Travel Info
The Island of Bali
As one of the enormous island of more than 17,000 islands of Indonesia, Bali is the right place for enjoying a tropical holidays. Bali provides beauty landscape to explore and beaches for surfing and diving. The Kuta beach, where Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Bali is located, is still the most favorite beach for tourists. The white sand always crowded by the sun lovers with great waves for the surfer.
Climate
As a part of the tropical country, Bali experiences two yearly seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is normally November to April with a peak around January/February, when it rains for several hours each day. The dry season, May to October, is a favorite time to travel, especially for June to September. Bali is 8 degees south of the equator with temperatures vary between 21° and 32°C (70 - 90°F). Average humidity is 75% and above, year round.
Shopping
Kuta and other places in Bali are a heaven for shoppers. The main tourist roads are lined with stores, shops and stalls selling Indonesian crafts, batik materials and local specialties. In Bali, bargaining is aan experience not to be missed. The first price is not the last price. Learn the art of bargaining, keep a sense of humor, first ask the price that the vendor expects and then counter offer. You usually pay more than the locals, but that's the way it is. Modern shopping centers and supermarkets will have a fixed price. Discovery Shopping Mall, the only beachfront shopping centers, is just adjacent to the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel.
Currency & Credit Cards
Only rupiah (IDR - Indonesian currency) is acceptable at local stores and restaurants. The Indonesian rupiah is available in note denomination of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100. Coins are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.
US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange. Only bills printed from 2000 onward are accepted in payment or in exchange for local currency. Larger denomination bills earn a higher exchange rate, as do traveler's cheques. Most hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops accept certain foreign currencies and credit cards. You can buy rupiah at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers on presentation of your passport. The exchange rate fluctuates regularly, so check your bank for the latest exchange rates. Most banks and hotels accept traveler's cheques (this will need to be monitored).
The use of traveler's checks in Indonesia is as popular as in any other country. Diners Club and American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards is charged in local currency. Some merchants apply a 3-5 percent surcharge for credit card transactions.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are everywhere. Many connect to international banking networks so you can withdraw cash in rupiah from your home account. Look for those affiliated with your own ATM network, noted by signage on your card and the compatible ATM are everywhere.
Money Changers
It is recommended to use an authorized money changer in the hotel area or nearby. If you use those moneychangers on the streets, ask them if they charge a commission. Whilst their rates may look good, you could lose out on the commission. Be very careful when they hand over the money. Make sure you count the money before you leave.
Street Stalls
Some tourists like to buy fake stuff like glasses, watches, clothes, etc. This is the reason why these guys are existed. You can choose not to buy from them. But if you decide to buy, “Beware"!
Pubs & Clubs
The nightlife in Bali is very exciting and vibrant. Many of the pubs and clubs are opened till the wee morning. When you go out at night, take only enough cash that you will need and leave your valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box. Whilst it is quite safe in Bali, there are pickpockets and other undesirables around, so be careful when out on the streets or in the bars. Have a great night out
Food Stalls
Be careful when buying food off the streets. If it looks questionable, it most probably is.
Tap Water
The tap water in Bali is not drinkable, so use bottled water whenever you are thirsty. When buying bottled water, make sure the seal is not broken. Two bottles are provided in your room daily on a complimentary basis.
Taxis & transport
It is recommended to use only metered taxis. There is a reputable transportation counter in the lobby of the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel. You may ask for the service in our Bell Service desk.
Security & Safety
For your own safety, we recommend that you do not reveal your room number to strangers, beach boys, tour guides, etc. Usually they will call you endlessly to buy something or even pass information about you to others. Do not invite beach boys into the hotel or your room, for your own safety and peace of mind. Bali is not free of theft and petty crime. Don't leave valuables unattended. Be extra careful of purses, wallets and backpacks in crowded areas. Report theft immediately to police or security officers. Without a police report, new passports and documents to leave the country are difficult to obtain. Carry photocopies of passports, tickets and driver's licenses and keep originals in the hotel safe. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia and prosecution means a long prison term and/or huge fines, even death penalty for trafficking.
In Kuta, you are sure to have a great time. If you are in an uncomfortable situation, simply smile, apologize, and if necessary, leave quickly. Don't put yourself in a situation which could land you in trouble.
As one of the enormous island of more than 17,000 islands of Indonesia, Bali is the right place for enjoying a tropical holidays. Bali provides beauty landscape to explore and beaches for surfing and diving. The Kuta beach, where Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Bali is located, is still the most favorite beach for tourists. The white sand always crowded by the sun lovers with great waves for the surfer.
Climate
As a part of the tropical country, Bali experiences two yearly seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is normally November to April with a peak around January/February, when it rains for several hours each day. The dry season, May to October, is a favorite time to travel, especially for June to September. Bali is 8 degees south of the equator with temperatures vary between 21° and 32°C (70 - 90°F). Average humidity is 75% and above, year round.
Shopping
Kuta and other places in Bali are a heaven for shoppers. The main tourist roads are lined with stores, shops and stalls selling Indonesian crafts, batik materials and local specialties. In Bali, bargaining is aan experience not to be missed. The first price is not the last price. Learn the art of bargaining, keep a sense of humor, first ask the price that the vendor expects and then counter offer. You usually pay more than the locals, but that's the way it is. Modern shopping centers and supermarkets will have a fixed price. Discovery Shopping Mall, the only beachfront shopping centers, is just adjacent to the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel.
Currency & Credit Cards
Only rupiah (IDR - Indonesian currency) is acceptable at local stores and restaurants. The Indonesian rupiah is available in note denomination of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100. Coins are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.
US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange. Only bills printed from 2000 onward are accepted in payment or in exchange for local currency. Larger denomination bills earn a higher exchange rate, as do traveler's cheques. Most hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops accept certain foreign currencies and credit cards. You can buy rupiah at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers on presentation of your passport. The exchange rate fluctuates regularly, so check your bank for the latest exchange rates. Most banks and hotels accept traveler's cheques (this will need to be monitored).
The use of traveler's checks in Indonesia is as popular as in any other country. Diners Club and American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards is charged in local currency. Some merchants apply a 3-5 percent surcharge for credit card transactions.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are everywhere. Many connect to international banking networks so you can withdraw cash in rupiah from your home account. Look for those affiliated with your own ATM network, noted by signage on your card and the compatible ATM are everywhere.
Money Changers
It is recommended to use an authorized money changer in the hotel area or nearby. If you use those moneychangers on the streets, ask them if they charge a commission. Whilst their rates may look good, you could lose out on the commission. Be very careful when they hand over the money. Make sure you count the money before you leave.
Street Stalls
Some tourists like to buy fake stuff like glasses, watches, clothes, etc. This is the reason why these guys are existed. You can choose not to buy from them. But if you decide to buy, “Beware"!
Pubs & Clubs
The nightlife in Bali is very exciting and vibrant. Many of the pubs and clubs are opened till the wee morning. When you go out at night, take only enough cash that you will need and leave your valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box. Whilst it is quite safe in Bali, there are pickpockets and other undesirables around, so be careful when out on the streets or in the bars. Have a great night out
Food Stalls
Be careful when buying food off the streets. If it looks questionable, it most probably is.
Tap Water
The tap water in Bali is not drinkable, so use bottled water whenever you are thirsty. When buying bottled water, make sure the seal is not broken. Two bottles are provided in your room daily on a complimentary basis.
Taxis & transport
It is recommended to use only metered taxis. There is a reputable transportation counter in the lobby of the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel. You may ask for the service in our Bell Service desk.
Security & Safety
For your own safety, we recommend that you do not reveal your room number to strangers, beach boys, tour guides, etc. Usually they will call you endlessly to buy something or even pass information about you to others. Do not invite beach boys into the hotel or your room, for your own safety and peace of mind. Bali is not free of theft and petty crime. Don't leave valuables unattended. Be extra careful of purses, wallets and backpacks in crowded areas. Report theft immediately to police or security officers. Without a police report, new passports and documents to leave the country are difficult to obtain. Carry photocopies of passports, tickets and driver's licenses and keep originals in the hotel safe. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia and prosecution means a long prison term and/or huge fines, even death penalty for trafficking.
In Kuta, you are sure to have a great time. If you are in an uncomfortable situation, simply smile, apologize, and if necessary, leave quickly. Don't put yourself in a situation which could land you in trouble.
