BALI ISLAND

Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:18:00 +0000

Bali is an Indonesian island located at 8°25′23″S, 115°14′55″ECoordinates: 8°25′23″S, 115°14′55″E, the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Island, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.

Geography

Bali lies 3.2 km east of Java and approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km wide and 112 km north to south (95 by 69 miles, respectively), with a surface area of 5,632 km². The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Mount Batur (1,717 m) is also still active. About 30,000 years ago it experienced a catastrophic eruption — one of the largest known volcanic events on Earth.

In the south the land descends to form an alluvial plain, watered by shallow rivers, drier in the dry season and overflowing during periods of heavy rain.

The principal cities are the northern port of Singaraja, the former colonial capital of Bali, and the present provincial capital and largest city, Denpasar, near the southern coast. The town of Ubud (north of Denpasar), with its art market, museum and galleries, is arguably the cultural center of Bali.

There are major coastal roads and roads that cross the island mainly north-south. Due to the mountainous terrain in the island's center, the roads tend to follow the crests of the ridges across the mountains. There are no railway lines.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west black sand. The beach town of PadangBai in the south east has both: the main beach and the secret beach have white sand and the south beach and the blue lagoon have much darker sand. Pasut Beach, near Ho River and Pura Segara, is a quiet beach 14 km southwest of Tabanan. The Ho River is navigable by small sampan. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot, this is not yet a tourist area.

The province is divided into 8 regencies (kabupaten) and 1 city (kota):Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Denpasar(city), Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung, Tabanan.

Demographics
Religion
Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (5.7%), Christianity (1.4%), and Buddhism (0.6%). These official statistical figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.

Immigrants from other parts of Indonesia have drastically changed the demographics in Bali. Although the majority of the population of Bali adheres to Balinese Hinduism, recent years have brought an influx of people from other islands seeking to benefit from the tourist industry, export of local handicrafts and other factors, making Bali the most affluent island in the region. The estimated percentage of Muslim residents of Bali from other islands is about 25%.

Language
Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and like most Indonesians, the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese. The usage of different Balinese languages was traditionally determined by the Balinese caste system and by clan membership, but this tradition is diminishing.

English is a common third language (and the primary foreign language) of many Balinese, owing to the requirements of the large tourism industry. Staff working in Bali's tourist centres are often, by necessity, multilingual to some degree, speaking as many as 8 or 9 different languages to an often surprising level of competence.

Culture
Bali is famous for many forms of art, including painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese gamelan music is highly developed and varied. The dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, and kecak (the monkey dance).

National education programs, mass media and tourism continue to change Balinese culture. Immigration from other parts of Indonesia, especially Java, is changing the ethnic composition of Bali's population.

The Hindu new year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. On this day everyone stays at home and tourists are encouraged to remain in their hotels. On the preceding day large, colorful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to drive away evil spirits. Other festivals throughout the year are specified by the Balinese pawukon calendrical system.

Source Wikipedia

Dreamland Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:52:00 +0000

Dreamland beach is similar in nature to the other beaches in Bukit Peninsula, but it is popular not only with the surfers, also with the beach lovers. It easy access combined with the presence of warungs serving BBQ seasfood and cold cold beer make it attractive to anyone who just wants to get away from the hustle of Kuta life.

Dreamland is located in the Pecatu countryside around 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai Airport. Park in the lot at the top of the hill and walk down.

The area has a beautiful beach and panorama, with the high wave reaching 4 meters makes this place become a favorite place for surfers and boogie boards.

The wave is hollow, fasts, and powerful and the quality is standard with reef’s (coral, sharp rocks with sand) bottom, can only be safely explore by the experienced surfer. During the normal day, it will be few people do the surf, but at the weekend this place is crowded.

The sparkling blue wave breaks right on the shore so be careful or you'll be eating sand (and watch out for the rock on the left a couple of meters off shore.

Dreamland beach is really a new discovery beach for relaxing, surfing, and sunbathing.

Via BaliTravel

Nusa Penida

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:32:00 +0000

Nusa Penida region consists of 3 isles, which are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These isles, located on the east-west side, approximately take about 90 minutes by boat from Bali. Another secret place for some private time on beautiful white, sandy beaches and obviously a great spot to surf as well.

Nusa Penida
Usually, the Nusa Penida region is visited by fanatic surfers seeking hideouts to surf. But this does not mean that those who are not surfers cannot enjoy the breathtaking views, right? Nusa Penida is the biggest island among the other two. It consists of great hills and cliffs to climb and to enjoy the scenery from above. You can find hotel accommodations with good facilities here.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is located in between the other two islands, and it is the smallest of the lot. Here you can stay at the local house, and try the traditional cuisine. Ask the local guide to charter a fisherman boat for you to dive and snorkel in the blue ocean with its exquisite variety of ocean fishes and corals.
Nusa Lembongan
Last of the three isles, the Nusa Lembongan… If you do visit here, I would recommend for you to stay at Waka Nusa, which features bungalows with traditional grass roofs. The restaurant is also worth trying with such a good price deal. The bungalows themselves too cater to several tourist activities, such as glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, canoeing and such.

Via: StreetDirectory

Trunyan

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:26:00 +0000

The village of Trunyan is squeezed tightly between the lake and the outer crater rim of Batur, an almighty volcano in Kintamani. This is a Bali Aga village, inhabited by descendants of the original Balinese, the people who predate the arrival of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom in the 16th century. It is famous for the Pura Pancering Jagat temple, but unfortunately visitors are not allowed inside. There are also a couple of traditional Bali Aga-style dwellings, and a large banyan tree, which is said to be more than 1,100 years old. At Kuban sub-village close to Trunyan is a mysterious cemetery that is separated by the lake and accessible only by boat - there is no path along the steep walls of the crater rim.

The village of Trunyan itself is situated at the edge of Batur Lake. This location is inaccessible except by boat, and it takes around half an hour across the calm waters. Getting to Lake Batur takes around two hours drive to the northeast of Denpasar along the main road to Buleleng and through Bangli Regency.

Unlike the Balinese people, the people of Trunyan do not cremate or bury their dead, but just lay them out in bamboo cages to decompose, although strangely there is no stench. A macabre collection of skulls and bones lies on the stone platform and the surrounding areas.

The dead bodies don't produce bad smells because of the perfumed scents from a huge Taru Menyan tree growing nearby. Taru means 'tree' and Menyan means 'nice smell'. The name of Terunyan was also derived from these two words.

The women from Trunyan are prohibited from going to the cemetery when a dead body is carried there. This follows the deeply rooted belief that if a woman comes to the cemetery while a corpse is being carried there, there will be a disaster in the village, for example a landslide or a volcanic eruption. Such events have been frequent in the village's history, but whether women had anything to do with it is a matter of opinion.

Via: indo.com

Taman Ayun Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:15:00 +0000

Taman Ayun, means beautiful garden, located in the village of Mengwi, 18km west of Denpasar, is indeed one of Bali’s most picturesque temples. The King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom, built is stately proportioned courtyards and large surrounding moat in the year 1634. Containing both the Royal family ancestral shrines and the strayed MERU shrines to the major deities, Taman Ayun became the main temple for the ancient Kingdom of Mengwi.

This magnificent compound of Taman Ayun Temple is positioned on an island in a river. The innermost temple is an addition that is surrounded by a moat. A large fountain basin is erected beyond a split gate (candi bentar); in front of the entrance to the inner temple. The fountain basin is devoted to the rulers of the underworld. The innermost courtyard that can be entered through a covered gate (candi korung), comprises of 27 buildings of varying size and function

The importance of the temple can be judged not only from the fact that the place includes divinities but also from the range of devotess who visit the temple during the time of festivals. At the far end in the right hand corner there is an eleven-tiered MERU which is dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri. On the left side is placed the third bale and which is believed to be the domicile of numerous different gods.

Tanah Lot

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:11:00 +0000

Tanah Lot is only one of the popular recreational tourist attractions in Bali, which is a must visit for all who go to the island.

A pleasing high energy coast in Bali, Indonesia, Tanah Lot is extravagantly blessed by nature. The beautiful geographical landscape adorned with soaring imperial cliffs makes the place no less than a paradise. The Tanah Lot houses a famous Hindu Temple Built in the 13th century by a famous Hindu monk known as the Pura Tanah Lot .Tanah Lot can best be described as a famous rock formation off the Indonesian coast of Bali. During high water, the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea .Tanah Lot is a popular tourist destination visited by tourists from different parts of the globe.

Tanah Lot is often referred to as Tanah Let which means ancient land and also Tanah Lod, which means the land to the south. The temple Pura Tanah Lot happens to be one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods. The Pura Tanah Lot temple can only be accessed during high tide. The best time to visit Tanah Lot is during sunset when the golden red skies border the temple and waves hit the rocks.

According to popular myths, in the 16th century, priest Niratha chose Tanah Lot for his meditations to avoid being harassed by local priests.

Via: asiaroom

Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:05:00 +0000

About 43 kilometers east of Denpasar, one of the most sacred temples in Bali, which wasbuilt in the 11th century by the high priest “Empu Kuturan”. Inside the temple, one will find a natural cave inhabited by thousands of bats hanging down from the ceiling, flying around, and singing as well as holy python snakes that often appear around the cave.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:55:00 +0000

The Elephant Cave - Goa Gajah - is situated on a steep bank to the side of the main road in the Banjar of Goa, Bedaulu Village in the area of Blahbatuh, Gianyar.
It is approximately twenty-six kilometres from Denpasar and is easy to find as it is by the side of the main road, just East of the crossroads in Teges village.

The countryside here is very beautiful and the cave itself is a very important archaeological site, as it holds the remains of an ancient Buddhist monument. These remains are thought to be of the same era as the grand Borobudur temple in central Java. Also the site holds relics of the God Shiva.

The origins of the name Goa Gajah are uncertain. Some claim that the name comes from the world 'Lwa Gajah' recorded in ancient Javanese writings saying the cave was the home of an important Buddhist priest. Another opinion suggests that the name originates from the statue of Gannesha which is located in the western corner of the cave, part of the statue being an elephant's trunk.

The history of Goa Gajah can be seen from the ancient remains at the site. Besides Shivaist relics found inside the cave, there are several Buddhist remains such as the statues of Buddha and Harito. These remains appear to be of the same style as the statues found in Borobudur temple, which originates in the eighth century.

Via: indo.com

Besakih Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:49:00 +0000

High on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely referred to as the "Mother Temple" of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Besakih, or Besakih Temple in English, is the largest of the island's 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.

The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby vil lages. Besakih was untouched.

The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian -- the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.

Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates -- and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are "supremely holy:" Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others -- not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain's side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.

Bali's Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings -- empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.

The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.

Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: "I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person." In the same way the Hindu "gods" Siva and Vishnu (Siwa and Visnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman's manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.

While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion's past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.

The temple's anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar.

Via: Goasia

Kintamani

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:23:00 +0000

Kintamani is great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days. At Penelokan you can view the panorama of Mount Batur set in a huge volcanic crater basin. Stop here on the way to Singaraja to climb to peaceful Pura Tegeh Kuripan. Try to arrive at Kintamani in the morning, as it's often overcast in the afternoon, especially during the rainy season. There are two possible options for staying near Lake Batur: up on the ridge or down inside the crater. The villages within the crater tend to have a rather unpleasant atmosphere with a lot of people hassling you. The views, however, are stunning. The main reason to spend the night in the crater is to climb Mt. Batur at dawn.

There are several attractions from Penelokan, starting with the view from the crater rim toward Lake Batur. Rim temples include Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Pura Tegeh Kuripan, both on the main road. A visit to the crater might include a boat trip to the traditional village of Trunyan, the lava fields, the hot spring at Toya Bungkah, or climbing Mt. Batur.

The best way to visit the crater is with your own transportation or chartered minibus. Walking is possible, but distances are long and the descent into the crater is very steep. You might want to finish your visit with a dip in the lake.

Penelokan and the crater villages are rather "un-Balinese" with vendors hassling you and people approaching you in the street to book accommodations.

Kintamani is the end-point of several tour itineraries heading up from the lower rice plain in the south. Most buses come up the good, scenic road via Tampaksiring, with stops on the way at Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul, then going back down through Bangli and Pura Kehen. But there are other interesting routes. One leads from Peliatan in the Ubud area through the wood-carvers' villages of Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu. The views along the way are superb. Other roads from Ubud to Kintamani run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani.

Via: IslandConcept

Bedugul

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:11:00 +0000

Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats.

When the heat and humidity finally gets to you, the place to escape to is Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat, tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano, 1400 meters above sea level. Here, three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forest seems to create freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 Km north of Denpasar, is known for excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded forested hills. A beautiful sight is the “Ulun Danu” temple which sems to out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Boats are available for was skiing and parasailing. Is done as well. The Bali Handara Country Club bungalows for rent and a restaurant.

Via: indo.com

Lovina Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:03:00 +0000

Lovina Beach, situated in North Bali, Indonesia, is a lovely beach perfect for coastal hangout. Whether you are planning a long pleasure trip or a short break to rejuvenate yourself, this is an ideal place for both in tranquil lap of nature.

The beach is encircled with around 8 Kilometers extend of black sand beach which will surely magnetize the beach Lovers. Lovina Beach is basically a collection of few villages. Because of its tranquility, boat riding and diving is allowed in Lovina beach. You will experience lovely blue morning, sunset, mountain range, rice field. With its unspoiled nature, tradition, culture and inhabitants the beach proves itself as an ideal seaport and holiday resort.

Except the beautiful seacoast, Lovina Beach extends itself to diving or snorkel diving in seawater, boat riding, diving in clear water in Bali Barat Nation Part in Menjangan Island, snorkel diving among coral reefs, boating in traditional boat called jukung. In early morning near seashore the dolphin watching is one of highlights.

Lovina Beach will attract you with its hot spring, natural falls, tracking in mountains, wood let, farmland, forests. These are surely relaxing and soothing holiday experience after the hustle and bustle of urban life. Your trip to Lovina resort covers Buddhist Monastery, Giant tree, Tablingan and Braten Lake, local market and gardens. If luck favors, you will be thrilled with sudden visit of Whales or Turtles. Colorful marine fish and fabulous Coral reefs are present there with all their beauty to surprise you. A stride through rice farm, Coconut plantation for vast area covering village after village, plantation of Banana Trees, locals and their rituals mesmerized the visitors and make the trip pleasant.Lovina Beach, waiting for you with fine and relaxing and luxurious accommodation including some star hotels with their all starry features. Easy and available reach of food joints, bars, easy transportation make the trip comfortable to tourists. Of course, the reference of local Sea food claims to be mentioned.

Via: asiarooms

Sangeh

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:35:00 +0000

Sangeh is the village whose northern part covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of “Pala” trees with hundreds of monkey in habitants. The trees cannot be found on any other part of Bali and their existence in this village remains a mystery. Look for a lovely mossy temple, which is hidden amongst the tall and gracious “Palatrees”.

Rawana, the villainous giant of the Ramayana epic, could die neither on earth nor inair.Tokill him,themonkeygeneral Hanuman devised a plan to suffocate the giant by pressing him between two halves of the holy mountain Mahameru-a destruction between the earth and air. When Hanuman took Mahameru, part of the mountain feli to the earth in Sangeh, along with a group of his monkey armies. And so they stayed to this very day.

Such is the legendary origin of Bukit Sari, or The Monkey Forest, a cluster of towering trees and home of hundreds of sprite monkeys. The forest is sacred and for many years no one has been permitted to chop wood there. A moss-covered temple lies in the heart of the woods and is a familiar hideout for the nimble inhabitants. You make many friends b buying a bag of peanuts, and for such a east the monkeys often bring their families along.

Fulmar tells of a king of the monkeys who invariably has the first choice in selecting peanut handouts. He oversees one camp, while a rival king and his followers control another area of the forest. A beautiful restive place, Sangeh has long been an inspiration for painters and monkey-watchers.

The temple, Pura Bukit Sari, was originally built around the 17th century as an agricultural temple and has been restored several times, most recently in 1973. In the central courtyard, a large statue of Garuda, an old carving of uncertain date, symbolizes freedom from suffering and the attainment of amerta, the elixir of life. The forest of nutmeg trees in which it lies was presumably planted deliberately a long time ago, for it is unique in Bali.

There is a separate route linking Sangeh directly with Denpasar that begins at Jalan Kartini, making it a short trip. A side - road joins Blahkiuh, just south of Sangeh, with Mengwi which can also be reached by returning to Denpasar and taking the trip to the west. A sub-standard road links Sangeh with Ubud.

Via: balivision

Ubud

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:27:00 +0000

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.

Via: Indo.com

Jimbaran

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:21:00 +0000

Located on Bali's west coast - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and perfect peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest.

Gentle tides, dramatic sunsets, fine seafood restaurants. No watersports available on the beach although some may be arranged with the hotels who provide equipment and boats for snorkeling trips and sea canoe excursions.

Jimbaran's other premier attraction is the local seafood market at the end of the beach. Walk along the beach to reach the market and the excellent local seafood restaurants that line the seafront. Popular with both locals and visitors, it can get very busy at mealtimes!

Via: bali-indonesia

Uluwatu

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:17:00 +0000

Perched high on a cliff over the ocean on Bali's south-western tip is the temple of Ulu Watu. In addition to the fantastic view from the temple, especially at sunset, the temple is famous for its gang of monkeys and perhaps appropriately its Kecak Dance performance.

The temple itself is open only to Hindu worshippers. You can visit the rest of the complex every day. The Kecak dance is held every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening starting around sunset (6 to 7 pm). With the temple and the sun setting in the background, this is easily the best place in Bali to see the Kecak.

Arrive for a performance early so that you'll have time to take in the temple complex and the views from the cliff-top. Be on your guard around the monkeys. They will grab anything they can get ahold of, like baseball caps, handbags, etc.

The Ulu Watu area, especially the beaches just north of the temple, are also world-renowned for their surfing. The Pantai Suluban area is the place to surf on Bali, even though it may involve a hike down a narrow gorge in the cliffs.

Via: asiaforvisitor

Nusa Dua Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:08:00 +0000

Bali's most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where the tourists will find international world, class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands. Located on the Bukit Peninsula, in the southern part of Bali, approximately 10 km from the international airport. It is quiet and exclusive with superb facilities.

Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts to which exhausted the bodies, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Mother Temple Besakih, will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali. We can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

Sanur Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:38:00 +0000

Sanur is on the eastern side of Bali and is a relaxing and slightly more sophisticated alternative to Kuta, it comprises of a reef beach that is noted for water sports, paragliding, canoeing, jet skiing. Fishing trips can be organised with the local boatmen and some cruises are available. It is good for swimming at high tide and even at low tide there are parts suitable for a dip in the ocean or snorkelling, there are also several places offering big game fishing.

A paved walkway runs the length of Sanur Beach for that relaxing walk with many places to stop for that refreshing drink or some shopping. Sanur is a place where ancient Balinese customs and modern amenities exist in unison. Sanur is the ideal spot for that relaxing holiday lounging by the pool or on the beach, there are markets to explore and also many good quality shops and restaurants.

Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Kuta Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:06:00 +0000

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and convenience to Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta beach is the most visited place by the tourists. Kuta is located in Badung regency, about 20 - 30 minutes from Denpasar and 10 - 15 minutes from the Ngurah Rai Airport - Tuban. It has white sands, great waves for surfers, amazing daily sunset view, suits for sunbath, take the air, swimming, and various kind of activities.

Kuta is glorious region in Bali and represent the heaven for foreign countries tourist. Kuta fulfill all tourist requirement, like white sand, coast with its perfect wave for the surfer, a lot of restaurant, cafeteria, and disco making night life very impressing. Alongside walke a lot of kiosk selling multifarious of tourist requirement, like clothes, cassette ribbon, and ticket sold very cheap. Kuta is located 11 kilometer side south Denpasar and reachable easily use the public transportation.

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter villages with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the emigrated designers and tourists live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu and Seseh -new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

If you walk to east, you'll found poppies alley (poppies I and II). Inside the "poppies" there are hundreds of mini store that sells handicrafts, clothing, accesorries, tattoo, internet rentals, phone rentals, motorbike, car rentals, restaurants, bar, club, fitness centre, and many more... it's almost what you need are available here from low price to expensives one. Great place for shopping!

Kuta beach not just our favorite place but also favorite place for Penyu (turtle) to lay their eggs. The turtle and their eggs are under protection by the Indonesian Law. Sometimes if you ever found the turtle eggs just contact the securities (pecalang) near you (they usually keep on patrol) and let them taking care of. The eggs usually brought to the shelter for hatched.

Kuta beach are one of the favorite place for surfing, usually there are big surfing events (local and international) held during the summer holiday and patricipated by the local surfer and international.

Kuta beach regurally visited by world wide artists, movie star, athletes and entertainment celebrities.

Privacy Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:17:00 +0000

PRIVACY POLICY - COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY

This site is owned and operated by TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com. Your privacy on the Internet is of the utmost importance to us. At TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com, we want to make your experience online satisfying and safe.

Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we feel you should fully understand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of that information. This privacy statement discloses what information we gather and how we use it.

INFORMATION TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com GATHERS AND TRACKS

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com gathers two types of information about users:

* Information that users provide through optional, voluntary submissions. These are voluntary submissions to receive our electronic newsletters, to participate in our message boards or forums, to email a friend, and from participation in polls and surveys:

* Information TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com gathers through aggregated tracking information derived mainly by tallying page views throughout our sites. This information allows us to better tailor our content to readers' needs and to help our advertisers and sponsors better understand the demographics of our audience. Because TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com derives its revenue mainly from sponsorships and advertising, providing such aggregated demographic data is essential to keeping our service free to users. Under no circumstances does TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com divulge any information about an individual user to a third party.

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com Gathers User Information In The Following Processes:

Optional Voluntary Information

We offer the following free services, which require some type of voluntary submission of personal information by users:
Privacy Policy Sample

The following is a list of different policies which can be edited to remove the parts of the policy that are not needed. You should also add anything to this policy template that you may have on your site.

1. Electronic newsletters policy (Dispatches)

We will offer a free electronic newsletter to users. TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com gathers the email addresses of users who voluntarily subscribe. Users may remove themselves from this mailing list by following the link provided in every newsletter that points users to the subscription management page. Users can also subscribe to the newsletters at the time of registration.

2. Message boards/forums policy

Users of the site's Message Boards and Forums must register separately for these services (both are free of charge) in order to post messages, although they needn't register to visit the site. During registration the user is required to supply a username, password, and email address.

3. "E-mail this to a friend" policy

Our site users can choose to electronically forward a link, page, or documents to someone else by clicking "e-mail this to a friend". The user must provide their email address, as well as that of the recipient. This information is used only in the case of transmission errors and, of course, to let the recipient know who sent the email. The information is not used for any other purpose.

4. Polling

We may offer interactive polls to users so they can easily share their opinions with other users and see what our audience thinks about important issues. Opinions or other responses to polls are aggregated and are not identifiable to any particular user. TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com may use a system to "tag" users after they have voted, so they can vote only once on a particular question. This tag is not correlated with information about individual users.

5. Surveys

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com may occasionally conduct user surveys to better target our content to our audience. We sometimes share the aggregated demographic information in these surveys with our sponsors, advertisers and partners. We never share any of this information about specific individuals with any third party.
Privacy Policy Template changes

The policy clause about children below is becoming more important as it is nearly impossible to tell the age of any visitor. We recommend adding this sample line to all your forms that request information.

Children

Consistent with the Federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), we will never knowingly request personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13 without requesting parental consent.

Usage tracking

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com tracks user traffic patterns throughout all of our sites. However, we do not correlate this information with data about individual users. TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com does break down overall usage statistics according to a user's domain name, browser type, and MIME type by reading this information from the browser string (information contained in every user's browser).

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com sometimes tracks and catalogs the search terms that users enter in our Search function, but this tracking is never associated with individual users. We use tracking information to determine which areas of our sites users like and don't like based on traffic to those areas. We do not track what individual users read, but rather how well each page performs overall. This helps us continue to build a better service for you.

Cookies

We may place a text file called a "cookie" in the browser files of your computer. The cookie itself does not contain Personal Information although it will enable us to relate your use of this site to information that you have specifically and knowingly provided. But the only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply yourself. A cookie can't read data off your hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com uses cookies to track user traffic patterns (as described above). Our advertising system delivers a one-time cookie to better track ad impressions and click rates.

You can refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser. If you've set your browser to warn you before accepting cookies, you will receive the warning message with each cookie. You do not need to have cookies turned on to use this site. However, you do need cookies to participate actively in message boards, forums, polling and surveys.
Privacy Policy Use

How the information you gather is used if relevent.

USE OF INFORMATION

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com uses any information voluntarily given by our users to enhance their experience in our network of sites, whether to provide interactive or personalized elements on the sites or to better prepare future content based on the interests of our users.

As stated above, we use information that users voluntarily provide in order to send out electronic newsletters and to enable users to participate in polls, surveys, message boards, and forums. We send out newsletters to subscribers on a regular schedule (depending on the newsletter), and occasionally send out special editions when we think subscribers might be particularly interested in something we are doing. TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com never shares newsletter mailing lists with any third parties, including advertisers, sponsors or partners.

When we use tracking information to determine which areas of our sites users like and don't like based on traffic to those areas. We do not track what individual users read, but rather how well each page performs overall. This helps us continue to build a better service for you. We track search terms entered in Search function as one of many measures of what interests our users. But we don't track which terms a particular user enters.

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com creates aggregate reports on user demographics and traffic patterns for advertisers, sponsors and partners. This allows our advertisers to advertise more effectively, and allows our users to receive advertisements that are pertinent to their needs. Because we don't track the usage patterns of individual users, an advertiser or sponsor will never know that a specific user clicked their ad. We will not disclose any information about any individual user except to comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.

SHARING OF THE INFORMATION

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com uses the above-described information to tailor our content to suit your needs and help our advertisers better understand our audience's demographics. This is essential to keeping our service free. We will not share information about individual users with any third party, except to comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.

SECURITY

TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com operates secure data networks protected by industry standard firewall and password protection systems. Our security and privacy policies are periodically reviewed and enhanced as necessary and only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by our customers.

OPT-OUT POLICY

We give users options wherever necessary and practical. Such choices include:

* Opting not to register to receive our electronic newsletters.

* Opting not to participate in certain interactive areas, which completely alleviates the need to gather any personally identifiable information from our users

YOUR CONSENT

By using this site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by TRAVELLINGBALI.blogspot.com. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.

Privacy Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Vision One) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 19:14:00 +0000

PRIVACY POLICY - COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY

This site is owned and operated by TravellingBali. Your privacy on the Internet is of the utmost importance to us. At TravellingBali, we want to make your experience online satisfying and safe.

Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we feel you should fully understand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of that information. This privacy statement discloses what information we gather and how we use it.

INFORMATION TravellingBali GATHERS AND TRACKS

TravellingBali gathers two types of information about users:

* Information that users provide through optional, voluntary submissions. These are voluntary submissions to receive our electronic newsletters, to participate in our message boards or forums, to email a friend, and from participation in polls and surveys:

* Information TravellingBali gathers through aggregated tracking information derived mainly by tallying page views throughout our sites. This information allows us to better tailor our content to readers' needs and to help our advertisers and sponsors better understand the demographics of our audience. Because TravellingBali derives its revenue mainly from sponsorships and advertising, providing such aggregated demographic data is essential to keeping our service free to users. Under no circumstances does TravellingBali divulge any information about an individual user to a third party.

TravellingBali Gathers User Information In The Following Processes:

Optional Voluntary Information

We offer the following free services, which require some type of voluntary submission of personal information by users:
Privacy Policy Sample

The following is a list of different policies which can be edited to remove the parts of the policy that are not needed. You should also add anything to this policy template that you may have on your site.

1. Electronic newsletters policy (Dispatches)

We will offer a free electronic newsletter to users. TravellingBali gathers the email addresses of users who voluntarily subscribe. Users may remove themselves from this mailing list by following the link provided in every newsletter that points users to the subscription management page. Users can also subscribe to the newsletters at the time of registration.

2. Message boards/forums policy

Users of the site's Message Boards and Forums must register separately for these services (both are free of charge) in order to post messages, although they needn't register to visit the site. During registration the user is required to supply a username, password, and email address.

3. "E-mail this to a friend" policy

Our site users can choose to electronically forward a link, page, or documents to someone else by clicking "e-mail this to a friend". The user must provide their email address, as well as that of the recipient. This information is used only in the case of transmission errors and, of course, to let the recipient know who sent the email. The information is not used for any other purpose.

4. Polling

We may offer interactive polls to users so they can easily share their opinions with other users and see what our audience thinks about important issues. Opinions or other responses to polls are aggregated and are not identifiable to any particular user. TravellingBali may use a system to "tag" users after they have voted, so they can vote only once on a particular question. This tag is not correlated with information about individual users.

5. Surveys

TravellingBali may occasionally conduct user surveys to better target our content to our audience. We sometimes share the aggregated demographic information in these surveys with our sponsors, advertisers and partners. We never share any of this information about specific individuals with any third party.
Privacy Policy Template changes

The policy clause about children below is becoming more important as it is nearly impossible to tell the age of any visitor. We recommend adding this sample line to all your forms that request information.

Children

Consistent with the Federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), we will never knowingly request personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13 without requesting parental consent.

Usage tracking

TravellingBali tracks user traffic patterns throughout all of our sites. However, we do not correlate this information with data about individual users. TravellingBali does break down overall usage statistics according to a user's domain name, browser type, and MIME type by reading this information from the browser string (information contained in every user's browser).

TravellingBali sometimes tracks and catalogs the search terms that users enter in our Search function, but this tracking is never associated with individual users. We use tracking information to determine which areas of our sites users like and don't like based on traffic to those areas. We do not track what individual users read, but rather how well each page performs overall. This helps us continue to build a better service for you.

Cookies

We may place a text file called a "cookie" in the browser files of your computer. The cookie itself does not contain Personal Information although it will enable us to relate your use of this site to information that you have specifically and knowingly provided. But the only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply yourself. A cookie can't read data off your hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. TravellingBali uses cookies to track user traffic patterns (as described above). Our advertising system delivers a one-time cookie to better track ad impressions and click rates.

You can refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser. If you've set your browser to warn you before accepting cookies, you will receive the warning message with each cookie. You do not need to have cookies turned on to use this site. However, you do need cookies to participate actively in message boards, forums, polling and surveys.
Privacy Policy Use

How the information you gather is used if relevent.

USE OF INFORMATION

TravellingBali uses any information voluntarily given by our users to enhance their experience in our network of sites, whether to provide interactive or personalized elements on the sites or to better prepare future content based on the interests of our users.

As stated above, we use information that users voluntarily provide in order to send out electronic newsletters and to enable users to participate in polls, surveys, message boards, and forums. We send out newsletters to subscribers on a regular schedule (depending on the newsletter), and occasionally send out special editions when we think subscribers might be particularly interested in something we are doing. TravellingBali never shares newsletter mailing lists with any third parties, including advertisers, sponsors or partners.

When we use tracking information to determine which areas of our sites users like and don't like based on traffic to those areas. We do not track what individual users read, but rather how well each page performs overall. This helps us continue to build a better service for you. We track search terms entered in Search function as one of many measures of what interests our users. But we don't track which terms a particular user enters.

TravellingBali creates aggregate reports on user demographics and traffic patterns for advertisers, sponsors and partners. This allows our advertisers to advertise more effectively, and allows our users to receive advertisements that are pertinent to their needs. Because we don't track the usage patterns of individual users, an advertiser or sponsor will never know that a specific user clicked their ad. We will not disclose any information about any individual user except to comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.

SHARING OF THE INFORMATION

TravellingBali uses the above-described information to tailor our content to suit your needs and help our advertisers better understand our audience's demographics. This is essential to keeping our service free. We will not share information about individual users with any third party, except to comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public.

SECURITY

TravellingBali operates secure data networks protected by industry standard firewall and password protection systems. Our security and privacy policies are periodically reviewed and enhanced as necessary and only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by our customers.

OPT-OUT POLICY

We give users options wherever necessary and practical. Such choices include:

* Opting not to register to receive our electronic newsletters.

* Opting not to participate in certain interactive areas, which completely alleviates the need to gather any personally identifiable information from our users

YOUR CONSENT

By using this site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by TravellingBali. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.

Travelling Bali