8th CUTTING EDGE CONF in BALI INFO PACK # 2

8th CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE in BALI .... may I have more info , pls! (Letters & Info Packs)

Dear IT Phils Eagles, Partners and Friends,

GREETINGS !!! In less than three months , we will be seeing each other in the beautiful island province of Indonesia – BALI,  for our 8th CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025. We are so excited for this gathering. We look forward to an amazing time of fellowship with all of you again!

Additional conference info and instructions:

A. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS for both PHILIPPINES & INDONESIA

1. Please check regularly the announcements on our Facebook. We will have a pre-departure briefing for all registered conference participants to best prepare you on your immigration encounters – both in the PHILIPPINES and in INDONESIA. The dates and time will be communicated to all via announcements on our Facebook page.

2. All documents that may be asked from you by immigration officers will be provided by our office. Please show the documents only when asked by the immigration officer!

3. The Philippine government requires all government employees to first secure clearance before they are allowed to travel outside of the country. If you are a government employee and could not present the document upon the demand of our airport immigration authority, you will be denied boarding. Please make sure you secure one as early as possible. We have missionaries in the past who were not allowed to board because of their failure to attend to this important requirement. Our office will issue the needed certification explaining the reason for your trip to Indonesia.

4. There is no need for an Entry Visa for a Filipino to enter Indonesia. All you need to present to the Indonesian airport authorities are your passport, a return ticket and if asked, purpose of visit and proof of accommodation during your stay in the country (to be provided by our office). Filipinos are allowed to stay in Bali, Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa due to their ASEAN membership. This visa-exempt stay is for tourism and is not extendable. If a longer stay is desired, a Visa on Arrival can be obtained, which also allows for an initial 30-day stay and can be extended once for another 30 days at a local immigration office.   Please double check your passports expiration date. The Philippine immigration officers won’t allow you to leave the country if your travel date falls within 6 months prior to expiration. If you are Philippine born but holding a non-Philippines passport, you must check with the Indonesian embassy for their visa requirements for citizens of the country shown on your passport. For other nationalities who need to apply for entry visa to Indonesia, our office will provide the necessary documents – invitation to the conference, status as IT missionary or trainee, etc.  

B. AIRPORT IN BALI, INDONESIA

The main airport serving the island of Bali is  I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The airport is also referred to as DENPASAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The airport is located13 kilometers from Downtown Denpasar. It serves the Denpasar Metropolitan area and the whole island of Bali. Bali is not a city; it is an island province of Indonesia, and Denpasar  is the capital city of Bali

C.  AIRPORT DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL

a. DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL in NAIA (Manila) …Paper-based departure will no longer be supplied. All departure and arrival forms are now on digital format, meaning all travelers must fill the forms ONLINE. You must accomplish an eTravel online form by downloading the application from etravel.gov.ph and fill it up completely. Once completed , you will receive a QR code (take a screenshot right away). You will be asked to present it upon departure or arrival, before you are allowed to proceed to the immigration counter.

ETravel pass is FREE. Do not pay for it. It is easy to use!  If you are still having difficulty you may just ask the assistance of any IT missionary who have used it already

Other Philippine international airports (Davao, Cebu. Clark etc.) have already adopted the online requirement for international travels.

b. STEP BY STEP ARRIVAL PROCESS in DENPASAR International Airport 

1. DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD .  Just like in the Philippines, Indonesia has introduced the ALL INDONESIA ARRIVAL CARD, a mandatory digital form for all travelers entering Bali. This new system replaces the old customs declaration and combines it with the health declaration and immigration details. This digital card must be completed online WITHIN 72 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT, and once submitted you’ll receive a QR code by email. When you land at Bali airport, immigration officers will scan the QR code before letting you through.

Alternatively, you can fill in the form online at the airport using your smartphone. You can access the free internet at the airport – the Wi-Fi network is “NgurahRai” and can be accessed without the use of a password.

2. PAY BALI TOURIST TAX ***.  Starting last year, Bali has implemented a new BALI TOURIST TAX that applies to all international travelers that arrive in Bali. The amount is 150,000 IDR (Pesos 520/ US$9 as of 9/10/2025) which can be paid online or upon arrival at Bali Airport.    

3. PROCEED TO IMMIGRATION .  After landing, try to be at the immigration line as quickly as possible. Just like in many major airports (ex. NAIA) , depending on the time of the day the queues can be long – very long, with waiting times from an hour to more than two hours, if you landed at the same time as other international flights.  

4. FAST-TRACK QUEUES FOR ELDERLY AND YOUNG CHILDREN (INDONESIA’s VERSION OF THE PHILS. PRIORITY LANE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.) .  BALI airport has a separate queue that caters to families with small children (under 5 years old)  and the elderly (over 60 years old) . Please check signage as to which side of the immigration area this lane is located  

5. RECLAIM YOUR LUGGAGE  from the assigned carousel or conveyor. Bali airport is known for its slow baggage handling, sometimes 20 minutes to even an hour.    

6. GETTING THROUGH CUSTOMS . Once you have collected your luggage, proceed to the customs queue where you may be directed straight to the exit or towards the X-ray luggage screening. If you are not carrying anything illegal, you will not have any problem. If questioned by customs officers, always be nice and polite, give them a smile and comply with their requests.  

7. Go find a CURRENCY EXCHANGE BOOTH or ATM  to withdraw Indonesian RUPIAH.

8. GET A LOCAL SIM CARD FOR YOUR PHONE

9. PROCEED TO YOUR DESTINATION via your choice of transportation.    

D. CHANGE CURRENCY.   Exchange your US$ or whatever currency to the local currency or INDONESIAN RUPIAH (IDR) at any Currency Exchange Counter that you’ll see at the airport. The exchange rate as of Sept 10, 2025 is USD 1 = IDR  16,444.21  = Phil Pesos 57.07.   (Yes, exchange Pesos 3,500 and you’ll be an instant millionaire in Bali .   )   Some Currency Exchange Counters accept Phil Pesos and the rates are normally posted on a board or screen. You will have to pay your bus or taxi in IDR so please remember to have your money changed to the local currency before heading towards your preferred mode of travel.    There are also ATM Machines available in the arrival area. The machines will dispense local Rupiah only on your withdrawal based on the current bank adjusted exchange rate.   Although the exchange rate is not as competitive as a money changer outside of the airport, they’re within a few points, making the convenience and security worth it. The best option is to change what you need for a couple of days before changing larger amounts at a money changer elsewhere once you have settled in. Our missionaries based in Indonesia will be able to assist you in determining where the most reputable money changer, who can give the best return on your money.      

E. GET LOCAL SIM CARD   On your way out you’ll find a couple of Telcom kiosks selling SIM CARDS. Buying a local SIM card is a good idea because they are cheap and while WIFI is common in Bali hotels, cafes, restaurants etc.. it is still better ti have a full-time reliable internet connectivity via a local SIM card. If you are a group, you may just opt to buy one that your group could share using HOTSPOT option on your mobile phone. Inquire first if it will work or if there is a limit to the sharing option using the SIM card you are planning to purchase .   One of the highly recommended Telcom mobile carrier is TELKOMSEL. They are known to provide fast internet speeds and are cheap , with a price of IDR 120k (Pesos 420) for a 20Gigabyte data package with one month expiry. There is a one day or seven days option but may be more expensive.   If you are unable to get one at the airport, you may just visit their stores in the commercial centers in Bali.     

F. FOOD AND DRINKS AT ARRIVALS   Just past the Telco kiosks, there is a couple of small convenience stores where you can buy water and other snacks and refreshments. There is also a small coffee kiosk a bit further around to the right opposite the information desk (easily seen with a huge arrivals/departures board hanging above it).   If you are feeling hungry and don’t want to wait until you get to your destination before getting something to eat, head upstairs to the departure hall where there are a number of restaurants. Just outside the convenience store on the left-hand side is an elevator. Take it to the 3rd floor for something to eat or drink, or just relax. It’s also the best place if you need to hang out while waiting for fellow travelers to arrive after you or are meeting someone picking you up.    

G. TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT TO DENPASAR CITY CENTER   You can get from Denpasar Airport to the city center by :

1. HOTEL SHUTTLE .. A majority of the time, your accommodation will arrange for airport pickup in Denpasar. Whether this is a hotel-owned shuttle & driver, or a local who is trusted and contracted by the host, you’ll have a friendly local waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it.

2. TAXI . If your accommodation does not provide transport, you’ll need to use a taxi. In the Denpasar airport, there is a booth for Bluebird Taxi, the most reputable company. Here, you will provide your destination address, and soon a driver will find you and take you on your way. This is a pre-determined fare based on distance, so you don’t need to haggle for a good price, or worry about being scammed!

3. RIDE HAILING APP (Grab Car & Gojek ) : This is a cheaper alternative to an airport  taxi.  But this isn’t as easy, as these companies are banned from picking up at the airport. If you’re in an extreme budget mode, then you can walk a ways away from the airport to a main street and grab one from there! (There is the possibilty though that the policies have changed and may have given Grab and Gojek permission to pick up inside the airport)

H. TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT TO CONFERENCE VENUE – INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER BALI   Distance from Denpasar Airport to International Conference Center BALI is around 7 to 8 kms.  with an estimated travel time of 16 -20 minutes by private car, taxi or Grab.  A bus plus walk option may take around 1hour 30minutes (not recommended) . A GRAB CAR ride from Bali Airport to the conference venue will cost around IDR 131,000 or PESOS 455  

I. TRANSPORT IN AND AROUND BALI  

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Convenient for short trips with affordable prices and reliable service. Apps like Grab dominate the island.

• Traditional Taxis: Available but often pricier than apps; ensure to negotiate fares or look for metered taxis (e.g., Blue Bird).

• Motorbike Rentals: Ideal for motorcyclists. Always wear a helmet and must possess an international driver’s license. (it takes a day to acquire one from Philippine Motors Association)

• Public Transportation:  The most affordable option . A popular choice for locals without their own vehicle. They are similar to our very own jeepneys

• Public Buses: Limited routes but economical. Suitable only for travel along major corridors.

• Bicycle Rentals : This is a wonderful way to see the beautiful sceneries of Bali at a leisurely pace and a truly affordable transport option. .

  
  

1.RIDE HAILING APPS : The same GRABCAR APP that is used in the Philippines will work automatically in BALI. There is no need to download a new GRAB App. The booking is very much done in the same way. The amounts will show up in the local IDR currency though. Grab Car offers cheaper and safer rides than the regular taxis. Like in the Philippines, GRAB offers several services : GRAB CARS (with several car size and type options, GRAB BIKES (motorcycles for single ride like our ANGKAS bikes)  and even food delivery GRAB FOOD. There is another ride hailing app which is more common in Indonesia – GOJEK. You may download it and use it to compare with GRAB for the cheaper ride.  Gojek is known to offer cheaper rides while Grab offers more rides specially in busy hours and accepts international credit cards more easily.  Uber no longer operates in Indonesia.  

2. AIRPORT TAXI TO THE CITY CENTER : When it comes to taking a taxi from Bali Airport, you have a few options. You can order a taxi from the official counters, but they can be expensive. Another option is to walk out of the airport premises, head to the pickup point, and catch a metered taxi like Blue Bird as they exit the car park. The recommended taxi company in Bali is BLUE BIRD TAXI. This is the most reputable and well known taxi operator in Bali.  Taxis in Bali have a flag fall rate of IDR 7,000 (Pesos 24)  and a per kilometer price of around IDR 6,600 (Pesos 23).  

3. MOTORBIKE RENTALS. Motorbikes are the most common form of transportation in Bali for good reason. The roads are small, parking is limited, and many areas were created without cars in mind. Motorbikes make it easy to navigate these small paths, and open up doors for you to explore further areas. There are 3 common motorbike options you will find across Bali, all with different handling, power, and style. The daily rates listed below are estimations, but this is a guide to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to! 

 a. HONDA SCOOPY.        Daily Rate : IDR 60,000 or Pesos 200/ day.

b. HONDA VARIO.              Daily Rate : IDR 75,000 or Pesos 260/day

c. YAMAHA NMAX             Daily Rate : IDR 95,000 or Pesos 330/day  

Where to find? Once you arrive wherever you’re staying, you’ll see plenty of signs around for ‘Bike Rental’ and ‘Bike Hire’, and our Indonesian  IT missionaries could also help you find a bike!  Reminder; You’ll need an International Drivers Permit to be able to drive in Bali.

4. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION . Public transportation in Bali is the most affordable option and is used by locals without their own vehicle. There are  main public transport options available in Bali -  Bemo, Kura-Kura and Perma.   ·     

BEMO (ANGKOT).. is a minivan type of ride that does short-distance transport within a town or city. You can get a ride across for as little as IDR 4.000 (Pesos 14) , making it the most affordable option there is! The Bemo operates as a hop-on/hop-off, so once you’re near your destination you can yell ‘Stop’ and the driver will make the stop.  This is the counterpart of the JEEPNEYS in the Philippines.   ·

KURA KURA BUS  . a tourist shuttle with pre-determined routes that connects major tourist areas like Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. This is similar to the Philippines P2P (point to point bus services)  Since there are pre-determined stops, it’s easy to locate the bus and hop on board! Tickets can be purchased on board, or reserved online at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Book tickets on the website. Prices range from Rp 100.000 (one-way) – Rp 160.000 (return). ·     

PERAMA BUS .. similar to Kura Kura , a tourist shuttle with predetermined routes to the main attractions but specializes more for longer journeys like travel from Bali to Lombok or other far flung islands.   ·     

BALI PUBLIC BUS SERVICE: This is a recent addition to Bali’s transportation network, offering locals and tourists alike a very affordable means of transportation. Routes cover key destinations and tickets can be purchased directly at the bus stations.      

4. BICYCLE RENTALS . Basic bike rentals are cheap, starting at IDR 30,000 to IDR 50,000 (Pesos 100 -170) per day. It's a wonderful way to see the beautiful sceneries of Bali at a leisurely pace.

J. CONFERENCE FEES   A contribution of US$80 or P4,000 per participant will help cover expenses on venue rental, and lunch meals, snacks, conference materials, honorariums, etc… Early registration offers a huge discount too, so sign up early to avail of the lower registration cost. The conference fee covers already ACCESS 2 Training registration. There is no separate fee anymore on ACCESS 2 except for their budget for the expenses that will be incurred on their 5 days training. Their budget will include mainly transportation, and meals for the almost weeklong training. ACCESS 2 budget will be discussed during the briefings for Access 2 participant    

K. ACCOMODATIONS .., there are many hotels and backpackers inn that you can choose to stay on. We have spotted good hotel rates for hotels that are close in proximity to our conference venue. Good booking sites are Agoda.Com, TRip.com, Booking.Com ... Below are screenshots of recent views made by the office to show the names and current rates of the hotels.

L.  POST-CONFERENCE TOUR    We will be discussing at the next Info Pack the Pre and Post Conference activities – optional tours to special sites. Missionaries in Training who signed up for ACCESS 2 will follow an itinerary set by our ACCESS 2 Evaluators Team.. The rest will have their options open to any trips or activities in and out of the city. We will also present suggestions on good places to go to and activities to do while in BALI on our next posting.

M . REMINDERS:   

1. STREET CROSSING CAUTION …. Be extra vigilant and be super attentive while crossing the streets of BALI. So many accidents occur mostly to people who took lightly the dangers of crossing the streets in this city. When crossing the street, please always remember that they drive on the other side of the road. Cars in Indonesia drive on the left side of the road. The cars they use have steering wheels located on the right side, just like the ones used in the United Kingdom & Japan. Always look to your RIGHT first when crossing, if you don’t, you might be shocked to see a fast-incoming vehicle coming from a different direction that is about to hit you. Many road accidents are a result of careless street crossing due to non-familiarity with the direction of the incoming cars.  

2. PASSPORT CHECK … Please check your passport for any discoloration, tear or any visible defect. Even if it looks like a minor thing, the airline counter might not allow you to  check in anymore because they are instructed to refuse boarding of travelers with defective passports. You still have time to request for a replacement passport from the DFA should you find defects on your passport.

3. SMARTPHONE … everyone must bring their own smartphones. We would like everyone to be accessible in case of emergencies. Most airports, including our own NAIA airport,  don’t issue paper departure and arrival cards anymore. They require that you fill up the forms online and show the QR codes to the airport officials who will request for it.  

4. ROAMING SERVICE: Please ask your service provider (Globe, Smart etc...) if they could activate your phone for International Roaming. When you are on roaming, your friends and loved ones can call you or text message wherever you are. Warning the cost of roaming services is high. When activated your mobile phone will be able to receive text messages and calls from the Philippines, for free. However, once you start to answer the call or send a reply text, the cost to you is extremely high. Better purchase a local SIM card that you can use to respond to text messages.  

5. INTERNET SERVICE:  You may avail of the Pocket Wifi rental or simply purchase a SIM card. The Pocket Wifi would be good for group (around 10 individuals) use. For SIM card, you could use your phone as a Personal Hotspot where you could share your internet signal to a maximum of 4 individuals. Both would offer you outright connectivity and capability to call or chat using FB messenger, Viber etc… Both services can be purchased at the airport upon arrival. Your local phone provider (Globe, Smart …) will send a message, upon your arrival, of their various offers that you could access right away. They could activate your phone right away for international internet service at a price that ranges from around P399 per day.

N. PRAYERS and INTERCESSION: Please always include the conference and the organizing staffs in your prayers. Pray also for GOD’s provision for all those who will be attending the conference.   We’ll this is it for now! I’m excited and looking forward to another great Cutting Edge Leadership conference.

More conference info and updates on our next INFO PACK. See you soon in the beautiful and enchanting BALI  … much blessings!  

Ptr. Gani Sison