Bali Benoa

Strong tidal streams, numerous shoals and sandbanks, and several tight, exact turns make Benoa a ‘tricky’ harbour. During the approach, local fishers may stand in the water only a few metres from the ship.

Benoa is a fairly recent port where Balinese dancers greet arriving passengers. Most vessels now use the improved berth, though some remain at anchor and transfer people ashore by tender.

Benoa Port lies approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) south of Bali's capital, Denpasar. Depending on congestion, the drive from the terminal to the city centre normally takes around 20-30 minutes.

From Benoa cruise terminal, Denpasar town centre is a 12 km drive and the international airport is 10 km away.

Numerous taxis and drivers actively selling tours wait immediately outside the terminal. Bali can be difficult to navigate because sights are dispersed across the island and roads are poor. Principal areas include Nusa Dusa, with its resorts and beaches; Denpasar, the capital and main market centre; and Ubud, Bali's cultural heart.

At the quay, a car or van with driver can be hired for 4 hours at about $65; confirm that the driver speaks some English. Stated taxi prices are $30 to Denpasar, $27 to Kuta and roughly $37 to Nusa Dua.

Grab and Gojek are among the rideshare services operating in Bali. Download the relevant app and follow its travel instructions; Grab accepts cash only here.

Inside the terminal precinct, Balinese culture and art are demonstrated through dance, puppetry and a Gamelan Orchestra, alongside woodcarving, batik printing, painting and sculpture.

Benoa Harbour is now being developed as a turnaround port able to receive international cruises beginning or ending their journeys on the island.

If your room steward comes from Bali, consider asking for your cabin not to be cleaned. The gesture may give them time to visit their family.

Bali contains Indonesia's most popular cruise ports, followed by Komodo Island and Lombok.

Kuta Beach is Bali's most developed and popular beach.

Bali's natural beauty makes it one of Indonesia's leading visitor attractions. Mountains, volcanoes, beaches and rice fields accompany distinctive customs, lifestyles, art, religions and other sights, establishing the island as a gateway destination. The friendliness of Balinese people helps many visitors feel welcome. Between Java and Lombok, Bali also has a remarkable coastline, combining beaches for relaxation with waves of international surfing standard.

In south-eastern Bali, Nusa Dua is a district of large international 5-star resorts. It stands 40 kilometres from Denpasar, the provincial capital.

Places such as Ubud, Celuk and perhaps Sanur may appeal, but are likely to be more enjoyable with a driver or in a very small group.

Hiring a car requires an International Driver's Licence, and the island's infrastructure is fairly poor.

Small stalls trade inside the cruise terminal, with further souvenir sellers beyond its gates.

Using the hand rather than forks or spoons is common when eating in Indonesia. Shape a small rice ball with four fingers, dip it into a sauce and use your thumb to push it into your mouth. Only the right hand should be used for eating, because the left is reserved for cleaning after using the toilet. Never reach into communal dishes with either hand: use utensils in the left hand to serve your portion first. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the meal. Some situations nevertheless discourage eating by hand...

Credit-card cloning and fraud are serious concerns in Indonesia, so take care. Mastercard and Visa have wide acceptance, but American Express may prove difficult. Smaller businesses commonly add surcharges of 2-5% above the cash price. US dollars and Australian dollars are also accepted widely.

Indonesia's single official language is Indonesian, also known as Bahasa Indonesia.

Balinese boys' names reflect birth order: the first is Wayan, the second Mate, pronounced mah-tee, the third Komang and the fourth Ketut. If more than four sons are born, the sequence restarts with Wayan. Each also receives a middle name, which he may choose to use.

The East Berth cruise terminal provides a free Wi-Fi connection.

Internet charges vary substantially and quality normally follows price, but around Rp 5,000 per hour is usual. Free hotspots are available in certain big-city shopping centres, McDonald restaurants and Starbucks cafés, and some hotels provide them in the lobby.

The emergency number from a mobile phone is 112.