Bali Furniture Facts
Bali furniture is nicely recognized worldwide not just for its artistic designs but most especially for its quality. It isn’t only beautiful, but it is durable and long-lasting – meant to last a lifetime or a lot more! There are many different kinds of Bali furniture that are available out there.
Bali furniture comes from teak wood that has been planted and harvested on tree farms. This hardwood is natural and also the procedure from planting to harvesting takes about 50 years. It resists water due to its higher oil content, but this doesn’t mean care shouldn’t be taken so that you can protect it from moisture exposure, just like any other wood. A little teak oil can always be added to enhance the honey glow of the wood. The wood when placed indoors has a nice aromatic smell which lasts for year. Shopping for Bali furniture is really a one of a kind adventure. You are able to find this kind of furniture in many garden shops. You can also purchase pieces specially suited to your unique and discerning taste.
Whatever Bali furniture you get, be assured teak will astound you. It may be a little a lot more costly but only simply because it will last a lifetime. You can also find Bali furniture products on the internet. Make certain if purchasing this way you research – constantly read the feedback from other customers as this will give you excellent insight into what to buy and from where. Always know the comapny’s shipping and handling policies – and be really cautious about returns as some companies don’t accept them.
The Bali handicrafts business has supplied a livelihood for thousands of individuals and has really boosted the economy there. Appreciating how the Bali handicrafts business functions, you need to experience it and go far off the beaten track. Balinese individuals blend together a harmony of culture, arts, and religion, and they perform hard at their trades, which include turning bamboo, leaves, metal, and clay into beautiful products which are sold worldwide.
This special blend is the root for the creation of what has developed and grown into a really fantastic arts and crafts business. These are the extremely developed talents of numerous artisans within the country of Indonesia. These handicrafts are recognized all the world more than for their viability as show pieces and gifts. You can find literally millions of dollars worth of product exported worldwide from that country yearly. They’re picked up by wholesalers, importers, distributors, and gift shops and malls. You can find at least 40 different countries that presently import these products – that’s how popular they are!
Bali furniture? <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.balitradedirectory.com”>Bali jewelry</a>? Bali wooden houses? Yup – it’s all here. For all Bali handicrafts head straight over to this website to discover what you require – it’s everything Bali!
Beautiful Bali: The Perfect Last Minute Vacation Idea
Article by William Gabriel
The winter has settled in and brought with it the cold, frigid air, below zero wind chill, frozen limbs, puffy coats, and slick and dangerous road conditions. Sure, winter also brings with it Christmas, New Years, and lots of holiday cheer, but wouldn’t it be MUCH nicer to have your Christmas holiday in a much warmer climate? Or, if you summer months are filled with one boring monotonous day after another, you can experience the same sun and heat in a place with adventure in every nook and cranny. Or if your Spring Break needs a different flavor than Cancun or the other usual Spring Break spots, you can jump on last minute vacation ideas and buy yourself a ticket to Bali in Indonesia.
Planning a last minute trip to Bali requires that you find available accommodations that aren’t just what’s left over after everyone else has picked over it. Villa rentals Bali are available every season, all season long, and there are always Bali villas available that offer you the luxury, amenities, and services you deserve. Even though your vacation is quite last minute, you can still get great deals on vacation packages that offer: villa rentals Bali, yacht charters, airfare, transportation services (rental cars or chauffer services), tours, and lessons.
Bali villas are more than just structures of wood and stone; they are also the one place on earth where you will feel completely at ease, or, if you prefer, totally revved up and ready for the next exciting island adventure. Many Bali villa homes come complete with daily maid service, room service, 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, access to swimming pools, beaches, bars, 5 star dining, world class shopping, and the most luxurious and comfortable rooms you could imagine. Your king sized bed, and en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi tub are awaiting your arrival.
The island tours include trips to temple ruins, local markets, shopping centers, exclusive beaches, and wildlife reserves—who doesn’t want the chance to buy handcrafted goods, taste exotic foods, and see endangered animals all in the same day? Honestly, you don’t have to cram your days full of plans—there is a beach of warm sand waiting for you to lie upon it and laze for hours…vacations are for relaxing and enjoying after all.
Some of your friends and family may think that the speed in which you made your vacation plans can only mean your vacation will be a disaster. Prove them wrong by planning a trip to Bali and reserving villa rentals Bali so you can enjoy the surf, sun, sand, and sweet island life at the last minute. It doesn’t take months of planning to create a vacation that will bring a life time of memories and experiences.
Plan your last minute vacation for the glorious shores of Bali and you won’t be disappointed. Millions of tourists a year can’t be wrong, and neither can the over 3 million residents of this brilliant little island. Your vacation is waiting—get your villa rentals Bali quickly, because other last minute vacation planners might have the same idea!
About the Author
For more tips and information about villa rentals bali please visit: Bali villa
Bali Villa Rental Are Ideal For Family Vacations
Article by Nigel W Fine
Bali is rapidly becoming visible in the world map of tourism. Bali has lots to offer to the visitors in the form of adventure sports, beautiful beaches, shopping, tours to volcanoes and to the many temples of Bali. Hence, it is an ideal destination for tourists of all ages. Bali holiday is, therefore, growing in the popularity list of family vacationing destinations. The demand for a picturesque Bali villa is growing as a favorite abode of families vacationing in Bali.
Bali villa rental has allowed the tourists to enjoy their time privately without being confined to the hotel rooms and at the same time enjoy most modern accommodation and hospitality.
How would you choose your Bali villa rental?
Staying in a Bali villa can be the most exclusive experience for the guests visiting the small island. A private Bali villa is increasingly becoming a popular choice of accommodation amongst the tourists visiting Bali. Following are the points that one may consider while booking his villa for vacation.
A Bali villa would be designed keeping parity to the Bali architecture with spacious rooms so that you can get the feel of staying close to nature. However, you may also ensure that the rooms have modern furnishing and facilities.
Importance should also be paid to the connectivity of the villas so that you don’t miss the actions. Most of the tourists prefer a location that is close both to the beaches and shopping destinations.
The villa may be surrounded with exhibition of flora of a tropical garden with modern furnishing. A lawn and a pool too can be attached to a Bali villa to make it a comfortable abode for the guests.
While deciding on a Bali villa, attention should also be paid on the services offered, such as – dining, housekeeping, security and so on and so forth. One must make sure that the villas are fully and efficiently stuffed. Also, when you are vacationing with your kids you may make sure that the stuffs are compassionate to the kids and services like babysitting and child care facilities are available in the Bali villa.
The kids also tend to get bored quite easily, hence, the Bali villa rental should also offer activities to keep the kids engaged while you can enjoy some quality time with your partner. These are normally not options when one is staying in a hotel room. Hence, a Bali villa rental is increasingly becoming a popular choice amongst families looking for Bali holiday.For Bali rental one can search on the internet to find the best deals. Most of these Bali villa rental places would update their availabilities and deals on the internet. By visiting the websites of a Bali villa rental you can also check out their facilities, rooms and services.
Your Bali holiday experience could be incomplete without a stay in a Bali villa. Exquisite villas available in Mia Villa can just be the right option for tourists looking for a Bali villa experience. The design of these villas is the right blend of modernity and Bali architecture.http://www.miavilla.com
About the Author
Originally from the UK, Nigel Fine has been living and working in Bali and Singapore for the past decade. As well as managing holiday rental villas in Bali, Nigel is a regular contributor of articles about Bali and Bali villas on and offline.
Bali Real Estate Villas, Houses, Land, Hotels. Villas for sale,Villas for sale. Bali Properties
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Things to See and Do in Bali
1) Beach & Surf
Bali is well known for its pristine white beaches and secluded coves, the most famous beaches being in Nusa Dua where long stretches of soft white sand will soothe and comfort the soles of your feet. Many hotels have their own private stretch of beach with a Beach club or restaurant along. Kuta and Uluwatu are areas in South Bali well known for their good surf which makes Bali one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.
2) Padi fields
The beautiful terraced green padi fields are another must see for a visitor to the island of Bali. Many tourists will automatically head to Ubud, about 45 minutes from Bali Airport to stay in a hotel and villa overlooking the padi fields. The best padi field scenery is at Jatih Luwih and Tegallalang which are not far from Ubud.
3) Galleries and Museums
Beautiful paintings can be found in Ubud, home of many of Bali’s well known and aspiring artists. The peaceful scenery and tranquility of the area must be an inspiration for the remarkably detailed paintings these artists create and whose works are displayed in the numerous art galleries and museums found in Ubud village. Some of the more well known galleries are The Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Museum, Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum, Komaneka Gallery and Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women just to name a few.
4) Dance and Music
Dance and music plays a very important part of the life of a Balinese. Every ceremony and festival is almost always accompanied by traditional dance and the soothing sounds of the Gamelan. You will find many locations in and near Ubud where you can watch these dance performances. Dancers wear glittery and colourful costumes, executing to perfection elaborate hand movements and facial expressions to convey stories of the Ramanaya. You can watch the elegant Legong Dance at the Ubud Palace in central Ubud, or see other entertaining performances such as the Warrior Dance and Kecak Dance at other locations within the town. Wayang Kulit, or Shadow Play performances are also a common evening entertainment for the local Balinese and tourists alike.
5) Yoga and Spa Treamtents
There is a growing number of world class spa facilities and health resorts in Bali especially in the Ubud area. Using natural herbs and indigenous products, you will have a wide variety of spa treatments to choose from and enjoy. Spa treatments are ideal for relaxation and what every person who needs a break from this fast paced world of work, family and stress will surely appreciate. A variety of massages using traditional, Aryuvedic, Shiatsu and hot stones are on the menu for you to choose from. Traditional treatments such as Boreh and Lulur are common. Facials, foot massages, healthy meals and private spa facilities are also available at some hotels and salons. Holistic resorts offer yoga programs and have resident teachers who will guide you to peace of mind.
6) Festivals and Ceremonies
Religion plays a central role in the life of every Balinese family. The island has hundreds of temples, for which each and every one has a temple anniversary, known as Odalan. On this day, the villagers visit the temple for prayers and socializing. It can be considered a community event to bring the people together and promotes good feelings between villagers. With the Balinese Hindu religion comes many daily practices such as placing offerings such as trays of flowers called Canang Sari in temples, shrines and symbolic locations to ward off evil and please the Gods. Nyepi Day, which is the Balinese New Year is a day that is spent in silence in reflective prayer and meditation. The days before Nyepi however provide many opportunities for a tourist to witness ceremonies and rituals including the noisy and colourful Ogoh-Ogoh procession which happens one day before Nyepi, on Melasti Day. This procession is a colourful display of the creativity of the Balinese where towering papier mache ‘monsters’ are paraded through the town in noisy processions in efforts to chase away any evil.
Galungan is another major festival for the Balinese which at the end of 10 days is marked by Kuningan Day. This festival occurs every six months so you will have the opportunity to see it in another half year if you miss the first round. During this time you will see the Barong Dance procession which goes through the village performing in front of shops and houses as an act of purification. Cremations are another village affair where the entire family and friends of the deceased are involved. The body is carried from the home grounds through the village to the cremation site where it is place in a towering sarcophagus and burnt to the ground.
7) Sea Sports
Bali has some of the most colourful and interesting sea life you will ever see. Well known dive sites are located in Amed and Tulamben where there are ship wrecks, in Menjangan Island in the North West, and Pandang Bali and Lembongan Island in the East to name a few. Nusa Dua and Sanur are ideal for snorkeling but there are many other areas as well.
8) Visit Active Volcanoes
Indonesia has hundreds of volcanoes and Bali has some of its own famous ones as well. Kintamani town is where you will see the 2800m high Mount Bali, a popular tourist destination in Bali. The volcano has a large caldera lake and it is possible to go on a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur if you can wake up early enough! Mount Agung, the location of Bali’s largest and most sacred temple, Puri Besakih, is Bali’s highest and most sacred mountain at 3142m high. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple is where Bali’s most important ceremonies are held and worth visiting if you have the opportunity to go on an East Bali tour especially in April when the temple has its anniversary.
9) Land Adventure Activities
Apart from the southern tourist towns, Bali is an island still very much in its natural state compared to other tourist destinations. You will soon realise that there are many locations that provide the ideal terrain for exciting adventure activities. Bali is not only Kuta and Nusa Dua. Travel north and you will find out what the real Bali has to offer – culture, spectacular scenery and experiences that modern tourist towns with shopping malls are totally devoid of.
The rivers, mountains and jungles are all places where you can experience Bali away from the tourist crowds. White water rafting down the scenic Ayung or down the heart stopping Telaga River rapids is one of the more popular activities for tourists who come to Bali. A mountain bike ride from Kintamani down to Ubud through the padi fields and small villages with friendly locals is another leisurely activity for families and individuals alike. Bali is home to the Taro Elephant Park, complete with accommodation, activities and elephant fun for all ages. You can ride an elephant through the jungle, marvel at their intelligence and let them make you laugh when you visit the Taro Elephant safari park in Bali. Quad driving will take you through the jungles and rougher terrain. Canyon tubing where you sit in a floating tube and coast down a river through the jungle is another fun activity. A new attraction, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is a unique blend of wildlife conservation and culture. You will be able to see wildlife in their natural surroundings and learn about the ancient Balinese culture at this tourist attraction.
10) Shop till you drop
Finally what the first thing tourists tend to do on any trip and most certainly to Bali is to shop. You have Kuta Center, Galeria Nusa Dua, Matahari in Legian and Ubud Market where you will find bargains of all sorts. The Balinese are well known for their creative and artistic skills evident in the numerous arts and crafts found throughout the island. Many craft factories are found in Tegallalang and the surrounding area. Skilled silversmiths in the village of Celuk, sell their creations in eclectic shops in Ubud but you will be able to buy their jewelry at slightly better prices. Sukawati art market is where you will find many of the fabrics used in Balinese clothing as well as hand made crafts such as woven baskets at good prices. Crafts and statues are made from natural products found on Bali such as coconut wood, bamboo and volcanic sand stone. Masks and puppets make interesting gift items. You will also find many unique home decor items such as table runners, lamp shades and wall decorations to give your home a touch of Bali style when you return. Furniture items are often available at attractive prices compared to if you were to purchase them from outside of Bali.
So there you are, a list of many things you can do in Bali. Relax, get fit, have fun, gain new experiences and most of all, a memorable holiday. And if you count them up, you’ve got a lot more than 10 things to do there. This is by no means an exhaustive list but more than enough for a 3 to 7 day trip to this wonderful and magical island of the Gods.
Trias Bali Travel is an inbound travel services company located in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. We offer Bali tour packages, hotel reservations, and event management for a hassle free holiday to Bali Island. http://www.triasbali.com
Wanna experience Bali Round Trips Mate?
Article by Boby Sanders
Having round trips in Bali is quite exceptional for those who would like to experince more than just having holiday and relaxing in the hotel. For those wishing to experience the typicaly real Bali, you can have a try to find out the informative solutions that is worth a reference for the travelers.
The uniqueness and natural beauty of Bali has been certainly tempting those who preferred to make it as most visited destinations in the world. No wonder that eighty percent or so of the travelers visiting Indonesia took Bali as their main destination. Bali liying betwen Java and Lombok island is just about 8 degrees south of the equator in which the tropical climate with its humidity is dominating all year round. It’s got amazingly such gorgeous places of interest to explore and experience.
Bali is very distinguished island than others since its typicaly art and cultural activities, white sandy beach, exquisitly flowing cool river water, truly magnificent rice terrace, mountainous areas with coffe and other spices plantations turning and keeping the travelers’ eyes opened and generating them to curiously experince what Bali has to offers. These are only a slight of it that actualy there are a lot more to bring up. Because of the excessiveness that Bali has, a large number of visitors come over mainly for such holliday activities as making day trip, round trip, going for adventure trips, shoping , and a wide range of other optional activities.
Bali considered as the island of GODS and PARADISE that everybody buzzing is with uncontroled gowth of high population over 4 million inhabitants in which eighty percents are Hindhu Balinesse. Nowdays Bali is dealing with the seriously uncontroled developments of tourism industries mostly concentrated in capital city and regions at southern parts which is quite closed to International Airport. These generate extremly incredible traffic getting worse year by year. In spite of its negatife effects, Bali stay the most wanted as tourist destination where there are numbers of fascinating places further away from the crowds to visit that is just offering the pristine way of life and some magnificent outlooks of nature, adventures, art and cultural activities that nobody want to miss it. Those who prefer experincing all these, you can try to find out worth an informative solutions at bali day trips and rent a car services where you can leave your hassle to them with some selections of bali day tour services, bali round trips, and many others that might be of some use for you.
Eventualy for those who love making Bali Day Trips or Round Trips, there is a wide varieties of tour and car rental services operating in Bali. They are all accomodating the Travelers needs either for the purposes of holliday or bussines trips. When you have planed trips of your own and you would like to experince it privately you can have a try to take rent a car services at low charges including petrol and english speaking drivers who organize pick up time from the hotel you are staying in and take you the way wherever you want to freely make the trips to. Don’t forget to bring some cash with you during the trips, for there are some transctions in a certain shop, restaurant, or other places doesn’t require credit card. All will become much more easier and relaxing after all.
About the Author
I enjoyed a lot in Bali Day Trips I love visiting places of interest in Bali, I also made the most out of my time I spent for Bali Adventure Tours recommended by one of Bali Tour Drivers well experienced in Tour Services in Bali.
How Foreigners Can Own Property in Bali?
How Foreigners Can Own Property in Bali?
Like most of South East Asia, foreigners are not permitted to have outright title to property here in Bali. However, foreign individuals can legally acquire property in Indonesia and enjoy full beneficial rights. Investment Bali always recommends to clients that they should secure the best legal advice when securing property in Bali. Below is some information regarding purchasing property in Bali, or Indonesia in general.
There are a number of different types of title in Indonesia, that is:
1. Hak Milik (Freehold) is the type of title that can only be held by an Indonesian citizen.
2. Hak Pakai (essentially leasehold title) and other forms of title can be held by a PT or PMA Company (Foreign Investment Company).
A non Indonesian citizen can’t own land in Indonesia. However a foreigner can acquire a leasehold title to a building, almost the same as a strata title except that the title lasts only for 25 years with an extension of 30 years for a maximum of 55 years and then reverts to the original owner.
There are two ways for foreigners to own the land in Indonesia that is using The Nominee and PMA.
The Nominee will sign four documents with the foreigner as follow:
a. A Loan Agreement, acknowledges that the foreigner has lent to the Nominee the purchase price of the land.
b. A Right of Use Agreement, allows the foreigner to use the land.
c. A Statement Letter, where the Nominee acknowledges the foreigners loan and intention to own the land.
d. Power of Attorney, the Nominee signs an irrevocable Power of Attorney giving the foreigner the complete authorities sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise deal in the land.
The most significant change in Indonesian investment law came in 1997 when the government introduced the PMA (Penanaman Modal Asing or Foreign Investment Company). This allows foreign investors to set up a company in Indonesia, without having to have Indonesian partners. The PMA can be 100% owned by the foreign investor. PMA companies are allowed to own the title of the property for a period 25 years and have to be renewed by the government.
For more information please contact us in www.nowpropertybali.com
Bali property is still much cheaper than many other places http://www.nowpropertybali.com/
Why Pay Normal Rent? Pay Bali Villa Rent!
The jewel of the ocean, Indonesia, is home to one of the most beautiful havens on earth—Bali. Bali is more than just a small island near Java (yes, they grow coffee beans there), it is also one of the most popular vacation spots in the Indian Ocean. Because the climate on Bali is gorgeous the majority of the year, many find that planning a vacation to Bali doesn’t have to wait until summer break—you can pack up the family and take a vacation to Bali whenever it strikes your fancy.
If you’re wondering why Bali is as fabulous as so many seem to think, here is one really good reason why vacationing in Bali will change your life—Bali villas for rent!
Yes, you’ve probably heard of how many big hotel chains are putting emphasis on small luxury villas in exotic places like Mexico, Italy, Spain, Greece, Thailand, and the Caribbean, but none of those villas in any of those places will offer you the luxury, true life altering vacation experiences that you will find when paying Bali villa rent—in Bali.
Affordable and Amazing
If you are living on a budget like most people are, you are wondering how you could possibly afford a vacation in a place as exotic and far away as the island nation of Bali. Honestly, affording Bali villa rent doesn’t require that you hock your grandmother’s wedding ring or sell your blood plasma in large quantities. With the myriad of Bali villas for rent you are sure to find one that is affordable for you and still has all the amenities, the location, the events, the perks, the customer service, and the memories you are looking for.
One of the most important reasons people visit Bali is for the views. Who wouldn’t want to pay Bali villa rent and have an ocean view right off their bathroom or their private swimming pool? For as little as 0 USD per night for a 1-4 bedroom villa you can have Mother Ocean as your playmate.
If the views aren’t enough to convince you to spend the money on villa rentals, maybe you should consider the people. The Balinese people are a people rich in heritage, history, mythology, and the love of dance and celebration. If you’ve never seen a Balinese dancer you are missing something spectacular. If you decide to look for Bali villas for rent you should consider renting a villa that offers its guests the pleasure of being entertained by highly trained dancers—the colors, the ornamentation, the movements, the beauty, the mystery, the mysticism all working together to blow your mind and your expectations.
Bali is beautiful and perfect for the family, the friends, or just the getaway, and renting a villa is more affordable than spending thousands of dollars for a weekend in a metal monstrosity of a hotel. Sure, high end hotels have amenities, but they can’t offer the close, intimate feeling that a small luxury villa provides.
Instead of paying hotel fees and ridiculous prices you can pay Bali villa rent.
For more tips and information about bali villa rent please visit:bali villas for rent
Bali: Beaches, Spas, Nightlife and Shahrukh Khan
For me, arriving at Bali was a travellers’ delight. Nothing could beat travel fatigue better than the friendly, smiling Balinese faces at the Customs and Immigrations at the Denpasar airport and the ‘ Visa on arrival’ stamped on my passport for 10 USD in 15 minutes flat!
I had heard that Bali was an island of temples, dances, and age-old rituals; with over 95 per cent of the 3 million people practice a form of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me for the spot-on recital of ‘Gayatri Mantra’ by my taxi driver, followed by a song from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the same breath. I was amazed by the Bollywood craze in this Far East city, so much so, that I was instantly labelled ‘from Shah Rukh Khan’s country’ by every taxi driver and local I met!
Arriving at the airport, most tourists head straight for the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, I chose Kuta simply because it is still arguably the centre of night life activities along with an array of shops, boutiques, and galleries- what more could I ask for!
Bali offers a vast section of hotels for all budgets, right from simple and cheap accommodation for backpackers to five star hotels with indulgent spas for those seeking pure luxury. I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Kuta beach.
At sunset, the Kuta beach comes alive, with people wanting to enjoy the stunning panorama. Teeming tourist, locals selling the colourful sarongs and batiks and a Balinese dance performance somewhere on endless stretch of the beach…and if you want to dance away into the wee hours of the morning, you wont be disappointed- pubbing is amazing in Kuta, with a wide choice of with pubs and discos that offer a vibrant nightlife.
The best way to enjoy Kuta is by simply asking the locals, who are very friendly an always ready to help you. I was lucky to have a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia- Kishore Pridhnani, who along with his wife Radha took me for a night tour of all the chic places in Kuta. The one that left a lasting impression on my mind was Ku De Ta, a fancy restaurant overlooking the beach. I absolutely loved the ambience in the night and would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
However, if your kind of vacation is to relax and chill out, head to the southern peninsula, with world-class, self-contained luxury hotels set on quiet stretches of beach of Sanur and Nusa Dua, as well as in Jimbaran Bay. (which is also very popular for very reasonable Sea food) These white sand beaches dotted by thousands of mangrove and coconut trees and sheltered by coral reefs, create an ideal haven for honeymooners or those preferring solitude.
To take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, I headed for Ubud, which I must say has retained the feel of a cosy village retreat, despite of the growing tourism industry. Ubud is the arts and crafts capital of Bali, so in addition to streets lined with lined with shops and workshops specialising in traditional crafts, there are a number of different art galleries and museums to visit.
The next I headed for a day-trip cruise from Benoa Harbor that took me to the Lembongan Island, a popular spot for surfers and scuba divers. (at approx. USD 60 onwards for the day-cruise inclusive of lunch, I think it’s a worth a visit). Arriving on the white sandy beaches of Lembongan Bay, you can take the guided snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat cruise or simply walk amidst the native Balinese villages
If you want to take a break from the beach scenario, I suggest a trip into the cool mountains of Kintamani with its green rice fields, the placid Lake Batur that rests in a huge crater and the impressive Gunung Batur volcano that dominates the landscape. The evenings tend to get cooler, so carry a warm pullover or a shawl and make sure you have camera with you to capture the spectacular view of Mt Batur.
Bali is one of the Spa Capitals of the world where you can indulge yourself in a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you want to spoil yourself then you can sample from an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice-paste exfoliations, flower petal aroma baths and indulgent cream baths. I would suggest you check some of the local spas that work spa therapies into your holiday schedule on a daily basis. And don’t forget the traditional drinks made of herbs and roots- ‘jamu’, a local Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, aching bones or chills.
For the adventurous and sporty, Bali offers a host of adrenaline-pumping water-sports, both below and above water. Surfing, scuba diving, banana boats, snorkelling, parasailing, Jet Ski, Bungee Jumping, Bali offers it all.
Do try the river rafting on the Ayung River amidst a wild tropical forest. Ride the fast-flowing Ayung river as it carves its way with numerous hairpin curves and swirling rapids. A full day programme would only cost you about USD 35 onwards and I found the experience thoroughly stimulating.
For those who love underwater world and always wanted to dive, there is spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling off the unspoiled coral reefs around the island, with the most amazing and colourful underwater life. There are even learner’s courses by qualified professional instructors for the amateurs (you can take a day’s course for less than USD 100)
And while you are on the beach enjoying the water sports, do indulge in the locals who cajole you into trying hair braiding, getting tattoo done or even have a relaxing massage.
If you are travelling with your kids, be sure to take them to the Waterboom Park. My kids and I enjoyed a day of waterslides and pools in all sizes with restaurants and snack bars within arms reach…good family fun for kids of all ages!
When you feel like venturing outside for a meal, there are lots of breezy open sided bamboo cafes serving authentic Balinese food as well as an array of sumptuous international cuisine. But for those who miss Indian food, I suggest you try out a delicious meal at the Queen’s Tandoor in Seminyak, where the owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra go out of the way to pamper you with personal attention.
Another big pastime here is shopping!
For those who do not want to wander too far from the beach, Sanur, Kuta and Ubud have more than enough to appease any shopper, from sarongs and sandals to wooden statues, stone carvings and iron and bronze works. But if you are keen on shopping, you can buy branded stuff from malls like Mahatari or also look for Factory Sales of branded clothes.
You’ll find the ultimate in open-air market browsing in southern Bali, where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. Do check out the local painting styles. I suggest, you always go in at less than a third of the price and even walk away, until you get the price you want. .
And before you leave Bali don’t forget to buy their chilly sauce called Sambal (its one of it’s kind and you can even pick it up at the duty free at Bali Airport.)
From the locals raving over Shah Rukh Khan to the colourful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise lures Indians, not just by its natural exquisiteness but more importantly by its culture and the warmth of the Balinese people.
With Bali becoming more accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and great deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines that have daily flights connecting the Island for as little as USD 160 for a round trip ticket, I would defiantly recommend this island getaway as your next travel itinerary!
Manoj Gursahani is the Chairman of India’s first ecommerce travel portal- TravelMartIndia. Visit the blog for more travel related issues, travel tips and destinations.
Canggu / Kerobokan & Seminyak & Sanur – Bali Villas
Article by Balinese Bali
Kerobokan
What used to be a remote village has been developed in recent years to include many charming villas and bungalows available for holiday rentals. The stretch of beach at Canggu is a very popular surf spot with often dramatic waves crashing on the shore. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular and can also be enjoyed while dining al fresco at one of the seaside restaurants.
Kerobokan is a sprawling traditional village with well-appointed villas hidden away in quiet lanes. Both Canggu and Kerobokan are about a 20 minutes drive from Seminyak and besides offering lovely views over pastoral rice fields they are a pleasant areas to go home to after enjoying busy Seminyak.
Seminyak
Called the trendiest spot in south Bali, this sea front village is a world on its own! Hip and stylish, with great shopping opportunities that include high-end boutiques, numerous spas and beauty salons with treatments designed for your well-being, local and international restaurants, bars and a legendary clubbing scene.
A marvelous long and flat stretch of beach invites you to sunbathe and enjoy the sunsets at various high-end beachfront establishments. Good surf too and less crowded than the Kuta -Legian area!
Sanur
Ideal for a family holiday is Sanur, a coastal stretch of beach close to Bali’s capital Denpasar in the south-east. It is a more up market and quieter alternative to Kuta if you come to Bali for sun and fun.
At low tide the white sand beach is vast and shallow, and at high tide excellent for swimming. A variety of water sports are available, with equipment to rent.
Ubud
Already on the drive from the airport towards the town of Ubud you will enjoy seeing glimpses of the authentic rural Bali. Once on site, you will by surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and rice paddies; on clear days the majestic volcanoes will reveal themselves. The countryside is unspoiled and because of its higher elevation it is cooler than at the south coast, offering many opportunities for walking and cycling.
In Ubud itself you will be immersed in Balinese culture, arts, crafts, museums, dance and music, temples, ancient sites and traditional and modern health and beauty treatments available in spas and yoga centers; some of the finest foods await you in numerous restaurants.
For more information, visit Baliroma – Bali Villas
About the Author
The author is enthusiast from Bali
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