SURFERS’ oasis. Beach lovers’ paradise.
These are words some people often associate Bali with. Blame it on soap operas shown years ago, featuring the beaches of the island of Bali in Indonesia.
But there’s more to Bali than the sea and white sand beaches. “Bali-ng daghana!” Ancient temples, palaces and shrines, built and carved to honor some gods. Rituals and festivals. Crafts and sculptures. Hectares of rice paddies. Traditional food and dances. Adventures and elephants, even. All these await travelers who want to have a different Balinese experience.
INTERACTIVE MAP: Things to see and do in Bali
Cebu Pacific, JG Summit Holdings Inc., and Selrahco brought a group of journalists from the Visayas and Mindanao to the Land of the Gods where they were able to enjoy all that Bali has to offer.
Cebu Pacific flies to Bali from Manila four times a week, but starting Oct. 28, it will be flying to and from Ngura Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali daily, giving more Filipinos a chance at ticking an item off their bucket list.
But before booking a flight and making that dream vacation a reality, there are some things one needs to know about Bali.
No visa
Filipinos can enter Bali with their Philippine passports only. No need for a visa, as the Philippines is among 140 countries with an exemption. One needs to pass through immigration though, and answer some questions from immigration officers, like purpose of one’s visit and length of stay. Maximum length of stay is 30 days, no extension possible.
Weather
A tropical island like the Philippines, expect warm and humid climate all year round. The dry season runs from April to October, while the wet season is from November to March. The hottest period is in October, if you’ve booked a trip this month, better bring sunscreen.
Unlike the Philippines, though, Bali is visited by typhoons very rarely: once in 13 years, said Dada, our tour guide who assisted in our familiarization tour.
Balinese culture
In Bali, 80 percent of the 4.5 million population are Hindus. The Hindu culture is evident -- from the airport, to streets, houses, and even up to the mountains where temples are built in rice fields.
Statues and temples, one can see on both sides of the road, are usually wrapped in black and white checkered fabric, or yellow or red clothing. Black and white for the “guardian spirits,” and red or yellow for the “gods.” The Balinese people say their prayers and offer flowers or food in these temples.
In some villages, one can see penjor, or bamboo decorations, installed in front of houses or on the roadside, lining the streets. For the Hindus, they symbolize devotion and prosperity.
“If there are bamboo decorations, there is a festival or celebration in the village,” said Dada.
Travelers are also required to wear sarongs to be able to enter a temple, “to show respect for the Balinese culture,” added Dada.
No family names
Balinese people only have first names. They don’t use family names. One will also notice that almost everyone share the same names. Our group met two Gedes, for instance, during our Bali trip. Gede is the name for first borns, who may also be called Wayan or Putu for males, or Ni Luh for females.
The second born is named Made or Kadek; the third child goes by Komang or Nyoman; and the fourth, Ketut. If a family has five or more children, the cycle repeats itself and the fifth is named the second Gede or Wayan Balik (Wayan again or another Wayan).
How does the government check their identity? Through fingerprints or biometrics, Dada said.
Haggling, a way of life
In Bali, Ubud town is considered the cultural center. It is located almost two hours away from the Bali airport. It is where souvenir items, handicrafts, paintings, stone and wood carvings, and all kinds of art are available for sale. To be able to get an item without spending too much, learn how to haggle or bargain.
As Dada said, haggling is a way of life in Bali. Customers are expected to bargain or make an offer. The trick: be friendly, smile, or pretend to walk away.
If you wish to buy a dress for your mom, but the store attendant wants you to buy more, tell him or her that you only have "one mother." Haggle like a pro.
You can also find souvenir items outside the Tanah Lot temple and Kuta area. The price of items in Ubud is more expensive than the ones in Tanah Lot because Ubud is a more touristy place. The Kuta area in downtown Bali, on the other hand, is perfect for those looking for bars and parties.
One more thing
It is in Bali or Indonesia where Filipinos have greater chances of becoming instant millionaires. A Philippine peso is equivalent to 281.84 Rupiah. So, if you convert P5,000, you’ll get 1,409,200.64 Rupiah.