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The Bali guide.

Uluwatu, Seseh and Ubud: the places we go, the order worth knowing, and the person to message. Tap a name and WhatsApp opens with the message written; fill in the day and send.

Where you are

Rp 100,000 is about US$5.60.A million rupiah is about $56. Prices here are in rupiah, usually written 100K. Carry some cash: the small places take nothing else, and a card often costs 2 to 3 percent more. Bank Indonesia's rate on 5 October 2026 was Rp 17,917 to the dollar.

Getting in

Your visa, the arrival card, the Bali levy, and the car from the airport. Do the first four before you fly.

  1. Your passport

    Valid for six months past the day you leave Indonesia, with a blank page. Have a ticket out of Indonesia to show if asked.

  2. The visa

    Most passports, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia, need a visa on arrival: Rp 500,000 (about $28) for 30 days. Apply online as an e-VOA before you fly and you walk past the visa queue. It has to be used within 90 days of being issued.

    evisa.imigrasi.go.id

    The only official site. Anything ending in .com is not the government.

    The 30 days count the day you land as day one. Staying longer? Extend once, by another 30 days, from inside Indonesia and before day 30, on the same site. Start a week early. An overstay is Rp 1,000,000 (about $56) a day, paid at the airport before they let you leave. Arlin has paid it; please do not.

  3. The arrival card: All Indonesia

    One form now covers the arrival card, customs and the health declaration, and nothing else is asked for. It is free. Fill it in within the three days before you land, one per person, plus-ones and children too. A QR code comes by email; show it with your passport.

    allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

  4. The Bali levy

    Rp 150,000 (about $8), once per trip, paid by card. It is separate from the arrival card. Keep a screenshot of the QR code for the airport.

    lovebali.baliprov.go.id

  5. From the airport

    Landing on 18 October? We collect you. Put your flight on your page at /arrive and a driver meets you in arrivals and brings you to the villas.

    Any other day, the car is yours to arrange. Most villas and hotels send one if you ask when you book, so ask them first. If yours does not, one of these:

      The drive is 40 minutes to an hour on the toll road, longer at rush hour. The taxi counter in arrivals runs about Rp 300,000 to 450,000. Grab and Gojek will drop you anywhere on the Bukit, but most beaches and clubs here do not let them pick up; ask the venue to call you a car home.

    Checked against the government sites on 6 October 2026.

    Arlin's day

    How Arlin spends a day here, with his orders.

    1. WakeEnergization exercises, then meditate.
    2. BreakfastBambu: an espresso, and porridge with banana and cinnamon.
    3. TrainThe gym at Bambu, then the sauna and cold plunge in the Oasis next door.
    4. WorkAlchemy, with the laptop and a coffee.
    5. LunchThe Cashew Tree: chicken teriyaki with rice and avocado, and a coconut.
    6. AfternoonThe Istana, for a creative session or a flow session. No phones.
    7. MassageResting Koala in Bingin, and the tea after.
    8. EveningSunset at Mana, then dinner at Ours, Masonry or Ulu Fish Market.

    Anything else

    A table that will not answer, a driver, a doctor, a place we have not listed: message Arlin or Chloe and we will sort it out.

    Arlin: arlin@arlinmoore.com
    Chloe: chloecohanim@yahoo.com