Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali

When it comes to top-rated tourist attractions in Bali, there is certainly no shortage of possibilities. From ancient temples and stunning beaches to lush rainforests and rolling rice paddies, this Indonesian island has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the most popular destinations for visitors to Bali.

1.    Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is among the best tourist destinations in Bali. This temple is located on a high cliff overlooking the ocean, and it is said to be one of the six most sacred temples in Bali. The temple is famous for its impressive views and its beautiful surroundings.

Visitors are advised to read the Suradipura Standing Guidebook before coming, so they can have a better understanding of their surroundings.

2.    Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is another one of Bali’s top-rated tourist attractions. The temple has an interesting history that starts in 1968 with some fishermen who had witnessed a strange event: a large number of koi fish were appearing and disappearing in the ocean.

The fishermen attributed it to a mermaid and started worshipping the spot as an abode of Loro. It wasn’t long before people began visiting and making offerings, and thus Tanah Lot became a temple. Today, visitors come to the area not only to see the temple but also to enjoy the stunning views.

3.    Batur Volcano

Batur Volcano is a popular tourist destination because it offers visitors a chance to see a live volcano. The mountain is located in the northeast of Bali and is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views.

4.    Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran Bay is a famous fishing village located on Bali’s south coast. The place is great for those who like seafood, as there are plenty of restaurants offering delicious dishes and fresh catches. Visitors can also relax and enjoy sitting by the beach while watching the waves crash on the shore.

5.    Udayana University Botanical Gardens

The Udayana University Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit for those who want to learn more about the flora of Bali. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can also enjoy the quiet and peaceful surroundings. The gardens are open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.

6.    Amed

Amed is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the east coast of Bali. The area is great for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy peace. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the clear waters or relax on the beach. There are also a few small restaurants in the area where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.

7.    Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a must-see for those who visit Bali. These terraces are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they offer amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the terraces, or they can stop at one of the restaurants or coffee shops located in the area.

8.    Uluwatu Beach

Uluwatu Beach is located on Bali’s southern coast and is known for its surfing. The waves are known to reach up to six meters high, making this destination great for those who enjoy extreme sports. Visitors can also relax and enjoy swimming in the clear waters or try other water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing.

There are also a few small cafés and restaurants located on the beach where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat. There are also some accommodation options in the area for those who want to stay overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions about KITAS in Bali

Is it difficult to get a KITAS in Bali?

In order to qualify for a KITAS, expats must:

As long as you meet all of the requirements and provide the necessary documents, your application should be approved without any problem. It’s important to note that Immigration officials may not accept certain documents due to their lack of evidence. In order to avoid this, you can have documents drawn up by a professional legal service within Indonesia for a small fee.

What Documents Are Needed To Apply For KITAS?

The following are required to apply for an Indonesian work visa: These documents should be legalized by the respective consulate of the country in which they originate from and then submitted with your KITAS application. In some cases, you may also need translations of certain documents into Indonesian. What are the requirements to apply for a KITAS? The specific requirements for a KITAS work visa vary depending on your home country.

How much does it cost to apply for a KITAS?

The cost of applying for a KITAS varies depending on where you are from and what type of visa you’re applying for. Most visas cost around USD 60-150 to process, although this can vary by a few hundred dollars in some cases.

What are the benefits of obtaining a KITAS?

There are several benefits associated with being issued a work visa. As seen above, having a KITAS can be extremely beneficial for both short and long-term stays in Indonesia. If you’re looking to move to Bali and work here, make sure you apply for your KITAS as soon as possible.

Conclusion

So, you’ve decided to move to Bali? The island is a paradise for expats, with its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and relaxed vibe. But, one of the most important things you’ll need to get started in your new life here is a KITAS, the official visa for foreigners living in Indonesia. Refer to this platform for more information about living in Bali as an expat.

7 Ways to Get KITAS in Bali

With the increased number of expats living in Bali, many are looking at staying longer than their visas allow. One way is to get a long-term visa is KITAS (Kerja Sama Tinggal Terbatas). There are seven key steps you need to take if you want to get a KITAS in Bali.

1.    You Can Get A KITAS through Your Employer

If you have a job offer in Bali, your employer can help you obtain a KITAS. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, and work contract. Your employer will also need to provide a letter stating that they employ you.

2.    You Can Get A KITAS through A Family Member

If you have a family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of Indonesia, they can sponsor you for a KITAS. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, and birth certificate. Your family member will also need to fill out some paperwork too.

3.    You Can Get A KITAS through Marriage

If you are married to an Indonesian citizen willing to sponsor you for a KITAS, this process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing some supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, and marriage certificate. Your spouse will also need to fill out some paperwork too.

4.    You Can Get A KITAS through an Investment

If you are interested in investing in Indonesia, you may obtain a KITAS. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing some supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, certificate of incorporation for your company in Indonesia, and business registration document. As well, you need to be willing to invest at least IDR 2 billion or more in a registered Indonesian company. This type of KITAS is only given out once every five years.

5.    You Can Get A KITAS through Education

If you are interested in studying in Indonesia, you may obtain a KITAS. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing some supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, letter of acceptance from an Indonesian university, and proof of financial support.

6.    You Can Get A KITAS through Retirement

If you are at least 55 years old, you may be able to obtain a KITAS through retirement. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, and proof of retirement income. As well, you need to have health insurance that covers you while in Indonesia.

7. You Can Get A KITAS Through An Emergency

If you have a medical emergency and need to stay in Indonesia for treatment, you may obtain a KITAS. This process usually involves filling out some paperwork and providing supporting documents, such as your visa application, passport, and letter from a doctor or hospital in Indonesia. As well, you need to have health insurance that covers you while in Indonesia.

Requirements to Get KITAS in Bali

KITAS is short for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas or Limited Stay Permit. This is a permit issued by the government to allow foreigners to stay in Indonesia indefinitely. KITAS is one step closer to being recognized as a legal resident and obtaining Indonesian citizenship, compared to other types of visas such as social or business visas.

That being said, it is issued by the Indonesian government to provide foreigners with the opportunity to live in Indonesia for an indefinite period. Foreigners can obtain KITAS if they are married to an Indonesian citizen, have a business, invest/work in Indonesia, study at the university level, or are considered highly skilled professionals.

However, KITAS holders can participate in all social security programs offered by the government but must contribute monthly to the program, except for health insurance which is now compulsory for everyone residing in Indonesia. KITAS holders also enjoy limited freedom of movement as they cannot take up employment or start a business without a work permit.

They can hold meetings, attend social events, or do business with other KITAS holders without a work permit. However, they are not allowed to work for an Indonesian company and must have a detailed plan of their stay in Indonesia if they wish to extend their visa. KITAS can be issued for one year, two years, or five years and can be renewed if the holder still meets the requirements.

To get KITAS in Bali, foreigners must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be married to an Indonesian citizen
• Have a business in Indonesia
• Invest/work in Indonesia
• Study at the university level
• Highly skilled professional
• For one year of KITAS, the applicant must have an income of at least IDR 750 million
• Have no record of a criminal offense
• Provide documents to prove that they are not prohibited from entering Indonesia. This can be done by applying for a Temporary Supervision Order (Surat Keterangan Jaminan) from the Indonesian embassy in their country of residence.

Benefits of Having KITAS in Bali

Having a KITAS in Bali is one of the best things you can do to live on this beautiful island. There are so many reasons people think having a KITAS in Bali is beneficial for them, but here are seven benefits of having a KITAS that you might not have known.

Not Only Foreigners Benefit From Having A KITAS

The first benefit of having a KITAS is that it’s not only for foreigners. If you are Indonesian, you can also get one since Indonesians can do ‘Tulis surat’ (a written request letter to the Balinese government). Just like foreign people, Indonesians need a KITAS to stay in Bali for a long period. This makes it easier for them to go back and forth between their hometown and Bali.

You Can Get A KITAS for Your Spouse and Children

Another benefit of having a KITAS is getting one for your spouse and children. This makes it easier for the whole family to stay together in Bali. You only need a Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate (if your children are not registered yet).

You Can Get A KITAS for Any Length of Time

One great thing about having a KITAS is that you can get one for any length of time. Whether you want to stay in Bali for one month or one year, you can easily get a KITAS that will suit your needs. Just make sure that you’re in Bali when you apply.

You Don’t Have To Report To the Immigration

Another thing to consider is that you won’t have to report to immigration during your stay in the country. Moreover, a KITAS can help you stay in Bali for 30 days or more without reporting to immigration every time you go out of Bali.

This makes it easier for people on holiday or business purposes. You just need to make sure that you have a valid KITAS with you when you leave Bali.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Just like other countries, an expat will have to obtain a permit from an Indonesian authority before he/she can legally enter the country. This permit is commonly referred to as the KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). It’s a Limited Stay Permit Card that’s been provided to expats in the country since inception.

This type of stay permit is granted to a foreigner who has a Temporary Stay Permit. It has been regulated in the Immigration Law article 31 of 119, entry permits, and immigration permits in Indonesia. Now, the question is; who can get a limited stay permit in Indonesia? Well, it’s not given to anyone!

However, some of the people that can apply for this kind of visa include; limited stay visa holder, limited visa holder, the KITAS holder’s child who was born in Indonesian territory, those who are legally married to Indonesian citizens, children of foreigners who have been legally married to one Indonesian citizen.

If you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about relocating or visiting Indonesia, look no further. Many people’d mislead you about this visa, but here, we got the right information to help you through. Would you love to know what we’ve unleashed for you today about KITAS?

If that sounds like a yes, you’ve landed on the best platform. In this article, we will walk you through the types of visas in Indonesia. Not only that, but you’ll also understand the benefits of relocating or visiting the country. In addition to this, we also answer some of the most common questions about stay permits in Indonesia.

Types of Visa Available for Expats in Indonesia

If you want to live or work in Indonesia, it’s no doubt that you’ll need something called a KITAS. On the other hand, it’s crucial to know the types of visas available for expats in the country. This will help you pick the ones that meet your requirements. More so, there are many things to consider before applying.

Additionally, there are different types of KITAS based on the reason why you want to live in the country. The most common types of this visa include work visa KITAS, Family visa KITAS, Retirement visa KITAS, and student visa KITAS. In no time, let’s quickly walk you through these visa types one after the other.

●        Work Visa KITAS Indonesia – The work visa KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who want to work for an Indonesian company or organization for a period of time. Not only that, but foreigners holding work visa should know that their employer has to obtain a work permit (IMTA) for them from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Afterward, you’ll then receive a KITAS based on the duration of your work contract.

●        Family Visa KITAS Indonesia – The family visa is issued to the dependent family members (under 18 years of age) of the main KITAS holders. This means, if your spouse has a work KITAS, then they can sponsor your KITAS application. Besides, it is also issued to the foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens.

●        Retirement KITAS Indonesia – The retirement KITAS Indonesia is issued to foreign nationals over the age of 55 and would love to retire in the country. Meanwhile, to get this kind of visa, expat would have to be able to present proof that he/she has sufficient funds to sustain him/herself during his stay without working as they’re not allowed to take up employment.

●        Student Visa KITAS – The student visa KITAS is issued to international students who want to pursue their studies in an Indonesian educational institution. This kind of visa is valid for a year and has to be renewed for the duration of your studies. And it does not allow the holder to work.

Documents Required for a KITAS in Indonesia

While you’re applying for this kind of visa, be aware that there are many documents required depending on the types of Indonesian visa you need. However, we have compiled the application and document required to guide you through the process. Without further ado, below are the documents required.

• Expats valid passport and a coloured copy of your passport
• Proof of financial solvency and two passport-size coloured pictures
• If you’re applying for the work KITAS, you may need to present a coloured copy of your CV, and it must have the company’s stamp and a signature by a company director over the stamp
• If you’re applying for the student KITAS, you may need to submit a copy of the letter of acceptance from the educational institution and also present your academic reports
• Any other documents that may be requested are further subjected to the country’s Immigration Department

Online Application for KITAS

To apply for a KITAS online, you need to visit their official website, the official website of the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration. Aside from this fact, you still have to go to the Immigration Offices after you might have submitted your online KITAS application. Afterward, you will need a Police Report Letter (STM) from the local police department and register with the local municipality’s population office, where you’ll receive your Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident (SKPPS).

Furthermore, the processing time tends to be longer due, and this is because of the amount of paperwork and the different application processes, such as when you’re applying for the work permit. Most times, it usually takes six weeks to ten weeks, but a spouse-sponsored KITAS, on the other hands, is usually processed within a month, while the retirement KITAS takes about ten business days from the submission of the application.

Again, the Indonesian KITAS is issued for a minimum of three months validity (for temporary work), which could be up to two years. Moreover, the duration of your KITAS usually depends on the nature of your work as well as your work contract in the country. We’re sure you’re getting what a KITAS visa entails.

Why You Need to Visit Indonesia in 2021

There are many reasons to travel to Indonesia in today’s twenty-first century. Since it’s a country with over 17,000 islands, 8,000 of which are inhabited, and Indonesia is like 100 countries in one. Well, this land of great adventure has a lot to offer. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the reasons to travel.

Home to Komodo Dragons

Have you ever seen a Komodo Dragons before? If that sounds like a NO, Indonesia should be on your bucket list this year. And this is because; it’s home to Komodo National Park, named after its celebrity residents, the Komodo dragon. In other news, this is the largest and living lizard in the world, and Indonesia is the only place they can be found living in the wild on the four islands that make up Komodo National Park.

Excellent Food and Coffee

Another benefit of living in this country is the excellent cuisines and delicious meals.  As an expat, you can literally eat for days in the country and always be trying something new. Some of the popular Indonesian foods are satay, nasi goring, vegetables, sambal sauce, and many others, to mention a few.

Home to Ultimate Wilderness

Several people have termed Indonesia as the gateway to the ultimate wilderness. In fact, you can cross overland to the bordering country, but there are plenty of things to do and explore on the Indonesian side as well. Also, New Guinea is home to native tribes that are infamous for their historical warfare. Wildlife viewing and trekking are a must in this exotic destination, preferably with a knowledgeable local guide.

Home to World Largest Flower

Have you ever seen a flower weighing over 10 kilograms before? Of course, that’d sound like a NO! The Rafflesia Arnoldii belongs to a parasitic plant that feeds on its host’s nutrients. Not only that, but it’s also called the corpse flower due to its characteristic foul odor, which draws interested crowds looking to tick a box next to seeing the world’s largest flower.

World-Class Diving and Mountain of Java

There’s nowhere in the world that offers better diving than the Coral Triangle, an area of the Pacific Ocean that includes the water around Indonesia, Solomon Island, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and many others. So, if you’ve been craving for a world-class diving experience, this is the right place.

On the flip side, Java is home to the world’s biggest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, with its intricate lattice stupas set among the paddy field. This place is often crowded, but you can consider a lesser known site such as Kalasan, Pawon, which retains an air of contemplation and peace.

Extremely Linguistic Diverse

While Indonesia’s official language is Bahasa Indonesia, there are more than 300 spoken native languages and even more dialects across the nation. Not only that, but the province of Papua alone has around 270 dialects. With that being said, you should understand that language might not be a barrier while relocating or visiting the country.

Home to Largest archipelago in the World

With the five major islands and thousands of smaller islands situated between the islands Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia is known to be the largest archipelago in the world. As history disclosed, there are over 17500 islands that comprise Indonesia, but research disclosed that only 6000 of these islands are inhabited.

Becoming a Permanent Resident in Indonesia

The number of foreign nationals coming to the country has been growing compellingly. With that being said, you should know that there are many reasons why expats would love to make Indonesia their new home. To obtain a permanent residency to live and work legally in this country, there are criteria and documents you’ll need to have. So, what do you think is a permanent resident in Indonesia?

Of course, it’s quite different from the KITAS permit in the country.  This is because; a lawful Indonesian permanent resident is someone who has the legal right to work and live in the country without a limited time period. This means, anytime a permanent resident travels in and out of the country, he/she will need to present his passport and the Indonesian permanent resident card for identification.

Benefits of Being a Permanent Resident

For expats who love to start the relocation process permanently to the country or work for a company in Indonesia, having a permanent residency permit is one of the best options. Also, permanent residency brings many other benefits for foreigners acquiring a new status. Below are some of the benefits.

• Expats can get around all over the country without disturbance from the third party
• You can easily become an investor, business owner, or a company director
• Expat will have a legal tax identification number and would be able to apply for loans
• You can jointly own a property with your Indonesian spouse anywhere in the country
• Foreigners can obtain a five-year Indonesian identity card
• You can take in civic forums, own a car, and easily open a bank account
• You can get around to any place or tourist attraction at a lower price
• You’ll be given the freedom to enter and exit Indonesia with a two-year multiple-entry permit

Different Types of Residency in the Country

It’s no doubt that the first thing to do when considering moving to Indonesia is to determine what type of visa you need to apply for. There are few different types of visas, and since the country’s visa policy is often changing, you must remain up-to-date with the latest visa requirement. Expatriates can find two types of residency permits in Indonesia, and they include the following.

• Temporary Residency Permit (ITAS/KITAS) – Two-year validity, renewable for three times, the approximately four-month application process
• Permanent Residency Permit (ITAP/KITAP) – Prerequisite; an ITAS/KITAS holder for at least five years continuously, renewable for five times

Eligibility to Become a Permanent Resident

To obtain the permanent resident card in Indonesia, there is a certain process you’ll need to go through.  Without further ado, below are the requirements to be eligible.

• Expat must have a sponsorship letter from a local company (in/outside the country)
• You must have a recommendation from the Directorate General of Immigration
• Foreigners will need to submit required documents along with the letter and recommendation to obtain a KITAS or VITAS (Limited Stay Permit), depending on your circumstances, to the Indonesian Embassy
• Expats can convert the KITAS to KITAP and become a permanent residents in Indonesia after holding the KITAS/ITAS for more than five years consecutively

Cons of Living in Indonesia (2021)

The beautiful archipelago of Indonesia is a combination of rich culture, dangerous volcanoes, amazing beaches, hundred of languages, vibrant wildlife, and great traditions. While many foreigners would love to shift to Indonesia to live the rest of their lives, you need to be aware of some challenges. They include the following.

Bribery and Corruption

In Indonesia, it may be very difficult for you to start a business without paying a corrupt government official. This has become a very casual norm, and despite the government trials to curb corruption, it can be seen everywhere, but you can hope for the best in the future.

Payment on Imported Products

If you’re planning to import products from other countries, be aware that you’re going to pay multiplied rates if you’re craving for something from your initial country of residence. On the flip side, it’s not advisable to do this, but the best option is to find friends who are visiting Indonesia from your country.

Traffic in Indonesia

Although you should expect a bit of traffic in whatever destination you choose to relocate to but Indonesia is quite on the high. With a huge population and narrow roads, expats will likely experience constant traffic on the road. Meanwhile, the government is putting all its efforts into widening the roads, and you may see good roads and free flow of traffic in the near future.

Poverty and Social Inequalities

Poverty and the disparity between the rich and poor is something that expat could find difficult in the country. Nothing can prepare you for this, especially if you’re coming from a more developed and richer nation. Moreover, it’s uncommon to see small children with babies tied to their fronts, ducking and diving through the heavy, polluted traffic in many Indonesian cities.

Poor Sanitation in Indonesia

If you’re thinking that it’s only India that has the worse sanitation in the world, you’re wrong; Indonesia is second to none. Stomach bugs are a part of life in Indonesia and are easily contacted by expats. In fact, fresh juices are sold widely from carts on the roadside in the country; and they’re often diluted with water of dubious origin which can later cause serious illness.

Top 5 Travel Tips to Indonesia

While Indonesia remains one of the most spectacular countries in Southeast Asia and many travelers, it is the highlight of a visit to the region. With that being said, like any other country, it pays to know some travel tips before relocating to the country. Without further ado, below are the travel tips to the country.

Know the Right Time

Since Indonesia is located across the equator, there’s going to be a monsoonal climate, and it could split the seasons into wet and dry. Besides, it’s hot all year round unless you’re planning to visit areas of high altitudes, such as trekking up volcanoes or mountains. In summary, ensure you know the right time before traveling or before jumping on a flight.

Create a Bucket List

Compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia remains one of the cheapest places to visit. Even for the fact that the country is a cheap place to live, you need to prepare your budget in advance regarding the place you choose to reside.

Understand the Visa Packages

Indonesia is known to have different types of visas, as mentioned above. And in fact, they have street immigration rules which are always challenging for new ex-pats. To know more about the kind of visa suitable for your stay in Indonesia, refer to our guide above to understand better.

Plan Ahead For Local Festivals

Indonesia officially recognizes six religions which are Islam, Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. They all have national holidays, and it could affect expats traveling during this period. Therefore, it’s best to check the dates of the local festival in advance.

Plan for Good Insurance

The healthcare facilities in Indonesia are not of a high standard. More so, road accidents are common, as well as medical issues related to tropical diseases like dengue fever. Again, if you get seriously ill in the country, you’ll need to travel to neighboring Singapore or Thailand for treatment. So, it’s better to plan for good healthcare insurance to cover your medical bills in Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions about KITAS Permit

How many days can I stay in Indonesia?

Depending on your visa type, you can stay in the country for as long as your visa is described. However, for foreigners planning to stay in Indonesia for longer than 30 days, you can obtain the tourist visa before your arrival from an Indonesian consulate abroad, and this is valid for 60 days.

Is a KITAS visa expensive to get?

After you have gone through the meaning and the requirements needed to obtain a KITAS visa, always know that the cost of the package is nothing less than IDR 8.000. On the other hand, foreigners who are legally married to Indonesian citizens are eligible to get the KITAS sponsored by an Indonesian spouse.

What is the difference between KITAS and KITAP?

The KITAS is a limited stay permit card in Indonesia, and it is given to foreigners to work or stay in the country, which is limited to six months. On the other hand, the KITAP is a permanent residence card given to foreigners who will stay in Indonesia for a long time.

Conclusion

If you want to live or work in Indonesia, understanding the concept of KITAS and KITAP is essential. With the advent of coronavirus, the government has been placing strict restrictions on some countries and denies them entry. However, to check whether you qualify for this package, refer to the guide above and read carefully.