• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Semicuratedlife

  • Travel Shop
  • Contact
  • Money
0

Semicuratedlife

Bali, Travel
/
October 5, 2023

Arriving in Bali: What to expect at the airport

You’ve booked your holiday to Bali and are prepped and ready with what you want to do. But arriving anywhere can be a bit hectic for the first time so this post will help make your arrival in Bali be the smoothest possible. 

There are a few things that you’ll want to have in place before you arrive to ensure that things go smoothly:

  • Be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months 
  • Purchase travel insurance
  • Have an outbound ticket from Bali booked (this is rarely checked, but you need it if they do). Use Onward Ticket if you don’t yet have a ticket booked out of Indonesia. 
  • Purchase your Visa on Arrival (VOA) in advance. A VOA allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days and costs about $35 USD. You can also do this at the airport, but it can save you time in line to do it prior to arrival. It also makes extending the visa a breeze for an additional 30 days if you need that. You can apply for a VOA up to 90 days in advance. And yes, children also need visas. 
  • Bali has recently opened E Gates which should ease your time in queues when arriving on island. In order to use these gates, you need to have an electronic visa purchased in advance and be over 6 years of age. If you are traveling with a child 5 and under you can still purchase your VOA in advance and use the manual immigration line. Hopefully this queue will be shorter as more people use the electronic gates. 
  • Fill out the online customs form. You can do this up to 72 hours in advance and just need one per family.
  • Complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. There have been very few cases of MPox in Indonesia but the government is requiring all people entering Indonesia to fill out this health form prior to entry (as of August 29, 2024). 

You may also want to think about your phone situation in Bali. I find getting an e-SIM the easiest option. If you want a physical card you can get one in advance and pick it up at the airport at the Telkomsel desk. It is cheaper to purchase in advance than purchasing at the airport.

You can pay for many things with credit cards (hotels, most restaurants) but will still need cash. Having access to a Wise card is a great option as you’ll be charged real market exchange rates, without being worried about being ripped off. You can also freeze and unfreeze the card instantly with the app. There are no hidden ATM fees and you can top up and convert money in real time. 

Get Wise Card

What to expect when you arrive at the Bali Airport

The Bali airport is not huge, but can feel a little hectic. Here I’ll explain exactly what to expect.

  • Once you exit the plane you’ll walk down to the immigration hall. If you have not already done your eVOA you’ll need to pay for a VOA here. If you already have documentation of your eVOA you can walk straight to the immigration line. 
  • If you’re not sure if your country qualifies for a VOA to Indonesia, you can check here.
  • If you are purchasing your VOA at the airport you can do so with cash or credit card. 
  • Once your VOA is sorted you head to the immigration line. Please note that there are typically lines for families with small children (that are shorter!) so do be sure to look for that.
  • If you’ve purchased your VOA in advance and your kids are 6 and older you can go through the new electronic gates.
  • After Immigration you’ll pick up your luggage and head to customs. All customs forms are done online now, so if you haven’t done this in advance, you can do it while waiting for your luggage on your phone. The airport has free wifi. You’ll get a QR code to scan at customs. 
  • Once through customs you’ll be in the arrivals hall, and you go through a gauntlet of duty free, money exchangers and SIM card sellers. Once you get to the Starbucks, you’re getting close to the end. 
  • You’ll then see a sea of drivers holding signs for their passengers. There will be hundreds, day or night. If you’ve pre-arranged a driver, you’ll find him or her here. 
  • If you need a taxi, there will be no shortage of touts offering you a ride. We personally usually a ride sharing app like Gojek or Grab. Once you get past the sea of drivers you cross the road by the Circle K and you’ll see a Gojek lounge. You can wait inside in air conditioning for your ride and the workers will help you secure a card. If you haven’t done so before arriving in Indonesia, you’ll definitely want to download the Gojek app for getting rides and ordering food. This country runs on Gojek I think!

I hope that helps! Let me know in the comments how your experience arriving in Bali was!

Pin this Post
Share this Post

You May Also Like...

Healthcare and Medical Emergencies in Bali

May 1, 2024

What exactly is an Eco Resort?

February 4, 2023

The Trip We Never Took to Cambodia

February 1, 2023
Previous Post
Easy and Exciting Day Trip from Ubud or Sanur, Bali
Next Post
Healthcare and Medical Emergencies in Bali
Thanks for Being here!

Thanks for Being here!

Follow us on social media for even more travel content and inspiration. We love to connect with you there!

Recent Posts

  • Affordable Singapore Hotels for Families
  • 2-Night Family-Friendly Adventure Cruise in Halong Bay (+ Bai Tu Long Bay)
  • Christmas in Bali with Kids
  • The Best Family Friendly Villas in Bali
  • Healthcare and Medical Emergencies in Bali

Current Location

Current Location
Bali, Indonesia

Travels

SHOP

Products

  • Cozy Wool Sweaters Cozy Wool Sweaters
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $79.00
  • Vintage Jewelry Sets Vintage Jewelry Sets
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $117.00
  • White-Washed Denim White-Washed Denim
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $45.00
  • Organic White Sweater Organic White Sweater
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $57.00
  • Rustic Knit Pieces Rustic Knit Pieces
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $125.00
Family Travel Guides & Tips to Keep Parents Sane Bali Guides in Link Below👇👇👇 💌 alison@semicuratedlife.com
  • After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again:

📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 

1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 

2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 

3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 

4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 

5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
  • Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅

It’s cultural, right?! 😂
  • When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… 

But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend.

Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
  • Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨
I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived.

This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌).

✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities
✔️ Where to stay by region + budget
✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more
✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island

Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛

The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼

#balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
  • Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
  • And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
View on Instagram
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again: 📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅 It’s cultural, right?! 😂
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend. Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨ I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived. This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌). ✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities ✔️ Where to stay by region + budget ✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more ✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛 The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼 #balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Travel Shop

COPYRIGHT © 2022 Semicuratedlife Site Powered by Pix & Hue.