Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan to the southeast.Â
All reservations are made at: lightlyeverafter.com
You must register through our platform to receive trip updates, payment reminders, and travel preparation materials.
Trip Price:
$1,700 per adult (first 4 travelers)
$1,800 per adult (traveler #5 and after)
Double occupancy required; single rooms are limited and cost an additional $150.
Pay in Full â $1,800
Confirms your space and all available perks
Due at the time of registration
Deposit Option â $200
Secures your spot and access to all trip perks
Remaining balance of $1,600 due by January 11, 2026
Deposits are fully refundable within 60 days of booking
After 60 days, deposits become non-refundable and non-transferable
The deposit applies toward your total balance
Cancellations must be submitted in writing
Any eligible refunds will be processed within 10 business days
Add-ons (e.g., excursions, spa packages) are refundable up to the final payment date
After the final payment date, add-on cancellations are not eligible for a refund
| Timing | $200 Deposit | Additional Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Within 60 days of booking | Refundable | Refundable |
| 90 days or less before trip | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
No refunds will be granted for cancellations made within 90 days of the trip departure.
If the organizer cancels the trip, all payments will be refunded in full.
Single accommodations: Additional $150 due at time of booking (subject to availability)
Do not book pre-night staysâthis will be coordinated directly with you
This experience is designed for adults only; due to the nature of activities and travel, we kindly request no children on this trip
Because of the heat, humidity, and physical nature of some excursions, this trip is best suited for individuals in good physical condition and overall optimal health
10 nights | March 27-April 5
Weâll explore iconic and scenic locations like: Sanur, Ubud, Tanah Lot, Sidemen, and Munduk among others.
Limited to 16 travelers to ensure a personal and immersive experience.
Enjoy over 12 curated group activities throughout the trip, with built-in time to rest and recharge.
All activities are planned by local experts and designed for cultural connection and personal enjoyment
9 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
Youâll be guided by local professionals and accompanied by your dedicated trip host (me!) throughout the experience.
Flights & Airfare (Guidance provided upon request)
Single Accommodations (Available in limited quantities for an additional fee per person)
Meals & Alcohol beyond those listed
Visas and Travel Insurance
Airport Transfers (Assistance available if needed)
Tips and Gratuities
Personal Shopping or additional purchases
We strongly recommend that you depart the U.S. at least two days before April 11, allowing ample time to arrive and adjust before the trip officially begins.
Bali is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time (U.S.), and jet lag can hit hardâplan to rest before our first day of activities.
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Qatar Airways
Cathay Pacific
Arrival Airport:
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) â commonly referred to as Denpasar Airport
Depending on your departure location and connections, total travel time may range from 23 to 54 hours, including layovers.
Just like arrival, give yourself at least two days to travel home and recover from the return journey.
Plan to arrive at DPS Airport no less than 3 hours before your flightâlines are often long, and check-in can be slow.
Pro Tip:
You can hire a luggage valet at the airport (usually under $10 USD) who will help you bypass long lines and escort you closer to your gate.
Be sure to have local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) available for this service.
GoJek (Indonesiaâs version of Uber) operates as early as 4:00 AM
For early departures or peace of mind, we recommend arranging a trusted local driver
Iâll assist you with coordinationâthereâs no extra cost for this support, you simply pay your driver directly at the airport
April in Bali is hot and humid, especially in places like Ubud. You wonât need much, and less really is more. Iâll be sharing a full packing list soon, but hereâs what you should know for now:
Aim to pack enough for one week in a carry-on or medium-sized suitcase
No access to washer/dryer during the trip, so pack accordingly
Bali is a great place to shop for lightweight clothingâmany pieces range from $5â$10, and itâs a fun way to support local vendors
Skip the hair dryer, flat iron, and heavy makeup
Instead, bring:
Hair gel or your go-to product to manage humidity
Hair ties, comb, or brush
Embrace the heat-friendly, no-fuss lookâyour skin and hair will thank you
Keep these items with you at all times for long flights and layovers:
One change of clothes + underwear
Toiletries: Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, liquid soap, washcloth
Medications
Optional: face wipes, lip balm, mini sunscreen
đ Freshen up in an airport restroom during a layoverâyouâll feel human again after 20+ hours of travel. Trust me on this one.
Listen carefully to the flight attendant’s announcement for your luggage carousel number
Double-check your seat and storage areasâdo not leave anything behind
Lost items are very difficult to recover in Bali
The Lost and Found process takes 24+ hours, and by then:
We may already be on excursions
Ubud is about 1.5 hours away from the airport
Signage is in both Indonesian and English, but it can be confusing if it’s your first time
Keep the following ready as you proceed through immigration:
Passport
Cash or credit card
Your return flight information
At immigration:
Youâll have your passport stamped
You may need to pay your Visa on Arrival and the Tourist Tax
Officers may or may not ask for proof of return flightâit depends on the flow of the line
Be patientâthis process can be slow
Follow the signs for âBaggasiâ to reach baggage claim
Be alert and mindful of your bagsâluggage carousels can be crowded
Youâll likely encounter travelers from all over the worldâespecially:
Australians, Germans, Canadians, Indians, Japanese, Koreans
Many of them travel to Bali more frequently than Americans or Latinos
You may get a few curious stares depending on your appearanceâitâs cultural, not personal
After you clear immigration, collect your luggage, and pass through customs, you’ll be guided through a series of hallways
These are crowded with locals selling SIM cards and taxi rides
Do not stop, except to buy bottled water if needed
Your driver will likely have water for you, but extra is always good in the Bali heat
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
If your passport expires before October 7, 2025, you must renew it before April
The passport must be in pristine condition:
No water damage, torn pages, doodles, or bite marks (yes, they check!)
Even minor damage can result in denied entry
Make sure you have at least two blank pages available
Need to renew or apply for a new passport? Do it ASAPâprocessing takes 5â8 weeks
Available at the airport for most travelers
Requirements:
Passport with at least 6 months of validity (entry and exit dates)
Return flight confirmation
Fee: 500,000 IDR (approx. $35 USD) + Tourism Tax (approx. $15 USD)
Valid for 30 days
Apply online before your trip for convenience
Check full requirements and submit your application here:
https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/
All tourists entering Bali must pay a 150,000 IDR levy (approx. $10 USD)
Supports local efforts in sustainable tourism
Pay in advance via the Love Bali website or app
You’ll receive a QR code as proof of payment
More info: https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ (if available at time of publishing)
A direct link and instructions for customs declaration will be shared with travelers as soon as it’s available
Link and instructions for any required health forms or digital declarations will be provided prior to departure
Think of GoJek as Baliâs version of Uber and UberEats
Use it to:
Order meals straight to the villa
Book rides to and from our accommodations or activities
Itâs easy to set up your debit/credit card and language preferences in the app settings
Once downloaded, Google Translate helps with:
Translating key words, phrases, or even conversations
While many Balinese speak English, it goes a long way to make an effort
Pronunciation tip: Speaking Balinese is similar to Spanishâroll your râs and have fun with it!
Available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store
Indonesia uses the metric system and sometimes the 24-hour clock, so this app comes in handy:
Centimeters vs. inches
Celsius vs. Fahrenheit
Milliliters vs. ounces
13:00 = 1:00 PM, and so on
WhatsApp is the primary way everyone in Bali communicates, including drivers, guides, and your host (me!)
Download it for free via:
Make sure itâs set up before you leave so we can stay connected throughout the trip!
You may see things in Bali that are unfamiliar or even surprising. Itâs important to remember:
No country or system is perfect
Everyone deserves respect, regardless of lifestyle or circumstance
If something feels uncomfortable or confusing, ask meâIâll gladly explain
Always ask permission before taking someoneâs photo
Most Balinese people love photos and will often offer to take one for youâtheyâre creative and friendly!
You donât need to speak Balinese, but a few simple phrases go a long way
Iâll share a few basics to help you connect while you’re there
In areas like Ubud or Canggu, drivers rarely stop for pedestrians
Look both waysâthen look againâbefore crossing any road
Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth
Pro tip:
Keep a refillable bottle in the bathroom for brushing teeth and washing your face
Carry a water bottle with you throughout the dayâitâs easy to refill and essential in the heat
Dogs are spiritually significant in Bali, often believed to be protectors of the home
That said, many dogs (and cats) are stray and unvaccinated
Please do not feed, touch, or approach them
As tempting as it may be, it’s for your safety and theirs
Bali has solid mobile coverage in most areas, and WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. That said, itâs a good idea to plan ahead so youâre not hit with roaming fees or spotty access.
Contact your cell phone provider at least a week before your trip
Ask about:
International roaming plans
Daily or flat-rate packages for calls, texts, and data abroad
Whether your phone is unlocked for international SIM cards
Why this matters: If your phone is locked to your provider, you wonât be able to use a local or digital SIM card without paying your carrierâs international fees.
Local SIM cards are widely available at the airport and in convenience stores
They typically include data, local calls, and sometimes international texts
To buy one, youâll need:
An unlocked phone
Your passport
Around $10â$15 USD for 15â20 GB of data (plenty for the trip)
Popular providers include Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and IM3
Many newer phones support eSIMâa digital SIM you can install without swapping a physical card
You can buy an eSIM before you leave through providers like Airalo or Holafly
eSIMs are ideal if:
You want to keep your U.S. number active (calls/texts)
You donât want to deal with setting up a physical SIM on arrival
Most hotels and villas provide free WiFi
Many cafes and coworking spaces also offer reliable internet
Still, expect slower speeds than you may be used toâespecially in rural areas or during peak hours
Download offline maps, important documents, and translations before you fly.
Turn off background data and auto-updates to save on your data plan
While many places accept debit and credit cards, they often add a 3% fee manually at checkout
On top of that, youâll pay whatever the dayâs currency conversion rate is, which can add up quickly
Visit your local bank at least 3 weeks before departure to exchange your home currency for Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Some banks require you to leave your cash and pick up the Rupiah later
Request smaller bills (50,000 and 100,000 IDR denominations)
Avoid carrying large bills when arriving in Baliâtheyâre harder to break
Youâre welcome to bring small denomination cash (USD, EUR, DOP, etc.)
We can help you exchange it in Bali, but please let us know in advance so we can assist
Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destination(s)
This helps avoid getting your cards flagged or frozen due to suspicious activity
True story: I once couldnât buy a coffee in Qatar because my bank blocked the transaction!
If youâll be stopping in another country during your journey:
Consider exchanging $20â$50 into that countryâs currency before you travel
Useful for small purchases at airportsâsnacks, coffee, neck pillows, etc.
Avoid extra conversion fees for small, last-minute expenses
Jet lag is realâespecially with a 12â15 hour time difference depending on where you’re coming from. Hereâs how to make the transition smoother:
Shift your schedule a few days in advanceâgo to bed and wake up 1â2 hours earlier each day
Stay hydrated during your flight (skip alcohol and caffeine, if possible)
Set your watch or phone to Bali time as soon as you board
Get sunlight as soon as possibleâit helps reset your body clock
Try to stay awake until local bedtime, even if itâs hard
Take a short nap (under 45 minutes) if youâre crashing, but avoid long daytime sleep
Eat something light, take a warm shower, and go for a short walkâit works wonders
Coming back is often harder than goingâespecially if youâre returning to work, family, or your usual routine.
Give yourself 1â2 buffer days if possibleâdonât jump back into full schedules right away
Use the same techniques: adjust your sleep in small increments, get sunlight, stay active, and stay hydrated
Melatonin (if approved by your doctor) can help reset your sleep-wake cycle
Avoid long naps and caffeine late in the day
Keep your meals aligned with the new time zoneâeven if youâre not hungry
Wear blue light-blocking glasses at night to help your body wind down
Use an eye mask or earplugs to get deep rest in unfamiliar environments
As we wrap up this beautiful journey, a few reminders will help you leave Bali smoothly and stress-free:
If youâve bought souvenirs, art, clothing, or handmade goods, your bag may suddenly be⌠not so light anymore
Check your airlineâs baggage allowance before heading to the airport:
Some airlines allow 1 free checked bag, others do not
Overweight baggage fees can be steepâavoid surprises at check-in
Buy a second suitcase or duffel bag (affordable options available in local shops or supermarkets)
Consider shipping larger items homeâespecially if youâve purchased art, decor, or breakables
Wear your heaviest items on the plane (sneakers, jackets) to free up room in your luggage
Be mindful of what youâre bringing back:
Natural items (seeds, shells, wood) may not be allowed in your home country
High-value goods may need to be declaredâkeep receipts handy, just in case
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early
Confirm your driver pickup the night before
Have your passport, return flight info, and Visa documents ready and easily accessible
Pack your reusable water bottle empty to refill after security
Keep a light sweater or travel blanket in your carry-onâit can get cold on long flights
Donât forget your charging cables, snacks, meds, and travel documents in your personal item
Leaving is bittersweet, but weâll make sure your journey home is just as smooth as your arrival.
While travel insurance isnât required to enter Indonesia, itâs strongly recommendedâespecially for a trip this far and long. It offers peace of mind in case of:
Flight cancellations or delays
Lost or delayed luggage
Medical emergencies or accidents
Unexpected trip interruptions
Things donât often go wrongâbut if they do, insurance can make a huge difference.
Purchase travel insurance before you leave your home country
Coverage should ideally begin on the day you depart and end once you’re back home
Be sure to review your policy details so you know whatâs included (and whatâs not)
Your regular health insurance may not cover international emergencies
Travel insurance with international medical coverage ensures you can access care if neededâwhether itâs for a stomach bug, an injury, or a hospital visit
Print a copy of your policy or download it to your phone
Keep your policy number and insurance provider contact info easily accessible in case of emergency
Shop around for a plan that meets your needs, especially if youâre bringing valuable items, have pre-existing conditions, or want to cover trip cancellation
Look for options that allow add-ons, like coverage for extreme sports or higher-value electronics, if needed
Always keep your essential medications with you, not in checked luggage
If your bags are delayed or lost, youâll still have what you need
Indonesia has strict drug lawsâsome medications that are common elsewhere may be restricted or even illegal
To avoid issues at customs:
Bring a copy of your prescription
Keep medications in their original labeled containers
Bring a doctorâs note if you’re traveling with anything considered strong or controlled (e.g., sleep aids, ADHD meds, anxiety meds, pain relievers)
The following types of medications may raise questions at customs:
Sleeping pills (e.g., Ambien)
ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)
Strong painkillers or narcotics
Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)
If you use any of these, check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Pack a small travel kit with:
Motion sickness remedies
Allergy medicine (antihistamines)
Pain relievers (Tylenol or ibuprofen)
Electrolyte packets
Rehydration salts or anti-diarrheal medication (just in case)
Humidity, heat, and a long flight can take a toll on your systemâhaving your personal meds and some basic travel health tools will help you stay energized and comfortable throughout the trip.