Bali
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes our Bali Trip Different?
Tahzi Travel is built for travelers who want meaning over checklists. We design small-group and private journeys that move at a human pace, led by trusted local experts, with cultural encounters rooted in respect and real relationships.
In Bali, that means:
Time to actually taste the food, not just photograph it
Temples, villages, markets, and rice terraces experienced with guides who know the stories and ceremonies behind them
Thoughtful pacing, with space to slow down, reflect, and simply enjoy being there
We’re not a “see it once and move on” tour. Days flow from morning into evening at a relaxed rhythm, layering experiences so you feel connected to Bali’s culture and landscapes, not just checking off sights.
For us, Premier in Bali means you’re cared for in every detail while still feeling immersed in the real island: well-located boutique hotels, memorable meals, attentive service, and guides who can read both the road and the group. You’re not roughing it, but you’re not sealed inside a bubble either, you’re comfortably in the middle of something extraordinary.
Premier, in the Tahzi way, is comfort with conscience: a journey that’s enjoyable, deeply human, and gives back to the places and people who welcome us.
Why are the Prices Lower than other “Premium” Brands?
You may notice that our rates are often lower than big, global premium brands using similar hotels and activities. That’s by design.
In practice, it means:
Guides and stays come first. Your days are led by experienced local guides and supported by partners we’ve built long-term relationships with.
Small groups, never mass market. We keep numbers intentionally low so your experience stays personal. Others can have the big buses and flag-waving tours.
Lean operations. We don’t maintain huge overseas office networks or high-priced ad campaigns. More of what you pay goes into your actual trip, not overhead.
Selective departures. We offer specific dates, not a 365-day catalog. That lets us secure strong logistics and fair rates and pass that value directly to you.
When you travel with Tahzi Travel, you’re getting a high-touch, thoughtfully paced, ethically grounded Bali journeywhere every dollar is working toward your experience and local impact.
How far in advance should I book?
We secure our hotels, guides, and key experiences well in advance and limit each departure to a small group , typically around 8–12 guests. Feel free to contact us for a private family or business group trip..
Most trips fill 6–9 months ahead, especially during popular seasons and festivals.
If our dates work for you, it’s best to book as early as you comfortably can, both for availability and better flight options.
Safety, Health, and Accessibility
Is it safe?
Bali is one of Indonesia’s most visited islands and is very accustomed to welcoming international guests. As with any destination, normal travel awareness is important, especially in busier areas and on the roads.
On our trips:
We work with established, reputable local operators and guides.
We use vetted hotels and transportation.
Your guide is your first point of contact if something feels off or you need help.
Access to modern medical care is available. Denpasar and major tourist areas such as Ubud and the south have hospitals and clinics familiar with treating international travelers.
Important: Indonesia has very strict drug laws, with severe penalties (including long prison terms and, in some cases, the death penalty) for possession and trafficking of illegal substances. We strongly advise you not to bring or purchase any illegal drugs or questionable “edibles” during your stay.
Do I need vaccines ?
We’re not medical professionals, so we always recommend you speak with your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice.
Common guidance you might hear for Indonesia/Bali:
Routine vaccines (such as tetanus, MMR, etc.) should be up to date.
Additional vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid are often recommended for travelers.
Depending on your plans and risk profile, your provider may also discuss Hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, or other vaccines.
Malaria risk in the main resort and central areas of Bali (including Ubud) is generally considered low, but there is malaria elsewhere in Indonesia, your doctor can advise based on your full itinerary.
If you have a sensitive stomach or ongoing medical conditions, carry the medications you rely on at home, in original packaging, plus any prescriptions and a basic travel medicine kit.
Can you accommodate mobility limitations?
We’ll always do our best within the realities of Bali’s environment.
Things to know:
Expect daily walking on uneven sidewalks, stone temple steps, village paths, and rice-terrace trails, sometimes in heat and humidity.
Many temples have staircases and limited ramp access.
Some experiences (like climbing into boats, walking through rice fields, or visiting waterfalls) may involve steps without handrails and slightly slippery surfaces.
Overall, we’d rate our Bali itineraries around 3–4 out of 5 for mobility: suitable for guests who can walk a few miles over the course of a day with breaks, but not ideal for those who rely heavily on walkers or wheelchairs.
If you have specific concerns, please tell us before booking. We’ll talk through the details honestly and help you decide if this trip will feel comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Visas, Entry, and Getting There
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Thailand?
Yes, in most cases a visa or visa-on-arrival is required for tourism.
As of late 2025:
Many nationalities, including U.S. citizens, can obtain an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online before traveling or a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport.
The VOA/e-VOA is generally valid for 30 days from entry and can usually be extended once for another 30 days (maximum 60 days total) through Indonesian immigration.
Bali currently requires visitors to pay a tourist levy (around 150,000 IDR) that supports cultural and environmental protection; this can typically be paid online or upon arrival.
Indonesia is actively updating its visa and digital-arrival systems:
At Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), travelers now complete an All Indonesia digital arrival declaration (covering immigration, customs, health, and quarantine) before entry. The form is free and can be filled out online in the days before you travel.
Some airlines and articles now strongly encourage (or effectively require) obtaining the e-VOA at least 48 hours before travel, even though traditional Visa on Arrival counters still operate.
Key basics (subject to change):
Your passport should have at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Bali and at least two blank pages.
You should have proof of onward or return travel.
You are responsible for complying with the latest Indonesian immigration rules; overstays can result in fines or penalties.If you are staying longer than 30 days, be aware that you will need to extend your Visa another 30 days.
Because regulations continue to evolve, always confirm current requirements with:
The official Indonesian Immigration / e-Visa site, and
Your own government’s official travel advisory (e.g., U.S. State Department).
We’re happy to point you to the right links, but we are not an immigration authority and can’t guarantee entry decisions.
Which airport should I fly into?
Our Bali journeys begin on the island of Bali, so you’ll fly into:
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) – often referred to simply as Denpasar or “Bali Airport.”
We’ll arrange your airport pickup on arrival and your departure transfer at the end of the trip, based on the itinerary.
Packing & Gear
What should I pack?
Think light, breathable, and respectful of local culture.
Suggested basics:
Lightweight shirts and tops (short or long sleeves)
Lightweight pants, capris, long skirts, or knee-length shorts
A light sweater or wrap for cool evenings or strong air-conditioning
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip
A packable rain jacket or small umbrella (showers can appear quickly)
Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent
Any medications you need, in original packaging
A small daypack for water, camera, and daily essentials
Bali is warm and humid year-round; fabrics that dry quickly and don’t show sweat easily are your friend.
What should I wear at temples?
Balinese temples are active places of worship, and dress is more modest:
Shoulders and knees covered for all genders
No short shorts or very short skirts
Avoid low-cut or see-through tops
At some temples you’ll be asked to wear a sarong and sash, these are often available to borrow or rent at the entrance.
You may also need to remove your shoes before entering inner temple areas.
A simple formula: light pants or a long skirt + a breathable top with sleeves + a scarf or sarong in your daypack = temple-ready with minimal effort.
Do hotels do laundry?
Most mid-range and upscale hotels we use in Bali offer laundry service, usually with 24-hour turnaround. This makes it easy to pack lighter and wash along the way. Laundry costs are not included in your tour price and are paid directly to the hotel..
Will I be able to charge cameras and phones?
Yes. Indonesia’s electricity is typically 220V, 50Hz. Outlets in Bali often accept European-style round plugs and sometimes the flat two-pin type, but you should not count on U.S. plugs fitting directly.
Most modern camera, laptop, and phone chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V). Check the label: if it says something like “Input 100–240V, 50/60Hz,” you just need a plug adapter, not a heavy converter.
We recommend bringing:
A universal travel adapter
A small power strip or multi-USB charger if you travel with multiple devices
Wi-Fi and charging outlets are available in most hotels and many cafés.
On-Trip Experience
What does a typical day in Bali look like?
It varies by day and region, but a general rhythm might be:
Morning: Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures, visit a temple, rice terraces, village market, or coastal area with your guide, often with a coffee stop or local snack along the way.
Midday: Sit down for lunch, then enjoy some downtime, a swim, spa treatment, wander through town, or a rest at the hotel.
Late afternoon/evening: Re-group for a sunset viewpoint, cultural performance, night market, or special dinner.
You’ll have a mix of guided time and personal time so you can both learn and explore on your own.
How much walking is involved?
Most days involve 2–4 hours of walking, broken into shorter segments with plenty of stops for food, photos, and stories.
Surfaces can include:
Stone or often steep dirt paths in rice terraces
Temple steps, sometimes a bit steep
Village lanes and uneven/broken pavements and sidewalks
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are important.
How many guests are in the group?
We keep our Bali trips intimate:
Typically around 8–12 guests per departure
Private journeys can be arranged for couples, families, or custom groups
Small groups mean your guide can adjust the pace, answer deeper questions, and notice when it’s time for a break or an extra photo stop.
Guides & Language
Who are your guides?
Your guide is the heart of your Bali experience.
We work with highly trained, handpicked local professionals, many of whom:
Were born and raised in Bali or the surrounding islands
Speak excellent English (and often additional languages)
Have deep knowledge of Balinese Hinduism, culture, history, food, and daily life
Know how to read a group’s energy and balance activity with downtime
They’re not just leading you from place to place; they’re helping you understand the island at a deeper level.
What languages are available?
English-speaking guides are standard on our trips. If you need another language for a private departure, ask us—we’ll let you know what’s possible.
How much should we tip?
Tipping is always at your discretion, but many guests appreciate guidelines:
Local guide: About USD $5–$10 per guest per day (or equivalent in Indonesian rupiah), depending on group size and your experience.
Drivers: Around USD $3–$5 per guest per day is typical.
Hotel staff/porters: The equivalent of USD $1–$2 per bag or a small thank-you for excellent service.
If you prefer, you can tip in rupiah or in clean, newer U.S. bills.
Culture, Ethics, and Impact
How do you approach cultural visits respectfully?
We don’t do “drive-by culture.”
Our visits are built around long-term relationships, fair compensation, and consent. That might look like:
Time to sit, talk, and listen, not just pose for photos and leave
Choosing locally owned shops, cafés, and experiences
Briefings on basic etiquette: how to behave at temples, what to wear, how to respond to photo requests, and what’s considered disrespectful (for example, not stepping on offerings placed on the ground)
You’ll always get context before a visit so you feel confident and respectful.
Should I bring gifts for children?
The impulse comes from kindness, but randomly handing out gifts or sweets to children can create problems:
It can encourage kids to see visitors primarily as sources of handouts.
Sugary treats aren’t always part of daily life and can be hard to access after you go home.
Wrappers and packaging often become litter in communities without strong waste systems.
A better way to give back in Bali is through structured support, for example:
Contributing to local organizations or projects our partners recommend
Supporting community-based experiences where your visit directly helps families and artisans
If you’d like to contribute, talk with us or your guide; we can help channel your generosity in a way that’s genuinely helpful.
How does my trip support local people and the places we visit?
Tahzi Travel chooses partners who:
Hire and train local teams
Source goods and services locally wherever possible
Support community projects, education, or conservation work
In Bali, that can look like staying in Balinese-owned properties, eating in family-run warungs, booking village-based experiences, and working with guides and drivers who are fairly compensated.
If you’d like more detail on exactly how your specific departure supports local communities or conservation, ask us, we’re happy to share.
Special Requests & Logistics
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
In most cases, yes.
Bali is fantastic for fresh, flavorful food, and many dishes can be adapted:
Vegetarian and pescatarian options are widely available
Vegan and gluten-free are often possible with clear communication
Nut and shellfish allergies require extra care, but we will do our best to advocate for you
Please let us know in advance about any dietary needs or allergies so we can share this with our guides and restaurants.
What about Wi-Fi and connectivity?
Most hotels offer Wi-Fi in guest rooms and/or common areas.
Many cafés and restaurants in popular areas like Ubud and the south also have Wi-Fi.
You can stay very connected if you wish, but we’ll also gently encourage a few moments to unplug and just be present.
Check with your mobile carrier about international plans; an eSIM or local SIM card can be a good option for data while in Indonesia.
Final Notes
What if I still have questions?
That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Traveling to Bali—especially for the first time—can feel like a big, exciting leap. Send us whatever you’re wondering about, big or small, and we’ll talk it through with you like a trusted friend who knows the island and wants you to love it as much as we do.