Wine and Dine in Bali – A Multitude of Choice

In Bali, you are spoilt for a choice of dining from the different varieties of cuisines and eateries. Starting from the traditional Balinese cuisines, the most important ones like Babi Guling, Bebek Betutu, Sate Lilit, Nasi Kuning are sure to give you the real flavor of Balinese food habits. Then, you can have a different eating experience in Nasi Padang restaurants where you are served a wide variety of dishes but only pay for what you actually eat. Along with these cuisines, you should also taste the beer, wine and even the local alcoholic beverages to make your Balinese ‘wine and dine’ experience a remarkable one.

Bali is Often Called a Paradise- But Why?

Bali is often called a paradise and it is justifiable by any means. Bali, with its welcoming and friendly natives, exotic and multi-cuisines, romantic landscape, spectacular scenic beauties and natural wonders, rich and spiritually oriented culture, wide variety of fun activities for all age groups, magnificent hotels, resorts and private vacation villas, regular performance of traditional art forms is really a dream world. And the most distinguishing feature of holidaying in Bali is the peculiar combination of quality with affordability. Bali is a paradise, a romantic recluse, where worries and troubles ‘fear to tread’.

Welcoming Tourist Accommodations in Bali.

Bali offers a wide and varied choice of tourist accommodations. There are mainly three different varieties of tourist accommodations, namely, the hotels and resorts, villas inside the hotel or resort compounds and private vacation villas. You can find hotels and resorts ranging from the budgeted ones to the five star levels with world class facilities. Some hotels and resorts offers villa like cottages for a varied experience. In these villas which are situated inside the walls of the hotel or resort, you enjoy the benefits of a private home along with all the facilities of a hotel or resort. Then, you have the private vacation villas which treats you like a royalty with its unbelievable and exquisite facilities. Choice is always yours.

Touring inside Bali.

There are different tour packages to cover all parts of Bali which divides your visits to different places into a visit to the Kinta Mani village, then to East Bali, then a peep into north Bali, again a tour to Bedugul village and finally a visit to Monkey forest. In each tour package, you can enjoy some of the beautiful villages, its art and craft, mountain slopes, rice terraces, crater lakes, volcanoes, famous temples, fruit and vegetable gardens and famous monuments. You can pay homage to some temples, satisfy your archeological curiosity, shop around for Balinese handicrafts, taste traditional style food and forget yourself in the scenic beauty of the villages.

The Beautiful Island of Bali.

The beautiful island of Bali is a part of Indonesia. Bali presents a varied and diverse landscape of volcanoes, sandy beaches, tropical forests, fast flowing rivers, pristine crater lakes, beautiful rice terraces and picturesque vegetable and fruit gardens. Bali generally has pleasant climate with sunny days and cool evenings, though there are heavy showers and high humidity during the monsoon seasons. Its total area amounts to only a few square kilometers of around 5632. So, exploring the whole island takes only a few days and can be covered easily by any means of transportation. Visit Bali at least once and enjoy its beauty.

Spoil Yourself in One of the Private Holiday Villas in Bali.

Though there are hotels and resorts and even villas inside the hotels or resorts, the best type of tourist accommodation in Bali is undoubtedly the private vacation villas. These private luxury villas ranges from 2 to 7 bedroom villas with a small garden, a private swimming pool, a private chef, trained maids and houseboys, in-house spa facilities and an air-conditioned car with an experienced driver. If your choice is a varied and delightful experience, then go for the private vacation villas. Be a royalty at least for a few days.

Reach Bali by Air!

If you search for flights in and out of Bali, you will be surprised- there is no entry for any flights to Bali in any airline schedules. Don’t get upset. Search for flights to Denpasar or DPS and you will surely find lots of flights and this is the one that will take you to Bali, because flights to Bali are listed under the name of its capital. Almost all major airlines operate their flights to Bali from almost all international airports. You can also charter flights to Bali; if it suits your budget. From the international airport in Bali, you can reach anywhere in Bali in an hour’s journey as it is a very small island.

Popular Bali Arts

Balinese art and culture is peculiar in many ways and is a refreshing and variety entertainment for the tourists. Balinese dance forms like Legong Dance, Fire Dance, Barong Dance, Kecak Dance and Ramayana Dance are very different dance performances. Though traditional dram and other performances are interesting, the most enticing performance is Wayang Kulit, a form of Indonesian puppet play. Regular dance and drama performances are conducted in Bali for the tourists. Although most performances are conducted in the evenings, some forms are performed in the mornings also. You can also have a private performance at your convenience, if you wish so.

Planning Overseas Investment in Property? Bali is the Best Choice!

The natural attractions of Bali combined with modern transportation and living facilities have made it a favorite tourist spot. So renting out villas or resorts or estates in Bali generates considerable income. Usually foreigners acquire villas and estates in the name of a Balinese citizen and lease it out from him for a period of 25 years which can be extended again for another 25 year term. This villas and estates can be used for personal purpose and can also be rented out to the tourists whose number is increasing by leaps and bounds as years pass. Though permanent property acquisitions are not allowed for foreigners in Bali, many foreigners are finding Bali a profitable temporary overseas investment.

Plan Your Dream Wedding and Romantic Honeymoon in Bali

Bali is the ideal paradise for anyone who wants to enjoy a romantic escape from the weariness of the world. So, if you wish to tie the knots in a dream world, then Bali is the best choice. There are many companies in Bali who acts as wedding co-coordinators. These companies take care of every aspect of wedding arrangements like handling of legal formalities, elaborate ceremonies, dresses for the bride and the groom, photo and video, musicians and dancers, venue decoration, catering and party service and transportation. They also arrange for the right honeymoon accommodation to make your wedding and honeymoon very special and truly memorable.

Night Life in Bali – A Thrilling Experience

Night life in Bali is a really thrilling experience. The most important aspect of nightlife in Bali is that it starts very late, usually after the midnight. But there’s nothing to worry. You will find the calm and quiet day times giving way to noisy and active nightlife. You will never be alone in any road or bar at nights, on the contrary, you will be in the midst of a crowd. You can enjoy the live music and dance along with wine and beer in the local bars. Also there will be the ‘kupu kupu malams’or the night butterflies or working girls all competing to serve you in the most pleasing manners. So, enjoy the night to the full.

How to Get into Bali?

Flights are the easiest and popular means of transport to get into Bali. Almost all major airlines from Asia and Australia operate their flights to the international airport in Denpasar, the capital of Bali. There are also flights to Denpasar from all major cities in Indonesia. Though most tourists opt to fly into Bali, there are other means to get into Bali. Road transport is an alternative means to get into Bali. There are regular bus services to Bali from the major cities in Indonesia. Another alternative to flights are the ferries. There are regular boat services to Bali from the neighboring islands. So, once you are in Indonesia, getting into Bali is very easy.

How about Learning Balinese Cooking?

Heinz von Holzen at his restaurant Bumbu Bali reveals the secrets and magic of Balinese cuisine to anyone who is interested in learning something new and different. These cooking classes are conducted in a kitchen built in the traditional style of Balinese kitchen architecture. During these cooking classes, the participants are introduced to the basic style of Balinese food preparation and basic ingredients in Balinese cuisines. Then they are taken to the different local markets to buy the necessary ingredients for the Balinese delicacies which they are going to cook. This will give you a first hand experience on the flavors of Balinese delicacies.

Getting Around in Bali- It’s Easy and Cheap!

Once you are in Bali, there are numerous means of transport to get around and explore the island. The easiest and popular means of transport is rental car and driver services which are easily available every where in Bali. In southern Bali, you can also enjoy the services of metered taxis for both half days and full days. If you are ready to take the challenges of riding in a place where traffic rules are mostly not followed, then you can rent a car or bike from the rental shops. If you are looking for a different experience in riding, then you can opt for the bicycle also. Bemos or mini-vans which offer flexible bus services are also another means to get around in Bali.

Go on a Shopping Spree in Bali

Bali is the best place for you if you are a shopping maniac. Bali offers a wide variety of fine arts and handicraft items like carvings in wood and stone, jewelry in gold and silver, different types of paintings, different types of dyed and woven fabrics, antique and modern furniture etc. Some of the famous shopping centers are Kuta Square, Bali Galeria, Geneva, etc. You must bargain well if you want to get the best price in almost all the shops in Bali. You should also be careful not to get duped with fake items.

Exquisite Activities in Bali

The number and variety of fun activities that tourists can enjoy in Bali is countless and challenging. The fun activities vary from different types of water sports to spa and beauty treatments, from different types of pleasure cruises to culinary events, from bungee jumping to game fishing, from submarine safaris to paragliding, from games like golf, tennis and squash to cooking and meditation classes and from nature tours to horse riding and Bali safari. Bali has some or the other activity for all age groups. You just cannot miss out activities in Bali as it caters to the needs of every individual tourist.

Cruising in Bali – A Different Experience

Cruising in Bali is actually a varied experience. There are regular scheduled cruises from Bali to the interior parts of Indonesia. These include safari cruises and daily cruises. You can also have charted cruises according to your convenience and pleasure. In a few days time, you can enrich your experience with first hand knowledge of the ancient tribes and their cultures. You also get a chance go back into the pre-historic times through your visit to Komodo Dragons. There are different ranges of cruises so that you can find the one that fits into your budget.

Booking a Holiday Villa in Bali – Do’s & Don’ts

Some guidelines to book a holiday villa in Bali:

Always book through a reputable and verified company site. Check the company’s background and experience in the field. The ‘Verisign’ icon on the company site assures its validity and reliability. Never go for companies which offer very low prices. They usually won’t have any reliable backgrounds and the chances to get duped are high.
Check whether the company accepts major credit cards. Credit card issuers will discontinue their business with an unreliable company. So, if a company does not accept major credit cards, its better to avoid it.
Check the company’s privacy policy and whether it has been approved by ‘TRUSTe’. This is very important to avoid troubles during your stay in the villas.

Get the best deal from the best company.

Bali- An Island with a Difference

Bali is not any one of the islands in the world. It has many unique and distinguishing features which are beyond description. The friendly and welcoming natives, pleasant climate, picturesque landscape, varied and exciting Bali activities and the exotic Balinese culinary make Bali a popular tourist destination. Old men with their fighting cocks proudly sitting on the roadsides, beautifully dressed women carrying something or the other on their heads, blooming flowers all over the place, the sound of music intermingled in the air are some of the common sights and experiences of Bali. Once you step on this island, you become a slave to its beauty and culture.

An Inexpensive Holidaying in Bali!

‘Reasonably priced’- it is actually the right word to describe a holiday in Bali as far as the cost of holidaying is considered. Accommodation, both in hotels and private holiday villas, is usually reasonably priced. You may even say that it is cheap compared to the facilities (private chefs, spa treatments, maids and attendants, air-conditioned car with driver)offered along with your stay anywhere in Bali. Transportation is also very cheap in Bali, irrespective of the means of transportation that you choose to travel from one village to another. The pleasure cruises, eateries, safaris, tour (inside Bali) packages all come at a very reasonable price. If you are good at bargaining then even shopping is very cheap in Bali.

BALI - the island of the Sunset

There is only one word to describe the sunsets in Bali: spectacular. In winter solstice in December, when the sun is close to its lowest point, a large, bright orange, red sun will approach the horizon of Kuta, descending ever so slowly. Brilliant shadows are cast everywhere, golden reflection on the water, and strips of clouds march as if to curtain another day. One light strip of cloud will probably march straight into the view, stealing the completeness of the sun, as if to accessorize it with a flowing silk scarf. Millions pairs of eyes are fixated, as the sun's bottom touches the horizon, and, in a matter of minutes, vanishes from the sight, as if it was never there.

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Labels: describe the sunsets in Bali, Kuta, completeness of the sun.

JIMBARAN BAY - Seafood Dining at its best.

Jimbaran Bay in my opinion is the Jewel of Bali.

If you enjoy seafood, eating at Jimbaran Bay is a must for dinner.

Located about 20 minutes south of Kuta, on arrival the first choice is which warung (restaurant) do I choose. Walk and look, check out the fresh seafood - yep generally the fishermen caught it during that day - ask pricing; it is not unusual to barter for you dinner.

Choose from still kicking fresh Lobster, whole fish, squid, scampi, mussles, the list is endless. All seafood is cooked in front of your eyes on open BBQs stacked with coconut husk.

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Labels: Jimbaran Bay, seafood, Lobster, coconut husk, Kuta.

WATER - stick to the bottled type

Ever heard of Bali Belly? it exists.

The first thing to do, after booking into your hotel is head to the supermarket and buy bottled water.

Dont be fooled, even brushing teeth is safer with bottled water.

A lot of hotels; like the one where I prefer to stay - Febris Hotel and Spa - supply bottled water every day during daily room service.

In most cases hotels and 'tourist' restaurants will prepare food and supply ice made from AQUA (Bali term for water).

Stay alert have a great holiday, and if all else fails have a long neck of Bintang.

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Labels:Bali Belly, supermarket, Febris Hotel and Spa, Bintang.

KUTA ART MARKETS - the Market by the Sea.

Kuta Art Market has a multitude of shops selling a wide variety of goods including, sarongs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture and leather goods. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and smart bargain.

It is quite common to bargain in markets, shops and art shops for buyers, so having a good price is partly dependent upon one's smartness in bargaining.

Splendid local hand woven materials, silver and gold works, woodcarvings, garments and many other interesting things can be found at any market or art market.

You will find that shops selling similar items are generally grouped together. This makes comparing prices easy as you just have to go next shop to find the something.

Remember to bring your cash, as not all places accept credit cards.

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Labels: bring your cash, comparing prices easy, silver and gold works, handicrafts, Kuta Art Market,leather goods

UBUD MONKEY FOREST

WHY IS THE Monkey Forest of Padangtegal considered to be Sacred?

The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. In trying to understand Balinese Hinduism it is important to keep in mind that Balinese Hinduism is unlike Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world today. Balinese Hinduism combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism,and Hinduism.

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Labels: Balinese Hinduism, Buddhism, Monkey Forest of Padangtegal.

LOCAL TRANSPORT - scooters, bemos.

In Bali, the road rules seem like something from another much more relaxed planet. Busses, scooters, cars and bemos (the Indonesian minibus-moped hybrid) weave in and out of lanes. Pedestrians are part of the stream of traffic.
If you dare to drive yourself, you’ll learn soon enough how to go with the flow.

Scooters can be rented for about five dollars a day, with cars going for around $10.Local transport is very cheep.

With so much to see you gan walk for ever.

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Labels: road rules, scooters, bemos, If you dare to drive yourself,

WATERBOM PARK, GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Exciting water slides slice through 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks, providing hours of fun and entertainment for the young and young at heart!

There are 101 ways to fill 24 hours each day with thrilling activities on land and in water.

For relaxation, drift leisurely in a tube raft or go for a tranquil dip in inviting blue pools. Set your own pace for a day of fun in the sun or relaxation in the shade.

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Labels: dip in inviting blue pools, relaxation

BINTANG - THE BEER OF BALI

Bintang Beer - Indonesian: Bir Bintang, lit. "Star Beer") is the best selling brand of beer in Indonesia and is produced by Multi Bintang, an Indonesian subsidiary of Heineken.

The 5% Pilsener has a malt and hop flavour. Its watery taste is often compared to Heineken and the Bintang bottle is also reminiscent of a Heineken bottle. Bintang makes a shandy-type product called Green Sands; a beer mixed with lime that has less than 1% alcohol.

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Labels:Bintang Beer, Green Sands, Indonesia, Heineken,shandy.