Planning a trip and wondering where is Bali located or Is Bali a country? and why is it so popular? This is the ultimate guide for first-time visitors!
Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations – not only is Bali one of the best places to live in Asia for anyone at ANY budget.
With many things to do in Bali, it has always been a popular destination with surfers and backpackers due to its idyllic beaches, serene temples, and stunning nature.
In 2019, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, welcomed 5.2 million foreign tourists a 6.5 percent increase from 4.9 million visitors recorded in the same period last year. Bali has become a popular tourist attraction and if you’re planning a trip, read. this guide first!
Where is Bali located?
Bali is located in Southeast Asia and forms part of the Lesser Sunda Islands – a group of islands that make up a volcanic arc.
Is Bali a country?
No, Bali is not a country. Bali is an island and province within the Republic of Indonesia.
Which country owns Bali?
Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia is a country located in Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Not only is Indonesia the world’s largest island country, and the country has over seventeen thousand islands.
How big is Bali?
Bali is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (69 mi) high, with a total land area of approximately 5,780 square km (2,231 square miles).
In comparison to some other well-known islands, in square miles (km²) – Bali is 2,231km² and;
- Aruba:193 km²
- Mauritius: 2,040 km²
- Phuket: 543 km²
- Seychelles: 459 km²
- Tahiti: 1,045 km²
Does Bali have cities?
The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar is located in the southern part of the island. Bali’s second-largest city is the old colonial capital, Singaraja, which is located on the north coast.
The most popular with tourists are Canggu (“home” of the expats), Kuta (Close to the airport), Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Ubud (cultural capital).
A majority of the Balinese population is Hindu (about 80%) followed by Muslims and Christians. The most common language is Bahasa.
Why is Bali so popular?
In 2006, author Elizabeth Gilbert published a book that was later adapted to a film that put the spotlight on Bali’s cultural capital Ubud. This has led to an influx of tourists and Bali has since turned into one of the most popular destinations in Asia for yoga retreats and honeymooners.
Which airlines fly direct to Bali?
There is no direct flight from South Africa to Bali. You have the option of choosing from these major airlines:
- Singapore Airlines (transit through Changi International Airport)
- Emirates (transit through Dubai Airport)
- Cathay Pacific (transit through Hong Kong International Airport)
- Qatar Airways (transit through Hamad International Airport in Doha)
- Ethiad (transit through Abu Dhabi International Airport)
Do you need a visa for Bali from South Africa
South Africans visiting Bali don’t need a visa unless they plan on staying for more than 30 days.
Indonesia Short Stay Visa:
There are two options of short-stay visas in Indonesia:
- Free short-term visa (valid for 30 days and non-extendable)
- Visa on Arrival (costs $35 USD, valid for 30 days and extendable for 30 days)
Countries who qualify for Visa on Arrival (VoA):
| Africa: | South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia |
| Asia: | Bahrain, China, India. Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Oman. Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan and UAE |
| Europe: | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK |
| North America: | Canada, Mexico, and the USA |
| South America: | Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, Panama and Suriname |
| Australia: | Australia and New Zealand |
Long Term Visa for Indonesia
Do you want to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days? Long stay visa for Indonesia grants you an initial stay of 60 days, followed by 4 possible extensions, each for an additional 30 days, bringing your total stay to a maximum of 180 days.
B-211 Visa
A B211 is a single entry that enables you to stay in Indonesia for 60 days with the option of extending your stay 4 times.
Purpose of B-211 Visa
- Tourism Visa (B-211 A)
- Business
- Social
Cost of a B-211 Visa
It costs approximately US$60 in 2019 depending on where you apply, it allows you an initial stay of 60 days, then is extendable every 30 days for about US$25, up to a maximum stay of six months without having to leave Indonesia.
Things needed for a B-211 Visa
- Visa application form
- Your passport with a minimum of 3 empty pages
- 2 ID photos (white background)
- A sponsor letter
- Proof of funds (Bank Statement) showing at least $700 USD.
When applying for a Tourist Visa, you need to keep in mind that you are not allowed to work in Indonesia nor receive any income from Indonesia while holding a tourist visa.
When applying for a Social Visa, you need a sponsor letter from an Indonesian citizen living in Indonesia or a visa agency. The letter mentions the purpose of visit, length of stay with dates and responsibilities along with a copy of their ID card.
When applying for a Business Visa, you need to remember that a Business Visa and Work Permit are not the same thing. A business Visa enables you to visit Indonesia for business conferences or meetings therefore working or earning any revenue in Indonesia is not allowed.
Cons of Indonesia’s B-211 Visa
The B-211 Visa is Single Entry, meaning that if you need to leave Indonesia for any reason (not just Bali, as travel within the country, is permitted), you will need to start the process all over again before returning on the same type of Visa.
How to get an Indonesian Multiple-Entry Visit Visa
Multiple-entry business visa is suitable for people who need to make several visits to Indonesia. It is valid for one year, and the maximum stay per visit is 60 days. Hence, after every 60 days, you must leave Indonesia.
Where to apply for an Indonesia Visa
You can only apply for a long term Indonesian visa – outside of Indonesia. Preferably in your home country or any Indonesian embassy around the world.
Bali Travel Guides
Best Travel Insurance for Bali
Use travel insurance while visiting Bali so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of adventurous activities to do on the Island of the Gods, and it’s best to have peace of mind while diving, hiking and trying some of the best food in the world.
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