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Bali

A Guide to Bali History

Bali is a beautiful island that is in harmony with nature. It is also known worldwide for having a unique colorful spiritual culture. Inherent in the fascinating culture are its many rituals and practices which originated thousands of years ago, and till today they have survived. Such is the endurance of Balinese culture, which in turn reflects on the deep faith and resilience of the Balinese people.
Bali’s history remained vague for the first few centuries, though many Hindu artifacts have been found, which lead back to the first century, indicating a tie with that religion.  Though it is strongly held that the first primary religion of Bali, discovered as far back as 500 AD, was Buddhism.  Additionally, Yi-Tsing, a Chinese scholar who visited Bali in the year 670 AD stated that he had visited this place and seen Buddhism there.
• 1019-1042
Hindu influence
Hindu Java began to spread its influence into Bali during the reign of King Airlangga, from 1019 to 1042. At the age of 16.

• 1284-1292
After Airlangga’s death, Bali retained its semi-independent status until Kertanagara became king of the Singasari dynasty in Java two centuries later. Kertanagara conquered Bali in 1284, but his power lasted only eight years until he was murdered and his kingdom collapsed.

• 1343
In 1343 Gajah Mada, the legendary chief minister of the Majapahit dynasty, defeated the Pejeng king Dalem Bedaulu and brought Bali back under Javanese influence.

• Late 14th Century-16th Century
Here the ‘capital’ moved to Gelgel, near modern-day Semarapura (once known as Klungkung), around the late 14th century, and for the next two centuries this was the base for the ‘king of Bali’, the Dewa Agung.The Majapahit kingdom collapsed into disputing sultanates. As the Majapahit kingdom fell apart, many of its intelligentsia moved to Bali, including the priest Nirartha, who is credit¬ed with introducing many of the complexities of Balinese religion to the island. Artists, dancers, musicians and actors also fled to Bali at this time, and the island experienced an explosion of cultural activities. The final great exodus to Bali took place in 1478.

• 1597
European Contact
The first Europeans to set foot in Bali were Dutch seafarers in 1597. When they returned to Indonesia in later years, they were interested in profit, not culture, and barely gave Bali a second glance.

• 1846–1949 Period
Fight Against the Dutch
In 1846 the Dutch used Balinese salvage claims over shipwrecks as the pretext to land military forces in northern Bali. In 1894 the Dutch chose to support the Sasaks of Lombok in a rebellion against their Balinese rajah.
That era constituted with the period of fighting against the Dutch in Bali. Those years were marked by the out break of various wars in Bali. When the Dutch won all the battles and the Klungkung kingdom fell down into their hands, this meant that Bali as a whole was under the foreign influence.

• 1906
On 20 September 1906, the Dutch mounted a naval bombardment of Denpasar and then commenced their final assault. The three rajahs of Badung (southern Bali) realised that they were outnumbered and outgunned, and that defeat was inevit¬able. Surrender and exile.Bali was now under Dutch control and became part of the Dutch East Indies. Dutch rule over Bali was short-lived, however, as Indonesia fell to the Japanese in WWII.

The sense of Indonesian nationalism began to grow after the World War I, with the young generation declaring the national language in 1928, known as Bahasa Indonesia. During the height of World War II the Japanese arrived, expelling the Dutch and ruled the country for about 3.5 years, which ended later in 1945 when Indonesia declared independent led by its very first president, Sukarno. Yet the new-born nation was only recognized by the international community as an independent country in 1949.

• Modern Bali
The tourism boom started in the early 1970s and has brought many changes. It has helped pay for improvements in roads, telecommunications, education and health. Though tourism has had some marked adverse environmental and social effects, Bali’s unique culture has proved to be remarkably resilient.

Bali, like most places, has also been affected by global politics. The 2002 Bali bombings occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. The attack was the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Indonesia, killing 202 people with a further 209 people injured.
The island’s vital tourist industry was dealt a severe blow. It had mostly recovered by 2005 when in October of that year , a series of terrorist suicide bomb attacks that occurred. The bombs exploded at two sites in Jimbaran and Kuta, both in south Bali. Twenty people were killed, and 129 people were injured by three bombers who killed themselves in the attacks.

The Bali government tourism office says the number of visitors dropped following the October bombings.  Normally, 5,000 to 6,000 tourists visit the island each day.  Now it is only about 2,000.  It is a big blow for a community that relies heavily on tourism.  Bali was just recovering from the 2002 bombings, with a record-breaking number of tourists in 2004. 
The tourism industry in Bali is making every effort to ensure safety.  Security checks and extra officers are now standard operating procedure at malls and hotels.  The tourists are slowly coming back to Bali .Inbound tourism to Bali is rebounding strongly, with a record-high 472,000 foreign visitors for the first four months of 2007.Australians, who make up more than 15 percent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in Bali, are flocking to one of their favorite destinations.

To learn much more about traveling to Bali, please visit Bali-Vacation Packages where you’ll find this and much more, including Seminyak Hotels

Bali villa hotels – It’s more than just a hotel

Bali Indonesia is an exotic paradise that is perfect for those newlyweds searching for a haven to spend their honeymoon. If you are one of those couples, you must want an amazing honeymoon experience but you are apprehensive about hotel accommodations. You must be looking for a service that is more private, more personal and of course more intimate. If you are searching for something that is unique, different but very comfortable and equally luxurious, then the Bali villa hotels is the perfect haven for you to enjoy the amazing experiences that Bali has to offer for partners.

At the Bali villa hotels, you will be pampered like royalty. There are packages for private villas perfect for couples looking for a very private haven. Once you set foot in the majestic location outside the hustle and bustle of the urbanscape, you will be welcomed by warm and friendly staff members who are more than happy to help you out in providing you with the benefits that you are searching for. The suites are fully furnished with all the amenities that couples or families need for an amazing vacation experience that is unlike any other. From the basic kitchen and grooming amenities to luxurious and stylish beds, the suites will exude the complete vacation feeling but with the comfort like you are just at home.

Some people search for Internet connections to document and tell the world about their experiences. The Bali villa hotels offer high speed cable connections to keep you updated and to keep everyone else updated. There is so much to tell about what is inside the villa. From the fully furnished bedrooms to the well kept lawns, gardens and clear, pools, it is like your eyes are being pampered already. Speaking of pampering, you can also take advantage of spa experience that is truly magical and invigorating. You will feel like you are were reborn and refreshed, all the worries and woes removed from your system and you are one with the pristine beauty of what the villa offers you.

Bali itself is an amazing paradise that you will love to experience and take part of the good news is that Bali villa hotels is just meters away from all the amazing natural beauty that Bali can offer. You can have a fun and exciting day doing water sports. By the end of the day, you can watch the sunset and marvel at the beauty of Bali and this amazing blessing that was given to you to spend your day and the beginning of the rest of your life in a paradise, with the one you chose to love.

Bali villa hotels are more than just places where you sleep or put your things in. It is a magical realm where beauty was harnessed to be one with you. Here, you can experience true relaxation and vacation before you head back to the city life. Do not worry; you will be assured that the relaxing experience will be unforgettable.

Remember your vacation / honeymoon / wedding /anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in a luxurious Bali villa hotels in the serene and enchanting islands. Happily married couples can rent a full service and luxurious villa and spend a glorious wedding to remember forever. Contact or call us now for reservations – http://www.the-dusun.com/

I am a Microsoft Certified Professional. I conduct Training and Certification Guidance for Microsoft .Net Certification Courses through my training institute-Sierra Infotech. I also own and manage a SEO Company and article Directory.

Great Activity Ideas For Bali Holidays

A fascinating mixture of natural beauty, local hospitality and an excellent tourist infrastructure make Bali holidays an increasingly popular choice for many tourists. Part of the appeal is the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. Whether you want a relaxing holiday by the beach, an adventurous time in the jungle, or just to party until dawn every night, a holiday in Bali has something to offer you.

These are just a few of the things you can get up to:

Go Shopping for Traditional Balinese Goods

Bali is well known for its traditional arts and crafts which make for the perfect souvenirs to take home from your holiday. Those interested in arts and crafts have the opportunity of visiting the Handicraft Villages of Bali, small villages dedicated to a particular art form. These are Celuk (for jewellery), Batubalan (stone carving), Pengosekan (painting) and Mas (wood carving.)

Alternatively, if you’d like some more mainstream shops, Legian Street in Kuta does a nice line in boutiques and Ubud has become the art centre of Bali.

Note that, with the exception of the western style shops in the major cities, haggling will be the normal way of doing business. So come prepared to bargain hard to get your souvenirs at the very best prices and bear in mind that many of the vendors will only accept cash.

Have a Jungle Adventure

It may be better known as a beach and clubbing destination, but those after something a little more adventurous on their Bali holidays will have plenty of options, most of which can be found inland in the jungles and mountains. White water rafting, jungle trekking, mountain biking and paragliding are just a few of the activities on offer, the most popular are the elephant treks, where you spend the day exploring the rich jungles of Bali on the back of an elephant!

Live it up at Night

Those who like to party the night away will find plenty to keep them entertained on a holiday in Bali – the island’s nightlife is famous the world over! There are many different parts of Bali that offer late night entertainment, each one with its own unique character. The area of Kuta is for the hard partying crowd, with dozens of pubs and clubs open until the small hours (though be aware that nothing really gets going here until midnight). Seminyak is regarded as having a slightly more sophisticated and chic kind of nightlife, while those who want to see some traditional Balinese dancing should head over to Ubud and Sanur.

Relax in a Luxury Spa

Sometimes the best activity is one that involves doing hardly anything at all! With its outstanding natural beauty and the high quality of the spa hotels in Bali, a spa holiday here can offer perfect relaxation. There are plenty of accommodation options that have excellent spa facilities, but amongst the very best are the Oberoi Bali in Seminyak, the Four Seasons Resort in Ubud, and the Legian Bali.

Claire Bryant is a Bali holidays, specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Bali holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in the Far East; the Indian Ocean, Cuba and the Caribbean, Egypt, Southern Africa, Italy & the Mediterranean, Canada, Australia and the Pacific. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Paradise Found in Bali

Bali is often described as paradise, and if you have ever visited, you will know why. With beautiful sandy beaches backed by green hills and craggy mountains, it is a picturesque place to visit. Balinese people and their culture make this island stand apart from other tropical beach paradises. Bali’s tourism was marred with terrorist bombings in the recent past and security is now high including in the airports. Visas are now required for most international visitors, even for a short 7-day visit.

Unlike other Indonesian islands, which are mainly Muslim, the people of Bali follow the Hindu religion and culture. You will see the tiny offerings of flowers, rice and salt everywhere. Bali is famous for its local dancing and music. A chance to see the ‘barong’ or lion dance is a must, as performers with fearsome masks depict the battle between good and evil. The less authentic but equally entertaining ‘kecak’ or monkey dance is also a spectacle to see with 250 dancers moving in concentric circles around the central performer. One festival to avoid if possible is Nyepi, the Hindu New Year. It is a variable date in March or April each year and is celebrated by absolute silence. No fun if you happen to be there on vacation. Everywhere is closed and tourists are confined to their hotels. The only compensation is that in the week leading up to Nyepi, colorful giants called Ogoh Ogoh are seen everywhere and are paraded throughout the island on Nyepi Eve.

Beyond the popular beach area and tourist hotspots there is a wealth of culture and many colorful sights to enjoy. Ubud is a delightful town at the foothills of the interior mountains. It is the natural center of Bali’s artistic heritage where art appears everywhere. Everyone’s purpose in life seems to be to create something beautiful to honor the gods. Although teeming with tourists, it still has the local flavor which first drew artisans to the area in the 1920s. Travel further inland and see the paddy fields beneath the cone of the extinct volcano, cultivated by hand and watered by an ancient 9th century irrigation system. This area, overlooking the Ayung River is one of the most beautiful in all Asia, and visiting it, or better yet staying here, is a pure delight.

Balis’s best known attractions are its many Hindu temples along with the Garuda Wisnu Kencana monument of the god Vishnu riding the mythical Garuda bird. On a more natural note, there are several hot springs on Bali, some set in tropical gardens. The Balinese ‘lulur’ body scrub is a must-do experience, traditionally performed before a wedding. Using an array of herbs and spices and performed by experienced locals it will really make your body sing! Balinese massages are cheap and the scalp and shoulder massages are also a divine experience not to be missed.

Balinese local food is tasty and is often pork-based. Alcohol is widely available on this non-Muslim island. Beware the lethal local wine (hatten) and high quality liqueurs and spirits often flavored with fruit such as banana, pineapple, blackcurrant and coconut. The non-alcoholic fruit juices are a delicious way to enjoy the local produce and are very reasonably priced. With excellent accommodation and a balmy climate, no wonder Bali is still considered ‘Paradise Found’.

Visit this website for more information.

Veronica Ho is the owner of Travel Haven, a travel agency totally dedicated to organising creative and luxury packages. Get a COMPLIMENTARY Destination Guide when you join Travel Haven Email Club. Also be the FIRST to receive Special Promotions, Destinations Update and much more. http://www.TheTravelHavenOnline.com

Bali – Isle of Gods

Article by Hannes Krueger







I always wanted to go to Bali. I guess it was because everyone I knew never had a bad thing to say about Bali. Taking the opportunity of cheap flight by Air Asia and also the public holiday.We arrive quite late and it was already dark, thankfully we already arrange for a driver so we headed straight to our hotel, (Kuta Lagoon). The hotel was situated about 10 minutes from Kuta. It was a very nice cozy hotel although it had a lot of lizard. The Sightseeing will only start on the next day. We did all the touristy thing. We started with watching the Barong and Kris dance at Stage Chandra Budaya, then we headed to Ubud where we visited the palace and did some shopping at the Ubud Market. We had a late lunch at Warung Murni, this place was recommended by a good friend of mine. The food is good (I only had fried rice) but the atmosphere was nice as it was situated next to a river. So it was kind of cooling after the shopping session at the market.We then made our way to watch the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu, Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant and was I mesmerize by the dance. It is a dance performed by a circle of 100 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting “cak” and throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana where the Monkey like Vanara helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. It was so beautifully done with a background of the sunset. Simply Beautiful. I wouldnt mind watching it again. After that we headed to Damos Restaurant Jimbaran for a nice seafood dinner by the beach. On the 3rd day we decided to go to Bedegul, Bratan lake and also to Tanah lot. Unfortunately we were late so we we’re not able to cross the water to go to the temple. Tanah lot was full of people and it was hard to find a place where no one is around ( only manage to get a few pictures here). The 3rd day was pretty much spend shopping at Kuta town and Seminyak. We also decided to change to a nearer to the beach hotel. Kuta Harris which was only 5 minutes away from the beach!And came the dreadful day. The day where we had to go back. But we manage to squeeze in some time at the beach where I had my tattoo done and also a 30 minutes massage. How I wish I had more time to learn surfing but there is always a next time. I cannot wait for my next trip to Bali which will be in May next year. It’s simply a place that i know I will never be bored off.



About the Author

I was born 1972 in Berlin. After a few years as a tour guide, I now live in Munich.

How to Grieve and Start Over: The Magic of Bali

You’ve spent the best parts of your life with your partner. You’ve lived, loved, mourned, adventured, cherished, experienced, and conquered with them…and now they’re gone. The process of mourning involves allowing for the tears, the anger, the bitterness, the numbness, and the fear to settle in and run their course. But once those emotions have come and many have gone you are still left with an emptiness that nothing can fill, and you may find that nothing ever will. Grief is tangible and sometimes overwhelming, but taking the time to get away from all the stresses and memories can help you find the brightness buried beneath all the dark—you can rebuild, and you can move on, especially when you take time for yourself and book a vacation.

Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and you’ll find that Bali villas rentals are affordable and offer their guests all the amenities and wonders that few will find elsewhere. Renting your own private villa will allow you to step back, look within, and find the you that was lost—rediscover what it means to live by vacationing among endangered animals and bright, colorful flowers breathing into you their delicious scents. Paying Bali villa rent is easy and won’t break your budget—you have more to think about than affording your vacation, like how you’re going to fit in all of the fun things you have planned.

Bali villas rentals provide you the ability to hideaway or break out—you can spend your time lazing about your own private villa pool and reading on your private beach, or you can go explore the island and experience the ancient ruins, the Balinese dancers, and the busy lively local markets.

Once your partner is laid to rest, you can plan your grief getaway for just you, or you can bring along your children or close friends. All you have to do to start your Bali vacation is to login to one of the many online Bali villa rental sites like IndoVillas.com, and find the villa perfect for you and your needs. Once you’ve chosen, you pay the Bali villa rent, book your plane tickets, pack your bags, and let your life begin again.

The culture, atmosphere, beauty, people, adventures, sights, music, foods, experiences, and magic of Bali will encompass you and maybe even help you breathe again—lifting your worries, fears, and anxieties off your chest and throwing them into the crystal clear ocean where they belong. The private villas available on Bali provide their guests with accommodations that allow you to sit down, clear your head, open your heart and begin the healing process.

Once your vacation is over, and you’ve paid your Bali villa rent and check out, you might find that you want to turn around and start the whole experience over. Bali is truly a place of magic, and your own private villa will enchant and ensorcell you—start over in Bali.

For more tips and information about bali villas rental please visit: bali villa rent

villacanggu.com Bali Villas For Rent -Villa Canggu Bali is a Canggu luxury villa just 50m from the beach. Download your free Canggu Holiday Guide at blog.villacanggu.com
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Travel in Bali, Indonesia

Article by Bali traveller







Bali, Indonesia is a famous destination for surfers, hikers, and young couples travelling inexepensively. There are several affordable lodges in Bali for the fee conscious traveler. Bali is surely an energetic exciting place with a really low criminal offense rate. There are many stores with regional artisans displaying their wares. While Indonesia is surely an Islamic location, Bali has a big population of Hindu worshipers. The Hindu impact sometimes appears in craft shops and culture reveals throughout the city. The people are generally warm and friendly and welcoming, and it’s also an easy task to get caught up in the vibe of the city.

Nearly all people have got always wanted to be flying to Bali to have a break over the holidays but have since changed their minds. Lately, there is a great fear that terrorists may strike at any minute. A great number of people were affected by this disaster as both the ones who wanted to travel then, and people who will probably want to travel today will remember the terrorist attacks in October 2002 and the consequent devastation.

The Balinese persons are a hardworking and forward-looking lot. Their particular level of determination makes it possible for get on my feet yet again and despite it all, get things running and look for better days ahead.

While you are travelling in Bali, there are funny things you can do:Indonesian temples or wats would be a great place for you to go. The well known shrines and temples in Bali would let you get to know the history and culture of Bali.

Shopping is another thing you should do in Bali, one’s visit to any place in the world will never be complete with no shopping spree. You will find a huge selection of shops in Bali which have been ideal shopping locations with wonderful finds and affordable prices. You’ll find thousands of Bali handmade gifts, especially Bali leather handbags.

Dance in the Sunset.the days are quiet very hot in Bali and the perfect time for everybody to stroll outdoors is when the sun is setting. The beautiful sunset of Bali is incredibly amazing! Guests usually find time to stop and stare at the setting sun during sunset hours. Wearing a ‘Kecak’ and dance in the sunset with the ck-ck sound would be a romantic thing for you and your lovers.



About the Author

While you are travelling in Bali, bali leather handbags would be a must-buy item for you.

Top 4 Unmissable Bali Tours

No matter how much traveling you have done in your lifetime, every different country represents a whole new set of challenges. Different languages, different customs, different regulations, different ways of getting around … if you can find anything that is similar to your home town, you probably haven’t gone far enough! While Bali is a popular tourist destination, the unfamiliarity is always striking for newcomers. If this is your first Bali holidays, the best way to get to see the island is to join a guided tour. We look at some of the best Bali guided tours, for either first-time visitors or Indonesian experts!

Why tour?

Jumping on a Bali guided tour, for at least part of your vacation, will open your eyes up to a whole new part of the country that you simply may not have been aware existed, by yourself. There are also plenty of other great reasons to join a tour, rather than trying to arrange your transport and activities on your own:

In Bali, the local economy makes tours (as well as food, accommodation, and just about everything!) incredibly cheap for Westerners earning in AUD, USD or Euros. A full day guided tour can cost as little as including lunch.
Language difficulties will bother you less when you have a guide to act as translator
You’ll be warned about potentially thorny social customs before they become an issue.
You’ll have access to places that you didn’t even know existed!

Best Bali Tours

There are dozens of different tours that you can tag along with in Bali. Here are a few of our favourites, incorporating the big tourist areas as well as local secrets, and run by truly charming local people.

Barong and Kintimani volcano tours: Bali has some beautiful, active volcanoes, but that’s not all you get to see on this half-day tour. The 11th century Elephant cave is on the itinerary, as is the woodcarving village of Mas, Mount Batur and the village of Trunyan, where traditional Balinese remain largely uninfluenced by Western culture.
Karangasem Ancient Kingdom tour: The Klungkung Royal Court of Justice, the Bat Cave (Goa Lawah) and the east coast town of Amla Pura are all on the itinerary for this tour, which costs only for both adults and children.
Tanah Lot Tour: You get to spend a fair bit of time in the famous Monkey Forest on this tour. It is best to have a guide here to protect you f<!—->rom the cheeky spectacle and camera-stealing monkeys! Tanah Lot also feature – the name means ‘Land in the Middle of the Sea’ in Balinese, and is a temple atop an enormous offshore rock.
Happy Bike Cycling Tour: The tour doesn’t disappoint, given the expectations that the name sets up! Many people say this tour was ‘the best thing they did’ in Bali. You’ll visit agricultural properties, a traditional Balinese home and home cooking, the way that Balinese people eat.

There are many, many tours in Bali. You can get bus tours, private car charter tours, bike tours, tours focused on temples and history, or on food and modern culture. A true eye opener, and the only way to make a first visit to Bali worthwhile.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels .

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