Information
Select the tabs below for information regarding all aspects of your stay in Bali.
Please note: The information given in this website is offered in good faith. We cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
Further information can be obtained by downloading our 'Guest Guide' below.
Please note: The information given in this website is offered in good faith. We cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
Further information can be obtained by downloading our 'Guest Guide' below.
| guest’s_guide_jan_2018.docx |
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). The exchange rate fluctuates, but as a general 'rule of thumb' 60 GBP will give you a little over 1,000,000 IDR. You'll be a multi-millionaire in no time!
To get the best rate of exchange, take Sterling, USD, AUD or THB notes to a reputable foreign exchange agency; there are lots in Ubud. We will offer advice on the most competitive and reliable. Alternatively you may use one of the many ATM machines.
Cost of basics - in £ Sterling, USD, AUD and THB rounded (prices correct at August 2018)
To get the best rate of exchange, take Sterling, USD, AUD or THB notes to a reputable foreign exchange agency; there are lots in Ubud. We will offer advice on the most competitive and reliable. Alternatively you may use one of the many ATM machines.
Cost of basics - in £ Sterling, USD, AUD and THB rounded (prices correct at August 2018)
- loaf of bread, 50p, 0.65USD, 0.,86 AUD, 23THB
- milk, £1.50 per litre, 1.95USD, 2.60AUD, 68THB
- mature cheddar cheese, £3.00 for 250g , 3.90USD, 5.20AUD, 136THB
- butter, £3.00 for 250g, 3.90USD, 5.30AUD, 136THB
- yoghurt, 50p per individual tub, 0.65USD, 0.86AUD, 23THB
- fruit and veg - market prices
- 'Bintang' beer, £1.60 per 660ml bottle, 2.08USD, 2.77AUD, 72THB
- 'Schweppes' tonic water/soft drinks, 35p per can, 0.45USD, 0.60AUD, 16THB
- bottle of wine (imported), from £7, 9.10USD, 12.15AUD, 317THB
- 70cl of spirits (imported), from £10, 13USD, 17.35AUD, 454THB
- meal out (not including drinks), from £3 upwards, 3.90USD, 5.20AUD, 136THB
Many Balinese people speak excellent English. However, to use a few basic words will help and earn you many 'brownie points'. Google Translate (Indonesian) is very helpful if you are stuck!
At Serenity Ubud Villas, English is widely spoken, plus a little Thai and French. These basic everyday words may help you in town or when you are out and about:-
At Serenity Ubud Villas, English is widely spoken, plus a little Thai and French. These basic everyday words may help you in town or when you are out and about:-
- Good morning = Selamat Bagi
- Good afternoon = Selamat Siang
- Good evening = Selamat Sorry
- Good night = Selamat Malam
- Goodbye = Selamat Tinggal
- Yes = Ya
- No = Tidak
- Thank you = Terima kasih
- I do not understand = Saya tidak mengerti
- Sorry = Maaf
- Only looking = Lihat saja
- I want to buy this = Saya mau beli
- How much? = Berapa?
- How much is it? = Berapa Harganya?
- Expensive = Mahal
- It's too expensive = Harganya terlalu mahal
- Can you make it cheaper? = Boleh kurang harganya?
- I want the menu please = Saya mau daftar makanan minta
- The bill please = Tolong bonnya
In Ubud there are a number of clinics providing basic services for tourists. Larger international hospitals are in Denpasar, the capital, or Kuta, both about 90 minutes away. Likewise dentists. Mr Dewa, the Manager, will advise and make appointments if necessary.
Visitors are advised to consult current health advisories (from the FCO in the UK for example) to determine which inoculations are recommended. It is widely accepted that anti-malaria treatments are not usually recommended as Ubud is a low risk area.
Guests are advised to read the 'Health and Safety' notes in the Guests' Guide (in each villa or downloadable from the link on this page).
We strongly advise having travel insurance in place.
Visitors are advised to consult current health advisories (from the FCO in the UK for example) to determine which inoculations are recommended. It is widely accepted that anti-malaria treatments are not usually recommended as Ubud is a low risk area.
Guests are advised to read the 'Health and Safety' notes in the Guests' Guide (in each villa or downloadable from the link on this page).
We strongly advise having travel insurance in place.
Bali has direct flights from most major international airports in Asia , Australia and the Middle East. From Europe there are no direct flights and journeys will involve a change of aircraft in Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Many holiday-makers will include a city break in their chosen stopover.
Air Asia (www.airasia.com) provides high quality budget airline services. Lion Air and Malindo are other local budget carriers.
Prices of flights vary depending on dates and the price of oil. It is well worth shopping around and, if possible, to be flexible with your dates. Reliable on-line agencies will provide the best price for your travel dates. Search 'flights to Bali'. In 2017 the airport closed for 3 days due to volcanic ash from the active Mt Agung. If in doubt, please check with your airline.
The only airport on Bali is Denpasar International Airport (DPS). We provide complimentary airport transfers for guests staying 3 or more nights. Depending on traffic, the journey from the airport to Serenity Ubud Villas takes around 90 minutes.
Air Asia (www.airasia.com) provides high quality budget airline services. Lion Air and Malindo are other local budget carriers.
Prices of flights vary depending on dates and the price of oil. It is well worth shopping around and, if possible, to be flexible with your dates. Reliable on-line agencies will provide the best price for your travel dates. Search 'flights to Bali'. In 2017 the airport closed for 3 days due to volcanic ash from the active Mt Agung. If in doubt, please check with your airline.
The only airport on Bali is Denpasar International Airport (DPS). We provide complimentary airport transfers for guests staying 3 or more nights. Depending on traffic, the journey from the airport to Serenity Ubud Villas takes around 90 minutes.
A complimentary airport service is provided for all guests staying for three nights or more. Our staff will provide other transport as required at very competitive rates, subject to availability..
Mr Dewa, our Manager, is able to drive for you, commitments permitting. His rates are very reasonable. In addition, many freelance driver/guides offer their services in Ubud. For the adventurous self-drive rental is available, but be sure to get a sat-nav (usually available from the rental company), or use Google Maps, as navigation is a challenge!
Small 100 or 125cc motorcycles are readily available for rent (from around 3.50GBP per day). Be careful though if you are inexperienced. Many tourists have accidents due to their lack of experience and the challenging driving conditions (narrow roads, unpredictable other road users). No insurance is offered on motorcycle rentals, so extreme care is needed. Many riders however, find a motorbike empowering and the best way to explore.
If you intend to drive you will need a current 'International Driving Permit', available in your home country.
Mr Dewa, our Manager, is able to drive for you, commitments permitting. His rates are very reasonable. In addition, many freelance driver/guides offer their services in Ubud. For the adventurous self-drive rental is available, but be sure to get a sat-nav (usually available from the rental company), or use Google Maps, as navigation is a challenge!
Small 100 or 125cc motorcycles are readily available for rent (from around 3.50GBP per day). Be careful though if you are inexperienced. Many tourists have accidents due to their lack of experience and the challenging driving conditions (narrow roads, unpredictable other road users). No insurance is offered on motorcycle rentals, so extreme care is needed. Many riders however, find a motorbike empowering and the best way to explore.
If you intend to drive you will need a current 'International Driving Permit', available in your home country.
In Ubud there are three large supermarkets as well as many convenience stores, family-run ‘warungs’ and the fresh markets. The cost of locally sourced food is approximately 50% of UK prices. Imported items are more expensive. Beer is cheap, but imported wines and spirits are quite heavily taxed and therefore generally more expensive than in the west.
That said, eating out is relatively cheap, most visitors dine out in Ubud every day. Many guests opt to visit a local restaurant, order a delivered take-away or have a meal cooked in the villa rather than cooking for themselves!
That said, eating out is relatively cheap, most visitors dine out in Ubud every day. Many guests opt to visit a local restaurant, order a delivered take-away or have a meal cooked in the villa rather than cooking for themselves!
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Ubud has hundreds of cafes and restaurants, many featuring live music. In the villages there are few western restaurants. There are though, many local "Warungs" providing basic dishes for local people at very reasonable prices. A very good restaurant, "Eco", caters for tourists and is a 15/20 minute walk away. Give them a try! Please ask and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
A list of restaurants, together with reviews may be found on tripadvisor.com. We will also happily give recommendations. Some recommendations are given in the information provided in each villa. Tipping: Most venues include service in the bill. Tipping is not expected. However to show appreciation of excellent service, 10% is quite sufficient – or round the bill up to the nearest 10,000 IDR. You will find that different restaurants add different rates of tax - this is dependent on their tax registration status. |
Temperatures are pretty much constant throughout the year, with daily averages around the 28 - 30C mark. So, light loose fitting clothing is recommended. At night the temperatures sometimes drop, so perhaps a light sweater would be useful if you really do feel the cold. Formal attire is really not necessary. Even the most up-market restaurants do not require jackets and ties.
For temple visits, shorts are not appropriate and men and women should cover their knees – most temples will provide sarongs to wear. Shoulders should also be covered.
It does rain (mostly between November and April), but it is warm rain and often during the night; and it’s really quite refreshing! The villas have umbrellas for guests' use, but you may find it helpful to pack a folding brolly for excursions.
Pool towels are provided.
There are many pharmacies in Ubud stocking a range of international toiletries and requisites. Most have qualified pharmacists who are able to dispense most medications without the need for a prescription. It is a good idea to bring a note from your surgery if you are bringing prescription drugs in with you. Sometimes customs will ask for proof that drugs are legitimate!
For temple visits, shorts are not appropriate and men and women should cover their knees – most temples will provide sarongs to wear. Shoulders should also be covered.
It does rain (mostly between November and April), but it is warm rain and often during the night; and it’s really quite refreshing! The villas have umbrellas for guests' use, but you may find it helpful to pack a folding brolly for excursions.
Pool towels are provided.
There are many pharmacies in Ubud stocking a range of international toiletries and requisites. Most have qualified pharmacists who are able to dispense most medications without the need for a prescription. It is a good idea to bring a note from your surgery if you are bringing prescription drugs in with you. Sometimes customs will ask for proof that drugs are legitimate!
