FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport is listed as “Denpasar” (DPS), which is the name of the Island capital. Distance to Kharista Villas & Retreat : 20 km
Journey time: 58 minutes (**in normal traffic)
People and Religion
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots. The main religion is “Agama Hindu Dharma”, also known as Agama Tirtha, which means the faith in holy water.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia (the national language of Indonesia) and Bahasa Bali (the local language) are Bali’s most widely spoken languages. However, English is extensively used all over the island.
Dress Code
Please wear a sarong and sash when visiting temples or attending ceremonies. Bali is a tropical Island, and cotton or lightweight clothing is the most comfortable.
Time Zone
UTC+8
Weather
Bali is a tropical Island and has two different seasons. Rainy (wet seasons) generally occur around November through April (mainly late in the afternoon and early in the evening). The dry season commonly occurs around May through October. The average temperature is 24 – 30 degrees Celsius (75 – 89 degrees Fahrenheit)
Passport & VISA
The passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival. The Indonesian Government grants VOA (visa on arrival) for 78 countries and Free Visas for 9 ASEAN Countries.
You can purchase your VOA at the airport, and it costs IDR.500,000 per person, valid for 30 days. Visitors from certain countries require a tourist visa in advance and must apply for a permit before arriving in Indonesia. Please get in touch with the Indonesian embassy or consulate for further details.
Custom
Narcotics are strictly prohibited. You may only bring two liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars to Indonesia.
Currency
The local currency is Rp (Indonesian Rupiah). We recommend you check the exchange rate before departure to Bali, as the currency often fluctuates. You could change your money at the local money changer or bank. ATMs are available in major tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and other venues accept credit cards. Please also be advised some tourist venues only accept cash.
Typical Business Hours
Banks: Most banks operate from 9 am to 3 pm Offices: 9 am to 5 pm Supermarkets/shopping areas: 10 am to 10 pm
Tipping/Gratuity
Most restaurants and hotels include a service charge on the bill. Therefore, tipping is not expected but welcomed.
Mosquitoes
Bali is a tropical Island. Therefore, most hotels in Bali, including Kharista Villas & Retreat, use various methods to prevent guests’ discomfort with mosquitoes. This prevention includes bi-weekly fogging of the garden area and insect coils used in the dining area, bathroom, and terrace. Also, electric mosquito repellant and aerosol repellants are available in rooms. Our methods generally keep mosquito presence at an acceptable level.
Ngurah Rai International Airport is listed as “Denpasar” (DPS), which is the name of the Island capital. Distance to Kharista Villas & Retreat : 20 km
Journey time: 58 minutes (**in normal traffic)
People and Religion
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots. The main religion is “Agama Hindu Dharma”, also known as Agama Tirtha, which means the faith in holy water.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia (the national language of Indonesia) and Bahasa Bali (the local language) are Bali’s most widely spoken languages. However, English is extensively used all over the island.
Dress Code
Please wear a sarong and sash when visiting temples or attending ceremonies. Bali is a tropical Island, and cotton or lightweight clothing is the most comfortable.
Time Zone
UTC+8
Weather
Bali is a tropical Island and has two different seasons. Rainy (wet seasons) generally occur around November through April (mainly late in the afternoon and early in the evening). The dry season commonly occurs around May through October. The average temperature is 24 – 30 degrees Celsius (75 – 89 degrees Fahrenheit)
Passport & VISA
The passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival. The Indonesian Government grants VOA (visa on arrival) for 78 countries and Free Visas for 9 ASEAN Countries.
You can purchase your VOA at the airport, and it costs IDR.500,000 per person, valid for 30 days. Visitors from certain countries require a tourist visa in advance and must apply for a permit before arriving in Indonesia. Please get in touch with the Indonesian embassy or consulate for further details.
Custom
Narcotics are strictly prohibited. You may only bring two liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars to Indonesia.
Currency
The local currency is Rp (Indonesian Rupiah). We recommend you check the exchange rate before departure to Bali, as the currency often fluctuates. You could change your money at the local money changer or bank. ATMs are available in major tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and other venues accept credit cards. Please also be advised some tourist venues only accept cash.
Typical Business Hours
Banks: Most banks operate from 9 am to 3 pm Offices: 9 am to 5 pm Supermarkets/shopping areas: 10 am to 10 pm
Tipping/Gratuity
Most restaurants and hotels include a service charge on the bill. Therefore, tipping is not expected but welcomed.
Mosquitoes
Bali is a tropical Island. Therefore, most hotels in Bali, including Kharista Villas & Retreat, use various methods to prevent guests’ discomfort with mosquitoes. This prevention includes bi-weekly fogging of the garden area and insect coils used in the dining area, bathroom, and terrace. Also, electric mosquito repellant and aerosol repellants are available in rooms. Our methods generally keep mosquito presence at an acceptable level.
THE SWIMMING POOL
Our One-Bedroom Villas and Two-Bedroom Villas come with their private pool. The swimming pool at The Retreat is communal, for you to relax and only for guests in The Retreat compound.
For your convenience and safety, here is some essential information and the in-house regulations you need to know:
For your convenience and safety, here is some essential information and the in-house regulations you need to know:
- There is no lifeguard on duty during your stay here, and all guests should note that using the swimming pool is at your own risk. The management cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injuries.
- Please note that the deep end of your pool is 150 cm (1.50 m)
- Children under 12 years of age or unable to swim should not use the pool without adult supervision.
- Do not run around the pool. Also, please be advised that floors can be very slippery when wet.
- Guests should refrain from consuming food and drinks while in the pool.
- Please try to keep noise levels to a minimum as a consideration for other guests.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
We sincerely desire to make your visit with us perfect, allowing you to relax and make the most of this magical island has to offer. To provide a safe, secure and memorable vacation, we offer some advice for your convenience:
Important
Important
- Lock up your valuables, passport, cash, and airline ticket in your safe deposit box.
- Remember to take a photocopy of your ID with you at all times.
- Change your money at a reputable location, and always check your change at the money changer. Use your calculator and always be the last to count your money.
- Prices at supermarkets and department stores are fixed. Most shops are open from 9 am to 9 pm every day. At small stalls and the markets, it is customary to bargain, starting at half of the asking price and gradually increasing up to the price you are willing to pay.
- Remember to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, but motorbikes may not!
- As a courtesy, please avoid stepping on Balinese offerings found on pavements or streets (walk around them)
- Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, and currents can be powerful. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Make sure to not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
- Bali is a tropical island, so protect yourself from the intensity of the tropical sun. We highly recommend the use of sunblock or skin protection cream.
- When renting a car in Bali, it is best to obtain insurance. Alternatively, local taxis are reasonably priced and readily available. Ride hailing (Grab or Gojek) can also be booked via the app.
- Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one.
- Do not forget to re-confirm your flight at reception at least 24 hours before your intended flight.
- The international airport departure tax is Rp.240,000 per person, and the domestic departure tax is Rp.120,000 per person. The airport tax may have already included in your air ticket, however some airline may not.
- Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation
- Always abide by the temple rules when attending a ceremony.
- Always wear a sarong and sash.
- Do not walk in front of people praying, and do not sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
- Do not use the flash camera or point out your camera into the priest’s face.