Bali holiday villas offer the perfect getaway
Article by Gautam Punjabi
There are few places on this planet, which represent the true spirit of holiday and leisure. The Bali holiday villas are definitely amongst those few places. One look at the pristine, blessed paradise with the world class amenities to boot, at the Bali holiday villa is enough to have a lasting life time memory. So draw up your calendar, mark up suitable dates and read on to know more about these fantastic locations at Bali.
Bali represents the ideal destination of choice if you are looking for a place with a bit of everything. The sun kissed sandy tranquil beaches giving you oodles of time to gaze and laze. The high end luxurious Bali holiday villa offers unmatched comfort and elegance topped by a completely personalized service. If you don’t think that’s possible well you are not to be blamed, because it has to be seen to be believed. The settings of these exquisitely created and thoroughly planned abodes of luxury are a sight to behold. No wonder there are drones of tourists who flock to these picturesque, lazy, infinitely pleasurable Bali holiday villas.
This place also offers a unique opportunity to bond with your near and dear ones. You sure must have really worked hard and saved for this holiday. Therefore, you would also like to give yourself and your loved ones the best in ambience and experience. So what can be a better experience than a sprawling beach side Bali holiday villa, nestled in the midst of nature? To boost your private experience you get a private swimming pool, a nice spacious airy living room, tastefully cluttered bathroom, a dream bedroom to work up the best romantic memories which last a forever. To bring in the spring back to your mind and body, rediscover the joys of the aromatic massages within the complete privacy of your own Bali holiday villas.
Bali is definitely the best holiday retreat for your entire family; it offers you the best solitary space, along with a host of activities on the beach and on land. It is therefore advisable to take advantage of the early bird offers and the family packages this holiday season. You could be lucky to find packages offering cruise facility coupled with the stay and travel. If you plan early then there are many pickings to be had. Apart from the stay in the heavenly Bali holiday villa you can treat yourself to spas at discounted rates. For the honeymoon couples there are many options to celebrate the unison. There are innumerably long list of special efforts that the Bali holiday villas staff do for you. A romantic candlelight dinner for that special occasion or moment is just one of them.
When you visit Bali with your family treat your children and yourself with beach side fun like, rafting, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and definitely a ride on the speed boat. For those who like to spend time in peace and tranquility, talk to the Bali holiday villa support staff at the reception to arrange for a guided tour to the many serene temples, on a private vehicle. You must also treat yourself with the plethora of sea food and local cuisine. A holiday in Bali holiday villas are definitely going to the most gratifying experience you ever had
About the Author
Remember your vacation / honeymoon / wedding /anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in a luxurious, all services Bali holiday villas in the serene and enchanting islands. Happily married couples can rent a full service and luxurious and spend a glorious wedding to remember forever. Contact or call us now for reservations – http://www.the-dusun.com/
Bali Travel Guide and Review – Part 2
Article by Dave Waldheim
A Bali Guide that has complete details of Balinese history, culture and includes reviews and resources
Balinese Castes
The Balinese Hindu religion regards a traditional caste system though it has never been as divisive as its Indian ascendant. This is for the most part due to the fact that over 90% of Balinese consist of to the lowest ‘Sudra’ caste, and in India would have been seen as ‘untouchable’. Given their dominance such postures in Bali would not be realistic. Nevertheless, inter-marriage remains rare and discouraged.
The three upper castes are together recognized as the ‘Triwangsa’ (‘three peoples’) representing Brahmana, Kesayatria and Wesia. Caste is specified by birth but is rarely reflected in a person’s line of work, although only a Brahmana can be suited to be a Pedanda high priest, and only Brahmana may take the task of rectifying masks from the ‘Barong’ dance as they harbour the force to protect themselves from the evil spirits.
Balinese Names
Upon hearing a Balinese friends name, you can establish some elements of his or her background. First, the name will often indicate the cast to which they belong. For instance, if you meet someone named Ida Bagus, you recognize they belong to the highest Brahmana caste or, if they are named Gusti, they will almost for certain belong to the Wesia caste. The Balinese also name their children in order of birth. Together with a personal name, unique in the family, a Balinese child will be awarded a more common name. The firstborn is often Wayan or Putu while the second born in general carries the name of Made or Kadek. The third child usually is Nyoman or Komang and the fourth is always Ketut; with the birth of a fifth child, the naming cycle commences again.
Children
The Balinese dote on their children, a devotion that no doubt contributes to the calm and relaxed behaviour of the island’s population. At birth the baby’s umbilical cord is buried with oblations to protect them throughout their lives. Until the child reaches three months of age, they are permanently carried as it is regarded as unclean and disrespectful if they should touch the ground before that age. Balinese children are discouraged from crawling, believed to be only the actions of an animal, and learn to walk at a very young age. Upon reaching 105 days, the baby will be ornamented with bracelets and anklets. A further 105 days later, a ceremony is held to signify their entry into adulthood. The passage through puberty is celebrated with a tooth filing ceremony, aimed to flatten any pointed teeth that may represent evil and designed to curb sinful emotions and actions such as greed, anger, jealousy, stupidity, and adultery. .
Religion
Bali is a predominantly Hindu Island, surviving in an Islamic nation. Minority populations of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists are also found on the island.
Little is known of the introduction of Hinduism in Bali though it doubtlessly involved the Indian traders who came to these parts for the spice trade over two thousand years ago. Given its physical isolation from the ancestral religion, Balinese Hinduism has since developed into a unique version of the ancient faith. Although the basics remain the same, many of the gods worshiped on Bali are unknown in India and vice versa. Vast Hindu kingdoms were also found in neighbouring islands but they disappeared soon after the Arabs became interested in the archipelago, bringing with them Islam to Indonesia’s shores. Bali held little interest for the Arab traders so it was largely left alone. Throughout Indonesia, traditional beliefs in mysticism and the spiritual world continue to be strong, despite the common practice of imported faiths that forbid such strong beliefs.
While the impact this has had on the Islamic faith is often controversial, for the Balinese, the two have simply blend to create the distinctive religion they follow today.
Life in Bali revolves around the temple. There are literally thousands of temples throughout the island, ranging from small backyard shrines, to large public temple complexes. These temples play host to hundreds of ceremonies each year; colourful public displays of Balinese devotion to their gods. Each temple is dedicated to a specific god or goddess. For example, every village has a “Pura Dalem”, a temple devoted to the god Shiva, the ‘destroyer’. It is at the Pura Dalem, that ceremonies for the dead are held, most commonly cremations.
The biggest celebration in Bali is that of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year. In the weeks leading up to Nyepi, each Balinese village laboriously creates an elaborate giant paper mache “ogah ogah”. On the eve of Nyepi, men from the village parade these creations through the streets, setting off firecrackers and ceremoniously fighting the ogah ogah’s from other villages. This lively festival represents the purging of all evil from the island of Bali. Late that night, before Nyepi officially begins, each village must set fire to their ogah ogah, thereby banishing the bad spirits from their village. These days these giant statues are really quite spectacular and competition means much time and money can be spent. As a result some villagers are reluctant to destroy their works of art as required by their religion, creating some discontent and criticism from the community. After all this commotion, on the day of Nyepi, no Balinese may leave their home or light their lamps. The more devout will spend the day preying with their families. This rule of no activity applies to tourists as well and the streets are policed to ensure absolute silence.
to be continued…..
About the Author
Bali Travel Guide is a comprehensive guide to the island of Bali, a collaboration by Jenifer Bird and Dave Waldheim. A complete Bali introduction with travel tips, reviews and bali hotels such as the Ritz Carlton Bali. You can collect the parts of this travel guide here from this website or download it as a comp
4 Great Reasons For a Luxury Escape to Bali
Article by Claire Bryant
People go on holiday to Bali for many reasons – the beach, surfing, the scenery, culture and more. But this island paradise is also the perfect destination for visitors coming for a very different kind of Bali holiday. One where their days are filled with pampering, relaxation, fine dining, and serenity – in short, they come for the luxury.
The People
From the moment you step off the plane on your Bali holiday, you will be treated to a taste of the famous Balinese hospitality. The beautiful smiles on the faces of the local people cannot help but inspire happiness in all who meet them. The staff’s genuine delight, as they welcome you to their hotels in Bali is obvious, and they will do everything in their power to make your stay a magical experience.
Luxurious Accommodation
If your idea of a dream Bali holiday is to do absolutely nothing, then you’re in luck! Luxury hotels in Bali offer tranquil retreats set in lush tropical surroundings with everything at your fingertips. Enjoy the decadence of your own private pool and Jacuzzi as you gaze out over lush, landscaped gardens. A butler or maid service will deliver your breakfast and a fresh fruit basket every morning, and your room will be sweet with the aroma of tropical flowers. Most hotels in Bali are built to the traditional Balinese design – their airy, open construction is devised to catch the sea breeze as it wafts lazily past. Nothing is hurried, and time seems to stand still as you are enveloped in the serenity of your Bali holiday.
Spas and Massages
The Balinese are highly attuned to the human senses and quite possibly invented the notion of bliss! Their hospitality revolves around the concept of pleasure through touch, scent, sight and sound. No detail is spared in their effort to make you feel relaxed on your Bali holiday, and a day spent in a luxury spa is the ultimate in pampering. You will be massaged, scrubbed, steamed, perfumed and oiled, and you’ll leave floating on an orchid scented cloud! If you prefer to let your luxury come to you, why not enjoy a massage on your private patio, amidst the sounds and scents of your own tropical haven.
Fine Wining and Dining
Bali offers a cosmopolitan mix of restaurants and bars but, on your Bali holiday, you do not even need to leave your room if you don’t want to! You can start the evening at sunset with a tropical fruit cocktail, served by the butler on the private patio of your Bali hotel. Then the endless possibilities of your dining experience can be enjoyed in one of the many five star restaurants or in your own private five star retreat. Whatever you choose – from fresh seafood, authentic spicy curries or crisp crunchy local vegetables, to a dynamic fusion dish – you can guarantee it will be a highlight of your Bali holiday; and you can be assured it will be served up with that ubiquitous Balinese smile.
A holiday in Bali offers the perfect ‘get away from it all’ escape. Once you discover the secret, magical, restoring delights of the island, it will keep enticing you back – for the pampering, for the serenity, for the food and for the luxury. With a capital ‘L’
About the Author
Claire Bryant is a Bali holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in hotels in Bali , as well as holidays to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, and Dubai. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Things to Do in a Bali Holiday
Article by Kadek
Every person must have different likings and hobbies, and when it comes to holiday in Bali everyone might choose different favorite places to go. Singles and families must have different ways to enjoy a Bali holiday. Singles or young adults usually prefer more entertaining activities such as clubbing in the Bali’s most happening clubs or private beach party in some of marvelous beachfront cafes or restaurants. Travelling to the rural villages is also part of Bali holiday for many travelers. The trip will take you roaming the island, from west to east, from north to south while visiting many historical places.
There are many ways for your kids to enjoy a Bali holiday. For families with children, going out to natural parks will be worth choosing. There are lots of natural parks that invite anyone to go, such as Bali Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Reptile Park, Bali Zoo, Bali Elephant Safari Park and Lodge, Zoo Park, Orchid Gardens, Bat Cave, Bali Botanical Garden, Cultural Park Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Monkey Forest, or Canggu Club, a family entertainment for a whole family where the kids can play many attractive games, sports, enjoy meals, etc. In these places your kids can enjoy sport, adventure, sightseeing, educational activities, and they will be introduced with Balinese culture.
Water sports in Tanjung Benoa beach or Nusa Dua can be also worth a try, from Jet Ski, banana boat, parasailing, paragliding, surfing, snorkeling, diving, sea walking (children can try this) and many more. Enjoying romantic sunset on the beach is another activity for those who adore romance and nature at the same time. Going out to SPA to rejuvenate your body and mind will be something refreshing for your Bali holiday. The friendly and seasoned therapists will relive all the stress you have. Last of all, don’t miss to stay at private Bali villas to really experience the different level of personalized service, privacy, and luxury that will make your Bali holiday more rewarding after all.
About the Author
Kadek creates and manages websites about Bali villas, hotels, tours and other websites that are all related to hospitality services in Bali.
What It Is Like At Bali In Bali Villa
Article by Antoine De Moussac
What It Is Like At Bali In Bali Villa
Seasoned travelers and tourists may describe Bali as one of those locations, where one can fulfill the real affinity for environment. Bali is known around the globe for its tradition, architecture, culture, cuisine and people in general. These characteristics of Bali help create unique experiences for the visitors coming in from around the world. There are picturesque beaches. There are ancient temples dotted everywhere around in Bali Island. There are extensive volcanic mountains as well as unmatched tropical flavor with unparallel beauty and fervor. In the surrounding suburbs and right between the clean break waves as well as entertainment, fun, solo surfing, sun bathing and numerous activities, one can enjoy the luxurious stay within Bali villa.
There are beachfront Bali villas and villas with a splendid view of the valley, river, rice fields and individual villa compounds. From surrounding landscapes to seascapes, there are abundant options of accommodation according to locations. While Ubud is considered the cultural pulse of the people and the places of Bali and it has plenty of charming villages picaresque rice field, flowing river interesting places of visit and Jimbaran on the other hand is only a fishing village with white sand beachfront. Depending on experience, budget and accommodation, one can choose any options available.
Most Bali villas for sale cater to the discerning travelers a unique experience of the Bali in general. Vacationers, who have a doubt as to how they will stay and where they would stay, can pick privacy and luxury with premium services of the Bali villas. There are costlier reasonable options as well as the affordable ones wherein one can enjoy nightlife of Bali. As there are many kinds of visitors coming in with equally wide array of wishes, it necessitates increasing demand on the villa services. Accommodation providers keep something for everyone to enjoy.
Choosing the right kind of vacationing spot is very important in this regard rather than frequenting any available accommodations or the new Bali villa. Few of the stays have special arrangements for activities at the beach. Others have exclusive provision of enjoying golf, tennis or spa. Quite about most of the villas have the basic necessities and luxuries of every day modern living. Bedrooms are available according to the group size or the family requirements. King size beds or single beds are arranged at rented villas. The rooms have high class quality furnishing with canopy over the beds, arrangements for air conditioning as well as artistic mattresses, pictures, etc.
Over and above, kitchens are present with arrangement of cooking services. It is like the conveniences of a five-star hotel or a resort, only difference being it has taken in the cultural richness Balinese world and presented a private home, which creates experience of an unusual kind. Instead of 100s of rooms piled up at the same center, each Bali villa has secluded luxury of a small yet intimate villa type resort experiences. It is like a home away from home.
Bali has numerous such private spaces within beautiful location. Set miles apart from the city buzz and the big city hotels, at Bali villas managements see that guests can feel comfortable and make their holidays memorable.
About the Author
Antoine De Moussac is the marketing manager of Pambali.com. His website lists luxury bali villas for rent, Bali villas for sale and boutique hotels. He occasionally writes about Bali villas giving information on how to find them, things to look for when finding Bali villa rentals, Bali villa construction and more.
Outdoor Balinese Furniture – The Reason Why Balinese Furniture Is Never Out Of Trend
Outdoor Balinese furniture is more than the common type of furniture. Over time, people worldwide have observed its resilience, fashionable look and elegance. There are various reasons why plenty of people would prefer to put Balinese furniture in their outdoor area. And without a doubt,nothing about the furniture design and quality is a frustration to them.
Because of the number of choices readily available in the market to meet consumer demand, choosing the best outdoor Balinese furniture to put in several gardens has turned into a challenge to several homes. On the magazines and the web are details and information of the various styles and designs of outdoor Balinese furniture, allowing everyone to carefully choose the best one that suits their outdoors. Though this might sound great to a lot of people, there are also those who find this very much confusing. And to help you stay guided, here’s the fundamental details for your better understanding on why outdoor Balinese furniture has never been far removed from trend.
1. Long lasting. Outdoor Balinese furniture is tested enduring and long-lasting. It can endure severe cold and heat without the colour fading. It even remains longer than any wooden furniture if you do the ideal care and preservation. It’s outstanding quality is bound to last.
2. Special. There is no comparing to the style and design of outdoor Balinese furniture. It features shape and figure that are remarkably exclusive and one of a kind. Browse and look and you will never discover the same exact layout and design like what Balinese outdoor furniture can give. Once you place one in your outdoor space, then expect a fully brand new place like no one can imagine.
3. Manageable. Because of its light-weight feature, it’s very convenient to carry anyplace at any time. It’s best for homes with little ones who love to play and stay a lot inside the garden. Worry no more on their safety for outdoor Balinese furniture is made friendly and secure.
4. Easy to Keep. No need to keep worrying about spills and dirt for it’s not hard to clean and maintain. Just a simple wipe will solve your problem of dirt and dust. However, if you opt to place white-colored furniture outside, be sure to maintain it thoroughly clean by securing a cleaner that will eliminate the noticeable dirt.
5. Well-designed. Outdoor Balinese furniture is a modern type of furniture that never ceases to make any place the deserved attractiveness and beauty. No wonder, it?s the top option when it comes to design and structure. Each one of the Balinese furniture is a product of careful planning of masters who know how everything about interior and exterior styling works.
Outdoor Balinese furniture has already acquired plenty of credits due to its lifetime service to a number of homes, health spas, resorts and hotels and now in the market is its improving demand for services and sale. If you want to stick to the latest furniture trend for an outdoor purpose, don’t be surprised to find out that one of the most desirable designs is an Asian inspired furniture.
Larry Simon is an expert about Bali furniture. Balinese furniture is known in the world for its high quality products. Visit Ebalinse Furniture for more information.
A brief account on luxurious Bali Villas with private swimming pools
Article by Nigel Fine
If you want to experience true exemption while indulging in lots of luxury and comfort amidst nature’s most blessed islands, then Bali is the place to be. It is by far the best place to experience tranquility and peace and come a notch closer to nature and feel lucky to be born on earth. However, to enjoy the magnificent beauty of an island with nature written all over it would be inappropriate if done in a surrounding that smells all man-made by which I mean concrete buildings of hotels with limited living space. Instead it is better to combine your nature admiring experience with a type of accommodation which is close to Bali tradition and which gives you ample space and airy surroundings. A Bali villa is the answer to this quest wherein you find all the things that define ultimate comfort, space and luxury.
Following are some of the private Bali villas that have their own private swimming pools:
– Villa Montana: It is located in the heart of Bali which is 20 kms from Ubud. It has all the fineries of a 5 star luxury hotel accompanied with the zing of privacy and a feeling of royalty that can be only experienced in a villa. The service is so top notch that the villa has an in-house manager let alone the numerous villa staff who are at your service 24-hours. The rooms are equipped with high quality furnishing, original artwork, Turkish area rugs, cream marble floors, a garden with a private waterfall and an aromatherapy burner. It guarantees complete relaxation to its visitors whilst savoring all the luxury and comforts.
– Umah di beji: The name refers to “Bath of the God’s”. The villa is equipped with 5 posh bedrooms, your own private swimming pool, a floating bathtub and a river that flows in the vicinity. It was featured once in the Financial Times as one of the finest vacation properties in an article about luxury Bali villas. It boasts of a large pavilion-like living space and an elongated open-air living and dining room with a kitchen at one end. The dining room has a twelve-seat dining table with an exotic teak chandelier on the top.
– Mia Villa: Located amidst plush green rice fields this posh villa gives an exuberating view of the exotic locales of Bali, the vast and gorgeous sea with its white sand beaches and exotic retaurants in the surrounding. It is your own private paradise with all features of a 5-star luxury accommodation. The villa has a gorgeous four fully air-conditioned master bedrooms and high ceiling interiors with glass doors and private open air bathrooms that let the fresh breeze in. A stay at this villa can prove to be a truly magical experience.
– The Maharaj: Just as the name suggests (the king) it is a place of royalty that offers you two-storeyed living space with a guesthouse and a private 12-meter swimming pool. The interiors are furnished with a décor of a blend of modern and stylish themes made up of stone, wood and marble that echoes the Balinese tradition as well. The master bedroom hosts a massive bathtub that gives a view of the lush garden outside. There are four full-sized bedrooms with huge comfortable beds and a fifth room for either children or nannies with single bed.
– Albia Villa: Designed for the quintessential open-air living with an element of urban decors is what this exquisite villa has in store for you. Encompassing its own private courtyard this villa has its own swimming pool which is enveloped with lush gardens and lawns as well as an adorable little pond. An ambiance of ultimate serenity and tranquility with the best beach locales and dining destinations in and around the place, this villa accommodates almost everything you need from a typical Bali vacation.
About the Author
The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali villas. He has helped many people out there to get the best Bali villa deal at affordable prices. He well knows the fact that there are several things to be considered while choosing the Bali villa. He has written many articles on choosing the Bali holiday villa.
Villas in Seminyak
Seminyak is a lively beach town on the west coast of Bali. There are many things to do in Seminyak, and is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, its fashionable shopping, tasty up-scale restaurants, and it’s trendy bars. The nightlife in Seminyak is booming, but not as upbeat as kuta. Seminyak is a more classy town with a laid back atmosphere.
There are many exclusive Bali villa rentals in the Seminyak area. People from all over the world book Bali villas in Seminyak and also enjoy investing in acquiring Bali villas in Seminyak because of its central location to many Bali attractions. Having a Bali villa in Seminyak is very convenient if you want to sunbathe at the beach, swim in the ocean, surf, shop, dine, have a mani-pedi, get a drink at a fine bar, and do many other things because everything is just a walking distance away. There are many taxis roaming the streets and if you ever want to get out and venture into a different town, it is very easy.
If you are looking to invest in a Bali villa in Seminyak or interested in booking a Bali villa, our company Pambali has selected only the best Bali villas as options for you. We have exclusive private Bali villa rentals in Seminyak and beautiful luxury Bali villas that are for sale.
Pambali has a stunning Colonial style Bali villa built in 2007 for leasehold until 2038. It is located in the heart of Seminyak on a beautiful piece of land that is 15 Ares’ big. This Bali villa has 5 bedrooms, 2 swimming pools and one 15-meter lap pool. It has a large living room and is perfect for entertaining. It is only a walking distance away from the Blossom Restaurant, Sentosa, and La Luciola.
Villa Sayang is another Bali villa in Seminyak for leasehold. It is on a 24-year lease that can be extended for another 25 years. This Bali villa is a beachfront luxury villa that is on a land that is 2,050 square meters.
Luna 2 villa is a private luxurious Bali villa rental in Seminyak. It is a Bali villa that operates just as well as a 5 star boutique hotel. It is a very modern villa with 5 beautiful bedrooms. It is located near the Sofitel hotel and the famous Oberoi Street, which is well known for it’s exquisite shops. The daily rates for staying in Luna 2 are 00 USD per during low season night and 00 USD per night during peak season (July-August, Christmas, Easter, and Chinese New Year).
Villa Yoyo is in Seminyak and is near the Batubelig area. It is very close to the ocean and has awesome views of the rice fields. Many people and especially surfers like to book this Bali villa because of its quiet settings and its world-class surf breaks. The daily rates for this villa is 00 USD per night during low season and 00 USD per night during Peak season.
Pambali has personally inspected hundreds of Private Bali Villa and Boutique Hotels to bring you the best. We ensure you that the staff in all our villas in Bali is up to your standards and the facilities are just perfect.
Bandung, Indonesia – Shopping & Volcanoes; Really!
Article by The Travel Manual
Bandung, the old administrative capital of Dutch colonial rule, is an incredible settlement set in the hills of Indonesia. Now known as the Jakarta elite’s weekend playground, Bandung is host to a dizzying amount of factory outlet stores and so-called ‘richman bungalows.’ However, the imposing figure of Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano about1.5hr from the city centre, reminds the traveler that nature is never far in Bandung and indeed, there is a deluge of stuff to do in Bandung, both in terms of shopping and eco-tourism.
Most of Bandung’s population are of Sundanese descent, and hence they speak Sundanese, a variant of the official Bahasa Indonesia. There are a large majority of Muslims in Bandung. However, other major religious groups include Christianity, followed by Hinduism and Buddhism. There are many mosques and cathedrals of heritage that can be seen all around Bandung.
Accommodation
Hotels are plentiful in Bandung but take note that accomodation prices are noticeably higher thanin locations such as Bali or Lombok. We recommend Patradisa Budget Hotel at Jalan Wastu Kencanaas we feel it is value for money and the rooms are decently furnished and clean. Breakfast is included and best of all, the hotel is within walking distance of Bandung’s major malls and factory outlets.Things to do
* Shopping
Bandung is definitely a place for all the shopaholics out there. There are many high quality fake items.Original goods are available in limited supply. Clothing, handbags, traditional handicrafts are all available in Bandung. Local shopping hotspots include Jalan Riau, Dago Street and Jalan Otto, where Pasar Baru, the 7-storied market and handicraft mega-store is located. You may have to take up to 2-3 days to fully explore and visit all the factory outlets in Bandung. However, shopping was not the main reason why The Travel Manual was there…
* Tangkuban Perahu Volcano
Tangkuban Perahu is a moderately active volcano 1.5 hrs north of Bandung. You can drive UP to the peak of Tangkuban Perahu, but strangely, not DOWN from it. Hence, the many local ‘guides’ will swarm towards you and offer their ‘expertise’ to scale down Tangkuban Perahu. If this is your first time here, we reluctantly advise you to pick a guide, who WILL overcharge you. At the peak, there will many local handicraft and strawberry sellers. There are also a few warongs at scenic locations where you can have a cup of coffee and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Scaling down the volcano will take about 1 hour and you will pass by some steaming geysers and hot springs at the base of Tangkuban Perahu. You can have your feet massaged here with volcanic mud for about 20,000RP or alternatively, just dip your feet and relax in the plentiful hot springs around. This is a very touristy area, though.
* Kawah Putih Volcano
Kawah Putih (‘White Crater’) is an extinct volcanic crater located south-west of Bandung. The drive from Bandung city will take about 2 hours. There will be pickup vans at the base of Kawah Putih to take you up to the actual crater itself. Driving up with your own private vehicle is possible, but very expensive. These pickups only cost 15,000RP and use open-sided ‘safari-style’ pickup vans, which makes the ride up very interesting. The view of Kawah Putih itself is stunning and at times, surreal. Occasionally, the clouds will intermix with the sulphuric gases from the crater, forming this entirely white backdrop. A stunning location for photographs and a must-visit! A word of advice though,it gets really cold at the summit of Kawah Putih, so do bring along your jacket and gloves.
* Mount Papandayan
Mount Papandayan is located in the Garut Region, about 3 hours drive from Bandung. It is an active and highly unstable volcano that last erupted in 2002. Hire a guide at the base of the volcano and the trek up the volcano can take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours or an entire day, depending on the route you are taking. Along the way, you will pass by hissing sulphur vents and beautiful, eerily-white sulphur lakes.The stench of sulphuric gases is very strong here, so bring along a towel to cover your nose. At the summit of Mount Papandayan, there is a beautiful lake called Danau Hijau, which you can take swim in, if you want. Definitely a good place to snap great photos as the scenery is breathtaking. A must-go as you can get up-close to boiling craters and sulphur vents with no barriers. Do take your time to enjoy the scenery from the peak of Mount Papandayan.
* Maribaya Waterfalls
The Maribaya Waterfalls are located in Lembang, in the north of Bandung.Upon arrival at the Maribaya Waterfalls, we were disappointed as the waterfalls were not as shown in the brochures/online. However to our surprise, there was a National Park further down the trail called Juanda National Park, which houses historical World War 2 caves used by the Dutch and Japanese. The admission fee is 40,000RP per person to enter Juanda National Park. We then got ourselves ojeks(motorcycles) with local riders for the price of 20,000RP. They brought us down a small and rickety road into two caves,Goa Belanda (Dutch Cave) and Goa Jepang (Japanese Cave). A local guide will be present and a tour around each around 20, 000RP per group. The spooky feeling of being in the pitch-black caves will soon be overriden by the feeling of awe in being in such a historic location. The guide will even take you into the old interrogation and armoury rooms, so truly savour this unique experience.
For more information about Bandung, or even Bali Island and Indonesia in general, do go to our main site at http://www.thetravelmanual.com
About the Author
We are a team of budget travellers who search through the Asia region for trips rich in experience, but low on cost. Let us share with you our experiences and tips for a fulfilling holiday in Asia, without burning a hole in your pocket! Refer to our full website for all the details, tips and bargains at http://www.thetravelmanual.com
Reasons to Choose a Bali Villa
Many today’s travelers all around the globe have been considering that renting villas in Bali sounds more sensible and worth a choice. From honeymooners, families, corporate, singles, surfers, shoppers, party goers, writers, painters, movie makers, to the real adventurers are enticing to stay at a villa. Apparently there are plenty of factors that make a private villa in Bali the most-wanted place. Everyone has different reason why a villa is more preferred than a hotel room as every person has their own needs and requests. Let’s begin to define what people like the most from a private villa in Bali.
In a very first place, a modern traveler always likes a private villa which is well-run with trained and knowledgeable employees who always ensure guest satisfaction by offering their personalized service. A good villa should provide full staff, from in-house manager, gardener, pool attendant, chef or cooker, maid, security guard, driver, to butler. The villas without staffs are less demanded, or at least less preferred. This is quite explicable as during holiday most guests won’t be annoyed by the meals preparations, transportation, villas’ cleanliness, or even laundry. Therefore the presence of full staffs at the villa would be truly helpful and needed.
Accessibility is another thing when you are about considering a villa to rent in Bali. There are huge numbers of travelers who consider the accessibility to preferred holiday activities is the most important aspect of all. The most favorite places to visit while staying at a villa are beach, restaurants, nightlife spots, tourist attractions, golf courses, and more. These days, the loads of holidaymakers choose Seminyak as the area offers short proximity to the beach, such Seminyak, Petitenget, and Oberoi beach, favorable restaurants such as Ku De Ta, La Lucciola, Living Room, Ultimo, and more, as well as to the most-happening nightclubs such as Bacio, De Ja Vu, Double Six, F-Lounge, and much more.
As the next reason why more people choose a villa is the quiet and peaceful surrounding that it has to offer. The modern individuals who have been so busy, dynamic, and living in metropolis cities would not enjoy traffic noise, loud music from late night entertainment spots, busy village temples with loudspeaker systems, or noisy chicken farms. Many villas on the island are nestled secluded, facing the quiet gardens, serene rivers, peaceful beach, ocean, valley, or hills. You will grab all the serenity and tranquility you are looking for. The Lotus Residence is an example of retreat and wellness villa which ensures a lovely and serene holiday with a rejuvenating environment.
Last but not least, what makes a villa so enticing is definitely the space. The space is what you can enjoy at a villa and not in a hotel room. Every luxury villa in Bali has a garden; many of them are beautifully landscaped and maintained. A spacious garden adds to the appeal of a villa, this would be made more perfect if the villa has a breathtaking view. You can breathe freely without the presence of others who might seek your in-villa activities. You don’t need to share every single facility, amenity, and service; you are treated as the only one guest staying.
Kadek is working for NHI, an internet based company which creates and manages websites that are all directly related to hospitality services in Bali.
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