DESTINATION INFORMATION

 HISTORY

It is believed that Indonesia’s first inhabitants had come from China at the beginning of the Iron Age, around 3000 BC. Some Buddhist inscriptions had written the date from the 9th century AD, however, it was only in the 11th century that the Hindu influence in Java made its mark on the island. Under the reign of King Airlangga, cultural exchanges between the two islands were developed. In the 13th century, the son of king Kertanegara founded the Majapahit dynasty which flourished for three centuries.

The first Dutch seamen landed in the Archipelago in 1597. The settlement and colonization process, which actually only started in 1800, was marked by troubled times and climaxed with the "Puputan" or collective suicide on14th of September 1906, when 4000 Balinese killed themselves rather than capitulate. The Japanese occupation, from 1942 to 1945, hindered the Dutch sovereignty.

0n the 17th of August 1945, Mr. Sukarno became the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, proclaiming the independence of Indonesia.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and many businesses. Note that while prices are often advertised in U.S. dollars or Indonesian Rupiah, all credit card sales are transacted in Rupiah. As a result, all final charges shown on your monthly statement will reflect inter-bank exchange rates and possibly even a 1-3% surcharge.

 
ATM Machines
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) abound in southern Bali with many offering international withdrawals on major credit cards and bank cards linked to major banking networks.

 Clothing
Unless your MICE event includes a formal business session or black tie evening, there’s little reason to pack a jacket and tie or formal evening wear. Smart casual attire, no jacket required, is suitable for even the island’s most fashionable restaurants and top hotels. The Balinese typically show regard for each other by dressing neatly. Sarongs, long pants or long skirts with a sash around the waist are mandatory when visiting local temples.

Consular Services
The following countries offer consular services in Bali: Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.

Electricity
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts.

 Health
No vaccinations are currently required for visitors to Bali, but cholera, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis shots are recommended for travelers to Bali as to most of Asia. Note that malaria and dengue fever infections can occur in densely populated areas such as southern Bali. However, cases are extremely rare among tourists staying at hotels and resorts where pest control measures are in place.

Internet Resources:  www.indonesia.go.id

Bargaining

Bargaining is a common practice in Indonesia. By doing in a good humor, you can bring prices down considerably in local markets.