Bali
Baha'i's
And Bamboo
Sincere enquirers should review all these details over a laptop rather than a smartphone
Flight Info
You will have to get your own flight, but a recent check on cheap0air.com (which also offers financing for flight purchases) is currently turning up flights for less than $1400 ~round trip~ from Cincinnati, USA - and much less than that from larger airports like O'hare, Detroit, JFK & Dulles.
Passport
If you don't have a passport you will want to start working on that pretty soon as it can take 4 to 6 weeks; and even longer if there are any glitches in the process.
VISA On Arrival
From the USA, as well as a long list of other countries [Check the list here], you do not need a pre-ordered VISA to enter Bali, and should opt for the V.O.A. instead. Currently the VOA only costs $30 and the process is super simple: Exit the airplane, follow the crowd to the VOA line, pay the fee, pass thru immigration and collect your luggage.
Contact us ASAP
If you have any questions, whatsoever, don't hesitate to contact us. There can be a lot involved in traveling to the other side of the world!
Once you contact us we will keep you updated on any other information you will need.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Tuition
$300
Of course, as a Baha'i event, no Baha'i is making any profit from this endeavor. However, there are many non-Bahai's employed to make this event happen, such as lodging hosts, drivers, and cooks. But most people are pleasantly surprised at the cost of lodging and the price of food in Bali is as amazingly affordable as it is healthy and delicious.
The only cost we present you with is for 2 weeks of beautiful, comfortable lodging for roughly $275 + $25 to cover all excursion and entrance fees to various attractions around Bali.
The retreat workshops are all free!
Nevertheless, the cost of a flight can be challenging, as well as taking 2 weeks off from your work, if necessary.
Therefore, if you need financial assistance,
please inquire.
There's no guarantee that we can provide it, but we are currently looking into promising resources. However, we first need to assess if the need is there.
On the other hand hand, if you do not need assistance, please do not inquire so that the funds we may potentially access can get to the people who need it most before it runs out.
Currency Exchange
As you head toward the exit of the airport you will pass by several money exchange services. They all pretty much give you the same rate, but only exchange about $100. Once you arrive in Ubud, we can show you many nearby places where you can exchange more, whenever needed, at a much better rate than the exchange services at the airport.
Free Airport Pick Up
We have our own trusted drivers. They will be waiting for you as you exit the airport and holding up a sign with your name. When they drop you off at your room they will not ask you for payment nor a tip. (However, 50k would be a good amount to tip and we encourage you to do so.)
Tipping
is not a part of Balinese culture and you will rarely to never be asked for a tip. Nevertheless, we still encourage giving them, but to do so intelligently. For example, almost anytime someone tips 100k (about $6.25) or more it is quite unheard of among anyone who has spent any time in Bali, and so you run the risk of appearing very gullible and easy to be taken advantage of. Taxi Tipping: Although most people usually tip 50k - 100k IDR for the 90 min ride from the airport to Ubud. 50k (about $3.12) is actually considered a pretty good tip; esp when you consider the whole trip is just 350k to 400k.