May holidays in Indonesia from Almaty: tours

May holidays in Indonesia are the height of the dry season in Bali: warm weather, minimal rain and maximum demand for everything. Hotels, villas and motorbikes are snapped up two to three months before departure, prices are at their peak. From Almaty the flight is long, with a transfer, so allow a couple of days for acclimatization.

What changes for the May dates

A holiday on these dates in the country coincides with the height of the dry season and the peak of tourist demand. The trip requires early preparation and attention to detail.

How entry works for a tourist from Almaty

A trip for the May dates in Indonesia is usually arranged through a tour operator, and the receiving side takes care of the formalities. The Indonesian side meets guests at Denpasar airport, and documents are checked at the counter before departure. In Bali in May, passport control queues are longer than usual, and arrival at Nusa Dua takes more time than in Kuta. During this period many tourists from Kazakhstan come to the country, so check-in counters are busy. Indonesian customs inspects luggage selectively, and the declaration is filled out in advance so as not to linger in the arrivals hall. The holiday dates are a time when the peak season should be taken into account when planning the flight.

Tourist levy and sanitary requirements

For the May dates, a tourist pays the tourist levy, which is charged upon entry to Bali. The Indonesian side accepts payment by card or cash right at the airport. The levy is paid once per trip, and the receipt is kept until departure: the Indonesian side may request it on domestic flights between the islands. Sanitary control checks passengers' temperature contactlessly, and the queues here are shorter than at passport control. Sanitary requirements concern primarily vaccination against common infections, and the vaccination certificate is not always required. Medical insurance is arranged in advance, because it is not sold at the counter. On these holiday days in Indonesia, it is better not to travel without a policy.

How to get around and move between the islands

Internal logistics in Indonesia rest on aviation and ferries. Between the resorts of Bali it is most convenient to travel by car with a driver.

Flights between the islands and ferry crossings

A flight from Bali to neighboring islands takes from forty minutes to two hours. Indonesian aviation connects Denpasar with Lombok, Java and Flores daily, but on holiday days tickets are snapped up quickly, so flights are booked together with the tour. Ferry crossings take longer, but cost less and take luggage without restrictions. From Kuta to Padangbai port it takes about two hours, and the ferry itself to Lombok takes about four to five hours, to Java about an hour. The Indonesian crossing depends on the weather, and in May the swell is rare. On holiday days the ferry schedule is busier than usual, and tickets are bought on the spot, no advance booking is needed. From Nusa Dua to the port they get there by taxi, the transfer is ordered at the hotel.

Renting a motorbike and a car: license, deposit, traffic

Renting a motorbike in Bali is inexpensive, but requires driving experience and an international license. The Indonesian police check documents on the roads, especially in Kuta and Ubud. The deposit for a motorbike is left in cash or by card, the amount depends on the model. On holiday days there are fewer free motorbikes, they are booked a couple of days in advance. Traffic in Nusa Dua is calmer than in Kuta. A car for rent is taken with a driver, because left-hand traffic is unusual, and the Indonesian road in the mountains of Ubud is narrow and winding. On holiday days traffic jams in the south of Bali stretch for a long time. Gasoline is sold at gas stations and in roadside stalls. A helmet is mandatory for both the driver and the passenger.

Taxis and online apps at the resorts

In Bali local taxi-hailing apps work, and a ride in Kuta costs less than a street taxi driver. The Indonesian taxi service Blue Bird is considered reliable, the meter is always turned on. On these holiday days the car is waited for longer than usual, especially in the evening. In Nusa Dua and Ubud some areas are closed for online orders, and drivers offer a fixed price, and it can be discussed in advance.

Where to stay in high season

Accommodation for the May dates is chosen in advance, because there are almost no free options left. The resorts of Bali offer different levels of comfort and prices.

Guesthouses, villas and hotels: what to choose

A guesthouse in Bali costs less than a hotel and often includes breakfast. The Indonesian family that owns the guesthouse helps with renting a motorbike and excursions. Villas in Nusa Dua are designed for a group or a family, each has its own pool. On these holiday dates villas are booked several months in advance. In Ubud villas stand among the rice terraces, but without a car it is inconvenient there. Hotels in Kuta are aimed at young people, with bars and surf schools nearby. The Indonesian hotel chain offers a pool, spa and all inclusive meals. In this period the price of hotels rises noticeably, and check the final cost with the tour operator when booking.

Booking in advance and check-in rules

During the long weekend period in Indonesia, accommodation is booked two to three months before departure. The Indonesian side confirms the booking with a voucher that the tour operator sends. Check-in usually starts after lunch, and check-out is before noon. Early check-in in Nusa Dua is requested in advance, otherwise guests wait in the lobby, while in Kuta hotels often check in around the clock. A deposit for the room is taken in cash or by card and returned at check-out. The Indonesian practice is to leave a copy of the passport at the reception. On these holiday days the front desk is busy, so documents are prepared in advance. If the flight is at night, the possibility of late check-in is clarified in advance. Luggage before check-in is left in the storage room free of charge.

How much money to take and what will it be enough for?

The trip budget for the May dates depends on the resort and the type of accommodation. The main expenses are the flight, accommodation and food.

Currency, exchange and cash rupees

The main currency of Indonesia is the rupee, and in Bali it is exchanged at licensed exchangers. The Indonesian rupee has large denominations, so it is more convenient to count money in the app. On these holiday days the rate at the airport is less favorable than in the city. In Kuta and Ubud there are many exchangers, but they choose those where the official rate is indicated. Cash rupees are needed for markets, guesthouses and small cafes. Large bills are accepted everywhere, but small change always comes in handy. The Indonesian practice is not to change money with street touts with a suspiciously high rate. During this period, ATMs in Nusa Dua work without interruptions, and part of the amount is kept in dollars for exchange as needed.

Cards, ATMs and withdrawal limits

Cards of international payment systems are accepted in hotels, restaurants and large stores in Bali. The Indonesian side takes a commission for card payment in some establishments. On these holiday days, ATMs in Kuta dispense a limited amount at a time, and the withdrawal limit depends on the bank. In Ubud there are fewer ATMs than on the coast. Cash is withdrawn from ATMs at bank branches, it is safer there. The Indonesian practice is to check the card reader for foreign overlays. During the holiday period, queues at ATMs in Nusa Dua are longer than usual. The withdrawal commission is clarified before the transaction, and a backup card is kept separately from the main one.

What should a tourist remember?

The May dates in Indonesia are a time of vivid impressions and small everyday nuances. A few rules will help avoid trouble.

Food, water and street food safety

Neither locals nor tourists drink tap water in Bali. Indonesian cuisine is spicy, so in the first days they order dishes marked "not spicy". On these holiday days, street food is fresh where it is cooked in front of you. In Kuta and Ubud, warungs with nasi goreng and satay are popular. Ice in drinks is safe in cafes, but not at spontaneous stalls. Fruits are washed with bottled water and peeled before eating. The Indonesian practice is to eat where there are many visitors. On such a trip, the stomach adapts for a couple of days, so a first-aid kit with sorbents is taken along, and street food in Nusa Dua is chosen carefully.

Communication, internet and local SIM cards

A local SIM card is bought at an operator's salon with a passport. Indonesian communication catches confidently in Bali, but in the mountains of Ubud the signal is weaker. On these holiday days, traffic is used up quickly, so they take a bigger package. In Kuta and Nusa Dua the coverage is stable. Wi-Fi in hotels is free, but the speed varies. Roaming of a Kazakhstan operator is expensive, so a local card is more profitable. The Indonesian practice is to top up the balance through the operator's app. On holiday days there are queues at the salons, and the card is activated immediately upon purchase. In Ubud communication sometimes disappears in rainy weather.

Customs, dress code and behavior in temples

In Bali temples they wear a sarong and a sash, they are given out at the entrance. Indonesian tradition requires covered shoulders and knees. On these holiday days, temples in Ubud are visited especially willingly. Locals' heads are not touched, feet are not pointed, and photographing people without permission is not worth it. Sarongs are sold near the temples, but you can rent them. Indonesian culture respects calm and a quiet voice. On holiday days in Kuta the dress code is free, in temples it is strict. Shoes are taken off before entering the territory. For women during menstruation, entry to some temples is closed.

Tipping, bargaining and shopping

Tips in Bali are given for good service, usually it is a small amount. The Indonesian practice is to leave small change for the waiter and the driver. On these holiday days in Kuta and Ubud it is customary to bargain at markets, and the price is brought down by about half from the first one. In stores with fixed prices, bargaining is inappropriate. Souvenirs are brought from Ubud: wooden items, fabrics, coffee. The Indonesian side offers batik and handmade silver. During this period, markets in Kuta work until late. The bag is kept in front of you so as not to become a target for pickpockets, and the receipt for a large purchase is kept.

Medicine, insurance and emergencies

Medical insurance is arranged before departure and a printout is taken along. The Indonesian clinic in Nusa Dua accepts by policy, in Ubud there is less choice. On these holiday days in Indonesia there are more visits to doctors because of the heat. Pharmacies in Bali work around the clock in large cities. In case of poisoning, they drink a sorbent and plenty of water. An ambulance is called through the hotel or the app. The Indonesian practice is to call the insurance company first, then the clinic. On these holiday days the insurer's phone is kept at hand. A severe case requires evacuation to Denpasar, and documents and the policy are kept in one place.

Time zone difference and acclimatization

The time difference between Kazakhstan and Bali is several hours. The Indonesian side lives by its own time zone, and sleep is disrupted for the first few days. During these holidays, acclimatization is easier thanks to the sun. In Ubud, the air is cooler than on the coast, while in Kuta the heat feels stronger due to humidity. On the first day, long sightseeing tours are not planned. The Indonesian practice is to drink more water and avoid the sun at noon. During this period, the flight from Almaty takes many hours, so the holiday begins with an easy day. In the evening, they go to bed according to local time, and coffee and tea help adjust more gently.

Visa and entry rules change: check the primary source — the Directorate General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia, https://www.imigrasi.go.id/. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

Briefly

• Indonesia welcomes the May holidays with the peak of the dry season and high prices for everything.
• Accommodation in Bali is booked two to three months before departure from Almaty.
• There are almost no available motorbikes or cars left in Kuta and Ubud on these dates.
• Cash in rupees is needed for markets, guesthouses, and small cafes; a card is taken as a backup.
• At Balinese temples, a sarong, covered shoulders and knees are required, and shoes are removed at the entrance.