• 5 days of expert speakers, break-out sessions, and group discussions

• 4 nights in a premium hotel in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali

• All meals including a welcome dinner with Balinese dancers

• Inspiring speakers and sessions

• Deep conversations about finances, life design, and purpose

• New friendships with like-minded people from around the world

• Culturally immersive excursions and activities

• Transfer from airport to Ubud any day you arrive, 7am - 11pm

• Swag of locally-sourced Balinese goodies

• Optional morning yoga, exercise or meditation

• Pre-retreat community building and travel support through an online group and zoom calls

• Pre- and post-retreat optional adventures, e.g. 2023 attendees participated in biking, rafting, snorkeling, waterfall and coffee plantation tours, a volcano hike, cooking class, jewelry making, and island hopping.

• Visa cost. ~$35 USD/$50 AUD for 30 days. See FAQ #15 for more detail.

• Flights to and from Bali

• Airport pick up if you arrive between 11 pm - 7 am

• Airport transfer on departure

• Speciality drinks: alcohol, cappuccinos, smoothies, etc.
  Water, tea, coffee, morning juice, and snacks are included during session times.

• Extra shopping, massages, classes, or activities you choose.

• Money for tips or donations

• Hotel and food costs before dinner on 1st November and after breakfast on the 5th November.
  See FAQ #10 for more information on places to stay before or after the retreat.

• Optional activities after the event ends on November 5th. If this is of interest, see the Schedule.

To Denpasar Airport

You will fly into Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS).

From Australia, Jetstar or Batik Air tend to be cheaper than Qantas or Virgin Australia.

From Singapore, AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar tend to have the cheapest options.

From Bangkok - Air Asia and Batik Air are the cheaper options.

From Kuala Lumpur - Air Asia or Lion Air are the cheaper options.

From Dubai - Emirates Airlines offers direct flights to DPS.

From Europe If you’re okay flying a budget carrier and stopping in Singapore, Scoot is often cheapest from Europe to Bali.

From North America, common routes often connect through Japan or Taiwan.

Pro tip: If you don’t like the flight options you see into Bali (DPS) and want to explore other routes--which may cheaper or shorter--look for a flight to Jakarta (CGK), Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), or Bangkok (BKK), and then take a budget carrier.
Be sure to give yourself ample time to change terminals or airports, as budget carriers often fly from a different terminal or airport.

Using miles from the U.S.: United miles can be the easiest to use, depending on where you’re departing from. American Airlines can be a good second choice and generally less miles than Delta.
I’m a seasoned flight hacker, so if you’d like help booking with miles, feel free to book a 15-minute call with me, using my calendar on the Contact page.

From Denpasar Airport to the Plataran Hotel, Ubud

From the airport to Ubud, it’s a 1.5 hour drive, depending on traffic.

If you arrive between 7 am - 11 pm, the cost of the taxi is included in your retreat ticket.

Arranging your taxi ride:

Two weeks before your flight, I will give you a driver’s Whatsapp number* for you to arrange your pick up with them directly.
To ensure your pick up is smooth and drivers can efficiently pick up other guests, please update them regularly about flight delays or schedule changes.

*Whatsapp is free and works on any wifi, including airports whilst en route.

• Build extra time into your itinerary before the event to decompress from your flight, and post-event to integrate your experience.

• Create an intention of what you’d like to get from the event.

• Start conversations, have fun, be flexible, and get involved.

• FI Freedom will donate a portion of proceeds to two Balinese charities, PKP Community Center and the Togetherness Project, benefiting the Balinese people and environment.

• We will have two inspiring Balinese speakers who are positively impacting the island. Find inspiration for your own post-FI journey. Choose to donate if you’re moved.

• You will have opportunities to interact with the beautiful Balinese people by learning their greetings and culture.

• Bali has an issue with plastic pollution. Avoid single-use plastic by using reusable bags, refusing plastic straws, and refilling your water bottle at the hotel.

• People at various stages on their FI journey.

• A balance of women and men, solo travelers, and couples.

• Most participants will come from Australia and North America with others coming from Asia and Europe.

• People from various ethnic, cultural, and national backgrounds. Diverse voices add richness to our conversations.

• People with a desire to live an intentional, created life that aligns with their values.
  The FI community has some of the most free thinking, generous, and inspiring people I’ve met.

• The group size is limited to ~45 people to create a more intimate experience.

Children can attend. However, to get the most out of this event, we recommend you consider your decision to bring your child.
To inquire about child pricing, use the email form or calendar on the Contact page. Pricing will depend on the age and participation level of your child or teenager, e.g. a shared or separate bed, meals, participation in excursions and activities, etc.

If your child is young, we recommend hiring a local nanny service. We can provide you with links to reputable companies.

Check in is available at 2 pm on Friday, November 1st.

When booking your tickets, please consider how you best cope when transitioning from international travel if jet lag is an issue.

If you’re flying from North America, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days before the program begins, so you can rest, adjust to the time difference, and fully participate in the retreat.

Check out is 12 pm on Tuesday, November 5th.

When traveling to the airport, it’s recommended you allow 3 hours, in case of traffic.

If your flight is in the evening, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and explore Ubud during the afternoon.

If you’d like to stay in Bali beyond November 5th, see the Schedule page for a list of post-retreat activities.

Swasti Eco Cottages (3-star) is centrally located and reasonably priced. Komeneka Bisma (premium 5-star) is a great choice if you want to spoil yourself.

FI Freedom Retreat starts at 5:00 on November 1st and ends at noon on November 5th, 2024.

However, if you plan to arrive early…or if you want to more adventures in Bali, post-retreat, to sink in deeper with a smaller group, see the Schedule page for some optional activities.

If you’d like advice about your pre- or post-travel plans, feel free to reach out on the Contact page, connect with other attendees in our private FB group, or attend the group Zoom calls before the retreat.

In order to bond as a group, this is a residential-only retreat. We don’t sell partial tickets or day passes. There’s magic in the conversations had, when we spend time together throughout the retreat.

You have a choice of two room options (ticket types):

1. Single-occupancy room

2. Double-occupancy room

• If you’re traveling alone, I’ll match you with a traveler of the same gender to share a room. Given the incredibly WONDERFUL FI community, they might become a lifelong friend. 😊

• If you’re traveling with your spouse or friend, you’ll have the option to add their name and specify your preferred bed type (king or twin) at checkout.

Note: Room options are subject to availability. Book early to get your preference.

Average temperatures & rainfall in Ubud - November
Low: 24°C (75°F)

High: 29°C (85°F)

Rainfall: November monthly rainfall averages ~ 137 mm (5.4 inches).
2024 is an El Nino year, so rainfall is predicted to be lower than average.

What to pack

• Bring cool, comfortable clothing.
  We’ll be in an air conditioned meeting room. We’ll also be doing activities and trips to cultural sites, so bring lightweight, breathable fabrics.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat

• Swimwear, there are 2 pools in the hotel.

• Sturdy walking shoes and sandals or flip flops

• A light-weight plastic poncho, rain jacket, or umbrella. An umbrella can also be used on sunny days, in lieu of a hat.

• Eye mask, ear plugs, and melatonin for the flight. Consider downloading the Timeshifter app to help with jetlag.

• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATM machines are easy to find, so you don’t need to bring all your required cash. I recommend you still bring home country cash for emergency backup. E.g. $200 - $300 or whatever you feel comfortable with. Currency exchange places are easy to find.

• Any card or board games that are easy to pack (for evenings).

• Note: CBD oil is illegal in Indonesia.

Most attendees will need a visa for Bali, Indonesia (unless you’re a citizen of a nearby ASEAN country).

There are two options for getting a visa.

1. eVisa--applied for online, 7+ days before your arrival

2. VOA Visa on Arrival--applied for at the Bali DPS airport, upon arrival

I’ve included directions for both options below. The eVisa program will give faster entry upon arrival and one less thing to think about at the airport. That said, if the eVisa website is finicky for you, VOA is an option.

Regardless of the visa type...
* Have 6 months validity on your passport.
* A photo or print out of your return or onward flight from Bali.

When you’re applying for your eVisa, and upon entry at Bali airport, Immigration will ask, “Reason for visit?” Always say “Tourism”... it will save you additional questions and hassle than saying anything retreat related (even though I’ve paid for a Work Visa).

Option 1: eVisa

1. Gather the necessary documents:
* copy of passport page (jpeg)
* passport photo (jpeg)
* flight details, including a return or onward flight from Bali.

2. Register/create your account
a. Watch this video.
b. Go to the official government website.
c. Verify your account with the email link.
Tips for creating your account:
* When creating an account, add your mother’s full name, not only maiden name.
* If the website is not working:
- try a different browser-Firefox, Chrome, or Safari
- clear your cookies and cache
- try on a different day
- or skip to Step 3 (below), and apply as a ‘guest.’

3. Apply for your eVisa
a. Watch this video to apply for your visa.
b. Apply on the official government website.

Cost: Rp500k ($35 USD, $50 AUD).
The Visa B1 is the standard visa for most tourists. It’s for a 30-stay and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

After applying for the eVisa, you’ll typically receive it in your email within 72 hours.

4. Download (or print) your eVisa to show Immigration upon arrival.

Option 2: VOA Visa on Arrival

If eVisa website is finicky for you, a Visa on Arrival is available to citizens from these countries.
At the Bali DPS airport, you’ll pay $50 AUD/$35 USD, before passing through immigration.
Bring cash (EUR, GBP, AUD, USD, SGD, IDR), in case there is any issue with airside ATM or credit cards machines.

And finally, if needed: How do I extend my visa within Bali?

If you want to stay for more than 30 days, you can extend your Your Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Visa B1.
Each visa can be extended ONLY once for 30 more days.
For the extension, it’s recommended to get assistance from a visa agency, two weeks before your visa is set to expire.

The extension will cost around USD70 (IDR 1,000,000), and will require you to visit the immigration office for fingerprinting and a photo.
I can provide you the contact details of a local visa agent who can help.

• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity

• Ensure your details are up-to-date in the FFR Planning Spreadsheet (link provided later).

• Apply for your eVisa (see FAQ #15). Once you receive approval via email, save a copy of the eVisa to your phone.
  Note: Visa On Arrival is also available at DPS airport, but applying for the eVisa in advance could save you time and hassle.

• See FAQ #14 for a packing list.

• One week before your flight, message your driver on Whatsapp to confirm your flight details and pick-up time. Upload your picture to Whatsapp, so it’s easier for them to recognize you.

• Read the Sherpa website for up-to-date travel information.

• Within 3 days of your flight, complete the e-Customs Declaration and save a screenshot of it to your phone.

• Proof of a return or onward flight printed or downloaded to your phone.
  If you bought a one-way ticket to Bali, message me, and I can give you a tip for this.

• Have your flight essentials in your carry-on bag, E.g. passport, some cash & an ATM card & credit card, phone charger, eye mask, ear plugs, Covid mask (just in case), and melatonin. Consider downloading the Timeshifter app to help with jet lag.

• Download the offline Google map for Bali.

• On your journey, stay in touch with your driver through Whatsapp and let them know of any delays. Using the airport wifi, let your driver know when you’ve landed.

• Use this airport map to navigate through immigration, baggage claim, customs, and the driver pick-up zone.

  Note: as of June 9, 2023, visitors no longer need to provide proof of Covid vax.

As of July 2023:

• Travelers do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Indonesia.

• You do not need a Covid test before you depart your home country.

Before you travel, please double-check the current requirements.

Terms and Conditions

• Limit two tickets per purchase.

• If you’re unsure of your attendance or plan to onward sell your ticket(s), do not purchase. Having fully committed, excited attendees is important for planning timelines and creating an extraordinary event!

• Your participation is required pre-retreat to create a smooth experience for you. The organizer reserves the right to issue a ticket refund if event planning is impeded, e.g. failure to read, respond or action communications.
  

Cancellation

If you need to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible.
Ticket transfer/resale is allowed (at cost) with permission of organizer.
Considering my limited resources and upfront costs, I have the following cancellation policy.

FI Freedom cancellation policy

• If you cancel before 1st August 2024, you will forfeit US$200 per person.

• If you cancel between 1st August and 1st October, you will forfeit US$600 per person.

• If you cancel after 1st October 2024, there will be no refund.

Travel Insurance

I recommend travel insurance with Covid and full medical coverage. Covid taught us that life is uncertain, and things—beyond our control—happen regularly.

Bali is safe. As a woman, I have confidence walking alone at night on the island. The crime rate is low, and the Balinese people are some of the most open, honest, and warm-hearted people I’ve met.

I believe your biggest risks in Bali are:

• Driving a scooter if you’re not familiar with motorbikes or the Balinese traffic

• Walking through the monkey forest with visible treats or toys. e.g. snacks, water bottle 🐒🍌🙊

• Issues associated with ‘holiday mode’ drinking in the southern coastal towns, e.g. Kuta

Disclaimer: Any advice you receive from a speaker or fellow participant is personal advice. Before taking action or implementing advice, do your own research and seek professional guidance.