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Bali

Cowboys in Paradise Bali
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For Bookings: www.asiatravel.com For More Video: book.asiatravel.com Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.[24] The Hindu New Year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. On this day everyone stays at home and tourists are encouraged to remain in their hotels. But the day before that large, colourful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to drive away evil spirits. Other festivals throughout the year are specified by the Balinese pawukon calendrical system. Celebrations are held for many occasions such as a tooth-filing (coming-of-age ritual), cremation or odalan (temple festival). One of the most important concepts that Balinese ceremonies have in common is that of désa kala patra, which refers to how ritual performances must be appropriate in both the specific and general social context.[25] Many of the ceremonial art
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The best dining options for your Bali holidays

Article by Carly Crowe







Considered as close to gastronomic heaven as one can get, Bali boasts a plethora of eateries serving every kind of food from traditional Balinese to western style burger joints and steakhouses. With hawker street food stands sitting alongside budget diners and fine dining restaurants you will always be able to find something that caters to your taste and budget while on Bali holidays. Below we highlight our choices for the best dining options in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud and Lombok.

<strong>Kuta</strong>

While on Bali holidays it is likely you’ll spend some time in the ever popular Kuta district of Bali and unsurprisingly there is a myriad of restaurants all vying for your custom. One of the most popular restaurants with tourists and locals alike is ESC found in the heart of Kuta. ESC is a casual establishment offering a range of sandwiches, pancakes, steaks and burgers. And, with large portion sizes, affordable prices and 24 hour a day opening hours, you may find yourself back here more than once. To indulge while on your Bali holidays, make a reservation at the luxury Sail Fin restaurant. Sail Fin possess a gourmet menu created by Australian master Seafood chef Jesse Lee and this combined with a romantic beachfront setting ensures you will have a fantastic dining experience.

<strong>Nusa Dua</strong>

For those seeking the ultimate in fine dining experiences while on their Bali holidays, a trip to the Nusa Dua resorts complex is a must. Visit Pica Tapas in the Bali Collection Complex and you will be treated to a great selection of perfectly cooked Brazilian dishes complimented by a nightly Salsa dance performances. Or if you are looking for traditional Balinese cuisine head to the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel where you’ll find Raja’s; an award winning fine dining restaurant which serves a fantastic variety of Balinese foods in a unique and intimate setting.<strong>Ubud</strong>

When you first arrive in Ubud, you could be mistaken for thinking traditional dishes dominate the dining options. And, while there are plenty of Balinese style eateries, on your Bali holidays to Ubud there are also a wide range of western options for those who prefer something more like home. For those on a budget head to Naughty Nuri’s Warung & Grill where their secret recipes, cheap and varied menu, fantastic service and tasty food has made this place legendary. For supreme luxury visit Mozaic which has the enviable reputation of being named best restaurant on the planet by the New York Times. To experience Mozaic in its glory, try one of the degustation menus where your taste buds will be tantalised by an amazing array of culinary delights.

<strong>Lombok</strong>While on your Bali holidays, it is likely you’ll take at least a day trip over to the laid back Lombok and while smaller than Bali it still offers some fantastic dining choices. Local’s favourite the Tropicana offers an affordable menu of traditional Indonesian fare accompanied by nightly live music. For a little bit of everything complimented by a stunning beach views, head to the Asmara restaurant found near the famous art market. Offering a diverse menu of both western and local dishes, Asmara offers fine dining and fantastic food in a relaxed atmosphere.



About the Author

Carly Crowe is a Bali holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/bali/”>Bali holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great Bali holidays.

Scuba Diving in Bali

Article by Chase Lane







Scuba diving in Bali is a term that is capable of evoking many pleasant visions of tropical paradises. Most renowned writers across the globe have described the place as a paradise on the planet earth. People simply love visiting this place for enjoying the mesmerizing sight of exotic islands. There are many things to experience and see in Bali. Scuba diving is one of the most sought after activities here. If you have visited Bali and planning to return without indulging in scuba diving, then your tour is incomplete. You have missed out on all the fun and charm this awesome place has to provide you with.

Bali is the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. Scuba diving in Bali is exciting and full of raw adventure. The best part is that there are many well organized diving destinations available facilities in Bali. Here is a description on some of the most popular destinations to visit:

Amuk Bay

Amuk Bay is an amazing scuba diving destination. It is situated towards the north and is stretched to about 6 km of area. It is located by the side of the southern area of eastern point of Bali. It is also close to Candi Dasa. You can visit beautiful islands of Biaha and Tepekong here. You can dive around Padang Bai, and the Blue Lagoon.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida in conjunction with the adjacent island of Nusa Lembongan will offer you some of the most exciting Bali diving experience.

Menjangan Island

If it is about scuba diving in Bali, it has to be in the popular Menjangan Island. The island is widely known for its crystal clear calm waters. You would also want to know about the unexplained tale of old wooden shipwreck. The fabulous gorgonian covered walls make this island, an amazing site for diving.



About the Author

Looking for the best dive Bali options, before doing your PADI Instructor course in Bali.

Welcome to Khayangan Villa Bali

Article by Mark Jasmine Saunders Davies







From the Sanskrit word for ‘Seventh Heaven’, Khayangan Estate brings you to a place where the Gods themselves might choose to dwell: a blend of new and old, taking the romance of the past and combining it with the modern comforts and technology of today in Bali’s ultimate luxury estate.

Created by the owners Mark and Jasmine Saunders-Davies,

Khayangan Estate is a fully self-contained, private luxury estate set in 1.5 hectares of verdant tropical gardens, immediately adjacent to the Bvlgari Resort and Spa, 170 metres above the white sand seclusion of Selonding beach, on the southern-most tip of Bali’s Bukit peninsula.

The estate’s unique architecture fuses Javanese tradition with

contemporary design and European influences. A cluster of eleven antique Indonesian joglos – once the traditional homes of Javanese aristocracy – have been saved from destruction and lovingly restored and refitted with contemporary luxury interiors and state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings to bring you an exclusive and utterly indulgent holiday experience.

There are six bedroom suites providing ultra lavish accommodation for a private party of 12 persons in fully air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, two living and dining pavilions, a private office, a private professional spa, a cliff-side pavilion, a floodlit tennis court and a well-equipped fitness centre, all set around a magnificent terraced garden of yellow irises, fragrant frangipani and swaying palm trees, overlooking the dramatic vastness of the Indian Ocean.

The beautiful original features of the joglos, such as their distinctive funnel-shaped roofs and elaborately hand carved pondopo center-pieces, panels and beams, have been preserved and complemented with glass walls, old teak wood floors, hand-made reclaimed teak

furniture, ultra-comfortable and stylish soft furnishings and top of the range entertainment and communications facilities, together with all the comforts and services you would expect from a five star resort.

Khayangan Estate invites you to luxuriate in your own private haven; swim in the infinity-edge pools, indulge and be pampered at the

cliff-top Seventh Heaven spa, enjoy sumptuous cuisine prepared by our executive chef, play tennis, work out, or simply embrace the

glorious sunset from the cliff-side pavilion, champagne in hand,

farewelling the day.

Please view our website: http://www.khayanganestate.com or contact us: info@khayanganestate.com



About the Author

Mark Jasmine Saunders Davies is owner of the Khayangan Estate Villa in Uluwatu Bali, nice to know you all and see you in Bali:)

THE LUXURY BALI VILLA – ADDING A NEW DIMENSION TO YOUR VACATIONS

Article by Antoine De Moussac







THE LUXURY BALI VILLA – ADDING A NEW DIMENSION TO YOUR VACATIONS

Bali is one of the favorite holiday destinations for travelers all over the world. Spending a vacation at Bali is really exciting. In fact, it is one of the most memorable experiences that you can have. Bali is very popular across the globe as one of the best and the most exotic islands which has many beautiful beaches like Kuta, suluban nusa dua, Sanur, and many others. Bali is the right place for those who are fond of night life and parties, offering a number of excellent discothéques and nightclubs. Apart from all these interesting aspects, the best part of this island is the luxury Bali villa. The luxury villas are built in between the mountain ranges, river valleys, and the rice fields, which give them an amazing look.

The main thing which contributes to the beauty of the luxury Bali villa is the architecture and the interiors. In fact, the luxury villas in Bali are specially designed for the customers including the international guests. The facilities available in these villas are similar to that of five star hotels, but there is more of an emphasis on the natural beauty.

The most affordable Bali villas are on the white sandy beaches which are popular across the world. Beach villas also arrange different kinds of water sports for the customers including snorkeling, jet skiing, banana boating, parasailing, fly fish, fishing, etc. The villa authorities also arrange the best tours for you including the turtle island tour and the dolphin watching tour.

When you take a look at the Bali villa options, you will truly like the luxuries and amenities provided. The facilities at the villa include one king size bed with an en suite bath, and also a kitchen. The three-bedroom Bali villa is equally lavish and liked by most of the tourists visiting this place. The major point of benefit here is that these villas give you good privacy. The staff at these villas ensures that the guests are properly cared for, and left undisturbed. If you rent a good Bali villa, you are provided with a well-sized lounge area, a tropical garden area, and at times also a very good swimming pool around. You will also get a good front door view from the luxury Bali villa that you opted for. This offers a nice view of the different pebble paths or walk ways.

If you love adventure then there is more in store for you. Here you can get along with a few adventurous water sports like diving, banana rides, fly fish and much more. The evening picture of this island from your rented personal luxury Bali villa is just worth watching. In short, it is worth going for a vacation to Bali and staying in a villa is the best option.



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.

Treat your Eyes and Camera Lenses to the Spectacular Scenery at Tanah Lot, Bali

Article by Exotissimo Traveler







Tanah Lot is a photographer’s delight. Imagine a Balinese temple sitting on a rock formation, with the ocean as the backdrop and the sun set sitting right behind everything. If you really want to capture the exotic and roll your entire Balinese experience into one shot, then this is your spot. Please, don’t forget to bring your camera.

The place sure is scenic. And because of the surrounding beauty, a Hindu priest decided to build a temple on it in the 15th century. And Tanah Lot is not the only one. There are six more similar seaside temples each being visible from the next and all forming all forming one long chain.

Trouble was abounding with the temple in the 1990’s. The rocks that the temple was on have eroded and Tanah Lot was in danger of collapsing. So, major restoration work was done to the site to prevent this very disaster from happening. And voila, the site you see now. And guess what? Most of those stones aren’t even real. Over a third of the rocks you see are in fact cunningly disguised and artificial, designed to last and to give the impression that they are real. Pretty cunning, huh? And neat.

With the sun setting right behind the temple, it becomes obvious that the best time to visit the iconic temple is during this time. However, this is also the busiest time, which makes photo shooting and time to enjoy the site in peace difficult. If you would like to escape the crowds, do not go the beach, instead turn right past the stage near the entrance and follow the path up the rocky headland that overlooks the temple. Not only will you get great views of the picturesque temple, you will also avoid the crowds and be treated to Pura Batu Bolong, a nearby smaller version of Tanah Lot.

Snap away and enjoy! Tanah Lot is surely a treat for the eyes, not to mention the camera lenses as well. Ready for a Bali touring experience like no other? Then our Tour Bali by VW Convertible trip is the program for you. Venturing away from the masses and into the island’s lesser known attractions, you’ll explore mountain ranges, coastal scenery and historic sites. All the while you relax in your very own chauffeur driver vehicle.

www.exotissimo.com/



About the Author

Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator in Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect inspirational tours as well as customized programs in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan at the best possible price. Your experience guarantees stops to the main sites as well as the hidden spots, giving you a true sense of the culture and rewarding you with unforgettable memories.

Things To Remember Before You Make A Trip To Bali

Article by Nigel Fine







A trip to Bali sounds exciting but you must never forget to research online on the various activities that take place in the place, its culture, Balinese lifestyle, commutation details and other such information. While you get all set to pack your bags and board on the flight there are a few pointers that you must remember to do like carrying your own calculator because at places of money exchange you may need it and it is reliable when it is yours. You must exchange money at reputable places and carry them in a bag along with other valuables, if any, on a bag that is safely worn across your shoulders. This is to prevent the theft of handbags which are on a rise in Bali owing to its vast tourist attraction. It is a must to carry a high factor waterproof sunscreen because the weather conditions in Bali is of tropical nature and the last thing you need while coming back home is skin burns and rashes. Also it comes in handy for all you swimmers out there. Swimmers must also make sure they stay within the boundaries that are drawn across the water bodies. Never carry or buy drugs at the island and consequently get imprisoned for it

Carry around with you your passport and a photocopy of your photo id but leave the other important documents in the hotel rooms where they would be safe. Try and add salt to your food and cultivate a habit of drinking a lot of bottled water since you are bound to lose water from your body in the form of sweat. Do not worry about the ice served in bars and nightclubs; they are officially approved on their quality by the government. Never cross the road without double checking for any approaching vehicle, because cars may halt for you but motorbikes may not. Have a thorough knowledge on the currency used in the country which is known as rupiah.

There are many ways of commutation in Bali. You can either rent a car or a motorbike or get on a bus for tourists or catch hold of a cab. If you are above 18 years of age and wish to rent a car for yourself and drive it on your own then you must remember to carry your driver’s license. Try and rent a car with insurance because accidents seem to prevail in the island, especially because of rash motorbike riders. Keep a keen eye on the road and do not get distracted while driving because the last place you want to go on a holiday is to an emergency room in the hospital.

Most of the Balinese people follow the Hindu religion and at the time of your travel there are chances of you coming across many religious ceremonies in your vicinity. At times like these, you might be intrigued and attracted towards these rituals, but there are certain things that you mustn’t do to avoid offending the local people. For example, you must always wear a sarong and sash, a representation of the traditional costume, and never walk in front of people who are praying, never flash a camera at a priest, never sit higher than the priest or the offerings, in case of women, never enter temples when you are menstruating, try not to step on offerings fallen on the street and try and walk around it, try not to touch people’s head, it is considered offensive. If you are in a moving car that is blocked by a religious procession, be kind and patient with them and do not honk at them.

Have a thorough study of the things that you must avoid doing in Bali and experience an exuberant vacation therein.



About the Author

The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali honeymoon. 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.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT WHILE IN BALI

Article by Mathan Mohan







A very popular tourist destination, the island of Bali promises a great holiday and rejuvenation trip for all. Awarded by the international Travel Magazine as the world’s best island a few years ago, Bali is part of the 13,700 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago. Be it adventure sports, exploring the dense jungles, admiring the temples, trekking on Mount Batur, or simply strolling across the white sandy beaches, Bali offers tourists a life time of memories.The luxurious hotels in Bali,resorts and the discounted Bali hotels offer great warmth and hospitality to the tourists, a reflection of the rich culture where people still uphold their religious and aesthetic values. The well-known tourist destinations in Bali include:

1. Trita Empul, meaning ‘bubbling water’, is a temple considered to be very sacred and has fountains meant for purification. The water here flows through a natural spring. History states that this temple was created when the Lord shot an arrow from heaven to look for water on earth. With its strong history, Trita Empul built in 960 AD is one place tourists flock to.

2. Mount Batur (Kintamani) is about 1,717m above sea level, which is the second largest active volcano in Bali. Smoke can still be seen blowing out of this peak. This mountain has a beautiful crater lake flowing through. Because of the scenic value, it is quite popular among visiting tourists. There are restaurants set up here offering a sumptuous meal and breathtaking view of the mountain.

3. Bali Treetop is an adventure tour that throws up various challenges. Tourists can admire the Keidahan forest and lake from the tree tops while swaying from one tree to the other using pulleys. This adventure game is a good challenge for adults and children to experience an adrenalin rush.

4. Legian Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali, the Legian beach is a favourite spot for those looking to shop, swim, or relax in a spa. Legian also has many budget hotels that offer tourists accommodation at very reasonable rates. Many of Bali’s fashionable hotels, bars and lounges are also located in this region, making this an ideal place to visit or stay.

5. North Bali Tour is a must-do for all tourists. A visit to Bali is incomplete without driving across the scenic roads via Pupuan, across the mountains to Bali’s north coast. The north Bali is all about picturesque natural and rural setting with beautiful rice terraces, large plantations and a natural hot spring. On this path, one also comes across the fascinating black beach of Lovina and the multi-tier waterfall in Git Git.

6. Royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi is another place worth visit and devotees and tourists alike throng here on a regular basis.

7. The Holy Monkey forest near Sangeh is a sacred forest with hundreds of sprite monkeys. No one is permitted to chop any wood in this forest. There is a 17th century temple which is a popular landmark for tourists.

8. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the coast of Bali, which is famous for Tanah Lot temple.

9. Bali Art Market is one of the best places to collect souvenirs. For those looking for a great shopping experience, the “Bali Art Market” in Sukawati is the place to go for all kinds of handicrafts and textiles.

10. Komodo National Park is located in east of Indonesia with awe-inspiring natural setting. The national park has various rare flora and fauna including the famous Komodo dragon. The park is a wonderland for nature and adventure lovers. Apart from these, the whole of Bali is in fact a tourist’s delight and visitors can be sure to experience a memorable holiday.




About the Author

For more information abouthotels in Bali and Online Booking Services, Please visit our website for booking hotels in -Bali http://www.wego.com

A Surfing Safari – Your Bali Holiday

Article by Claire Bryant







Anyone heading off on a Bali holiday is greeted by this island paradise with open arms. Bali is well renowned for her beautiful beaches, exciting non-stop nightlife and the wonderfully warm locals. But at anytime of the year, the hotels in Bali are filled with the most enthusiastic of all guests – the die hard (or try hard!) surfers.

Bali is often the first and last stop off on any Indonesian surfing safari, but it is also destination in its own right. Many of the hotels in Bali are only a stone’s throw away from wide sandy beaches and easily accessible surf breaks of every size and difficulty. The year round swell off the deep southern oceans of the Antarctic, means that Bali has a non stop supply of surf. The swell flattens out once it reaches the reefs and creates the perfect conditions for a true surfing Nirvana. There are around twenty top class breaks around the island to choose from, and surfers of all ages and experience are generously catered for by Mother Nature! A Bali holiday between April and October offers the best conditions for surfing, although unfortunately everyone else is heading there between these times too, and it can become quite busy on the line-up at some of the more popular breaks.

BEGINNER’S BREAKS

Unlike the rest of Indonesia which is heavily reefed, Bali has a lot of smaller breaks more suited to the beginner or intermediate. Kuta is probably Bali’s most famous beach and there’s a great surf tradition of ‘anything goes’! The sandy bottom and waist deep water means that anyone from six to ninety six can get out on their board and give it a try. Whether it’s hanging ten, toes on the nose or total wipe-out – you can ride the fun waves at Kuta without fear of shredding any body parts on an exposed reef! There are lots of surf schools and board hire shops, so if you have never surfed before – Kuta is the perfect place to start!

A lot of the hotels in Bali are close to the easy riding Kuta and Legian beach surf areas, and when the sun goes down you can come straight out of the break, and head for a cocktail! You can outdo each other with tales of gnarly waves and killer surf, and then party on with the legendary Kuta nightlife. For the budding grommets and Gidgets, it’s only a few steps from bed where they can dream Bali holiday surfing adventure!

SERIOUS SURFING

Veteran surfers will be heading over to the pounding breaks at Padang Padang or Uluwatu on their Bali holiday. Padang Padang has an awesome ‘killer’ wave and this world class spot should only be attempted by the most experienced surfer! It is one of the most dangerous waves in Bali to face up to, as the coral reef is almost entirely exposed. But even if you can only dream of conquering the wave, it’s still worth coming along to watch the brave make their assault.

Uluwatu with its famous entry cave is probably the busiest of all the surf breaks in Bali. You clamber down the dramatic cliffs and through the cave which leads out onto the beach. The waves at Uluwatu are fast and long, and the view from the break is breathtaking – but in the monsoon season the waves here can reach a terrifying fifteen feet so this location is definitely not for the feint hearted! As well as a constant swell at Uluwatu there is also a constant crowd – so be warned, if you do chance your luck against the giant waves, you’ll have an audience!

The island’s popularity as a surfing destination has increased so much, the hotels in Bali and the more popular beaches are heaving in high season. But the hidden beauty of this tiny surfing Mecca is that if you’ve got a bit of time, and a slightly adventurous streak, you just might find yourself surfing a break on a deserted beach with only the fish to see you fall!



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

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