Bali For Travelling - Guidance Before Visiting Bali Island

Visit Dreamland Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:09:00 +0000

Forget in moment Kuta, Sanur, and or Nusa Dua. Enjoying Bali only by sand sunning in the coasts not be prestigious anymore. Nowadays, time for you enjoying more challenging exotic and exclusive vacation. Because the coasts only known by a few tourists. The information even also by mouth to mouth. You will not find in reference or travel. Even so maybe its not too much and can be calculated by finger.

Dreamland is on the south side of Bali, about 30 to 40 minutes from Kuta. There are 2 alternative ways to go to Dreamland. You can either go through the Jimbaran Bay area or pass through the Dwipayana University (a well-known public university in Bali); both ways are easy to follow. If you do get lost, ask for directions to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). It’s a famous cultural park located in Bukit Unggasan, Jimbaran. Here you can find a 75 meter-high and 60-meter wide figure of god Visnu, one of the Trimurti symbols in Hinduism. The status is made by I Nyoman Nuarta, and is now still unfinished. When it is done, it will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York!

About 15 minutes from GWK, you will find a big statue of Garuda (the symbol of Indonesia), on the right side of the road. That means you’re just a stone throw’s away from Dreamland Beach. Dreamland Beach is located on a big-deserted property, a failed Pecatu Graha development. You will probably have to pay about Rp 5000 for the entry. When you get to the end of the road, you will be on top of a cliff, with the big blue ocean’s sky in front of you. Look down! That’s Dreamland Beach…

You have to walk a little then down a path of stairs to reach the beach.. Once on the sand, you will find rented umbrellas and beach benches facing the beach. You can also order food and drinks from the local traditional cafés available all around the beach. The cafes might seem common and usual, but many of them actually serve European dishes which is out of the ordinary for this setting. Planning to spend the night? Some of the local cafes offer humble accommodations at a reasonable price (ranged between Rp 50,000 to Rp 200,000 per night). In the evening, enjoy the sunset whilst several tourists build a campfire on the beach, or just play a light game of beach ball. As for me, I prefer swimming offshore and enjoy the sunset from there.

There are not many activities to be done here at night. The electricity is turned off after 10 pm and thus candles are lit to chase away the deep darkness of the night. After having dinner, the best thing you can do is to read a book or have a draft of cold beer. Otherwise, you can go upstairs to where most of the rooms are and enjoy the scenery. The moon’s reflection dancing in a flurry of lights on the ocean’s surface is simply breathtaking. During the peak season (July and December), some of the rooms on this floor will be more packed so at least you are not alone and will have company to chat with along with your own group of friends. It is always interesting meeting other travelers and sharing experiences. When you finally feel like sleeping, go back to your room and snuggle under the blanket. The lullaby of tides breaking on the shore is such a peaceful sound to sleep to. Being in Dreamland is like being in a dream you wish you will never wake up from.

Source:bali-travels.blogspot.com

About Bedugul

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:01:00 +0000

The name Bedugul is sometimes used to refer to the whole lakeside area, strictly speaking, Bedugul is just the first place you reach at the top of the hill when coming up from south Bali.

Neither as big nor as dramatic as the Batur region, the Lake Beratan area, sometimes just known as Bedugul, has impressive mountains, beautiful lakes, quiet walks and attractive temples. The area is very much an Indonesian destination: farmers make offerings to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the crater lake, at Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on the shores of Lake Beratan, while lowland dwellers come to the Bali Botanical Gardens in Candikuning for picnics, and to enjoy the water sports on offer at the Taman Rekreasi Bedugul (Bedugul Leisure Park) on the shores of Lake Beratan. The entire area is frequently referred to as Bedugul or Beratan, but it’s very spread out: Bedugul is, strictly speaking, the small area on the Shore of Lake Beratan occupied by the Taman Rekreasi.

Lake Beratan nestles in the lee of Mt Catur, on the main Denpasar-Mengwi-Singaraja road 53km north of Denpasar and 30km south of Singaraja; no direct route links it to Batur. Approaching from the south, the road rises from the tropical heat into cooler temperatures through a series of small villages. Pacung offers accommodation; just north of it, near the market in Baturiti, a road is signed to Senganan, which takes a picturesque route through Jatiluwih to the Batukau region. The main road completes another steep 8km north to the rim of an ancient volcanic crater at the market village of Candikuning from where it descends through the village of Pancasari, skirting the western shore of Lake Beratan. It then climbs again to the pass out of the crater at Wanagiri (known locally as Puncak), where it begins the steep descend to the northern plains. The smaller, quieter Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake lie about 6km northwest of Lake Beratan.

All the lakes have superbly situated shore side temples, and the area is dotted with attractive villages. Most tourists visit as part of a roundtrip including Batur Lake and the north coast; relatively few stay overnight, although there’s a reasonable range of accommodation. There are bus services to and from Denpasar (Ubung; 1hr 30min) and Singaraja (Sukasada; 1hr 30min); however, having your own transport means you can enjoy the glorious road that passes north of lake Buyan and Tamblingan before heading to the north coast via Munduk and Mayong, or explore the peaceful back roads to the west of Tamblingan Lake.

Spread Out along the western side of the lake, Candi Kuning is the horticultural focus of central Bali, its daily marked was once the main supplier of vegetables, fruit and flowers for the southern hotels, but now it mostly supplies herbs, spices and potted plants for tourist. There’s a Wartel beside the marked, and several moneychangers.

Any minibus or Bemo between south Bali and Singaraja will stop at Bedugul on request.

Balinese People Struggle Monument

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:01:00 +0000

A hidden wonderful place has been found, in the heart of Denpasar; it stands firmly on the center of a very wide green yard. No one will expect amazing spectacles inside of this monument. Balinese Struggle Monument is located at Jl. Raya Puputan, Renon Denpasar. You will find a green field and a monument in the centre of the field. Its shape looks like a bell with spacious lawn surrounding the monument.

Balinese People Struggle Monument has four identical gates on four sides of the monument. All will take you to the monument. You can get confused by these gates because they have the same features, but don’t worry they will you take you inside the monument or exit the building.

The division of this building based on concept of Tri Mandala (A Balinese cosmo-geological concepts that is applied on a building). Nista Mandala (the outside part) of this building is the green yard including the gates. Then if you keep on entering through the stairs, you will find small garden as Madya Mandala (the middle part). Continue your walk, you will get to the Utama Mandala (the Main part) and you will see a smaller garden and pond circling the main building; you are allowed to feed the fish; but don’t forget to buy the food first at information booth.

The main building itself also consist of three parts those are : Nistaning Utama Mandala (first floor), Madyaning Utama Mandala (the second floor), and Utamaning utama mandala (the third floor). Upon entering Utamaning utama mandala you will be welcomed by fancy sculpture made from lime stone and the surrounding is very cozy, clean and well-managed. In this floor you can find Information booth, Staff Room, Exhibition Room, Library, Souvenir Shop, Meeting Room, and last but not least Toilet. The most interesting room is exhibition room because it exhibits interesting artifacts range from documentary photos to documentary letters about the history of Bali. In this floor a small pond also lays in the center which is inhabited by various fish.

In Madyaning Utama Mandala, a diorama room has been waiting to be seen. In this room there are 33 dioramas of Balinese history. Diorama no 1 until 15 tell about Balinese in pre-history and Balinese Kingdom and diorama no 16 until 33 tell about Balinese people struggle against the Dutch.

In front of the diorama room there is a winding stairs. It consists of 70 stairs which will bring you to the Utamaning Utama Mandala, the highest part of this monument. From this place you can get a bird-eye view of Denpasar City. This is good place for contemplation. The best thing of this room is the ceiling; it tells us about the division of Cardinal Point a la Balinese. The ceiling is divided into 9 areas; 8 areas circling the one in the center, each area has a particular sign. The signs are the weapons which are used by gods who control each of cardinal points.

There are so many things about Bali which can be learnt from this monument. Just ask your guide to show you this monument. By only paying Rp 10.000 for adult and Rp 5.000 for kids you can get all in one, touring and studying. This monument opens from 8.30 until 17.00 in every single day. Happy touring, Happy learning!

Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:58:00 +0000

West Bali National Park is not the only conservation spot for Bali Starling, now; Nusapenida is a home of a hundred these nearly-extinct birds. Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary is a new reservation spot for Bali Starling organized by Begawan Giri Foundation, and Friend of National Park Foundation with the support of the whole Nusa Penida’s community.

In this island the birds is protected by the whole community of Nusapenida, by addition of a decree on bird conservation in the awig-awig (traditional law) of Nusa Penida. The community enforces sanctions such as fines and sepekin banjar (ostracized) for anyone caught harming the birds. All 35 villages on Nusa Penida island have now signed bird protection laws and villages and Harbour Authorities are working together to fight the illicit trade. The role of community is not just end up there, at the sanctuary young people from the surrounding village are trained as staff in the clinic; bird handling and research procedures.

The infrastructures in Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary can accommodate birds such as the Bali Starling; the Javan Sparrow, the Hornbill and the Lesser Crested Sulphur Cockatoo:

1. Quarantine Station which accommodates a maximum of 100 individual birds

2. Office, Resource and Information Room currently being used as the library, conservation education and meeting room; it can hold 40 to 50 people.

3. Clinic and Laboratories are constructed but not yet commissioned as a laboratory; will mainly act as the isolation and treatment room for any bird with a medical problem.

4. Socialization /Rehabilitation Cage: 20m long, 10m wide and 10m high, located on the side of the biggest forest in Nusa Penida (the Tembeling forest of approx. 250 Ha). A second socialization cage (3m high, 5m wide and 20m long) is planned to accommodate birds that have been in captivity for a longer period yet may not be able to fly properly.

5. Dormitory used to accommodate staff and visitors.

6. Forest Nursery which is used to support the habitat rehabilitation currently can produce up to 300.000 seedlings.

Up to May 2007 Nusa penida Bird Sanctuary has already released 49 Bali Starlings, and recently it is reported another ten offspring fly free. The success on the Bali Starling opens another conservation project. White Cockatoo, an indigenous species of Nusa Penida, now in danger, it is reported that only three white cockatoos roaming freely on the sky, clearly in worse situation than Bali Starling. Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary now put her best effort to save this rare bird.

Source:blog.baliwww.com

West Bali National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:46:00 +0000

The West Bali National Park, established in 1941, covers 77,000 hectares of wooded slopes, savannah, rainforest, monsoon forest, mangrove swamp and coastal flats, and is the only remaining natural habitat of the endangered jalak putih, the Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi). It is also home to 200 species of plant, rusa deer, kancil, barking deer, long-tailed macaques, civets, monkeys, wild boars, and the last of the island’s wild banteng from which the deer-like Balinese cattle are descended. It was here that the last known Bali tiger shot and killed in 1937.

Within the boundaries of the reserve are 7,000 hectares of coral reefs and coastal waters, mainly around Cape Prapat Agung between Teluk Terima and Gilimanuk, together with several sanctuary islands for sea birds in the bay near Gilimanuk. Probably best known and most visited are the excellent coral reefs surrounding Pulau Menjangan, this area teems with a spectacular marine life including brightly coloured parrot fish, yellow back fusiliers, powder-blue surgeon fish, damsel fish, puffer fish, unicorn fish, barracuda and silvery jacks. Extensive reefs also surround the mainland, and both sea and shore birds are abundant, the most conspicuous being brown boobies and lesser frigate birds. Two species of tern nest in large numbers on the sandbanks at the entrance of Teluk Lumpur (Mud Bay) while the boobies and frigates roost on Pulau Burung further to the east. Hawksbill turtles and 10-meter-long toothless whale sharks have also been sighted along the reserve’s north coast, and whales and dolphins migrate via Selat Bali between Java and Bali.

The Park’s profuse and beautiful bird life boasts over 250 different species and is the only place where the Bali Starling (also known as Rothschild’s Mynah) can be found in the wild. Extremely rare, this is the only surviving bird endemic to Bali, and is one of the world’s most endangered species. It is a striking snow-white in colour and averages 23 centimetres in length, featuring black wingtips and tail, silky feathers, and brilliant blue rings around its eyes; not to be confused with the black-winged starling which has black wings and tail. If all was well, it would be living in groups of two or three in the acacia scrub and dry monsoon forests on the north coast of Cape Prapat Agung; however, few visitors to Bali will ever see this beautiful bird in its natural environment. The starling breeds readily in captivity, and is greatly valued as a caged bird, with an estimated 3000 in zoos and private collections overseas, but in Bali it is bordering on extinction with less than a dozen remaining in the wild.

The internationally supported Bali Starling Project is attempting to rebuild the population by re-introducing captive birds to the wild. At the Bali Starling Pre-Release Centre, formerly caged birds are acquainted with the food sources of the natural environment and encouraged to nest in native trees before being released around the National Park. But sadly this is proving difficult and many attempts have been unsuccessful. The starlings are constantly disadvantaged by a reduced habitat caused by development and are often killed by predatory falcons; although the main problem is that poachers are re-capturing them as fast as they can be released and selling them for profit. This is an economic issue and, with precious few resources, the government has not been able to enforce the laws to protect the bird. The park is also faced with other difficulties; much of the vegetation has been cut and some of the coral reef has also been destroyed.

Despite the problems, however, the reserve is still a wonderful place to visit and offers exceptional walking and magnificent panoramas. The region is watered by clear streams and traversed by trails, it is more like a forest than a jungle, and a typical walk takes about five hours. The routes are often steep but relatively easy, although some areas are cross-country with no footpaths and, at times, it is necessary to crawl through undergrowth and use paths frequented by wild ox and deer. The birdlife is spectacular and the sound of their song is magical. The best time to see the wildlife is early or late in the day. Because this area is protected, no tree-felling, firewood collecting, fishing, or coral collecting is allowed. Whilst it is possible to visit the Bali Starling Pre-Release Centre for much of the year, the areas of the park where the birds are most likely to be seen are not open to the public.

Visitors to the West Bali National Park must have a permit, and must be accompanied by a guide. Arrangements for one-day permits and guides can be made at the park headquarters in Cekik and the ranger station at Labuhan Lalang, as well as the Department of Forestry (PHPA) office in Denpasar.

Article Source: blog.baliwww.com

Find and Book a Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:24:00 +0000

Accommodation Price Comparison

A Garden Fit for a King

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:03:00 +0000

It is a place best visited very early in the morning or late in the afternoon and it is a place that is well cemented on the tourist track, but nonetheless, a place that is so serene it will take your breath away. Of course I am talking about Tirtagangga, the water complex satiated about five kilometres northwest of Amlapura on the east coast of Bali. Tirtagangga would have to be one of the most beautiful places to visit on the island and a definite must-see on your list of places in your itinerary. Built for the people by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Agung Ketut in 1946, the Tirtagangga water garden is a stunning collection of statues and fountains with large pools with the most spectacular being the eleven tiered fountain. Tirtagangga literally means ‘water that flows from the Ganges’.

Tirtagangga actually sits on the sloped of Gunung Agung and over time has been damaged on several occasions by earthquakes and eruptions. In fact, the entire site was destroyed in 1963 when Gunung Agung erupted. Renovations followed and today the site is open to the public. Interestingly, the water from Tirtagangga irrigates nearby ricefields which partly accounts for the beauty of the area.

Entering Tirtagangga after you first parked your vehicle, you then pass through an area of snack vendors and a few losmens. Once inside the gardens, you will see the large pools, complete with stepping stones and statues.

Source:baliblog.com

Six Amazing Rice Terraces

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:01:00 +0000

Visitors to Bali have an abundance of places and attractions to visit besides the chaos of shopping and partying in the tourist strip. Bali is renowned for its numerous temples and other places of worship, its fascinating culture and its beautiful, friendly people. Wherever visitors go into the countryside on day trips it is inevitable they will see the rice terraces that adorn the faces of hills and mountains, the higher you go in elevation on the island, the more spectacular the rice terraces. These terraces are a classic feature on the landscape of Bali and are the rice cultivation on varying levels that follow the natural contours of the escarpments. The land is formed into multiple terraces, giving them a stepped appearance and are, in this manner of agriculture, a method of soil conservation to slow or prevent the rapid surface runoff of irrigation water. These rice terraces off some of the most spectacular panoramas and most are, breathtaking.

I have always found the best times to photograph these magnificent views is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During these times the sun is less harsh and enables the richness of the colours to be more defined.

Source:baliblog.com

The Roads to Kintamani

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:44:00 +0000

Everyone that has visited Bali has, at one time or another, travelled up the mountains to Kintamani. The area there affords some spectacular views of Gunung Batur and Danau Batur and, on a good clear day theBali Aga village of Trunyan can be seen. It is an area of late that has received some bad press and rightly so and the hawkers can be rather annoying and pushy. It appears, however, that things might be on the better for the Kintamani region. There are four major routes you can take to get to Kintamani and each road has its own surprises and great places to visit along the way. These might be temples or other place of worship, museums, and towns that are renowned for their specialty in arts or crafts. Once in Kintamani you have a choice of restaurants with a high price tag if you fancy a feed whilst enjoying the view. My best advice is to have a drink in one of these places and indulge in the panorama. There are many decent warungs around the area that serve great Indonesian fare as well as Western tucker.

The routes are listed below in no particular order and are ex-Kuta. Take note that upon reaching the crossroads at Kintamani you will have to pay a fee to enter the area at Penelokan.

Route 1: This one I call the ‘tourist run’ to Kintamani mainly because it passes through several towns worthy of note – Batubulanfor its marvellous stone carvings, mostly of Balinese Gods, Celukwhere you will find the streets lined with galleries and shops selling gold and silver to the markets at Sukawati, the two-storey art market where you can buy goods at almost half the price you pay in Kuta. From there you pass through Batuan renowned for its many talented artists and it here you will find several art galleries and studios, then onto the large textile town of Gianyar famous for itsEndek weaving and then through the sleepy town of Bangli where you will find one of the finest garden temples on the island – Pura Kehen – and finally onto Penelokan.

Route 2: Probably one of my favourite routes taking you through the archaeological centre of Bali often referred to as the holy land. Here you will find temples and artifacts dating back to the Majapahit period in Bali and several antiquities dating as far back as the 11th Century. The interesting part of this route starts at Blahbatuh where you will findPura Gaduh and inside the temple the large stone head of Kebo Iwa. Further along the road is locatedPura Dharma Bukit Durga Kutri. This is an interesting temple as it has superb carvings of elephants guarding the outer gates and oddly enough, pigs at the inner gate. Its main feature is the statue of the Goddess Durga perched on a sacred altar at the top of a steep flight of stone steps. Not far from here near the town of Bedulu is located Yeh Pulu, a sheer 25 metre cliff face that has been carved and depicts a five-part story of which the meaning is unknown. This 14th Century artefact is well worth visiting as is the nearby Goa Gadjah, also known as the elephant cave. Heading north from there on the left-hand side is located Pura Kebo Edan with its massive four meter statue. Although in a state of disrepair, this place is interesting for budding archaeological enthusiasts. A stone’s throw from there is Pura Penataran Sasih, home to the Moon of Pejeng. The bronze gong is said to date back to the Dong dynasty of Vietnam and the Balinese Bronze age. Twenty kilometres further north nearTampaksaring you will find the sacred springs of Tirta Empul. It is well worth spending an hour or two here simply for the stunning experience of it all. Probably the most sensational experience in the holy land can be found at Gunung Kawi sitting on the banks of the nearby Pakerisan River. The tombs (Candi’s) are of Anak Wungsu and his queens and are superbly stunning. From here it is a straightforward run up to Penelokan at Kintamani.

Route 3: An interesting and straight run north to the volcano with a few interesting places along the way. Firstly would be the artistic centre of Mas with its array of small galleries. The town is also home to some of the finest artists on the island. An interesting centre for wood carvings is the village of Tegalalang. Several workshops and galleries here are worth a look-see. Further along the road heading north you will come to another village known for its fine wood atPujungkelod. From there it is only a few kilometres to Sebatu. The Pura Gunung Kwai Sebatu is an interesting temple. Sebatu is also a connecting point to Tampaksaring and the sacred springs or you can carry on further north to Kintamani. Nearby Sebatu is located theElephant Safari Park at Taro. Actually, the village of Taro is home to the lowland Bali Aga and in this village you will find some unique longhouses. After visiting here it is only a short ride north to Kintamani.

Route 4: Without a doubt the most straightforward and fastest way to Kintamani and the route that I often take when heading to the north-east of the island thus passing thought the area around Kintamani. The road takes you through the outskirts of Ubud and continues through areas of rich ricefields and some stunning panoramas. The further north you travel the richer the flora and the mountain views are a delight. Along the way there are several warungs worth stopping at for refreshments as are the numerous fruit stalls along the side of the road. Interestingly enough, the closer you get to Kintamani it seems as though the fruit for sale has a richer taste and definitely infinitely more delicious. Must be something to do with high altitude! At the end of your drive you come out on the Kintamani road at Kertabuana. There never used to be a collection point for access at this T-junction but there is now!

source:baliblog.com

From Seminyak to Tanah Lot – Along the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:12:00 +0000

The whole concept of a short-long stroll along the beach from Pura Petitenget to Tanah Lot was conceived last week after the four of us through a few crazy suggestions together and the beach walk won. The sojourn had been put off a couple of times thanks to the intervention of Mother Nature in the form of heavy storms and high waves pounding the shoreline thus preventing a clear passage along the beach. Thanks to a break in the weather, Carl, Arti, Candika and myself set out from Pura Petitenget a few days ago to walk to Tanah Lot. As you can imagine, most of the Balinese we talked to about this walk merely laughed and regarded the sojourn as a crazy bule idea. Probably because nobody had ever done it before and the Balinese did not have the inkling to put their bodies through such ‘suffering’. I can imagine that a lot of you reading this will say the distance is not far and rightly so because it is only9.8 klms, but, very soft and deep sand, multiple river crossings and the occasional diversion from the beach because of rocky shorelines does take its toll and time. Combine that with the incessant heat of the day and you have one hell of a walk.

We started off from Pura Petitenget at 6am before first light had broken but on reflection, we left it a bit late. I would advise you start your walk along the beach at least a half hour earlier. This reason will become apparent later. Low tide and a hard sand by the water’s edge made the going fairly easy and I was indeed quite surprised the amount of people on the beach at that time of the morning. The plan was to walk as far as we could in the first hour and then do a kilometre-check on my pedometer. The soft, gentle offshore breeze made a symphony with the breaking waves. Enter the morning sun casting its first rays of light softening the colours of both the sand and sparse shacks. Perahu’s scattered here and there like elongated shadows became alive and before too long, the vast stretch of coastline ahead was in view and became our guiding line, the tip of the headland our destination. With only a couple of shallow river crossings we had walked along the beaches of BatuBelig, Browo, Canggu, Nelayan and, by the fist time and kilometre check we had walked 5.2klms in an hour and a half stopping for breakfast at the magnificent Hotel Tugu Bali located at Pantai Batu Bolong. With no warung in sight, we had no choice but to eat there. The one thing I did notice along these beaches is the gradual lessening of human garbage amongst the refuse washed onto the shore. More and more, coconuts and beautiful pieces of sea-washed driftwood would be the subject of our gaze as were the array of seabirds.

With our stomachs fed we continued on our journey at 8.25am taking the path down along the rocks to the beach. By now the tide had made steady progress advancing onto the shoreline quicker than we realised forcing us to walk higher up along the beach. This caused us all to walk with one leg higher than the other and in soft sand thus zapping energy quicker than we had anticipated. Any attempt to walk in the wet sand in this manner with such turbulent surf was impossible. The shoreline became rockier the further we walked and crossing the smaller rivers was relatively easy and before too long we has walked along the stretches of Batu Mejen beach and Perenean beach. When we finally arrived at the coastal village ofSeseh, a rest-break from the sojourn was agreed upon and we sat on some large structures of driftwood watching local women and children playing and bathing in the muddy waters of the river. The locals were intrigued as to why we were walking along the beach and after informing them we were walking to Tanah Lot a majority of them broke into hysterical laughter. Such a deterrent made us even more determined to reach our destination. Each time we asked any Balinese we came across on the beaches so far as to the distance we had to go to arrive at Tanah Lot, the kilometres varied from 10 up to 23. Of course the added sniggers and laughter didn’t help. The further we walked along the lonely stretches of quickly blackening sand the hotter it became, this being another obstacle on such a journey. We had brought eight litres of water between us but this was soon consumed under the oppressive heat. Another obstacle started to plague us. Rocky outcrops were more and more frequent causing us to leave the beach to find pathways around them, a time-consuming process that was to play havoc with the body’s strength.

At one point, not far fromMencening Beach we were forced to walk a kilometre inland and circle around a headland. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we came across a shady warung. Copious amounts of Pocari Sweatwere consumed and it gave us time to take stock of where we were with the helpful assistance of the locals there. According to them we had less than 2 kilometres to Tanah Lot. However, they gave us no warning of what would become our greatest obstacle of all. We eventually made our way back down to the beach and continued walking the length of the very long Mencening beach. A headland upon which sits divinely Pura Luhur Batu Ngaus. Because of the turbulent ocean crashing against the rocky promontory we were once again forced to venture inland to find a path around to return to the beach. After walking through sawah fields for a half hour finally we found a small path, albeit rocky. The sea-garbage strewn beach from that point was relatively hard making walking easier and as we passed by other temple structures I had the feeling that our goal was not far away. The ocean around there seemed to pound the shore viciously and the waters were a murky bracken colour. After turning the next headland I knew our goal was really in sight when I saw on top of the cliff the sprawling fairways of the Nirwana Golf Course.

One last river crossing and we could walk around the base of the cliffs and enter Tanah Lot along the coastline. Nobody along our walk had mentioned this last river crossing or its ferociousness or in fact about the three local people who had lost their lives being swept out to sea in their attempt. We dropped our backpacks in the sand and scanned the length of the river looking for a suitable place to cross. The river’s current was running so strong that when the waters rushed into the sea, a backlash of waves was created along the estuary. Carl tried first. As he gingerly waded into the murky water up to his waist, he was suddenly neck-deep and quickly retreated to the shore. Carl tried again in a different place but was soon met with the same fate. I walked further towards the estuary end and entered. At first it was only knee-deep but then the whole ground gave way underneath me and I felt like I was being sucked into quick-sand, my body being spun around and before too long, I was underwater. With no other visible means of getting across this vicious stretch of water we were once again thwarted and sought an alternative route around the river. Walking downstream along and through the natural garbage strewn banks, we eventually came across a set of stone steps meandering upwards through the vine-clogged jungle. The oppressive heat of the morning sun was taking its toll on all of us and we were soon to be disappointed even more as we reached the top of the steps. Kilometre upon kilometre of sawah fields stretched to the horizon, a few villas dotted here and there, and a small narrow limestone path was all we saw. We had no choice but to follow the path.

Coming across one villa Carl decided to ask the residents about crossing the river, if there was a boat available or even horses we could us. The disappointment on his face when he returned was enough for all of us. To come so far and yet so near and have a simple river crossing thwart our plans. A chat with a farmer further down the path truly sealed our fate. No, there was no bridge. The farmer’s wife offered to take us to the nearest village where we could get transport to Tanah Lot. Left with no options, we all agreed and the farmer’s wife ferried us on the back of her motor bike one-by-one to the village of Keliki. Deeply disappointed, we found a warung and waited for the Bemo to arrive. As we sat in the shady warung consuming cold drink after cold drink, it was the general consensus that the journey had been on heck of an adventure and the fact that to our knowledge no Balinese had attempted this walk and either had any other westerner. A sobering thought as it was, when the Bemo arrived to ferry us on the last leg, we all secretly wished we had completed that last kilometre by foot along the craggy shore.

When we eventually arrived at Tanah Lot with its parking area full of tourist buses, we looked at each other and laughed knowing that at least we had attempted to make it here in an unusual manner. I think what really upset us all was when we walked down to the base of Tanah Lot temple and looked back along the coast at the last leg of what would have been the last kilometre of our journey (foto below).

Source:baliblog.com

Ideas for Visiting Lovina

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Kuta is the place in Bali where 90% of people spend the most time and money. It is close to the airport, on the beach and loaded with restaurants, bars and nightlife. Some people do not find the impetus to move out of the area, or as one tourist once told me; If you are a single man why would you need to leave?

Of course there are other areas of the island that are interesting and pleasant to visit including Lovinaon the north coast. Lovina is actually a string of small villages ( Kalisasem & Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Tukad Mungga and Pemaron. Kalibukbuk also has a section known as Banyualit ) that have been dumped under the same name.

In Lovina there are 2 major features. These features are the coastline and the main road that swings close to the coast in places.

Tip: Choose a hotel on part of the coast where there is some space between the beach and the road, otherwise traffic noise will be annoying.

The main little tourist section is in Kalibukbuk, which features wall to wall restaurants and bars. This is the high density area. I stayed at Nirwana Seaside Hotel right on the beach in Kalibukbuk at the end of the main street. Surprisingly decent with a good pool, old guest house type accommodation and new shiny AC rooms at the back. We got an AC room with twin beds for 175,000rp.

Swimmers will enjoy the black sand beaches of Lovina because of the warm water and lack of waves. Another attraction is the sunrise dolphin watching although this is a tourist trap and you would be better off hiring a local with a private boat to take you for a snorkeling trip than chase a dozen other boats round in circles.

Here is a quick run down of places:

• Anturan Used to be all guest houses but developing to more spendy places. Still budget places here though. You will see a petrol station on the main road and Anturan is opposite. Local fishing fleet is here.

• Banyualit A selection of about 20 places to stay ranging from budget hotels to a bit spendier. There is a selection of places to eat too. Located 1.5km east of Kalibukbuk and west of the petrol station in Anturan.

• Kalibukbuk The busy area with 2 streets loaded with tourist places perpendicular off of the main road. Budget places to stay on the main road and a ton of dive centers, restaurants and bars down Jn. Mawar and Jl. Bina Ria. I have zoomed past Jl. Mawar before so watch out for the Khi Khi restaurant across the street. Once on it you will immediately know it is the street. You will also find car rental, money-changers and travel agents here.

• Kaliasem & Temukus Located on the western edge of Lovina starting 1km west of Kalibukbuk you will come across an assortment of budget places like the Puri Tasik Madu. All the accommodation here is close to the beach and close to the road. Spice Dive Center is on the left side of the road heading west.

Why would you want to stay in Lovina?

I think Lovina makes a great place to stay after exploring the highlands. There are multiple routes you could take, a straight shot up from Kuta to Singaraja stopping in Bedugal to check out Pura Ulun Danau Bratan and then heading west from Singaraja. You could take a lovely slow cruise past Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan and swing down through the highland villages of Munduk and Tunjuk before heading for Seririt and Lovina. A longer trip might be up through Kintamani and west along the coast, enjoying the panoramas of Gunung Batur and experiencing cooler weather for a brief while before heading to a decent hotel with a pool in Lovina.

Having an array of accommodation on the north coast means you can break out of the Kuta Beach force fields and still get your pizza and beer by the pool. I must admit I need to explore this area in more depth in order to be able to give a better first hand account of what is up there and it will be my pleasure doing that for you.

Source:baliblog.com

Day Trips from Kuta Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:51:00 +0000

Kuta Beach is a popular surfing and tourist destination. While the area offer a good number of things to see and do in the immediate areas, there is even more just a short drive away. The areas that surround the tourist area of Kuta Beach are filled with temples, wildlife refuges, and much more. Check out some of our favorite day trips you can take from Kuta Beach. All of these things can be done in a day and give you plenty of time to make it back to your hotel in Kuta.

If you need help making plans to visit any of these places, ask your hotel staff. They should be able to offer up some advice on how to get to these popular locations.

If you have any other suggestions for day trips from Kuta Beach, please let us know by leaving a comment below!

Mount Batur

Gunung Batur is one of the most sacred mountains in Bali and probably the most popular. It is one hour drive from Kuta beach to the nearest settlement at Penelokan which is the starting point to the summit of this active volcano. The volcano is famous for its beautiful caldera, which encompasses the majestic turquoise Lake Batur, that is itself an attraction famed for canoeing.

The easiest and most well known route to the top of the mountain takes just a little more than two hours. Visitors flock to the mountain to see the astounding panorama of colors and breathtaking sunsets. Apart from early morning and evening tours, a chance to see the sunrise is increasingly becoming the main attraction. In the morning, the misty clouds hovering above the lake start their journey to the summit, providing once in a lifetime spectacle. There are numerous guides who will be ready to take a small group in any time of the day. Among its several craters, the most sought after is the middle sandy crater which provides the best views and a chance to enjoy warm lava rocks, hot springs and gluey lava flows. Plan an early morning visit to traverse farther for navigating the bat caves and a mountain temple.

West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is on the least inhabited and sparsely populated region of Bali. It provides an opportunity to visit a lost paradise containing numerous endangered species of which the white Bali sterling is the most famous. A mascot of Bali, only 50 such birds survive. You can visit the rehabilitation program site to watch these most colorful species in its natural habitat. There are over 160 bird species and almost 17 different mammals which include the one of its kind barking deer, giant squirrels and leopards.

Visitors have the flexibility in choosing numerous tours that operate on a daily basis. The park offer one of the most myriad sceneries in Bali with sheer cliff face and black rock surfing friendly beaches. It was here that the last of the famous Bali tigers, once prowled. The last one was shot in 1937, four years before the creation of the park. Visitors to the park are thrilled by the prospect of venturing deep into the forests, rice paddies and swamps which are rightfully highlighted in the government brochures and travel magazines. The Rambutsiwi Hindu temple and the surrounding scenery provides one of the most striking examples of remote and rugged outposts in this part of the world. Traditional villages and lakes abound in the peaceful environments away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta beach and its vicinities.

Sacred Monkey Forest

If you are adventurous by nature or just want to show off then a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest in the middle of Ubud is an activity which takes courage, respect and an interaction with the bizarre. The heavily forested sanctuary in the middle of an otherwise crowded town distinguishes itself by revealing secrets along its well paved paths containing the three sacred Hindu temples.

Most visitors come here to see the long tailed macaques that are not afraid to steel anything and everything from the visitors. Fortunately, they will only jump at the opportunity if someone test their temperament. These hairy creatures are not so innocent as they may seem. These monkeys keep on increasing their colony from only 69 a decade ago to more than 300 strong in four different groups. The caretakers feed them regularly and such feeding time brings with it the frenzy and a sight to behold. It is not only the attraction but temples, shrouded by the thick forest cover, which hold sinister secrets apparent from the Rangda figures devouring little children along the entrance to the Temple of the dead. You might want to take pesky kids with you who will be delighted by a close encounter with the untamed.

Pura Tanah Lot

From distance, it seems like a sailing ship adrift in the sea. Just a few kilometers out of town lies this magical temple,Pura Tanah Lot, which on first glance seems to be custom made for a blockbuster movie set. Accessible only on low tide, the sacred pilgrimage site is located on a fairy tale rock formation enhanced by the beauty of twilight and the fantastic Balinese sunsets.

Numerous vendors have set up stalls by the seaside where visitors can relax and share the stories surrounding the existence of this structure which is said to be guarded by hundreds of sea snakes who take refuge at the bottom of the rock. To prevent the virgin temple, no one is allowed to enter the compounds. This said, it should not deter anyone from enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area. It is better to arrive in the early afternoon and stay until the sunset. You will be required to pay a fee to enter and pass through hundreds of souvenir stalls on either side of the narrow track. Allow plenty of time to stroll around the beach and locate a perfect spot from where to enjoy the sight and sounds of this mystical structure.

Source:baliblog.com

Best Areas to Rent a Villa in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:33:00 +0000

A record 3,000,000 people visit the paradise island of Bali each year making it one of the most impressive areas in Indonesia to visit. Still reminiscent of the original island some 500 years ago, the Balinese people have a rich religious culture. The island is an impressive venue for those seeking the true tropics.

Bali is very small; visitors can drive around the entire coast of Bali in a day’s trip. However, the area is so profound; you would not want to overlook the enormously interesting history and variety found within the numerous suburbs located throughout Bali. Bali has been extraordinarily developed within the last few years. Isolation is not a word exclusive to Bali any longer. Bali has been discovered and by being so, the solidarity of the island has been reduced to information found in textbooks.

When vacationing in Bali, comfort and luxury go hand in hand with the tropical mysticism of this vacation attraction. Many people find that the privacy of a beautiful villa is one of the best ways to spend their time enjoying the sights and scenery around them without having to deal with hustle and bustle of a hotel crowd. Villa rentals are also ideal for couples looking for some romantic alone time.

When vacationing in Bali, there are some extremely enticing areas which vacationers find to be those most desirable:

Ubud

- Overview of Ubud
When considering a location to rent a villa, Ubud is perhaps one of the most culturally rich and artistic places to be. There are many villas available for rent and most of them even come with their own pool so that you can enjoy a cool swim any time of the day or night. This is an ideal location for those who enjoy cooler temperatures since the land here is elevated above the rest. For the art, history and nature buff, this is the best place to be. Take a stroll among the lush surroundings, visit one of the art galleries for an amazing visual experience or soak in the history at the museum. Either way, Ubud in Bali has divine tastes that one could only dream of.

Villas available either in Central Ubud or the outskirts range anywhere from $100 - $750 per night. This is the perfect place for a variety of budgets. Villas are available with a full staff which includes a cook, waitress, housekeepers, a groundskeeper, pool management and security guards for your safety. You can relax and enjoy the cool airconditioning of your own master bedroom. Most villas also feature satellite tv and a DVD player. If you are worried about personal belongings you can request to have your valuables kept in a deposit box for safe keeping.

Kuta

- Overview of Kuta
Many tourists frequent Kuta while on vacation in Bali for the sense of excitement and fun while surfing along the beach or strolling through the shops restaurants and bars. Villas are available for a variety of budgets ranging from $85 to $530 a night. Relax in your own personal swimming pool and roam through the spacious living facilities while you vacation in Bali. If you plan on vacationing during the holidays or for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary, ask about special package pricing for what it is that you need. There are many bundles available with many amenities that are sure to please anyone.

Kuta has developed well since the 60’s. Food stations are set up to tempt tourists, hungry after a day of exploring with delicious and savory flavors of authentic local dishes. Shopping vendors boast interesting and colorful displays that offer unique trinkets to those who are interested in making a purchase. Cool off while you sit and enjoy a cool drink at one of the bars or perhaps meet new faces. The busier area is a common attraction for many tourists who enjoy all that Kuta has to offer. Renting a villa while in Kuta is just an added benefit to all there is to see and do.

Lovina

- Overview of Lovina
For the ultimate water lover, Lovina is recommended for villa rental. These spacious villas offer a breath taking view of beautiful sunsets over the water. Many extras are offered such as maid services, a full staff all day long and safety or your valuables. Villas are offered at a number of different price ranges to satisfy the budget of all. Not only can you enjoy the sultry air coming in off the beach, the privacy that you can be experienced when renting your own villa is a definite added plus for any vacationer looking to enjoy their experience in Bali to the fullest.

Lovina is well known for water recreation. Those vacationing in this part of Bali are bound to experience the untamed beauty of nature as they see dolphins swimming by or enjoy a day of sailing upon the open water. The beach of Lovina has drawn a number of locals and tourists alike for years. The golden sandy beaches and tropical air are a refining stress relief for families, individuals, couples and business men and women. That is what makes this one of the best areas for renting a villa in Bali.

There are many more great places in Bali to rent a villa. Depending on what you are looking for, privacy, history, art, culture, or the busy shopping centers is what you have to base your location on. Renting a villa is one of the most recommended ways to spend your time in Bali because you can relax in a home away from home after a long day of traveling and exploring. The quiet comfort that a villa can offer is like no other and what makes these places so highly sought after. Amenities are endless and enjoyable and the price is well worth the experience.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is one of the most economically developed islands in Bali. Tourists take in the view of the area while languishing in common and desired development consistent with western cultures. Nusa Lembongan is interestingly enough, free of smog. Neither cars nor motorcycles are available in Nusa Lembongan. Host to about 7000 people as reported by the last census count, the locals reside in two small villages: Jungutbatu and Lembongan. Money available from tourism is imperative in keeping water running and electricity operating. Traveling to and while on the island of Nusa Lembogan can be quite a task. By far, the most comfortable means of travel is by boat. Day-trippers provide the Perama boats and public boats. Those who have been to Nusa Lembongan recommend traveling light. The area is not large at all. Therefore, walking to and from locations is the recommended method of transportation while on the island. If walking is a problem, bicycles and scooters are available for rent.
Candidasa

Candidasa has development from one end to the other. Nonetheless, with no beach or even easy access to one, Candidasa is still an attractive area and the destination requested by many seeking to vacation in Bali. Located off main roads between Amlapura and South Bali, Candidasa has no bus terminal. Tourists generally hail down bemos (buses) which sometime just seem to pass the hailer by. Vacationers looking for rest and relaxation without a hectic touring schedule love Candidasa. In addition, if you have the urge to try unique and different cuisine, Candidasa has some of the best restaurants in Bali. Even without beach activity, divers and snorkeliers find the area beaming with sea life.

Source:baliblog.com

Accomodation with Kids Club

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:30:00 +0000

For you Mums and Dads that need a break i have compiled a list of some of the best Hotels with Kids Clubs facilities

Bali Hard Rock Hotel
Family holidays always translate to lots of fun for kids at Hard Rock Hotel Bali! For the little ones, Lil’ Rock Kids Club will keep them occupied with fun activities and games, such as Lego building, Play Doh modeling, Balinese dances or Treasure Hunts. There is always something exciting at Lil’ Rock, supervised by experienced staff.
Bali Dynasty Resort
The Kupu-Kupu Kiddies Club is renowned as one of Bali’s best Kids Club facilities. The Kids Club area consists of a new 56 meter waterslide, kids pool with baby pool, outdoor play area and “Enchanted Garden” themed air conditioned kids club. A profeesionally trained team of staff are on hand to ensure the utmost safety and security of children between the ages of 4 - 12 years with a full, action packed list of activities enabling parents to enjoy a relaxing break. The name “Kupu-Kupu” meaning “Butterfly” came about when the Dynasty Team were looking for a name that would not only reflect a colorful and fun image but would also be educational. In addition to the many fun indoor and outdoor games that are available, the Kiddies Club offers a balance of fun and education for the children in teaching them the evolution of the Butterfly and educating them on the extensive variety that are in existence. In addition to this the Kiddies Club Programme introduces some traditional Balinese games and crafts and gives the children an appreciation of the Balinese culture meaning it is not only a fun experience but that they also go away having learnt something.

Dynasty Kiddies Club House is located next to the main pool area. A two Storey Balinese House with total floor size of 256 sqm. A large free – form swimming pool. Half of the pool is covered under shade. Pool has a maximum depth of 110 cm, plus an area of 55 cm deep for babies.

Highly trained staff to look after the children with provisions even through lunch and snack periods. Special indoor and outdoor children’s activities planned. Children aged 4 to 12 years are welcome to join the club. Children should register at the set times to participate in each session’s activities. Children under the age of four years are welcome, but must be accompanied by a dedicated babysitter or an adult at all times. Kids Club is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel
Camp Splash is everything that will make the kids happy in their own supervised Fun Park. It allows parents to relax and enjoy their holiday. It gives parents time to go shopping, sightseeing, enjoy a cocktail by the pool while the kids are having the time of their life in this magical adventure world.

The kids will be busy making new friends, having fun playing games, having a go at video and arcade games, or even billiards, while all the time being supervised by our professional staff who are in themselves “still children at heart”.

Big screen family movies, Kids Beauty Salon (Hair braiding, face painting and many more), 30m long water slides, Dedicated kids pool covered under shade. Wading pool also available for babies, Basket ball court, soccer court, swings and seesaws, play equipment to climb and swing on, Video play station arcade, darts, table tennis, mini golf and pool tables.

Intercontinental Resort, Bali
Club J is a dedicated children’s centre that has been structured as a mini resort for our younger visitors. It operates daily as a care facility catering specifically for children of two distinct age groups. As a fully integrated resort property all guest needs are well and truly taken care of with a comprehensive array of leisure pastimes and recreational pleasures.

Club Med Bali
There is fun for everyone with kids clubs catering for babies through to children 17 years of age. All inclusive packages including 3 meals per day with unlimited beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner, all day and evening bar and snacking (BSI), a wide range of sports and activities, Kids Clubs and the unique Club Med nightly entertainment make Club Med Bali a popular family choice. For the really young ones, there’s Petit Club Med* (2-3 years), where little one can get respite from their parents. Slightly older children can join Mini Club Med (for 4-10 years) offers a perennial favourite - the circus school, where kids can experience flying on a trapeze, or walking across a tightrope. Older kids (Juniors’ Club Med (11-17 years) can enjoy kayaking, tennis, and even archery.

Kuta Paradiso Hotel
The Mickey kids club caters for children aged 4 to 10 years. Mickey Club is open from 9:30am to 4pm daily except Sundays and is free of charge for inhouse guests. Children below the age of 4 years can be catered for but parents will need to hire a babysitter.

Ramada Bintang Bali
The Panda kids club is open from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week. The kids will be kept busy with activities such as fish feeding, coconut bowling, water polo, games, swimming lessons, kite flying, colouring in, mini golf, movies, treasure hunts and more. Babysitting service is available on request. Other activities for kids include a playground, beach activities, playstations and more.

Discovery Kartika Plaza
Kido Ria is the hotel’s children day care facility. Fully equipped to keep the young one occupied and happy during their stay. Kido Ria offers a wide range selection of board games, books and activities. Professional supervision ensures that the kids are safe and well looked after and when the little ones get hungry they can choose their favorite from a specially designed children’s menu. Kido Ria is a free facility for hotel guests. Kids club caters for 5 to 12 years. Under 5 years must be accompanied by a babysitter paid for by parents.

Grand Hyatt Bali
Camp Nusa is for younger guests providing organised activities include fish feeding, sports and games. Cots, high chairs, childrens menu, childs pool and kids club are all available. The kids club caters for children 3 to 12 years.

Source:balitravelholidays.com

Learning Bahasa Indonesia.

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:29:00 +0000

Face it–whether you are in Indonesia for one week or for 10 years, it is not only polite and useful to know a little of the language, in many cases, it is outright necessary. If you don’t want to be trapped at the Hotel Borobudur or restricted to traveling with a translator, you need to be able to communicate with that cheerful, friendly, curious populace out there.

Bahasa Indonesia will be spoken by most of the Balinese you will meet - it is the national language.

For you who want to learn Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia). i found a good site to learn the language. this site “Bahasa Indonesia in 7 days” will help you learn the language.

Hope this help you.

Source:balitravelholidays.com

Bali: About Money

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Standard currency is the Indonesian rupiah: Notes come in 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100 denominations. Coins come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, and 25 rupiah. Both old and new issues are circulating. Unfortunately, the new coins are very similar in size, so look carefully. Rp25 are rarely available. In stores small change is often replaced by candies.

Banking
Moneychangers and banks accepting foreign currency are found in most tourist areas. Both private and state banks are open from 8 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday.

The bank counters at major airports offer competitive rates. Bank lines in town can be long and slow; the best way around it is to arrive promptly at opening time. Bank of Central Asia (BCA), one of Indonesia’s oldest and largest banks, has reliable service with branches and ATMs dotted right across the island.

Moneychangers in Bali generally give better rates than banks, are much more numerous, and keep more convenient hours. Get a supply of Rp. 1000 and Rp. 500 notes when you change money, as taxi drivers and vendors often have or claim to have-no change for big bills. When traveling in the countryside, Rp. 500 notes are also useful.

Carrying cash (US$) can be a handy safety precaution as it is still exchangeable should you lose your passport, but Indonesian banks only accept foreign currency that is crisp and clean.

Major credit cards are accepted in a wide variety of shops and hotels. But they often add a 3% surcharge. Most cities have at least one bank at which cash advances can be made-look for Bank BNI, BCA and BII, Visa and MasterCard are the most frequently accepted.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for Cirrus are now at major banks in most tourist centers.

Tax, Service and Tipping
Most larger hotels and restaurants charge 21% tax and service on top of your bill. Tipping is not a custom here, but it is appreciated for special services. USD $1 or Rp10.000 per bag is considered a good tip for room boys and porters. Taxi drivers will want to round up to the nearest Rp. 5000.

When tipping the driver of your rental car or a housekeeper of the house in which you’ve been a guest, fold the money, put it in an envelope and present it with the right hand only.

source:balitravelholidays.com

Bali street name and address

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:20:00 +0000

The Indonesian spelling of geographical features and villages varies considerably as there is no form of standardization that meets with both popular and official approval. village names spelled three different ways, all on signboards in front of various government offices. There are three overlapping and concurrent address systems for any given location: old street name and number, new street name with new numbers, and kampung (neighborhood) name with block numbers. Every town has its street named after the same national heroes, so you will find General Sudirman Street in every city throughout the archipelago.

The names with the new house numbers are the preferred designations for postal purposes. However, when tracking down a hotel address you may find that the old street names, the kampung names, or local landmarks more helpful. You will also find number 50 next to number 119 and the streets referred to by different names, such as Jalan Diponegoro (an Indonesian hero), Jalan Gusti Ngurah Rai (from local history) or Jl. Raya Sesetan Gang II (the kampung name and alley number).

Finding Your Way
Westerners are used to finding things using telephone directories, addresses, and maps. But in Indonesia, phone books are incomplete, addresses can be confusing and maps little understood. The way to find something is to ask.
To ask for directions, it’s better to have the name of a person and the name of the kampung. Thus ‘Bu Made, Banjar Pegok” is a better address for asking directions even though “Jl. Diponegoro 14″ is the mailing address. Knowing the language helps, but is not essential. Immediately clear answers are not common, so be patient.

You are likely to get a general indication of direction without distance or specific instructions. The assumption is that you will be asking lots of people along the way. Begin by asking three people. Usually two point toward the same general vicinity. Proceed, then ask again. Maps can be useful, but introducing them into discussions with Indonesians may cause more confusion than clarity. More than likely the north arrow on the map will be turned to real north before a reading. Periplus Travel Maps provide detailed and accurate maps of major tourist destinations.

source:balitravelholidays.com

Guidelines for the Culturally Sensitive Guest

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:34:00 +0000

The Balinese people are very open to sharing their unique cultural heritage and the spiritual wisdom they have nurtured over centuries. Visitors to Bali will be warmly welcomed to most temples and ceremonies. There are, however, certain codes of conduct that visitors should follow to offer respect for the Balinese and their culture.

When attending a temple ceremony, remember that it is not a party but a celebration to welcome the gods down to earth. Balinese always, no matter how many hardships they may face in their material life, put on their finest traditional clothing as a gesture of respect to both the worldly hosts of the event and the divine guests. Women wear a sarong, a long length of cloth wrapped from waist to ankles, a lacy blouse called a kebaya, and a sash tied around the waist. They will often tie up their hair in elaborate styles, and decorate it with fresh tropical flowers. If they own a piece of precious gold jewelry, they will wear it, and they will wear makeup and lipstick, for the Balinese gods delight in beauty. Men as well will be sure to dress respectfully, in a sarong, their best shirt or ceremonial jacket, a sash around the waist and an elaborately folded headdress (Udeng). The Balinese are thrilled to see visitors wearing Balinese ceremonial dress and deeply appreciate the respect it shows. So if you want to share the experience of attending a ceremony, ask a Balinese friend or someone in your hotel to help you find the correct clothing and show you how to wear it.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you wish to participate in a Balinese Temple Ceremony.

At minimum, wear a sarong and a sash to attend a ceremony or enter a temple. Women should wear blouses with sleeves that cover their shoulders. It’s all right to wrap your sarong over your shorts or dress.

Never position yourself higher than the offerings or the priest, or climb temple
walls or statues to get a better photo angle.

Do not walk in front of people praying.

Be sensitive with your camera and flash, and respect the religious nature of the occasion.

Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter temples. This is not necessarily a sign of gender discrimination, but a general prohibition against blood on holy ground.

If you are invited to a ceremony in someone’s home, such as a wedding or baby ceremony, it is appropriate to bring a small, wrapped gift. A card is not necessary.

Like in many other parts of the world, the left hand is considered unclean, and to eat with it, point with it, shake hands with it or offer or receive something with it is perceived as extremely rude.

Shorts and sleeveless tops are fine for the beach and for shopping, but when visiting cultural sights or small villages they may be seen as offensive.

Feet are considered impure and the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body. Don’t point with your feet or prop them up on tables, and don’t pat people, even small children, on the head.

Ask questions, share experiences and opinions, and you will be sure to learn and enjoy!

Source:blog.baliwww.com

Tropical Fruit of Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Bali has an abundance of fruit with many varieties that are a lot more interesting than just your average apple or orange. Tropical fruits come in strange colours, shapes and textures, yet each is quite exotic in its own way.

Just about everyone seems to enjoy the mangosteen which has been referred to as the ‘Queen of Fruits’. Slightly smaller than a tennis ball with a deep purple skin, the inside reveals 4-8 pinky-white edible segments that are delicately sweet.

One of the oddest looking tropical fruit in Bali is the rambutan, also known as hairy fruit. This reflects the fruits most unusual skin of soft rubbery spines that are crimson in colour. Inside is a single piece of sweet translucent flesh that surrounds a woody seed. The whole segment is pooped into the mouth and the tangy flesh nibbled off leaving only the inedible seed.

Another unusual fruit is the salak, which is recognized by its teardrop shape and brown scaly snake-like peel. The fruit inside consists of a large segment and one or two smaller lobes that tastes pleasantly crisp with the consistency of a carrot. Salak is not a remarkable tasting fruit, yet it grows abundantly in Bali’s drier regions and is readily available at the local marketplace.

The seasonal fruit called durian is a great favourite within the Asian community and because it is such a delicacy it can be quite expensive. Known for its pungent odour that many Westerners find quite offensive, this controversial fruit is often banned from hotels and restaurants. Durian generally comes in the shape of a coconut, often larger, with a thick pale green outer rind that is covered with sharp thorns. Once cut open with a butcher’s cleaver, the inside reveals sections of creamy pulp that surrounds large seeds.

Banana, mango, papaya, pineapple and coconut are also some of the types of tropical fruits that are plentiful in Bali. A platter of seasonal fresh fruits or a delicious blended juice makes a refreshing holiday breakfast.

Source:blog.baliwww.com

Flora and Fauna of Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:19:00 +0000

The tropical climate, with its biannual change of seasons, makes volcanic Bali a very fertile land. Many different kinds of tropical plants Wow well in the cool highlands and hot, dry coastal areas. The average humidity of 60% during the dry season and 100% during the rainy season influences fertility of the many types of tropical flora, which Wow in Bali.

The daily life of the Hindu Balinese, which is strongly characterized with a diverse range of rituals, makes plentiful use of the fauna and flora available on the island. Leaves and coconuts of the palm tree, bananas, fruits, and a diverse range of flowers are some examples of the flora that is used frequently in daily life. Fruits, such as the salak and the jeruk (citrus), are popularly used as offerings, and are known throughout the archipelago as a specialty of the fruits cultivated in Bali.

Aside from the areas near the seashore surrounding the island, the regency of Jembrana in West Bali is the largest provider of coconuts with its palm tree plantations, whereas many kinds of fruits and flowers are grown in the mountain areas such as Bedugul, Bangli and northern Badung. Tree trunks, found in most areas of Bali, are used as building material. For example, the kwantitan (jackfruit tree) is generally used for the construction of buildings in Bali.

Various kinds of animals are also used in Balinese rituals. Cocks, hens, pigs, and chicks are most often used in a variety of daily rituals, whereas animals that take a long time to grow are used for higher level rites, like the Tawur Bhuta Yadnya which happens in cycles of more than five years. Tigers, for example, are only used in the Eka Dasa Rudra ritual, which occurs every hundred years.

Bali is known for the Jalak Bali, which is extremely rare because of its very low population growth. Its habitat, the West Bali National Park, is increasingly affected by pollution, and poachers and smugglers have also caused the population of the Jalak Bali to fall. It is of deep concern that, unless it receives proper protection, the Jalak Bali may shortly become extinct in its natural habitat.

Source:blog.baliwww.com

The Bali Shopping Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Bali provides some pleasurable experiences for keen shoppers and there is no limit to the availability of goods to choose from. While the department stores and more established shops of Kuta and Denpasar feature fixed prices, it is always enjoyable to patronize market stalls and street vendors to try negotiating for goods at bargain prices. Bartering is a source of social interaction for sellers and it is important to maintain a keen sense of humour throughout the entire process. Bali has a fun sense of resort fashion that blends vibrant sarongs and tropical prints with crisp linen fabrics and flowing white cottons. Inexpensive clothing is available from market stalls and department stores, while designer labels can also be found in tastefully appointed boutiques around the area of Seminyak. If you can’t find anything to please, talented tailors can reproduce your preferred style of clothing for a perfect fit. Exclusive leather coats, jackets and fashion accessories are easily made up in a matter of days. Larger department stores are a great source for quality children’s clothing, jeans and shoes at affordable prices.

The Balinese are natural artisans and have the ability to turn their hand to any craft. Silversmiths produce a stunning array of traditional and modern jewellery pieces with inlays of semi and precious stones. Quality silver jewellery and trinkets are available at a fraction of the price of what you would be expected to pay in your home country.

The village of Ubud is considered the cultural pulse of Bali and here the streets are literally lined with small art galleries where you can purchase paintings direct from the artist. The nearby village of Mas is renowned for producing wood carvings and sacred objects for the temple such as masks and musical instruments. Heading out of Ubud towards the mountains is a fertile area known as Tegallalang where there are plenty cottage industries turning out quirky handicrafts that can be purchased for next to nothing.

Hand crafted wooden furniture, statues and exquisite homewares are also relatively inexpensive buys and add style to any home or office décor. Likewise, garden settings, traditional lanterns and individual stone carvings will provide interesting points of interest. Original pieces of glasswork, ceramics or local pottery often make unique gifts to take back home.

Visitors to Bali, especially those who enjoy shopping, are advised to travel light and take advantage of all the bargain goods that are on offer. If space appears to be a problem, then it is easy to pick up some extra luggage. Imitation designer-label cabin bags and suitcases are readily available along the streets or the real thing can be purchased at any of Bali’s Department Stores where regular sales can result in some very attractive buys.

Happy shopping!

Source: blog.baliwww.com

Ubud Shopping Guides

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:53:00 +0000

There is no biggest shopping mall neither department stores in Ubud. You will find row of shops around Jalan Bisma Ubud and nearby Ubud Art Market. The best time to explore this beautiful village is from 08:00 until 12:00 or from 16:00 until 18:00.
Most of the local shops open from 09:00 to 20:00.Animale Boutique Shop is one of the fashion store located on Jalan Bisma Ubud. There are also some mini markets on Jalan Pengosekan Ubud.

Dining in Ubud
Restaurants are varies in Ubud located along Jalan Monkey Forest. Those include Ubud Village Restaurant at Ubud Village Hotel, Green House Restaurant at Pertiwi Resort, Kori Ubud Restaurant at Kori Ubud Resort, Cahaya Dewata Restaurant.

Ubud Restaurants Guides
Ary’s Warung
Jalan. Raya Ubud , Ubud, Phone 975053

Green House at Pertiwi Resort
Jalan Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali, Phone 978189

Mozaic Restaurant Culinary
Jalan Raya Sanggihan Ubud, Bali, Phone 975768

Bebek Bengil near Komaneka Resort & Ubud Village Hotel
Padang Tegal ,Ubud, Bali 975489

Lamak Restaurant & Bar
Jalan Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali, Phone 974668

Warung Enak Indonesian Food
Jalan Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Bali, 972911

Sanur Fine Dining Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Shopping centers and department stores are within easy access from your hotel
in Sanur. You may take a few minutes walk to get to the shopping place.
The biggest shopping store is Hardy's Grosir located on Jalan Danau Tamblingan
housing Balinese Handicrafts, souvenirs, daily needs and fashions. Mama & Leon
is one of the biggest fashion store in Sanur lies just opposite of Griya
Santrian Hotel.
Jalan Danau Tamblingan is main shopping area in Sanur where hundreds of local
shops are available on service.

Dining in Sanur
It is the original tourist resort of Bali and still remains quite and calm under
the shady of the old trees and coconut trees. Sanur offers selection of
fine dining mostly located on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Try to dine out on the
local restaurants before going home. Cafe Batu Jimbar, Lotus Cafe, Wantilan
Restaurant, La Taverna Restaurant are some recommended dining place in Sanur.

Here are some information on Bali Restaurants in Sanur :

Wantilan Restaurant at Griya Santrian
Jalan Danau Tamblingan 47 Sanur , Phone.288181
Serving special European and Oriental Cuisines. Featuring live music and
Legong Dance on every Saturday night.

La Taverna Restaurant at La Taverna Bali Hotel
Jalan Danau Tamblingan No.29 Sanur Phone.288497

Sector Bar and Clubs at Inna Grand Bali Beach
Jalan Hang Tuah Sanur Bali, Phone 287733

Matahari Beach Café And Purnama Bar at Inna Shindu
Beach
Jalan.Pantai Shindu 14 Sanur, Bali , Phone 288351

Alise’s Restaurant at Tamukami Hotel
Jalan.Danau Tamblingan 64x Sanur, Phone 282510

Kopi Bali House
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 405 E Sanur, Bali, Phone 270990

Lazer Restaurant opposite of Hotel Besakih
Beach
Jalan Danau Tmblingan Sanur, Bali

Bali Hai Oke
Jalan Danau Tamblingan 1A, Phone,282994

Jazzy Cae
Jalan Danau Tamblingan 27, Phone 289138

Bali Beach Night - Every Wednesday
Performed Inna Grand Bali Beach, Sanur, Bali. Phone 288511

Dining and Shopping in Seminyak

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:49:00 +0000

There are several shopping stores and mini market around Seminyak and
Kerobokan. Bintang Supermarket is one of the biggest store in Seminyak. It is
within walking distance from Pelangi Bali Hotels, Puri Cendana, Villa Lalu, Vila
Rumah Manis, Bali Holiday Resort, Sofitel Seminyak Bali.

Dining in Seminyak, Bali
Take a chance to dine in Kafe Warisan on Jalan Raya Kerobokan Seminyak. It
offers wide choices of local and international flavors. While Toscana and Fabios
Restaurants provides the authentic Italian Cuisines.
If you walk along Jalan Abimanyu Seminyak, you can stop at Warung Made offering
variety of Balinese, Indonesian and International Cuisines. Cafes and Bars are
many in Seminyak. There are mostly located on the main street of Jalan Raya
Kerobokan, Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Abimanyu.

Recommended Restaurants in Seminyak

Queen’s Tan door India Cuisine
Jalan Raya Seminyak No.73.Phone 732770

Kudeta Restaurant, next to The Oberoi Resort Bali & Resor
Seminyak
Jalan.Laksmana No.9 Seminyak, Bali Phone 736969

Gado Gado
Jalan Abimanyu, Seminyak, Near Sofitel Semiyak Bali &
Bali
Holiday Resort No 99 Phone 736966

Shopping and Dining in Kuta

noreply@blogger.com (Alamsyah) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Kuta and Tuban is famous for its wide selection for shopping items from traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, fashion, furniture up to electronic. Prepare your special day for shopping around Kuta on Jalan Raya Kuta, Jalan Raya Legian and in Tuban on Jalan Kartika Plaza. There are various selection for merchandize to call on.
But if you want to find all of your needs in one place then the right place for you is Matahari Kuta Square and Centro Shopping Mall.

There are hundreds of restaurants along Jalan Kartika Plaza Tuban, Jalan Pantai Kuta and Jalan Raya Legian. Try your favorite dishes or you may taste the authentic Balinese food at Kunyit Bali Restaurant of Hotel Santika Beach, Balinese food at Warung Made or other international cuisines at the restaurant located nearby Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Ramayana Resort, Melasti Beach Bungalow, Hard Rock Bali Hotel and on some cafes on Jalan Pantai Kuta.

Restaurants in Kuta and Tuban
Febri’s Café at Febris Hotel
Jalan Dewi Sartika, Tuban, Kuta, Phone 754575

Chi Chis Grill & Cantina Bali
Jalan Kartika Plaza ,Kuta center, Phone 757937

Café Batan Waru next to Bali Garden Hotel
Jalan Kartika Plaza Kuta, Phone 766303

All Star Surf Café Kuta Center
Jalan Kartika Plaza street No.8x ,Kuta, Bali

Bridge Café at Ramayana Resort
Jalan Bakung Sari, Kuta, Bali

Ema Restaurant ,hinese Food & Dim Sum
Bali Galleria Shopping World, Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Kuta, Phone 761966

Jali Jali Restaurant
Bali Galleria Shopping World
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Kuta, {hone 758853

Royal Sea Food Restaurant
Mall Bali Galeria Lantai Dasar
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Kuta, Phone 767065

Kunyit Bali Restaurant at Hotel Santika Beach
Jalan Kartika Plaza 1008 Tuba, Bali, Phone 751 267

Alun Alun Fun Lounge at Ramada Resort Bintang Bali
Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kuta, Phone 753292, 753293

Jastra restaurant & café at Jatra Hotel
Jalan Kartika plaza 20 Tuban, Kuta, Phone 761888

Grace Kelly Irish Pub at Bali Dynasty Resort
Jalan Kartka Plaza, Tuban, Bali, Phone 752403