Bali Creatives Retreat Preparation
Here are a few more things to keep in mind for the trip and things to do:
** Be sure you have downloaded WhatsApp and set it up so we can use it the week of the retreat. It is also the way many people in Bali communicate so your hotel or drivers will likely use it to connect with you. More info down below on WhatsApp
FLIGHT AND EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO:
The airport you are flying into is Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia(DPS)
I recommend exploring an Asian airline like China Airlines, EVA airlines or Singapore. Go directly to their sites as they rarely are found on discount sites.
PASSPORT:
Passports must be valid for 6 months on the date you leave the US to be accepted by Indonesia so make sure you check the expiration of your passport now so you can renew if needed. We suggest taking a photo of your passport in case you lose it, you have a copy to make things easier to resolve.
INSURANCE:
For certain, purchase travel insurance in case of a glitch in your travel plans occurs and in case of any major health issues or injuries. We also recommend having it printed and with you for travel. World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance if you need a recommendation. Also some of our guests have found Faye which may work better. Investigate which option works for you but please be sure you have a policy.
VISA:
As a foreigner you will need to get a tourist visa upon arrival(VOA) but the cost is always changing - sometimes it is free and sometimes $30. You can also apply ahead and get an electronic visa here and avoid the line: https:/molina.imigrasi.go.id/
This visa is good for up to 60 days - 30 days upon receipt and can be extended to 60 days.
EXTRA NIGHTS:
Feel free to reach out if you have questions about extending your trip and what to do. Insight Guidebooks are a simple and colorful way to check out some basics about Bali and choose some other places to go beyond Ubud where we will stay. Ubud is also a central, interesting location and you can day trip right from there if you want to stay put and just add extra nights. I suggest staying somewhere other than our retreat location if you extend your trip simply because Bali has wonderful accommodations that give you a cool experience of the place.
Airbnb is a good place to search for a place to stay, or booking.com, as well as other travel booking sites. The name of our hotel for the retreat is Luwak Estate in Ubud. We don’t have any group rate or special pricing before and after the retreat so it may be worth exploring other options to get a taste of some of the cool hotels or homestays in Ubud. There are SO many places to choose from.
TRANSPORT TO RETREAT:
Taxis and transport from the airport is easy to get when you get off the plane but it makes it even easier if you set it up prior to arrival just to feel more confident. If you book a hotel before the retreat just ask them to set you up transport and they will likely be happy to do that.
If you arrive the day of the retreat and want the retreat hotel to provide transport, you can email Puspa at info@luwakestate.com and ask her to set up transport. It will be $600,000RP ( about $40) each way.
TIMING:
We begin the retreat approximately 3:30pm and finish about 10am on the last day and check out by 11am.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Casual. That is the word for Bali. Wear what you feel good in. It is warm and humid so loose fitting clothing is best. I tend to spend the majority of time in loose dresses, light pants or shorts and tank tops. But evenings may be cool if there is some rain so a simple sarong over your shoulders or very light sweater is great. Bring a bathing suit for sure since we will go in the pool and to a water temple.
At the market there is LOTS of fun stuff to buy. Sarongs galore and cute dresses so you can always buy things especially if you arrive a bit early.
PACKING:
Leave room for gifts on the way back! Last trip I think we could have loaded a whole small plane with all of the fabrics purchased in the group - ok that’s an exaggeration but seriously there is some great artistry in Bali. And you may just pack an extra bag in your suitcase or buy one in Bali.
ART SUPPLIES:
Valori will be sending out art supplies and a short list of suggestions for you to bring along! She will also include a supplies list with some suggested things to bring along. Look for that a few weeks before the retreat.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Wifi is available at the resort. Valori and I will be on WhatsApp for communication while in Bali, you can download it on your phone. It is free when you are on WiFi to call home and text using this app. Please add our numbers. Kelly 805.746.6255, Valori 541.408.5756
SHARING PHOTOS/SOCIAL MEDIA:
So we can all see each others photos while you are in Bali or on your way, please use hashtags #balicreativesretreat and #creativesretreats You can use these on both Facebook and Instagram and then we can all see the photos from the trip by searching those hashtags. To follow us on IG the address is @creatives_retreats
HEALTH:
Please take a look at your guidebook or online for things to bring along and shots they recommend. I suggest bringing a basic first aid kit just in case you need anything like band-aids, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea meds, etc. but pharmacies in town have medications. Also there may be mosquitos so you may want to bring some spray for that though there is no malaria. Rooms have mosquito nets.
If you are ill while there we will get you to the hospital that serves expats. And as a note - do not drink the water out of any faucet. All water should come from filtered or bottled water sources, even at the hotel. Bali Belly is caused by drinking contaminated water and results in a few days of diarrhea. No medications needed, just patience and care for it to pass. Just ask them to refill your bottles at meals and everyday you get two fresh ones in your room. Restaurants often offer free water now at the table that has been filtered. That said, please bring a bottle to refill so we can avoid buying lots of plastic bottles that will likely end up in the ocean.
As for food, remember that Indonesia is a third world country and so the meat/animal industries are not so regulated. I suggest considering adopting a primarily plant based diet while in Bali - the choices for this are endless and delicious.
While traveling to and from Bali, Val and I suggest using electrolytes. Seems to have helped many guests to remain balanced and hydrated in the humidity as well.
SCHEDULE:
We will send along a schedule for the week as we get close to our departure.
MONEY:
The money is the Indonesian Rupiah. There are money exchange places and you can use an ATM while there. If you choose to exchange cash when you arrive, bring crisp, new $100 bills - these are globally considered highly valuable. I have done both but lately due to ATM scams that happen, I suggest keeping it simple and bringing cash, use ATM as a second source and then credit card for places in town that will accept them. The hotel has safes in the room to keep your passports and valuables.
Download an app that will help you convert money while shopping so you aren’t feeling stressed. Mine is called Currency and it has a yellow icon. At the moment I write this 1 USD = 15,500 rupiah
BAHASA INDONESIA AND THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE:
Balinese speak Indonesian though they also have a local Balinese language, which can make it tricky at moments. I think when they gossip they switch to Balinese. I love speaking Indonesian! The Balinese have a playful way of speaking and are really playful people.
It is a simple language to learn and the locals laugh and think its great when you speak their language. Almost everyone, where we are going, Ubud, speaks English but here are a few key phrases to connect more with the locals.
Also there are a few free podcasts you can download and listen to if you’d like to hear the language. Just search Indonesian.
The whole reason I started sharing Bali with people is because of the land and the people. It really is a special place on earth. They have impacted my life immensely with their kindness, flexibility and playfulness. They are great teachers. Assume the best from them and connect.
Hello – Hello (or Salam)
Goodbye – Sampai Junpa
Thank you – Terima Kasih
Excuse me - Permisi
Yes – Ya
No – Tidak
Good morning – Selamat Pagi
Good day – Selamat Siang
Good afternoon – Selamat Sore
Good evening – Selamat Malam
Good night – Selamat Tidor
CULTURE:
On the first afternoon in Bali I will share a few cultural considerations for your visit about the religion and daily life but for now here are a few to have with you. The culture is kind so they will not berate you for doing something wrong, they are more likely to laugh:
Plastics!! Please, please, please, pay attention to your choices when it comes to plastics. Bali has been deeply impacted by plastic waste. Bring a reusable water bottle on the plane and plan to refill it all week long. There is water in all the airports and at the resort to refill your bottle. Plastic bottles, bags and packaging are a huge problem on the island. Also please carry a reusable bag to buy gifts and food items. Lastly, please plan to take back your cosmetic containers, such as small shampoos and body care items - perhaps using refillable ones that are not one use. Be a good guest and think ahead to the impact of plastics through the week.
The head is sacred, closer to the heavens, and the feet are considered the lowest form, so your feet should never be pointed at anyone. If you are sitting on the floor, tuck your feet under you and away from the person across from you. Touching a Balinese on the head is not considered appropriate unless you are a close relation to them for the same reason.
The Balinese take off their shoes before going into someone’s home. Shoes are dirty. The Balinese are so flexible emotionally that they have let go of some of this so that tourists feel comfortable going into shops and now everyone wears shoes in restaurants. Watch for cues and always weigh on the side of consideration for their customs. Even if they say its not a problem they will appreciate you knowing that this is their custom.
Tipping and wages: So historically it is not customary to tip. Things are changing so if you wish to be generous, drop a tip. It is an easy way to make a difference in someone’s life. We do leave a tip at the end for the hotel staff so feel free to contribute to that if it feels good. I have started tipping regularly in the past decade, anytime I would tip here in the states. But in general, tipping is not required nor for the Balinese, the normal outside of tourist activities. Balinese still do not make much money (our hotel staff make around $7/day) so tipping is an easy way to show gratitude.
We are staying at a high end resort so we are living more like very fortunate tourists for the week so the customs in the resort will reflect that, but out in Bali beyond Ubud (and other touristed areas) there is still a lot of poverty and the people live a very simple life. Having a hotel job is a big deal and the staff is educated. Their wages put them in a good position and one large tip can change the month. We usually just pool a tip at the end of the trip to pass on to the staff.
Also a good source of cultural information is Bali.com