Bali Destination Guide
OVERVIEW
Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is
so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted
backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like
giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense
tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing
surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but
actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the
moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral
is an opportunity to have a good time.
Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages
offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has
a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with
wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese
people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu
culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion
throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to
day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese
festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the
best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western
side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is
a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand
beaches and gentle seas.
Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual
and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts,
antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected
local bargains with everything from handbags through to
tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable
prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure
to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the
street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price
shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.
For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class
scuba diving, Snorkeling and wonderful day trips out to
Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.
When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make -
a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular
Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want
to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.
As a truly international destination attracting visitors
from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely
cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local
delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese,
Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and
even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful
seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want
to keep coming back for more.
For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace
and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular
Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja
and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area
of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular.
Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome
magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.
The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches,
can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at
Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water
rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain
cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized
rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most
tourists never encounter.
Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every
standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest
bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget
minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and
sophisticated hotels in the world!
