Bali will never cease to amaze you. This guide will help prepare you for your incredible adventure! Please read this carefully, and if there is anything we have not addressed, feel free to reach out at meetuptours@sofetravel.com. Can’t wait to show you this amazing island.
Things to Expect
Physical level
This trip can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit.
Between our daylong island adventures and walks through the rice fields, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and plenty of water. Comfortable shoes are also a must.
Inclusions
exclusions
Itinerary
Your general Bali itinerary can be found here or on the Bali Meetup Tour webpage. Daily schedules will be given by your guide when you arrive in Bali. Because the seasons, operating hours of inclusions, traffic, and many factors can affect the daily schedule, specific timing will be determined by your guide to give you the best possible experience. If you have questions about when to wake up, how long you will spend at a particular site, etc. please feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Bali Traveler Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Joining Point
Ubud Wana Resort
Jalan Nyuhbojog Nyuh Kuning Desa Mas, Ubud 80571
Gianyar – Bali, Indonesia
Joining Description
Fly into Bali Ngurah Rai Denpasar Airport (code DPS). We recommend having your flight land in Bali before 3:00pm on the tour start date so that you have more than enough time to get to our hotel for the welcome meeting at 6:00pm. However, we will pick you up at any time on Day 1, even if your flight lands later.
If you arrive a day or two early, an airport transfer is not included. Please contact us if you would like to arrange an early airport pickup.
Finishing Point
Aston Canggu Beach Resort
Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Finishing Point description
You are welcome to depart from Bali Ngurah Rai Denpasar Airport (code DPS) anytime on our tour end date, but we recommend staying for breakfast and heading out around check out time at 11:00 AM.
Departure transfer is not included. Your guide can help you arrange transportation to the airport as needed.
Problems and emergency contact
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still traveling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/contact-us
For airport pick up updates and other emergencies, please contact your emergency number (on either phone or WhatsApp):
+62 822 3553 2507
Payment schedule
You are required to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit at the time of reservation. This non-refundable deposit confirms your Meetup Tour booking and you will receive a confirmation email detailing the terms of your reservation. Once the confirmation email has been sent to you, a contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific dates, deadlines and details regarding final payments for your Meetup Tour. For standard Meetup Tours, the program fee balance payment is due 90 days before the departure date. SoFe’s payment system allows you to input the dollar amount for each payment you submit, so you are welcome to make as many payments in any dollar amount as you prefer before the final payment is due.
The final payment deadline is 90 days before the Meetup Tour start date, with the exception of Antarctica and Polar destinations.
If you have not paid the full balance, requested a cancellation and/or transfer by the final payment deadline, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the remaining balance of the Meetup Tour program cost. A $100 late payment fee will also be levied. Additionally, SoFe reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travelers like you. Share your experience with us by emailing meetuptours@sofetravel.com!
Before you leave
Important notes
Food and dietary information
While travelling with us you’ll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let us know prior to departure.
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. There are, indeed, many delicious vegetarian options available, but please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs.
Money Matters
Spending money is a personal choice, and everyone will have different spending habits and needs. It is best to budget a reasonable amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Please have a thorough look at the itinerary and at what is included so you will be prepared for what isn’t included. Our Meetup Tour is very inclusive, however some meals and extras are not included. This guide should make budgeting a little clearer.
ATMs are widely available at the airport and in major cities and towns. We recommend always having a small amount of cash with you for small purchases at places that do not accept credit cards. Credit cards are not as widely accepted as you may be used to, though the more touristic areas may accept card with a 3-5% surcharge tacked on. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Bali. Some hotels and restaurants may accept American Express. Remember to alert your bank that you will be traveling before departure to avoid being locked out of your account while abroad, as they may suspect fraud.
If you want to bring cash from your home country and exchange it, the best place to do this is at the airport. Please note that USD notes older than 2000, as well as foreign currency notes that are old, torn, worn or damaged cannot be changed in Indonesia. We can not guarantee that there will be time to visit a money exchange place on the tour. The best way to get local currency is by using an ATM with a debit card.
Tips for included activities, for local guides during day trips, and for the people who take care of you during your travels are included. Tips for your driver and tour guide are not included. We recommend $10 per day per person for the guide and $8 per day per person for the driver. The amount you tip, however, is entirely up to you.
There may be times when you find yourself exploring solo. When you’re out by yourself, if you’re happy with the services, providing a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SoFe destinations.
Restaurants: 5-20% of the total bill amount is appropriate if tipping is welcome at the establishment.
The currency in Bali is the rupiah (IDR). Denominations come in notes of Rp. 1,000, Rp. 2,000, Rp. 5,000, Rp. 10,000, Rp. 20,000, Rp. 50,000, and Rp. 100,000 and coins of Rp. 50, Rp. 100, Rp. 200, Rp. 500 and Rp. 1,000.
We recommend always having small denominations for tipping and small purchases.
While travelling with us you’ll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility.
Our budget for meals not included is around USD $200-$300.
Climate information
Bali is generally warm and humid with a tropical climate year round. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March. Even during the dry season, you can expect some rain. Temperatures are relatively steady throughout the year as well, typically hovering in the upper 70’s or low 80’s during the day. During the rainy season, it’s generally hotter with strong coastal winds and heavy rainstorms that usually pass in a couple of hours or happen mostly at night.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia’s national day and marks Indonesia’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time.
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress from Sun, Mar 10, 2024 – Tue, Apr 9, 2024, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it’s a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
passports, visas, and entry requirements
For more than 160 countries, a visa is not required to enter Bali for trips under 30 days. At immigration, you will need to show your passport (valid for at least the next six months and with at least two blank pages left) and your onward or return flight ticket.
If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Bali, please contact your local Indonesian Embassy or consulate for more information on the visa application process.
You need a valid passport to travel internationally. Most countries require that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months after the date you enter. We require your passport details 45 days before departure. When booking your Meetup Tour, please enter your name as it appears on your passport and contact us immediately if there are any errors.
We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leaving copies at home with family or friends.
Packing
Our tours are comfortable and very inclusive with premium accommodations. This means you can pack a little lighter since the hotel will have a wide range of amenities. Since you will be carrying your own bags to the lobby or at the airport, we suggest packing in a way that is manageable for solo travel. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.
The following is a general list to be used as a guideline. If you think you need more items, pack them.
ESSENTIALS
– Day pack: for carrying essentials when exploring destinations.
– Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling.
For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Perhaps carry a scarf or sarong for these visits. Modest and covering clothing is also preferable when visiting areas outside major cities that are more conservative
– Walking shoes or hiking boots
– Sandals/flip flops
– Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
– Insect repellent
– Waterproof jacket (particularly if travelling from October until March)
– Warm layers in case of chilly nights.
– Swimming suits
RECOMMENDED
– Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as, mild pain killers, adhesive bandages and electrolytes.
– Camera with spare batteries/charger/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however these are a good backup.
– Electrical adapter plug
– Hand sanitizer
– Water bottle – some hotels may have filtered drinking water to refill your bottle.
– Money belt or pouch
– Waterproof bag cover or plastic bags
OPTIONAL
– A good book, a journal and music player
– Playing cards
In Bali, there are two associated plug types: C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. You may also find Plug type G which is the plug with three rectangular pins, but it is much less common. Bali operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. We always suggest bringing a universal adaptor.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our Meetup Tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
on the road
Group Guide
All tours with The Solo Female Traveler Network are accompanied by a guide who is with the group for the whole trip. The guide’s role is to be the local expert of the destination and coordinate a lot of the on the ground logistics. Premium leaders are SoFe’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your guide will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At SoFe, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialized information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Accomodation
We use a range of accommodation that we choose based on season, group size, and availability. Here is the list of accommodation we typically use on this tour, but this sometimes changes last minute with no notice. Feel free to request a list of all accommodation from your guide on Day 1.
We do our best not to change these hotels, but if changes are made, we will alert you via email right away.
Ubud: Ubud Wana Resort
Gili T: Hotel Vila Ombak
Canggu: Aston Canggu Beach Resort
10 nights in hotels, including 5 nights at a villa in Ubud, 3 nights at a hotel in Gili Trawangan, and 2 nights at a resort in Canggu
Rooms are twin share with an ensuite unless you upgrade to a private room, based on availability.
The accommodation indicated on the webpage is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to lack of availability. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
In the base cost of the tour, a shared room is included. You may choose to upgrade to a private room for an extra charge as long as there is availability.
Upgrading to a private room once in Bali is more difficult and may result in a higher cost than advertised on the webpage.
Our Bali tour is considered premium accommodation including some villa and resort stays. When we stay in 5 star hotels, the standard may be less than what you are used to in terms of design, facilities, and inclusions. If there is a problem with your accommodation, always alert your tour leader so it can be remedied if possible.
Sometimes it is not possible to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels, especially if you arrive before check in time. We can store your luggage and you can explore the surrounding area. Standard check in time is 4:00pm.
If you are arriving early or staying late, ask us about extra nights accommodation, based one availability. You may have to switch rooms at the beginning or end of the tour and extra nights are always single rooms unless you are traveling with a friend or family member.
All of our accommodations have air conditioning. Should it not work, we will attempt to replace your room or the unit, dependent upon availability. Some evenings can be slightly chilly in Bali, and most accommodations in Bali do not have heating, nor is it necessary. Bedding is always provided, however if you are extra sensitive to the cold, please be prepared with extra layers.
Optional Activities
For this tour, we will offer a selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities offered in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. For most, they can either be organized independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities that are not offered by us have not been assessed by us, and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organizing these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not operated by us is at your own discretion and risk.
Transportation
Your transportation throughout the trip will be in a private air-conditioned vehicle and a speedboat when traveling to Gili T.
a few rules
Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your SoFe itinerary, and SoFe makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Seat belts are always provided and must be worn in accordance with local law.
While most of the tour, especially in major cities, will be with your guide and the group, petty theft is common in any tourist area. Do not walk around alone at night if it can be avoided and hold your belongings close on public transportation. Your local guide will give you some safety tips throughout your tour, and we suggest heeding this advice.
As suggested earlier, please do not bring valuables. Use a TSA approved luggage lock to secure your luggage and belongings throughout trip.
We suggest checking your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
When not with your guide, we recommend the following:
- Do not walk in isolated areas or at night by yourself
- If hotel staff need to enter your room, arrange to be either on tour or in the lobby, so you are not alone.
- Respect the local customs.
- Do not hire a driver or guide for tours from the street. Always go with a reputable company or ask us to help you arrange any pre or post experiences.
- Do not accept any invitations for anything from random people on the street.
- Always carry your tour guide’s contact information and hotel address with you during solo time.
- Alert your guide of any inappropriate behavior or perceived risk to your safety
Street harassment such as cat calls, stares, invitations to get in a car/bar/restaurant/home are common in more touristy areas, but will not be a constant part of your trip. These are our tips for responding to this unwanted attention: Here are a few tips for responding to any unwanted attention:
- Ignore. Don’t even bother smiling. Just keep about your business.
- Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact.
- Ignore. We mean it, so we said it twice! Ignore them but also ignore your internal commentary on it all. Let it roll off your back and walk on focusing on all the amazing things around you.
- Dress respectfully and you will find both men and women will respond to you in a more respectful manner.
- While it very unlikely to happen, do feel free to stand up for yourself if you feel threatened. Men you do not know should not be touching you at all and if you’re in public, people will come to your aid if you make a fuss.
You can wear whatever you like in Bali, we suggest loose fitting clothing that protects your skin from the sun. Long flowing skirts are comfortable and respectful to the culture. At religious sites, we will be required to cover our knees and shoulders. Feel free to dress however you like the rest of the time. Short skirts, plunging necklines, and tight clothing should be avoided.
Please do not enter the water without a life vest and a buddy if you are not an experienced swimmer. Alert the leader and guide to your ability level before participating in water activities. Lifeguards are not on duty and our staff are not trained in water rescue.
Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.
Only use officially licensed taxi companies you can book by phone, from inside an airport or at stands at major hotels.
phone and internet access
There is wifi available in most of our accommodations, but it is not always the most reliable, especially in the more rural areas. We suggest purchasing a prepaid sim card at the Bali airport. This option only works on unlocked phones. Just after exiting the airport, you will find the booths of three mobile phone providers: Telkomsel (simPATI), XL, and Indosat/ IM3 Ooredoo.
Plans and prices can change but expect to pay between $10 to $20USD for a plan that will provide you 4GB of data. You will require your passport to purchase and register your new sim.
Alternatively, ask your home service provider for international plans.
medical and health
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while traveling.
We do not recommend drinking the tap water in Bali, even in the hotels. All accommodation will have drinkable water, sometimes for purchase and sometimes provided with your room.
Bali has some foodie options that many travelers choose to try. Dishes like lawar merah (a traditional salad of raw pork and pig’s blood), urutan (pig intestine sausages), and freshwater eel, as examples, are common among locals and available in some restaurants. Please be careful when consuming this food, as some travelers have gotten sick in the past. We do not include these dishes on our tour, and our tour leader can direct you to the most reputable restaurants locally, but we do not take responsibility for any illnesses caused by food.