About Bali
Strategically located in the Southeast of Bali, the center is only 20 minutes away by car from the International Airport and has easy access to transport by taxi.
Bali enjoys a subtropical climate with an average temperature in June between 27C (80F) and 31C.
The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp) with Exchange offices and ATM machines easily available throughout the Island and at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The official language in Bali is Indonesian, but English is well-spoken in most touristic areas. The 32nd ICM Triennial Congress is the world ‘s largest midwives’ event ever held in Indonesia.
About Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country with more than 17,500 islands under its territory. It has a tropical climate as it is located between Australia and Asia continent and is passed by an equator line. Given its abundant islands stretched over an extensive area, the country is divided into three time zones: GMT +7 for Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, Madura, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan), GMT +8 for Central Indonesia Time (South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara) and GMT +9 for East Indonesia Time (Maluku and Papua).
Up till 2016, Indonesia’s population is predicted to have exceeded 250 million people, making it as world’s fourth largest one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means unity in diversity, is the country’s national slogan that serves as life guidance for Indonesians. The slogan describes Indonesia as united amidst a number of different religions, hundreds of ethnic groups, and local languages coupled with various traditions and cultures.
More than 80% of Indonesians practice Islam and the remaining embrace Christianity, Hinduism, Buddha, Kong Hu-Chu, and native faiths. All of them are recognized by the government. Indonesia’s national language is Bahasa Indonesia with the English Language frequently used by its residents as the foreign language is included in the school curriculum. Some phrases in Bahasa Indonesia that are worthy of knowing are:
- Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)
- Selamat Siang (Good Afternoon)
- Selamat Malam (Good Night)
- Terima Kasih (Thank You)
- Tolong (Please)
- Apa Kabar (How Are You)
- Maaf (Sorry)
- Permisi (Excuse me)
Accessibility
Special arrangements will be made to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. Participants with disabilities are kindly requested to inform the Secretariat of their requirements (see bottom of the page for contact information).
Business & Shopping
- Business
Office hours for most businesses are from 8 AM to 4 PM, or 9 AM to 5 PM, usually Monday through Friday (with some open on Saturday as well). Government offices are closed on Saturdays. Standard banking hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday.
- Shopping
In traditional markets and individual stalls, it is an acceptable custom to negotiate the final price with the vendor if the price is not clearly marked on the item. But always do so respectfully and pleasantly. In larger stores or chains, the price is fixed.
- Shopping Around Campus
Bali Collection is a shopping center and dining entertainment complex set within the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation’s (ITDC) around the campus. Here, you may find Balinese souvenirs, batik, a wide range of culinary (Indonesian and international food), and other goods (clothing, mini market, etc.). For further information please access Bali-collection.com.
Currency
Indonesia’s national currency is Rupiah (Indonesian Rupiah = IDR). Websites such as www.xe.com can provide current currency exchange rates.
Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00. Most banks handle travelers’ cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travelers’ cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Most shopping malls and money changers in Bali only accept US dollar banknotes printed recently (2009 and newer) and in excellent, uncirculated physical condition.
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted. Foreign ATM cards with Visa, Cirrus, Maestro, or Plus symbols can be used to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah from most ATMs.
Dress code
Recommended dress during the congress is business casual. Light clothing is advisable for the hot and humid climate.
Drinking water
Tap water is not safe to drink. Congress attendees are advised to drink bottled or sterilized water. Most restaurants use a filtration system for drinking water.
Electricity
Electrical power in Indonesia is 220–240 volts (50 hertz). The plugs are European style, with two round prongs. Don’t forget to bring appropriate adapters (and converters for 110V electrical goods).
First Aid and medical assistance
During the congress, there will be a medical room. The exact location is to be confirmed.
It is suggested that congress participants secure travel medical insurance. Please bring your own personal medications as needed. First aid at the congress venue and ambulance services will be available. There are various international clinics and hospitals located
Health Services
Anticipation
Indonesia is located in a tropical area that lies between Asia and Australia continent, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and is passed by an equator line. The country consists of islands and an archipelago stretching from west to east. It also holds straits and bays that make the country vulnerable to climate and weather changes.
During the 32nd ICM Triennial Congress in June, Bali’s temperature is predicted to reach -/+ 30 Celsius degrees. As such, all participants are suggested to stay hydrous. Don’t forget to bring personal medicines to make you fit to do all your activities.
Hospitals
Please find below a list of recommended hospitals if participants need treatments at the hospital:
BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua
This international standard hospital is Indonesia’s first hospital that obtains international accreditation from Australia Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and recognition from the International Assistance Group (IAG) as Indonesia’s preferred healthcare provider. The hospital is situated at Blok D of the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC)complex center, not far from Nusa Dua Convention Center. The hospital has five leading services: 24 hours Centers for Accident & Emergency 24 hours, 24 hours Medical Center, Cosmetic Center, Dental Center, and Dialysis Center.
The hospital that has helped more than 200,000 patients is located in Kuta area in addition to the one in Nusa Dua.
Contact: +62 361 3000 911
Website: www.bimcbali.com
Siloam Hospital
The 24-hour hospital has a certificate with Plenary status from the Hospital Accreditation Commission of the Health Ministry. In addition, the hospital is recognized as Indonesia’s preferred healthcare provider by the International Assistance Group or IAG. The hospital is located at Jalan Sunset Road No.818, Kuta, Badung Regency. It offers advanced services that include gynecology, gastroenterology, nephrology, general surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and pediatrics. Aside from that, the hospital provides other services, such as cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, skin and genitals, endocrinology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, plastic surgery and psychiatry.
Contact: +62 361 779 900, +62 361 779 911
Website: www.siloamhospitals.com
Sanglah Public Hospital
The biggest hospital in Bali is located at Jalan Diponegoro, Dauh Puri Klod, Denpasar Barat. The hospital becomes the primary reference for Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) areas. In 2005, the hospital was stated as a Type A Hospital according to the Regulation of the Health Minister of the Republic of Indonesia number 1638 the year 2005. Several of the hospital’s leading services are Integrated Heart, Integrated Cancer services and Intensive Services for patients with acute or chronic diseases. Besides, the hospital provides Radiotherapy, Kidney Transplantation, General Check-Up and Hyperbaric Chamber services.
Contact: +62 361 227911 15
Kasih Ibu Hospital
The private hospital that is under the management of Kasih Ibu Hospital Group operates four public hospitals and two major clinics that are spread in the Denpasar area (Jalan Teuku Umar No. 120), Kedonganan (Jalan Uluwatu No. 69 A), Tabanan (Jalan Flamboyan No. 9), Saba (Jalan Raya Pantai Saba No. 9, Gianyar), Dalung Clinic (Dalung Permai Blok C1-4), and Bajera Clinic (Jalan Denpasar-Gilimanuk). The hospital’s top services include Brain & Spin Center, Endoscopic Center, and Stroke Center. In addition, the hospital provides Medical Check-Up, Radiology, Hemodialysis, and Medic Rehabilitation services.
Contact: +62 361 300 3030
Website: kih.co.id
Important reminders
Change money only at authorized money changers.
Leave important documents in the hotel safe.
Always keep a copy of your passport or ID with you.
Remember to save Rupiah for the departure tax (about $16 USD) at the airport.
Insurance
The ICM Secretariat shall not be responsible for personal accidents or damage to the private property of congress attendees. It is highly advisable that attendees make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
Internet
The Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center features free Wi-Fi that can be accessed by congress participants from within the congress center. No login/password is required. The network will be named ICM2023
Languages
The official language of the archipelago is Bahasa Indonesia, a modern variant of Malay. More than 300 different languages are spoken across Indonesia, and most Balinese are bilingual or trilingual. Most people speak at least a bit of English.
The working language of the ICFP will be English. During the plenaries, there will be simultaneous interpretation in French and Bahasa. Headphones will be provided.
Laundry
Laundry service is available in the hotels for an additional charge.
Local Transportation
Transportation in Bali is cheap by any standard. Trans Sarbagita is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system that serves passengers to Batu Bulan – Sanur – Kuta Central Parking Lot – Nusa Dua Resort Area, every 15 minutes from 05.00 – 21.00 hrs. The fee is IDR 3,500 or around USD 50 cents. The taxis start with a flag fall of IDR 7,000 or less than USD 70 cents, followed by 5,000 Rupiah/kilometer. From the airport to the congress venue in Nusa Dua, it will cost around IDR 150,000 (equiv. USD 12); whereas from Nusa Dua area to Kuta or Legian area will cost around IDR 200,000.
It is advisable to carry a small change as taxi drivers are often short of change. Taxis are operated from all major hotels and the airport with the rate varying according to the destination. Metered taxis with air conditioning are more convenient for participants. At all major airport terminals, inquiries about local transportation should be directed to the information counter. Furthermore, car and motorcycle rentals are also available. It is safe to use taxis to get around Nusa Dua. The recommended company is the Blue Bird Group.
Meals
Complimentary daily breakfast for congress participants will be provided by hotels or resorts where participants will be staying. During the congress, lunch and two coffee breaks are provided at no cost at the congress venue. Dinner is on your own.
Tax and tipping
A value-added tax of 10 percent is added to bills. In larger cities, 5 or 11 percent is commonly added for service in restaurants. Tipping is not compulsory, even in cities, but tips are generally highly appreciated. Tips need be no more than 20 percent.
Safety
The Government of Indonesia and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center have put in place strong security measures for the ICM.
All congress attendees are required to register to ensure everyone has been cleared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Convention Center is an enclosed compound that requires all who enter to go through security checkpoints.
The Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center is located at Kawasan Nusa Dua Blok NW/1 (BTDC) Bali, 80363-Indonesia. Phone: +62 361-773000.
Telephone services
Telephone services are available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
Most GSM cellular phones will work with local GSM SIM cards. Vendors that sell GSM SIM cards, as well as recharge credits (pulsa) for local GSM numbers, are located throughout Bali. They are inexpensive—$10 to $15 will buy about 300 minutes of talk and text/2GB of data.
SIM cards will be available for purchase at the Convention Center and at the airport (international terminal). GSM vendors at the airport can provide local GSM SIM cards and registration services for your cellular phone for approximately US $6, or IDR 50.000.
Dialing instructions
The country code for Indonesia is +62
The local area code for Bali is 0361. Omit the 0 (zero) when dialing with the country code, followed by the phone number: +62 361…..
For international calls, dial 007 + country code + area code + phone number
Time zone
Indonesia has three time zones. Bali is located within GMT+8, Waktu Indonesia Tengah (WITA) / Central Indonesian Time.
Weather
The climate of Bali is tropical, with high temperatures throughout the year. Daytime temperatures in Bali rarely stray from a minimum of 27°C / 77°F to a maximum of 30°C / 86°F. Be sure to bring wet-weather gear as well as sun protection.