Bali is magical. As probably the most
famous island in Indonesia, Bali blends spectacular mountain scenery and
beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and
out of this world resorts.Travel & Leisure Magazine has
awarded Bali the World’s Best Island in 2009, while the Lonely Planet’s
Best of Travel 2010 ranked Bali second place among the world’s Top
Regions. Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali
appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush
terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. Bali enchants with
its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, to
its luxurious beach resorts and exciting night life. For this exotic
island has much to offer, from inspirational spirituality to fine dining
and meeting experiences, from world class surfing and diving to
exhilarating treks in the wild. And everywhere you will find intricately
carved temples.
For, the Balinese, who embrace the Hindu
religion, are a most devout people where a large part of their lives is
dedicated to rites and ceremonies aimed at maintaining harmony in this
world. Indeed, this relatively small island holds many surprises. This is a miraculous island indeed, for
after decades of popularity, Bali continues to amaze both local and
international visitors alike. Here gather a variety of visitors from
around the globe: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu
and Dreamland, to others who love the panoramic beauty of mountains and
lakes at Batur, Kintamani, or Lake Beratan at Bedugul, to those who
merely love shopping or spend endless days on the beach.
Stay in Bali
Many beautiful resorts offer fine lodgings. Most of the starred
hotels are located near the beach. Otherwise, they usually have their
own private spots at certain beaches. You can find them easily at
popular spots like Kuta or Sanur. If you're in a serene highland like
Ubud, forget starred hotels. You're there to embrace the atmosphere.
Just pick one of the small lodgings lining up the streets. And even the
smallest one's ready to make you feel welcome. During the 2007 Ubud Readers and Writers
Festival, a man in a wheelchair checked in at a small inn on Monkey
Forest. He had some difficulties in navigating through the stairs to his
bungalow. He then left for the Festival. When he returned at night, the
owner had already paved an ascending lane to his bungalow. That's a
typical Balinese hospitality. When you've already picked a certain destination in Bali, just check out our Travel Directory. See what options are near.
Transport in Bali
There are many modes of transport to help you get around in Bali. A
variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are
available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and
tour operators which abound in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver
who will also act as your guide.
Travel by Air
With increasing number of direct flights from many parts of the world,
getting to Bali is easy. Flights from Jakarta to Bali take about 1.5
hours, from Singapore and Perth (Australia) around 2.5 and 3 hours, from
Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and from Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6
hours on many national and international carriers. Just make sure
that you look for "Denpasar (DPS)" instead of "Bali" in airline time
tables. Denpasar is the capital of Bali. While the name of its
international airport is Ngurah Rai. Another means to reach the
island is by ferry from Banyuwangi, located at the most eastern tip of
East Java. It takes 30 to 45 minutes crossing from Banyuwangi to
Ketapang on Bali. From Bali, you can also continue further by ferry to
the island of Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara . Take the ferry at Padang
Bay with transit at Lembar seaport for a total of 4 hours journey. Bali has many travel agents to assist you with your holiday plans.
Food in Bali
Like the food of other regions in
Indonesia, Balinese staple food is rice, served with small portions of
spicy, pungent vegetables, fish or meat and served almost always with
sambal or chili paste. Bali is a few of the regions in Indonesia whose
majority of its people are non Muslims, thus babi guling or roasted
suckling pig is a specialty, as is bebek betutu, smoked stuffed duck
wrapped in bamboo leaves. In Jimbaran area, for instance, you can
sample seafood dishes while sitting on the beach. Visit this place in
the evening, the cool atmosphere and caressing breeze will make your
dining experience remarkable.
Sea Beach in Bali
Bali’s white beaches are favourite for
family holidays. There are a variety of water sports available, such as
banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, swimming or plain sunbathing.
Cruises to the surrounding islands can be taken from here as well as
submarine dives to watch the tropical underwater life from within safe
compartments.
Most well known among Bali’s beaches is
Kuta beach, the best spot to watch dramatic sunsets. Further back along
this stretch are an array of hotels, - from five stars to simple home
stay - restaurants and shops and cafes, while in the evenings the area
throbs to the beat of disco music. Or for a quieter evening enjoy the beach
at Jimbaran, a popular spot to eat fresh barbecued seafood in the
evenings, while watching from a distance the lights of planes landing
and taking off from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport. Located here are some of
Bali’s best hotels like the Four Seasons and the Bali Intercontinental
hotel. Jimbaran is also renowned for the Barong trance dance. Further west of Kuta are Legian and
Seminyak. On the other side of the peninsula is the more sedate Sanur
Beach, which is also dotted with hotels and restaurants, or visit Nusa
Dua, where more private beaches front super de-luxe hotels.
