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How to Order Java to Sumatra Ferry Tickets Online

Java to Sumatra Ferry Instructions

Since the Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Adita Irawati announced that all public and private transportation by air, land, and sea would be banned back on April 24th. Flights, ground transportation and ferries have recently been reopening during a recent rise of infections. Indonesia has recorded more than 1,000 infections every day for the past few weeks. Despite these warnings, an online-based ferry ticket reservation application called Ferizy was officially launched on July 24th at the Merak Executive Port, in Banten.

How to get to Ferry in Banten from Soekarno Hatta International Airport

1 hr 44 minute drive from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Merak, Mekarsari, Pulomerak, Cilegon City, Banten

On the other hand, the tourism Ministry supports the use of the application because they believe connectivity is one of the main supporting factors in the development of tourism and the creative economy in Indonesia.

“Ferizy, which can be accessed or on Google Playstore (not available for iPhone), is supposed to speed things up while conveniently offering ferry ticket reservation services online. The tourism Ministry also hopes the ferry terminal will connect with other public transportation services like the Trans Sumatra Toll Road which connects Java and Sumatra.

So if you are one of those risk-takers in dire need to go exploring during Indonesia’s largest increase in coronavirus infections, you can buy ferry tickets easier than ever by following these simple steps:

  1. Open the website www.ferizy.co or download the application on Google Playstore.
  2. Log in or register according to the e-mail you have.
  3. Choose the schedule, type of service, and type of vehicle or passenger class. You have to make sure your vehicle type is correct, then click on the message and look for the schedule.
  4. Fill in your booking data and all passengers in accordance with their identification card. It is important to fill this section out completely and correctly.
  5. Click to continue and confirm the order. Make sure all the data that you fill is correct.
  6. Clicking on payment options; ATM, Link Aja, Alfamart, Yomart, Post Office, Pawnshop, or mobile / internet banking.
  7. Your e-ticket will be sent via e-mail.

Furthermore, after you get to the port and before boarding the ship, you must scan your boarding right at the port through the QR Code available on the e-ticket.

The port on the Northern tip of Java is called Merak which you can reach by train from Jakarta if you don’t have a car. The train station is adjacent to the port. The total cost for the train is 10,000 IDR for business class and takes about 3 hours. Alternatively, there is also a Damri Bus that connects Jakarta and Merak. From Merak, ferries run to the port of Bakauheni on Sumatra every 20 minutes during the day which takes 2 hours to get to Sumatra. Be aware that ferry trips can be canceled due to rough seas.

Other stories and info about COVID-19 in Indonesia here: How to survive a Bali quarantine

Ilustrasi: kapal ferry(Alfian Kartono) Artikel ini telah tayang di Kompas.com dengan judul “Cara Beli Tiket Kapal Feri secara Online di Aplikasi Ferizy”, https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/07/25/180100326/cara-beli-tiket-kapal-feri-secara-online-di-aplikasi-ferizy. Penulis : Kiki Safitri Editor : Yoga Sukmana Akses Kompas.com lebih cepat dan mudah melalui aplikasi Google Play: https://bit.ly/3g85pkA Apple App Store: https://apple.co/3hXWJ0L

6 Reasons why you should bring golf clubs to Bali

Complete with cliffed coasts, ocean breezes, acoustic waves, views of the Indian Ocean, and Island culture, here are 6 Bali golf courses that will allow you to feel that force in the universe. As Ty Webb said in the 1980’s cult classic Caddyshack: ” I’m going to give you a little advice. There’s a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.”…….in Bali. Well, I added a couple of lines in there, but you get the point. Below are some of my favorite Bali golf courses that will help you be the ball. Enjoy

New Kuta Golf Bali – Pecatu Bali golf courses

One of my favorite Bali golf courses, this championship course was designed by Golfplan as the first links-style layout in Indonesia and only a 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. I like to head to the driving range and hit 50 balls for about $4.00USD (60,000IDR) You can also rent clubs for about 320,000 IDR in case you didn’t bring your own.

Course Details

Holes: 18
Pars: 72
Length: Championship Tees 7515 yds
Men’s Tees
Ladies Tees
Designer Ronald Fream
Grass Type Paspalum
Course Type: Links
Established in 2007

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Men’s Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Ladies Tees Course Rating / Slope Rating

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,300,000
F-SU IDR 2,300,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,500,000
F-SU IDR 1,750,000
Rate Includes:
18 holes, two-tee-start, shared golf cart, and golfer insurance.

Services & Facilites

Lessons
Club / Shoe Rental
Golf Shop
Caddy / Golf Carts
Locker Room
Accommodation
Practice Facilities
Spa

Service Rp
Rent Clubs (KITAP/KITAS)304
Rent Clubs(Foreign Visitor)520
Rent Shoes (KITAP/KITAS)88
Rent Shoes (Foreign Visitor)150
50 Driving Range Balls (All)60
100 Driving Range Balls (All)100
Rider Fee (Non-Golfer)300

*Morning golf starts at 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
**Sunset golf starts at 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
***The golf rates include green fee, cart fee, caddy service, player’s insurance, tax 10% VAT, & complimentary 2 bottles of mineral water.

Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Pecatu
+62 361 8481 333
reservation@newkutagolf.com
newkutagolf.co.id

Handara Golf & Resort Bali –Bedugul Bali golf courses

Handara Golf & Resort Bali golf course is ranked by GOLF Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World” attracts golfers from all corners of the world just to play golf on one of Asia’s most iconic and “World-Class” golf courses.

Course Details

Holes: 18
Pars: 72
Length: Championship Tees 6.983 yds
Men’s Tees 6.407 yds
Ladies Tees 5.698 yds
Designer: Peter Thomson
Grass Type: Bent Grass
Course Type: Mountainside
Established in 1974

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating 73.6 /Slope Rating139
Men’s Tees Course Rating 70.8 /Slope Rating 128
Ladies Tees Course Rating72.6 / Slope Rating 131

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,300,000
F-SU IDR 2,300,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,500,000
F-SU IDR 1,750,000
Rate Includes: 18 Holes, 1 bottle of water, shared golf cart, golf insurance, and private caddy.

Services & Facilites

Proshop
Golf Lessons
Club Valet
Club / Shoe Rental
Caddy / Golf Carts
Dining
Locker Room
Accommodation
Practice Facilities

à la carte Golf Rates

18 Holes IDR 1.800.000
9 Holes 1.000.000  
Extra 18 Holes (same day) 850.000  
Extra 9 Holes (same day)650.000  
Junior 18 Holes 750.000  

In House Guests

18 Holes 1.000.000  
9 Holes 650.000  
Extra 18 Holes (same day) 750.000  
Extra 9 Holes (same day)  550.000  
Junior 18 Holes 750.000  

Golf Lessons

Driving Range Lessons
start from 450.000  
On Course Playing Lesson
Starts From 1.300.000  
Click here for details

Equipment Rental

Golf Premium Set /Day 500.000  
Regular Set / Day 250.000  
Standard Golf Shoes /Day 100.000  
Practice Balls (50 balls) 50.000  

* Golf rates are inclusive of Green Fee, Golf Cart & Caddy Fee

Desa Pancasari, Bedugul
+62 362 3422 646
sales@handaragolfresort.com
handaragolfresort.com

Bali Beach Golf Course – Sanur Bali golf courses

Bali Beach is among the best bali golf courses and will allow you to be the ball. It is one of the smallest Bali golf courses, yet it makes up for it with its privacy and luxurious golf experience.

Course Details

Holes: 9
Pars: 36
Length: 3650 yds
Men’s Tees:
Ladies Tees:
Grass Type: Bermuda
Course Type: Parkland
Established: 2005

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Men’s Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Ladies Tees Course Rating / Slope Rating

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,300,000
F-SU IDR 2,300,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,500,000
F-SU IDR 1,750,000 Includes:
18 holes, trolley, bottle of water, golf insurance, and a private caddy.

Services & Facilites

Proshop
Golf Lessons
Club / Shoe Rental
Practice Facilities
Locker Room
Caddy / Golf Carts
Dining

GOLF RATES Until 31st of DECEMBER 2020

à la carte Golf Rates

18 HOLES 1.175.000
9 HOLES 975.000
EZ GOLF MEMBER
18 HOLES Rp 350.000
9 HOLES Rp 300.000

Rental Equipment

Shoes 18 holes 150.000
Shoes 9 holes 110.000
Club Rental 18 holes 450.000
Club Rental 9 holes 350.000
Umbrella 18 holes 85.000
Umbrella 9 holes 70.000

Golf Lessons

ON-COURSE LESSONS
9 Holes 1 per. 600.000
9 holes 2 per. 1.000.000
1 Hr Driving Range + Play 3 Holes
1 per. 1.150.000
2 per. 2.070.000

More Lessons

1 Hr Driving Range +1hr game
1 per. 950.000
2 per. 1.440.000 I
1 Hr Driving Range
1 per. 450.000
2 per. 810.000

( Some rates above are exclusive of green fee and clubs)
Jl. Hang Tuah No. 58, Sanur
+62 361 287 733
balibeachgolfcourse.com

Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club – Uluwatu Bali golf courses

Perhaps one of the best par 3 Bali golf courses in Asia, this par 54 18 holes golf course is well designed and quite challenging. The course is aesthetically very appealing and can be played in 2 hours. Depending on how hard you wish to make it will be decided by which one of the 3 tee boxes you play from. Condition wise, the course and greens were in good condition. The caddies, cart, and clubhouse were all top class. Overall great fun to play! It is 20 minutes from Nusa Dua and well worth playing.

Course Details

Holes: 18
Pars: 54
Length:
Black Tees 3026 yds
Gold Tees 2,652 yds
Blue Tees 2252 yds
Designer: Bob Moore
Grass Type: Paspalum
Established: 2016

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Men’s Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Ladies Tees Course Rating / Slope Rating

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,300,000
F-SU IDR 2,300,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,500,000 Includes:
18 holes and shared golf cart.
F-SU IDR 1,750,000

Services & Facilites

Golf Shop
Golf Lessons
Caddy / Golf Carts
Club / Shoe Rental
Locker Room
Practice Facilities
Dining

More deals

In- House Bukit Pandawa Hotel Rate of 1,250,000Rp+ 10% Gov.Tax (Incl. Green Fee & Mandatory Caddie & Shared Golf Cart

Locals/KITAP

Reductions for Residents with KITAS and sunset rate from 4pm: – 950,000Rp on Mon – Thurs Excl. Public Holidays (inclusive of cart & caddie fees) – 1,100,00Rp on Fri – Sun & Public Holidays (inclusive of cart & caddie fees)

Lessons

Rental Equipment

Jl. Gunung Payung No. 8, Pandawa
+62 361 4725 989
marketing@bukitpandawagolf.com
bukitpandawa.com

Bali National Golf Club – Nusa Dua Bali golf courses

This Hawaiian-styled golf course is only 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport. This course was awarded ‘Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia 2014,’ ‘3rd Best Renovated Golf Course Worldwide 2015,’ ‘5th Best Golf Resort in the Asia Pacific,’ and ‘Best Golf Resort in Indonesia 2017’ by Golf Digest USA. This is one of my favorite Bali golf courses to play on.

Course Details

Holes: 18
Pars: 72
Length: Championship Tees 7166 yds
Men’s Tees
Ladies Tees
designer: Nelson and Haworth
Grass Type: Paspalum
Course Type: Resort

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Men’s Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Ladies Tees Course Rating / Slope Rating

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,300,000
F-SU IDR 2,300,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,500,000
F-SU IDR 1,750,000 includes :
18 holes
two-tee-start
The Proshop and Starter have the right at all times to pair up players to make complete foursome.
Bottled Water
Shared golf cart
private caddy

Services & Facilites

Proshop
Golf Lessons
Club / Shoe Rental
Caddy / Golf Carts
Practice Facilities
Locker Room
Accommodation
Dining

à la carte Golf Rates

3 Round Pass 5.700.000
18 Hole Round 2.300.000
Sundowner 2-6pm 1.400.000 IDR
Super Sundowner 4-6pm 950
Nine and Wine 990.000
3.30 – 6.30 pm, 9 holes of golf, a glass of wine, a platter of canapés.

Other Golf Charges

Club Rentals 600.000
Shoe Rentals 100.000

Driving Range

60 balls 80.000
30 balls 40.000

Lessons

Kawasan Wisata, Nusa Dua, Benoa
+62 361 771 791
info@balinational.com
balinational.com

Nirwana Bali Golf Club Tanah Lot (CLOSED for renovations)

Lucky golfers could once experience the breathtaking Indian Ocean views and the Tanah Lot while chipping away through rice terraces and towering palm trees. A 6805-yard par 72 championship golf course was voted by Golf Digest and Asian Golf Monthly as the best golf course in Indonesia and the best golf resort in Asia.
Nirwana Bali’s 18-hole golf course was designed by Legendary golfer Greg Norman, it was frequently photographed and considered on the most challenging golf courses in the world.

Until it closed its doors on July 31, 2017. Hary Tanoesoedibjo (Indonesia’s very own Trump) bought the course in 2013 with plans to transform it into a Trump-branded resort. Rumor has it, this once beautiful course has already been destroyed while awaiting its unnecessary redesign.

Course Details

Holes: 18
Pars: 72
Length: Championship Tees 6805 yds
Men’s Tees
Ladies Tees
designer: Greg Norman
Grass Type:
Established: 1997

Rating

Handicap: Men, Women
Championship Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Men’s Tees Course Rating /Slope Rating
Ladies Tees Course Rating / Slope Rating

Prices & Regulations

Greenfee M-TH (No Kitas) :
IDR 2,500,000
F-SU IDR 2,600,000
Greenfee M-TH (With Kitas):
IDR 1,400,000
F-SU IDR 1,900,000
Golf Cart: USD $40
Golf Set: USD $60

Services & Facilites

Proshop
Golf Lessons
Halfway house
Clubhouse with a restaurant
Locker rooms
Golf carts
Grass driving range
Balinese female caddies

Need to do a little remote work after your golf game? Read my guide on coworking space in Bali

13 Virtual travel tours that will tempt you

There are virtual travel tours for virtually any destination in the world, a sad but temporary nomadic adjustment. Right now, millions of People are just itching to hop on any plane to any destination. Unfortunately exploring for most of us has been through Google, Firefox, or MS Explorer for the last four months.

Recently, I discovered the world of virtual reality tours. Yes, I know, it’s not the same as going somewhere and sometimes the tours are a bit disappointing. Most of the time they don’t even work, or they’re not in 360-degree form. I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of watching Netflix for the last 4 months so I’ve put together a list of my favorite Inspirational virtual tours that share some of the greatest places on Earth.

One Day in Bali

Indonesian virtual tour by Daniel Bernáez – 4K

Ubud Bali

Directed by Aroundtheworldin360 , music : Runaways by Silent Partner

Ubud’s population is about 112,490 people and used to be bombarded by over 3 million foreign tourists a year.

Click on photo for Historic City of Ayutthaya

Glass Bridge China

China’s Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is one of the longest and highest glass bridges in the world.

Take a stroll in Old Quebec

Take a stroll through the historic Chateau Frontenac in Old Quebec City, Canada.

Machu Picchu Peru

Explore Machu Picchu in Virtual Reality with Marko from the Vagabrothers along with thier special guest Hiram Bingham as they discoverer of the lost Inca city!

Another 360 tour at Machu Picchu

Peru’s Machu Picchu comprises over 150 buildings, including houses, baths and sanctuaries.

Click on the image to view Machu Pichu at youvisit.com

Sydney Opera House Australia

Take a virtual tour through the Sydney Opera House, home to Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theater Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Angkor Wat temples

A Cambodian monk explores the fallen stones and tangled roots of Ta Prohm, one of the most famous temples in the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand

Pattaya Beach- Thailand-virtual-reality

Click on Photo for Pattaya Beach virtual tour

Sources

New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Times of London, Lonely Planet Guides, Library of Congress, Compton’s Encyclopedia, The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Reuters, AP, AFP, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, Global Viewpoint Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy, Wikipedia, BBC, CNN, NBC News, Fox News and various books and other publications.

Need help Packing? How to pack like a minimalist.

Supersecret Bali surf guide

The waves in Bali still come despite the island having been on complete lockdown since mid-March. No tourist visas. Fewer surfers. Nobody spending money. It went from 300 + planes arriving every day, with surfers and visitors swarming beaches and warungs across the island to a near ghost town. It’s been a rough beginning to 2020, although there are more waves for the locals and expats who are close to Bali surf.

Most surfers will want waves all to themselves, avoiding crowded spots, and in search of secret spots around the island and beyond. And while most of the surf breaks on this website are well known within the surfing community, surfers continue to keep their secret spots well under the radar. But, the longer you hang out with locals, the better chance at finding them.

For those of you lucky enough to stay on the island or who have recently made your way here, here is a guide to some of Bali’s surf breaks which I will be updating regularly.

Before the Storm

Now, when there is word of a big swell coming to Bali, adrenaline and excitement fill the island. Surfers keep their eyes glued to weather maps, and decoding the perfect combination of height, period, and direction becomes priority. Once figured out, they make their way to the breaks which will produce bigger and more powerful waves. Keep in mind, when swells take longer periods to reach each buoy, the bigger the waves.

What Season Is The Best Time to Surf?

Most swells make their way from the Antarctic and can generate good surf year-round. But Bali’s two seasons determine where these waves will break. The general rule is; the east coast is the best place to surf during the wet season and the west coast of Bali is best to surf in the dry season.

Since everyone wants to visit Bali from June to September (Dry Season), the popular breaks get crowded. To avoid this, you must find breaks off the beaten track or come during the wet season.

Surfing Bali in the Dry Season

During Bali’s dry season the best waves can be found on the west coast between Kuta and Uluwatu, the western coastline provides the biggest and best swells generated by south-east winds.

Bali Surf Spot Guide for West Coast

Bingin

Bingin is perhaps Bali’s most perfect wave. It’s consistent, predictable and one of the ‘easiest’ waves to get barreled.

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Bingin
Minimum level: Intermediate
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 8ft Head high to double overhead. Barreling left over the reef
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Perfect barrels; A tight take-off opens up to a hollow left, on a mid-low tide for about 50 meters
Best season for surf: Dry season from April to November
Address: Jl. Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Map here)

MAP

Nyang Nyang Beach

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Nayang Nayang
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 2-6ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: The long trail there keeps the crowds away, there’s plenty of sea life out whilst you’re in the water
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Nyang Nyang Beach, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali.
Google map here

Padang Padang

The waves here challenge even the most advanced surfers because the waves are super-fast and break left over a sharp shallow coral reef.

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Padang Padang
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 6ft to 12ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: Regular (and amazing) barrels
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)

MAP

Sanur Reef

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Hyatt Reef
Minimum level: Experienced
Waves (Swell Range): South Swell, 3 to 6ft right-hander.
Ideal swell conditions: S swell with west winds at high tide
Highlights: Known to break best on larger swells (double overhead)
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Geo Map It:

Tukad Balian

Balian produces some of the biggest waves in Bali although it’s good for both intermediate and advanced surfers. Balian had consistent long fat waves for goofy footers. Here the Balian river flows into ocean and creates strong riptides.  

MAP

Impossibles

 A popular surfing spot for the advanced surfer who enjoys solid waves and getting barrelled. Located in the beach resort of Pecatu, 30-minute drive from Legian.
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 4 to 8ft
Ideal swell conditions: S
Highlights: Doesn’t get overcrowded, long reef, with long swell and conditions are suitable for all tides
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)

MAP

Uluwatu

The swells are fast and powerful. Ulu’s is a wide reef offering 5 different peaks that break different according to the tide. These main 5 waves all break left down the reef.

Bali Surf Spot Guide for 5 different breaks at Uluwatu
1.Temples: Longest Paddle, Less crowded
2.The Bombie: Needs Large swell and high tide
3.The Peak: In front of the cave, consistent waves
4.Outside Corner: Big swell low tide for experienced surfers.
5.Racetracks: Best at low tide but gets super shallow on a super sharp reef

MAP

Kuta Beach

Smaller and less aggressive, this beach break attracts beginners as well as advanced surfers.

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Kuta
Minimum level: Beginners
Waves (Swell Range): 1-8ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Good beach to learn
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)

MAP

Brazilian Eloy Lorenzo Juniors ride

Surfing Bali in the Wet season

If you absolutely dislike crowds or want to relax between sets without having to fight over the next wave, then come during wet season.

During this time of year, the winds change direction but surfers can still find decent waves along Bali’s west coast. The waves are typically smaller and break left. But during monsoon season, the best waves can be found on Bali’s east coast where the winds are strong and the swells produce nearly perfect regular footed waves.

Bali Surf Spot Guide For The East Coast

Nusa Dua

This break produces heavy regular-footed waves and you can expect double overhead barrels on bigger days.
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 4 to 8ft
Ideal swell conditions: S
Highlights: Doesn’t get overcrowded, long reef, with long swell and conditions are suitable for all tides
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)

MAP

Hyatt Reef

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Hyatt Reef
Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 6ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Great learning spot for beginners, with soft, slow waves. Three different surf spots, with something for everyone
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Address: Jl. Duyung, Sanur, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80716, Indonesia
Google Map here

Keramas

The waves are powerful here and attract more advanced surfers. In addition to lots of sea urchins and sharp shallow coral reefs

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Keramas
1.Temples: Longest Paddle, Less crowded
2.The Bombie: Needs Large swell and high tide
3.The Peak: In front of the cave, consistent waves
4.Outside Corner: Big swell low tide for experienced surfers.
5.Racetracks: Best at low tide but gets super shallow on a super sharp reef

MAP

Kedungu is a less crowded and easy spot to surf on smaller days. The wave is fun, long, and mellow. But when swells pick up it can become a difficult wave for some beginners.

Yeh Gangga is north after Kedungu and is a much more difficult spot. You should be an intermediate to advanced surfer depending on the swell. The beach itself has volcanic black sand and is a beach break. It works up to 5ft and is generally recommended on a small swell day. The wave is fun, powerful and you can expect to get barrelled.

Medewi

Left break -good for any level of skill depending on the wind this place is usually smooth and fat.

Bali Surf Spot Guide For Medewi
Waves (Swell Range): 2ft to 9ft, average size 2-3ft
Ideal swell conditions: S-SW
Highlights: Longest left-hand point break on the island
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Google map here

Green Bowl

-nice little trek to get to the beach, strong currents and rip tide

Minimum level: Intermediate to advanced
Waves (Swell Range): 1 to 5 feet
Ideal swell conditions: W – NW
Highlights: less crowded
Address: Jl. Bali Cliff, Ungasan, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Google Map here

Suluban Beach

Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 12ft, average wave size 3-5ft
Ideal swell conditions: WE
Highlights: Loads of barrels, perfect left and right-hand breaks, consistency
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Google Map here

Batu Bolong

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Batu Bolang
Minimum level: Beginners
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: SW
Highlights: Mellow waves, perfect for longboarding, and newbies
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Address: Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia Google Map here

Echo Beach

Bali Surf Spot Guide to Echo Beach
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 4 to 8ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Consistent with fast tubes, lefts, and sometimes, a shorter, right-handed wave
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Google Map here

Balangan Beach

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Balangan Beach
Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): 4 to 15ft
Ideal swell conditions: SW
Highlights: Good for surfing all tides!
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Address: South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia Google Map here

Jungut Batu Beach @ Nusa Lembongan

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, Jungut Batu and Mahana Point
Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 8ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Easy paddle, closer to the shore and good low tide breaks
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Geo track it: Gg. Nusa Indah, Jungutbatu, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia Google Map here)

Razors @ Nusa Lembongan

Waves (swell range): long left-hander
Ideal swell conditions: S–W swell with SE trade winds
Best season to surf: dry season. (May-Oct)
Geo track it:

Lacerations @ Nusa Lembongan

Waves (swell range): right-hand barrel
Ideal swell conditions: 5 foot S-W swells with SE trade winds
Best season to surf: dry season. (May-Oct)
Geo track it:

Mahana Point @ Nusa Lembongan

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Mahana Point
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Got a nice steep pocket for breaking into and not into the reef
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Sep)
Address: Lembongan, Nusapenida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, ID
Google Map here

Shipwrecks @ Nusa Lembongan

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Shipwrecks
Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: The line is filled with all level surfers, so no need to feel intimidated in the water.
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Gg. Nusa Indah, Jungutbatu, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Google Map here

No Man’s @ Nusa Lembongan

Bali Surf Spot Guide for No Man’s
Minimum level: Intermediate
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 4ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – SW
Highlights: Smaller swell and waves
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Gg. Nusa Indah, Jungutbatu, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Google Map here

Playgrounds @ Nusa Ceningan

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Playgrounds
Minimum level: Intermediate
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Good for all surf types; short boarders, longboarders and bodyboarders, gnarly right with an epic open tube time
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Gg. Nusa Indah, Jungutbatu, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771  Google Map here

Balian Beach


Bali Surf Spot Guide for Balian
Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 12ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: There’s often big swell here with nice long, powerful left, where the swell at other west coast beaches may not be as big.
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Address: Lalanglinggah, West Selemadeg, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia

Google Map here

Blackstone Nusa Dua Beach

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Blackstone
Minimum level: Advanced/Pro
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 5ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: Soft waves, perfect for beginners to learn
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Address: Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Google map here

Dreamland Beach

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Dreamland
Minimum level: Beginners
Waves (Swell Range): 2 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Mellow waves, beautiful surroundings
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Jl. Pantai Balangan No.54, Jimbaran, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia Google Map here

Kedonganan Beach @ Jimbaran

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Kedonganan
Minimum level: Beginner
Waves (Swell Range): 3 to 5ft
Ideal swell conditions: W
Highlights: Beach break and no reef to worry about.
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Address: Kedonganan, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Google Map here

Airports Right and Left

One of the first surf spots you’ll see when you flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport, accessible by boat,

Bali Surf Spot Guide for Airports
Minimum level: Intermediate
Waves (Swell Range): 2-4 ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Less crowded;

Afulu

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left-break
Ideal swell conditions: SW swell with NE winds during all tides
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time
Coordinates:

Asu

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left break
Ideal swell conditions: W swell with E winds during all tides
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time
Coordinates:

Dipi

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left and right break
Ideal swell conditions: S swell with NW winds during mid-tide
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time
Coordinates:

Hilisataro “Rock Star”

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): right break
Ideal swell conditions: S swells with NNW winds during mid-tide
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time)
Coordinates:

The Point

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): right-break
Ideal swell conditions: SSW swell with N winds during all tides
Highlights:
Best season for surf: Year around
Coordinates:

Indicators point

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): right-break
Ideal swell conditions: Works best in offshore winds from the northeast during high-tide
Highlights: West Java is an exposed reef break that has reliable surf
Best season for surf: May-Oct (Dry Season)
Indicators point A reef breaks right. Sometimes crowded. Lots of sea urchins, riptides, pollution, sharks, and rocks.
Coordinates:

Secret

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left-break
Ideal swell conditions: SW swell with NE winds during all tides
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August
Coordinates:

The Machine

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left-break
Ideal swell conditions: SSW swell with ENE winds during high-tide
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time
Coordinates:

Walohiu

Minimum level: All levels
Waves (Swell Range): left-break
Ideal swell conditions: SW swell with NE winds during mid to high-tide
Highlights:
Best season for surf: May-Sept or in some years it’s April-Oct August= hammer time
Coordinates:

Surf Breaks in Java

G-land

Minimum level: Experienced
Waves (Swell Range): left-break
Ideal swell conditions: S SW swell with SE winds during mid to high-tide
Highlights: consistent waves all through dry season- bring booties
Best season for surf: Dry season; April – October
Coordinates: 8.7258° S, 114.3626° E
Hazards: sharp shallow reef, and sea urchins, bring booties

Where is G-Land?

G-Land is located on the southern tip of the island of Java. At the far end of a peninsula facing west into the Indian Ocean. It’s situated near Taman Nasional Alas Purwo.

Closest surf camp:

G-Land Bobby’s Surf Camp

How to get to G-Land from Bali?

  • Option 1: Take a 2hr fast boat from Kuta, Bali.
  • Option 2: Drive 7 hours including a 4-km ferry ride to Ketapang, located in East Java from the Western tip of Ba

Cimaja

Minimum level: Intermediate
Waves (Swell Range): right-break
Ideal swell conditions: SW swell with N winds during high-tide
Highlights: consistent waves all through dry season- bring booties
Best season for surf: March – October
Coordinates: 6.9306° S, 106.4907° E
Hazards: Sharp Rock shelf, shallow cobblestones

Where is Cimaja?

Cimaja is a small village in the West Javan regency of Sukabumi.  About 8 km, or a 15-minute drive, west of Pelabuhan Ratu.

How to get to Cimaja from Bali

Cimaja Surf Spots

Indicators, Karang Cibang Haji Known as Karang Haji -6.9614° S, 106.4200° E, Cikembang, Sunset Beach – Also known as Karang Hawu, Samudra, and Loji Point

Other Nearby Surf Breaks closest to Indicators point:

  • Closest break Cimaja1 km
  • Second closest break Karang Haji – OceanQueen Hotel4 km
  • Third closest break Samudra 6 km
  • Fourth closest break Loji 10 km
  • Fifth closest break Baya Reef 27 km

Check out other articles about surfing here: Surfing Culture in Bali

Experience the time of your life by knowing these 20 important public holiday’s in Bali

Here is a list of Bali’s public Holidays in case you were wanting to experience one of the many Balinese festivals like Nyepi day or full moon ceremonies.

Being at the right place at the right time can lead to the best experiences of your life as well as help you avoid delays, headaches, and a number of mishaps.

Bali’s public holidays in January

  • Wednesday 1st January – Tahun Baru Masehi /New Year’s Day
  • Saturday 25th January – Tahun Baru Imlek /Chinese New Year

Bali’s public holidays in March

  • Sunday 22nd March – Isra Miraj Nabi Muhammad /The Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad 
  • Wednesday 25th March – Nyepi, (Silent Day) Bali’s Hindu New Year

Bali’s public holidays in April

  • Sunday 5th April–Hari Minggu Palma /Palm Sunday
  • Friday 10th April – Wafat Yesus Kristus /Good Friday
  • Sunday 12th April – Selamat Hari Paskah/Easter Sunday

Bali’s public holidays in May

  • Friday 1st May – Hari Buruh /Labour Day
  • Thursday 7th May – Hari Waisak /Waisak Day/(Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death)
  • Thursday 21st May – Kenaikan Yesus Kristus /Ascension Day of Jesus Christ
  • Friday 22nd-27th May – Cuti Bersama/ Joint Holiday (collective leave) Can last 1 week
  • Sunday 24th-25th May – Idul Fitri/(Also known as Lebaran) Marks the end of Ramadan

Bali’s public holidays in June

  • Monday 1st June – Pancasila Day/ The state Ideology of Indonesia/ Birthday of Pancasila

Bali’s public holidays in July

  • Friday 31st July – Eid al-Adha/ Festival of the Sacrifice

Bali’s public holidays in August

  • Monday 17th August – Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan/ Indonesian Independence Day
  • Thursday 20th August – Muharram /Islamic New Year

Holidays in October

  • Thursday 29th October – Maulud Nabi Muhammad /Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Holidays in November

  • Saturday 14th-19th November – Diwali/ Hindu festival of lights

Holidays in December

  • Friday 25th December – Hari Natal /Christmas Eve
  • Thursday 31st December – Tahun Baru Masehi /New Year’s Eve

Most Balinese Holidays

Usually, Balinese holidays fall on different dates depending on the cycle of the moon. In fact, the Balinese calendar systems and the Pawukon calendar can help you navigate better.

Nyepi Day

Similarly, Nyepi is dictated by the 420 day Saka Balinese calendar and also falls on a different date each year.

New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Times of London, Lonely Planet Guides, Library of Congress, Compton’s Encyclopedia, The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Reuters, AP, AFP, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, Global Viewpoint Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy, Wikipedia, BBC, CNN, NBC News, Fox News and various books and other publications.

Calendars Used In Bali

Calendars Used In Bali

There are a number of calendars used in Bali that are used for different purposes depending on what region you live in and what your religious beliefs are.

Gregorian, Hindu, and Muslim Calendar


The Gregorian, Hindu, and Muslim Calendar all have different lengths of months and years. In addition to having different names for weeks, months, years, and so on. Therefore, you will end up with a very confusing system.

The Gregorian Calendar

The Gregorian calendar is Indonesia’s official calendar and most citizens.

The Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is also used by the Indonesian government as well as Muslims.

A Quick Breakdown of Calendars Used in Bali

Muslim Calendar

The Muslim Calendar also is known as the Hijrah lunar calendar, is roughly 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. It is known that the calendar begins the year when Mohammad took flight from Mecca to Medina. It’s also known , the Hijrah lunar month only has 29 days.

Gregorian or Roman Calendar

This calendar is used throughout the world, and it marks its beginning with the birth of Christ. It’s Also, a year that is divided into 12 months, consisting of 30 or 31 days, except for the month of February.

Balinese Calendar –Saka-Wuku

The Saka Wuku Calander is a combination of Saka, the Hindu solar-lunar year of 12 moons, and the Javanese-Balinese Wuku calendar of 210 days which is divided into weeks. When these two calendars are combined along with the many names for the different weeks and days make the Balinese calendar, it’s a complicated puzzle to solve. So, don’t get discouraged, even experts have to use special charts and tables to figure it out.

What The Saka Wuku Is Used For

Furthermore, the Balinese calendar is used to determine birthdays (oton), or anniversaries for temples (odalan), and the many Balinese festivals. It’s also used by farmers in Bali when deciding on a good day to plant seeds. The calendar is governed by the different phases of the moon, with the full moon (Purnima), and the new moon (tilem) being most important.

Saka Calendar

The Saka calendar is a Hindu calendar that is divided into 12 lunar months of 29 to 30 days. The dates for harvest festivals, temple festivals, and the Balinese New Year are determined by this calendar. Also, Every 30 months an additional month is added to keep the saka calendar in sync with the solar year. For the year 2019 New Year’s Day was on March 7th. In 2020, it will fell on March 25th

Pawukon (210-Day Balinese-Hindu Calendar)

Here is another complicated calendar used in Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia. Even though it’s used most in Bali, The Pawukon is also used in Java for certain reasons. Additionally, The Hindu calendar is a 210-day market calendar, that combines market weeks of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 days. It’s also good to know that, 4, 8, and 9 will not divide evenly into 210, therefore special rules are applied to make it all work.

Pawukon 7 Day Week

It’s known that the Pawukon calendars seven days differ from most other calendars. In fact, Each day is given a different name with a different meaning, and have two cycles of 7-days with two different names. Here are the seven days of the week, Minggu – Sunday, Senin – Monday, Selasa – Tuesda, Rebo – Wednesday, Kemis – Thursday, Jemuah – Friday, Setu – Saturday.

Weekday Significance

Also, Each of the seven weekdays is associated with the position of the moon and the earth: 1 Sunday – standstill: 2 Monday – forward 3 Tuesday – backward 4 Wednesday – left 5 Thursday – right 6 Friday – up 7 Saturday – down. Also, the five days of the other market week represents the positions of the moon: 1 Kliwon – stand-up 3 Legi – retreat 3 Paing – in front of 4 Pon – sleep 5 Wage – sit down.

Understanding the Pranata Mangsa Calendar

The Pranata Mangsa is an annual calendar that is divided up into uneven but symmetrical lengths of the year, lines up with Indonesia’s seasons, and stands apart from any other calendar system in the world. Furthermore, the Pranata Mangsa is specifically designed for the island of Java, as it doesn’t work with the climate in other parts of Indonesia.

Pranata Mangsa 7 Day Week

Both days in the week differ between the Pranata and Mangsa Calendar, and both were given different names with different meanings. In addition, there are two 7 day cycles with two different names that run concurrently with a 5-day week, and both form a 35-day cycle.

Weekday Significance

It’s important to note, there are seven weekdays associated with the position of the moon and the earth.

  1. Sunday = standstill
  2. Monday = forward
  3. Tuesday = backward
  4. Wednesday = left
  5. Thursday = right
  6. Friday = up
  7. Saturday = down,

Each of the five days of the other market week represents the positions of the moon:

  1. Kliwon = stand-up
  2. Legi = retreat
  3. Paing = in front
  4. Pon = sleep
  5. Wage = sit down
Text Sources:
New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Times of London, Lonely Planet Guides, Library of Congress, Compton’s Encyclopedia, The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Reuters, AP, AFP, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, Global Viewpoint Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy, Wikipedia, BBC, CNN, NBC News, Fox News and various books and other publications.

Here are some more Interesting reads: Public Holiday’s in Bali

Bali’s Best Day Trips

Picking Balis best day trips is a job in itself, but at least you’re getting some time off. You’ve earned 14 days paid time off and you’re now carefully planning a long-anticipated 10 day holiday in Bali. 10 days is a lot of fun but still not enough time to see everything. In fact, the average vacation is just too short! Recently, a survey was conducted by Expedia which averaged the length of paid vacation time taken by the average employee. It included countries like New Zealand, USA, Australia Japan, India, and most European countries. They all averaged roughly 20-30 days of paid vacation per year, USA only averaged 14 days. I hope this list below saves you lots of time.

The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands–

If you ever envisioned paradise on your lunch break, this is it. White sandy beaches, coconut trees, floating on a raft with a tropical cocktail in your hand while floating out in a clear turquoise blue sea. This is what you’ve been waiting for after all those months of hard work. There are no cars on all 3 islands there’s a great variety of accommodation on all 3 Gili islands with some quality hostels, bungalows, homestays, and hotels.

Gili Trawangan

 Gili Trawangan–

The party island that only takes the average beach walker 2 hrs to walk the island’s circumference. But not to worry if you’re not a party guy or gal. The further away from boat landing strips the quitter it gets. The northern part of the island is better for snorkeling and the partying isn’t too overbearing for the moderate family. This is known as the most social island, great if you are a solo traveler.

Gili Meno

Gili Meno­–

The fantasy island for couples. This is a great place for honeymooners and relaxation. This island has less partying and backpackers. You can find diving schools and plenty of snorkeling spots. The west side of the island is even more secluded, an abundance of beaches, and spectacular views

Gili Air

Gili Air–

local chillout vibes that of Canggu but without all the traffic. This place has a bit of Gili T, and Gili M blended all into a great island to hang out at.

Getting to The Gili Islands

Getting to the Gili Islands: 

there are 8 different ferry companies, fast boats, private charters, public boats, planes, and even helicopters that will take you from Bali to the Gili Islands – it takes anywhere from 1 hr to 3 hours depending on which 15 different routes you choose from. If you are looking for the fastest, quickest, and safest way, take a 40-minute flight from DPS to LOP. You can find promo tickets for under $20 each way. On top of that, you can take some nice areal photos while flying over the Gili Islands. Skip all the speed boats until you get to Gili because the ride from Bali to Gili can get bumpy.

Lombok

Lombok–

This unspoiled Bali is a popular destination for tourists and honeymooners who want to relax in an inexpensive, tropical, un-crowded atmosphere. Lombok has a laidback vibe and everything slows down for visitors who want to unwind from their stressed their daily lives. There are amazing waterfalls, hiking trails in Mount Rinjani and plenty to explore near the south coast in Kuta Lombok. Some of the best goofy-footer surf (left-handers) is in Lombok without the big crowds.

Getting to Lombok

Getting to Lombok:

Just fly for USD 30 or less for a round-trip. 20-minute flight. Any other way will take too long.

The Nusa Islands

The “Nusa” Islands

Some of the most photogenic sights just outside of Bali and easiest Islands near Bali to Visit. Visiting one of these three islands can be done in one day but not all 3. One day per Island is doable. There is very little tourist infrastructure on all 3 islands.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida

The most famous island and home to Friends Of the National Parks Foundation which built a sanctuary for endangered birds including the Bali Starling. There are great dive sites all around the island where you should expect to see an array of colorful fish, sunfish, and manta rays.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan

This place is a favorite budget island for backpackers and surfers. (Jungut Batu) In addition to an abundance of beaches, Nusa Lembongan is home to mangrove forest’s, seaweed farms, and the Hindu Puncak Sari Temple.

Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan

Accessible by a yellow bridge from two neighboring isles, Nusa Ceningan is small but has lots of character in which adventurous travelers love to explore.

Getting to the Nusa Islands

Getting to the Nusa Islands

Just a 40-minute fast boat ride from Sanur Bali. Leave in the morning and come back in the afternoon.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park

located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. This is a global conservation priority area that inhabits animals like the Timor deer, the main prey of the Komodo dragon, wild horses (kuda liar), water buffalo, wild boar (babi liar), long-tailed macaques, palm civets, the endemic Rinca rat (tikus besar Rinca), and fruit bats (flying squirrel). Not to mention dangerous snakes including the king cobra and Russel’s pit viper. Also thousands of different marine life and a wide variety of unspoiled corals surrounded by beautiful beaches, this place has a lot to offer. There are also no roads or motor transport in Lombok.

Getting to Komodo National Park

Getting to Komodo National Park

The best way is to fly to Flores and then book a boat trip. Most people fly to Labuan Bajo from Bali.

The Menjangan Islands

Exploring the Island

It is important to point out that Menjangan is a separate island from Bali, even though if you look at the map it doesn’t look like it is. Do note that you’re not allowed to stay overnight on Menjangan Island, so no choice but a day trip. The beaches are very nice in this area and consist of fine-grained black sand and also a very popular place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Visit Proyek Penyu (turtle project) It’s a turtle breeding and release program run by one of the dive operators in co-operation with local villagers.

Hot to get to the Islands

How to get to there

It is a 3 hr. drive from Ubud, Take your motorbike or get a Grab to Labuhan Lalang port located in Northern Bali. Once you get to the port, go inside  

their park office and purchase a permit for IDR 20,000 ( $1.50) and a park guide which will cost you IDR 350,000 ($26) Then it’s just a quick 30-minute boat ride from Labuhan Lalang Port.

For articles like this one click here: complete-surfing-guide-bali

Bali’s Ecotourism and Voluntourism

Bali’s ecotourism and voluntourism is kind of a big deal. In the last 50 years Indonesia, and especially Bali, has seen a large increase in international visitors. More recently those numbers have drastically dropped, as of June 2020, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali was approximately 0.88 million.

Not harming your destination, people, environment, or economy is part of being a responsible tourist. Preserving the natural environment you visit should definitely be a priority when deciding where you will experience Indonesia. While there are hundreds of organizations that claim they offer alternative ways of travel, it’s best to double-check. I have listed several non-profit organizations that create tours specifically to help their cause and not turn a profit. If you want to add to this list feel free to contact me here: Contact Halo Bule

Twelve Steps to Bali’s ecotourism and voluntourism

  1. A good ecotourism guide should help you get up close and personal with awe-inspiring features of the natural environment without leaving a destructive footprint on either the ecosystem or Bali’s cultural heritage.
  2. There are no excuses not to travel responsibly in Bali
  3. Don’t give money to street kids
  4. Stay away from “chasing” dolphin tours.
  5. A good ecotourism guide should help you get up close and personal with awe-inspiring features of the natural environment without leaving a destructive footprint on either the ecosystem or Bali’s cultural heritage.
  6. An ethical ecotourism operator should allow travelers to enjoy natural wonders without marking or exploiting them in the name of adventure.
  7. When exploring a new place, responsibility also falls on you, the traveler.
  8. Select accommodations that are committed to sustainable and ethical business practices.
  9. Ecotourists can contribute to the restoration and regeneration of natural assets in their chosen destination in many ways.
  10. Ecotourism opportunities are a fantastic way to become acquainted with a new destination
  11. Select responsible hotel and tour companies, as some of the ones listed below.
  12. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism In Sumatra

Situated in the Northern region of Sumatra, Indonesia, only a short 1-hour flight from Asia’s hub of Kuala Lumpur, lies one of the most bio-diverse places in the world – The Gunung Leuser National Park. Home to the second-largest concentration of orangutan, as well as many other endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, the Gunung Leuser National Park has become their sanctuary and the people of this region have become their guardians.

Locals practice responsible tourism that aims to protect the forest and its animals. Many of the rainforest regions of Indonesia have been destroyed by deforestation by illegal loggers who ignore federal laws. Tourism acts as an alternative income for many people here who have moved away from illegal means of income.
By visiting the park, you are directly supporting their guardians. You will have a clear conscious knowing you are helping such a great cause while trekking, tree planting, observing orangutans, and water rafting.

You Can Book Tour here: A different Travel Company
Tel: +44 (0)788 169 86 23
Email: info@different-travel.com

The Bali Sea Turtle Society or BSTS is a charity group that aims to protect sea turtles. Six out of seven sea turtle species around the world are threatened or endangered by either getting caught in fishing gear or plastics in the sea. Some are even consumed by curious foodies around the world. Their eggs are also consumed in a lot of developing countries due to the false belief that they are an aphrodisiac. Shells are turned into jewelry while the plastic in the ocean and global warming is always a threat. BSTS has organized tours that directly support their efforts to save the turtles.

Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS)
PO BOX 3434 Denpasar 80034 Bali
0811 3882683

Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF)

FNPF  protects the wildlife, restores habitats, and educates local communities through projects that protect the forests in the Kalimantan region in Bali’s Mt. Batukaru as well as forests in the Nusa Penida Island. To support this cause, take your family on one of the FNPF’s eco-tours

KALIMANTAN
FNPF takes groups on traditional Klotok boats on the Sekonyer River throughout the National Park. You can even camp in tents inside Indonesia’s rain forest where you will hear and maybe see orangutans, hornbills, and other wildlife. You will see reforestation projects, mining camps, palm oil plantations, meet with local villagers.

NUSA PENIDA, BALI
The FNPF Center is located on a beach on the north side of Nusa Penida, close to the village of Ped. You can visit their nursey, snorkel their coral reef, or just relax while wild birds visit you.

NEXT STEPS IF YOU WANT TO STAY WITH FNPF ON NUSA PENIDA
If you would like to stay at our Center in Nusa Penida, then please CLICK HERE TO APPLY and send the application form to fnpf.id@hotmail.com.
Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF)
Jl. Bisma No. 3, Ubud
0828 972 096 33

Bali Sharks, Serangan Island

Hawaiian surfer started this project to stop shark poaching in the area. They capture injured sharks that are in need of medical attention.They are then kept in a nursery for rehabilitation until they are ready to be released again into the wild. Anyone can swim with sharks. There is a free nursery tour for kids below five. Species include Black & White Tip Reef Sharks and sometimes Bambu and Wobbegong (carpet sharks.)

Bali Sharks
Agus Bar & Restaurant, Serangan Island, Denpasar
0361 996 5101

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort

One of the most beautiful remote destinations in Indonesia, West Papua province. Biodiversity is passionate about preserving this natural habitat which is home for 75% of the world’s marine species. While this resort is hard to get to, it’s a popular scuba diver spot. Biodiversity also tries to regulate rules on capturing sea turtles while they also educate local communities about alternative proteins in their diet other than sea Turtle meat and eggs.

the data they collect will provide key information to help establish an official ruling for the protection and conservation of Sea Turtles in the area. . Coral reef conservation is also another passion of theirs, the following are rules they go by:

1. We promote safe diver and snorkeler practices

2. We do not sell shell or coral local crafts

3. We promote the use of reef-safe sunscreens

4. We safely dispose of our rubbish

5. We regularly do beach clean-ups

6. Our boats do not anchor on reefs, we use mooring lines here on our house reef

7. We only buy Line-caught fish and no reef fish.

8. We have set up and are maintaining Coral Nursery to help with reef restoration

9. We are planning an artificial reef

Website : https://rajaampatbiodiversity.com/en/
info@giliecotrust.com
+62 (0)813 39 600 553

E-Bikes Bali Electric Bicycle Tours, Ubud / Sanur

Cruise on your eco-friendly electric bike on back roads through local villages, rice fields, and some of Bali’s most spectacular scenery.  Visit temples, local Balinese family compounds, coffee plantations, rice terraces, and Bali’s majestic countryside. This is a great way to see Bali while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

E-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that comes via pedaling and, in some cases, a throttle. When you push the pedals on a pedal-assist e-bike, a small motor engages and gives you a boost, so you can zip up hills and cruise over tough terrain without gassing yourself.
Contact : https://www.ebikesbali.com/contact-us-2/

Soul Surf Project, Legian Beach

There are hundreds of surf lessons all around the coast of Bali but why not help a great cause while you’re learning how to surf at Legian beach! In this experience, you will learn your basics of surfing in a safe way, together with their partner and sponsor RipCurl School of Surf. The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours and they provide a standing guarantee, meaning that they guarantee that you will be able to stand on your board by the end of the lesson. This is a chance to support a local NGO working with local underprivileged children and leave a positive impact behind after your holiday.

Westerlaken foundation focuses on improving human and children rights in Indonesia. 
At this moment the foundation finances impactful research especially for children’s rights within orphanages in Bali. 
In cooperation with other foundations, movements, NGO’s and GO’s Westerlaken foundation finances research and initiatives to protect the coastal and marine environment by raising public awareness, campaign, research and fight against captivity. 

Their surf school is usually booked so make sure you book in advance prior to arriving in Bali.

They Do NOT accept interns or volunteers.

Contact them here https://www.soulsurfprojectbali.com/contact
Book here: BOOK SOUL SURF
OR BOOK ON AIRBNB

Plataran L’Harmonie ,West Bali National Park

West Bali is popularly known for its national park, One hundred and sixty species of bird have been recorded in the park, including the near-extinct Bali Starling, Mammals found inside the park include Banteng (bull), Javan Rusa (deer), and Indian Muntjac deer, as well as Wild Boar and Leopard Cats which are both quite common but seldom encountered.

Thank You For Reading

Balancing adventure with environmental consciousness might require a bit more effort from you, but it will make for spectacularly memorable encounters that leave a lasting positive impact. To help you plan your next green vacation, we’ve rated the best ecotourism experiences in Bali – why not add them to your bucket list?

Click here for a guide on Travel Insurance

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