staying connected.
- POOL – If you want a villa with private pool
- BEACHFRONT – If you want a beachfront villa

INDOOR/OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM
If you can't stand the heat, we recommend choosing a villa with an enclosed living room and AC, as most smaller villas in Bali have outdoor living & dining area.

WASHER/DRYER
Keep in mind that washers and dryers are not common in Bali. If you filter for them, your options may be very limited and significantly more expensive.

WASHROOM SITUATION
Note that toilet paper are uncommon. Instead, you'll find a hand bidet.

Bali is stunning—and so are the Airbnbs. For the price of one night at a Holiday Inn in Canada, you can stay in a jaw-dropping villa in Bali. That’s why I highly recommend booking one of the luxury Airbnbs I’ve curated. Every single one comes with a private pool, full AC, parking, and Wi-Fi. And here’s the fun part: the more people you gather to stay with you, the crazier the villa you can book. Think beachfront mansions, all-bamboo houses, infinity pools, and sunken living rooms—why not live it up while you’re there?

P.S. Prices and availability will depend on your travel dates. If you’re staying in Bali for around two weeks, I’d actually recommend booking a mix of different villas in different areas of Bali to keep things fresh and exciting. For example: 4 nights in a beachfront villa in Lovina, 6 nights in a more budget-friendly spot in Canggu or Seminyak, 2 nights in a super luxurious, over-the-top villa in Uluwatu, and 2 nights in a unique or quirky villa in Ubud. That way, you get to experience the full range of what Bali villas have to offer!

PROVINCE
Bali

COUNTRY
Indonesia

CAPITAL
Denpasar

TIMEZONE
GMT+8

COUNTRY CODE
+62

LANGUAGE
Bahasa Indonesia (official), Balinese (native)

AIRPORT
Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar

WEATHER
December is the rainy/wet season, with a maximum temperature of 26.5°C and 27.6 cm rainfall with 22 days of rain.

RELIGION
87% Hindu, 8% Islam, the rest are Christianity, Buddhism, and others.

ETHNICITY
90% Balinese, 5% Javanese, 3% East Indonesians, and others

Bali is very tourist-friendly and designed to cater to tourists. If you can handle a busy city like Tokyo, you'll easily adjust to Bali.

There’s so much to explore in Bali, so we recommend staying at least 1-2 weeks to really get a good experience.

Bali caters to all budgets—whether you're on a tight budget or looking to splurge. Here's an estimate of what you might spend (per person) for most of your stay, food, transportation, and activities, excluding flights:

BUDGET
CA$50-CA$80 per day

MID RANGE
CA$100-CA$150 per day

LUXURY
CA$170-CA$250 per day

ULTRA LUXURY
CA$250+ per day

Ultimately, it really depends on each person's spending habits, but this is just a general calculation based on information available online.

RELIGIOUS OFFERINGS (CANANG SARI)
The Balinese people are mostly Hindus, and you'll see religious offerings everywhere, even on the street. Be respectful—don’t move, step on, step over, take pictures of, or disturb these offerings.

AVOID PROFANITY
Mind your language—try not to curse as much while you're there, especially at religious sites.

USE YOUR RIGHT HAND
Use your right hand when shaking hands or receiving something (e.g., when ordering food). The left hand is considered the "poop-wiping hand" in Indonesia, so it's better to avoid using it for greetings or transactions.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (PDA)
Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally frowned upon, especially at temples and religious sites.

HAGGLE
Bargain! If they see you're not a local, they might try to overcharge you. Haggle—start by offering about 50% of the asking price, then meet them halfway.

TIPPING
Tipping isn’t necessary. Many locals are genuinely friendly, so you might feel inclined to tip them. We would suggest only tipping your housekeepers and drivers; there's no need to tip waitstaff. (Or do if you want to. Aleena is just a stingy local.)

MENSTRUATION
Ladies, if your period is expected during the trip, keep in mind that you may not be allowed to enter religious buildings or sites. Plan accordingly.

CURRENCY
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp)

CONVERSION RATE
1,000 IDR ≈ C$0.00008495 (CAD)

HOW TO READ THE PRICES
- Prices in Bali are often shown with "K" (thousand), e.g., Rp 1.000k = 1,000,000 IDR.
- The thousands are separated by a period, and decimals are shown with a comma (European System). So if something is Rp 15.000, it is not 15 Rupiah, but 15 thousand Rupiah.

CASH IS KING
Bali is tourist-friendly, but most local attractions and restaurants still only accept cash. We recommend getting plenty of cash with small bills like Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000, and Rp 100,000.

TELL YOUR BANK
Make sure to let your bank know about your trip to avoid any issues with using your credit card.

WISE CARD
We also recommend opening a Wise card, which functions as a prepaid debit card (psst, use the button link below to get $0 fees offer for up to $800). It offers low fees for currency exchanges and is widely accepted in Bali (and other countries!), especially at larger shops and restaurants. It also supports multi-currency exchange which will come in handy during your layovers. You can also use it to withdraw cash from local ATMs.

ATM & MONEY CHANGERS
Only use ATMs and Money Changers inside banks or shopping malls to avoid potential scams. Also, pick the one that doesn't charge commission fee.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Bahasa Indonesia

NATIVE LANGUAGE
Balinese

USE OF ENGLISH
In tourist areas, many locals speak a decent level of English. You'll also encounter a diverse expat community, particularly from Australia and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, etc.), where English is commonly used.

TIP:
Learning basic phrases in Bahasa is recommended (be a good tourist!). Aleena has included some examples below:

PHRASES FOR EVERYDAY USE
- Terima Kasih/Makasih – Thank you..
- Sama Sama – You’re welcome.
- Selamat Pagi – Good morning (before noon).
- Selamat Siang – Good afternoon (12–3 PM).
- Selamat Sore – Good evening (3–6 PM).
- Selamat Malam – Good night (after sunset).
- Berapa? – How much?
- Dimana? – Where?
- Pak (Male) / Bu (Female) – Respectful address for men and women or older people.
- Mas (Male) / Mbak (Female) – Informal address for peers or younger people.
- Selamat Datang – Welcome.
- Selamat Tinggal – Goodbye.
- Sampai Jumpa – See you later.
- Apakah bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? – Can you speak English?
- Saya tidak bisa berbicara bahasa Indonesia. – I can’t speak Indonesian.
- Bisa tolong dibantu? – Can you please help me?
- Tolong, di mana kamar kecil? – Where is the restroom?
- Ini terlalu panas. – It’s too hot.
- Cuacanya indah hari ini. – The weather is beautiful today.
- Saya dari Kanada. – I’m from Canada.
- Tolong, saya butuh taksi. – Please, I need a taxi.


FOOD PHRASES
- Nasi – Rice
- Mie – Noodles.
- Bubur – Porridge.
- Sup/Kuah – Soup.
- Ayam – Chicken.
- Sapi – Beef.
- Babi – Pork.
- Ikan – Fish.
- Sayuran – Vegetables.
- Goreng – Fried.
- Bakar – Grilled/roasted.
- Rebus – Boiled.
- Kukus – Steamed..
- Sambal – Chili sauce.
- Cabe – Chili.


ROAD & NAVIGATION PHRASES
- Jalan (Jl.) – Road (e.g., Jalan Raya Seminyak means a major road).
- Gang (Gg.) – Small alley (mostly for pedestrians and bikes).
- Dimana...? – Where is...?
- Jalan ke... – The road to...
- Berapa jauh...? – How far...?
- Ada hotel di sini? – Is there a hotel here?
- Tolong arahkan saya ke... – Please direct me to...
- Apakah ini jalan ke pantai? – Is this the road to the beach?
- Ke kiri/kanan – To the left/right.
- Tolong bantu saya. – Please help me.


SHOPPING PHRASES
- Berapa harganya? – How much is it?
- Terlalu mahal. – Too expensive.
- Bisa kurang? – Can you lower the price?
- Ada diskon? – Is there a discount?
- Saya hanya lihat-lihat. – I’m just looking.
- Saya mau beli ini. – I want to buy this.
- Boleh bayar pakai kartu kredit? – Can I pay with a credit card?
- Dimana kasir? – Where is the cashier?
- Apakah ada ukuran lain? – Do you have a different size?
- Ada warna lain? – Do you have other colors?
- Boleh saya coba? – Can I try it on?
- Tolong bungkus. – Please wrap it.
- Satu lagi, tolong. – One more, please.
- Kembalian, tolong. – Change, please.
- Ini terlalu kecil/besar. – This is too small/big.
- Saya akan bayar tunai. – I will pay in cash.


EMERGENCY PHRASES
- Tolong! – Help!
- Sakit – Sick/in pain.
- Tolong panggil polisi. – Please call the police.
- Tolong panggil dokter. – Please call a doctor.
- Rumah sakit – Hospital.
- Tolong bawa saya ke rumah sakit. – Please take me to the hospital.

Bali is generally safe, but here are some things to keep in mind:

PETTY THEFT
Beware of bag snatchers. Always use bags with full closures and keep your belongings secure. Don’t leave your belongings unattended.

LOCK DOORS
Always lock your accommodations, car, and rooms.

STRAY ANIMALS
Avoid petting stray animals. Bali has many stray dogs and cats, and they're often prone to rabies. Best to just ignore them.

First, dial the country code +62 and then the number.

POLICE: 110
FIRE DEPARTMENT: 113
AMBULANCE/MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: 118 or 119
SEARCH & RESCUE: 115
GENERAL EMERGENCIES: 112

Bali is a popular destination for digital nomads, so you’ll find Wi-Fi almost everywhere. However, the internet speed is a lot slower compared to Canada.

To stay connected, we recommend getting an eSIM before leaving Canada so you can just activate it when you’re at the airport. The Airalo eSIM offers a 10GB plan for CA$36, which will give you internet access throughout your stay.

GOJEK
Think of it as Uber and Uber Eats combined.

GRAB
Same as Gojek, and it also works in Singapore.

KLOOK
For booking activities, tours, and reservations at discounted rates.

WHATSAPP
Use this to communicate with locals, vendors, and book reservations.

GROUP TRAVEL = CHEAPER
Staying and traveling with a group can save you a lot of money. It's a much more affordable option.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is recommended, especially for first-time visitors to Bali.

SHOTS & VACCINATION
Since we were just in Indonesia last year, we don’t need vaccinations or additional shots, but it’s worth researching in case you need any before your trip.

We don't recommend driving in Bali. The traffic is chaotic, with motorcycles everywhere, and the roads are often uneven and challenging to navigate. Since we drive on the left-hand side, adjusting to Bali’s right-hand traffic can be difficult. For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid driving.

IF YOU STILL WANT TO DRIVE
- You must have an international driving permit if you plan to rent a car without a driver or if you want to drive a scooter.
- If renting a scooter, always wear a helmet.

RENT A CAR WITH A DRIVER
We highly recommend this. Depending on the car, you can get it as low as CA$40 per day for a 6-seater. The price will cover the rental, driver, and fuel fee. You’ll probably need to cover the driver’s meals (CA$2–CA$4 per meal) though.

USE RIDE SHARING
Use taxis, Grab, or Gojek. Best option for those staying within walkable, busy areas.

Google Maps works, but always try to add at least 15 extra minutes to the estimated time due to heavy traffic.

SOUTH BALI (Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Legian, Uluwatu):
- Kuta: Known for its lively beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great spot for shopping and enjoying beach clubs.
- Seminyak: An upscale area with trendy boutiques, cafes, and luxurious resorts. Perfect for a chic, relaxing experience and gourmet dining.
- Nusa Dua: Famous for luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and cultural performances. Ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy high-end amenities.
- Jimbaran: Known for seafood dining on the beach and breathtaking sunset views. A great spot for a relaxing evening.
- Legian: A laid-back area between Kuta and Seminyak, offering surf-friendly beaches, beach clubs, and casual dining, perfect for a balanced, relaxed vibe.
- Uluwatu: Known for its stunning clifftop views, Uluwatu offers some of the best surfing spots and breathtaking beaches like Padang Padang. The iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff, is a must-visit, especially for its Kecak Fire Dance at sunset.

CENTRAL BALI (Ubud):
- The cultural heart of Bali. Explore iconic rice terraces, bustling art markets, and serene temples like Tegallalang.
- Ubud is ideal for those interested in art, wellness, and nature.
- Sacred Monkey Forest and yoga retreats are popular activities in this peaceful area.

EAST BALI (Candidasa, Amed, Tulamben):
- Amed and Tulamben are famous for diving, including the renowned USAT Liberty wreck dive site.
- Candidasa offers a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

NORTH BALI (Lovina, Singaraja):
- Lovina is famous for its black sand beaches and dolphin watching, making it a quieter, less touristy area ideal for relaxation.
- Singaraja is another quiet spot to explore in North Bali.

WEST BALI (Banyuwangi, Menjangan):
- Menjangan Island is perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
- West Bali National Park offers great hiking trails and wildlife experiences.

DAY TRIPS:
- Tanah Lot Temple: A stunning sea temple, ideal for sunset views.
- Mount Batur: Popular for sunrise treks, with breathtaking views from the summit.
- Nusa Penida: A nearby island known for rugged cliffs, stunning viewpoints like Kelingking Beach, snorkeling with manta rays, and crystal-clear waters. Can be done as a day trip or overnight stay for deeper exploration.

Oh boy, where do we even begin? It really depends on your travel style and interests. Here’s a breakdown:

FOR FOOD LOVERS
Bali has a thriving food scene with amazing restaurants and cafes to explore.

FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
You can hike, visit stunning beaches, and explore the natural beauty of the island.

FOR WATER SPORT FANS
Bali is famous for surfing and snorkeling, but you can also enjoy water rafting, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boating, and even fishing.

FOR PARTY GOERS
Bali has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of clubs and beach clubs—even if you're not a party person, visiting at least one beach club is a must.

FOR WELLNESS AND SPIRITUALITY SEEKERS
There are tons of affordable and high-quality spas, yoga retreats, meditation, spiritual healers, and other spiritual experiences.

FOR THE GENERAL TOURISTS
Bali is full of natural wonders and landmarks that are perfect for sightseeing. PS: If you haven’t tried a flower bath yet, we know it may seem cringy, but trust us, it’s amazing. Don’t miss it!

EAT LOCAL
Highly recommend trying local Indonesian dishes. While Western food is available, it's pricier than local options. You can expect to pay around $3-8 for a local dinner.

TRY FINE DINING
Don’t miss out on fine dining—you can enjoy amazing meals at affordable rates in Bali!

BEWARE OF STREET FOOD
If you're not used to it, exercise caution with street food vendors—they can be delicious but might not always sit well with your stomach.

BALI BELLY
For those with Tourist Tummy (LOL), read up on "Bali Belly"—it's real, and you want to be prepared!

BALI TAP WATER
DO NOT drink tap water in Bali. DO NOT.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is not cheap in Bali, so be prepared. However, many tourists enjoy the local Bintang beer, which is affordable and definitely worth trying.

STAY HYDRATED
Since you can’t drink tap water and you’ll likely be sweating a lot, stock up on bottled water. Drinking water is not complimentary in Indonesia, especially at restaurants, so be sure to order it if needed. It’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated and avoid heatstroke.

STRESS FREE EXPERIENCE
If you want a stress-free experience and prefer someone else to handle the itinerary, go ahead and book a tour. It’s a little more expensive (like most tours), but you’re paying for the convenience.

BUILD YOUR OWN ITINERARY
However, we’d strongly recommend building your own itinerary. Do some research by watching YouTube vlogs, reading articles on Google, follow and read /BaliTravelTips subreddit, and checking out TikToks.

ONLINE RESOURCES
You can also explore resources like Tripadvisor, Klook, Viator, and Traveloka for activity recommendations.

Only if they’re specifically invited.

While we absolutely love your little ones, we kindly ask that this be an adults-only celebration.

You can always text us! We'd love to hear from you.

We will have an informal rehearsal, but it’s only for the wedding party. If you're part of it, we’ll let you know!

Not at the moment, but we’ll be reaching out to specific groups for group activities.

Just bring your best self—and maybe sunglasses and scarf in case it gets chilly.

Your presence is the greatest gift of all. If you wish to give further, we kindly request monetary gifts, as we will have limited space for physical gifts during our travels.

Please arrive by 2.30 pm at the latest.

We recommend ride-sharing services like Gojek or Grab. You can also carpool with other guests if you know anyone attending.

There will be plenty of parking at the villa.

Both the ceremony and reception are planned to be outdoors, weather permitting.

We have a backup plan in place in case of rain.

The ceremony will have free seating, but there will be assigned seats at the reception. Please check with the staff on the day for your seat.

The ceremony will be in English, but the reception will be bilingual (English and Bahasa Indonesia).

This will be an unplugged ceremony. Please keep your phone on silent and refrain from using it for taking photos or videos.

Please reach out to the staff or the event organizer on the day—they’ll be able to assist you.

Unfortunately, there will not be a live stream.

Hanya jika mereka diundang secara khusus.

Mohon maaf, acara ini khusus untuk orang dewasa saja.

Boleh banget kirim WhatsApp ke kami!

Kami ada rehearsal, tapi hanya untuk wedding party. Kalau kamu termasuk, nanti kami kabari langsung.

Belum ada yang resmi, tapi kami akan hubungi grup tertentu untuk beberapa aktivitas bareng.

Cukup bawa diri kamu—dan mungkin kacamata hitam dan syal kalau-kalau jadi dingin.

Kehadiran kamu adalah hadiah terbaik buat kami. Tapi kalau mau memberi lebih, kami sangat menghargai hadiah dalam bentuk uang karena kami akan traveling dan nggak bisa bawa banyak barang.

Harap tiba paling lambat pukul 2.30 sore.

Kami sarankan pakai layanan ride-sharing seperti Gojek atau Grab. Kamu juga bisa carpool bareng tamu lain kalau ada yang kenal.

Ada, banyak tempat parkir di venue.

Baik upacara maupun resepsi rencananya diadakan di luar ruangan, kalau cuaca mendukung.

Tenang saja, kami punya rencana cadangan kalau hujan.

Upacara akan pakai sistem bebas duduk, tapi resepsi akan ada tempat duduk yang ditentukan. Kamu bisa tanya ke staf saat hari H.

Upacara akan berlangsung dalam Bahasa Inggris, tapi resepsi akan bilingual (Bahasa Inggris dan Bahasa Indonesia).

Maaf, tidak boleh ya. Jadi mohon matikan suara HP dan jangan ambil foto atau video selama upacara.

Silakan tanya langsung ke staf atau event organizer di hari H—mereka siap bantu.

Sayangnya, tidak ada live stream.