As of last Monday, 14 March, fully-vaccinated Aussies became able to enter Bali without having to quarantine upon arrival.
So to find out more, we spoke to Skyscanner expert, Laura Lindsay, to get her best travel hacks, flight deals, accommodation and tips for navigating Bali post-pandemic.
What will post–lockdown travel look like in Bali?
“Bali has always been a top overseas holiday destination for Australians and has been out of reach during the pandemic – until now. We’d already begun to see Australians wanderlust increasing, looking forward to getting back to their favourite places in 2022 and searching for Bali again – in fact, flight searches from Australia to Bali recently soared by +185% on Skyscanner in the week the announcement that self-isolation on arrival would be removed for international travellers.*
“It’s undeniable Australians are getting ready to return to one of the most idyllic, picture-perfect islands this year and with most bookings on Skyscanner currently for travel in April, it’s clear Australians can’t wait to get back! Our latest travel trends survey also revealed 68%of Aussies have their hearts set on returning to a specific destination in 2022.”**
What tips do you have for navigating Bali post-pandemic?
“While the travel checklist for getting away might look different to pre-Covid times, with words and phrases that simply weren’t in our lexicon pre-pandemic like PCR tests and digital health passes, our travellers have shown they are willing to adapt to changing requirements in order to be able get away safely, with thousands of people successfully enjoying those all-important breaks away again within the rules.
“Known for its surfing, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali was the top booked overseas destination on Skyscanner for Aussies pre-pandemic*** – and we expect this demand toreturn this year. But whilst Bali is certainly a bucket-list beach destination for many, others will be returning to their favourite places there, more to the island paradise than sea, surf and sand and the trodden path. From lush rice terraces to chocolate-making tours, there are lots of different things to discover off the tourist trail. To help travellers dusting off their passports and planning their next adventures, Skyscanner’s covid travel hacks hub is a great place to get the latest travel tips and guidance.”
Where should travellers go and why? How do experiences differ depending on where you go?
Ubud
“Bali really has something to offer every type of traveller. Ubud is the place to visit if you’re searching for rejuvenation or wellness – you can immerse yourself in the rice terraces or Balinese temples and there’s plenty of yoga retreats or meditation courses on offer. If you really want to disconnect from reality, Canggu has tranquil rice paddies, spacious beaches and paint splashed buildings. It has all the charm, without the crowds. As we’ve seen during the pandemic the remote working trend has really taken off and Ubud also has co-working spaces for digital nomads able to make the most of it!”
Seminyak
“A favourite among Aussie families, Seminyak is renowned for some of the island’s best boutique resorts, restaurants and shops. This place is truly for everyone whether you’re chasing the waves, enjoying some downtime by the beach or browsing the local artisanal shops.”
Uluwatu
“For a surfer’s paradise, Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s best beaches and great accommodation options. Set against a backdrop of cultural sites, incredible waves and natural beauty, Uluwatu is truly unique.”
Canggu
“If you really want to disconnect from reality, Canggu has tranquil rice paddies, spacious beaches and paint splashed buildings – it has all the charm, without the crowds.”
Amed
“Heading off the beaten track, for any travellers looking for outdoorsy adventure, Amed is a world of volcanic black sand beaches and diving sites – you can snorkel through shipwrecks, reefs and explore trails that take you through lush forests.”
What are the vaccination/entry/quarantine requirements?
“Fully vaccinated Australians can now travel to Bali restriction free. Like other countries, you will need a negative PCR test to show when you arrive. Travellers also need to show proof of medical insurance for entering Indonesia. Skyscanner’s interactive travel map uses straightforward visuals to show the current travel guidance at home and abroad, with different views depending on traveller vaccination status. With travel rules still in flux, it’s a good idea to keep up to date with both pre departure and arrival requirements.”
What flight hacks do you have when booking travel to Bali?
“With Bali right at our doorstep, there are direct flights available depending on your departure city. To enjoy Bali’s tropical and warm climate, the best time to visit Bali is during their dry season, between April and October.
“Flights to Bali on Skyscanner are starting from $149 pp return. Skyscanner’s Cheapest Month Tool is a great way to find the best deals at a glance. Consider traveling a day before or a day after your original departure dates if possible, flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper.
“As more airlines announce they are restarting international flight schedules to Bali, varying the airlines you choose to fly with can seriously cut costs. Fares don’t have to be booked as returns, look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money.
“Setting up price alerts will ensure you’re the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you’re interested in and Skyscanner will email you whenever the price goes up or down.”
What accommodation and booking tips do you have?
“Whatever your budget, Bali has something for every type of traveller whether that’s luxury hotel suites on the beach, eco-lodges, bungalows in the jungle, or relaxed surfer hostels in the towns. As travel reopens and tourists start to return to Bali in earnest, we would recommend trying to plan and book ahead to avoid missing out on a place you have your eye on.”
Is it easy to cancel/ what are your recommendations for this when it comes toflights and accommodation?
“For any travellers looking to book future travel, we always recommend selecting a flexible ticket where possible to give you extra peace of mind, in case of any changes. It’s also a good idea to buy a travel insurance policy that suits your needs; there are policies which have been designed for post-coronavirus travel and can cater for last-minute changes – but it’s really important to read the small print in advance. Skyscanner has put together a glossaryto cover all travel insurance related questions as well as 6 easy travel insurance hacks to look out for when booking your next trip.”