What will the daily schedule look like? We will provide a more detailed breakdown of the daily schedule closer to the time…but we are planning a packed schedule from Monday late afternoon til Friday lunchtime to maximize the time we have together!

But don’t worry there will be time for surf each day that will be given some space! But the main focus is on the opportunity to build new connections, strengthen relationships, come together in praise & prayer & be encouraged in all God has for surfers around the world - as we live HIS call on our lives. 

• There will be a KIDS programme running alongside the meetings - more info on this to come for the different age groups.
  

• The CS COUNCIL meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th April 9-12noon
  

• THE CS International BOARD meeting will be held on Friday 11th July

Hotel address

Map link

Swiss-BelResort Hotel, Jl. Pecatu Indah Raya Blok G2, Pecatu Indah Resort, Bali , Indonesia

+62 361 330299

Arrivals & welcome will be between 2pm-5pm on Monday 7th July at the Swiss- BelResort Hotel

• Check in to your room will be from 3pm

• This is their official check in time for every day so if you arrive a day earlier please take note!
  

The Gathering will end AFTER lunch on Friday the 11th of July. 

• Check out - all attendees are required to be out of their rooms by 12noon if they have not booked extra nights at the hotel.

• Can I share with my friend? In your registration form there is a section to write your ‘share’ request and we will do what we can. We will have single

Room Questions

• Family Bookings for Rooms
  There are very limited special room options available but please email us to see what we can suggest for the size of your family and kids ages.

• Can I stay elsewhere off-site?
  The requirement to attend this Christian Surfers gathering is that we all stay together at the Swiss-Belresort Hotel to maximise the unique opportunity.

• Can I share a room with my friend? Yes as we have Twin Bed options, but in your registration form please write their name so we can do our best to make this happen. (Single adults with share with same sex only)

• Can I book as a ‘married couple’ even though we’re flatmates/other ? No, sorry we have worked out the rates for each category very carefully. Please book as appropriate to keep it fair for everyone/every household.

• Contact gathering@christiansurfers.net if you have further Qs or special needs that need to be considered.

Extra Nights Accommodation

If guests choose to arrive early or stay longer, there is a special price offered by the hotel for each extra night for Bed & breakfast, but this must be arranged ONLY via emailing gathering@christiansurfers.net. 

This will enable to confirm to the hotel you are our CS guest & keep you in the same room before, during & after the Gathering

1. Tell us the nights you need (and if it is the same guest/s as your Gathering booking info).

2. Then we will notify the hotel of the price and room/s allocated to you.

3. Then they will send you an invoice to pay, direct from the hotel for the cost price. So you must do this inadvance to secure the rooms.

Note: We do not have rooms blocked before or after they are first come first served basis for availability at our special rate.

Note: The rate is for the room and breakfast only. No extra meals provided (but you can go out locally to eat or ask to request meals when you arrive and arrange this yourself direct with the hotel).

5 ESSENTIAL TOPICS
This is your responsibility as an individual traveller to Bali.

1. VISAs - check what applies to you, it depends on where you are from. If relevant a ‘Visa on Arrival’ can be applied for online in advance or at the airport.

2. Tourist Tax -  a payment must be made online in advance

3. Health Declaration form - must be filled in online in advance

4. Custom Declaration form - must be filled in online or at the airport

5. Passport Validity - Your passport must have at least six months left before it expires.
   

Visas for Indonesia

Please check with Indonesia’s official immigration website or with local embassies policies & most up to date advice before traveling, as visa requirements can change. We have included some useful guidance below to help you:

Depending on your passport/nation you may need a Visa to enter Indonesia.

There are 9 nations that currently do not require a visa (Brunei Darussalam/ Cambodia/ Colombia/ East Timor/Hong Kong/ Laos/ Malaysia/ Myanmar/ Philippines/ Singapore/ Suriname/ Thailand) 

For other nationalities or longer stays, a different type of visa may be required in advance. Please check.

For nationals from about 90 countries, including the U.S, most EU countries, the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian countries. They can apply & pay for a ‘Visa on Arrival’ which allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Explanation & info on Visas: https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/

Visa On Arrival VOA (also known as B1 Standard Tourist Visa)

This is the most common Visa required, at a fee for a ‘VOA’ is IDR 500,000 (ca. USD 35 / AUD 50) per person.

You can apply directly on the official Bali immigration website called ‘MOLINA’ (in advance allow 72 hrs for processing) or at the airport, sea port, or land crossing. (Online is recommended to avoid queues at the airport). We do not recommend using an agent as these are more expensive.

Validity of a VOA is 30 days in Indonesia, but it is extendable by paying an additional fee and extend the visa at the immigration office to stay 60 days.

Apply for a VOA Online https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/application_voa

(Note the airport to choose from the drop down menu is “Bandara Internasional Ngurah Rai’ also known as Denpasar International Airport, this is the main international airport of Bali, Indonesia.)

Tourist tax

The Bali Tourist Tax costs IDR 150,000 per person (USD 10 / AUD 15). Regardless of the age of the traveler. It must be paid in advance online.

Explanation:https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/bali-tourist-tax-international-travelers/

Pay Tourist Tax Online in advance https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home

Health Pass Declaration Form

All international travelers including children need to fill in a health pass form due to MPOX. 

You can complete the electronic health declaration form online in advance, it is called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass

Fill in Form Online in advance  https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/

Customs Declaration Form

Every traveler entering into Indonesia has to to fill in an electronic customs declaration form.

It is best to fill in the ELECTRONIC customs declaration form (E-CD) already online within 72h BEFORE your arrival to Bali (or anywhere else in Indonesia). This will save you time and hassle at the airport. But you can do it there BEFORE you collect your luggage online.

Explanation Link https://bali.com/bali/customs-declaration-form-indonesia/

Fill in Form Online in advance  https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid AT LEAST 6 MONTHS at the day of arrival. Not a single day less. The immigration officers are strict on this, and will deny entry. 

It must be in good condition.

It must have 1 empty page for the entry stamps.

Passport Explanation link https://bali.com/bali/travel-guide/practical-tips-must-know/passport-requirements/

Medical Insurance
Prior to travel we strongly recommend you take out a personal Medical Insurance policy for travelling abroad to cover your costs in the event of sickness, accidents or serious emergencies.

Fill in the Health Declaration form (info above in Important docs for Indo and link here to form)

Sickness or Accidents - can happen so please arrange your own Medical Insurance, best purchased through a trusted service provider prior to arrival in Bali to ensure you can pay the expenses for medical care and emergency services.

Explanation link https://bali.com/guide-to-moving-and-living-in-bali/medical-insurance-health-indonesia/

Vaccinations - For a trip to Bali, ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider specific vaccinations like those for Hepatitis A, typhoid, and possibly Japanese encephalitis, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or spend a month or more.
Check your government official advice or TravelHeatlhPro site https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/106/indonesia#Vaccine_Recommendations

Bali Belly - Bali belly, also known as traveler's diarrhea, is an upset stomach and digestive discomfort that can occur when traveling. It's caused by consuming contaminated food or water. 

How to avoid:

• Avoid raw or undercooked food

• Avoid leftovers

• Drink bottled or filtered water

• Avoid ice unless it's made from purified water

• Wash hands frequently with soap and use hand sanitizer before eating, bring your own alcohol gel

• Consider taking probiotics before and during your trip

• Eat at reputable restaurants or those recommended by locals or your hotel

• Bring immodium just incase!

Mosquitoes - Bali has mosquitoes year-round, especially during the rainy season from October to April. Bug spray and insect repellent non-negotiable items. 

Animals - Monkeys/ Dogs/ Rabies - Monkeys and stray dogs are common within the Bukit area & beaches and are to be treated with caution and avoided.

Dogs (and monkeys, cats etc) can carry the Rabies virus, this is fatal in humans. Medical help must be sought immediately after any bites/broken skin from an animal. The Rabies vaccination is widely recommended in advance of travel in your home country for the best outcome if bitten. However treatment is available in Bali after you are bitten at a cost of $2000+ 

Rabies explanation https://finnsbeachclub.com/guides/rabies-bali/

Please make sure your belongings (sunglasses etc) are secure around the monkeys

This is recommended to all travellers as it provides a safety net and peace of mind during your journey, protecting you from additional expenses due to unexpected events, lost luggage, delays etc. Please research your own trusted service providers before your travel plans.

Bali is served by the ‘Ngurah Rai’ International Airport, which is located in the southern part of the island near Denpasar. This is the main airport for international and domestic flights.

Google Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/oDUNhqk2P7v9cDF46

Hotel location link https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2SfzyUAsCLceVK89

The airport can feel quite chaotic at times and be overwhelming for the first timer when you come into the arrivals hall.

You will get taxi drivers offering to take you to your accommodation - do not use these unofficial drivers. Please only used a pre-organised driver via the hotel (more details below) or use the ‘official taxi service ‘ desk in the airport to book a taxi.

If you are staying elsewhere for the first night, organise an airport pick with them it will be the easiest way to get to the accommodation. They will have your name on a sign when you get through customs…along with many many others! 

You will get porters wanting to carry your luggage to a car, but it’s best if you can manage it yourself if your driver isn’t meeting you. (Or pay a tip for their assistance - this is roughly IDR 10-20k as a guide).

Note - Surfboards can take up to an hour to be unloaded from the plane.

There is not an organised service by the CS Gathering, arrangements must be made individually. We can recommend this guidance below…

Note: Bring your own surfboard roof straps / soft racks as taxis will not provide them.

Note: Recommend bringing your own kids car seats needed for taxis.

Arriving:

Airport transfer to the hotel:
The hotel is located approx 45 minutes from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and airport transfer is available upon request from the hotel, this will be arranged nearer the time & we will tell you how to book. Prices approx + tip

• Pick up Airport IDR 400,000/car/way + tip

• Drop to Airport IDR 350,000/car/way + tip
  

Taxi:
The simplest and most straightforward option is to take an ‘official’ airport taxi. You can find the official taxi counter/ booking service at the airport where you can get a taxi to your hotel. Make sure to use the official taxi service to avoid any scams. Using the Airport Desk is advised!

Private Driver/ Transfer:
If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free experience, you can book a private transfer by a driver in advance. Many companies offer this service, and they will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign and your name and you can find them online.

Car Rental: 

• You can choose to drive yourself and pick it up at the airport.

• Please make sure you have an international driving permit if you choose to drive yourself and check you are fully covered by your travel insurance. There is a lot of traffic in Bali and things move slowly…

Getting Around Bali:

If you don’t have a Car Rental or Private Driver then you will need to use taxis. As transport to/from the hotel to cafes, shops, surf. beaches is not provided.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis are available but it’s often better to use ride-hailing phone apps like ‘Grab’ or ‘Gojek’ for convenience and fair pricing. These apps provide options for cars, a ride on the back of a scooter inc ordering food, drink & shopping deliveries to you!
(Please be aware you cannot bring outside food into the hotel and eat in the public areas).

You should make it clear if you are travelling with luggage/ surfboards/ large groups during the booking.

• GRAB- app link

• GOJEK- app link

Surf Beaches - recommended plan…you can order a Gojek or Grab easily by phone with wifi, pick ups are almost immediate and there are plenty in the area to take you anywhere! Just make someone has a phone to order one back to the hotel again! Or you can get a local taxi for a ‘higher’ price!

Families - the hotel provides a beach buggy shuttle to/from the nearest ‘Dreamlands’ beach, the size/space is very limited but it is free, and we will be specifying that from our CS group ONLY adults travelling with kids use this service to make things easier.
It is subject to availability by the hotel at regular times through the day, there will be a 5 minute walk from the drop off point carpark to get to the beach.

Note: Apps/Taxis are not so straightforward to get from the airport as you will have to walk out of the airport to meet them, as they are ‘unofficial’.

Other links

https://bali.com/bali/travel-guide/practical-tips-must-know/100-insider-tips-about-bali/

International Driving licences

This is a requirement to drive ANY vehicle in Bali and should be applied for in your home country in advance. Usually a small fee is charged to get it. A physical copy is ideal (or an online version is ok) for the highly likely police check. You will need your National Drivers Licence + International Licence with photo ID.

Explanation https://ouryearinbali.com/international-driving-permit-licence-for-bali/#:~:text=You%20then%20need%20to%20have,IDR1%20million%20(US%2467.84).

Staying in-touch: How to organise a SIM card? 

Wifi is available at the hotel.

At the Airport: You can buy a SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport upon arrival. There are kiosks from major providers offering convenient packages.

Local Stores: If you prefer to buy a SIM card after settling in, there are many mobile phone shops and convenience stores (like Indomaret or Alfamart) across Bali that sell SIM cards.

Bring Your Passport: To register a SIM card in Indonesia, you’ll need to show your passport, as it is required for identification.

Install the SIM Card: Insert the SIM card into your phone. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Indonesian networks.

Activate the SIM: Most SIM cards will activate automatically, but some providers might require you to dial a specific number or visit their app to complete activation.

Electronic SIM: Many mobiles are compatible with an electronic sim.  This takes the hassle out of buying one and installing.  These can be purchased up to 60 days in advance.  Companies such as SIMIFY or Holafly provide these.

eSIM Indonesia | Prepaid Travel Data eSIM for Australians

Indonesia eSIM from $6.90 with Unlimited Data - Holafly

We are staying in the Bukit southern area of Bali with waves and surf spots on all sides of the peninsula. The dry season is the perfect time to visit during May to September! Yew! This is when the winds are offshore and the swells are consistent, making it perfect for catching those dreamy waves. 

Extra surf info worth checking out!

 https://indonesiansurfguide.com/bukit-peninsula-surf/

https://www.surfline.com/

Hotel location link https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2SfzyUAsCLceVK89

Main Surf Spots in Bukit

• Dreamland (more mellow for families and close to hotel)

• Balangan 

• Padang Padang

• Impossibles

• Bingin

• Uluwatu (Advanced Surfers)

• Other options such as Thomas beach

Surf Reports: At the Gathering we will bring you local daily reports from the CSI Indo crew as well as post info in our CS Bali Whats App group.

Surf Conduct: Group/Line Up - WWJD? Local breaks can get busy and hold a mix of surfers anywhere from learners to advanced.  Be courteous in the lineup and respect the locals. If you arrive at a break in a large group it would be considerate to split in two and surf for an even amount of time each.

Going to Surf: The Swiss BelResort hotel is not right by the beach, it is a 30 minute ‘hot’ walk. We will not be providing transport unfortunately. For 300x surfers this is an impossible task!You will need to take a taxi/car ride to get to your chosen surf spot each day. We recommend going in very small groups to avoid ‘tension’ with locals and other surfers. There are plenty of beaches & places to surf around the Bukit area depending on your ability, time & conditions so we suggest mixing it up!

Parking near/ at a beach can cost IDR 5,000+ for a car. Be careful about leaving your belongings inside your car or with a cafe/shop as thefts can occur. 

Some beaches charge for access such as Padang Padang…payable to the local Indo community. You must pay 10,000 IDR per person (and there is no discount for children, and they only accept cash in IDR) 

See transport for more info on taxis/ apps & transport options

Board Rental in Bali: (Disclaimer - we are not affiliated with any of the hire shops but the local CS crew have made some suggestions to help guide you!)

Overview:

• Price guide

  • Beach hire 100K for an hour

  • Rental store hire 250K per day (Standard)

  • 350K p/d (Premium)

  • Buy a Board - a lot of options!

• How it works - Beach/ Stores/ Book in advance (all options are available, choose which suits you & do some extra research online too before you come!

• Range of Boards available (hard boards mainly from rental store and soft boards from beach, limited hard boards available)
  

Local Board Rental Store options:

Budi Surf Shop padang (recommended by Indo Surf & Lingo). You can contact him and let him know what you’re looking for and he will send you photos and details of 10-12 surfboards for you to choose from. Then he will have a surfboard in a cover with wax, leg ropes and fins waiting for you at your hotel. 

 WhatsApp +628137128407 or email budilongboard@gmail.com

White Monkey Surf shop (recommended by CS crew) - rent through the website. 

https://whitemonkeysurf.com/surfboard-rentals/

Local Buy options

Bali is usually good value for buying Boards, clothing & equipment. However please shop responsibly and sustainably.

• Stores - Bukit area are ‘White Monkey’ & ‘Drifter’ worth a visit!

• Check out ‘Onboard Store’ in Bali which is a licensee business that builds boards for established surf brands.

• Custom makes

  • White Monkey

  • Hansel Surfboards https://www.brucehanselbalisurfboards.com/

• Second hand - Padang Surf Shop & Facebook marketplace.

  https://www.instagram.com/onboardbali_preloved?igsh=MXBnZGxibGprdmh2NQ%3D%3D

• In Kuta are huge surf outlet stores so if you are on the hunt for clothing or equipment you could get a taxi and go check them out.

Bringing you own Board/s

It would save time and hassle to bring your own, but there are plenty of surfboards in Bali for fun waves for a short trip and it does depend on your level! 

Some good advice: https://secretseaweed.com/should-i-bring-my-own-surfboard-to-bali/

What to bring?: 

• We recommend bringing spare leashes/ fins which you can always donate to bless the local crews when you leave!

• Surfboard soft racks/ straps as most taxi drivers will not have them! 

• Valuables at the beach (take a mate to keep watch of your wallet or phone) as you’ll need it to get there and back to the hotel via taxi! ;)

• Luggage - travel light if possible. 

• Wax - so you’re good to go asap!

• Suncream.

• Bali has a tropical climate and warm sea temperatures to go swimming. The water temperature is usually between 27°C and 30°C all year round.

Surfboard Storage

To avoid sand in rooms…we will hopefully have a safe storage place for everyones Boards! TBC, watch this space…

Luggage bags can be stored for free at the hotel reception if you ARRIVE earlier on your first day or want to leave it at the hotel for a few hours AFTER check out.

We are still arranging a safe place to leave Boards during the day to avoid sandy rooms, but still TBC

Cash: We advise bringing some cash with you Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)…to pay for CS merch, also local tips to drivers & waiters, maybe beach access (yes some beaches make you pay to enter now), drinks, coconuts & snacks at the beach to local sellers…also if you order at the hotel coffees or extra room service meals you can pay cash or card (cash will avoid additional fees). Going to an ATM or money changer is a taxi ride away and withdrawal limits limited. (Plus you have to take a taxi there & back) and some are known to operate as scams so be careful! So google review them first!

Cards/Phone payment apps: These will be accepted in most official stores & restaurants, but not at local street sellers or stalls by the beach. So best use your card in supermarkets and shops and bring cash for daily small items.

Your daily budget during the CS Gathering days will very much depend on where you go and what you do as we will have a full programme but will give 4-5 hours of free time each day to explore & surf. So budget for transport to/from surf spots, tips for the driver, drink and snack at the beach. AUD$15 daily.

However if you’re super hungry and need extra food /special diets (beside the main buffet meals at the hotel) then you can buy items at the supermarket! Keep in mind that your registration covers:

• Mon Dinner

• Tues Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Wed Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

• Thu Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Fri Breakfast, Lunch

You can buy extra drinks and water at the hotel as well as go to a local supermarket or visit many of the cafes for coffees and smoothies.

If you are spending more time in Bali perhaps check this out as a guide to spending.

https://finnsbeachclub.com/guides/bali-trip-cost/

Offering/Gift Day

During our time in Bali we will take an offering. More info later.

CS Merchandise to buy

We will have other items to buy during the Gathering…so maybe allow some budget for these things!

Food & Drink - what to expect

Bring a reusable bottle from home;

“Is Bali's tap water safe to drink?” The short answer is no. Stick to bottled water – or, better still, bring a bottle to limit the waste generated by single-use plastic & purchase x large bottles of water and decant daily. There are no water taps for refills available in Bali. Water must be bought. Including at the hotel…from the bar or at the local supermarket.

Additionally, be aware of ice at small local street sellers, it is better to only have it if you know it is bought in bags & is safe. These days most cafes and restaurants will buy in clean ice so for western aimed food/drink sellers you should be fine.

Use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth.

Washing hands OFTEN and always before eating is the best deterrent so bring alcohol gel or wipes.

The Hotel is a 4* international hotel with a buffet selection of food. They will be notified of all dietary requirements that you inform us about via your reg form, so they can cater food for you as much as possible, ensure items are clearly labelled and you are provided for.

Note: There are limitations on what the Hotel can offer and areas/equipment could be cross contaminated, there is a risk, especially in a shared buffet dining room as well.

If you have serious conditions please make us aware of anything critical to your health. By contacting us to discuss further…gathering@christiansurfers.net

Cafes/ Restaurants

There are so many and Bali is famous for its amazing food, choices & styles available! We will recommend a few nearer the time worth a try… but there is such an huge choice of local Indo food to international award winning places, plus coffee, pastries, ice-cream that it’s impossible to list them all here! Plus we have fully catered meals for the duration of the Gathering.

Check on google, instagram and Trip Advisor for inspiration!

You’ll need to take a taxi to visit them as there is limited availability close by and it is humid & hot to walk very far!

We will be updating this but some kep info is:

Kids Programme: Is being planned details to come for the different age groups

Airport: There is usually a line at immigration for families travelling with children under 5 which can cut your wait times down.

Walking: Even though Bali is small, walking is not always easy, particularly not with children, strollers, etc. Footpaths are usually non-existent. It is extremely humid & hot. There are stray dogs in many places too.

Beach access: This has changed recently - The hotel have a car shuttle available for all hotel guests that leave at regular intervals to a beach club or Dreamlands Beach. However as space is limited and must be booked 24 hrs before for space in the car during our Conference days Monday -Friday we ask only CS families use this service if they want. It is not for surfers getting to the beach! Also see Transport section for more ideas.

Taxis/ Shops from the hotel: You will probably need to get a taxi to the shops/cafes/other places with the kids as it is 2km to walk UP to the main road. ‘Jimbaran Uluwatu Street’ (see Transport for more info).

You could also use the Apps like Gojek and Grab for quick taxis and also to get your essentials delivered to you. This is a very useful and cheap service!

Car seats - To make life easier we’d recommend bringing your own as taxis will not supply them.

Games - bring things to entertain your kids!

High chairs - we are checking what there is at the hotel

Pools - The hotel has 4 pools, 3 are 1.25m deep and one is for kids and shallower. There is NO lifeguard. Please watch your kids at all times. Swim towels are available daily by the pool.

Local area activities: https://www.waterbom-bali.com/

Diapers: In the more touristic areas it is easy for you to find diapers in the convenience stores that line the streets of Bali and of course also at the pharmacies (Apotek). In the more remote areas it might be more difficult. Prices might be slightly more expensive that what you are used to.

Days are usually hot & high humidity with balmy evenings, so you should pack light and cool clothing. 

The average daily maximum is 28°C   /°82F and the average daily minimum is 24°C   / 75°F in July.

Humidity is at approx 80%

It is officially the dry season, but tropical sudden rain showers can happen and then dry up very quickly.

All bedrooms have air conditioning at the hotel.

Useful links that might help you plan your trip to Bali!

https://welikebali.com/ 

https://indosurf.com.au/

Explanation & info on Visas: https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/

Pay Tourist Tax Online in advance https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home

Fill in Form Online in advance  https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/

Fill in Customs Form Online in advance  https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/

Passport Explanation link https://bali.com/bali/travel-guide/practical-tips-must-know/passport-requirements/

Airport Google Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/oDUNhqk2P7v9cDF46

Hotel Google Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2SfzyUAsCLceVK89

Surf https://indonesiansurfguide.com/bukit-peninsula-surf/

Contact Email:
gathering@christiansurfers.net