Timetable
As for opening hours, most temples are open every day, with times that are roughly between 7am and 6pm - i.e. sunrise and sunset.
To be booked
For excursions such as walks, guided tours or sports excursions, we recommend booking a few days in advance. For the rest, it's not necessarily necessary.
Main events
The Indonesian calendar, like ours, has many festivals.
While Bali is a predominantly Hindu island, Indonesia remains the world's largest Muslim country. As such, the rhythm of the country is somewhat affected during the month of Ramadan.
Beware: in Bali, on the day of " nyepi " ("the day of silence"), in March, everything is closed. This is a Hindu festival (New Year) during which no one works. Even the airport is closed on this day, in total respect for the holiest of days. There's no electricity, and you can't leave your house. It's a day of prayer. The Indonesian word for New Year is " Tahun Baru ". It's also a public holiday.
Religious events are countless and often magnificent. For the exact dates of local events, pick up the Calendar of Events, available from all tourist offices and the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, or consult the Jakarta Post, Bali Post or Hello Bali. Here are a few festivities:
- april: Easter Friday and Sunday; anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed.
- may: anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
- august 17: Independence Day.
and also: Christmas Day and New Year's Day (January1 ) are public holidays, as are August 15 (Sainte-Marie, Assomption).
Tourist traps
All the coffee monkeys, the Kopi luwak, are in captivity. You won't be able to see them in the wild.
What's very local
The sarong is worn in temples. This garment is the centerpiece of traditional Balinese dress. It's a rectangular piece of cloth, at least a metre wide, worn around the waist, and you'll need it to visit the temples.