Our heads are spinning from how fast the Indonesian government is suddenly changing the quarantine regulations! In further good news - to coincide with Singapore Airline's first flight to Bali in two years - quarantine for three-time vaccinated tourists - has been dropped to 2 nights and 3 days with immediate effect. There are now three quarantine options for visitors:
3 vaccines - 2 nights and 3 days
2 vaccines - 4 nights and 5 days
1 vaccine - 6 nights and 7 days
What are my quarantine options?
As you may have heard or read, quarantining options have been expanded.
It is now possible to either:
quarantine as before in the many “quarantine hotels” accredited by the Balinese government or
the newly launched option - a “warm up vacation” package.
In-room quarantine hotels
54 hotels are offering in-room quarantine packages, where you are not allowed to leave your room or suite. The quarantine packages at these hotels may differ slightly but should include the following:
3 meals a day, delivered to the room
Daily laundry (2 to 5 pieces per adult per day)
2 PCR tests
One-way transfer from the airport
Warm-up vacation packages
A number of warm-up vacation package "bubble hotels" have popped up where guests have access to a dining area, swimming pool and other designated areas alongside other quarantining guests. Some even have access to the beach and have put together activity schedules to keep you busy, such as yoga and meditation classes, activities for the kids and traditional Balinese arts and crafts.
However, we've done some research and found that not all warm-up vacation "bubble" packages are created equal. After asking a few questions it turns out that, for example:
The Hyatt Nusa Dua offers beach access and swimming pool access but for only an hour a day each, and only in-room dining
The Hyatt Sanur offers no beach access at all (you can enjoy their garden), and only in-room dining
The Griya Santrian in Sanur offers pool access at certain times only - because guests from different flights can't mix with one another (huh???)
The Ayana Hotels in Jimbaran have all-day access to a pool (there are a few on the property), a designated part of the garden and a quarantine dining area so you don't have to eat in your room if you don't want too.
All are offered at similar prices so it pays to shop around a little.
How to get to Bali
Currently Singapore Airlines is flying, as is Jetstar Australia. As the quarantine requirements continue to reduce, the number of airlines flying to Bali will no doubt increase dramatically.
Requirements to travel to Bali
Besides the requirements for quarantining (which are improving all the time), there have also been some changes in Visa and entry requirements into Bali.
Visas: You can no longer get a visa on arrival, every foreigner needs a B211 Visa to enter Bali. You can acquire this online. In our previous blog we also suggested that you use a consultant to help in acquiring your visa, we recommend Emerhub.
COVID protocols: Upon arrival, every traveller needs to show their certificate of COVID-19 vaccination (at least one dose of the vaccine is required) and a negative RT-PCR test, done not more than 48 hours before arrival. You also need to download the PeduliLindungi app and register. The app will contain your digital vaccination and COVID-19 test certificates so you don’t have to carry physical documents with you when travelling. The app will also be necessary in order to enter certain places such as shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants, public transportation and tourism attractions.
Insurance: Proof of insurance to the value of $25’000, which includes Covid care, is required by each traveller.
Accommodation: Proof of accommodation as well as proof of payment from the villa(s) in which you are staying is necessary, as well as the duration of your intended stay on the island.
And then the fun begins
Once you have finished your quarantine and received a negative PCR test you will then be able to travel Bali as you wish. Please remember that you still need to follow the normal health protocols when travelling around Bali, such as wearing your mask, sanitising and social distancing.
Explore Bali!
There are so many things to do in Bali so we have narrowed it down to a few of our favourites.
Enjoy snorkelling right off the beach: The coral reefs directly in front of Villa Cocoa Maya allow for the presence of beautiful and diverse fish in warm swimming water. If you prefer, local fisherman can take you snorkelling further afield at the little islands just off the coastline, or at the Blue Lagoon at Padangbaai, or further east at White Sand Beach.
Visit quirky Tirtagangga: Tirtagangga (Water of the Ganges) is a beautiful water palace which belongs to the royal family of Karangasem. It is an easy 30-minute drive from Villa Cocoa Maya through beautiful rice paddies, with excellent views of Mt Agung, Bali’s biggest volcano
Get spiritual at Besakih temple: Besakih Temple is the most important temple in Bali and it is well worth the visit. It is situated on the slopes of the volcano, Mt Agung, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Adrenalise with white water rafting: White water rafting is a fun way to see Bali’s beautiful river scenery while enjoying a shot of adrenaline. There are three main rivers for rafting with different categories of rapids – something for everyone.
Climb Mount Agung: Bali’s highest and holiest mountain. It takes a bout 3-7 hours to ascend depending on which route you choose. Not for the faint hearted, you need to be physically fit, preferably with trekking experience. A guide is compulsory.
Visit Goa Gajah: Goa Gojah, a significant Hindu archaeological site, it a 10 minute drive from Villa Sagitta in Ubud. It consists of a mysterious cave , relics and ancient bathing pools set amid green rice paddies and a garden. Goa Gojah is colloquially known as Elephant Cave, because of its close proximity to Elephant River.
Purify at Tirtha Empul: Tirtha Empul is a Hindu temple, built in 926 AD at a site where there was a large spring. It is famous for its holy water and this is where many Hindu Bali people go for purification. A short drive from one of our villas, Tirtha Empul is a very active temple and as such is an interesting place to observe Hindu devotees purifying themselves by means of ritual bathing. It is especially recommended to visit during the full moon.
Spend the day at Waterbom: Waterbom in Kuta is probably one of Bali’s most professionally run attractions. Voted the 2nd best water park in the world (#1 in Asia), it is a wonderful day out, with or without kids.
Savour the seafood at Jimbaran: Head over to Jimbaran, where the beach is transformed at sunset into a long stretch of seafood restaurants, serving delicious food and equally delicious cocktails.
Start making your travel arrangements now as #itstimeforbali
P.S Read our blog post on Top 12 things to do in Bali!