YOUR ISLAND CHEAT SHEET

A little local
know-how.

From landing to laundry, the useful answers that make a stay feel easier.

Before you arrive

Arriving in Bali

Keep your accommodation address and host contact easy to find. Check the official arrival declaration and visa portals before travelling.

Official arrival portal
Before you arrive

Your visa questions

Requirements depend on nationality and trip length. Use Indonesian Immigration's official website for the current rules rather than an old travel post.

Official visa portal
Getting around

Book your airport pickup

Send your flight number, landing time, guest count and luggage details. Agree on the meeting point, final price and waiting policy before pickup.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Getting around

Driver or scooter?

A private driver is a simple option for groups and island day trips. If considering a scooter, check licensing, insurance and your experience before renting.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Getting around

Give traffic some room

A short distance can still take time. Share your appointment or flight time with your driver and ask what departure time they recommend.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Getting around

A day outside Canggu

Pick a few places you really want to visit instead of packing the whole island into one day. We can help turn a wishlist into a driver enquiry.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Everyday essentials

Getting an eSIM

Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. Compare data allowance, validity, activation timing and hotspot support before buying.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Everyday essentials

Villa Wi-Fi

Ask your host for the network name and password. If you work remotely, test the connection before an important call and keep a backup data plan.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Everyday essentials

Money & small purchases

Carry some local cash for small purchases and check prices before paying. Keep your card and cash in separate places when out for the day.

Everyday essentials

Laundry at your villa

Ask your host about pickup, turnaround time and whether delicate items are accepted. Confirm if the quoted price is per kilogram or per item.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Everyday essentials

Groceries & drinking water

Ask your host what drinking water is provided and how to arrange a refill. Share a short shopping list if you'd like help stocking the villa.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Your villa

Late check-out

Message your host early with the departure time you need. Availability depends on the next arrival; ask whether luggage storage is possible too.

Your villa

Massage without leaving

Choose your treatment and duration. Include the number of guests, preferred start time and whether treatments should be at the same time.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Your villa

Dinner for your group

For a private chef enquiry, include group size, dietary needs, preferred cuisine and budget. Confirm ingredients, kitchen access and cleanup.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Your villa

A birthday worth staying in for

A cake, flowers or a dinner can make the villa feel like the occasion. Share the date, name for the cake and any delivery instructions.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Your villa

Travelling with children

Ask your host about pool access, sleeping arrangements and equipment before arrival. Include children's ages when asking about transport or activities.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Island life

Visiting a temple

Follow the temple's posted dress and access rules, and ask local staff if unsure. Remember that a working place of worship comes first.

Indonesia Travel
Island life

Give ceremonies space

Be patient around a ceremony or procession. Ask before taking close-up photos and follow guidance from your host and local staff.

Island life

Offerings on the path

Small offerings are part of daily life. Be mindful of them on pavements, at entrances and around your accommodation.

Island life

A few useful words

Terima kasih means thank you. Permisi means excuse me. A smile and a little patience go a long way.

Things to do

A rainy afternoon

Keep a flexible plan: a cooking class, in-villa massage or a slow lunch can turn a rainy afternoon into a good one.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Things to do

Planning a boat day

Confirm the departure port, check-in time, luggage allowance and cancellation policy. Conditions can change; follow your operator's instructions.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Things to do

Your first surf lesson

Tell the instructor your experience and comfort in the water. Ask what equipment is provided and where beginners will learn.

Ask Hmmbali for help
Everyday essentials

Dietary needs

Tell the chef or restaurant about allergies and dietary needs before ordering. Ask them to confirm the ingredients and preparation they can offer.

Ask Hmmbali for help