A Garden Fit for a King

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

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Six Amazing Rice Terraces

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

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The Roads to Kintamani

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

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From Seminyak to Tanah Lot – Along the Beach

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

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Ideas for Visiting Lovina

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

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Day Trips from Kuta Beach

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

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Best Areas to Rent a Villa in Bali

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

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Accomodation with Kids Club

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

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Learning Bahasa Indonesia.

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

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Bali: About Money

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

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Bali street name and address

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

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