Bali Dances and Performances

There are several other dances that could excite you. Dance and drama have historically played an important role in Balinese society. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese themselves take them very seriously.Birthdays, weddings, and temples festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance is inextricably linked with the Balinese religion. Through this

Villages of Bali

The idea of balance is central to Balinese philosophy and way of life. Nature and Man meet and complement each other.The villages are a study in order. Hidden behind the same mud walls, there will be the same red tiles of the same family pavilions with, again thirty meters apart, the same thatched puppet houses: the family temples (sanggah/merajan). Then, there will be a big tree, two slit logs

Kertha Gosa - Hint of the Greatness of Klungkung Kingdom

If you happen make a visit to Klungkung city, Kertha Gosa constitutes the most prominent tourist object. Historically, Kertha Gosa means a place of discussing anything associated with the security, welfare and justice affairs within the teritory of Bali.According the chronogram based on Lunar Calculation engraved on the main entrance gate, Kertha paksi-paksi(literally means cakra, crab, bird,

Besakih Temple

to assemble north, by the astonishing landscapes of Bukit Jambul, goes up more than 900 meters to the top of the slopes of Gunung Agung in Pura Besakih, holiest of all the temples in Bali. It started most probably like sanctuary in prehistoric terrace where the worship and were quoted to the god of Gunung Agung, the element dominating of landscape in the world of Balinese. Above thousand years

Adventure Activities in Bali

* A.T.V Touring - For Bali's latest in excitement, take the off-road journey through rice paddies, mountain streams and tropical rain forests on your own A.T.V short for "All Terrain Vehicles". These top-of-the-line vehicles are like a motorbike with four wheels and come in 250cc and 350cc sizes. You will be transferred from your hotel to the "Lumbung Restaurant", located in the Batu Karo region close to Jatiluwih. From here take their 2 hour circular course then lunch at the restaurant. You can go by yourself or take a friend. Helmets are provided and USD30,000 insurance coverage included.


* BALINESE MUSIC AND DANCE CLASSES - The YAYASAN POLOS SENI (Foundation for Pure Art) in Ubud, offers Balinese music and dance classes for students who wish to become fully involved with the music & dance culture of Bali. There are 2-week courses to learn playing the Gamelan at the MUSEUM SENI KLASSIK in Klungkung which is open for all levels of experience. Beginners as well as "non-musicians" are welcome.


* BOWLING & BILLIARDS - Bali's newest addition - Paradiso Bowling and Billiard centre has recently opened at the Kuta Centre located in Tuban. Spend a fun filled night with the family. There are 18 bowling lanes with shoe hire available along with 38 pool tables. The centre is open daily from 10am till 2am.

* BULL RACES - Ask your local guide for the program on the next bull races in Negara.

* BUNGY JUMPING - For the very brave! There are four bungee / bunjee / bungy companies offering this adrenalin rush!


* CAMPING - Camping in Bali is now possible.

* Cinema - Bali has two cinema's. There is one in the Galleria Shopping Mall in Kuta and Wisata in Denpasar. The cinema in Kuta is located 10 minutes from most major hotels so has easier access. Metered taxi's are available at the entrance.


* CLIMBING - Not advisable during the rainy season (November to March). Bali's highest mountain, Gunung Agung, can take between 3 to 6 hours to climb. It takes one day to reach the summit of Gunung Batukaru and return. Guides are recommended. For rock climbers there is a state-of-the-art, 110sq meter climbing wall in The Adrenalin Park.


* COOKING SCHOOL - The Casa Luna Cooking School classes not only teach about foods, cooking and culinary myths, but also the role of food in Balinese society; its ceremonial use and religious importance. Learn about exotic herbs and spices
and help prepare the lavish Balinese feast, which you can then enjoy with a glass of local rice wine or homemade hibiscus tea. Notes and recipes are provided

* CRUISING - Moggy Bali Yacht Charters - The Moggy is a 46ft high-powered sailing catamaran, fast and stable. We have been operating from Bali since 1993. Should it be Full-Day, Half-Day, Sunset or Extended sails, Fishing, Diving, Surfing, seeing the Komodo Dragons, or just a Day of Fun, we are the one.


* CYCLING - Most pedal-pushers can find their own way around, however there are some river-rafting companies offering day trips on mountain bikes, which are well worth taking until you get your bearings! Cycling is a great way to see Bali "off the beaten track".

* DIVING - To Check out Bali International Diving Professionals Bali has some of the most spectacular dive sites in Indonesia, making you want to stay that little bit longer or go that bit deeper... Now you can, with BIDP's EANx equipment ! Some sites simply offer much more when diving with NITROX. You can stay longer underwater to further explore the Liberty wreck at Tulamben or dive deeper to see some unusual underwater life at Nusa Penida.

* DOLPHIN WATCHING -

* Experience an exhilarating early morning high speed cruise along the coastline of Nusa Dua to Uluwatu to view the dolphins.


* Lovina in the North of Bali is famous for Dolphin watching.


* FISHING - Should it be deep-sea fishing for the day or extended fishing charters, the MOGGY is the one. Catch wahoo, several species of tuna, striped mackrel, an occasional small black or striped marlin, dorado, rainbow runners, giant travelly and more. We've caught'em all. Your captain has over 45 years of marine and fishing experience.


* GO-KARTS - A fun way for you, or your children, to test those driving skills. The Grand Prix International Kuta Circuit offers some real rubber-burning fun. Located in Kuta.


* GOLF - Top of the list, and a must for the serious golfer, is the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club. Set in the beautiful countryside of Mount Batur (2098m above sea level), this 18-hole course is a world silver-medal golf resort. On the south-east coast you can choose between the Bali Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole course in Nusa Dua which hosted the 1994 Alfred Dunhill Asian Masters. Golf equipment available at all courses.


* HELICOPTER TOURS & TRANSFERS -

Air Bali - Air Bali welcomes you to a truly remarkable part of the world. A western managed company, Air Bali is the only helicopter operator in Bali. We pride ourselves in professionalism, and our clientele rank under the who's who of the corporate and entertainment world. We are also contracted by oil and mining companies operating in Indonesia. Whether it's majestic volcano's, scenic beaches, private picnics, helicopter weddings, hotel transfers or getting to the golf course in time, Air Bali is your answer. We take you to great heights at the world's most beautiful archipelago.


A panoramic flight of the west and south coasts of Bali that highlights the beaches of Kuta and Legian, the mysterious Tanah Lot temple and remarkable rice terraces is just one of the tours offered by Air Bali. Save driving hours and let us transfer you direct to your hotel in just a few minutes. This is the preferred option of hundreds of our guests, because not only do you safe time in traffic, you can also see the beauty of Bali from the air. Each of our helicopters is luxuriously upholstered with leather seats and plush carpeting with big side windows for a panoramic view. Fly in comfort and style in our sky limousines.


* HORSEBACK / PONY RIDING - Some of the most amazing scenery can be seen this way, riding through the parts of Bali that only the Balinese get to see. The Umalas Equestrian Resort has horseback lessons and beach tours to suit any level rider.

* LAND CRUISE - See the "mystical heart and soul" of Bali, Land Rovers take you cross-country to experience terraced rice fields and untouched rainforests, high in the mountains.


* LAWN BOWLS - Experience a great day out for the family at the Bali International Lawn Bowles Club Nusa Dua.


* PARASAILING - Parasailing is available for hire at the beaches of Nusa Dua. For those of you who don't like the salt, it is also available at Lake Bratan.


* PARAGLIDING - Ever imagined yourself flying?


* PARKS
* Check out Bali Bird Park
* Check out Elephant Safari
* Check out Bali Reptile Park
* Check out Waterbom Park

* RAFTING - Several professionally-run companies operate on the Ayung River, north-west of Ubud and on the Unda River, north of Klungkung. Recommended for all ages.


* RUNNING CLUB
* The Hash House Harriers hold regular runs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 4.30pm. Further information can be found at GLORY restaurant in Legian, LIPS Country & Western Bar and BALI BAKERY in Kuta, ALAS ARUM supermarket, ARRI'S CAFE and KOKI'S restaurant in Sanur, and at NAUGHTY NURI'S bar in Ubud.

* Bali Marathon

* SAFARI - GO TOPLESS WITH V.W SAFARI - Open-top VW classic cars pick you up from your hotel for a ride through the back roads of Canggu and the tile making area of Pejaten, then it’s up to the mountains and the Hot Springs of Yeh Panas, and through the panoramic rice fields of Jatiluwih, an area renowned as having the most spectacular rice paddy views in Bali. At the top enjoy a snack before returning through small village roads and back to your hotel.

* SAILING

* Moggy Bali Yacht Charters - The Moggy is a 46ft high-powered sailing catamaran, fast and stable. We have been operating from Bali since 1993. Should it be Full-Day, Half-Day, Sunset or Extended sails, Fishing, Diving, Surfing, seeing the Komodo Dragons, or just a Day of Fun, we are the one.

* SPORTFISHING

* Moggy Bali Yacht Charters - The Moggy is a 46ft high-powered sailing catamaran, fast and stable. We have been operating from Bali since 1993. Should it be Full-Day, Half-Day, Sunset or Extended sails, Fishing, Diving, Surfing, seeing the Komodo Dragons, or just a Day of Fun, we are the one.

* SURFING & BODY BOARDING - Padang Padang, Nusa Lembongan & Uluwatu for the Pro's, Kuta & Legian Beach good for beginners, Medewi Beach for amateurs, Nusa Dua for experienced surfers. Best times are from September to March. Canggu for experienced surfers. Popular with the locals.

* Bali Learn to Surf - Have you ever wanted to surf? Well here's your chance to do it now. Experience the thrill of surfing taught by qualified professional instructors on Kuta Beach Bali. The surf on this island is renowned throughout the world surfing community, for it's long rolling waves that are magic to ride.


* TEAM BUILDING - Team Building and personal growth programs by Outward Bound - now available in Bali!


* TENNIS - Check out the nearest five star hotel in your area. Do remember to drink loads of water and if you play in the sun, wear a hat and put on sunscreen. Best times to play are early mornings or late afternoons.


* TIME ZONE - Situated in Matahari Department Stores on Jl Legian and Kuta Square. Great place for the kids while mum and dad do some more shopping.

* TREKKING - Using local guides is advisable, as it is easy to get lost trekking in Bali. One part of the jungle can look very much like another and many paths lead to nowhere. A number of adventure companies provide village and mountain treks and can also organize specialized group walks.


* WAKEBOARDING - Experience the thrill of being pulled behind a speed boat off the waters of Nusa Dua.

* WATERBOM BALI - Twist, bounce, spin, plunge, freefall! This is where you'll have the workout of the year-all under the ever watchful eyes of Australian-trained lifeguards! Exciting water slide slice through 3.5 hectares of landscaped tropical parks providing hours of fun and entertainment for the young and young at heart! With a choice of dining outlets and a swim-up bar for tropical drinks, Waterbom Bali is the one-stop leisure capital of Bali!


* WATER SKIING & JET SKI - Jet skis, boats and water-skis are available for hire at the beaches of Sanur & Nusa Dua. For those of you who don't like the salt, these sports are also available at Lake Bratan.


* WINDSURFING - Sanur Beach and some of the Nusa Dua Resort hotels rent boards and provide tutoring.

Ubud Travel

Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located, and even the closest beach is only 15 minutes away.Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud

Tulamben - Bali's Diving Site

Tulamben is Bali's most famous diving location. Located on the North East coast of Bali, Tulamben receives very plankton-rich waters from the major oceanic currents in the area. These plankton-rich waters have created one of the most diverse regions on the planet. That is why, every year, a multitude of international photographers and videographers visit the area to dive their favorite dive sites

Bali Wedding for Romantic honeymoon

BALI WEDDING PARADISE

Getting married is one of the most important events in the life of most people. Both the bride and groom hope to keep an unforgettable memory of this day. Therefore, many marriages are celebrated in unusual ways – be it on a beautiful beach, at a luxurious private villa, even with ceremonies under water deep in the ocean with lovely fish and corals around.

According to all popular travel publications, Bali is the most romantic destination on earth to get married. The island's beautiful beaches, tropical scenery, lovely waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets, and the choice of beautiful private villas provide a truly romantic location for your big day.
Wedding in Bali with sunset background


THE PLACE TO SAY "YES, I DO"

Did you ever think about having a private wedding party just for the two of you? Hear your partner say "I DO" in romantic and beautiful surroundings, either on a white-sandy beach under blue sky, on a private yacht, diving deep in the ocean, or on the back of an elephant?
You can have a modern ceremony, a Jungle Elephant arrangement, or a Royal Bali Wedding Ceremony – all great occasions to make your vow. You decide what you want – and we deliver it.

Bali — The Best Background for Photos

Many magazines and movie companies spend a lot of time to visit the island of Bali for shooting because its natural beauty and fascinating culture provide outstanding backgrounds. Even if you cannot avoid having a normal wedding at home, making special wedding photos with beautiful bridal gowns in exotic surroundings will give you unforgettable memories — FOREVER.

http://www.romantic-weddings.com/

Can the “Real Bali” be Saved?

For those of you visiting Bali for the first time, welcome and enjoy yourselves to the absolute maximum! Bali is a marvelous place to have a holiday and I certainly don’t want to scare you off. We need more visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of this magical island. And you will!

But, and there always is a ‘but’ isn’t there, Bali ain’t what it used to be, and is in danger of changing from the “Bali we want it to be” if we are not very, very careful.

Bali, in the minds of millions of tourists and armchair tourists around the world, is the epitome of tropical, exotic travel, where beautiful native girls dance to the hypnotic pounding of gongs in temples and palaces surrounded by lush terraces of paddy fields, and palm trees wave in the gentle breezes as the sunset cocktails are sipped. Idyllic indeed!

The reality is that while that aspect is still (just) available, an absolute army of developers, traders, retailers, restauranters and industrialists are doing everything they can to dig up pristine Bali while still using the exotic Bali image they are destroying to sell their wares! And it’s happening quickly.

Just 25 years ago Bali was still the green, lush island that we (or at least I) want it to be. Now it’s disappearing behind a mass of billboards, shop houses, high rise malls, villa developments (with 20m high walls), and it seems we are powerless to stop it. Why?

It appears that even at the highest levels there is no connection between the preservation (never mind protection, enhancement, and improvement) of the tourism product and the every day unplanned development that continues unabated.

Bali, after two sad and meaningless bombings, has lost much of its appeal in the tourist markets of the world and arrivals are at a very low ebb. Does that mean the authorities take a long hard look at what the island has become and start to put things right? It seems not. The building of ‘rukos’ (shop houses) continues unabated, the proliferation of incredibly unsightly billboards accelerates, the destruction of beautiful farmland for ‘un-necessary’ housing rockets forward, and roads are pushed into fields and immediately lined with low quality buildings (which should be zoned off into industrial estates).

Until now, from Canggu to Jimbaran, from Sanur to Nusa Dua, there is hardly a visible trace of ‘Bali’: only buildings, workshops, showrooms, factories, billboards, and offices. All of them ‘businesses’ that depend on having a dynamic, desired tourism product called Bali

Yet there are regulations, which I believe still exist, that say every building must reflect Balinese culture and tradition, that no building should be higher than a coconut tree, and that all buildings and developments should respect Balinese traditions and community needs first. This simply is not being enforced at all and in my opinion presents more danger to the future of Bali tourism than the threat of terrorism ever will.

There are millions of sea, sand and sun, fun, food, and frolic destinations around the world, cheaper and closer to main markets and with little to distinguish them except the price and the temperature. This is not what Bali should be, but as we watch and do nothing that’s what it is turning into—quickly.

Bali is, and must always be, a place where tradition should take precedence over development, where culture must take the nod over shopping, where nature must win over malls, where gamelan gets the license not discos, where not one more square meter of productive, beautiful paddy field is turned into villas.

If not, we’ll be sitting here in 10 years time with a million villas, all of them bought by people “looking for Bali” and finding nothing but fast food, malls, traffic jams, discos, restaurants, more shops, more offices and more motorbikes than they left behind in the ‘industrialized’ west.

Does anyone care? I hope so, and that as millions of dollars are being spent to lure people back to Bali, equal amounts of money –or at least energy– can be spent preserving the beauty, tradition, culture and heritage of this marvelous and irreplaceable island. Because once it’s gone, we won’t get it back.

Intoduction To Bali, Indonesia

Where is Bali ?

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.

Geography :
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

Flora :
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.

Fauna :
Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.

Climate :
You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.
Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

Population :
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

Economy :
This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to over US$400 million. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.

What Makes Bali So Special :
There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.