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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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.

For More:

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

ULLUWATU - Temple on the Cliff

About 45 Pura Luhur Uluwatu is regarded as one of the six most important temples in Bali (along with Pura Besakih, of course!).

Its location on the south westernmost precinct of this magical island guards the Balinese from the evil spirit of the ocean.

Take a walk down the huge cliffs to take a dip in the warm waters of the ......Ocean.

Complete the day chatting to the locals in the many warungs (cafes) scattered up the cliffs.

SOUTH KUTA BEACH

South Kuta, Bali is more that just a great beach......it is conveniently located just a short distance from Bali's International aiprort and a comfortable stroll form the nightlife and excitment of central Kuta.

For More:

Labels: South Kuta, Bali's International aiprort, nightlife

FEBRIS RESORT AND SPA - onecarats choice

Febri's, a new 3-star hotel, is centrally located on the main Kartika Plaza street, South Kuta Beach.

Also known as Tuban, the area has recently become the shopping icon of Bali with its majestic Discovery Mall, Central Kuta Shopping & Entertainment complex, and Kuta Art Market.

Family facilities are also widely available such as Waterbom Park, Reverse-Bungee Jumping, Bowling Center, various ethnic & theme restaurants.

For More:

Labels: Waterbom Park, South Kuta Beach,Kuta Art Market, South Kuta Beach, Febri's,