Beachfront boutique hotel, holiday cottages and family bungalows with pool, fine restaurant and spa, situated superbly right on the beach in Lovina, Bali.

Frequently asked questions
Villa Agung Beach cottages

Visas
You must have at least six months left on your passport, with one page empty for stamping.  Children need their own passport.  You must have a return ticket.  Some countries require a 30-day tourist visa before arriving, but most countries are allowed to purchase a US$25 tourist visa upon arrival.  Make sure to complete your arrival form and keep it in your passport as you need it on departure. There is a Rp 100 000 departure tax per person, to be paid in cash at the airport.

Money
The currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah.  Most common credit cards are Visa and Mastercard and are accepted in major banks and numerous ATM machines.  Your withdrawal from the ATM is often limited each time,  but use larger banks for larger withdrawals.  Local moneychangers usually post the best exchange rates, but be wary.  Many are unscrupulous, so make sure the changer is authorized.  Any damaged notes will not be accepted and for some reason US$100 notes dated 1996 are not welcome. 

Electricity - the voltage is 220v.
 
Clothing and luggage.
Don't bring too much, because there are lots to buy or have made at very reasonable prices.  Stick to loose natural fibres with just a sweater for the mountain regions.
 
 
Driving
Bring your International licence.  Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are for rent everywhere but it is better to hire a car and driver for just a little more, because driving in Bali is hazardous and definitely different.
 

Travel and health insurance.
Make sure that you have complete travel & health insurance.  Medical care in Indonesia is now VERY expensive.  Singaraja has 6 hospitals and competent doctors, dentists and pharmacies.  Recommended medical kit should include medicine for diarrhea, aspirin, antiseptic and antibiotic cream.  All can be obtained here.

 
Ear infections
Swimming and water are fun on holiday, but can cause ear canal infections.  Ensure that your ear canal is clean and dry after swimming or bathing.  If you are prone to ear infections (swimmers ear), a few drops of vinegar and alcohol or commercially prepared (aqua ear) in the canal after swimming will prevent these from occurring.
  
Fun in the sun
The tropical sun can be deceiving in its strength.  Don't be fooled by cloudy days as the ultraviolet rays of the sun are still present.  Avoid the midday sun, wear a hat and sunblock, re-applied regularly.  Be particularly careful with small children.

 
Mosquitoes, snakes, spiders & bites
Mosquitoes generally appear around dusk.
Wear loose, cotton clothes and apply personal insect repellent, Off or Deet every 4 hours and again after swimming.
Avoid the use of dark clothing and perfumes, colognes as these attract mosquitoes. 
Spray your room with a good "Knock down" spray each evening at dusk and use the mosquito coils provided by the hotel.
There are snakes that are poisonous but it is unlikely you will see any.  Spiders too, but harmless ones.
  
 
Accidents
Do happen.  Protect yourself with helmets, seat belts and protective clothing,  Don't drive drunk.
  
Sex in paradise
Unfortunately, a smorgasbord of STD's have reached Bali. The temptations here are readily available so take precautions!
 
  
Recreational drugs
DON'T!
Easily available, but the use of narcotics and hallucinogenic drugs in Indonesia is illegal and punishable by death.
 
 
Seasons
Although the weather does vary in different areas of Bali, depending on altitude and protection from the mountains, there are two seasons.  The wet season is usually January, February and March when humidity is much higher.  You can see tumultuous storms, high winds and angry seas.  Quite dramatic!  From mid-March to September, the weather, especially in Lovina, tends to be idyllic, with blue skies, balmy temperatures and mirror-like seas.  The temperature is about 28 Celsuis or 88 Fahrenheit.  October and November tend to be hotter, approaching the rainy season.
 
 
Children
The Balinese love children and have a natural way of relating to them.  Babysitters are easy to find and your children will be happy and well taken care of.  Older children will soon find friends on the beach.
  
  Travelling alone
More and more people these days travel alone and it is generally safe, except for the charming and amorous beach boys or the girls looking towards marriage and a better life.
 
Balinese etiquette
Balinese respect quiet speaking, discipline and self-control.  Losing your temper means losing face and gets absolutely nowhere.  It is impolite to point a finger or use your left hand as it is considered unclean.  Do not touch anyone on the head, as the head is considered spiritual.  Take shoes off when entering a Balinese house and be respectfully dressed. When visiting a temple or ceremony, wear a sarong, a scarf around one's waist and blouse or shirt with sleeves. Mostly a smile and respect will get you a long way.
  
Attractions in the area: scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, dolphins, trekking, cycling, cooking class, Balinese art, music and dance, National Park, bull races, pearl farm, ikat weaving, nightlife, bars, disco, karaoke, and, of course, beautiful Balinese girls and warm, gentle hospitality. 
 

Bon Voyage!