From its inherent spirituality to its rich biodiversity, dramatic volcanoes, hillside temples and unspoilt beaches, Bali has much to offer international visitors.
Prior to the pandemic, the Indonesian island had a thriving tourism economy, welcoming 6.2 million visitors in 2019. For much of 2020 and 2021, it was closed off to international visitors, with only limited numbers of domestic flights being allowed to land at its airport.
This month, the Indonesian government announced that international visitors could return to the island, and has since loosened quarantine requirements. From March 14, fully vaccinated tourists will no longer need to isolate on arrival.
The island province has reported about 587 daily cases of Covid-19 in the past week, declining by 54 per cent from a week earlier, according to data from the country's ministry of health.
With Bali’s many attractions now back on the cards, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Do I need to quarantine on arrival in Bali?
Bali reopened its borders on February 5, but currently requires international visitors to quarantine for at least five days upon arrival, at hotels certified by the ministry of tourism and creative economy.
From March 14, vaccinated visitors will no longer be required to isolate, under a new trial programme.
Passengers who are fully vaccinated will still have to take a PCR test when they arrive and stay inside their pre-booked accommodation until they receive a negative result, which is normally within 24 hours. "After being declared negative, they can be free to do any activities," said Luhut Panjaitan, Co-ordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs.
While the trial programme is slated to start on March 14, it may be brought forward if infection rates in the country improve next week, said Luhut, who is in charge of the pandemic response in Java and Bali. The goal is to lift all requirements by April, at the latest.
Foreign visitors must also undertake a PCR test on the third day at their respective hotels.
What do I need to do before flying to Bali?
The country’s free visa entry and visa on arrival initiatives have been suspended since March 2020. While it is anticipated that visa on arrival will be reintroduced soon, at present, all foreign visitors must apply for a Visit Visa, or B211A, to enter Indonesia. This must be done online, in advance of travel to the country. Visas are valid for 60 days and are priced at about $250. Visas can be extended four times, for 30 days each time.
All travellers entering Indonesia need to show a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. Tourists must also show proof of health insurance with a minimum value of $25,000, which includes Covid-19 cover. They must also show proof of a paid hotel booking for the duration of their stay.
Which airlines are flying to Bali?
While Etihad Airways and Emirates do not currently fly directly to Bali, both airlines operate flights to Jakarta. Return economy flights to the Indonesian capital in the first week of April start from Dh2,805 on Etihad and Dh2,345 on Emirates. A number of domestic airlines operate the one hour and 50-minute journey from Jakarta to Bali daily, with flights starting from Dh300 on Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air.
When’s the best time to visit Bali?
Bali has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. While temperatures are warm throughout the year, averaging between 26°C and 29°C, tropical rainfall is common between October and March. The drier months of April to September are the most popular for tourists, when the weather is warm and sunny.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20Profile
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Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US' most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was first created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out projectiles, namely ballistic missiles, as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 93 miles above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then deployed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Read more about the coronavirus
TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
Results
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3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Al Ajayib, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel
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UAE-based players
Goodlands Riders: Jamshaid Butt, Ali Abid, JD Mahesh, Vibhor Shahi, Faizan Asif, Nadeem Rahim
Rose Hill Warriors: Faraz Sheikh, Ashok Kumar, Thabreez Ali, Janaka Chathuranga, Muzammil Afridi, Ameer Hamza
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 720hp
Torque: 770Nm
Price: Dh1,100,000
On sale: now
