Bali Holidays

Hotels & Resorts in Bali

Below is a selection of hotels for holidays in Bali. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call on 066 7164400 (Tralee) or 01 6649999 (Dublin) to discuss your requirements, alternatively you can view our holidays in other Far East destinations.

Location

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East.

Shopping

You can go shopping for fine art and handicrafts such as antique furniture, paintings, delicately crafted gold and silver jewellery, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics, etc. in many shops in the Kuta/Legian area, in Sanur, in various handicraft villages and the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud, and in the town of Ubud itself. In most of the shops you can and should bargain for the best price. Be especially careful with the vendors near popular tourist attractions such as Tanah Lot or, for instance, who may sell fake goods for extortionate prices.

Geography

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometres (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometres) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometres) from east to west. Because of this it’s no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.

History

Hindu Java began to spread its influence into Bali in the first half of the 11th century. The Javanese Singasari dynasty conquered Bali in 1284, but when it collapsed shortly afterwards Bali regained its autonomy and the Pejeng dynasty, centred near modern-day Ubud, rose to great power. 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 Majapahit kingdom collapsed and many of its intelligentsia moved to Bali. Javanese artists, dancers and musicians also sought sanctuary in Bali, and the island experienced an explosion of cultural activity.

Climate

You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you’ll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.

Language

Indonesian and the local Balinese language as well as English are widely spoken.

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IPR).

Electricity

220V – 240V, 50Hz AC. You will need a plug adaptor with two-pronged, parallel pins.

Banks

Banking hours are Mon-Fri 8am-3pm & Sat 8am-1pm, but banks may not handle foreign exchange in the afternoons or at weekends.

Driving

Driving is on the left-hand side.

Time difference

GMT +8 hours.

Tipping

Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge - additional tipping is not always expected but it is usually accepted.

Water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Most hotels provide a flask of purified water in hotel’s room - alternatively, buy bottled water.

Visas

Irish passport holders are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival at a cost of approx $25 US. Visas on arrival are not extendable. Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of entry.

Tourist information

www.indonesia-tourism.com

What makes it so special?

Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This coupled with the unparalleled friendliness of the local people, unique handicraft and artwork and the rich cultural history of the island make it the perfect destination for a holiday at any time of year.

Where to visit

Climb the volcanic cone of Gunung Batur to see the spectacular sunrise.

Most popular tours

Gunung Batur volcano