FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there an age limit?
What’s the difference between the two summer 2009 trips?
Where and how should I get my flight to Bali?
If I cancel, do I get a refund?
Why travel with Green Bikini instead of planning my own trip to Bali?
Are the adventures physically challenging?
The guided adventures are optional, right?
Why only women?
Do I have to share a room?
Do I have to pay a single supplement if I’m traveling alone?
How big is the group, and why?
Will I have time to explore Bali on my own?
How long are the trips?
Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?
Where are we staying?
Are there hidden costs?
Food?
What’s the weather like?
Can I contact home once I’m there?
What should I pack?
What Happens When I Arrive?
Are there any discounts available?
What are the limitations on luggage?
Can the itinerary change?
I am interested in a custom tour; can Green Bikini help me?



Is there an age limit?
YES. You MUST be at least 18 years old to participate in a Green Bikini trip. Any woman over 18 is welcome on any Green Bikini trip. The only exception to this rule is for mother-daughter pairs interested in our Culture, Creativity, Cuisine trip, in which case the daughter may be 16 years of age or older. We require a copy of your passport upon payment. We keep this copy in our records and use it to verify your age. If you are unaccompanied by a family member, then you must be 18 years old prior to your departure date. The average ages for the two trips are different.

What’s the difference between the two summer 2009 trips?
The two trips are designed differently.

Trip 1: Culture, Creativity, Cuisine
Is designed for a somewhat mature guest looking to experience the cultural richness of Bali: the arts, cuisine, and local life. This trip includes four nights in Kuta, five nights in Ubud, and four nights in Gili Trawangan. This trip is peppered with a few active adventures and beach days.

Trip 2: Surf, Sun, Suksama
Is designed for the young and young at heart who want to enjoy the boisterous atmosphere of Kuta, partake in nights out with the ladies, and mingle with other visitors to the island. This trip includes eleven nights in Kuta and four nights in Gili Trawangan. This trip offers more active adventures and beach days than Trip 1, and is more focused on Southern Bali. If you aren’t sure which trip is best for you, please contact us and we can discuss your options.

Where and how should I get my flight to Bali?
Please click here to see our Travel Tips page with flight information. We also offer to find and purchase flights for you for a fee ($100).

If I cancel, do I get a refund?
Your $500 deposit is non-refundable. The remainder of your payment is refundable up to 10 weeks prior to departure. Past that date, however, we do not grant refunds as we have already purchased non-refundable items for you. There are NO exceptions, no matter the reasoning. For more information about this and other policies, please see SIGN UP.

Why travel with Green Bikini instead of planning my own trip to Bali?
Traveling with us means you don't have to worry about planning and arranging all the details of your trip. In short, you get to really relax and have fun. Plus, you'll be surrounded a great group of fellow travelers, and since our group is limited to ten women, the group will not be huge, impersonal, or intimidating. Additionally, we have spent many months on Bali carefully testing out various adventures and locations, and we provide you with our very favorites. Lastly, you have the support of the GBT staff and a fun, trustworthy trip leader (our founder, Noelle) with you the whole way.

Are the adventures physically challenging?

Trip 1: Culture, Creativity, Cuisine: Expect moderate walking. You should be able to carry own bag. We do go river rafting on this trip, and while it’s not particularly physically demanding (a little paddling here and there), you do need to be able to walk up and down a lengthy set of stairs (at your own pace). As with most river rafting experiences, this one can be a bumpy ride. We also plan on snorkeling and biking in the Gilis, but these are optional activities. You should be able to swim if you want to snorkel or river raft. Remember, all the activities are optional.

Trip 2: Surf, Sun, Suksama: You should be moderately fit for this trip if you want to partake in all the activities. For snorkeling, the rafting trip and the surf lesson (not to mention days at the beach), you should be able to swim. The trek up Mt. Batur is steep and a bit of a work out for some of us, but it’s no Mt. Everest. You should also be able to climb lengthy sets of stairs and carry your own bag.

The guided adventures are optional, right?
Yes. You are not obligated to attend any of the planned adventures, however, we strongly recommend that you come along and see the island. Each adventure is included in your trip price. Your decision to attend or decline any of the adventures has no effect on the cost of your trip.

Why only women?
Bali is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world, but women traveling alone are sometimes intimidated by the distance and foreign nature of travel to Indonesia. At Green Bikini Travel we believe that travel helps women understand their strengths. We want to encourage women to get out and see the world. Besides, traveling with women is fun. Remember what it was like as a kid to play with your favorite girlfriends? Well it's like that, but better. We'll hit the spa, charge the waves, and laugh till our abs hurt.

Do I have to share a room?
No. You may share a room with a friend traveling with Green Bikini. If you are traveling solo, then you may choose to share a room with another solo Green Bikini traveler if you like. This is a great way to make fast friends! Single rooms are available as well for no additional fee, except for four nights when we visit Gili Trawangan, where single rooms will likely be unavailable. If you are traveling with a group of three or four and would like to share a room, please contact us to inquire about this option.

Do I have to pay a single supplement if I’m traveling alone?
No. Green Bikini Travel encourages women to travel solo and we never charge a single supplement. Please bear in mind that single rooms are available in Kuta and Ubud, but on the tiny island of Gili Trawangan space will be limited and sharing a room for those few days will likely be necessary. We go to Gili Trawangan at the end of the trip, however, at which point we will all be quite comfortable with one another.

How big is the group, and why?
Each group contains no more than ten women. With a group of ten, you will get to know the people in your group, but you will also meet locals and other visitors to the island. A small group of ten or fewer allows for a more personal and less touristy vacation.

Will I have time to explore Bali on my own?
YES! Though we plan several adventures for you, you will have ample time during your two weeks in Bali to traipse about the island, hang out with new friends, lay at the beach, lounge at the pool, and frequent local restaurants. You’ll have most of your nights free to try out the numerous eating establishments, to go listen to live music, or to dance the night away. Roughly half of your days will also be free. Noelle and her staff are always available to advise you regarding your free time. They will happily tell you about their favorite beaches, restaurants, and nightspots.

How long are the trips, and why?
Each Green Bikini trip is two weeks in length. Two weeks might seem longer than the average vacation, but we believe that you need two full weeks to really get to know the area. Plus, we want you to have enough time to explore the island and relax to your heart’s content.

Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?
Green Bikini Travel does not require that you purchase travel medical insurance, though we do recommend it. Travel insurance is also a good idea. Click here to see our Travel Tips page with information and suggestion on travel insurance and travel medical insurance.

Where are we staying?
Click here to see the lodging info for Trip 1: Culture, Creativity, Cuisine
Click here to see the lodging info for Trip 2: Surf, Sun, Suksama

Are there hidden costs?
Theoretically, no, there are no hidden costs. You do not need to bring extra money. Your payment secures that you will be well fed and well cared for the entire trip. We suggest that you bring some spending cash for shopping, extra adventures that may interest you, additional spa treatments, or extra drinks. A limited number of local cell phone minutes are provided, but you should bring extra money if you require additional international minutes. Also, remember that getting a passport costs around $100 USD and that you are responsible for applying for and receiving your passport prior to departure. This can be a lengthy process, so start now if you don’t already have one. If you so choose, you may purchase travel medical insurance (see below).

Food?
We feel the food is the best part of Bali. You can get great Balinese food and amazing fruit smoothies, or you can find pizza, club sandwiches, sushi, and all manner of international foods. Your food is included in your trip cost, but you can eat at any local restaurant you like. Your welcome packet will contain plenty Balinese currency for you to spend on food. A list of Noelle’s favorite nearby eateries will also be included in your welcome packet. Breakfast will be served at your hotel every morning.

What’s the weather like?
Gorgeous. Summer in Bali is warm and sunny. Each day is a great one for hitting the beach or strolling through the marketplace. Nights are balmy, perfect for dinners and drinks in Bali’s many open-air eateries. In June and July, temperatures range from 74 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 30 Celsius).

Can I contact home once I’m there?
Yes, very easily. Internet is widely available, as are international phones. We’ll send out a list of hotel phone numbers and Noelle’s phone number in Bali before departure. We suggest you leave a copy of this list for your family.

What should I pack?
Please click here to see our Travel Tips page which contains our packing list.

What Happens When I Arrive?
You’ll be met at the airport by a friendly face, a cool drink, snacks, and a ride directly to your hotel where you can walk right past check-in and straight into your room, change into your green bikini, and jump in the pool. After settling in, resting or a dip, the whole group will have a meal together so we can all get to know each other a bit. Your room will contain a Welcome Bag filled with goodies and information to assist you during your stay.

Are there any specials available?
Book your trip four months prior to departure, and receive $100 off your trip total. Former Green Bikini Travelers who book a second (or third) trip receive $100 off the trip total no matter when they book.

What are the limitations on luggage?
You are limited to what you can carry. We will be moving around. Car trunks are small, and horse carts are smaller. Luckily, you don’t need much at all. Click here to see our packing list.

Can the itinerary change?
We attempt to stick to the itinerary as exactly as possible, but sometimes the plan may change slightly due to group preferences or unforeseen and uncontrollable changes on the island.

I am interested in a custom tour, can Green Bikini help me?
Please contact us if you are interested in setting up a summer trip. We may be able to help groups design their ideal trip.