In the last few weeks I have been busy working and preparing for my IELTS test, so our holiday preparation was a little bit neglected. However, I have managed to do a few things this week.
Please check out my previous post about our holiday plan to Indonesia.
Starting from the most important task: David's passport, it finally arrived by courier last week. We applied through passport renewal online services. The first close-up photograph that I attached as David's passport photo, was rejected, so I had to take another photo that met the requirements: shadow free, with a white clear background. We finally did it, taking advantage of sunlight that only lasted 15 minutes before a storm hit Auckland a couple of weeks ago. We managed to get good natural light, so I was able to take the photo as required.
New Zealand passport holders are now eligible for free visas on arrival to Indonesia, which is great news. Please check for the formal announcement attached below this post.
Next, all hotels are booked and confirmed. I was a little bit disappointed because the hotel we originally wanted to stay in Ubud is fully booked. As I do not have any experience staying in any hotels in Ubud, my only references are written reviews on the internet. Luckily my dear friend Ratih agreed to drive from Kuta to Ubud last weekend to check out four hotels that were in my short list. After visiting all those hotels she crossed out two from my list. After considering all the pros and cons of both hotels I made the final decision to stay in Tunjung Mas Bungalow.
All flights are confirmed. I had to change our flight schedule from Jakarta to Bali. Once again Ratih helped me sort it out, yeay. I was really satisfied with the service from Garuda Indonesia Airlines who changed the flight, free of charge.
Another change to our original plan is that we decided not to climb Mt. Batur to see the sunrise, since we might experience jet-lag during our first few days in Bali. So I am organising other activities that we can do in Ubud. I might rent a car and driver to take us around Bali for half a day. There are a few places that will be interesting to visit, such as Tirta Empu Temple, for example. Any other suggestions anyone?
One week to go, and I am so excited. Feel free to comment, make suggestions or ask questions.
Please check out my previous post about our holiday plan to Indonesia.
Starting from the most important task: David's passport, it finally arrived by courier last week. We applied through passport renewal online services. The first close-up photograph that I attached as David's passport photo, was rejected, so I had to take another photo that met the requirements: shadow free, with a white clear background. We finally did it, taking advantage of sunlight that only lasted 15 minutes before a storm hit Auckland a couple of weeks ago. We managed to get good natural light, so I was able to take the photo as required.
New Zealand passport holders are now eligible for free visas on arrival to Indonesia, which is great news. Please check for the formal announcement attached below this post.
Next, all hotels are booked and confirmed. I was a little bit disappointed because the hotel we originally wanted to stay in Ubud is fully booked. As I do not have any experience staying in any hotels in Ubud, my only references are written reviews on the internet. Luckily my dear friend Ratih agreed to drive from Kuta to Ubud last weekend to check out four hotels that were in my short list. After visiting all those hotels she crossed out two from my list. After considering all the pros and cons of both hotels I made the final decision to stay in Tunjung Mas Bungalow.
All flights are confirmed. I had to change our flight schedule from Jakarta to Bali. Once again Ratih helped me sort it out, yeay. I was really satisfied with the service from Garuda Indonesia Airlines who changed the flight, free of charge.
Another change to our original plan is that we decided not to climb Mt. Batur to see the sunrise, since we might experience jet-lag during our first few days in Bali. So I am organising other activities that we can do in Ubud. I might rent a car and driver to take us around Bali for half a day. There are a few places that will be interesting to visit, such as Tirta Empu Temple, for example. Any other suggestions anyone?
One week to go, and I am so excited. Feel free to comment, make suggestions or ask questions.
| bali_trip_renewed.xlsx |
| free_visa_to_indonesia.pdf |
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