Bali Hotel Bali Villa Bali Travel Reviews

Bali Beach Villa

2010-02-18T23:38:00.000+07:00

Bali
continues to be a prime tourist destination for travelers and thrill seekers across the globe. The island spans length wise (east to west) around 153 km and breadth wise (north to south) 112 km. Bali Island is an impressive mix of white sandy beaches along its south ends and black sand along its northern beach fronts. The island also presents a beautiful wild life habitat in the form of coral reefs. Many parts of this beautiful island are still untouched and really present a heart warming picture of solitude and tranquility. Adding to this magnificent display of colors and solace are the Bali villas which showcase all the modern yet personalized hospitality.

With the amenities of a Bali villa you should be absolutely certain to experience pleasure akin to royalty. Apart from the different colored sandy beaches with lively blue green water, there are marvelously sculpted temples which will really leave you awe struck. The grandeur of these temples and other architecture can only be seen to be believed. Some famous sites that you must visit while being in this beautiful island are the Besakih Temple, Tanah lot Temple, Pura Tirta Empul, Ulu Danu, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Goa Lawah and Taman Ayun temple are a few well known. The Besakih Temple is located on the Mount Agung, which is over a thousand years old, offers a truly holy experience. Your local help at the Bali villas would tell you that getting to this temple before 9 am in the morning would be the ideal time.

The Tanah Lot temple was built in the 16th century and sits on a rock at the middle of the sea. It is a sight to behold and should be visited around the late afternoons. If you are flying down to Bali, while approaching the island treat your eyes with the breathtaking view of the famous mountain tipping out of the white clouds along with the greenery of the land touching the blue green sea water. Denpasar is the capital of this island and offers a memorable shopping experience. There are also plenty of museums that can be explored on this island. If you wish to give yourself some physical activity you can trek your way through the green trail of the mountain. When you come back take a dip at the jaccuzzi of the Bali villa and enjoy the experience with a freshly opened bubbly.

An aroma bath will rejuvenate your senses and spa will ensure all the fatigue is just drained away from your system. These along with other specially tailor made services make the Bali villa experience a totally unique one. This island is ideally suited for honey moon seekers and represents the perfect getaway from the pressures of the modern society. The Bali villas also offer gourmet cuisine and some of them cater to your privacy by offering your own chef. So if you are looking at the map for your holiday spot this year, don't forget to check out this green dot on the Indian Ocean, it can surely surprise you loads of fun and enjoyment.

Remember your vacation / honeymoon / wedding /anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in luxurious, all services Bali villas in the serene and enchanting islands. Happily married couples, families, and honeymooners can rent a full service and luxurious Bali villa and spend a glorious vacation to remember forever. Do read our useful Bali Travel Guide which is full of useful information and guide on Bali!

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Bali Beachfront Villa Represents The Perfect Setting For Your Honeymoon

2010-02-18T23:24:00.000+07:00

A Bali beachfront villa offers you the perfect excuse to indulge in yourself with private pools, spas and sea food. In addition, the pristine clear waters, white sandy beaches, the green mountains and picturesque surroundings offer you the best outdoor settings for a holiday.

A complete private space with the best of modern amenities and a service staff at hand to fulfill all your wishes is the ideal place to seek solitude for those special days. If there is one place you must visit to live your dreams, Bali stands out as the best choice. A Bali beachfront villa offers the unique experience of the tranquil holiday in the midst of nature coupled with the luxuries of the star facilities. When you land in Bali the first thing that would strike you is the extremely beautiful beaches, the lovely weather and the colorful population. Not to mention the delectable range of sea food. All these can be beautifully interwoven to suit your holiday time. With a chauffeur and guide available at the Bali beachfront villas you can explore the beauty of this extremely popular island.

Beaches offer a lot of fun and games to really take the stress out of your mind. Activities at the beaches like rafting, snowboarding, snorkeling, water jets, diving etc., done with your partner will be lifetime experience. These are surely one of the gifts of staying in a Bali beachfront villa. The Bali beachfront villas offer the unique opportunity of having your own private pool where you can sit and enjoy the company of your partner with drink of your choice. To relax and rejuvenate your jaded nerves you can visit the spa facility and enjoy the natural aromatic massages. The staff is best in the business with years of experience to cater to your special needs.

At a Bali beachfront villa you are treated as royalty. The décor of the villas are touch of class and ambience is de-stressing and very personal. You can arrange for a special candle light dinner by the pool to celebrate a special occasion. There can be music and chef made available to ensure gourmet food matching your palates. The sea food at the Bali beachfront villas are lavish fantasies of the mind. They are prepared with extreme care and assorted flavors, which will turn on your senses. There are many beaches to be visited in this island, like the Candi Dasa Beach set right beneath the Mount Agung, which offers the best white sandy beach to catch the sun. Then there is Lovena beach, which has black volcanic sand, the Kuta beach known for its young population of tourists. The kuta beach is located on the western shores and thus offers a beautiful location to watch the setting sun.

The Bali beachfront villa will take care of your exploration needs by providing a touring vehicle and guide. This is essential for people who do not want the hassle of planning their trips. There are also natural falls which are great places to visit like the Gitgit, Blahmantung and the Daybreak waterfall. The Lovena beach offers a great place to meet the Dolphins. Apart from the beaches there are trekking spots, lakes, museums and markets to be visited to complete the holiday experience. Bali beachfront villas take care of your laundry, housekeeping, kitchen items and other assorted needs.

Remember your vacation / honeymoon / wedding /anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in luxurious, all services Bali beachfront villas in the serene and enchanting islands. Happily married couples, families, and honeymooners can rent a full service and luxurious Bali beachfront villa and spend a glorious vacation to remember forever. If you need ideas for your Bali Honeymoon, do read this article on Bali and The Things To Do In Bali.

Bali Travel - 20 Things That You May Not Know You Can Do In Bali

2009-10-08T12:42:00.000+07:00

Here is a starter list of 20 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali:

1) Bird Park; You don't need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00 daily)

2) Cruising; Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)

3) Bali Dance Performances; Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.

4) Designer Shopping; No, I am not talking about the ‘fake originals' that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.

5) Diving; Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI ‘Youth Scuba' courses for ages 5+.

6) Dolphin Watching; Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south.

7) Fishing; Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)

8) Elephant Safari Park; Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don't forget to do the elephant safari ride.

9) Jet Skiing; Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).

10) Go-Karting; Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.

11) Golfing; A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours; Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding; Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding; Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching; Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest - Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling; If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding; Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee); Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing; If you've come with your board you'll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies; Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

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5 Recommended Luxury Bali Hotels

2009-09-30T16:53:00.004+07:00

5 Recommended Luxury Bali Hotels

Are you visiting Bali soon and you're looking for Luxury Hotels in Bali? Here are 5 hotels in Bali that are recommended based on user reviews and feedback!
This is the update to the 1st article on - 5 Recommended Bali Accomodation

St. Regis Resort Bali

Journey to an exclusive and privileged location which breathes an alluring beachfront eloquence. Overlooking the majestic oceanfront and Bali's premier golf course, The St. Regis Bali Resort captures an element of style in a timeless and refined environment. A destination of romance and mystique, the splendid resort reflects the very essence of Bali culture. Featuring aromatic tropical flower arrangement, exquisite furnishings, intricately detailed and architecturally stunning interiors, St. Regis Bali Resort undoubtedly transforms and indulges the very senses of each guest.

Anantara Seminyak Resort

Situated on 3,500 square metres of prime beachfront, Anantara's Bali resort at Seminyak features 59 suites of approximately 80 square metres, furnished in true Anantara style, including plasma screen TVs, contemporary Asian-inspired furniture, broadband internet connection and signature spacious baths. Anantara's facilities include a destination restaurant on the ground floor, offering an al-fresco and indoor international dining experience, a rooftop terrace bar to enjoy the famous Seminyak sunsets, an onsite Anantara Spa, and two infinity-edge swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.

InterContinental Resort Bali

The Intercontinental Resort Bali Is A Splendid Resort Nestling Beachside Along Powder-white Sands On This Idyllic Paradise Island. Designed With Comfort In Mind, Each Beautifully Appointed Guest Room Is Fully Equipped And Within Close Proximity To The Resort's Excellent Leisure Facilities. With A Choice Of 8 Restaurants And Access To Sailing, Swimming, Tennis And Water Sports, There Really Is No Better Place To Relax And Watch The World Drift By.

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Viceroy Bali Villa
A stay at the Viceroy Bali is not complete without experiencing its award winning CasCades restaurant with an International dining menu and extensive wine cellar, sipping cocktails at the Viceroy Bar, pampering yourself at the Lembah Spa well known to be one of the best on the island, helicopter tour of the volcano and yoga in your Bali villa. An incredible hideaway with total privacy, security and serenity; it is a true sanctuary in paradise.

Four Seasons Bali Jimbaran Bay

Four Seasons Resort Bali is located on the southern tip of the island of Bali on the northeast slopes of Bukit peninsula. The resort's luxurious villas are built into a gently terraced hillside named Bukit Permai literally meaning beautiful hill. The location offers spectacular vistas of Jimbaran bay and Bali's sacred mount Agung. An Indonesian spa. Dramatic hilltop and Oceanside dining. All immersed in the mystique of this spiritual land.

Have you stayed in any of the Bali Hotel, Bali Villa or Bali Resort mentioned above? Do comment and give us your reviews too alright? Do not forget to refer to - Bali Hotels Reviews, for detailed honest reviews of the hotels in Bali, which will be a great help for you. I do recommend HotelsCombined too, where you can eliminate the trouble of checking all the hotel booking websites for the cheapest hotel booking rate available with just one click. Do visit - Search For The Cheapest Bali Hotels With Just One Click

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Bali Marriage Jade Kwan Sum Yin Marry In Bali

2009-09-26T20:33:00.001+07:00

Jade Kwan exceeds her S$600,000 wedding budget

With her big day taking place in Bali next month, Hong Kong Cantopop singer Jade Kwan was recently spotted shopping for a luggage at Zhong Huan shopping center. In an interview, the singer shared that she has to buy a suitcase that allows her to fit in as many gowns as possible since she has numerous outfits to bring to Amed, Bali Island.

"I want to buy a purple colour luggage. Mommy said that a wedding needs to be very auspicious. When I was in Japan earlier on, I saw a certain brand with a purple luggage, but it is not available in Hong Kong. I have to store my wedding gowns in the luggage. It has to be strong enough so that it does not crumple my gown."

Jade revealed that her wedding dress will be a design from renowned American fashion designer, Vera Wang, a favourite with celebrities for her wedding gown designs. As the gown has not been sent to Hong Kong yet, the bride-to-be is bubbling with both anticipation and nervousness.

The singer will undergo four to five different outfit changes on her big day in Bali Indonesia and she divulged that her low-cut themed gown will not be overly revealing. "I am not a very tall person, wearing a bareback gown will not look very nice."

Jade is having an easy time for her upcoming October wedding with her fiancé, Jonas Yeung, in-charge of planning the wedding ceremony. As a seasoned performer, Jade is free of the pre-wedding jitters and revealed that she has to reassure her fiancé instead that the wedding in Amed Bali will run smoothly.

Although the blissful bride is unsure of her current expenditures, she smilingly revealed that she had already exceeded her S$600,000 wedding budget and is unclear of her current expenditures and further expenditures with Bali Shopping on her mind a few days before her marriage.

Her marriage will be held in Kuta AlamKulKul Resort, a well-known choice among those on honeymoon and for marriage as well. Invited VIP Guests will be staying in Conrad Bali Hotel.

5 Recommended Accomodation In Bali

2009-09-22T00:22:00.001+07:00

5 Recommended Accomodation In Bali

Whether you're thinking of splashing out or on a tight budget, we have the best recommendations for luxury hotels in Bali or cheap budget hotels in Bali.

Here's 5 recommended Bali accomodations for you, be it Bali hotels, Bali resorts or Villa in Bali for those looking for luxurious or budget accomodation!

Viceroy Ubud

Built on the slopes of Petanu Valley in Ubud, all the villas here have a personal pool and garden. Viceroy Ubud Resort are for tourists with an expensive taste - a luxurious resort accomodation in Bali! In-room comforts include large bathtubs with a separate shower, mini bar, and in-room fine dining. A stay in Viceroy Ubud Resort is akin to a mini vacation within your vacation in Bali. Go for it — splash out and arrive by a vip chopper! You won't be the first to do so! Viceroy Resort Ubud published rates start from USD $425. However, I've compared the rates across the various online travel websites and cheapest is at USD $295 - Click Here For More Info On Viceroy Ubud Resort Rates

Aditya Beach Resort Lovina

I highly recommend Aditya Beach Resort Lovina for those travelling with a tight budget! The rates starts at USD$40 but it's like a 4* resort and you get to see the famous Lovina dolphins nearby! Opt for "deluxe sea view cottages" when you stay at this garden resort, as it is spacious with amazing views of the Lovina beach. Each room has an open porch where you can admire the view of the northern sea as it crashes against the black sand beaches of Lovina. Aditya Beach Resort is a steal at only USD$32 from HotelsCombined.

Legian Village Hotel

Legian Village Hotel is a budget hotel suitable for flashpackers or tourists looking for a cheap yet decent and comfortable accommodation. It is located in the heart of Legian. Legian, being a part of Kuta’s district, is considered one of Bali’s famous tourists destinations with its famous beaches and scenery.With their cozy and comfortable superior room going at only USD $27 over here, it’ll be an excellent choice for tourists on budget yet looking for a comfortable and convenient accommodation. I bet you won’t regret staying in this lovely budget hotel!

Conrad Resort And Spa Ubud

Hotel Conrad Bali is one of the 5 stars luxury hotel adding on to the well-filled strip of Nusa Dua hotels in Bali. It was officialy opened in April 2005. In a very short period, Conrad Hotel Bali has established itself as one of the top hotels in Nusa Dua, Bali. The cheapest rate for Hotel Conrad Bali is at USD $185 from HotelsCombined.com. You can also compare the rates here, Conrad Hotel Bali.

AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Kuta

The Alam Kul Kul is special and unparalled because it offers a one-of-a-kind special environment with a 4-star luxury right on the beach of Kuta. It is also one of the rate hotels in Kuta that is family-oriented. Their signature, Papas restaurant is also the only Mediterranean restaurant on Kuta Beach. The Alam Kul Kul definitely delivers more and better personal experience than some of the larger hotels. With rates starting from USD$85, it is definitely a value for those with expensive taste!

So have you stayed in any of the accomodations mentioned above? Or do you have any recommendations for great Bali luxury hotels or budget accomodations in Bali? Do comment and give your opinions alright!

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Bangkok Travel Tips

2009-09-21T03:27:00.001+07:00

15 Bangkok Travel Tips

Firstly, I'll like to apologize to everyone for not updating the past few days as I've been busy with work and I just got back from Thailand. That's why I'm actually writing a random article about Bangkok, Thailand.

I was stranded in Bangkok last week due to bad flight delays and etc. I was done with my model assignment and shopping when I was told that I'll be stuck in Bangkok for another 2 nights! I was starting to get panic? Luckily for me, my beloved fellow model who's a Thai, Jesika accompanied me and helped me enjoy my time in Bangkok despite the unforeseen circumstances and made me had a memorable and learning experience.

Here's 15 Bangkok Travel Tips that I recommend to everyone!

Buy a Nancy Chandler map. It's like having a Thai friend around you 24/7. It's a great map and it'll ensure you won't get lost!
Book a massage a Thann Sanctuary on the top floor of Gaysorn Plaza
Buy a Thailand Tattler magazine. Doesn't matter if you know the players or not: it's still fascinating and exciting read.
Visit the Gourmet Paradise on the bottom floor of Siam Paragon
Avoid the Phranakorn-Nornelen at all cost! Don't ask me why but just don't!
Stay at the Pullman Bangkok King Power. It may not be the best location in the world, but it's close to the Sky Train and near to malls like Siam Paragon, MBK and etc. And it's a 5-star hotel with a 3-star rate Big value for our hard earned $$$
Stay at the Navalai River Resort even just for a night! if you can get a river-facing balcony room! Trust me the views are splendid and it's convenient and near to malls, tourists attractions and the famous, "EMERALD BUDDHA".
Book your hotels through online travel agents! Trust me it's way cheaper then booking at the hotel itself! I recommend HotelsCombined as they guarantee the cheapest rate available anywhere with a money back guarantee! I saved about USD$90 by booking for my hotel rooms through them!
Walk through the medical museum at Siraraj Hospital if you're scientifically curious and have a strong stomach. And Corrections Museum too!
The cliche "must-sees" are worth seeing: the Grand Palace, the big-name wats, Patpong, Chatuchak Market (not for the claustrophobic), Jim Thompson House
Rent a bike or car and drive around The Ancient City. It's fun and exciting!
Soak in the Erawan Museum. Gorgeous, unique.
Use the Skytrain. So easy, efficient and way better then cabs!
Must experience and enjoy a massage at Ruen Nuad! Classic, soothing and cheap!
Dine outside at Cabbages and Condoms, a boutique restaurant! Yummylicious!

Bali Surf Travel - Bali Surfing

2009-09-15T05:21:00.002+07:00

Surfing In Bali

Bali Surfing Report - Bali have always been the established destination for those who want to surf in Indonesia. Bali Island boasts over 20 top quality breaks on the southwest and southeast coasts of the island and around the Bukit (Uluwatu) Peninsula. Some of beaches, like Padang Padang and Uluwatu, are well-known world class reef-breaks. Others range from smaller waves on the beach-breaks around Kuta and Sanur to serious heavy, sucking waves in Uluwatu.

Having so many surfing spots options available within such a short distance to the Kuta and Legian beach area means that after your surf you can return to a plush hotel and enjoy a long, lazy meal, lounge by the pool, take a nap in an air conditioned room and watch cable TV. Alternatively you can party at the discos each night, enjoy some of the local brew, all of which has definite appeal after having an exciting surfing session.

The surf in Bali Island is generally not huge but it is mostly in the 2-6 foot range (shoulder-high to double overhead). Larger waves can occur on some of the exposed reefs such as Padang Padang and Uluwatu, but a mellower surf break can always be found in Kuta, Sanur or Amed by anyone who wishes to avoid life-threatening conditions. Bali has surf breaks that are facing towards the east and west coastlines and because of this, an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day.

If you are a serious surfer and want to have more "space" while surfing, Bali will be the right choice for you. This is because of the numerous surf breaks with the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is very possible to find many spots to surf with only a small crowd of surfers around.

The peak of the surfing season for Bali is in April - October when solid swells are produced by the roaring 40's and can be surfed on the reefs around Kuta, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Unlike most other cities in Indonesia which are mostly heavy reef breaks, Bali also have a lot of beach-breaks on offer which are less likely to cause a surfer of novice or intermediate ability to get injured which can happen on the larger waves on the reef-breaks.

Surfing in Bali began in the 1930s; from then on, Bali's top surfing spots have been a major part of Bali's cachet as a top notch tourist destination.

Bali's small size and unique geography means you don’t have to go far to find the surfing conditions you like. The variety of surfing conditions also promises a good time for veterans and newbies alike.

Finally, Bali’s position in the southern Indian Ocean ensures the arrival of swells all year round - a godsend to surfers who desperately need an off-season fix.

Bali Surfing Seasons

In July, the water is cool, the skies are clear, and the western side of the island get favorable trade winds. Strong offshore winds contribute to the big swells rushing up to the west coast.
From December to March, the rainy season hits and the wind shifts to favor the eastern side of the island.

Medewi Beach

Medewi Beach appeals to less experienced or ambitious surfers with its softer and more workable left-hand breaks. The beach is lined with restaurants and hotels, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

The best surfing conditions in Medewi happen at high tide when you can catch an eight-foot swell on a good day.

Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: April-October

Canggu

Canggu is a short motorcycle drive from Kuta. It’s all things to all surfers depending on the time of year – big barrels for the expert, tame rolling waves for the beginner, and everything in between. Just watch out for the undertow and jagged reef bottom.

Wave Direction: Left and right
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Kuta

Kuta's crowds and intense development might make you forget that this is where surfing first found its footing in Bali.

Surfing newbies can take advantage of the many surfing schools, stores, and rentals in the area. The waves, too, are friendly to the beginner, with extremely consistent and forgiving beach breaks.

At high tide, expert surfers can take advantage of Kuta Beach’s long stretch of sand bar breaks to try multiple maneuvers in succession.

Wave Direction: Left and right
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 2-6 feet
Ideal Tide: Mid to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Bingin

Bingin’s hollow, fast barrel is addictive for experienced surfers who know how to handle it. However, expect competition from every visitor and local for all the barrels they can score for the day.

You should also watch out for the "stop sign", the raised coral that has prematurely ended many a great surfing vacation for visiting surfers. Take Bingin for what it is, a short left-hand wave that can cost you if you try to get more out of it than you deserve!

Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: SW
Swell Size: 3-6 feet
Ideal Tide: Low-Mid Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Dreamland

Dreamland is tamer than the other Bukit surf spots, attracting surfers who want to avoid the heavy waves and sharp rocks of Bingin and Uluwatu. Dreamland’s relatively mellow breaks and beautiful scenery combine to give the place its well-deserved name.

Beginning surfers can take on Dreamland at mid-tide on the beach break that’s more forgiving of the occasional wipeout. Its outer reefs can be really challenging at the right time of the year at low tide, when big swells can create some really sweet barrels.

Wave Direction: Left & right
Swell Direction: NW
Swell Size: 3-12 feet
Ideal Tide: Low Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Uluwatu

Uluwatu has been attracting surfers since the Seventies. Uluwatu's five breaks offer surfers consistent swells with multiple chances to show off their skills. Not surprisingly, the place has grown quite crowded over the years!

Uluwatu provides the most exhilarating challenge during monsoon season, when the biggest swells hit the island. The temptation of taking on those fifteen-foot waves should be tempered by knowledge of the dangerous conditions – don’t leave shore without a big board and a sturdy leash.

Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 4-8 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Nusa Dua

Newbies be warned: Nusa Dua’s shallow, sharp reef bottom and powerful, huge right-hand waves should be left to the experts. Nusa Dua is always ready with a wave on hand, the biggest and baddest ones in town at about fifteen feet on a good day.

Nusa Dua is Bali’s best rainy season surfing destination, peaking between October and April with good access at any time of the year.

If you want to save yourself the effort of paddling out to the break, some local fishermen may give you a lift for 5,000rp (about $0.50).

Wave Direction: Right
Swell Direction: SE/S/SW
Swell Size: 5-15 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to Mid Tide
Ideal Season: October-April

Padang Padang

The "Bali Pipeline"'s surprising ferocity keeps professional surfers on their toes with huge swells and gigantic barrels that are about as fun to watch as they are to surf.

The downside: a wipeout here is more painful than most, as the sharp reef bottom and powerful create board-breaking, flesh-shredding situations that no one should attempt at low tide. Avoid if you’re a beginner, take precautions if you’re an expert.

Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: SW/S
Swell Size: 3-12 feet
Ideal Tide: Low to High Tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Balangan

Balangan at high tide is great for beginners, who can easily ride this reef break’s long left-hand waves. On really good days, the big waves provide an irresistible challenge to expert surfers.

The vibe at Balangan is friendly and low-key, with less competition due to the smaller crowds compared to Kuta and Uluwatu.

Wave Direction: Left
Swell Direction: S/SW/W
Swell Size: 3-10 feet
Ideal Tide: Low-Mid-tide
Ideal Season: May-September

Bali Travel Guide With Attractions In Bali For Bali Newbie

2009-09-10T15:27:00.000+07:00

Bali Travel Guide Advice And Attactions In Bali For First Time Visitors To Bali

So When Should You Travel To Bali?

I will always recommend all my friends, colleagues and associates to visit Bali during the dry season in May-July, the best period to visit Bali in terms of weather. However, preferences may differ depending on the type of tourist you are, surfers like it bright and sunny while explorers and newly-weds prefer the weather to be cool. During May-July, the beaches in the western part of Bali is known to have beautiful waves which surfers like! My best recommendation is to check on the weather forecast for the days when you'll be visiting Bali and plan accordingly. I noticed that most Aussies travel to Bali during Christmas and May-August during their school breaks. Europeans normally in June-July. However, no matter who you are and where you're from always remember to book your flight tickets and accomodation early so that you can get better prices. Do visit BALI HOTELS REVIEW to get UNBIASED &HONEST hotel reviews in Bali.

With the mentally spiritual destination in Bali lying in the mountains, the tourist heart of the island lies in the south, where major tourist destinations in Bali are located. They are Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua. This is the main destination or at least the embarking point for the majority of visitors, especially those arriving by air. Those staying in any of the above-mentioned areas will find it quite easy to make day trips to most of the popular tourist destinations, including Gunung Agung and Besakih temple, Kintamani, Lovina Beach, Candidasa, and Ubud, the main art hub in Bali and for the Balinese. However... Please do make sure that you allocate at least 2 days for UBUD, to get a real feel of the Balinese culture, arts and attractions. Ubud is the main cultural heart for Bali.

Bali's timezone is +8 hours, same as Singapore, Bangkok and Malaysia's timezone and 1 hour ahead of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. Bali's main currency is Ruppiah (IDR) with denomination notes of Ruppiah 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 denominations. USD or United States Dollar $ is also widely acceptable in Bali. Normal changing rate is IDR 10,000 for USD $1.

What Should I Do In Bali?

I say.. you MUST watch the Balinese Dance, a pillar and famous Balinese Culture. Balinese Dances have historically played an important role in Balinese society. Through this art, people learn about the tales of the Ramayana, Mahabarata and other epic stories from Balinese history. Balinese dance never fails to awe the audience including myself, a native Balinese and they never fail to put a smile on my face :) A place i'll recommend is Lotus Pond Restaurant in Ubud. The settings of the garden in Lotus Pond Restaurant (Jalan Raya, Ubud) is a beautiful environment where you can watch TRADITIONAL & ORIGINAL Balinese Dance. The Thursday night performance by Balinese kids from the age of 9-18 is DEFINITELY charming and enchanting. Entrance fee is Rp 50,000 for a 75mins dance show which starts normally at 7.30pm. The only problem is during the rainy season when a sudden downpour may mean they dash up to perform in a hall at the back – but trust me, that’s interesting itself and you still get to experience the beautiful Balinese Dance.

Next on the list, I normally bring my visiting friends and associates for some monkeying around in Bali's Monkey Forest - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud; 62-361-971304; www.monkeyforestubud.com). The monkeys, being Ubud's most beloved residents, live in a dense forest to the south of Ubud, complete with their own temple. If you go to the Monkey Forest, just be careful, particularly with regards to your children. The monkeys go for 'bright' - glasses, cameras, watches, jewellery and can rip bags of peanuts out of your or your child's hand. Not to forget.. leave your bananas and never buy bananas on your way to the Monkey Forest. While this can be amusing for your kids, it can also be distressing if the monkey escapes with your goods or worst still, an experience that my own brother will never forget whereby he got attacked by the playful but fierce Monkeys which leave his arm torn and bleeding badly. He ended up getting 12 stitches on his arms and vow that he'll never bring banana's again, even if it's for the monkeys.. Hehehe... Admission is 10,000 rupiah, or about $1 at 10,000 rupiah to the dollar.

My favourite activity in Ubud itself is to experience Ayung River.. Wanna know why most of the expensive luxury hotels in Ubud are built along this river? Just one answer and that is, THE VIEWS ARE SIMPLY AWE-INSPIRING AND GORGEOUS!!! See it for yourself and click on that cameras so that you can boast to your friends and family that will definitely make them wanna visit Bali! Don't forget to get yourself wet in these naturally beautiful clean river in Ubud which will definitely gives you good memories of Ubud! Hehe.. Do climb aboard a rubber raft while you're in Ayung River and watch the waterfalls with thick vines along the low-flying swallows go by. Bali Adventure Tours (0361-721480, www.baliadventuretours.com) runs 90-minute trips down the river starting at $60 for a morning trip that includes a basic lunch of rice and egg rolls.

After some monkeying around and getting wet in the rivers of Ubud, you should pamper yourself with a Balinese Massage (Do read What Is Balinese Massage to get an idea of a Balinese Massage) Don't worry, it won't burn a hole in your pockets.. My elders always remind me that four hands beat two hand :) so why not book a four-handed massage at Spa Hati (Jln Raya Andong no. 14, Peliatan, Ubud; 0361-977-578), a massage salon with stone and thatched-roof compound at the edge of Ubud. I recommend you to try the four-handed massage packet with "Lulur", a traditional Javanese body scrub using blends of rice flour and secret herbs — 90minutes massage packet for only Rp 225,000. After the massage, the unhurried staff lets you relax for as long as you want in the hot tub, listening to little frogs make big noises in the rice paddy next door. And about that cheap labor: spa profits help support the Bali Hati Foundation, a non-profit organization that runs community programs and help the needy Balinese, including building a school for the local less-privileged kids.

Now, for the best show in town guys! Head for Seminyak beach, to the north of Kuta by 5.30pm so that you can get the best front-row seats in "Breeze" an elegant and sleek beachside bar & restaurant at the Samaya Hotel in Jalan Laksmana(Seminyak), for the MOST DAZZLING ROMANTIC SUNSET in BALI and Indonesia!!! Don't forget to order yourself a glass, or if you must, a bottle of WINE. The decks are so close to the surfs that you can almost feel the foam from the breakers!

Besides witnessing the Sunset in Bali, you should experience the beaches in Bali. Bali have many beautiful beaches that is good for swimming, surfing, or just reading and chilling on the sand. Some hotels and villages groom the beaches and ensure their cleanliness. Also, the quality of a beach can change drastically between seasons, depending on the location of the beach and the direction it faces. To be sure and get more useful insights into the beaches in Bali, do visit Bali Beaches Guide.

Bali is not complete if you don't have a night out in the club :) Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Tourists normally wonder why the expats and locals only start partying at around 1am – even in Kuta where most of the top clubs are, clubs only start getting crowded after midnight. Do visit Ku De Ta, a modern and trendy spot that faces the surf where young Balinese adults especially the beautifully-flashing babes hangs out (Jalan Laksmana 9, Seminyak; KuDeTa). It's a shockingly sceney — a DVD is sold showing highlights of the high season. Get yourself seats by the beach with sights of the beautiful waves crashing in, illuminated with the help of floodlights from the club. After Ku De Ta, head on to Double Six Club (Jln Double Six Blue Ocean Boulevard, Seminyak; 0361-733067 - www.doublesixclub.com; Ruppiah 70,000 for admission), with a gigantic dance floor and bungee jumping, YES you heard me right - bungee jumping, on weekend nights. But don't show up before 3 a.m. For more information on Bali Nightlife do read Bali Nightlife - Bali After Dark

After you're done with having fun and getting a feel of Bali and Balinese cultures... it's time to do some shopping for souvenirs and more! You can go shopping for handicrafts and arts such as antique furnitures, balinese paintings, delicately crafted Balinese gold and silver, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics and etc. in many shops in the Kuta/Legian area, in Sanur, in various handicraft villages and the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud and in Ubud itself.

Please forget the idea of DUTY FREE SHOPS and do not visit them by all means! Local-made goods are over-priced and sold at ridiculous prices in DFS. Imagine, just one bottle of HATTEN Rose wine which is made in Sanur costs US$11 in DFS outlets. That is way more expensive than in most local restaurants! It's worst if you're looking for a beautiful French made blouse, a designer handbag, some jewellry or a dress watch for your partner to wear at a special occasion in Bali, you'll totally waste your time and MONEY!

PLEASE DO BARGAIN ON THE PRICES NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE AND WHETHER YOU HAVE LOTS OF CASH OR NOT!

Bali is the best place to master the "Bargaining Art". Unless the product is price-tagged, bargaining is a must and you shouldn't be ashamed of it! Trust me, it's gonna be fun and bargaining is an exciting thing to do! If you have never bargained before, the bargaining masters will find it exhilarating, especially when a good deal was struck. Many come to Bali with a 'shop until you drop' attitude, so you would probably end up buying a few things anyhow. There are numerous western-style department stores and shopping centers in Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear, and toys. The service is generally good, and the low value of the rupiah ensures excellent prices. Balinese arts and crafts are the most popular purchases but you can also get value-for-money goods such as clothing, music, musical instruments and watches.

I've specially made my own youtube video on the beautiful sites in Bali. Do watch it to visualize the beautiful Bali Islands.

Thats all for now and do comment on my post or email me if you have anything to ask or comment on alright? Happy Bali-ing and hope this guide is useful for you :)

Other Useful Bali Articles and Bali Information:
Bali Discount Hotels | Bali Travel Deals | Bali Hotel Reviews | Bali Culture Shock | Bali Vacation Information | Bali Holiday Contest | Bali Balinese Food | Bali Dream Villa | Bali Shopping Destination | Bali Shopping Guide | AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Bali | Bali Photos | Bali Balinese Culture | Bali Holiday Information | Murni Ubud | Bali Rainy Season | Bali Travel Tips | Tanah Lot Bali | Bali Travel Guide | Bali Bombings | Uluwatu Bali | Balinese Dance | Balinese | Amed | Cheapest Bali Hotels | Bali Travel | Bali Villa | Bali Resorts | Bali Price Information | Bali Culture Shock | Bali Flight Coupons - use coupon code 'LASTMIN10'! | Cheapest Bali Flights Guaranteed | Bali Surf

5 Things That May Cause You Culture Shock In Bali

2009-09-08T19:50:00.002+07:00

5 Things That May Cause You Culture Shock In Bali

If you are looking forward to visit Bali, whether it be for pleasure or business, be prepared for a slight culture shock, especially if you’re from the western countries. Here are five things about what to expect in Bali. These are presented in no particular order, and are the top five things that came to mind.

1) Indonesians especially Balinese people, enjoy eating with their bare hands. You may see it as crude and uncivilized but honestly for us, eating with bare hands is very often considered as more exciting and delicious. Although the Dutch has generously left us with a habit to use utensils while eating, but some food just needs to be eaten with bare hands. It may look messy but you really should try it out yourselves before you decide against it. You can see this habit in every Padang cuisine restaurants, but don’t worry, it will (almost) never happen in five stars restaurants and hotels!

2) People who you encounter through chance, or people you work with, may ask private questions that you may be uncomfortable with. These are: ‘How old are you?’, ‘Are you married?’, if you are married, ‘How many children do you have?’, if you’re not, ‘Why are you not married yet?’ or ‘Oh are you looking for an Indonesian wife?’. However please note that these questions are not because we do not respect your privacy, it is considered an ice-breaker. In Bali, even in this modern age, there is still a social segregation. How old you are will determine how they will treat you forever after. If you are older they will keep their distance and continue to be polite. If you are younger, they may be more relaxed around you. The same with your marital status. If you’re married, they will be more respectful than if you weren’t. These are standard questions they ask everyone, Indonesian and foreigners alike, because it will help them to determine how to behave around you. I am not saying this is the case everywhere, especially since the generation nowadays is more relaxed and have the ‘ability’ of treating different people with different age and background as peers

3) If you are travelling to Bali (or are already here) and have Indonesian friends or colleagues, prepare to be waiting a long time for them if you are meeting them at a certain place and time for coffee or even for an official meeting. In Indonesia, an appointment at 10 am will not always start at 10 am. The bad traffic will most probably be the main culprit people use here as an excuse of being late. In some cases this would be absolutely true, but in others it may just be another way of getting away with it. I have actually seen some people talking on the phone with their associates or friends, and say, “Yes, sorry I think I am going to be late because I am stuck in traffic now and it looks pretty bad.” while they are actually sitting in a corner of a cafe with a cup of coffee. This is a habit that we, Indonesians themselves consider as annoying (even if they are also guilty of it, and they have a term for it, which is jam karet, or ‘rubber watch’.I am not saying that this is true for all Indonesians because there are also many who appreciate punctuality. But you better be prepared for it. If you’re meeting this person in an official meeting, try setting the meeting 15 minutes earlier than you intend it to be held (at least for the first time), and see if the person is punctual for future reference. If you’re meeting someone informally for coffee, bring a book or magazine and order ahead. Don't worry, we won't be offended :)

4)Never hand out anything with your left hand! In Indonesia especially Bali, the left hand is considered as the ‘dirty hand’ because unlike in the western countries where the use of tissue is more common, we actually wash ourselves with their hands under running water after they have visited the toilet. Needless to say, although they do wash their hands afterwards, they still think of the left hand as the dirty hand. Hence, it is considered impolite to hand things with your left hand. Always use your right hand even while paying for your taxi fare or you'll risk offending someone!

5)Young students may approach you and ask you for a picture while you are enjoying yourself at a tourist destination such as Kuta or Ubud. There are various reasons they do this. Either they think you’re so beautiful or handsome like a certain actress/actor, or they have been assigned to interview a foreigner for their English or culture class. There is also the possibility they simply want to show off to their parents, family or friends, that they have had interactions with a foreigner. See, some Indonesians have this unexplainable attraction for foreigners, perceiving them as being superior, or just attractive (because of the different skin, hair and eye colours). I am sure you will also encounter this phenomenon elsewhere besides Bali and Indonesia.

Earthquake In Jogjakarta At 11.12pm 7 September

2009-09-08T01:45:00.001+07:00

After the last Earthquake in Indonesia in Tasik Malaya which weighs 7,2 on the richter scale..

A new earthquake have hit Jogjakarta, Indonesia few hours ago.

My deep consolence to those hit by the earthquake.

CILACAP: A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit off Indonesia late Monday, seismologists said, but no tsunami alert was issued and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quake struck at 11:12 pm (1612 GMT) at an underwater depth of 15 kilometres, south of the main island of Java, according to the US Geological Survey.

People in Cilacap, on the southern coast of Central Java, fled their houses in fear of a possible tsunami but soon returned, an AFP reporter said, adding there was no damage to homes or buildings.

Earthquakes are common in Indonesia because it sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge.

At least 100 people were likely killed by a major 7.0-magnitude quake that rocked Java last week, an official said earlier Monday, and over 88,000 people were left homeless.

Authorities have confirmed 74 people were killed in last Wednesday's quake, which also struck off the south coast of Java.

A 7.7-magnitude quake triggered a tsunami off southern Java in 2006, killing 596 people and displacing about 74,000.

A massive quake off the coast of the island of Sumatra in 2004 triggered a catastrophic tsunami that killed more than 200,000 people around Asia, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

Magnitude 6.1 SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA

Monday, September 07, 2009 at 16:12:21 UTC

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	6.1
Date-Time	Monday, September 07, 2009 at 23:12:21 (UTC) - Coordinated Universal Time Monday, September 07, 2009 at 11:12:21 PM local time at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	10.20S 110.61E
Depth	15.9 kilometers
Region	SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
Distances	265 km (165 miles) S of Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia 340 km (210 miles) SW of Malang, Java, Indonesia 360 km (220 miles) S of Semarang, Java, Indonesia 620 km (385 miles) SE of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
Location Uncertainty	Error estimate: horizontal +/- 7.6 km; depth +/- 32.4 km
Parameters	Nst=61, Nph=61, Dmin=543.4 km, Rmss=0.99 sec, Erho=7.6 km, Erzz=32.4 km, Gp=40.1 degrees
Source	USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID	uslgba

What's your say? What is your comment? What is happening to Indonesia?

Bali Vacation Information Info Price Cost

2009-09-07T02:54:00.000+07:00

Bali Travel Cost And Price Information

Accommodation in Bali:
Accomodation is very reasonably priced compared to other top tourist destinations around the world. Rooms in basic 2-star Bali hotels (perhaps US$20 or so in Bali) can easily compare with other country's accommodation which can cost e.g. in North California US$150 per night, and there they don't provide ANY service at all whereas this hotels in Bali do provide good service.

At the high end, the accommodation offered at the RITZ CARLTON BALI, Conrad Hotel Bali and BVLGARI BALI resort for instance can be US$100 - US$1200++ per night. At the new ST.REGIS BALI resort, 1-bedroom suites and villas are between US$950 and US$2,500++, and 2- ond 3-bedroom residences can be around US$5,000 and more but the same standard of accommodation would cost you somewere else still more.

Generally speaking, hotel rates in Bali range from about US$20 for a basic but clean, air-conditioned room with private bathroom and a small terrace to US$2,500 + 21% tax & service charge per day for beautiful Balinese 1-bedroom cottages and villas with private plunge pool set in a walled tropical garden and offering stunning views and polished 5-star service around the clock.

Private villa rental has become very popular in all parts of the world because it offers MUCH more space, personal service and better value than 5-star resorts. Prices for fully staffed villas in the Caribbean can be about two to three times higher than in Bali. In Europe, on the other hand, you pay only 30% to 50% more than in Bali, but then this is kind of a self-service vacation as in most countries NO STAFF is included.

The bottom line is that accommodation of any kind in Bali is still a great bargain, and in every category you get more than you pay for. You can read our HONEST REVIEWS OF BALI HOTELS here - Bali Hotel Reviews.

Transportation
Transportation in Bali is always cheap by any standard. The metered radio taxis start with a flag fall of 5,000 rupiah (plus 4,500 Rupiah per kilometer), and most trips cost Rupiah 20,000 to 90,000. Most reliable and polite are the drivers of the blue taxis, and you should avoid most other taxis as they often refuse to use their meter and over-charge foreigners.

If you have an International Driver's License, you can rent bikes from Rp 55,000 to Rp 85,000 per day, and five to ten year old self-drive cars (Jimmy or Toyota "Kijang") cost from 250,000 Rupiah to 400,000 Rupiah per day. Newer models are more expensive, and luxury cars such as a Volvo limousine or a new Toyota "Land Cruiser" will cost US$150 to US$250 and more per day. Gasoline prices have been raised several times in the past, and Premium leaded gasoline is now 6,500 Rupiah per liter (as per August 28th, 2008).

Everywhere in tourist areas you'll be offered "transport, transport", and the rates are negotiable. However, the cars of many of these guys are quite old. Radio, tape and even the air-conditioning are often out of order. Although most drivers initially seem to be very friendly some are real con artists and waste hours of your precious vacation by bringing you to shops you never wished to visit because they want to earn a commission on your purchases.

Shopping
Shopping in Bali can be cheap and it also can be expensive. If you shop in malls, definitely it'll be costly and around the international-standard prices. I actually recommend you guys to skip the shopping malls and visit "traditional markets" in Ubud, Denpasar, Sukawati, Tegalalang and etc. It may cost you only Rp 10,000 for a beautiful painting to Rp 50,000 for an exquisite Balinese Fabric. For more information, you can read my guide on Shopping In Bali.

Food
Food and drink at Bali's top hotels cost about the same as in the same category of hotel anywhere else in the world. Breakfast is US$8 to US$45, lunch and dinner US$20 to US$100 and more per person – and that does not include any wine which can be very expensive. On the other hand, restaurants outside the large hotels are often 40% or 50% cheaper, and at the open food stalls you can still get a tasty meal for a few thousand Rupiah.

If you've rented a private villa for your stay in Bali, your house staff will do the shopping at the local "warungs" and supermarkets and prepare delicious meals according to your instructions. Your savings on food and beverage will be about US$40 to US$60 per person per day compared to what you'd spend in a good hotel. This way you can enjoy delicious meals and all your favorite snacks and drinks – at unbelievably low prices.

I really recommend you guys to try the local Balinese food such as Babi Guling, Kambing Mekuah and Sate. Trust me, you'll be hooked to them as much as my friends got hooked to Bali cuisine. For more information, you can read here at Bali Food Famous With Tourists.

So what do you think? Do you have any comment on the expense and cost of travelling in Bali? Do share it with me alright!

Bali Hotels Review Guide

2009-09-05T00:21:00.003+07:00

Are you visiting Bali soon? Do you need honest and unbiased user reviews of hotels in Bali? Here's a list of Bali hotels review for you to help you on your decisions! Just click on any of them to read the review!

Our Recommendations

5 Recommended Bali Hotels and Accomodation

5 Top Luxury Hotels In Bal

Get huge discounts and Pay less for your hotel room...
Search all online travel websites at once and get the cheapest hotel rates guaranteed!

Nusa Dua - Benoa Hotels
AlamKulKul Boutique Resort Review
Conrad Hotel Bali Review
Aston Bali Resort and Spa Review

Seminyak Hotels
Bali Dream Villa Review

1 Step Guide To Find The Best Hotel Rates
	Compare all top travel sites at once at HotelsCombined
Alanya # Madrid # Berlin # Brussels # Buenos Aires # Bali

Aston Bali Resort and Spa

2009-09-04T23:48:00.002+07:00

Aston Bali Resort and Spa - Nusa Dua, Bali

Bali Hotel Review - In Aston Bali Resort and Spa, tourists are treated to a different kind of resort experience. A wide variety of activities are offered within the resort grounds to make up for the lack of entertainment and nightlife around Nusa Dua, where the hotel is located.

Aston Bali Resort and Spa is situated exactly at Tanjung Benoa, Bali , one of the island's prestigious private beaches. Unfortunately, the resort is reasonably far-flung from all the happenings and entertainment due to its remote location. This particular resort caters to guests who are looking for a holiday away from racket of Bali 's infamous shopping and entertainment district. To make sure that guests don't go bored out of their mind, many alternative activities are available to them. The beauty of Aston Bali comes from its beach side. It is isolated which gives it a sort of calmness and a charm that takes one's breath away. Many deck chairs are placed along the beach and because of its privacy, it is a perfect environment for sun bathing, nude or otherwise.

The service staff at Aston Resort and Spa are friendly, but they do seem few and far between. The objective is not to smother the guests but to be attentive without being intrusive. It is somewhat refreshing to be able to scour the grounds without someone constantly breathing down your neck. Nonetheless, they are always willing to help and always wearing smiles as well.

The resort have its own spa called "Binwana Spa" which is the perfect retreat for those looking to be pampered from head to toe. The spa offers a myriad of body and facial treatments that are carefully designed to relieve stress and improve overall well being. The spa is fashioned after a traditional Javanese palace but includes many bright colours to lighten up the mood. Private rooms are available but if you're not the shy type, I suggest the outdoor beds where you can enjoy the fresh air and the sunlight.

The main focus of all activities at Aston Bali is the swimming pool area. Activities such as aqua aerobics, water polo, diving lessons and many more are available at no extra charge. The trainers are all professionally trained and the activities have been designed in such a way that it is a fun learning experience for all. If you prefer to just bask in the sun to get that golden tan, there are many comfortable deck chairs around the pool and along the beach side. Games and quizzes are conducted sporadically where beer, cocktails and other prizes await the guests. Other water sport activities such as Jet Ski, banana boat, parasailing and such are offered along the beach side. Not many people go on holiday just to find themselves cooped up in a gym which probably explains the lack of activity at Aston's gym. In any case, the gym is open to all guests who are looking to pump some iron before going for a night out or lose some calories after a big meal. Speaking of which, a themed buffet is offered every night by the poolside but it comes with a price. Themes vary from European to Asian to good ol' Western but don't worry, it's just the food that goes with the theme and guests are not expected to show up in costumes.

Aston Bali Resort and Spa prides itself with its multitude of activities, many of which are not offered at other resorts. These activities bring the guests and the staff closer together and you'll find yourself making many friends along the way. Although the facilities might not be top of the line, they are still present and the activities offered are fun and interesting. It is these things that make you fall in love with Aston and the astonishing people who make it happen.

Upon entering the hotel, it's hard not to notice the traditional Javanese architecture. The entire hotel is designed to resemble that of an ancient Javanese Palace . But alas, this 10-year old resort is considered a senior compared to many of the newer resorts and to keep up with the times, many of the rooms have been upgraded to provide more comfort and convenience to its guests. Such a contrast usually ends up with an awkward blend but in this case, it is tastefully done with both the ancient and modern style complimenting each other.

Although its location might be away from Bali 's thriving nightlife, the beauty and serenity of its beach side makes up for it. Its accommodation isn't exactly 5-star material but the rooms are large enough to fit the entire Von Trapp family. The environment is conducive for business or pleasure and for both couples and families and the wide range of activities caters to individuals of all ages. Aston Bali Resort & Spa might not be as elegant and prestigious as the other 5* hotels such as Conrad Hotel Bali that surround it but it offers a different kind of holiday experience and it is attractive and special in it's own way. It is also considered cheap for a 5* hotel going at only USD $78 a night for deluxe room from HotelsCombined (Published rate is at USD $130). You can also compare all the rates for Aston Bali Resort and Spa and other Bali hotels here - Cheapest Bali Hotels Guaranteed or Money Back.

Need more help to plan on your Bali vacation? Do read Bali Holiday Tips and Bali Information if you're coming to Bali to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Bali. Don't forget to read our insightful Bali Travel Guide - Your MUST-READ free travel guide!

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Review - Bali Conrad Hotel, Nusa Dua

2009-08-31T10:05:00.001+07:00

Conrad Hotel Bali, Nusa Dua

Hotel Conrad Bali is one of the 5 stars luxury hotel adding on to the well-filled strip of Nusa Dua hotels in Bali. It was officialy opened in April 2005. In a very short period, Conrad Hotel Bali has established itself as one of the top hotels in Nusa Dua, Bali. My recent stay allowed me to experience and see what made Conrad a hit with Bali's tourist, especially in Nusa Dua.

What made me fell in love at first sight with Conrad Hotel Bali?

It is because of its own private beach where the quiet waves are not able to interrupt the calm haven that Conrad is providing. Comfortable gazebos set in a well kept landscaped garden invite you to lie down and relax. It made me dream away while gazing in the distance, with the stunning beach and waves at sight.

To add on to the beautiful beach, Hotel Conrad's swimming pool called the Condor is seriously such an elusive beautiful swimming pool. For a real Venetian feeling you can even book a room right at one of the lagoons, with immediate pool access. The real eye candy is the view that each of the rooms offer from the balcony. It made my eyes cast over the humongous swimming pools and lagoons that are spread out in the well maintained back garden and flow into the Indian Ocean.

The extensive marble-based lobby of Conrad hotel resembles a ballroom and if it wasn't for the backdrop of the turquoise shimmering Indian Ocean that is visible from the far end of the lounge one might mistake oneself to be Cinderella instead of a visitor of Bali. No worries though, Conrad Hotel ensures that there'll be no misbehaved stepsisters here that will make you polish the floor luckily :) Instead, guests are greeted warmly by their jovial and friendly staffs, dressed in yoga resembling outfits, that fittingly convey the atmosphere that one will find here: Inner peace in a balanced, elegant fashionista environment.

Facilites and Activities

For those who dare to venture out of the cosiness and luxury of their room the hotel has an extensive list of other activities to entertain. For those who fancy a bit of exercise next to all the luxury there's a well equipped fitness centre, and a tennis court. To relax the muscles after that strenuous exercise a visit to the award winning spa is a must. The serene peacefulness will bring your Yin and Yang together like never before. On offer are different kinds of massages, facials, reflexology, steambaths and scrubs, with home made oils and scrubs that is very soothing.

Also those up for serious business are not forgotten. The Conrad has its own business centre with several board rooms, ballrooms for large meetings or parties, a library,and multi lingual guest relations.

The most interesting features are perhaps quite closely related. One being the wedding chapel erected a month ago. If you are planning on saying ‘yes I do', by all means utter those words in the modern minimalistic yet utterly romantic wedding chapel with oceanview. In extension of that the Conrad also has its own children daycare centre, that will pamper your little ones while you're being pampered in for example the spa in the meantime.

A wide range of daytime activities is provided as well ranging from cooking classes to Bahasa Indonesia courses, beach volleyball, to water polo. There is something to do for everyone at any time and if the relaxing atmosphere didn't force you to slow down and enjoy the view, you would find yourself running from board meeting to yoga class. Serenity now…The Conrad has it all and delivers it in style.

Hotel Conrad Bali will also be very convenient for you. It is near to Bali's Ngurah Rai International airport and only a 10 minutes drive to the hustle and bustle of Bali's capital, Denpasar. Conrad offers 298 guestrooms and 15 suites, all stylishly built. If you didn't know, Conrad is the luxurious subsidiary of Hilton and I have to admit that it shows. All the comfortable rooms are designed up to the highest standards, provide baths and shower, balconies with panoramic views of the ocean. They are fully equipped with air-conditioning, flatscreen tv, dvd player, internatial IDD phone, free wireless internet access, coffee and tea making facilities, safe, hairdryer, private bar and if that's not enough there even is a ‘pillow menu' for the restless guest.

All in all, I'll say that the Conrad makes its 5 stars shine with pride. The luxury provided and at the same time down to earth and homely feel make this hotel an excellent choice for everyone; Honeymooners, families, older tourists and even handicapped travellers.

I've made my research accross all the online travel agents and found out that the cheapest rate for Hotel Conrad Bali is at USD $185 from HotelsCombined.com. You can also compare the rates here, Conrad Hotel Bali. If this hotel is out of your budget, you may consider Legian Village Hotel which starts from USD $27.

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10 Bali Food Famous With Tourists

2009-08-29T06:24:00.002+07:00

Bali is definitely a haven for food lovers and those who loves to try new food :) Here's the list of 10 Bali Balinese food that is famous with travellers! Starting from #10...

#10 - Nasi Goreng

There are as many different ways of preparing Nasi Goreng in Bali, as there are cooks. The only main ingredient is rice; everything else is determined by the cook's taste or the availability of ingredients. Please be certain to use only cold rice, as warm rice will stick to the wok.

#9 - Pesan Be Paseh
Balinese tweaked-version of a popular Javanese dish, Ikan Pepes. When banana leaves are not available, replace with greased aluminum foil. Small whole fish are often used in Bali instead of fillets cut from a large fish; just adjust the size of the banana leaf wrapping.

#8 - Bebek Betutu
The rich essence and flavor of duck is greatly enhanced by a host of pungent herbs and roots, and seasonings in this dish, which is invariably a great favorite with visitors to Bali. The Balinese have great admiration for the duck and consider it to be a particularly strong animal as it is, like the turtle, the only one able to survive on land as water.

#7 - Kambing Mekuah
Goat is more likely to be used than lamb in Bali to make this curry – like dish. This dish is a must-have dish for family festivals and gatherings. A hit with expats in Bali.

#6 - Nasi Kuning
Yellow is one of the four sacred colors makes this festive rice dish strikingly different from the normal, everyday steamed rice. The rice is cooked in lightly seasoned coconut milk and chicken stock for extra flavor, while the touch of oil in the coconut milk gives it a glistening appearance and keeps each grain separate.

#5 - Sate Lilit Bebek
This is the "Duck version" of the famous "Sate". Duck meat is used hear instead of mutton or chicken. The delicate flavors of the duck is greatly improved if you can find spears of fresh lemongrass to use as skewers, and if you can cook them over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal.

#4 - Gedang Mekuah
Unripe papayas are often used as a vegetable in Bali. If these are not available, you can use summer squash or Chinese winter melon. This dish is normally served in every traditional Balinese family gatherings.

#3 - Rujak
This popular snack, in intriguing mixture of sweet, sour and spicy hot flavors, is prepared at countless warung throughout Bali.

#2 - Sate Lilit

Yes, SATE again! This probably the most delicious satay you will ever encounter. The delicate flavors of the shrimp and fish are greatly improved if you can find spears of fresh lemongrass to use as skewers, and if you can cook them over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal. Nonetheless, even with wooden skewers and a standard charcoal grill, you will have people coming back more.

Bali Poem

2009-08-28T17:29:00.000+07:00

Hello everybody, just a short post before I leave for an important event! I was reading through my diary earlier on and I came across a poem I wrote back in 2005 after the Bali Bombings.. Hope everyone likes it :)

A flash in time, just a moment in history,
Reasons why, remain a mystery,
Paradise lost never to be regained
Bali natives forever defamed.

A jewel of an island, set around blue sea,
No hint of sadness, all , pleasure and fancy free
All lost in a flash, with the blast of a terrorist bomb
Our Bali haven, forever gone.

The bombing occurs, silence rings in our ears,
Just that second, then comes the screams and tears
Lives cut down all in a nameless cause,
Terrorists laugh, with a macarb applause.

Innocents abroad, with no hint of danger here,
Seeking pleasant memories, they came from near and far,
Young and old alike mingling in a merry throng
Laughters loud, keeping in time to a happy song,

To what purpose this waste of human life,
We ask the question what means this callous strife,
Does it serve a purpose does it service some grand plan,
Or does it just illustrate a crazy man's inhumanity to man.

Hope everyone likes the poem ;)

The Bali Dream Villa Hotel, Seminyak Indonesia

2009-08-28T06:05:00.003+07:00

The Bali Dream Villa

Bali Villa Review - The Bali Dream Villa is a luxurious villa accommodation in Bali located near to Seminyak Beach and Bali's Ngurah Rai airport.

The Bali Dream Villa contains 14 private ethnic Balinese styled villas in Seminyak, Bali. It is located very close to Ngurah Rai Airport, the beautiful Seminyak Beach and other tourist attractions. It is definitely an exclusive accomodation for tourists who are seeking the ultimate luxury, style and privacy. The Bali Dream Villa Bali architecture reflects modernised Balinese design and style combined with a contemporary and minimalist design with refined crafts and furnitures.

I recently stayed at the Bali Dream Villa for 3 days, and found them to be an absolute bargain. I booked through HotelsCombined, and paid about USD $230 a night including buffet breakfast. For what they are, this is an absolute steal.

The Villas are fabulous, with private pools, and are reasonably private and well laid out. We always found them impeccably clean, and the staff were fabulous and friendly .Completed with a private pool, private dining room and kitchenette the villa is good for a family as well. The Villa presented with an elegant and unique architecture. Surround by the green trees around the villa. The spa is also available at the villa's area and includes a restaurant with international - western food as well.

We stayed in a two bedroom for the first night, which was nice, however due to the steep staircase to the second level 2nd bedroom they are not recommended for people traveling with very small children. I was traveling with my wife and our 5 year old son, and we were really just after some relaxation by the pool.

The Villas are not located in central Seminyak, but the friendly staff are always ready within 15 minutes or so to shuttle you around to anywhere you want to go. Its about a 10 minute ride to Seminyak, Ku De Ta Restaurant etc, a bit further if you want to go into Kuta.

The food as many people have mentioned is pretty average, but what the hell, its pretty cheap anyway. I recommend eating at nearby Made's Warung in Seminyak for some great cheap and cheerful, and there is always Ku De Ta if you feel like getting a bit of the nightlife scene, although be prepared to pay for the privilege.

If you are after cosy villas with a private pool at an absolute bargain rate Bali Dream Villas are the way to go. Each villa is provided with individual air-conditioners, wireless internet connection, discreet swimming pool with personal sundecks, Integrated open air living and dining room with private pantry, Kitchenette with a gas hob, Private stock Refreshment bar/refrigerator, Coffee & tea making facilities, Personal safety deposit box, IDD telephone, Large Flat Screen TV & DVD player in each room, Dining room in multi channel station, Writing desk, Weight scale, Iron and board, Hair dryer, Touch light/Emergency light, Slippers, Bathrobe, Complimentary toiletries, Magnifying Mirror.

Published rates are above USD $400, however, you can get better rates like I did for only USD $230 by booking online from HotelsCombined. You can also view the rates of The Bali Dream Villa here, Bali Dream Villa Rates and Reviews.

The Bali Dream Villa

Jalan Bidadari No.108X Seminyak
Bali Indonesia
Phone. +62 361 737788 Facsimile: +62 361 733399 E-mail: info@thebalidreamvilla.com

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Missing Bali

2009-08-28T02:40:00.001+07:00

Things have been really busy with me, and I've been spending alot of time out of Bali Indonesia and in Singapore. There were major reshuffling of talents managements, photo shoots, castings and hosting events between Singapore and Bali. I'm now still in Singapore and will only be back in Bali this monday. Hoping to spend enough time with Dad and Mum, and of course, my beloved cat, Hanzel when I'm back in Bali.

My adorable sister, Siska actually came to Singapore to actually accompany me, with my lovely nephew, Lucas. Such the adorable (and mischevious!) little one he is: he's all growned up, and he speaks really proficiently - so well that its quite scary for a 4 year old saying "Bats hunt for food using Echo-Lo-kay-shionnn". Get me? Heh :)

Just a little toss on what I've been doing to fill my time: Attended the Shout awards in Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia), I hosted the Chivas Regal Alexander McQueen Limited Edition bottle (Chivas Regal - without a doubt my most favourate alcohol :p), the opening of the new Park Hotel in Clarke Quay (Amaaaazing food), the launch of the new Honda Freed, did a cover photoshoot with Jovian Mandagie (superb local designer and dear friend of mine), helped plan the outline of a Fashion TV programme and I am trying to find the time to celebrate my birthday - my 28th birthday (jeez I'm about a quarter of a century old now)!

For sure, I'll be celebrating my birthday in my beloved hometown, BALI! I have friends flying in from Singapore, Perth, Sydney, and of course my favourite girls from Diva Models will be there too, but can you imagine trying to accomodate everyone (about 70 people) at my place in Nusa Dua? I know it's gonna be crazy but hey, my lovely friends volunteered to actually fly to Bali just for my birthday and I should be honoured ain't it :)

Gosh! I really can't believe that I'm turning 28? Time really flies! I recall the conversation I had with Julian(My ex-boyfriend in 2005) and how I promised myself that by the age of 28, I'll visit South America and go back-packing to Brazil and Argentina? I also remember how I told my mom and friends that 28 is the age I want to marry?

Non of the goals I set for myself by the time I turn 28, have been achieve! I was doing some reflection earlier on and came to realize that I've really procrastinated alot. Whenever I am reminded of my dream to get married and go back-packing in South America, I always tell myself "It's ok Anastasia, you can always do so later on so just focus on making money"!! And the interesting part, I was reading Fox Nomad's blog and came across an article - "Overcoming 7 Major Obstacles To Traveling The World – #7 You Will Travel The World…Later" from Fox Nomad and that article was talking about "PROCRASTINATION". That really made me realize(AGAIN!) how I've really procrastinated alot and how damaging it is towards my goals and dreams!

To quote Anil from Fox Nomad: "Fear, anxiety, comfort in your routine, all combine and instead of dealing with the cause of all of the obstacles you’ll do the easiest thing – procrastinate and make excuses."

That is so true! The thing about me is that, I came from a poor family and was raised with the idea "EARN MORE MONEY SO THAT YOU CAN EAT AND LIVE". I always prioritize work and money before anything else. I always have the mentality that once I'm rich then I'll pursue my dreams and marry. The environment I grew up in mould me into a workaholic. I need somebody to always remind me to take a break and travel. Now that I've made enough money, it's already a part of me, "to work, and work and work" and I still can't resist the temptation of signing on more deals for more dough. Argghhhhh.

Oh well, I should really stop ranting about this. I should just check myself into a mental hospital aye? Hehs. On a sidenote, I hope everyone is keeping well, we've passed the 3/4 mark of the year now, and lets move towards ending this year with a bang! :)

Travel Bloggers Linking Award

2009-08-27T06:24:00.001+07:00

One travel blog is good. A group of travel bloggers exchanging links and sharing advice is better.

The main intention for this award is for the mutual benefit of "backlinks" for travel bloggers. Lets help each other and forward this award to every travel bloggers you know of to increase your "backlinks" and awareness on your blog. You've got nothing to lose and this is a win-win situation for everyone!

The 'rules' for this award is easy: grab the award and the picture and post it on your blog, linking to the person that passed it to you and adding your own link with your chosen anchor text to the "Backlinks List". You may pass it on to as many bloggers as you wish. Do let them know in a comment on their respective blogs so that they will reciprocate it. Have fun! (Please ENSURE that you link others using their Blog Name(Link it to their url) and the blog's url itself)

Now I'd like to pass this chic new award on to the following travel bloggers. I adore your blogs too!

In no particular order:

Bali Travel - http://balineseindonesia.blogspot.com
Casa Doceltto - http://casadolcetto.blogspot.com/
Solo Friendly - http://solofriendly.com/
Backpacking Chica - http://www.backpackingchica.com/
Zoombu - http://zoombu.co.uk/
Earth Blog - http://blog.earth.org/
Two Go Round-The-World - http://www.twortw.com/
Fox Nomad - http://foxnomad.com/
Historical Travels - http://historical-travels.com/
Travelling Australia - http://travelingaustralia.blogspot.com/
Travelbug - http://igotthetravelbug2009.blogspot.com/
Pommie Travels - http://www.pommietravels.com/
Travel Pro - http://travelpro55.blogspot.com/
How To Travel With Pets - http://howtotravelwithpets.com/
Travel And Tweet - http://travelandtweet.com/
My Several Wonders - http://www.myseveralworlds.com/
Taiwan Photographers - http://www.taiwanphotographers.com/
Lay Your Head Here - http://www.layyourheadhere.com/
Enzymedica Blog
Blogger Templates,Blogger widgets ,Blogger Hacks
ADD THE NEXT BLOG YOU WANT TO PASS THE AWARD TO AND INFORM THEM YOU'VE AWARDED THEM AND TELL THEM THE LINK OF THE AWARD.

8 Must-Visit Bali Shopping Destination

2009-08-27T00:30:00.001+07:00

8 Bali's Shopping Destinations A Tourist Must Visit!

Shopping is a very famous activity for travellers to Bali. In fact, tourist shops are sprinkled all over bali in the hope of getting lots of tourist visitors as customers! I've come up with 8 destinations for tourists to visit for your must-do shopping activity during your Bali Vacation! However, before you embark on your shopping adventure, do read up my "Shopping In Bali" guide to ensure that you get the best buys and good prices ;)

Denpasar

Denpasar being the capital of Bali, is the main "market" for the Balinese. Kumbasari market, which is nearby Badung River, is the biggest traditional market. It is the perfect place to get an insight into the traditional Indonesia market where local people do their daily shopping. Fruit, vegetables and meat can be found in the basement; on the second level is the place for spices and dried goods; while household wares, clothing, art and craft is on the third level. Here you can get a very good price if you're smart in bargaining. To find handicrafts, shoe shops and restaurants, you can head towards the northern part of Gajah Mada Street. To the east is Sulawesi Street, where you can get textiles and fabrics. On both sides of Sulawesi Street, you can find shops providing household wares. The area here is very colorful with all types of material from the traditional "songket" (cloth woven with strands of gold or silver) to modern day stretchy and shiny material. Why not buy your cloth by the meter and have a suit or dress made up by a local tailor. On the west Side of the market is the place for locals to buy coconut leaf and ceremonial supplies. In the southern part is Hasanudin Street where you can see gold and jewellery shops, tourists are always welcome but please bargain or you may find your pockets getting burnt :)

Ubud

Ubud is well-known for fine arts with international standard. This is where you can get the best Balinese culture arts and crafts. Highly-regarded art galleries such as Sumertha, Neka, Agung Rai, Rudana and Sika are highly recommended. Big names like Hans Snel and Antonio Blanco is recommended too however they may be really expensive.

The Kuta Area
As an international village almost all of the shops and restaurants here are for tourist market. You can find handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, CDs, furniture and leather crafts on each side of the road. But you can also see many street hawkers with their various offerings along the road. If you do not want to buy anything from them, do not make eye contact and do not ever look at their products, for if you do, they will follow you along the street and pester you to buy something.

Batubulan

On the border of Denpasar and Gianyar, lies Batubulan, the home to sculptures made of stone. You can find various kind of sculptures here ranging from traditional to minimalist, small to large, cheap to expensive :) The craftsmen can sculp random and custom orders and even ship them to your home address back in your country.

Sukawati

This area is popular to shop for Balinese arts. If you ask the locals where to get the cheapest Balinese arts and crafts, Sukawati will be their answer. Besides arts and crafts, you can also find statues, paintings, cloth, Balinese jewelry and also Balinese ceremonial needs,

Tegalalang

Very colourful wooden carvings of flowers, objects and more are displayed gracefully along the road. Various woodcarvings can be found in this village and its nearby neighbourhood at cheap prices! Here's the place to really master the art of bargaining.

Bono

The village to shop for anything made of Bamboo! Yes practically everything from furnitures to mats to window blinds! The villagers are really good at making use of Bamboo for their crafts. You'll be amazed at their talent and creativity!

Tenganan

This is where the native Balinese are located. The "Bali Aga" village in Karangasem, is the only village in Bali that produces the sought-after Balinese Geringsing textile. The materials for Geringsing are all acquired from the surrounding nature. To process Geringsing fabric, traditional methods rooting back to the old Balinese times, are used. The fabric is very delicate, durable and long-lasting thus the expensive price tags! No chemicals are used in the process and great care is taken to ensure the "natural" process.

To ensure you enjoy your Bali Holiday

You can actually read up "Bali Travel Guide For Newbies" or Bali Holiday Kit which are must reads for first-timers to Bali to ensure that you have an enjoyable vacation in Bali. 11 Essential Bali Travel Tips is also a good read with useful tips for Bali's visitors.

Shopping In Bali

2009-08-27T00:18:00.002+07:00

Bali And It's Art Of Shopping

In Bali, shopping is not simply going into a shop, choose something off the shelf and paying for it. In every traditional market, art shops or simply clothing shops around Bali, bargaining is a must! In fact, in Bali, we call shopping an art and bargaining a skill that we have to master!

Even if you're not a seasoned negotiator, be prepared to enjoy the bargaining process. It is definitely fun! Just be patient and for sure, you'll find good buys with the best prices! If you're lucky, you may even get away with cheaper prices than what the Balinese normally gets! In some places you can bargain until you get 50% discount. Always start by bargaining at 30% of the price. Yes 30%! It's the norm so don't be shy. Walk away if they don't want to bargain, until you get the price you want or at least 75% of the price they quote at the beginning.

Shopping and bargaining this way makes your shopping in Bali very fun. You can feel the warmth of human value in all your shopping transactions. However, do take note, before you embark on your shopping adventure in Bali, please have cash with you because most places do not accept credit cards unless you're in shopping malls.

I recall seeing a Dutch lady negotiating for an umbrella on Kuta beach. She did extremely well in the bargaining process. Instead of paying Rp 30,000, she paid only Rp 5000! Yes at only 1/6 of the initial price quoted. She was so happy and walked away smilling gleefully. Isn't that the main quintessence of bargaining? To be happy with your purchase and satisfied with the price. So where can you go to spend your Rupiah?
Do read my article on "Bali Shopping Destination" and "Bali Travel Guide" to ensure you enjoy shopping in Bali and you have a blast in Bali!

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Bali Hotel - Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort

2009-08-26T04:51:00.004+07:00

Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort, Kuta Bali

The Location: Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort is situated in Jl. Pantai Kuta, the main road along Kuta. For tourists arriving from Ngurah Rai Airport, the hotel is within 20 minutes. The location of Alam Kul Kul is directly behind Papas restaurant. For tourists who prefers close proximity to the beach, Alam Kul Kul is a great choice. It is also just stones away from Jl. Melasti and Jl. Legian, where you find great buys. Nightlife in the area is very good with the famous KamaSutra nightclub down the street, with Centrestage and Hard Rock Cafe at the bottom end of the beach road. Seminyak is just a convenient 5mins taxi-ride.

The Atmosphere:
The atmosphere is family-orientated and calm rather than a party scene. Great care has been taken to build a cozy and comfortable environment. It can be seen that the staffs really do their best in ensuring this from the clean, tranquil and elegant environment. The Alam Kul Kul definitely delivers more and better personal experience than some of the larger hotels. Japanese and Australian couples are known to prefer Alam Kul Kul rather than the larger hotels. Alam Kul Kul also have world-class spa facilities with soothing massages.

Staff Friendliness:
I'll say that the staffs are really polite, attentive and always sensitive to our needs. They will always be staffs standing to attention at the entrance of the Spa and Hotel itself. Restaurant servers seems friendly and relaxed while the housekeeping staffs always do what they're good at with great pride and service.

Luxury Scale:
Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort is a 4star boutique resort that offers a very compact, clean and well taken care of resort that really enable you to de-stress and unwind. The hotel's in-house restaurant is an award-winning restaurant with beautiful views of the beach. The spa and massage is also an award-winning spa which is Jamu Traditional Spa. There are 2 swimming pool and a complete Business Center. The resort have 80 rooms 4 categories of room with 3 types of villas. Rooms are all air-conditioned, comfortable spring beds with hot water, bath tub and cable TV. Wireless Internet is also installed and provided for free. The villas come with personal plunge pool and a sunken bath tub.

What makes this hotel special:
The Alam Kul Kul is special and unparalled because it offers a one-of-a-kind special environment with a 4-star luxury right on the beach of Kuta. It is also one of the rate hotels in Kuta that is family-oriented. Their signature, Papas restaurant is also the only Mediterranean restaurant on Kuta Beach.

Why would you want to stay here:
I would stay here if I wanted to be close to the beach, good shopping area and the famous Kuta nightlife with a tranquil hotel with spa facilities. It is definitely personal and peaceful. The Alam Kul Kul is great for older tourists, couples on honeymoon or just people who want to destress and relax!

How do the rooms feel:
The rooms are very clean and well looked after. Beds are large with elegant and nice-smelling quilts and covers. Plenty of Balinese and Javanese design elements ranging from natural roofs on the villas, to traditional crafts, furnitures, decoration and painting.

Noise levels:
Quiet and peaceful so you don't have to worry about annoying noises.

Proximity to the hotel:
Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort is located at the top end of Jl. Pantai Kuta across from the beach. To get to the hotel from the airport takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic. Along the street are nightlife places such as Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Hotel and Kama Sutra. There is also a 24 hours mini market called Circle K nearby. The Alam Kul Kul is situated very close to Kama Sutra and it's around the corners of Aussie friendly bars of Jl. Melasti such as Bali Rocks and Peanuts. They are within walking distance.

Overall, I'll recommend this hotel to everyone especially couples on honeymoon looking for a romantic and tranquil hotel. Love it and I'll surely stay in Alam Kul Kul again soon.

I've made my research across all the online travel agents, Alam Kul Kul room rates starts from USD $85 from HotelsCombined.com which is the cheapest among all the online travel agents. You can also read more reviews and compare the rates here, AlamKulKul Reviews and Rates.

Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort Contact & Information:

Exhange Link

2009-08-26T02:21:00.008+07:00

If you are interested to exchange links with me, do inform me by commenting on this post or simply email me at purebalinese@yahoo.com

To exchange links with me this is my blog's information.

Anchor Text: Bali Travel Bali Hotel Reviews
Url: http://balineseindonesia.blogspot.com

[a href="http://balineseindonesia.blogspot.com"]Bali Travel Bali Hotel Reviews[/a]

For a start, here's some links.

Discover Bangladesh Tours
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Historical Travels
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All About Bali

Bali Travelogue

2009-08-24T22:23:00.000+07:00

Bali photos and pictures taken during my frequent adventures

For more pictures do go to my BALI TRAVELOGUE photos..

Bali Balinese Culture

2009-08-24T17:22:00.000+07:00

Bali's Balinese Culture Is Unique And Indigenously Rich

Bali is definitely the "Ultimate Island" in Indonesia that is rich in innate and native culture. It is in fact unique in it's own way and the Balinese have always been contented with the “now.” A Balinese will probably answer "Bali" if you were to ask what heaven is like. Yes, that's how contented and proud Balinese are about our homeland, Bali. We are always happy to be where we are from and proud of our roots and culture.

One constituent that cause our relaxed and easy-going lifestyle is our close-knitted family ties that is a basic foundation in our culture. In the Balinese culture, encouragement and support is always available from our family and friends. Balinese extended families are so tightly knitted that most of the family members are usually staying in the same complex and housing area.

In spite of the influx of tourists to the island, Bali and the Balinese have always maintained their culture and preserved it. Most Balinese is also an artist in their chosen "art" and "line". Yes, the Balinese culture have always encouraged us to be a "master" in any form or art. Be it dancing, music, painting or decor. Our parents and elders have passed on their skills to their younger generation, who at most time definitely have their own inclination either for music, painting, and more.

Hinduism is the our main religion. Bali's culture is actually sculpted and based on a form of Hinduism which is called “Hindu Dharma”. Hindu Dharma reached Bali during the eleventh century. Our lifestyle and character is normally influenced by this religion. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia. Dances, Music and paintings actually have their own history and meaning, always related to Hinduism. Although Balinese have adapted well to modern changes, we still stick to our religion and never fail to incorporate modern changes well into our religion without compromising it.

Another remarkable and applaudable part of Bali's culture is the many types of religious ceremony and rituals such as "Manusa Yadnya". This marks the different stages of Balinese life. Cremation is very popular on this island – and unlike in the West, death is a joyous and colorful event for the Balinese.

Bali has a definitely rich culture, making us distinctively different from the rest of the Indonesia.

Bali Holiday Kit - Travel To Bali Guide

2009-08-24T05:14:00.001+07:00

Bali Starter Kit - Essential information for your trip to Bali.

Greetings from Bali I hope this starter kit will be useful to those heading to Bali. Do PM me or reply if you have any further questions. I'll try to update this as often as possible alright

Visa

Visa-Free
For those who belong to the following 11 countries, you do not have to get any Visa to visit Bali, or Indonesia. You'll be entitled to a visa-free 30days permit free-of-charge (note: your passport have to be valid for a minimum of 6months at the time of entry)
Visa-free: Singapore, Vietnam, Philipines, Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru and Thailand.

Visa On Arrival
Visa on arrival is where you're eligible to obtain visa on your arrival to Indonesia either by sea or air. There's 2 types of VOA, which is 7-days visa which is for US $10 or 30-days which is for US $25. The visa can't be extended once you have chosen the type (7-day or 30-day). You'll have to leave Indonesia and re-enter Indonesia the next day if you want to have a new valid visa. Please do note that your passport have to be at least 6-months valid and you have to prove that you're able to fund your stay in Indonesia or Bali in particular.
Visa On Arrival:Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

What if you're not eligible for VOA or Visa-Free?
Citizens of countries neither on the VoA nor Visa-Free lists are required to apply for a visa overseas before travelling to Indonesia. Please visit the Indonesian Embassy in your country to apply for one.

DO TAKE NOTE: Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia also have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia.

Currency:
Bali's main currency is Ruppiah (IDR) with denomination notes of Ruppiah 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2000, 1,000 denominations. USD or United States Dollar is also widely acceptable in Bali. Normal changing rate is IDR 10,000 for USD $1. Australian Dollar is also acceptable in most hotels.

PLEASE EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY IN LICENSED MONEY-CHANGERS. Although this is rare, however there have been a few reports where tourists got cheated with FAKE Ruppiah notes. It's easy to spot a licensed money-changer, they will have a "Izin Assosiasi Pedagang Valas" license, if you do not spot any license, do ask them to show it. All the money-changers in Bali's airport, NGURAH RAI AIRPORT, are licensed money-changers.

Where is Bali and Bali's Timezone:
Bali's timezone is +8 hours, same as the timezone in Singapore, Bangkok and Malaysia. Do take note that Bali is one of the few state in Indonesia whereby it is 1 hour ahead of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital.

Bali Island is part of Indonesia and is located 8-9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor Leste) in the East.

Flying to Jakarta is about 1 1/2 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2 1/2 - 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4 1/2 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5 1/2 - 6 hours. Unfortunately , there is no direct flight from USA to Bali. If you travel from New York the best option is to fly to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific or American Airlines and then transfer on a flight with Hong Kong Express Airways straight to Bali. This ‘fast’ option will take approximately 22 hour.

Weather & Climate:
Bali's temperatures are in between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. From December to March, the "monsoon season", Bali may rain heavily with high humidity, but usually it only rains in the early morning or early afternoon. So do not worry as you still have alot of "sunny time" to explore Bali From June to September the humidity is low. Evenings and afternoon can be cooling. For example now, Bali's "rainy period" is over and we rarely have any heavy raining.

Population:
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people. The majority of them are Hindus, who are really pious. With the recent migration of Javenese and other Indonesians to seek work or do business in Bali, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing with more "Masjid" or mosque being build. Do not worry though as these group of Muslims are not fanatic and they are definitely NOT TERRORISTS! I'm a Christian though, however I must be fair and dismiss "myths" that Muslims in Indonesia are terrorists. The Muslims in Indonesia are certainly not TERRORISTS and they are very friendly and welcoming people. Do read up more on the "terrorists activities" in Indonesia and you'll realise that the terrorist leaders are actually "MALAYSIANS".

Most people live in the South coastal areas, and the island's largest town and administrative center is Denpasar with a population of over 400,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta which includes Legian, Tuban, Jimbaran, Seminyak, Basangkasa), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly, and it won't be long before the whole area from Ubud to Sanur, Berawa, Canggu, and Nusa Dua will be fully urbanized.

Is Bali Safe?
Yes! You can bank on that! It is even safer then your hometown Ever since the bombings in 2001, Bali's security level have really been beef up. Don't be shock even you, a tourist, may be politely stopped by the police for a random check. There are frequently-held spot checks, roadblocks and more being conducted by the police to prevent terrorist activities. What about political demonstrations? Don't worry about that. Bali is different from Jakarta. We, Balinese are fun-loving and peace-loving people and I'm proud to say there's only a 0.01 % chance of demonstrations being held in Bali

Transportation:
The best way to explore Bali is by renting a car or bike. Bring along a GPS or map, trust me, it's not that hard to explore Bali. Even if you get lost, you can count on the locals to guide you or help you with directions. If you must get a guide, don't engage tour guides or rent taxis in the airport or from your hotel, they are REALLY EXPENSIVE. If you must rent a car, rent it from "transport rentals" in Denpasar. For a decent sedan such as Toyota Camry, it cost only Rp 300,000-Rp 400,000 or US$30 - US$40 a day as compared to taxis or car rentals in airport, which cost at least USD $60? You can rent bikes at only USD $8 - USD $10 a day.

Food:
Food is really cheap in Bali. Skip those fancy restaurants and eat in "warungs" if you really want to get a feel of the Balinese culture and lifestyle. "Warungs" are small eateries by the roadside. Trust me, you'll get hooked. Nasi Goreng, Ayam Penyet, Bakso, Soto, Babi Guling, Satay and more! It costs only Rp 8000 - Rp 15000 for a meal with Ice Tea. I've never had any friends or colleagues from other countries who get sick or dislike eating in "warungs" In fact they got hooked and asked me to bring them to "warungs" instead of fancy expensive over-hyped restaurants.

Contact and Communication with your friends or family:
Internet access: They are many "warnet" or cybercafes spread all over Bali, especially in Kuta. You can practically spot cybercafes all over Kuta! It cost about Rp 4000 - Rp 7000 an hour. Most hotels in Bali also have free wifi hotspots.

Handphone: Buy yourself a "kartu perdana" or sim cards. You can find it in "counter pulsa" or small handphone shops. They are all over Bali too. Get yourself "Simpati Telkomsel". They have the best signals. To call overseas, please use 01017 + country code + area code(if applicable) + phone number you're calling to. International call charge to USA is Rp.3,100 per minute; to Australia is Rp. 3,500 per minute, to New Zealand is Rp. 4,980 per minute, to Europe from Rp.5,000 to Rp. 7,000 per minute. Long distance call to Jakarta is around Rp 500 a minute. For additional information, most hotels add a surcharge of 200% or more. Local calls cost Rupiah 180 per minute (most hotels charge Rupiah 1,000 and more). So skip the hotel lines and just get a local sim card which will save you alot.

________________________________________________________________________________
____

This is about it for now, I'll constantly update on this as often as possible. If you have questions that is not answered here, you can reply in this thread or just PM me or email me at purebalinese@yahoo.com and I'll try my best to answer you ASAP!

Happy Bali-ing and god bless!

Mother Of Ubud, Bali - Murni

2009-08-24T00:10:00.000+07:00

Ni Wayan Murni, the living legend in Ubud..

Ibu Murni (Ni Wayan Murni) is a revered living legend in Bali, particularly in Ubud itself. She can also be considered the pioneer of tourism and restaurants in Bali. All the tour guides and travel agents in Bali will definitely know Ibu Murni is. She is the founder of Murni's Villas, Murni's Houses, Murni’s Warung and Kunang-Kunang shops. She is also the pride of Bali who inspires and motivates many Balinese ladies, including myself. I've always looked up to her and wanted to be like her. She shows no sign of retirement despite her age and success. Adapting to the modern society while sticking to her Balinese roots. She is the real quintessence of hard-working and successful Balinese ladies.

She grew up in a broken family and had a difficult childhood, filled with hardships and sufferings. Her parents divorced when she was seven years old and she was send to live with her aunt. Living in her auntie's house, she was made to wake up at 2 am to prepare cakes and sell them door-to-door in Denpasar. The money made was for her monocratic aunt who gave her only 5 ruppiah if she manage to sell all the cakes. After she complement elementary school at the age of 12, she went back and lived with her mom in Ubud. Her mom was then selling and doing business in Ubud Market. She worked with her mom in the market for 2 - 3 years, before she started her first business in 1961, cycling to and fro Sanur to sell batik to the tourists. From there, she started to love batiks, textiles and basically Balinese arts and crafts.

Murni's Villas

Her major turning point was in 1974 when she bought a land in Ubud and started Murni's Warung. Clothes, batiks and paintings was her business before she married an American and learnt more about business and the American culture. Then life and business started to improve when she realised that by selling Western food, more business and tourists will come by.

From a very tiny business called Murni's Warung, with no electricity or appliace, she had moved on to greater success with hotels such as Murni's Villas and Murni's Houses. The hard-working Ibu Murni has moved on to become one of Bali's most successful entrepreneurs with hotels, restaurants, shops and exhibitions in other countries. However that didn't changed her. She has never forgotten her Balinese roots and she is one of the kindest people I know in Bali. She is full of laughter, hospitality and motivations. She is still the same Ibu Murni before she became rich and famous. Many Indonesians who have achieved success and became prosperous have mostly become arrogant and egocentric too. However, Ni Wayan Murni is one of the rare exceptions and I really admire her and regard her as my idol.

To know more about Ibu Murni, do visit her website - Murnis | murnis.com

Anastasia Fiatmita

2009-08-23T02:38:00.002+07:00

About Me

Anastasia Fiatmita

Anastasia Fiatmita
Birthdate: 29 August 1980
Birthplace: Bali, Indonesia
Profession: Model & Talent Scout for Diva Models Agency(Asia)
Vital Stats: 34-26-30
Height/Weight: 168cm / 47kg
Status: Single and happy!
Anastasia Fiatmita

Create Your Badge

Miss Bali 2003 & Miss Indonesia Tourism 2004 signed on to Diva Models Agency(Asia) as a Model & Talent Scout(Indonesia). After shooting to success, Anastasia never forgets her Balinese roots and BALI itself. Being a Balinese who is very proud of her roots and an aspiring Blogger, she occasionally promote and give endless insights to Bali, Bali's culture and her Balinese roots in her Bali travel guide blog - BalineseIndonesia.blogspot.com

Living the life of a Model, she is still the typical "Balinese girl" who is friendly, sporty, spiritual, chatty and definitely can't resist anything to do with "beaches". She loves good foods, hanging/swimming/reading/tanning by the beach, intruiging conversations, being a FREE Bali tour guide for her friends and associates who are from other countries and helping out at Crisis Care Foundation on her free time. Knowing that she owes her success to Bali and the Balinese people, she volunteers and contribute to Crisis Care Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization based in Lovina, Bali.

Although her title and role as Bali & Indonesia's official tourism ambassador was only up to 2004, she never stopped promoting Indonesia, especially her hometown, Bali. She always find opportunities to promote, educate and talk about Bali and her roots. She started blogging late last year and began writting articles on travel guides on June 2009 on her personal blog - Bali Hotel and Bali Travel where she provides free travel guides to Bali and unbiased honest reviews of hotels in Bali.

10 Reason To Travel To Bali Durings It's Rainy Season

2009-08-22T20:20:00.000+07:00

Bali is raining, so should you visit Bali?

So it's the rainy season in Bali and I get alot of questions from friends and associates whether they should come to Bali during it's rainy season. Although the monsoon season have a bad reputation, trust me, and you'll be amazed at how fun it is to be in Bali during it's rainy period.

Here are 10 reasons why you should travel to Bali during it's monsoon season..

It don't rain all day long: Normally it only rains in the early afternoons! You still have mornings, late afternoons and evenings to explore Bali! Even if it rains in the afternoon, it's OK to get unwind and get wet ain't it? Don't you miss playing in the rain while you are still a young kid?
Better pictures: the lightnings with dramatic colour changes, dark stormy clouds - these are the known secrets for taking stunning photos which are way cooler than those with white clouds and blue skies!
Cooler temperatures: in most of the Asian countries, the rain drops the mercury and it provides some sweet and much needed relief from the blazing heat! Come on, at most you may get wet, but you won’t be melting!
Lesser crowds: you don’t always get a chance to feel alone in Asia. If space and fresh air is what you’re looking for, the rainy period is your only best bet for it.
Better savings: Let the rain splash as much as it wants as long as it means lesser splashing of your cash! "Lesser demands for hotels and services" + "Fewer tourists" = CHEAP BALI HOLIDAY
Greener greenery: every little cliché you’ve ever heard from fellow tourists and friends about the lush greens of the tropics is true! And you haven’t seen REAL GREEN TROPICS until you’ve seen the beautiful Bali greens in it's tropical monsoon season.
Easier storm-chasing: Hehe.. there is actually no chasing of the storms to be done. Just get a spot somewhere dry with a good view. Let nature work her magic while you relax and watch the beautiful panorama of mother nature. I recommend the bars for that. Believe me, watching tropical storms with a glass of beer is really amazing and spectacular.
More excuses to start a conversation: If you get caught in the rain and get stuck somewhere while the rain hits, you'll definitely won't be alone stucked in the rain. So why not make full use of it and start engaging in a conversation with the locals or even tourists. Starting with the weather is a good excuse to have a good conversation!
Great excuse to really unwind and relax: There’s nothing like a bit of the tropical rain for an excuse to just relax and do nothing! Stay in your hotel, lie on the bed with your partner and just listen to the rain. You can also experience the rain better and watch it while sitting under a deck. Play Cards. Read or just sleep! Enjoy and really be on holiday! It's ok if you can't explore the tourists attractions for that day such as Pura Tanah Lot Temple, trust me you'll always have the chance to explore Bali.
Sightings that make you smile: Just sit back and people-watch. Admire those who don’t let the rain ruin their lifestyles parade; school kids clad in plastic ponchos balancing umbrellas on their bicycles; hundreds of brollie-wielding pedestrians passing one another in the street without causing injury and definitely more!

So relax and don't worry about the rain alright? Bali is truly amazing even while it's raining. Lovely sights, cooler weather, lesser crowds, cheaper prices and more? Do you need anymore reassuring now? :)

Do you have your own opinion or reasons why you will visit Bali during it's rainy season? Do share your reasons and comments ok?

11 Essential Bali Travel Tips

2009-08-22T07:40:00.002+07:00

It’s time to unwind and destress! A vacation to Bali puts you on the most tourist-friendly island in Indonesia.

White sandy beaches such as Jimbaran Beach

with world-class surfs and awesome waves, natural coral reefs, cheap massages and spas, and definitely so much more for your vacation.

And to ensure that you enjoy your visit to Bali Island, I recommend everyone to follow the 11 travel tips I write about below.

11 Bali Travel Tips for a Bali holiday:

1.Seasonal and weather change actually makes little difference so any period of the year is a perfect time to visit Bali, although it’s useful to check out the public holidays in Indonesia. On the month of Ramadan - Muslim fasting period, Bali gets busy and crowded as locals from neigbouring cities, fill resorts up and prices for accomodations escalate. Our ‘When To Go Bali‘ article have the details you need.

2.Bali can be really cheap with superb value, especially for budget accommodation and budget flights. Do book in advance to get a great deal for your accomodation and flights. Air Asia is well-known to provide cheap flights to Bali if you book early in advance. HotelsCombined is definitely better then Zuji if you want to book hotels online (Zuji Is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE then HotelsCombined) For example, you can compare the prices of Bali Hotels here - Cheapest Bali Hotel Rates & Reviews of Bali Hotels

3. If you’re planning to surf, do check out Surf Travel Online. It has useful information on surf camps, cheap boat charters, and surfers package deals to remote beaches in Bali with great waves such as Nusa Lembongan.

4.Treat your tastebuds for something different and try eating in a warung (small traditional roadside eateries). Although they may look unhygiene, trust me, they are safe to eat. They are REALLY cheap, no-frills hangouts all serving unique and different foods. The food is often displayed in glass cabinets out in front. Grab a seat, make a selection and get the real flavour of Bali and Balinese food real cheap.

5.To understand Balinese culture and life, visit Murni’s, which have everything regarding Bali and Balinese, from explanations of Balinese names to what one wears to a ceremony.

6.If you're staying in luxury hotels, do consider staying in a Homestay where native Balinese families host you. It'll really make your trip more enjoyable and eye-awakening.

7.A little knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia will definitely take you a long way. "Selamat pagi" - good morning -, "tolong" -help or please-, and terima kasih -thank you-, for starters. Also, try memorising, "way say" which means toilet, "mana" means where, and "gimana caranya" which refers to "how to". For a fun introduction to the language, check out Bahasa Indonesia in 7 Days.

8.The best way to see Bali and travel around is with your own transport. Get a map or GPS and drive, hire a guide driver or rent a Bike.

9.Getting tired of hawkers bugging you to buy something? Do you know that there is an invisible line on the beach of Kuta that hawkers are not allowed to cross? Be a lil' bit cheeky and park yourself closer to the sea. You won’t be hassled anymore.

10.Bargaining while shopping is a MUST. It is part of the whole shopping experience so don't be shy and BARGAIN. Get into the swing of things and test your "Bargaining Art". However don’t get too carried away until you've made a fool of yourself. If you do so, suddenly you'll find out that you've spent the past 10 minutes quibbling over 50 cents. Use your instincts and logic.

11.To really ensure that you enjoy your holiday, do read "Bali Travel Guide For First-Timers" which is really useful and essential.

Do comment if you have any ideas to contribute or if you have any questions.. Happy Bali-ing!

Other Useful Bali Articles and Bali Information:

Bali Travel to Pura Tanah Lot Temple

2009-08-21T17:40:00.025+07:00

Bali Attractions - Pura Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple or Pura Tanah Lot in Balinese language is located in the coastal side of Beraban in Kediri, a sub district in Tabanan. It is located 30 Km to the west of Denpasar and about 11 Km to the south of Tabanan regency. Pura Tanah Lot Temple is about 3acre in size and built on the rocks by the coast of Tanah Lot, Beraban. It is about a 5 minutes walk from the coastal lip of Beraban. Being a very famous tourist destination in Bali, it also have spectacular views of sunset. Around the coral reefs in Tanah Lot Temple, there are snakes believe to be very sacred, holy and tamed. The snakes are in black and white and according to the Balinese, they are believed that to be the guardians of the temple and were sent by the Ocean Power Deity, Dewa Baruna.

History Behind "Tanah Lot" And It's Importance

The name - "Tanah Lot" is the combination of 2 words. Tanah is a reef, like gili or isle. Lot refers to the sea. However, Tanah Lot actually means, a small island floating in the sea. Tanah Lot has been widely used during the period of Megalithic as a religious site that looked into holy proven existence of "menhir". Due to environmental conditions, the structure of Pura Tanah Lot is built on irregular reef plains which is consisted of Jeroan - a one plain yard.

The functions of this temple can be seen in the main building which is located in the temple main area. In here, there is a main temple which is used to worship the god, Bhatara Segara or Dewa Baruna, the powerful sea god. The place to pray to this god is the biggest and highest building in the temple while the 3 storied high temple building to the north of this area is to worship to Dang Hyang Nirartha.

This temple is also very important to the Balinese people and it can be seen from the temple histories, its functions and the big number of devotees who attends the temple ceremonies when they are being held.

Pura Tanah Lot is considered as Dang Kahyangan -"One of the six main Bali temples". The Penyiwi or "care takers" are all local residents from Tabanan regency and their surrounding area.

It is also called the Segara Temple, because of its function as a sanctum to worship to Bhatara Segara, the God who manifested into the "Ocean Power Deity". Locals also believes that the existence of snakes in the coast of Tanah Lot are signs that this area is very sacred and important. The snakes are unique as their body have no athwart skin which is a norm for most snakes. This water-based snake is very passive and cases of them attacking the locals or visitors are very rare.

What to See in Tanah Lot

Being a favourite tourist destination in Bali, Tanah Lot is also famous for their magnificent views. More notably is the sunset during dawn when the sun starts to disappear. All the visitors to Tanah lot will be amazed by it's beautiful panorama.

Beside this, there are also other temples which can be seen on your visit to Tanah Lot like Batu Bolong Temple, Batumejan Temple and Enjung Galuh Temple. There are also many Bali ceremonies and festivals being held here.

Ceremonials And Cultural Attractions In Tanah Lot

Melasti-
This ceremony is believed to help you to get God's blessings for your belongings and etc. Melasti is held during "Tilem", which means full moon. Balinese who embrace Hinduism, believes that during full moon, the sea god, Bhatara Segara will release holy water into the sea to sanctify universe and its contents.

Ogoh Ogoh -
"Ogoh Ogoh" which means scary monsters, is one of the artistic cultural festival for Hindus' in Bali. It is also related to the "Pecaruan ceremony" which is celebrated during the ninth full moon (Pengrupukan) a day before Nyepi. Ogoh Ogoh represent symbols of strengths in the universe that is influencing the nature. It is also believed that this ceremony will appease "Butha Kala" or negative strengths and elements, so as not to bother human beings.

I hope this guide and article is useful to you and do comment if you have more comments alright! :) I shot my own video while i was in Tanah lot and hope you like it!

Bali Sex Escort Bali Girl Sex Guide

2009-08-21T12:39:00.005+07:00

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2009-08-20T11:02:00.003+07:00

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Bali Bombings Aftermath

2009-08-17T06:05:00.001+07:00

Bali Travel or Holidays Is Safe As Ever!

Recently, I've been receiving alot of mails and queries regarding Bali and whether it's safe. Friends and distant-relatives were asking whether Bali is prone to terrorist bombings, political unrest, tsunami and etc.

Other friends also asked whether violent political unrest remain a daily occurrence in Indonesia. Mamma Mia! These friends of mine must have not read the news or must be MTV-viewers. Hasn’t CNN or Newsasia been all quiet on Bali lately? Even when it broadcasts news on some demonstration in Indonesia, one must take it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Why are we still being punished with unfortunate catastrophes that took place eons ago?

Activities In Bali?

Honestly, there's endless answers to that! It really relies entirely on youself! If you are crazy about spa and massages, you will find out that Bali Island is actually one of the world's spa capital. Cheap budget spas to most exclusive and customised ones. If being a beach bum is you, I’m sure you’ll rate Bali among the top ten favourable beach destinations. Fashion or interior designer? Then Bali is the place for you where you can definitely get the most creative and unique inspirations. Whatever you do or who you are, there is always a piece and part of Bali just for you. Yes, Bali is multi-dimensional. The sights, nature, cultures, arts, tropics, beaches, cuisine, shopping, whatever it is. It is all in BALI! And they can be found at their most unique element in Bali. Even just doing nothing and bumming around comes at its very best in this Island of Paradise. Bali is even better during our Balinese Nyepi celebration – a yearly tradition and festival where people observes silence, stop committing crimes, cut out lights entirely and just pray. Believe me, visiting Bali during Nyepi is the best remedy and destressing solution for your tired soul.

I am normally in Bali for 9-10 months a year due to the occasional work trips to Jakarta, Singapore, Thaiiland and etc. When i return to Bali Kuta after each work trips, I would find at least one new surprising discovery – be it a place to eat, to shop, or to pamper myself. Two months ago, after treaching Bali, and driving back home to Kuta, I found a newly opened pearl shop near the busiest cross-roads in Bali – the famous ‘Simpang Siur’. I am away that authenthic natural pearls from Indonesia are highly valued in Japan. But, now, you can buy distinctively designed pearl-jewelry items in this shop, priced at a fraction from those in Tokyo plush shops. And, you know what? If you love your wife or wish her to love you more, this pearl shop is just the right address for you to make her eyes shine brightest and give you a kiss immediately! Hehe...

My childhood Balinese friends always ask why I've never decide to stay in other parts of Indonesia such as Jakarta or in Singapore where I normally travel to for work. That's because I have everything i need and want in Bali and besides I'm a Balinese! Even if I never leave Bali, at all I know I will never get bored. There are still so many things waiting to be discovered eventhough I am born in and stay in Bali! Yes there's so much to experience in Bali even for a Balinese!

One Of The Best Place To Hold Conference And Meetings

Last month I was in Alam Kul Kul Boutique Resort in Kuta where I was invited to speak regarding promoting modelling, photo shoots and catwalks in Bali. Executives and big shots in the modelling world such as Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks and my lovely boss Jane Stewart from Elite Models made up the crowd which I have to talk to. Guess what? The dress-code is - STRICTLY NO TIES AND FORMAL WEAR.

So what am I trying to say? Bali is the place under the sun that is most suitable to hold a meeting or conference of any scale! We started off nicely with a candle-lit dinner under the moon with soothing sounds of the waves from a nearby beach, the cicadas, and the gamelans from afar. The soft light breeze caressing your skin, and the fragrant of frangipani from numerous trees in the surrounding. Gosh! It was really hard to stay focus and pay attention to the head of the organizing committee, talking about what we speakers must do at the conference.

After the conference, during the cocktail, I heard nothing but only praises from everyone! If there were complains, then they were mostly: there are so many beautiful places to go in bali but so little time! One beautiful lady who is the wife of Tom Ford told us about her diving escapade to Nusa Lombongan. She remarked- “World class!”. Another lady took the spouse program to golf at Bedugul in the mountainous part of Bali. “Exquisite!” she exclaimed.

Balinese Culinary

If you think nasi goreng (fried rice) is the only pride of Indonesian culinary, you are only 1% right. For most Indonesians, nasi goreng is actually a 'fast food' or ‘desperate menu’. Meaning: when you don’t know what else to eat, then nasi goreng is the only choice. Street vendors of nasi goreng are everywhere to find. So, don’t be trapped into the same fallacy.

Even for the average Indonesians, Balinese foods and cuisines is yet to be fully discovered. It is understandable that most Indonesians have the suspicion that Bali – being mostly Hindu – offers food that is non-halal in nature. Thanks to those many halal Balinese restaurants that opened the eye – and palate, for that matter – of Indonesian muslims. Be-sisit (shredded chicken in spicy sambal), sate lilit (grilled ground fish meat on skewer) and tum ayam (marinated chicken steamed in a packet of banana leave) have now become well-known dishes.

Balinese foods are always misunderstood as "spicy dishes" however that is not true! Bali offers a vast selection of culinary heritage – sweet, hot, sour or otherwise. For a starter, a visit to "Bumbu Bali"– a fine-dining restaurant serving only Bali cuisine, is a good choice. Chef Heinz Von Holzen, the owner, has successfully unveiled the secrets of Balinese cuisine and made them available for international diners. Don't be misled by his caucasian name, although he is a caucasian, he is now an Indonesian citizen and have stayed in Bali for more then 15years! Bebek Bengil and Biah-Biah is another two restaurant where international tourists could get a taste of the tantalizing Balinese cuisine.

If you survived the street-food of Thailand, you would do well in Bali. For the more adventurous, the street-side is always the place to go. Try babi guling Ibu Oka at Ubud, or nasi campur at Sanur Beach. Warung Satria, Warung Wardani, and Warung Renon in Denpasar are three famous medium-class eating houses that serve Balinese authentic foods.

The babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a ‘die die must try’. The pig is slowly roasted on wood. The skin is crispy. The meat succulent. Placed atop of steamed rice with lawar (chopped veggies in a spicy shredded coconut), and a bowl of soup (mostly made of young jackfruit or banana trunk) on the side. Ask for an extra help of the delicious sambal matah (chillies, shallot, and kecombrang chopped in salt and coconut oil).

Lawar is also a dish in itself. There are restaurants specializing in lawar. The most authentic lawar uses fresh pig blood and shredded pig inner skin as the main ingredients. Many different vegetables can be used for lawar, such as long beans, fern, young jackfruit.

Nowadays, to cater to the Muslim and vegetarian visitors, lawar also comes in halal and vegan version. No blood, no pork components! In Semawang, a beach area near Sanur, there is a unique version of lawar hitam, made with the black ‘ink’ of squids.

Eat your heart out and don’t say you’ve experienced Bali if you have not tasted the tantalizing cuisine Bali has to offer!

Bali Travel Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple

2009-08-16T21:51:00.001+07:00

Uluwatu Temple - Pura Luhur Uluwatu

To the south of Bali in Badung Regency lies Uluwatu, a village which is quite small to be compared to other villages in Bali. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit. Normally it's a 30 minutes drive from Kuta and a taxi ride from Kuta will cost about Rp 50,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait for you for the trip back, as it can be difficult to find transport out of Uluwatu.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple

However to the majority of travellers to Uluwatu, "Uluwatu" refers to the beautifully well-known Hindu Temple - Puru Luhur Uluwatu which is perched on the cliff banks at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. It belongs to the Sad Kahyangan Temple group in Bali, which means - six big groups of Bali Temples. To be exact, it is located in Pecatu Village, a sub-district of Southern Kuta which is about 25km to the south of Denpasar. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is surrounded by a small forest which is normally called Alas Kekeran, a forest that is actually a part of the temple itself and home to the well-known Uluwatu monkeys. The temple is blessed with the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean with beautiful sunsets..

On the right and left of the temple building or Pelinggih Ida Bagus Ratu Jurit is located in the main complex of Uluwatu Temple, there are two stone mangers that look like a boat. When both of them are combined into one, they bear similarities to sarcophagus, the famous stone from megalithic era culture. There used to be an archaeology site/mission in the 16th centuries in the winged entrance gate. The "winged entrance gate" is one of the rare leftovers artifacts from archaeology works done there. This artifact which still exists in Uluwatu Temple can be compared with the same one located in the Mosque Of Sendangduwur Village, Lamongan, East Java.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples)

It guards Bali from evil spirits of the South-West, where major deities is believed to dwell in. In Uluwatu's case; it is Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur, "which means high temples or ascension temples" which became the focus for massive pilgrimages for 3-5 days "Odalan anniversaries". The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple or "Goa Lawah" is also a famous Pura Luhur. Not all of the Pura Luhur are on the coasts or on the clifs like Pura Luhur Uluwatu, however they all have awe-inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan- a Javanese and Hindu priest who built the tiered-meru, founded the temple in the tenth century and a shrine here as well. He also built in other key locations along the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who started the present form of "Hindu Dharma" religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Sumbawa and Lombok. In the seventeenth century, Niratha also from the Java came to Bali and built temples, adding more to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said that the statue represent, Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex is used to explain the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, "Hindu Java". According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget to the north of Kuta.

Uluwatu Beach is also well-known for its favourable surfing conditions and full moon rave parties. The raves extend into the temple too but in a better an orderly way :) Hehe.. Thanks to the Sultanate house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, a generation who are the temple's hereditary "Pangemong" - custodians. Hundreds of "royalty" from this family, and most "devotees" or "Pengayah" and the village's "Pemangku Priests" from nearby areas always ensure that during every seven months (on Anggar Kasih Medangsya by the Wuku Calendar, to be exact) the festival is run efficiently, and most elegantly. Puri Agung Jero Kuta's royal palace is always proud of their ancestral role and they always manage the awesome logistics with equal fitting dignity.

Being a popular and beautiful surfing spot for the experienced, Uluwatu also offers a wonderful spot to view the spectacular sunset. Small restos or "Warungs" are perched on the cliff that offer a comfortable place to survey the Indian Ocean beyond the 100 meter-high cliff with beautiful sights on three sides of the cliff. Monkeys always inhabit the temple and cliffs face trying their luck at a banana or peanuts from the tourists.

There are few Bali Hotels in Uluwatu if you wanna stay a night or two in Uluwatu.. Do visit Bali Beach Hotel for the hotel reviews in Uluwatu.. Here's a little video i shot too while in Uluwatu :)

Balinese Dance - Bali Attractions

2009-08-16T09:21:00.002+07:00

Balinese Dances and Some Of The Types

Topeng Dance

Sacred masked theatre based on the literature of genealogical legends (babad); with wayang kulit, one of the traditional media of cultural instruction. A set of archetypal masks representing dynastic figures is danced in sequence, to the accompaniment of gamelan orchestra.

The Vibrant Ritual

These ceremonial dances and dramasdirectly relate to religious ceremonies by serving as an offering, a prayer, or an exorcism of evil spirits. Presented with the active participation of the pemangku (the people's priest and caretaker of the village temple), they are a dramatic form of contact with spiritual world, communicative purpose runs parallel throughout a performance.

Legong Keraton

According to the Balinese legends, Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all the dances in Bali's history, Legong remains the most perfect embodiment of feminity and grace. Most girls from the age of five aims to be selected to represent their community as the highly-regarded Legong dancers. Connoisseurs perform the Legong with pride and spend hours discussing the merits of various Legong dance groups. The most well-known form of Legong is the "Legong Kraton", Legong of the palace.

Calonarang

It may be the bewitching hour on the first night of the full moon, when long shadows spread like phantoms on the ground, that village crowds gather round a clearing near the temple of the dead to watch the drama of Calon Arang the widow-witch of Girah. Every Balinese knows the legend of Rangda as CaIon Arang, a favorite in local folklore.

Bali Crisis Care Foundation

2009-08-14T20:35:00.000+07:00

Balinese | Anastasia have been busy volunteering for Crisis Care Foundation

Greetings to my faithful blog readers. It's been awhile since I've been volunteering at Crisis Care Foundation and I've always wanted to write about it but my memory always fails me :( So here I am sharing my experience regarding Crisis Care Foundation.

It was almost 2 years back.. When I was in Lovina Beach, Bali with my beloved parents when I actually get to know about CCF and was introduced to my mentor, Gloria Goodwin, who inspired me to spare my time for the less fortunate :)

That experience was really a turning point for me which really opened up my eyes. Before, I used to be such a spoilt brat! and this experience really woke me up and made me realized that I am so PRIVILEGED to have what I already have.. I work with kids who literally don't even know who their parents are.. Senior citizens who are already lacking on health and really needs help walking, moving around or even to EAT! I cried on few occassions.. cried because I'm sad and ashamed when I think about what a SPOILT BRAT I WAS BACK THEN and also to see how this young kids suffering at such a tender age..

Ahh.. I'll just cut it short and tell you guys more about CCF alright? ;)

About Crisis Care Foundation

To tell you a little of what we do, we have been operating Crisis care for nine years now and started in a small room behind a restaurant in the village of Candi Dasa on the east coast of Bali. Having been to Bali as a tourist in 1995 and with a background in Social Services in Australia and the UK, it was impossible for me to ignore the plight of the Balinese people. I traveled the countryside of beautiful Bali and found that there was another side of the island that tourists seldom see. The side that hides poverty and sickness, lack of health facilities, education and medical aid for the poor.

It started with a first aid box and has now grown into a busy clinic in the village of Kaliasem near Lovina in the north of the Island. Our staff includes a Balinese Doctor who is a very competent and well trained woman with insight and compassion for her people. We also have a midwife, again Balinese who lives in a very poor village to the north of here. She is the most caring midwife I have ever found in Bali and with her gentle temperament, expertise and dedication she delivers babies and offers pre and post natal care to hundreds of local women. Our welfare worker who also doubles as a nursing aide is a very special local woman with excellent interaction skills and training in trauma counseling and support. Then there is a security guard/driver/handyman who keeps us all safe and secure wherever we may go. A house cleaner looks after the chores of the clinic. We all get along like one big family and work together as cogs in a wheel.

Currently we need quite a number of donors who are willing to help out or even just volunteers who are willing to donate their time and effort :) Do email me or leave me a comment if you're interested to help out alright :)

Balinese Caste And Clans

2009-08-14T20:09:00.001+07:00

Balinese Deep Similarity To Hinduism's Caste System

Of all the aspects of Hinduism, caste is the least understood and the most execrated. The caste system of India, with its well-known outcasts, the untouchable, is often compared in the popular imagination of the Westerners to political systems of discrimination, like apartheids in South Africa, or "Jim Crow" of the United States. A Westerner finds the rigidity of caste, and the cruelty of untouched ability, to be by definition unjust. But caste is not a government policy; it is a complex system of social organization historically based on social function - smith, farmer, priest, etc. -, which eventually became entwined with Hindu doctrine.

The word "caste," as applied to the ordering of Hindu society, comes from the Portuguese, who upon arriving in India in 1498 used the word casta, "division," to refer to the stratification of Indian society. But caste is not the same as class or station, or "division" in a Western society. It is the manifestation on an individual level of an elaborate web of cultural organization in Hindu society wherein balance and propriety are privileged concepts. Caste is a "social codification" of dharma. Caste lays outsides, or perhaps deeper than, political organization by governments. Both the Indian and the Indonesian governments have "banned" discrimination by caste. But in India, and in Bali, caste is too ingrained to disappear by edict.

Away from the office or schools, caste in Bali is still quite important. "Where do you stay?" in order not to offend and better way of asking, "What clan are you from and what's your caste?" is the first question a Balinese will ask nornally upon meeting a Balinese stranger. Caste prerogatives are maintained, in address and codes of deference, and individuals associate more freely and often with those of their own caste than with others. Although there are those in Bali who would seek to reform the system, for the most part the Balinese accept the social organization of caste. In a sense, caste in Bali can be understood as something like the Renaissance system of patronage. There is a dual obligation between members of lower and upper castes. Most Sudra - the lowest caste - families have one or more related Brahmana families to whom they turn in the case of special need, usually of a religious nature. The lower caste people are said to be the sisya, pupils, or disciples, of their upper caste surya, literally "sun" meaning patron. It is the obligation of the surya family to help, just as it is the obligation of the lower caste family to defer and offer a token, food and offerings, for the service. There is obvious gratitude on the pat of the Sudra family and obvious satisfaction on the part of their surya - they have been able to fulfill their duty as Brahmana.

I guess it's been quite a long article so I'll make a 2nd part to this article maybe later on at night or tomorrow :) In the meantime you can actually visit Bali Hotels | BaliHotels-BaliBeachHotel.Blogspot.com to read UNBIASED Reviews on the hotels in bali and recommendations on which bali hotel you should choose for a great value for your $$$ :)

xoxoxo
Balinese | Anastasia

Amed Bali Beach Travel

2009-08-14T12:36:00.001+07:00

Amed, Bali

Towards the north of Bali in little known Amed, a string of sleepy fishing villages that stretch along a spectacular hilly coastline looking out over the Lombok Straits. This lovely tranquil bali beach is watched over by Bali's holy Mountain, Gunung Agung, the gleaming black sand beaches are filled with lines of bright white jukungs – the small fishing boats that form the backbone of the area's main livelihood.

Amed has been a well kept secret for years

It is a favorite retreat for alot of Balinese in Bali wanting to escape the mainstream and busy towns such as Kuta and Denpasar.Amed is also naturally-preserved as a "little backwater of Bali". Padi fields with small villages, "lontar" palms that is used to make the famous local "tuak" or "palm wine", the hinterland lies in the shadow of the famous mountain. The road comes to an end right at the beach of Amed – and then you turn right – into the "other Bali".

The road winds bypass more Padi fields with a few small villages and a salt farm or two. Sights of a beautiful sea flash by in-between the short buildings. Amed is by far, Bali's lesser humid area and you can bet on a bright weather in Amed throughout the year. The frangipani are particularly pungent and life is as intense as it is relaxed. The hot bright sun burns colour into the lively bouganvillea that blossoms along the road, making it a startling contrast to the dark blue sea.

A string of hotels and dive companies have been set up in Amed with a few privately-owned villas for rent appearing although it is still very low key. "Di-jual" (for sale) signs stand right in the middle of corn fields and the price of some beach front land is almost as high as in the south. The hilly hinterland land is alive with tiny villages and the bleat of mountain goats.

The beauty of silence may be an aquired taste, but it is a taste that grows on you. At first glance Amed may seem a little boring, a little remote, but there is a subtlety works on the senses and little things start to mean a lot. The lack of crowds, the pleasure of sitting and chatting with a villager or lying on your balcony bed reading a book or even or sitting on the beach eating a plate of fresh grilled prawns - mean an expanded consiousness. Life becomes more of a meditation and the soul becomes refreshed.
It is this very essence that is causing in Amed the first stirrings of a new age consiousness. The first spa, an ayurvedic centre, a place called The Retreat, a Fung Shui Resort, yoga classes on the beach – the early beginnings of an movement which may make it the Koh Samui of Bali – let's see what happens.

On one of the evenings, we met a "welcoming local fisherman" on the beach who invited us over to experience the local banjar gamelan practice which is during the next day at 9.00am. Arriving just a little after nine I was astonished to discover that the session was well under way – no rubber time here! The sharp staccato sounds melded, flirting around each other, while held together with the softer base - thrillingly lively and vivacious. These fishermen were playing for their banjar and later, for the gods rather than for a group of tourists and their enthusiasm was catching. The humid dry air seems to affect even the music, making it as vibrant as the vegetation.

During the fishing season, which starts around September, the morning fishing boats come in loaded with baby mackeral – which you can buy straight from the boats – delicious barbequed or fried and eaten with sambal Bali. Fishermen are also very willing to take guests out fishing, or diving, or sightseeing. There is no shortage of boats to choose from.

Snorkelling is a must for almost all the tourists and the diving industry is well established and earning. Divers can experience the beautiful shallow waters and easy slopes although experienced snorkellers can enjoy deeper waters and current dives nearby. One beautiful sight to explore is the site where a Japanese shipwreck lies which makes a great spot for snorkeling.

The Tulamben wreck is about 30mins away. Many dive-tours providers cater to German groups and the long established Eco-Dive company brings in divers from all over. Well-known American movie director, John Huxley, is one of the longest staying expat there. Besides starting an excellent dive business and giving dive courses, he is also a philanthophist who helps the local poor population. When a diet of fresh seafood or fried noodles begins to pall, the quality Mediterranean style cuisine of Anda Amed Resort becomes even more appealing. Here at the most stylish small resort on the coast, Kim and her Balinese partner Komang offer exotic fare like fresh chicken liver pate, a delicious white gazpacho, fresh grilled tuna salad nicoise as well as Indonesian favourites. The elevated terraces look out across the bays inducing feelings of well being. But accommodation is plentiful with dozens of choices of all styles. A couple of stylish new private villas are also available for rent further along the road and those needing cheaper digs could try any number of places depending on taste.

Wawa Wewe is the local hang out that everyone seems to enjoy, be it whether the visitors, local expats or the locals themselves. Wawa Wewe is located in Lipah Beach and saturdays are normally the "big night out" at Lipah Beach in the centre of the Amed strip. They all come to listen to the band and have fun. Music is the usual mix–reggae, rock and slow stuff and it is a fun night for everyone. Thursday nights have a band at another restaurant and you just never know who will turn up.
The tourist tagline – "Bali the way it used to be" still applies. You can really feel that you are in Bali and a few days there leave you feeling soothed and cosseted. People are mainly farmers and fishermen – tough earthy people wresting a hard living from the sea or the fertile dry earth. The friendly smiles are genuine. Beach vendors barely exist. Boys may come along offering masks and snorkels, conversation and a chance to practise their English but there is no pushiness and no stress.
Don't me taken aback if the locals in Amed says "selamat jalan"(have a safe trip) when others in Bali now says "hati hati"(take care). Just for your information, in the older days, saying "selamat jalan" is a better and pleasant way to tell someone before they leave. That's one example how Amed and their residents still stick to the older style and roots. It was really pleasant! I was in Amed last Saturday and Sunday and no doubt it really rejuvenate me and kept me sane :)

Bali Guide 2

2009-08-12T21:08:00.000+07:00

Bali Guide 2 Is A Continuation To Bali Guide

BALI AFTER DARK

Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the IN-places often become crowded after midnight.

There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.

Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.

As reported in the BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 500,000 Rupiah although prices range from 200,000 Rupiah to 1,500,000 Rupiah and more – depending on the season, the time of night and the situation".

SANUR & NUSA DUA

Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m.

The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.

THE "KUTA" AREA

Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to "Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.

There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.

Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S not far from the original PADDY'S. Much more "IN" nowadays is the newer M-BAR-GO which features really good music and a better crowd than most other places. SKY GARDEN is also on the main road and an interesting place to go. The bar is on the top floor, the three storeys below feature all different lounge areas. The menu is huge but the food is often disappointing. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until sunrise.

For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.

One of the most "in" venues in Bali Beach is KU DE TA right on the beach adjacent to the Oberoi hotel. This is the place to see and be seen, and from late afternoon there is a DJ providing rather noisy entertainment for Bali's beautiful people. This is a great place to watch Bali's famous sunsets, but expect to pay for a cocktail around US$10 and more.

Something more outrageous and only for open-minded people are the HULU CAFE shows in Garlic Lane between Jalan Padma and Jalan Melasti in Kuta/Legian, a place which called itself the "only real gay bar in all of Bali" with drag shows starting at 11:00 p.m. three times per week. The performances are actually kind of funny! Since the original HULU CAFE burnt down in 2008, the shows are now performed at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the BALI BEACH SHACK in the same lane

You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.

The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers. MANNEKEPIS, a pleasant Belgian pub/restaurant right opposite the QUEEN'S TANDOOR in Seminyak, features live Jazz on Thurdays, Fridays and Saturdays and serves good meals at reasonable prices.

Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun after 11 p.m. are nowadays probably OBSESSION World Music Bar and SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails and the friendly girls attract many visitors until the early hours. Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q BAR and MIXWELL ("for the alternative lifestyle"), SPACE and THE GLOBE. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !

Later, from 2:00 a.m., it's party time at the SYNDICATE, BACIO and DOUBLE SIX, a large open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. All three are located next to each other on the beach in Seminyak and charge an entrance fee of 30,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here and in nearby DEJA VU and LA VITA LOCA you'll find most of Bali's night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30 a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been re-converted into a restaurant.)

Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting Parties, etc, etc. If these "parties" are announced to the public (even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You'll have to pay for your drinks, therefore, don't be shy.

UBUD

Don't expect too much here. We are not Ubud nightlife experts, but names frequently mentioned include PUTRA BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (every night live music ranging from Reggae to rock), MAGIC BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (live music and sometimes great atmosphere), JAZZ CAFE, Jl. Tebesaya (live music and jam sessions on different nights), EXILE BAR (Saturday nights only, great music), and FUNKY MONKEY (early hours cafe).

Do visit our earlier Bali Guide From A Balinese
Thanks to Bali Hotels for the contribution!

Bali Travel Guide Bali After Dark

Bali Guide

2009-08-12T20:47:00.000+07:00

Bali Introduction By A Balinese In Bali

Continually Updated Insider Information About Bali

GUIDE TO BALI

This BALI GUIDE is maintained and updated regularly by me and Ricky from Bali Hotels Bali Beach Hotel who is living in Bali, usually once a week – sometimes more often. You're invited to visit frequently and to bookmark this page.

You'll find on this site current information on the island of Bali in Indonesia and down-to-earth advice, sometimes biased by personal experiences but never influenced by commercial considerations. (The server space is provided by Bali Kuta Beach | BaliKutaBeach.blogspot.com , Blogger and Google as a free service to all visitors to Bali.)

BALI — THE "ULTIMATE ISLAND"

In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali's economy, local and international tourism, and communications (television, fax, pagers, GSM hand phones, Internet), the influx of people from other Indonesian islands, and the strong influence of the government and "big business" in Jakarta, the island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world.

Bali's wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island".

The friendly people and the absence of any serious criminal activities guarantee visitors a totally relaxing stay – which is a very pleasant surprise for guests who repeatedly felt threatened in Barbados, Jamaica, and other "dream islands" in the Caribbean. To read comments of recent visitors to Bali, please visit the BALItravelFORUM.

WHERE IS BALI?

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.

GEOGRAPHY:

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.

Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

FLORA:

The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo.

And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.

FAUNA:

Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.

CLIMATE:

You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.

Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

POPULATION:

Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.

Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

ECONOMY:

This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to over US$400 million. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.

Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.

The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.

WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL:

There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.

As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.

Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.

The intricate patterns of Batik. A walk on the beach at low tide,near where a stream flows into the ocean at, for instance, the bottom of Jl. 66 in Seminyak, will show you where some ideas originate. Because of different coloured minerals in the sand, swirling patterns are intermingled by the action of the tide meeting the out-flowing stream very reminiscent of Batik design. For many years it was forbidden to depict human or animal forms so that people had to look to other natural forms for ideas. It would be good to hear on this from the real experts.

Shining delight upon the faces of newly arrived visitors, "baru datang" to local people, as they forge ahead into the great unknown that is Bali. Confronted by a sea of golden faces, the visiting children are the first to smile and reap emotional profit as they are cosseted and cuddled by every Balinese woman or man they meet : sale or no sale, children are all adored as spirits newly returned from the after-life. Giving a happy smile in the direction of Balinese children is a very rewarding pass-time also ; the proud Mum or Dad are only too willing to stop for a chat, even without a language in common !

Boys and girls who are there to Party, Party, Party ! These are no different to the Party Animals to be met on the Costa Brava, in Baja California, at Blackpool, Bondi or anywhere people go for a good time. Doesn't matter which nationality, although loud they are seldom obnoxious unless you attempt to impose your ides of decorum upon them. A smile and a snippet of badinage works well. Even WE were young ! Do you remember ?

An erect old lady on her 1940s bicycle, pedalling through traffic while carrying 1000 eggs, in cartons 60cm square, balanced precariously we think, upon her head of old, honorable grey. Thoughts of very large omelets pass through tourists' minds but seldom has one of these ladies of remarkable poise been seen to provide entertainment by falling over. Carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads, from an early age, has given them a balance and strength to be envied by olympic gymnasts.

Pairs of men on motor-bikes who deliver newly made, wooden beds on their heads and shoulders from town to country. Sometimes they can be seen carrying as many as three mattresses in the same way, or even a bundle of pillows larger than themselves, buffeted by the slip-stream of passing trucks : the man on the pillion is responsible for load security while the driver controls the bike and attempts to keep them both steady. One wonders if this merchandise gets tested along the way, maybe at about 2pm ?

The "8 Ps" are not often in evidence ON this blessed isle, i.e. "proper prior planning & preparation prevents pathetically poor performance". How many more time are we to see the streets of Kuta being excavated for the installation of yet another public utility ? To date we have had : drains at roadside dug and covered up, asphalted a week or two later : footpaths to be paved and raised above drains : excavations for telephone lines followed 6 months later by excavations for more cabling and each time asphalting carried out when the pot-holes have been allowed to mature to their full, axle-shattering width and depth : oops ! Then ? "The drains are not deep / wide enough, let's do it all again !" Town planning ?

Early morning on the beach at Legian towards Seminyak. A light breeze wafts aromas of the morning's rice to the fisherman, sarung and basket tucked up near his waist, casting his net into the surf in the hope of some extra food for his family. Old ladies and gentlemen appear for a bath, cautiously dipping into the water, fully clothed, at its shallowest. Tourist joggers and power-walkers come thundering sweatily along, ( to the amusement of locals from a less punishing lifestyle), to be joined by a few enthusiastic dogs, barking happily, who add to the fun by companionably running between their legs.

Gunung Agung can be seen raising his mighty head above his vassal clouds to see what his subjects are up to. Having made his ritual inspection he draws his court around him and, usually, hides for the rest of the day: he doesn't go away, the Balinese people know he is still there, unseen but all-seeing as he ponders upon the doings of everybody, even the stupid tourists!