Bali is one of the smaller islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Bali is separated from the big neighbour island Java by the Bali-Seaway, which is only 2,5 km wide and 50 m deep at its tightest place. From west to east Bali has a mountain range of volcanic origin. As if made for Mountain-Biking, the mountain-chain increases slowly form the south-side, before it decreases strongly to the North. Dream beaches, rich tropic vegetation, deeply green gorges, palm trees and volcanoes form the country of Bali. The rest of the islands is artificially cultivated with rice-terraces. The highest point of the island is the volcano "Gunung Agung" in the East.

There will be no boredom due to the always changing country side with its rich vegetation. Cocoas-trees, coffee- and cacao-plantations are seaming the ways. Important culture plants are also Pine-Apple, Bananas, Papaya, Mango and different spices like Cloves, Vanilla and Cinnamon. Mass-tourism only takes place in the south of the island, especially in Kuta, Legian and Sanur, as well as in the north of Lovina. Even though the mentality of the population is very composed, the island of Bali is extraordinary lively and creative.

Java on the other hand, has not yet been discovered for tourism and therefore still shows the origin country. However, the culture and varying landscape of the islands combined with the hospitality of the citizens will surely fascinate you. If you want to learn more about Bali/Java, just go on reading or consider one of the various travel guides.

Lombok, separated by the "Wallace Line" from Bali, belongs already to the Australian Region and is full of tropic bathe-paradises. The "Gili-Islands" in front of Lombok, belong to the most beautiful Diving areas of Asia. Highest point in Lombok is the giant volcano "Gunung Rinjani" with 3726 m. Except for the "Gilis", Lombok has not yet been taken over of tourism and is full of positive surprises.

Entry- and Exit-Regulations
Since April 2004 tourists have to pay an entry fee of 25 USD. All you need is an at least 6 months valid passport in which you will get a stamp for the residence permit for 60 days.

Vaccination
Tetanus, Typhus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Polio. Malaria: A slight risk in the hillbillies of Bali and Java. The tourism-centres are considered free of Malaria. As a prevention Chloroquin and Proguanil is recommended. Do not be afraid of tropic diseases or wild animals, the most "dangerous" one is the mosquito!

Money
You should take the biggest part in form of EURO or US Dollar. The Indonesian Currency is called Rupiah and subject to high fluctuations. Currently you get about 9.800 Rupiah for one US Dollar, 13.500 Rupiah for one EURO.

Means of Communication
English, Bahasa Indonesia, US-Dollar, Visa, Master Card, and most of all: smiles and courtesy!

Traveltime
In Bali there are, due to the Monsoon-winds, only two times of the year: rain-period and dry-period. The dry-period is from May to September. As Bali lies south of the Equator, we will have "winter" and the coldest month is August. The temperature will be around 30°C at this time. In the Mountains we will have about 10°C less, very convenient for biking. The sun will shine nearly every day and rain is only seldom in this time of the year.

Food and Beverages
In some places of our tours there are restaurants with different price categories. Dinner is offered from EUR 2,-- to 20,--. Often typical dishes are offered, mainly with rice and fish. Sucking-pig is a speciality of the island, but you may also eat Pizza and Pasta. Beverages are Coca Cola, Sprite, exotic fruit-drinks, water and beer, which you can always purchase during the bike-tours as well. Nearly everywhere you will get fresh fruits such as Bananas, Mango, Papaya, Oranges, Jackfruit, Avocado, Pine Apple, Durian, etc.

Voltage
220V AC on both islands. Telephone/Mobile Phone You may call from public call boxes (Wartel) at every time, and the mobile phones are working in nearly all regions of the islands.

Traffic
In Indonesia, that includes Bali and Java, the traffic goes on the left-hand side. It is no problem on the smaller streets we are choosing for our tours and you will get used to it very easily.