Bali - A Popular Vacation Spot

Many people choose Bali, Indonesia when planning a vacation. Its diverse culture, indigenous cuisine and lush tropical surroundings provide a gorgeous backdrop for a time of relaxation and pleasure.

Bali's hot and sunny climate make it a popular destination for tourists. Being situated just south of the equator gives Bali a year-round season of summertime, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The monsoon months (October to April) bring about often unpredictable rain, but even then the days are mostly clear and sunny. Locals can been seen on the beach as early as 6:30am and they don't retire until twelve hours later, when the sun begins to set.

The Balinese are an interesting people. Their religious views are based on the Hindu caste system, in which there are distinct classes of people. At the bottom - and comprising most of the Balinese natives - are the peasants. Just above them is the warrior caste, then the king caste and finally the caste belonging to the holy men and priests. Even more fascinating is the fact that each different class of people has their own spoken dialect by which to identify themselves, as well as one general dialect, in order to avoid embarrassing situations in which one person isn't sure which caste another is from.

Amidst this rich cultural heritage is an abundance of entertainment, dining and shopping. The traditional Balinese dances are performed at various hotels and resorts to charm the guests. Food ranges from Japanese restaurants to native cuisine to Italian eateries. The Monkey Forest is popular with families, but watch out for the monkeys! They enjoy stealing little trinkets, and their claws can cause quite a bit of pain.

The money used in Bali is called the rupiah and is quite confusing to those not familiar with it. Notes range from denominations of 1,000 to 100,000, though their American dollar equivalent is quite low, with one US dollar being worth nearly 10,000 rupiah. Coins and smaller currency are rarely used. When change at a retail store or restaurant cannot be made with available currency, it is often paid for with candy and peanuts.

Be careful, though, when changing money in Bali. There are many predators eager to rip off an unsuspecting tourist who doesn't understand the money. By keeping a currency cheat sheet on hand you can make sure that a money changer isn't giving you less rupiah than your money is worth. Never give them your money until you have counted and recounted the rupiah, and never return the rupiah once you have made the exchange.

The Best Dining Options for Your Bali Holidays

as close to gastronomic heaven as one can get, Bali boasts a plethora of eateries serving every kind of food from traditional Balinese to western style burger joints and steakhouses. With hawker street food stands sitting alongside budget diners and fine dining restaurants you will always be able to find something that caters to your taste and budget while on Bali holidays. Below we highlight our choices for the best dining options in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud and Lombok.

Kuta

While on Bali holidays it is likely you'll spend some time in the ever popular Kuta district of Bali and unsurprisingly there is a myriad of restaurants all vying for your custom. One of the most popular restaurants with tourists and locals alike is ESC found in the heart of Kuta. ESC is a casual establishment offering a range of sandwiches, pancakes, steaks and burgers. And, with large portion sizes, affordable prices and 24 hour a day opening hours, you may find yourself back here more than once. To indulge while on your Bali holidays, make a reservation at the luxury Sail Fin restaurant. Sail Fin possess a gourmet menu created by Australian master Seafood chef Jesse Lee and this combined with a romantic beachfront setting ensures you will have a fantastic dining experience.

Nusa Dua

For those seeking the ultimate in fine dining experiences while on their Bali holidays, a trip to the Nusa Dua resorts complex is a must. Visit Pica Tapas in the Bali Collection Complex and you will be treated to a great selection of perfectly cooked Brazilian dishes complimented by a nightly Salsa dance performances. Or if you are looking for traditional Balinese cuisine head to the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel where you'll find Raja's; an award winning fine dining restaurant which serves a fantastic variety of Balinese foods in a unique and intimate setting.

Ubud

When you first arrive in Ubud, you could be mistaken for thinking traditional dishes dominate the dining options. And, while there are plenty of Balinese style eateries, on your Bali holidays to Ubud there are also a wide range of western options for those who prefer something more like home. For those on a budget head to Naughty Nuri's Warung & Grill where their secret recipes, cheap and varied menu, fantastic service and tasty food has made this place legendary. For supreme luxury visit Mozaic which has the enviable reputation of being named best restaurant on the planet by the New York Times. To experience Mozaic in its glory, try one of the degustation menus where your taste buds will be tantalised by an amazing array of culinary delights.

Lombok

While on your Bali holidays, it is likely you'll take at least a day trip over to the laid back Lombok and while smaller than Bali it still offers some fantastic dining choices. Local's favourite the Tropicana offers an affordable menu of traditional Indonesian fare accompanied by nightly live music. For a little bit of everything complimented by a stunning beach views, head to the Asmara restaurant found near the famous art market. Offering a diverse menu of both western and local dishes, Asmara offers fine dining and fantastic food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Four Fabulous Tourism Destinations in Bali

Island of Bali, or commonly known as the god of the island, is one of the largest islands of Indonesia and even worldwide. 'S island of Bali in the province of Bali, Indonesia, Lombok, which lies between the island of Java and Bali is a beautiful small island, mountains, beaches and many are decorated in a great attraction for tourists.

Bali offers a variety of attractions both natural environment and religiousand cultural attractions that make the subject more important for domestic and foreign tourists. Bali has a million beautiful women who have always done all want to return. Among the many attractions, which are served on this island, there are four main attractions, the most attractive to domestic and foreign tourists. There is the beach of Kuta, Sanur Beach, Nusa Dua and Tanah Lot.

Bali is a major tourist destination in Indonesia, which has many rich touristscoastal surf and sunset charm as the main attraction. One of the most popular beach is Kuta beach. Kuta beach is a tourist place located south of Denpasar, capital city of Bali, Indonesia. Kuta is located in Badung regency. Kuta itself has many shops, restaurants and tourism destination that you can visit. Kuta Beach sometimes called Sunset Beach as opposed to the Sanur beach.

In Kuta beach, visitors can do surfing, playing soccer, flying kites, just lying on the warm beach sand, or sight seeing of Western tourists who are watched the sun. If you are interested in hair ponytail or temporary tattoo services, it also can be found at this beach.

The second beach you can visit is Sanur beach, which is also famous as the location for surfing. Sanur Beach is famous for its wave that makes it as favorite place to surf for foreign tourists. Instead of surfing, Sanur beach is also famous for white beaches are clean and soft. In addition, Sanur beach is a rocky beach that is also known as Sunrise beach as opposed to Kuta Beach.

Furthermore there is another beach tourism attractions that become favorite tourist destination between tourists, there are Nusa Dua and Tanah Lot. Nusa Dua is a promontory located on the southern island of Bali. Nusa Dua tourism area was born out of necessity be objective quality rooms for tourists who are expected to continue to increase in number from year to year. Nusa Dua is located about 40 kilometers from Denpasar. This area consists of rocks of this limestone; there are many tourist attractions, such as Jimbaran Beach and Garuda Wisnu Kencana.

After enjoying the beauty of nature in Nusa Dua, you can visit Tanah Lot, which is also believed to be sacred ground for the Hinduism. Tanah Lot is located in the village Beraban or 13 km west of Tabanan. Tanah Lot is almost always offered by every tour guide in Bali to visit. There are two temples are located on a large rock. One is located on the boulder and the other is located on the cliffs similar to Uluwatu Temple. Tanah Lot temple is a sea temple which is functioned as a place of worship to the gods who guard the sea.

Four tourist attractions above are just a few attractions that you can visit as your destination when you travel to Bali. Instead of those places above, there are still a lot of tourism destinations you can use as a place to relieve fatigue and relax with your entire family.

Luxury Hotels in Bali

Bali is an Indonesian island, lying between Java and Lombok. The island is has the vast majority of Indonesia's Hindu minority. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian and Chinese, and particularly Hindu.

Recommended Luxury Hotels in Bali:

The Shanti Residence Bali is the most Luxurious hotel at Bali. Located at Nusa Dua on the multi award-winning island of Bali, the Shanti has suites with private master chef, spa, gym, kitchen, in-house grill, state of art electronics and audio room, swimming pool and private plunge pool, gazebos and lush gardens. Personal chef will prepare you with in-villa gourmet meals, a couple's moonlight massage, private yoga coaching, personal training, manicure and pedicure, and much more!

Villa Bulan Putih Bali Step through the fabulous stone entrance to Villa Bulan Putih, the Luxury getaway brings home comfort in this seven-bedroom villa complex. This hotel is also staffed with gourmet chefs, butlers, cleaning grounds staffs, car drivers and night time security. Guests can get comfort and safty while staying at resorts.

The Sahita Luxury Residence & Villa Bali is designed to be a perfect place for private party, event, wedding and gathering. Orientated towards the meditative waters of the Indian Ocean, this hotel is surrounded by coconut palms and flowers. The Sahita represents good taste without compromising comfort. The term 'Sahita' is an ancient Sanskrit word which means "togetherness" in that Sahita is a high-end hotel where guests will experience togetherness.

Villa Casis Bali was Voted Top 10 Best Villa in Destin Magazine, and Top 10 Best Villa in Conde Nast Traveller, Top 5 Sexiest Villa in Bali Istyle Magazine. Casis Bali has an awarding interior design. Casis is also within walk distance to best white sand beach.

Amanusa Resort Bali has a plain outlook, however, it is actually a very luxurious resort full of high quality services, facilities and amenities. It is best recommend for honeymooner who wish to experience a Super Deluxe class property and services. Amanusa is located close to the warm Indian Ocean on Bali's southern, volcanic ally sculptured, peninsula. Amanusa is about 20 minutes driving from the Bali International Airport, Ngurah Rai.

Bali attractions, night life, year-round mild climate and lack of security was natural to visit the island in high compared to many other islands in the world. A trip to Bali, you can life addicted to it for the rest of yours. More luxury hotels Hotelsium.com

North Bali More Accessible Than Ever With Announcement of New Airport

In a move designed to reinvigorate the tourist industry in north Bali, authorities in Indonesia have confirmed plans to construct a new public airport in the Kubu Tambahan district in Buleleng Regency situated 90 kilometres north of Denpasar. The announcement comes from the offices of Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika as well as Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, and should be welcome news after months of uncertainty about the status of Bali's new airport.

The construction of the second airport is also supported by the heads of all nine regencies in Bali, all of whom recognise the importance of meeting the needs of the increasing numbers of tourists. The main thrust behind constructing the new airport is to divert visitors from the over-saturated south of the island to the relatively empty north. The current Ngurah Rai International Airport located near Denpasar in South Bali is already operating at maximum capacity and will have a hard time accommodating the projected increase in passenger traffic in coming years.

Another desired effect of constructing an airport in the north is to open up Bali's pristine northern coastlines to more tourists. This enables authorities in the south to better manage the runaway levels of construction and property development in Bali to more sustainable levels. North Bali is widely regarded as a quiet and peaceful alternative to the south and is already home to a number of tourist hot-spots like Lovina beach, the historic capital of Singaraja, and the twin lakes in Bedugul in Gianyar, as well as a large number of serene temples, spas and rustic villages.

Popular resort towns in North Bali such as Lovina are already home to a number of excellent hotels and tourist accommodations dotting the pristine black sand beach. Lovina Beach is also home to the area's only five star luxury resort that offers apartment and villa sales to international buyers - an already great investment opportunity that is set to provide even better results with the announcement of the new airport.

There are already plenty of good reasons to visit north Bali and the announcement of the construction of a new airport in Kubu Tambahan, a mere 23 kilometres from Lovina Beach, will help open up the region to the world.

Bali Holiday Travel and Accommodation

Here is a short bit of information on Bali holiday adventures. Me and the family has been to Bali 4 times in the last three years and have always had the most exiting time in Bali. We have had some great experiences including some not so pleasing one's also.

One i can think of was when we visited the Bali safari park when my wife, son who was then 3 and my daughter who was 2 were having a photo taken with an orangutan which after were going to view the pictures taken when my little son slipped down the step and tumbled fore head first in to a post his face was absolutely covered in blood, the guide as me if he could pick him up and run to the first aid room with him. So i raced of following the worker of the Bali Safari park with my son and had his head all cleaned up and bandaged. I must say the staff did a great job of trying to look after my son.

We generally stay at the beach resorts which are always friendly and family orientated. The Jayakarta is a favorite as we have now stayed there on two visits to Bali and are planning to stay there for our next trip in 2011. Bali beach accommodation seems to be the preferred selection in my view as this is where i prefer to stay when visiting Bali. There is always friendly people everywhere you look, we have met some of the greatest people who we now call friends and keep in regular contact with.

There is so much Bali holiday accommodation available to choose from. Bali hotels and villas seem to be the most popular by far.

The Bali beach hotels seem to do a roaring trade and are also one of my favorites. When looking for bali holiday accommodation there are a number of factors you should be thinking of :

1. What are you looking to be doing on your holiday? are you looking to be staying in the resort or hotel quite a bit maybe lazing around the pool.
2. Do you like the fast living or do you just intend on taking it easy? There are numerous activities you can be doing in Bali, Surfing, Diving, Doing the slides at Water Bom Park, Visiting Ubud and the monkey forest or mabee having lunch at the volcano whatever the holiday you are on you can find a world of tours and activities.

I also love the beach and sitting down at one of the beach bars in the afternoon for a few quiet ones while the wife gets a pedicure and does a little bargaining and the kids are playing in the sand. You always end up in a group talking about your travels while we all are watching the sun go down.

If you like shopping then there is plenty of supermarket and shopping centres and you won't be able to miss the thousands of stalls selling products, clothing, ornaments and plenty more. I hope to fill you in on the next post.
So next time you are looking t

Bali Beaches

Bali is one of the most visited vacation hotspots in the world. Situated in Indonesia, it was once named as the best island destination in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. It attracts huge number of travelers from all over the world with its fun filled, palm fringed beaches known for having white sand. Bali has a many beaches, all of which are easily reachable from Despansar airport.

The line of beaches on the island of Bali includes Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Locals and tourists popularly go after Legian beaches, which are famous for their magnificent view of sunset. Surfing is a major activity here and the best waves are a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar airport.

Nusa dua beach has a chain of hotels placed on the sandy shores and these hotels provide luxurious swimming experience in protected lagoons, as well as fabulous gourmet food served on site.

Sanur beach is easily reachable from Despansar. Sanur has calm, secluded lagoons, which are favorites for lots of activities like wind surfing, parasailing, and excellent for families.

Between Despansar and Gilimanuk, two wonderful beaches called Soka beach and Mediwi beach are present. Jimbaran attracts many local families and tourists with its beauty and superb seafood restaurants that line along the beaches. Jimbaran is placed on the way from Despansar to Nusa Dua, directly to the south of Despansar airport.

Lovina is the most inspiring beach in Bali that attracts large number of tourists, irrespective of the season. A number of people visit this beach to view schools of dolphins swimming and playing in the waters.

Kuta is home to the whitest beach in Bali, and is just a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar. Kuta could be very well called the tourist mecca, because of its shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta is famous among skilled swimmers and recognized for its unpredictable underwater currents - novice swimmers should use caution when swimming at this beach.