Bali

Impossibly natural rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, wonderful Hindu temple events, mesmerising dancing shows, wide lace of beaches, a truly lovely people: you will find as many images of Bali and there is flowers on the ubiquitous frangipani trees. The small island - it is easy to drive the whole coast in one day - looms large for every trip to Indonesia. No place is more visitor-friendly. Hotels vary from surfer dives and the exciting won't stops to sybaritic retreats in the lush hills. The shopping, from hackneyed baubles to designer duds will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list. You are able to have dinner with local foods bursting with flavors fresh from the marketplaces or let a world-class chef take yourself on some culinary journey around the world. From cold Bintang at sunset to an impressive night clubbing, the social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude. So when comes time to relax, you can find a low-cost beach massage or lose your self in the all-day spa.

And even small definitely doesn’t mean homogeneous. Manic Kuta segues into luxurious Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty journeys among the volcanoes. Calm beach areas like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right around the coast and merely offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan. While you find the beautiful little religious offerings that appear to materialise everywhere like by magic, you’ll see that their little tapestry of colors and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.

Culture
Bali’s culture strips the cliché in the word unique. The variation of Hinduism applied with great fervour is found no place else on this planet and has inspired fervent artistic expressions that charms visitors. People in Bali is actually all Indonesian; 95% are of Balinese Hindu descent and can be identified as ethnic Balinese. The residents are generally from other places of the nation, particularly Java.

Religion
You can’t escape from religion in Bali - there re temples in most village, shrines in most ield and offerings made at each corner. The Balinese already had strong religious beliefs and a dynamic cultural life, and the new influences ere simply overlaid on existing practices - hence the peculiar Balinese interpretation of Hinduism. The Balinese worship the same gods as the Hindus of India - the trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu - however they also have a supreme god, Sanghyang Widi. Unlike in India, the trinity is never seen - a vacant shrine or empty throne tells all. Nor is Sanghyang Widi often worshipped, though villagers may pray to him when they have settled new land and are about to build a new village. Other Hindu gods such as Ganesh, Shiva’s elephant-headed son, may occasionally appear, but a great many purely Balinese gods, spirits and entities have far more relevance in everyday life.

Temple

The word for temple is pura, which is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘a space surrounded by a wall’. As in so much of Balinese religion, the temples, though nominally Hindu, owe much to the pre-Majapahit era. Their kaja, kelod or kangin (alignment towards the mountains, the sea or the sunrise) is in deference to spirits that are more animist than Hindu.

TOP FIVE TEMPLES

• Pura Luhur Ulu Watu ( p291 ), on the Bukit Peninsula, one of Bali’s nine directional temples, with a spectacular cliff-top location.
• Pura Tirta Empul ( p323 ) at Tampaksaring, renowned for its beauty and nearby springs and bathing pools.
• Pura Luhur Batukau ( p355 ) on the slopes of Gunung Batukau, with its cool, misty atmosphere.
• Pura Kehen ( p326 ), state temple of the Bangli kingdom and miniature version of Pura Besakih.
• Pura Maduwe Karang ( p358 ), near Kubutambahan, an elaborate seaside temple with some surprising carvings.

Dance

Many visitors are seduced by the haunting and melodic charms of a dance performance in Ubud, a quintessential Bali experience. Music, dance and drama are closely related in Bali. In fact, dance and drama are synonymous, though some ‘dances’ are more drama and less dance, and others more dance and less drama. Balinese dance tends to be precise, shifting and jerky, like the accompanying gamelan music, which has abrupt shifts of tempo and dramatic changes between silence and crashing noise. There’s virtually no physical contact in Balinese dancing – each dancer moves independently, but every movement of wrist, hand and finger is important. Even facial expressions are carefully choreographed to convey the character of the dance.

Getting There

Ngurah Rai Airport

(DPS) is just south of Kuta, however it is 

sometimes referred to internationally as 

Denpasar (which is 15km north) or on some 

internet flight booking sites as Bali.

View Larger Map

International airlines flying to and from Bali:

• Garuda Indonesia (GA; Map pp298-9 ; %0361-227824; www.garuda-indonesia.com; Jl Sugianyar 5, Denpasar) Serves Australia and major cities in Asia direct.
• AirAsia (AK; %0361-760116; www.airasia.com; ticket office outside international terminal) Serves Kota  Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching in Malaysia, connects to London.
• Cathay Pacific Airways (CX; %0361-766931; www.cathaypacific.com) Serves Hong Kong.
• China Airlines (CI; %0361-754856; www.china-airlines.com) Serves Taipei.
• Eva Air (BR; %0361-751011; www.evaair.com) Serves Taipei.
• Japan Airlines (JL; %0361-757077; www.jal.co.jp) Serves Tokyo.
• Jetstar/Qantas Airways (QF; Map p286 ; %0361288331;www.qantas.com.au; Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur) Serves Australia.
• Korean Air (KE; %0361-768377; www.koreanair.com) Serves Seoul.
• Lion Air (JT; %0804-177 8899; www.lionair.co.id) Serves Singapore.
• Malaysia Airlines (MH; %0361-764995; www.mas.com.my) Serves Kuala Lumpur.
• Pacific Blue (DJ; %+61 7 3295 2296; www.flypacificblue.com) Offshoot of Australia’s Virgin Blue.
• Singapore Airlines (SQ; Map p270 ; %0361-768388;www.singaporeair.com; GOI Bldg, Airport Parking Lot) Several Singapore flights daily.
• Thai Airways International ( TG; Map p286 ; %0361288141;www.thaiair.com; Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur) Serves Bangkok.

Domestic flying to and from Bali:

• AirAsia (AK; www.airasia.com) Fast-growing Malaysianbased budget carrier with a web of Indonesian domestic flights.
• Batavia Air (7P; www.batavia-air.co.id) Serves numerous destinations; has the enigmatic slogan: ‘Trust us to fly’.
• Garuda Indonesia (GA; www.garuda-indonesia.com) The national carrier serves numerous cities.
• Lion Air (JT; www.lionair.co.id) Fast-expanding budget carrier has a web of services across the archipelago; carried the most passengers in 2008.
• Mandala Airlines (RI; www.mandalaair.com) Serves major routes.
• Merpati Airlines (MZ; www.merpati.co.id) Serves many smaller Indonesian cities, in addition to the main ones.

Taxi to/from Airport

• Denpasar 70,000-90,000Rp
• Jimbaran 75,000-95,000Rp
• Kuta Beach 45,000-50,000Rp
• Legian 55,000-65,000Rp
• Nusa Dua 95,000-105,000Rp
• Sanur 95,000Rp
• Seminyak 70,000-80,000Rp
• Ubud 195,000-225,000Rp

Bicycle

Many visitors are using bikes around the towns and for day trips in Bali. Ask at your accommodation about where you can rent a good bike; hotels often have their own. Generally, prices range from 20,000Rp to 30,000Rp per day.

Car & Motorcycle

A small Suzuki or Toyota 4WD is the typical rental vehicle in Bali. Typical costs are 150,000Rp to 180,000Rp per day, including insurance and unlimited kilometres but not including fuel. Hiring a car with driver will cost around 350,000Rp to 600,000Rp for an eight- to 10-hour day.

Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Bali, Typically you can expect to pay from around 30,000 to 40,000Rp a day. This includes a flimsy helmet.

Bali Dance

The Pendet is one of the oldest Balinese dances used in ceremonies. There are gestures of worship and the use of flower petals in its sequence. Yet lately the Asosiasi Seni Tari Indonesia (the Indonesian Arts Institute) in Denpasar has recreated it into an abridged version that falls into the welcoming dance category of Balinese dance.

The Agung Rai Museum of Art, better known by its abbreviated name ARMA, is located in the village of Pengosekan in Ubud, and has a mission to preserve Balinese culture and introduce local arts to youth at an early age. They provide a special space at the Museum for children to learn to dance. The children are mostly elementary grade schoolchildren and are taught basic traditional dance by experienced dance teachers. 

Dance lessons are held every day, except during certain occasions such as when religious ceremonies are at their peak. One dance can be completely mastered after a year of practice. Dancing the Balinese forms are not as easy as they may seem. There are basic dance moves that must be understood and usually this is the most difficult part, yet it forms the strong base.  

There are at least three basics that must be mastered; gem, seledet, and egol. Ngagem is executing the asymmetric position of the body in a stationary posture. Agem can be divided into two parts: right and left. The right agem is when the upper body slants to the right and the hips to the left, while the hands are at shoulder level.

Seledet is the facial expression that focuses on the sharp dashing glances of the eyes, with directions in accordance to the agem posture. While executing or ngagem to the right, then the seledet glances would normally be to the upper right and lower right.

Learning to nyeledet does not only involve the eye movements but also the facial expressions. A dance surely comes to life when dynamic expressions are skillfully carried out. Sometimes a dancer may either seem fierce, sweet and timid, or dead serious, depending on the act being performed.

Egol or the ‘hip shake’ is executed while stepping on the spot or forward. It is the most difficult move and requires stamina. Because the body posture when executing this move is not standing upright but rather in what the Balinese refer to as ngeed or standing with a slight squat. Generally this is the position throughout the dance sequence. Besides that, the ngegol is not only about shaking the hips but also maintaining the harmony between the hip, hand gestures, and the head.

Ubud surely has become a focal point in the island’s art scene. Those curious about Bali’s arts and culture will find the answers in Ubud. For those who just want to know the basics, they can pay to visit the various local workshops. But for those who want to dive even deeper, they can pay a living Balinese maestro a visit.

Several other senior Balinese dancers that can be asked for guidance include the likes of the topeng mask and gambuh maestros from the village of Batuan, I Made Djimat; Kebyar Duduk maestro, Ida Bagus Oka Wirjana or better known by the name Gus Aji Blangsinga from the village of Blangsinga.

Learning Balinese dance can be done throughout the island. One hotel in the Nusa Dua area has also added a facility for its guests, especially children. The Laguna also provides its guest’s children with complimentary Balinese dance lessons as one of their kid’s club activities. The children can get busy learning the moves while their parents have their own agenda. They can don traditional Balinese attire during the lessons and learn under the guidance of Komang Suarti, The Laguna’s Human Resources Manager. So far, the children who participate express high enthusiasm in each of their moves. Balinese dance give you the chance to feel and experience part of the heritage, which suits both young and old. 

Ecotourism in Bali

Pelaga 

Pelaga is one of four villages that make up Jaringan Ekowisata Desa ('Village Ecotourism Network," or JED), a cooperative that aims to channel the benefit of tourism directly back to Balinese communities, while providing visitors with a substantive rural experience. Another is Sibetan , set in the foothills of mount Agung, the island's highest and most venerated volcano. Sibetan is perhaps best known for the cultivation of snake fruit, which some enterprising Germans recently taught locals to turn into a sort of tropical schnapps. Nusa Ceningan, a somnolent isle of fisherfolk and seaweed farmers, is also part of the network, as is Tenganan, a walled village dating back to the 11th century whose residents, known as the Bali Aga- literally, "original Balinese" - are renowned for their pre-Hindu customs and distinctive double-ikat weaving technique.

Pelaga is the most visited of the four JED villages, all of which derive their main income from agriculture. In Pelaga, that means export-quality Arabica coffee, which villagers sell to a wholesaler in Java. As we amble through the maze of trails that crisscross the village's plantations, Pelaga was where it was first cultivated on Bali. The network gives you access to the inner workings of places by the people who actually live there and who have a stake in protecting it. "Every year in Bali, 200 hectares of farmland are lost to tourism and real estate development."

Visit Pelaga, situated far from the crowds of Kuta and Seminyak some 1,100 meters above sea level, and your first impression will doubtless be the sheer beauty of the surroundings. Central Bali is like one vast garden of orchards, plantations, and rice fields, spread across an undulating landscape punctuated by volcanic peaks. You'll be greeted in Pe1aga's bale subak, a large thatch-roofed pavilion that acts as the administrative center of the village's subak association, which coordinates the irrigation of the paddies. (Pelaga's Subak comprises 170 families, and like all such associations, it involves a complex cycle of rituals reflecting the tripartite Balinese principal of Tri Hita Karana - roughly, " there paths to prosperity" - which advocates balance between people, nature, and god.) You'll be served local coffee laced with cinnamon from an earthenware pot steaming over a wood oven, before setting off on a tour of the coffee plantation or, if you'd rather, a longer three-hour trek that lakes in a waterfall and some fine views. The lunch is a buffet-style interpretation of the classic Balinese rijsttafel, a sampling of dishes - minced pork satay, peanut-sauce salad - that rely on organic ingredient grown or raised in the near vicinity.

Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan, the lesser known neighbor of touristy Nusa Lembongan , just off Bali's cast coast. Here, concerted action by the community kept out a development consortium that was seeking to purchase the entire island and fill it with star rated hotels. "We're now trying to draw up a strategy for managing the island based on our own sustainable principles," says my guide I Gede Lama as we eat a lunch of freshly caught tuna, purchased from some fishermen we stumbled upon during our morning tour of the 300-hedare island. Fishing, unsurprisingly, is a staple industry here, hut seaweed farming is the mainstay of Ceningan’s economy. At low tide, villagers drag their skiffs into the shallows and fill them with the Euchema Cotonii and spinosum grasses, harvested here for export as ingredients in the cosmetics and food industries.

After making the 45-minute crossing from Bali by speedboat, visitors to Nusa Ceningan usually spend the night at a lodge in the island's hilly interior. Activities include canoe trips out to the seaweed farms, snorkeling, and a moped tour of the island that takes in the rugged beauty of its western reaches, which receive a constant battering from the high swell of the Lombok Strait.

The packaging of culture is inevitable with mass tourism, and in Bali, visitors typically encounter it through carefully choreographed performances. You won't find anything staged at any of the JED villages. But that doesn’t mean you won't witness a temple ceremony or even a more intimate rite of passage in someone's home. It really iust depends on what’s happening that day.

"Next week, the pandanus-leaf wars are taking place in 'Tenganan," Gede Astana tells me as I bid him farewell back on the Bali mainland. "You should come.'· I've heard of this ancient gladiatorial ritual, unique to Tenganan, where young men do good-natured battle with thorny Pandanus leaves and woven shields, often drawing blood. "You can eyen join in if you like," Astana adds with a laugh. I tell him I'll go - but only to watch. I prefer my cultural immersion to be as painless as possible. 

Luxury Resort and Spa in Bali

Pack your bags and tell the post office to hold your mail because it's time to take yourself and the kids on a well-deserved family holiday. Here are a couple of ideas , perfect for those families looking for beachside break.

The Bulgarl Resort, Bali.

The Bulgarl Resort, Bali. Is an exclusive and intimate setting for guests seeking privacy and luxury. Located on a secluded plateau at more than 150 metres above the sea-shore, the Bulgari Resort boasts unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean and sophisticated facilities, such as the Italian and Indonesian restaurants, the lounge bar, the cliff-edge pool and the Spa, offering a complete range of Balinese,Asian and European therapies. Nestled between the cliff and the ocean, the Bulgari Resort enjoys private access via funicular to a 1.5 kilometre long pristine stretch of beach.
The Bali Resort with its incomparable backdrop and contemporary interpretation of Balinese style, conveying the distinctive Bulgari Italian style. is a unique destination for sophisticated and discerning travelers.

THE BVLGARI RESORT. BALI 

Jalann Goa Lempeh. Banjar Dinas Kangin. Uluwatu. Bail 80364. Indonesia 

Phone: +62-36 I 847 1000 Fax +62-36 I 847 I I I I Email: balLreservations@buIgarIhoek.com www.buigarihotels.com

Niko Bali Resort and Spa

Perched atop a 40·meter cliff In Nusa Dua, the Luxurious Nikko Ball Resort and Spa provides a 180· degree view of the Indian Ocean, modern facilities, and a wide range of activities catering to both business and leisure guests, as well as families with children. In addition to 365 recently refurbished rooms, the resort features four all new- luxurious room types: Nikko Club. Nikko Family Room, Nikko Family Suite. and the stunning Seventh Heaven Room.

Moms, dads. and kids will love the Nikko Family Room, which comfortably accommodates two adults and two youngsters below 12 years old and features a range of modern child·friendly amenities such as anti·slip padding in the bathtub. Those looking to enjoy additional space and privacy can upgrade to a Nikko Family Suite with connecting rooms.

Adolescents of all ages can spend their holiday hours laughing and playing at anyone of the many leisure spaces. From the children's lagoon and pool to a 3O' meter waterslide, four interconnecting swimming pools, three floodlit tennis courts, a jungle camp, and the only camel safari ride in Bali, there is no shortage of on-site kid friendly activities.

Upon arrival at the resort, you'll be treated to a range of special gifts. before stepping into your room where a children's television network will entertain the kids while you unwind. To add to the fun, the family rooms and suites have been packed to the rafters with toys, including a Playstation 2, equipped with enough games to entertain both children and parents alike. While the young ones are otherwise entertained, mom and dad can retreat to the calm surrounds of a Spa Villa for a little pampering.

Take the opportunity to participate in a Balinese cooking class, an arts and crafts lesson or learn to dance, wander along the fabulous Sawangan beach, or sit back, relax, and enjoy a quiet meal at the hotel's award· winning The Shore Restaurant & Bar, Benkay Japanese Restaurant, or for authentic Italian cuisine, at La Terazza. No matter what your itinerary, a holiday with Nikko Bali Resort and Spa wil l be a t ru ly perfect family getaway.

The Legian Bali - Dining In Paradise

The Legian is an exclusive, an-suite hotel in a prime location on Bali's famed beachside Strip, Seminyak. Set a mid beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, The Legian has become that place in Bali for style-conscious travelers to relax and unwind. Share memorable moments at The Legian Bali as you enjoy magical dining experiences conceived by chef' Dorin Schustcr. Having won numerous awards over the course of his career, including the prestigious San Penegrino "Chef of the Year" award at the" 'World Gourmet Summit in 2007, chef Sehuster Joins The Legian following a stint as the head chef at Singapore dining institution, Iggy's, widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world.

At The Legian, in his role as Executive Chef, Schuster continues to wow guests with his creative menu ideas at the hotel's numerous dining outlets, including The Restaurant, serving European cuisine, as well as (he Pool Bar and the Lobby Bar.

An intimate dinner you win never forget


Experience a romantic five-course dinner for two, specially crafted by chef' Schuster and held at a secluded Balinese pavilion or in your own privat beach bale. Sip a flute of champagne while being lulled into a state of bliss by the serene sound of the ocean, Just meters away, before enjoying a gourmet meal that you'll want to last forever.

Indonesian Rijstaffel

Taste the true flavor; of Indonesia with chef Schuster’s Indonesian Rijstafel , or "rice table," banquet, served with ocean views at The Restaurant. Presented in traditional clay pots, the Rijstafel offers a variety of Indonesian specialties, from appetizers to desserts, giving you an authentic taste of the world's largest archipelago.

Seminyak seafood barbecue

Head to the Sunset Terrace to dine on the Freshest seafood cooked to perfection over wood grills. Served at a private bale or beach front table, the delectable barbecue fare is perfect for both intimate diners and family affairs, with the cuisine outshone only by the sparkling ocean view.

A royal Balinese feast

At The Legian, authentic Balinese cuisine is carefully prepared utilizing the finest ingredients on offer. Indulge in a feast of suckling pig, followed by a unique salad incorporating minced pork and Balinese sausage. At the end of the meal, look forward to a dessert of exotic Fruit and black-rice pudding with palm sugar syrup, the sweetest ending you'll find in Bali.

Travel to bali travel and tourist information

Comforts
Sunshine lovers and surfers like flock to Bali's southern Bukit Peninsula to do the most of white-sand beaches, clear waters, spectacular panoramas, and some of the best waves on the island, not to mention the deluxe resort hotel. Along the east coast of the Bukit lies Nusa Dua, a tourist enclave that has been prepared along one of the best beaches on the island. Once a coconut plantation, Nusa Dua is noted by a quiet stretch of white sand and sea reefs that make the water perfect for swim. Well-maintained facilities, dramatic views, landscaped gardens, best golf facilities, and a fine place of children's activities completely serve to make Nusa Dua resorts popular with families and those looking for an luxurious escape.

bukit Peninsula, Nusa Dua Bali

North from Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa, a relaxed beachside region where water sports is the main draw. Windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing are good served by operators from individual resorts. There's safe swimming in Benoa as well, so the resorts facing the sand be given to be family friendly. From here, take a short boat ride to the nearby islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, where in that location is many excellent diving sites. Every year from July to November, divers from all over the world flock to Nusa Penida to get a look of the gigantic sunfish that come to surface in the shallow waters.

Tanjung Benoa

Nusa Peninda

Pontoon Nusa Lembongan

Sunfish

Several of the best surfing in Bali can be found off the west coast of the Bukit at Uluwatu. The route to the beach is quite good hidden, and is rarely visited by those not prefer to engage about challenging waves, as the water is unsuitable for swimming and the beach is rocky. For leisure time visitors, Uluwatu Temple is the village's main draw due to its majestic position, perched atop sheer cliffs above the crashing surf.

Bukit Uluwatu

The village of Jimbaran is on the isthmus that connects the Bukit to the rest of Bali. A beautiful crescent of white sand and calm blue waters has made Jimbaran a place for some of the island's premier resorts.Jimbaran Beach is also lined with lots of great outdoors seafood restaurants. They're fairly priced, with the catch of the day being brought straight from the sea. Make sure to start dinner early in order to see an unforgettable sunset.

Jimbaran

Shopper
For the savvy traveller in hunting of the perfect deal, the beachside villages of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are sure enough to fit the bill. The bustling villages only north-west from the Bukit is an haven for shoppers, gourmands, and night owls alike. Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are active and busy through day and night, with a high concentration of shops, coffee, bar, and restaurants.  This entertainment hub is ideal for walking, bargain hunting, and of course, recovering from all of the day's activities.

Kuta perhaps known as its surfing, sunsets, and nightlife. Surfing here is accessible to enthusiasts by all skill levels, with equipment readily available for rent on the beach. The stores in Kuta are predominantly surf-oriented, and appeal a youthful crowd.However, visitors can also find a multitude of souvenir items and handicrafts in roadside shops. Nightclubs in Kuta bustle with a loyal international following, and is popular among those looking a relaxed simply festive atmosphere. Near, Legian is fast developing as a hot spot for its hip hotels and gourmet restaurants and cafes.

Kuta at Night

Legian

The accessibility of Kuta and Legian, also as the affordability of the resorts here, make it a preferred among those looking for fun. Families also tend to favor this part of the island for its wide kind of activities for children and young people: bungee jumping, horseback riding, and water sports are just some of the exciting diversions that can be enjoyed. Best of all are the exciting sunsets that can be seen year-round from the beach. At dusk, crowds gather at beachside cates to take in the view before the night's activities begin.

Bungy Jumping in Kuta

Horse ride in Kuta

For style-conscious visitors and locals, Seminyak is the place to see and be seen. The neighborhood has become one of the trendiest spots on the island, with a gamut of specialized boutiques, interior decor stores, and upscale bars and restaurants, Some of the best international cuisine can be sampled here alongside a youthful and fashionable set that makes this a vibrant and exciting area.

Seminyak

Hills
Ancient customs, a rich artistic heritage, and warm hospitality converge in the symbolic heart of the island. Add to this endless views of lush green rice paddies and forests, and you'll begin to understand the mystical beauty that Ubud is famous for.



Ubud's scenic countryside consists of gently sloping hills and picturesque rice paddies, which offer great walking and cycling trails. Take a tour and discover the smaller villages around central Ubud that still contain groups of artisan families-an exciting way to see Balinese art in the making. Ubud is also the ideal place to watch Balinese dancing. The Legong, Ramayana, and Kecak are performed nightly in and around the Ubud area, including at the Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace) in central Ubud.

Alam Ubud Culture Villas & Residences

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

Alila Ubud

An essential part of Ubud's allure is the leisurely pace of life that seems to permeate daily activity. For visitors looking to relax, there are several spas in the area that provide traditional healing and well-being treatments. In fact, Ubud derives its name from the Balinese word ubad, meaning "medicine"-a nod to the many local medicinal plants and herbs now widely used internationally-and a pampering day at their source promises a special treat. Many of the products used during these therapies are made from the natural ingredients found in indigenous plants, herbs, and flowers.
For the more active traveler, Ubud also offers a range of outward-bound pursuits. The rushing waters of the Ayung River, whose dramatic gorge dominates western Ubud, make it ideal for a day of rafting. For wildlife lovers, must-sees include the Bali Bird Park and Reptile Park in southern Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud, and the Elephant Safari Park farther to the north. Excursions to all these places can easily be arranged through hotels or operators in the area.

Travel Tips to Green Bowl, Bali Indonesia

If your destination to Bali just to visit the beauty of Kuta Beach, Sanur, Nusa Dua Beach or the beautiful beaches of this one will surely give a deeper impression. That's because every corner is so beautiful and charming. A beautiful landscape and isolated beaches hidden behind the hills and thick trees. To go to this place you had to descend hundreds of steps. Green Coast Bowl is rarely publicized in the media, so not many tourists are aware of the existence of this beach. Here are travel tips on Green Beach Bowl.

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How to get to Beach Green Bowl
To go to the beach of Jimbaran Green Bowl, then personal or rental vehicle you need to find a way to Pura Uluwatu. You'll see straight toward the intersection of Dreamland and Uluwatu beach, while to his right Balangan Beach.
Take the left onto Green Beach Bowl. Arriving at the gate, take the straight road to the left until there is a parking lot, and came on purpose.
From the direction of Denpasar or Kuta then navigate your vehicle through the Highway towards Uluwatu Uluwatu. Approximately 1 km after the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Attraction, you will find an intersection, there is Nirmala Supermarket on the right path.
From the intersection, turn left and continue to follow the road until it runs out. So far approximately 2 miles then you arrived at Green Beach Bowl parking lot.
From the parking lot on top of the cliff you will see beautiful beaches, turquoise-colored with white waves rolling. You live down hundreds of stairs to reach the beach.

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Things you need to prepare

You should bring food and drinks, as it travels down the steep stairs hundreds of exhausting enough. None of the food vendors on shore, except on the bluff parking lot.
Take care of our environment by not throwing trash on the beach. You can save it for later discarded when arriving at the top.
Polynomial bats in a cave making very piercing odor nose. You have to cover your nose or hold your breath if you want to take pictures at the mouth of the cave is beautiful.
Be careful when hundreds of steps down a fairly steep on the side kananya. Some parts of the protective bar has been freed.

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Travel to Bali At the feast of Hindus

If you are planning a vacation to Bali this week? Luckily, due February 1, this is Galungan. Galungan celebrated Hindus in Bali as the celebration of the victory of dharma (virtue) over adharma (evil). Galungan, according to Balinese calendar is celebrated once every six months, but it is always celebrated on Wednesday. Galungan is a big celebration for Hindus in Bali. In addition, Galungan is closely related to other festivals, the Feast of Kuningan. The distance is only 10 days and is considered as the closing celebration of Galungan. Therefore, the usual way to congratulate people who celebrate it is by the phrase "Happy Galungan and Kuningan ."

Some areas in Bali has its own peculiarities as the celebration of Galungan and Kuningan. Galungan itself consists of several series. One day before the Galungan or called Penampahan Galungan, ordinary people do ngayah (communal work) in the temple and make various foods such as lawar and satay. During Galungan, pretending to be met by both Hindus. At this moment in Balinese cultural tour to be so attractive. You can just go to the nearest temple from where you stay. But do not be surprised at how crowded and densely filled with Hindu temples.

A day later, people usually visit each other's house to congratulate the family holiday or stay in touch. In this Galungan week, the streets of Bali will look beautiful with Penjor-Penjor, bamboo with leaf decoration, which was set up in rows. For those of you who like pictures, so just went to Bali when Galungan. Because, Galungan is a big feast in addition to Nyepi, even schools and government agencies usually holiday between three days to a week. At that moment, the entire island of Bali as berias with Penjor-Penjor pretty calm, the girls dressed in colorful kebaya down the street, offering the colorful flowers and fruit, then the dynamic tetabuhan baleganjur gamelan.

When the feast of Kuningan temple will be filled by the people. The women bring offerings in the head. Then the smell of incense that burst and relentless tetabuhan gamelan. Magical atmosphere will amaze you. You can see the ceremony at Temple Petilan Pengerebongan, Village Kesiman, Denpasar. The ceremony brings ngurek tradition. You should not watch it if you can not stand that such actions Debus.

Ngurek tradition exists in almost all areas in Bali, namely stab themselves with kris while in a trance state or so-called people of Bali while in a state of "kerauhan". The difference, in this village, which used a kris dagger called luk Kesiman sacred. Interested in doing cultural tourism in Bali during Galungan and Kuningan? Just remember, in 2012, Galungan on February 1, 2012 and August 29, 2012. While Kuningan on February 11, 2012 and 8 September 2012.

Muhammad Hasanudin - kompas.com

iwbdenpasar.wordpress.com

pojok-bali.blogspot.com

Spa at Jimbaran Bay

Long conSidered one of the top retreats on an Island known for healing and wellness. Four Seasons offers unsurpassed service m a stellar Balinese-style setting. The 156 villas and residences offer luxury Indoors and outdoors with courtyard living areas, sexy garden showers and private plunge pools overlooking the ocean. The list of comphmentary on-site activities, from sailing lessons to learning traditional Balinese dance.

Traditionally embraced by Javanese royalty. the Lulur Ritual (120 minutes. $145) Incorporates turmeric. cinnamon and other spices In a skin-smoothing scrub fo llowed by a soak In an oversized flower- filled tub.

Don't miss Bali's cultural attractions, from sunset at the striking Uluwatu Temple, set on a westward-facing cliff-top peninsula, to the master craftsmen who specialize In woodcarving and Jewelry-making. Rooms from $680.

four sesaons resort Jimbaran : fourseasons.com

four sesaons resort Jimbaran : maxx-m.com

About Bali

Bali is the name of a province in Indonesia and is also the name of the largest islands that are part of the province. In addition to comprising the island of Bali, Bali Province region also consists of islands smaller in the vicinity, namely the island of Nusa Penida,Nusa Lembongan Island, Nusa Seningan Island and Serangan Island.

Bali lies between Java and Lombok Island. Denpasar is the provincial capital located on the southern island. The majority of Balinese are Hindu. In the world famous Bali as a tourist destination with a unique variety of art-culture, especially for the Japanese and Australian tourists. Bali is also known as the Thousand Islands and the island temple.

Bali Island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands along the 153 km and 112 km wide around 3.2 km from the island of Java. Astronomically, Bali is located at 8 ° 25'23 "south latitude and 115 ° 14'55" East Longitude tropical climate that makes it like the rest of Indonesia. 

Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali as high as 3148 m. The volcano last erupted in March 1963. Mount Batur is also one of the mountain in Bali. About 30,000 years ago, Mount Batur erupted and produced a terrible disaster on earth. Unlike in the north, the southern part of Bali is irrigated lowland rivers.   

Based on the relief and topography, in the middle of the island lie the mountains that extends from west to east and between the mountains there is a cluster of volcanoes of Mount Batur and Mount Agung and the mountains are not volcanoes, namely Gunung Merbuk, Mount Gunung Patas and Seraya. The existence of these mountains cause by Geographic Region Bali is divided into 2 (two) parts are not the same as the North Bali with a narrow lowland and less sloping and the lowlands of South Bali's wide and sloping. Bali slope of the land consists of flat land (0-2%) covering 122 652 ha of undulating land (2-15%) covering 118,339 ha, steep land (15-40%) and covering an area of ​​190,486 ha of land is very steep (> 40%) an area of ​​132,189 ha.Province of Bali has 4 (four) lakes are located in mountainous areas, namely Danau Beratan, Buyan, Tamblingan and Lake Batur. 
 
The capital of Bali is Denpasar. Other important places are Ubud as an art center located in Gianyar regency, while Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua are some places become tourist destinations, both coastal and resort tourism. 

The total area of ​​Bali Province is 5636.66 km2 or 0.29% of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Administratively, the Province of Bali is divided into 9 districts / cities, 55 districts and 701 villages / village.

Demography
Bali residents about a number of 4 million, with 92.3% majority Hindu religion. Otherreligions are Buddhism, Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism.

Apart from tourism, the Balinese are also living from agriculture and fisheries. Somealso choose to become artists. The language used in Bali is Indonesian, Balineseand English especially for those who work in tourism.

Balinese and Indonesian is the language most widely used in Bali and Indonesia asother residents, the majority of Balinese people are bilingual or even trilingual.Although there are several dialects in the language of Bali, the Balinese peoplegenerally use a form of Balinese language intercourse as an option in communication.Traditionally, the use of various dialects of the Balinese language is determined based on the color system of chess in the Hindu Dharma and clan membership (the term Bali: Soroh, gotra), although the implementation of these traditions tend todecrease.

English is the third language (and the primary foreign language) for many of the Balinese people are influenced by the needs of the tourism industry. Employees who work at tourist information centers in Bali, often also understand some of the foreignlanguage competence is sufficient.
Bali residents about a number of 4 million, with 92.3% majority Hindu religion. Otherreligions are Buddhism, Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism.

Apart from tourism, the Balinese are also living from agriculture and fisheries. Somealso choose to become artists. The language used in Bali is Indonesian, Balineseand English especially for those who work in tourism.

Balinese and Indonesian is the language most widely used in Bali and Indonesia asother residents, the majority of Balinese people are bilingual or even trilingual.Although there are several dialects in the language of Bali, the Balinese peoplegenerally use a form of Balinese language intercourse as an option in communication.Traditionally, the use of various dialects of the Balinese language is determined based on the color system of chess in the Hindu Dharma and clan membership (the term Bali: Soroh, gotra), although the implementation of these traditions tend todecrease.

English is the third language (and the primary foreign language) for many of the Balinese people are influenced by the needs of the tourism industry. Employees who work at tourist information centers in Bali, often also understand some of the foreignlanguage competence is sufficient.

 
Music 
Balinese traditional music has in common with traditional music in many other areas in Indonesia, for example in the use of gamelan and a variety of other percussion instruments. Nevertheless, there are peculiarities in the technique of playing and gubahannya, for example in the form kecak, ie a form of singing that supposedly mimic the sound of monkeys. Similarly, a variety of gamelan are played even unique, for example jegog gamelan, gamelan gong gede, gamelan xylophone, gamelan and gamelan Semar selunding Pegulingan. There is also music Angklung played for the cremation ceremony as well as Bebonangan music played in a variety of other ceremonies. 

There is a modern form of traditional music of Bali, for example Gamelan Gong Kebyar which is a dance music that developed in the Dutch colonial period and Joged tube which became popular in Bali since the era of the 1950s. Generally, Balinese music is a combination of various metal percussion instruments (metallophone), gongs and wooden percussion (xylophone). Because social relations, politics and culture, traditional music of Bali or Balinese gamelan game influence or affect each other in the surrounding cultural regions, such as traditional music community in Banyuwangi and traditional music community Lombok. 

    * Gamelan 
    * Jegog 
    * Genggong 
    * Silat Bali 
Dance 
Balinese dance in general can be categorized into three groups, namely the trustee or the sacred art of dance performances, bebali or dance performances for ceremonies and also for visitors and balih-balihan or the art of dance for the entertainment of visitors. 
Balinese dance expert I Made Bandem at the beginning of the 1980s never classify the Balinese dances, among others who belong to the trustee for example Berutuk, Sang Hyang Dedari, Rejang and Baris Gede, bebali among others is Gambuh, Pajegan Mask and Puppet Wong, whereas balih-balihan among others is the Legong, Parwa, Arja, Prembon and Joged as well as various other modern dance choreography. 
One of the dances are very popular for tourists is the Kecak Dance. Around the 1930's, Wayan Limbak worked with German painter Walter Spies to create Trance dance is based on tradition and part of the Ramayana story. Wayan Limbak popularized the dance this time around the world with his troupe of Balinese dancers.