How to Rent Villas in Bali, Indonesia

Tourists flock to the island of Bali, on Western Indonesia. Influenced by Chinese and Indian culture, Bali was once a Dutch colony. During WWI, the island was occupied by the Japanese. Today, Bali has the highest tourism rates in all of Indonesia. One of the best ways to really experience Bali is to rent a villa to live like a local.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Travel agency
• Guidebook

Instructions

Plan Before You Arrive

1. 

   Bali

   Before you book your flight to this tropical island retreat, check the Internet for villa rentals. There are numerous websites offering many beautiful properties. Prices vary among holiday periods, and you may need to work around a particular schedule for a specific property. If you are not particular, you may try last-minute rentals.

2. 

   Bali

   You need to calculate how many people will be staying at the villa. You may be vacationing with your extended family or honeymooning, and will need to find the property that fits your needs. Ocean view, walking distance to a beach, cook, butler, golf course, spa or infinity pool are all options to think about. Some rental websites offer breakfast and free airport pickup. Keep in mind that there may be taxes on top of daily or weekly rates.

3. 

   Bali

   Guidebooks, like Frommer's, have lists of reputable villa rental agencies. You can call these agencies or check their websites. It is most important that you find a good company to deal with. You can check ASTA (the American Association of Travel Agents) and PATA (the Pacific Area Travel Association) to make sure the villa rental agency is legitimate.

4. 

   Bali

   Travel agents specializing in Bali may be able to guide you to the right villa. They may have to direct you to a third party, which may cost you more money. Also, Indonesia requires a visa in advance of travel. Your travel agent can help you.

5. 

   Bali

   Make sure you can pay with a credit card, since this gives you more security. If you really are stuck, you may stay in a hotel one night and find a villa after you arrive in Bali. This may get you a steeply discounted rate, but you would be taking a chance on finding the right property. However you can't go wrong with the island of Bali.

Tips & Warnings

• Double check the legitimacy of the villa rental company you are using. You can never be too safe. You don't want to arrive with no villa to go to. Also, check that all the amenities you need are included or if you need to pay for some, like maid service or airport pickup.

• The State Department has posted warnings traveling to Indonesia. All airline passengers are required to pay a departure tax, and you need a tourist visa to travel to Bali. Terrorist groups, like Jemaah Islamiyah, have been responsible for hotel bombings, and credit card fraud is an issue too. Maritime piracy is also a real threat. In 2002 there were three bombs that went off in Bali. One was a suicide bomber, one was outside a popular nightclub and one was outside the U.S. consulate.

References

• Bali History and Geography
• Villas
• Travel Warnings
• Bali Bombings

Resources

• Indonesia