Bali: the tourist levy, temple sarongs, and the Nyepi silence

Bali charges foreign visitors a tourist levy, paid online or on arrival, in addition to the national visa on arrival. Temples require a sarong and sash, usually rented or lent at the entrance, and women are asked not to enter during menstruation. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year (dates vary by the lunar calendar, usually March), is a full day of silence: the airport closes, nobody leaves their hotel, and lights stay off. Plan around it or embrace it.