Contact us

I GEDE RASMAWAN
Owner


Contact
Address:

Jl. Nuansa Timur F/14
Perum Nuansa Kori Jimbaran
Denpasar
Bali
80363
Indonesia

Email : adebalitour@yahoo.com
Mobile Phone Number: +6281 2463 6522
http://www.destinationtobali.com

Information: "YOUR SATISFACTION IS MY GOAL"

Three Bali Hotels Honored in World Travel Awards

Bali News : Established in 1993 to track and reward quality in the fast developing travel industry, The World Travel Awards calls on tens of thousands of travel professionals from around the world to vote for their favorite travel companies.

Nominations for finalists are based on voting in the preceding year with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry. Travel agents from over 200 countries vote for their favorites, broken down by geographical area and industry sector. Hundreds of thousands of votes are cast on line ending with the eagerly awaited list of winners hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel Industry's equivalent to the Oscars."

While a complete list of the World Travel Awards 2006 winners is available via the link provided, here's quick list of the Bali hotels who distinguished themselves in the 2006 awards

Balinese Dance

Bali News : Throughout the years, dance and drama have played an important role in Balinese culture. It is through this medium that the Balinese have learned tales from the Ramayana, Mahabarata and other epic stories from their history. There are several places you can enjoy a dance performace in Ubud. Dances are held virtually every night. Below you will find short descriptions of some of the more popular dances you can attend in Ubud.

Bali has been ranked no 1 world's best Island

Bali news : Bali has been ranked No. 1 World’s Best Islands by readers from Travel and Leisure Magazine. This is the 11th annual poll by the magazine and it is the fifth time that Bali has won first place in the Island category.

Bali was closely followed by Kauai and Maui in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. The poll was taken in early 2006 by readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine and judged based on natural attractions, activities, restaurants, people and value.

Other winners include Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Mount Desert Island in Maine, Tasmaniz, Hawaii, Galapagos Islands, Santorini and Phuket in Thailand.

Contact details of all major airlines operating in Bali

Air France
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Room 1105
Jl HangTuah Phone : (+62361) 288 511
Terminal Keberangkatan - Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 755 523


Ansett Australia
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Jl Hangtuah Sanur 80001
Phone : (+62361) 289 635 (+62361) 289 636 Fax : (+62361) 289 637
Airport Tuban Phone : (+62361) 755 740


Bouraq Airlines
Kompleks Sudimian Agung Blok A 47-4X.
Jl Panglima Besar Sudirman 7A
Phone :(+62361) 241 397 Fax : (+62361) 241 390


Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Grand Bali Beach Sanur 1st Fl
Phone : 286 001 Ext 1138 Fax : (+62361) 288 576
Bandara Ngurah Rai Tuban, Phone : (+62361) 753 942


China Air
Phone :(+62361) 757 298


Eva Air
Wisti Sabha Administration Building,
Ground Floor, Room No.4
Ngurah Rai Airport.
Phone : (+62361) 751 011 ext 1638 Fax : (+62361) 756 488.


Korean Air
The Grand Bali Beach Hotel
Garden Wing Rm 1121 & 1123 PO Box 275
Reservation Phone : (+62361) 289 402 Fax : (+62361) 289 403


Garuda Indonesia PT
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Phone : (+62361) 288 243
Natour Kuta Beach Phone : (+62361) 751 179.
Nusa Dua Phone : (+62361) 771 864, (+62361) 771 444
Jl Melati 61 Phone : (+62361) 227 825
Hotel Nusa Dua Beach Phone : (+62361) 772 231
Jl Kapt Mudita 2 Phone : (+62361) 234 913
Jl Kepundung 21 Phone : (+62361) 233 853
Jl Pantai Kuta Phone : (+62361) 751 l 79
Jl Srikarya 1 Phone : (+62361) 228 916
Jl Sugianyar Phone : (+62361) 5227 823


Malaysia Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Phone : (+62361) 285 071 - (+62361) 288 716
Ngurah Rai Airport Office, Phone : (+62361) 756 132.


Qantas Airways Ltd
Grand Bali Beach, Phone : (+62361) 288 331 Fax : (+62361) 287 331
Airport Cargo Airport International Ngurah Rai, Phone : (+62361) 751 471 Fax : (+62361) 752 218
Gg Murai 18 Phone : (+62361) 432 896


Singapore Airlines
Jl. Dewi Sartika No.88 Denpasar Phone : (+62361) 261666
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 261 666
Bandara Ngurah Rai Phone : (+62361) 751 011


Air New Zealand Ltd
Wisti Sabha Bldg 2nd Fl, Ngurah Rai Airport, Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 756 170 Fax : (+62361) 754 594
Email : bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id


Bali Qantas Airways Ltd
Hotel Bali Beach Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 289 280
Jl Babakan Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 289 281


British Airways
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Jl Hang Tuah
Phone : (+62361) 288 511


Cathay Pacific
Phone : (+62361) 286 001


Continental Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Jl Hang Tuah Sanur.
Phone : (+62361) 287 774 Fax : (+62361) 287 775
Terminal Building Airport
Phone : (+62361) 752 107


Japan Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel
Phone : (+62361) 287 576 – (+62361) 287 577


KLM Royal Ducth Airlines
Wisti Sabha Bldg, Ngurah Rai Airport
Phone : (+62361) 756 126 Fax : (+62361) 753 950


Lufthansa German Airlines
Hotel Bali Beach, Phone.(+62361) 287 069 Lauda Air
Gedung PAJ Jln. By Pass Ngurah Rai – Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 758 686
Jl Airport Ngurah Rai, Phone : (+62361) 753 207


Merpati Nusantara
Jl. Melati No. 51 Denpasar, Phone : (+62361) 235 358.
Jl Merpati 51 Phone : (+62361) 263 918
Jl Ngurah Rai Tuban, Phone : (+62361) 751 374


Royal Brunai Airlines
Wisti Sabha Building. Ngurah Rai Airport
Phone : (+62361) 757 292.


Thai Airlines
Wisti Sabha Building, 2nd Floor Room 19,
Ngurah Rai Airport. Phone : (+62361) 754 856.
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Sanur
Phone : (+62361) 288 141 Fax : (+62361) 288 063

How to pick the airline to fly to Bali ?

Bali News, Airline tickets vary in prices and conditions and more than one airline can bring you to Bali.

The big difference between the airlines are in the route they take and from whom you will purchase the ticket from.

Since routes are changing quite often, it makes sense to ask an agent about your particular flight, chances are they know or can find out. Experiences tell it's still 50% uncertainty left after they advice you, because schedules change faster than the normal travel agent can keep up with.

Many times the cheapest tickets involve the most stop overs en route, so it actually makes sense to pay a bit more to have a shorter flight. My personal experiences only cover exit airports in Europe like Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London. Here there are at times huge differences among the airlines.

Thai Airways had always those lengthy 4 hour transits in Bangkok that made the flight to Bali about 18 hours long, Garuda stopped a lot at different airports to make sure the plane was always packed full - a 21 hours trip, ouch!
Really convincing was only Singapore Airlines, nonstop to Singapore, after 45 minutes transit straight to Bali. 14 hours after leaving Amsterdam we finally reached Balinese soil.

Interesting can also be Quantas flights going to Australia that have a stop in Bali. As I said it depends where you fly from and how much you are prepared to pay for the ticket. Best is always a nonstop flight, nonstop Singapore is fine too. Be aware that a "direct" flight is not necessarily also a nonstop flight.

Boutique Hotels in Bali

Bali News, The basic idea is to combine the conveniences of a five-star resort with the cultural richness of a Balinese private home.

Over the years this type of accommodation has increased vastly in popularity with travelers looking for something special and exclusive.

The difference between large hotel chains and Boutique hotels is that they don't provide 100's of rooms but instead secluded luxury in small and intimate resorts.

A "home away from home" is a bit a stressed expression, but it describes quite accurately what you may find. A really private space in a total different location, thousands of miles away from home.

All amenities are usually provided in these resorts to make you feel comfortable. Individual service with a personal touch makes all the difference, and a villa with an selection of things you don't want to miss like sound system and satellite TV, several cozy in- and outdoor areas for relaxation, and refreshingly different styled bathrooms surely add to the ingredients to make you enjoy your stay.

Some icing on the cake may be a private jacuzzi, plunge or swimming pool. What would be life in the tropics without it.

A resort in Ubud was ahead of its time and has been copied by new ones a few times since then. It's the Pita Maha, build by a member of the Royal family of Ubud. The concept of a river view resort with spa is taken from the Tjampuhan hotel and refined with adding more privacy by establishing a exclusive luxury villa concept. More about this resort later.

On the ocean side it was Four Seasons in Jimbaran who first successfully introduced the private villas concept within a hotel. Of course they also went to Ubud to build The Four Seasons Sayan. Overlooking the Ayung river it became too small for the demand recently, new villas have been added in the second stage.

The leading resorts in this field try to accomplish a secluded setting of each villa, permitting undisturbed outdoor life with outdoor dining areas. So life within nature can be experienced in Bali style. Some of the villas have outdoor bathrooms and private plunge pools.

Many known hotels and resorts are renovating and redesigning themselves to follow this trend. Alam Kul Kul in Legian added boutique elements, The Villas in Seminyak are a good example to fully mature this concept, all villas have a private swimming pool and offer the privacy and seclusion needed.

In Jimbaran the Pansea is a strong contender, and must be booked early. The negative side of Boutique resorts is really the limited availability of rooms. It seems that a few years back the success of small high end resorts wasn't guaranteed, some of them are maybe build a bit too small.

Now the situation is very much different, travelers looking for that special place to spend a vacation, and are willing to pay for the extra luxury. The Ubud area is leading the way with resorts such as Kamandalu Resort, Kupu Kupu Barong, The Chedi or the Natura Resort, one of the latest and most convincing additions.

Pita Maha Resort, the unofficial leader of the trend is establishing a second resort to stay on top of the wave. By end of this year, Pita Maha 2 will open its gates with an increased size of about 80 villas. The reality will show if the intimacy of the original Pita Maha resort with its 24 villas can be preserved.

Sunset Dinner at Jimbaran Beach " Bali "

Bali News : Jimbaran beach is stretching between the barren limestone hill to the south and Kedonganan beach near the international airport on the north. This white beach is so tranquil and just the right place for relaxing in the afternoon while waiting for the sunset. It has been more known after the presence of five-star and luxury hotels since the beginning of the 1990s. Suddenly it was on everyone's lips.

The new arising tourist resorts at Jimbaran now have more option to dine out. Along the Jimbaran to Kedonganan Beach there are many cafes operated by local people. It is something
like night markets where visitors can choose a wide range of seafoods. Nearly all cafes provide special seafood menus with local recipes or combination with the western one. Fish is supplied by a nearby fishermen village at Kedonganan. Some vendors there still sell their fish until to the afternoon.

When the west horizon turns yellowish red, the cafes spread their colorful chairs on the sand overlooking the beach.
Slowly the activity on the beach reduces, while other activities begin at cafes. And when the night arrives, it starts getting to be romantic. Candle lights and live musicians enhancing the atmosphere. There are many small and big jukungs that are ready to sail and will become an artistic background for your dinner.

The shining stars in the sky, candle-like lights from the resorts on the hill and the spotlight from the airport has changed Jimbaran Beach to something like a celebration night.
Taste the grilled fish on the sand of a open-air beachfront café and enrich your dining experience with one not usually available at 5 star hotels . You can choose the kind and size of fish and other seafood yourself. The local characteristic of the recipe is that grilled fish is topped with Balinese
raw spices (basa matah). It is then traditionally accompanied with stir-fried water spinach and white steamed rice.

Only a ten-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, also easily reachable from Kuta or Nusa Dua by inexpensive taxis. Always worth a visit.

The Tample at Besakih

Bali News ,Having discussed the existence of seven mandalas (stairs) of Penataran Agung Temple at Besakih (read Volume VII, numbers 3-19) it’s the turn to deal with the existence of 20 temple complexes that sit on the slopes of Mount Agung. The 20 temples are also known as the complexs of Besakih Temple. Other than this complex, there is a number of padharman temples, however, they are not categorized into the complex of Besakih Temple.

Among the 20 temples on the slopes of Mount Agung, first things first that will be discussed is the Pesimpangan Temple located some 2 km to the west—some may consider it to be in the south—of Penataran Agung Temple at Besakih. Difference views of direction seems to be merely caused by ‘the feeling’ so it does not accord to that based on the compass.
Complex of Pesimpangan Temple is very cramped. Its building is really unembellished consisting of principal pelinggih (holy shrine) called Gedong Limas Catu, Pepelik (a pavilion to place oblations as a part of sacrificial offerings), Bebaturan (lingam-like shrine) and Piyasan Pavilion (larger pavilion as a place for the offerings). Other than those buildings, there are still some other inconspicuous stone relics, as their surfaces have decayed. Such stones may be the remains of sanctum originating from megalithic periods (relic of worshiping paraphernalia of Saiva Pasupata sect’s period that was more influential before the emergence of Saiva Siddhanta sect).
Though the Saiva Pasupata sect does not exist any longer, the Siddhanta Sivaites does not want to remove these paraphernalia relics, as it is a representation found on some bebaturans at the complex of Besakih Temple. Worshiping paraphernalia of the Saiva Pasupata sect does not come to be the premier element in the Saiva Siddhanta cult, but it is sustainably appreciated so it is not destroyed or treated improperly.
Gedong Limas Catu constitutes the leading shrine at Pesimpangan Temple functions as pesimpangan (ephemeral abode for Ida Bhatara/God’s divine light at Besakih). Probably, there is one amongst us that would like to rise the question, why there is ephemeral abode called Pesimpangan Temple at the complex of Besakih Temple?
In regular religious rite activities at Besakih Temple, there is a ritual procession called melasti. This procession represents the passage of devas (God’s manifestation) to Batu Klotok Temple at the southern beach of Klungkung Regency, to Tegal Suci and Toya Sah. These three temples become destinations of melasti procession every year.
As soon as the procession arrives back, it does not proceed straight to Besakih Temple, but takes a short break (for some hours) at Pesimpangan Temple. On this break, the Gedong Limas Catu shrine at Pesimpangan Temple is symbolized as ephemeral abode of Ida Bhatara at Besakih. The word pesimpangan is derived from Balinese word simpang that means ‘coming by’ for a while. So, Pesimpangan Temple conveys a stopover point of Ida Bhatara (divine symbol) of Penataran Agung Temple Besakih. On the return of the procession to the origin temple, most of the time is presented oblations of which scale greatly depends on the scale of the ritual. If the ceremony held is in a large scale so the oblation will also be more prodigious. To prepare the oblations will take time. Therefore, the return procession of melasti takes stopover time for a while at Pesimpangan Temple.
In the earliest period, before the existence of sophisticated communication and transportation means as those of today, it was difficult to know whether the welcoming preparation of the procession had been ready or not at Besakih Temple. At that time, the only indication that the procession had come close to Penataran Agung Temple at Besakih was the sound of gamelan.
It is said that when the melasti procession had arrived at Pesimpangan Temple, the strings of gamelan ensemble was clearly heard from Penataran Agung. If the sound of gamelan was heard so everything pertaining to the reception of the arrival of melasti procession can be commenced. After a short pause at Pesimpangan Temple, the melasti procession then resumed to Penataran Agung Besakih. As soon as they arrived at Penataran Agung any ritual paraphernalia prepared for the reception had been well completed.
The most exciting thing at Pesimpangan Temple is the design of Limas Catu shrine. Every Merajan Gede (family temple as worshiping place to ancestral soul), in general, has Limas Catu shrine locating on the right side of Gedong Pertiwi shrine. Limas Catu at Merajan Temple also constitutes a sojourn of Bhatara of Mount Agung at Besakih. While, on the left side of Gedong Pertiwi shrine lies Gedong Limas Mujung representing the sojourn of Ida Bhatara of Mount Batur.
The architectural design of Limas Catu and Limas Mujung are commonly the same. If they have distinction, it may be seen on their rooftops—that of Limas Catu has a conical shape made of palm fibre while that of Limas Mujung is made of clay.
Besakih and Batur Temple constitute Kahyangan Jagat Temple that is categorized into Rwa Bhineda Temple. The latter functions as medium to venerate God to invoke corporeal and spiritual balance. In the meantime, at Besakih Temple is to appeal for bliss of spiritual life, and at Batur Temple for bliss of corporeal life. So, the purpose of ancestral worship at Merajan Gedong Pertiwi is also to invoke the ancestral soul to encourage the veneration to God for the sake of establishing life prosperity of both corporeal and spiritual. Accordingly, there are Pesimpangan Besakih and Batur shrines in the form of Limas Catu and Limas Mujung. (BTN/Ketut Wiana)

Bali, the Island of Thousand Temples

Bali travel News One of the nicknames given to the Island of Bali is the Island of Thousand Temples. This nickname is indeed true, as this island is confined by thousands of temples occurring at the fringe of the beach and hundreds of others at the mountain ranges.
In the meantime, a single village in Bali is not entitled to hold the name of customary village if it does not have at least three temples or puras encompassing the Pura Desa, Pura Puseh and Pura Dalem. These three temples are the essential requirement of the establishment of a Customary Village in Bali.
Apart from the three temples as mentioned above, there are some other temples having non-identical function. For instance, the Melanting Temple, as a sanctum to worship the Goddess Melanting, is mostly used by traders. So is the Subak Temple worshipped by local farmers because this temple represents the venerating symbol of the Goddess Sri ruling the fertility and prosperity. It is not unusual, that when farmers are engulfed by water shortage to irrigate their rice field, they will hold a ritual of rain invocation at the Subak Temple in order to be blessed with abundant water by Hyang Widhi (God).
Here, the current issue of Bali Travel News features the theme of great temples spreading out in all regencies and city across Bali. For details, simply read this edition!

Bali Clubbing and Nightlife

The Bali-nightlife is mainly focused on Kuta and Semyniak. The first one with its main road the Jalan Legian, these days world famous because of the bombings, is meeting point for tourists and backpackers from all over the world and thus offers a music mix, which you can consider to be mainstream.

Lets begin with the “Bounty”, the outside similar to an old wooden ship, the atmosphere similar to the “Ballermann” and a Karaoke-stage in the front which is to be frequented not only by the Japanese. The music played is a mix of the top 100 charts of the last five years that makes the topless Australian surfer dance.....

A thing the “Bounty” has in common with the “Mbargo”, another Club to be found in Jalan Legian, is the entrance fee only locals have to pay. The music is more focused on “blackbeat”, but the later it gets, the worse gets the music. It happens quite often that you are thrown out with electro sounds in order to be in the right mood of going to another club owned by the same guy, the “double six club”, which I will tackle later.

Between “Mbargo” and “Bounty” you can find the “Apache”, that is the one Reggae Bar to be found on Bali. All the times I have been in there it was not crowded at all, but the drinks are very cheap and the music different and sometimes even good.

On the opposite site of the “Mbargo”, but still the Jalan Legian, you will find the “Fuel”, a thing that cannot decide itself what it wants to be. The subtitle is “Eat, drink and groove”, but the food was cancelled, due to too little customers and often the music is anything else but groovy as it is mainly frequented by locals that like to listen to harder sounds, before they go to other clubs.

On the way to Jalan 66 you may pass by at the “Wave Club”, that combines a space interior with rock music. Maybe due to that divergence I have never seen this club crowded, but you may listen to some good live music there.

Arrived in Jalan 66 you may have a look at “Dejavu”, “66” and the “Paparazzi”, all world class clubs. As I was there in the off season, the “Dejavu” was dressed in black light and prostitutes, looking to the beach with its open front. Famous may be the silver female robot statue, that devides the dance floor. The music is house in all sub genres. You will listen to minimal but also funky vocal house. The sound is quite good and the people dance, which may be a result of the drugs they take.

The “Paparazzi” is a new club aiming at the upper class Ex-Pats and Locals. Thus long trousers and a full wallet are necessary. The prevailing music is house, sometimes funky, sometimes deeper and again dependent on the audience. In my opinion the “Paparazzi” is one of the most beautiful clubs in Bali with a nice and friendly atmosphere, a pity that the drinks are quite expensive.

The “66” is maybe the most popular clubs in South East Asia, which is for sure not due to the interior, as it looks similar to a huuuuge bamboo hut with swimmingpool and Bungy-Tower, but to the excellent marketing, the very good reputation and the marvelous sound system. But do not come too early, because the “Double Six” is getting crowded at 3 o´clock, if you are lucky. But than 1000 people are to be found dancing to very progressive and trance sounds. Many of them might be on drugs or prostitutes. Be aware of the Ladyboys, that make up to 40% of them.

The three last mentioned clubs are frequented by international top acts in the main season and guarantee a lot of fun!

The next street, the Jalan Dyana Pura, is usually crowded with the gay community, that knows how to party. Drag queen contests, motto parties and a huge amount of nice bars and clubs (“Kudos” and “Q-bar”…) assure that the evening will not be boring at all. Women are let alone, while the men may be chat up, thus an unusual experience for both sexes. It is to say that “Kudos” hosts the most advanced sound system and DJ-equipment on the whole island and you can really hear the difference.

Going back by foot you will pass the “Bar Bahiana” that tempts with latino sounds, a nice warm atmosphere, a lot of Italian and Spanish people and maybe the best cocktails in town. Some days in a week, there are offered Salsa and Meringue lessons and live percussion, which will make you sweat and enjoy the evening!

Last but not least is to mention the “Hu´u Bar”, a very nice pre-clubbing facility dedicated to the upper class Ex-Pat community, as well. The interior is stylish and as clean as in Singapore, as the management is Singaporean. The music is normally dance classics and oldies accompanied with live percussion. The later the evening, the more house is to be played but you can be sure that Dj Johnny is choosing the tunes that make you dance. A disadvantage may be the first cover charge at weekends. All customers have to pay about 10€ to enter the “Hu´u Bar”. Overall a nice place to go and to meet a lot of exciting people, but think of a full wallet.

Postscript:
The Hardrock-Hotel offers next to the biggest Swimming-Area a respectable mix of live bands and top acts that are not only known in Indonesia. The music is Rock. The atmosphere is nice and friendly.

The “Kamasutra” may be the most expensive clubbing facility on Bali offering international known top acts and really good and loud live music. The interior is very nice, the atmosphere very good and it is always packed. “Kamasutra” is a place to start the clubbing and spend a lot of money for good drinks.

Dives like the “Skandals” and other strange Karaoke-Bars where drugs are consumed in the same amount as drinks better leave out and do not support this kind of business.

The “DJ-Café”, the post clubbing place if you want to go to some other place when even the double six is closed is a dark place with a brilliant sound and nice people and the latest music concerning electronica and deep house. If you are not tired, this is the place to go..

I recommend everyone who is coming to Bali to get the Beat magazine, the event and clubbing guide for Bali, which is for free. Club names and places change quite fast and I cannot guarantee the topicality of my report. You may find a lot of different smaller and nice places as well. I could not go everywhere! Check out “Kudeta” and “Gaydeta”, really nice places for sunset lovers. In the main season it may be very different as well, other clubs may be more crowded and thus more attractive to visit

Breathtaking Vista in Bali

Uluwatu Resort is the place you must go to revitalize your spirit, open your eyes wide, and invigorate your mind. The view from my bungalow tantalizes me I can’t leave it. It’s the perfect place to take a nap, a swim, a walk, eat lunch, or get married. Romance swirls through the air after all the weddings here and who wouldn’t want to exchange vows on the southwestern most tip of Bali looking out over the Indian Ocean - a breeze gently blowing through the air. And they have internet access, body treatments, a secluded pool, and a superb garden all nestled in to this cliffside dwelling for lovers, artists, explorers, and surfers.

There is an international flavor here with guests from South Africa, France, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Hawaii, Australia, and the USA. They keep coming year after year.

If you can tear yourself away from the resort and the luscious food served in the restaurant — take the steps down to the beach that is carved out of coral at the bottom of the mountain. Caves and waves await you. As well as several warungs and surfers who know the score - these curls are gorgeous to look at even without surfing them.

Back up the hill stop at the new meditation room looking out over the delicious view of the ocean and feel the sacred energy from the huge hunk of coral it hugs.

I wanted to move in.

As if that isn’t enough, you can go to the water temple and see dances at night and visit Padang Beach and Dreamland too.

You will come away relaxed, happy, and replenished. Take a week or two - have a honeymoon or a second one - or start writing that book here - the bungalows are scrumptious - airy and full of light with high sloped Balinese ceilings soaring over your head as you are lulled to sleep every night by the ocean’s pounding surf. It’s like Big Sur California combined with Cinque Terre in Italy with a dash of Balinese jungle and a riot of orchids thrown in. I’m going back for more as soon as I can.

Mary Bartnikowski is the author of a book of essays, “Everyday Naked” available from Amazon. She is a professional photographer in Palo Alto, California.

http://blog.baliwww.com

Bali A Great Place to Do Business

When you think of Bali, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, the very name of the island evokes images of a peaceful tropical paradise where world-weary travellers come to relax and play far from the pressures of the modern world. But if you think of Bali as just a vacation spot, you might want to think again. Bali is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best places around to host business meetings and conventions.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali Bali offers executive class accommodations, meticulous service and professional organizational and support expertise your business demands. Whether it’s a convention for a thousand or an intimate get together for a few key personnel, you will find your expectations not merely met but exceeded. And when the day’s work is done, there’s no better place to unwind than in the luxury of Bali’s legendary attractions. In the mood for a round of golf? Bali boasts a course named one of the world’s top ten. Searching for something more adventurous? Bali has it all, from bungee jumping to white water rafting, from mountain treks and climbs to surfing, sailing and some of the best diving anywhere. Just looking to get away from all your worldly worries? Bali offers the ultimate in grace and tranquility at its five star resorts and boutique hotels, where nothing less than perfection is the standard of service. And for those seeking a truly special experience, Bali’s world-renowned spas blend the best of modern technology with ancient secrets to create treatments that bring mind and body, senses and spirit back into alignment, revitalizing you for another round of business.

Worried that the office number crunchers will raise eyebrows when they hear your plans to hold your next meeting on the paradise island? Reassure them with some facts. Bali is a surprisingly affordable place to do business, with rooms, meeting space and business services available at a fraction of the cost of comparable facilities elsewhere. And with exchange rates still quite favorable to Western travellers, your company could save quite a bit. Not only cost but quality is drawing more and more business people to Bali. The island boasts more international standard hotels than anywhere else in the region, and an infrastructure that offers the best in modern technology. Bali provides world class phone, fax, cellular and Internet communications, and professional support services guaranteed to meet your demanding expectations. The next time you think business, think Bali! You’ll be making the smart choice

http://blog.baliwww.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.

Drinking in Bali

Every culture has their way of drinking, there even rules for drinking, Balinese also has a way in drinking, especially for traditional liquors- Tuak and Arak. Tuak is a sweet wine made from the coconut palm flower, while Arak is strong liquors distilled from tuak. For Balinese drink liquors is men prerogative. In old days there is no woman drinks arak or tuak but with the passing of the time women start to drink tuak but never arak (too strong for woman) it is not discrimination, Balinese believe that arak is dangerous for womb. Women usually drink tuak secretly or in house compound not in public (warung stalls, on the road side, or balai banjar/sub village public hall) as men do.

Drinking for Balinese is usually for recreational purposes. We drink to strengthen the friendship among friends and to make a friend among strangers. There is an old saying among teenagers, it runs “cigarette and liquors are tools for making friends. It is common for Balinese to invite a stranger to join a “drink circle”. (We usually sit in a circle while drinking).We seldom drink for stress relieving purpose or Drink for Drunk (drink for the sake of getting drunk) drinking for recreational purpose can be a very creative way of drinking. Balinese usually sing while drinking, this habit originated genjek tradition.

Genjek is a traditional form of singing in which a group of men (usually 6 to12) sitting in a circle, some of them singing, while the rest of them imitating the sound of musical instruments. The songs are mainly about love and everyday life. Genjek is usually performed in wedding ceremony. The genjek performers have to be half drunk before the show begin. It is believed that the quality of the song depends on the level of intoxication of the performers. High level of intoxication means a high quality song.

In drinking Balinese have a certain code of conduct such as an offering of small quantity of liquor have to be made before Balinese start to drink. We usually pour a small amount of drink on the ground or floor in order to pacify bhuta kala (negative nature force) so it will not disturb the drinking activity. The way of drinking tuak is slightly different with arak. In drinking tuak every participant has his own kélé (a mug made of bamboo) and uses it privately. While in drinking arak we use only one small glass for all the participants, we drink in turn. An exception is made when someone from higher caste (Brahmana, Ksatrya, or Weysya) join the circle, an offer to use a private glass have to be made. An offer for private glass is a sign of respect for him. We welcome him into the circle whether he use private glass or not. An offer to taste a glass of arak for passing stranger is often made. If you want it, do not hesitate take it as soon as it is offered. Say thank you if you do not want to join the circle. If you want to join the circle, ask for it after you finish the offered drink. If you do not want to taste the offered liquor, refuse it with a good reason. Medical or religious prohibition is the best excuse.

In eastern part of Bali, tuak is a substitution for water. An offer of drinking tuak is a part of politeness there. It is considered to be impolite to turn down the offer without a proper apology and a good reason. Again, Medical or religious prohibition is a preferred excuse to hear by the host. But accepting the offer will be a perfect way to interact with the community.

Arak - distilled, colorless, fiery palm or rice brandy distilled from tuak; the fermented milk of the coconut or lontar palm.

http://blog.baliwww.com/

Restaurants of Bali

Your visit to Bali is not complete unless you also partake in a delightful gastronomical tour of the food and fruit of Bali. In fact, the multitude of sensations titillating your taste buds and olfactory senses upon seeing, smelling, and eating Balinese food and fruit should be enough of a reason to visit Bali. Wouldn't you say so? Or, if you want to try Indonesian food before your trip or to relive your experience, in your own kitchen, here are some recipes to assist you.

And these restaurants or restaurants at the various hotels will gladly assist you in your gastronomical adventure.

* Kin Khao Restaurant: Offers the choice of fine dining downstairs in air condition comfort or upstairs which is open air or garden side at the front and offer a unique thai styyle BBQ also steamboat (hot pot), fine dining.
* Taman Sari Cottages Bar and Restaurant: All kind of beverages are served in one multi functions bar. We serve many kinds of beverages such as juice, soft drink, beer, spirits, cocktails and long drink. It is only 300 metres from the famous white sandy Kuta Beach area
* Paradise UN'S Restaurant: We serve a selection of European dishes. You will be treated to refined European cuisine and Indonesian specialties, and will spend an unforgettable evening in romantic candlelight.
* Arak Bali Restaurant & Pub: Fun dining with live entertainment in Nusa Dua. Print the homepage for DISCOUNTS!
* Bali Bamboo Restaurant and Guest House: Offering Balinese special gourmet dishes (like Balinese Smoked Duck) in a comfortable Ubud setting.
* Crusoes Restaurant :CRUSOES Grill, Restaurant & Bar is Beach Front Restaurant at jalan double six-Seminyak, which open for Dinner and Supper daily.
* Fabio's: The restaurant that serve original Italian food and dishes which is well know as "FABIO'S Ristorante Italiano Enoteca". The restaurant is located at Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 66 Kuta Bali.
* New Café Luna: Since 1986 New Café Luna has considered among Kuta & Legian Top Place to go, and have a great experience there is always something happening at New Café Luna.
* Santa Fe Bar and Grill: is the first café in Jl. Abimanyu No. 11A (former known as Jl. Dhyanapura) Seminyak, Kuta, Bali. It was established on October 2, 1993 and opens for 24 hours a day.
* Teba Cafe: There's nothing better than Teba Café, if you want to taste real Balinese seafood cuisine. Located on Jimbaran Beach, just before Four Season Resort, and just five minutes from International Airport. You can even see them take off.
* Uluwatu Cafe: Uluwatu cafe it is located at the beautiful sunset and white sand between four season resort and Denpasar airport. The cafe are not so far from kuta, sanur and nusa dua area. SO it's very easy to have lunch or dinner from your stay.
* Warung Mina: romantic evening atmosphere you will find at Warung Mina where you can enjoy the freshest seafood served by friendly staff and cooked traditionally, all grilled seafood is served with rice, Vegetables, Boiled Potatoes, Special Sauce and Slice Fresh Fruits Dessert.
* R.aja's Bar & Restaurants: Step forward to the hustle of Kuta, into a world of pleasure & exotic.Relax in the bar with an exclusive range of selected international and Indonesian cuisines, wines and cocktails.

Bali "good place to go"

Bali, the tropical paradise, is a main tourist destination. Bali's rich cultural heritage has been explored and exposed by many Western visitors since 1930s. Among these Westerners were Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, Carlie Chaplin and Noël Coward. These Westerners contributed largely to the development of paintings and arts in general. Furthermore, they popularized Bali.

Volcanic lakes, white sandy beaches, spectacular rice terraces and the splendour of ancient temples and palaces have enriched Bali. Here you can find many water sports activities (snorkelling, diving, kayaking, etc.), adventurous sports (hiking, climbing, trekking, etc.) and other exciting activities.

Regular temple ceremonies, dance performances and wedding ceremonies can be found easily in Bali. Yet Bali has more than just cultural heritage, travellers will find many enchanting places to explore.

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/

Bali Diving

Bali Diving Location in Tulamben

The Tulamben Bay, a three-quarters of a kilometer, is a rich area. The smooth blue surface of water in this bay arises a romantic sense of us. In other time you may see other views when the sunrise is coming and light the land around, the sea and any boats in the bay. Tulamben is probably best loved, diving area in Bali, and its cobbled beach and black -sand bottom have become familiar to the international diving community. It is the kind of place divers visit for a week or more, exploring the wreck, inshore reef, drop-off and slope.

With the recent addition of the reef of the drop-off, several of which are excellent, Tulamben is now becoming something like a diving region, with a very diverse group of sites just a short walk or boat ride from the many resorts.


Tulamben Bay

The Tulamben Bay is a magical for its quiet, beauty, exotic, rich and as if it is determined by the God to show all the creature of the sea underwater. Tulamben, as if, has everything you have ever imagine of finding out in the sea underwater.
The Liberty Wreck is the favorite dive for most divers in this area, especially for beginners.

The wreck and the area around it are very interesting. Off the bow of the wreck is a steep sand slope carved out by the current sweeping around the wreck. The cover is a patchy reef of sponges, small clumps of whip corals and black corals, and small coral colonies. It is a surprisingly rich area, and worth exploring up close for small commensals. The deep area behind the wreck is similar, and also worth exploring. Seaward of the wreck, in forty meters or more, is where mola-mola and other pelagic fish are sometimes seen.


Batu Kelebit

The basic structure of Batu Kelebit consists of three coral-covered ridges that fan out from the eponymous rocks. Between the ridges are sand channels, and the sand is bright white. The bathymetry is one of the best things about this site. The ridges are steep enough to protect the two channels from both sides, making the inside diveable regardless of the current. And their approximately radiating structure makes it almost impossible to get lost here. The ridges are covered with an extremely diverse growth of hard corals, sponges, gorgonians, black corals and every other encrusting animals it is possible to encounter. Since Batu Kelebit receives deep, offshore water, clarity is generally good, and temperatures are a bit cold. Actually, visibility would be excellent, except that there is almost always planktons in the water, which of course is why the site is so rich. The level od species variety at this site is high. Just be careful at the depth of fifteen to twenty meters at this site, because most big animal such as pelagics like staying at the depth.

http://www.baliwww.com/

Bali wood & carving

Balinese wood carvers are extremely talented and produce thousands of items for the tourist industry. From life size teak figurines, animals and mythical creatures to functional carved wooden furniture. Bali wood carvings are finished in natural wood tones or hand painted with intricate detail and dazzling colors, wood carvings from Bali will amaze and delight you.
Manufacturers and Exporters of High Quality,BALI WOOD CARVING & BALINESE WOOD CARVINGS including Bali Abstract Wood Carvings, Animal Wood-Carving,Wooden Dragons, Carved Wooden Furniture and Buddha Carvings.
Your RELIABLE ONE STOP SHOPPING and SHIPPING SOLUTION.

http://www.exbali.com/

Bali Bras, Panties, Shapewear

Bali intimate apparel began in 1927. Sara Stein, who worked for a bra manufacturing company,Saw the opportunity to deliver a better garment, a product that would appeal to women, yet be functional in construction and fit. Using a small Singer sewing machine, tucked in the corner of her small Brooklyn apartment, Sara started to sew a different type of brassiere. Our founder, Sara Stein's, primary concern was quality, fit, performance and comfort. Her husband, Sam, a sales clerk with a well-known Roaring Twenties men's furnishing store, sold these to stores in the area. In 1969, with Sam and Sara nearing retirement, the Hanes Corporation of Winston-Salem, NC acquired the controlling interest in the Bali Brassiere Company. One decade later Hanes was acquired by Chicago-based Consolidated Foods Company, which in 1985 changed its name to Sara Lee Corporation. Bali, 70 years after its founding, Sara Lee Intimate Apparel, Bali Company, Bali Bra, and Bali Lingerie product lines still adhere to their original concept of designing and manufacturing stylish womens foundation garments, Bali bras, and Bali lingerie. Consumers worldwide recognize the value and stylish designs offered by Bali bras, Bali tops, Bali panties, Bali shapewear and Bali lingerie, all designed to project a flat silhouette.
The best method to put on Bali Shapewear is similar to the way you put on pantyhose. Gather up the garment from the legs to the waist so the shapewear is only a few inches tall. Step into the legs and pull up. When the bottom is seated correctly at the top of the legs, gradually unroll the shapers over the torso. This method ensures the proper placement of the garment.

Bali Adventure

Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them.

After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Just try it. Your heart will beat faster, especially when your boat hits two meter-high waves at high speed but even so, just like any other adventure sport, safety is the first priority. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on the Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda rivers, etc. You can refresh your mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route.

If you do not want to push your heart so hard, paradigling is a good choice and an exciting way to see Bali from the air. If wind conditions are right, you can view Bali from a very different perspective. If you are a beginner, a professional instructor will accompany you to ride in tandem. So, there is nothing to worry about.

For people with strong confidence and no heart problems, a must is bungy jumping and slingshot. Slingshot will shoot you up skyward so you can feel like a bullet. Bungy jumping offers you a chance to take the plunge. You can choose your view, wanna Kuta's view (in Kuta) or natural waterfal's view in Gianyar.

For your entire family, Waterbom Park is an excellent day out for adult and children. It offers five different water slides and a lazy river. You can relax by the pool that has underwater music and swim-to bar.

If you want to experience "war in paradise" Fantasy Bali Splat Mas-Jungle Skirmish is the place for you. It is a war game, where the point is to capture your opposing team's flag and kill the enemy with paintballs.

Bali Beach

The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it.

Sanur.
On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Kuta and Legian
Practically on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, again only about 5 to 10 minute drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches. Shops, Kecak dance performances, pubs, and other facilities make Kuta a tourist mecca.

Jimbaran
Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island of Bali, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor.

Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world's most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkeling and diving site, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allow for great surfing opportunity.

Soka Beach
Further northwest from Denpasar, on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town that connects Bali and Java, there is a small quiet beach called Soka Beach.

Medewi Beach
Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk, near the village of Pulukan, the beach of Medewi is another beautiful beach.

Lovina Beach
Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Night life activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.

Golfing in Bali

Although this game is not so popular amongst Balinese, it doesn't mean that you cannot find international standard golf courses in this "morning world". And if you did not bring your clubs you can rent a set at any of courses below as well as join their lessons.

Bali Golf and Country Club (BGCC) was named by Fortune magazine as one of the top five best courses in Asia in 1997. That course, together with Nirwana Golf and Country Club and the Bali Handara Kosaido championship courses, put Bali on the world-class golf course map.

Located on the luxury tourist resorts of Nusa Dua, BGCC offers different types of tropical golf course design, providing golf enthusiasts with a world championship 18 hole golf course in a spectacular seaside setting. The Nelson/Wright-designed course ensures playability for all levels of players with multiple tees of a variety of distances. Expert grooming and superb maintenance assures championship playing conditions.

Another treat at BGCC is the amazing variety of birds that have taken "home" around the course's ponds and lakes. The 17th and 18th holes run along the seashore and are dream-like in their perfection. And the 9th, 17th, 18th, and the 19th, (the Clubhouse), favourites for beginners.

Want to take a rest after playing? Have a seat by the outdoor "Bale" bar and enjoy your beverage in fresh air. If you prefer to be indoors, just take a seat at the"Barong" restaurant on the lobby level of the Clubhouse where you can enjoy the Indian Ocean and green garden.

Nirwana Course
Nirwana or nirvana is the name of the newest Golf course in Bali. The Nirwana course was designed by the famous golfer, Greg Norman. This course has 18 challenging holes sitting on Bali's Indian Ocean coast.

This 71 par golf course is one of Asia's most visually spectacular courses with holes carved through rice paddies, over creeks with three holes played along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Friendly female caddies with magical vibrancy from Tanah Lot temple bring nirvana in this earth.

The Nirwana par three 7th has to be one of the most wickedly designed holes in the world. And its Clubhouse is of a standard expected from a fine country club.

Bali Handara Kosaido
Bali Handara Kosaido is the oldest golf course in Bali as well as Indonesia. This is the only golf course in Asia with its location set in extinct volcano. Nestled, 1,142 meters above sea level, northwest of Bali, at Bedugul, the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club offers a par seventy-two, 6,432-yard eighteen hole championship course surrounded by lush tropical rain forest near vertical crater walls clad in vegetation.

The Handara is a deceptively difficult course. There are plenty of bunkers, lakes and other water hazards to get you into difficulty. But, of course, there's a cold drink waiting for you after you finish.

The greens and gardens are immaculate. Clouds are common in the afternoon, so the morning is the perfect time to start your game here. During the rainy season the course is much cooler than in dry.

Bali “good place for surfing”

Surfing and Bali go together like a horse & carriage, meat & potatoes, Seminyak & benchongs. Here’s a short guide to the whole affair.

How it began:
Surfing in Bali began in 1936, when American Bob Koke, a Californian, who had moved from Hawaii, with his wife Louise, opened the Bali Hotel on Kuta Beach. Bob had a long board he had brought with him from Hawaii and the rest was history. Surfing didn’t immediately catch on though and lucky old Bob had all the waves to himself (he had the whole Bukit to himself, only he didn’t know it was there). The 1960’s saw the start of surfers trickling into Bali and after Kim Bradley, Jerry Lopez and others discovered the Bukit peninsula and the other breaks the scene was set.

Why surfing is good in Bali:
Bali is a good place for surfing for a number of reasons. These include warm water, relatively uncrowded breaks, when compared to California and Australia. Bali gets some kind of surf most of the year, there are beach breaks and Kuta and Dreamland and also reef breaks on the rest of the Bukit, including the famous Uluwatu. Bali’s unique geography, means that you can get a selection of left hand breaks on one side of the Bukit, drive for 20 minutes and get another whole selection of right hand breaks. In Lombok, for example, you’d have to ride for 4 hours or more, to get from one side of the island, to the other.

During the dry season, the trade winds favour surfing the western side of the coast, including the breaks on the western Bukit. During the wet season ther tides and winds favour the eastern coast including the eastern Bukit breaks such as Nusa Dua and Sri Lanka.

Surfing regions in Bali:
You could say that there are 4 basic surfing regions in Bali, West Bali (Medewi), South Coast (Canggu, Gado Gado, Padma, Kuta Beach) the Bukit (Bingin, Balangan, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Sri Lanka, East Coast (Ketewel, Keramas), Nusa Lembongan (Playgrounds, Racetracks, Lacerations).

Best surfing breaks in Bali:

The best surfing breaks in Bali as far as performance are Uluwatu which sees good size surf and had 5 breaks. Bingin, which has a short fast barrel, Padang Padang which has a fast barrel and dangerous reef, and Nusa Dua.

When to go:
For the best performance surf, the month of July is said to be the best. During the dry season you get offshore ESE trade winds hitting the western Bukit breaks, slightly cooler water, clear skies and not too much garbage in the water. The beach services (ding repair, vendors etc. ) ramp up during this season. During the wet season there are still places to surf on the eastern side, but generally this is not considered the best season.

BALI HANDICRAFT PRODUCT

Your one stop source for Bali handicraft products.

Wholesale Bali handicrafts.....

You've come to the right place for quality Bali handicrafts from an Indonesia based wholesale craft supplier. Bali Direct is a well-established manufacturer, wholesaler and exporter of quality Indonesian craft products. Our product range includes all the classic Balinese products like wind chimes, photo albums, stoneware, miniature surfboards, incense, hand crafted terracotta ceramic, candle and incense holders, sarongs, fashion accessories as well as many more handcrafted gift and home ware items from not only Bali but the entire archipelago of Indonesia.
Bali handicrafts, culture, arts and crafts... the connection

Bali is a dynamic centre of arts, culture, religion and people. What comes out of this is a unique magical blend of mysticism, righteousness, peace, tolerance, creativity and, of course, the famous Balinese friendliness. These very attributes come together and serve as a root for the creation of what has developed and grown into a truly wonderful art and craft industry that Indonesia has become world renowned for.

Indonesian handicrafts in the global market place.....

Hand crafted gifts and arts and crafts from Indonesia have continued to gain in popularity over the years. Bali handicrafts now adorn the homes of millions of consumers the world over. At some time or another, you may have come across a hand crafted item that has caught your eye. Perhaps a melodic bamboo wind chime, or a cute brightly painted cat, maybe a leaf covered photo frame, an elegant wooden sculpture, a hand woven cushion cover. These, and many other such items often originate from right here in Indonesia. Indonesian handicrafts have rightly earned a dominant place in the highly competitive international giftware and furnishings market place. Millions of dollars of handicrafts are now being exported all over the globe annually to gift shops, supermarkets, department stores, wholesalers, importers and distributors. Bali Direct supplies quality Bali handicrafts to such entities and currently exports to at least forty countries all over the globe.

People and empowerment.....

Demand has meant that the Bali handicraft industry has thrived and it now provides employment and business opportunities for quite literally thousands of people. In addition to providing a livelihood for those in the handicraft industry, it has given a big boost to the economy. To truly appreciate how the handicraft industry functions and provides a living for so many people, one has to go off into the hills, far off the beaten track. For it is in the remote villages that you will find the true artisans of all of the handicraft products that Bali has become so famous for. It is here that whole Balinese communities are hard at work turning bits of wood, bamboo, metal, leaves and clay into truly amazing and marketable products. That's real empowerment for you!

Bali handicraft supply....

We draw on the production power of these remote Indonesian communities and provide assistance to manufacturers and artisans in the form of marketing via the internet and through direct promotion campaigns. This helps to keep the handicraft industry alive in Indonesia and provides many of the home industry manufacturers with a channel to sell their arts and craft wares. Many handicraft products that we supply are the creations of the highly skilled artisans mentioned above, but we are also a supplier of our own unique craft items that we have developed with the help of the very same people. Simply put, without them we would not have been able to achieve any of this. To this end, we look forward to continuing our drive to keep supporting the communities of Indonesia by helping them to bring their unique skills and crafts to the world market place.

Come on in and see for yourself all the handicrafts that Indonesia has to offer. You'll be truly amazed!

PRIVATE VACATION VILLAS IN BALI

Trained Spa Therapists available whenever needed. Car & Driver from Your Arrival until Departure. Delicious Food prepared by your personal Chef. 24-hour Butler Service to arrange anything you need. Bali Holidays and Vacation Villas in Bali Indonesia

From the moment you arrive in Bali, you'll enjoy the friendly welcome of your private driver, the Balinese house staff, and the comfort and informality of staying in your own villa in Bali. You can relax and totally unwind together with your family in spacious, comfortably furnished living and dining areas. And you'll enjoy the tropical garden and the privacy around your swimming pool (very important for many Asian ladies).

This will be a vacation totally different from staying at impersonal and over-priced "luxury hotels & resorts" – it's an experience you'll never forget!

Bali Airlines

Contact details of all major airlines operating in Bali

Air France
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Room 1105
Jl HangTuah Phone : (+62361) 288 511
Terminal Keberangkatan - Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 755 523

Ansett Australia
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Jl Hangtuah Sanur 80001
Phone : (+62361) 289 635 (+62361) 289 636 Fax : (+62361) 289 637
Airport Tuban Phone : (+62361) 755 740

Bouraq Airlines
Kompleks Sudimian Agung Blok A 47-4X.
Jl Panglima Besar Sudirman 7A
Phone :(+62361) 241 397 Fax : (+62361) 241 390

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Grand Bali Beach Sanur 1st Fl
Phone : 286 001 Ext 1138 Fax : (+62361) 288 576
Bandara Ngurah Rai Tuban, Phone : (+62361) 753 942

China Air
Phone :(+62361) 757 298

Eva Air
Wisti Sabha Administration Building,
Ground Floor, Room No.4
Ngurah Rai Airport.
Phone : (+62361) 751 011 ext 1638 Fax : (+62361) 756 488.

Korean Air
The Grand Bali Beach Hotel
Garden Wing Rm 1121 & 1123 PO Box 275
Reservation Phone : (+62361) 289 402 Fax : (+62361) 289 403

Garuda Indonesia PT
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Phone : (+62361) 288 243
Natour Kuta Beach Phone : (+62361) 751 179.
Nusa Dua Phone : (+62361) 771 864, (+62361) 771 444
Jl Melati 61 Phone : (+62361) 227 825
Hotel Nusa Dua Beach Phone : (+62361) 772 231
Jl Kapt Mudita 2 Phone : (+62361) 234 913
Jl Kepundung 21 Phone : (+62361) 233 853
Jl Pantai Kuta Phone : (+62361) 751 l 79
Jl Srikarya 1 Phone : (+62361) 228 916
Jl Sugianyar Phone : (+62361) 5227 823

Malaysia Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Phone : (+62361) 285 071 - (+62361) 288 716
Ngurah Rai Airport Office, Phone : (+62361) 756 132.

Qantas Airways Ltd
Grand Bali Beach, Phone : (+62361) 288 331 Fax : (+62361) 287 331
Airport Cargo Airport International Ngurah Rai, Phone : (+62361) 751 471 Fax : (+62361) 752 218
Gg Murai 18 Phone : (+62361) 432 896

Singapore Airlines
Jl. Dewi Sartika No.88 Denpasar Phone : (+62361) 261666
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 261 666
Bandara Ngurah Rai Phone : (+62361) 751 011

Air New Zealand Ltd
Wisti Sabha Bldg 2nd Fl, Ngurah Rai Airport, Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 756 170 Fax : (+62361) 754 594
Email : bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id

Bali Qantas Airways Ltd
Hotel Bali Beach Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 289 280
Jl Babakan Sanur, Phone : (+62361) 289 281

British Airways
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Jl Hang Tuah
Phone : (+62361) 288 511

Cathay Pacific
Phone : (+62361) 286 001

Continental Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Jl Hang Tuah Sanur.
Phone : (+62361) 287 774 Fax : (+62361) 287 775
Terminal Building Airport
Phone : (+62361) 752 107

Japan Airlines
Grand Bali Beach Hotel
Phone : (+62361) 287 576 – (+62361) 287 577

KLM Royal Ducth Airlines
Wisti Sabha Bldg, Ngurah Rai Airport
Phone : (+62361) 756 126 Fax : (+62361) 753 950

Lufthansa German Airlines
Hotel Bali Beach, Phone.(+62361) 287 069 Lauda Air
Gedung PAJ Jln. By Pass Ngurah Rai – Tuban
Phone : (+62361) 758 686
Jl Airport Ngurah Rai, Phone : (+62361) 753 207

Merpati Nusantara
Jl. Melati No. 51 Denpasar, Phone : (+62361) 235 358.
Jl Merpati 51 Phone : (+62361) 263 918
Jl Ngurah Rai Tuban, Phone : (+62361) 751 374

Royal Brunai Airlines
Wisti Sabha Building. Ngurah Rai Airport
Phone : (+62361) 757 292.

Thai Airlines
Wisti Sabha Building, 2nd Floor Room 19,
Ngurah Rai Airport. Phone : (+62361) 754 856.
Grand Bali Beach Hotel Sanur
Phone : (+62361) 288 141 Fax : (+62361) 288 063

Bali Cultur ( 2 )

BALI People

Life in Bali is very communal with the organization of villages, farming and even the creative arts being decided by the community. The local government is responsible for schools, clinics, hospitals and roads, but all other aspects of life are placed in the hands of two traditional committees, whose roots in Balinese culture stretch back centuries. The first, Subak, concerns the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Everyone who owns a sawah, or padi field, must join their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of irrigation water. Traditionally, the head of the Subak has his sawah at the very bottom of the hill, so that the water has to pass through every other sawah before reaching his own. The other community organization is the Banjar, which arranges all village festivals, marriage ceremonies and cremations, as well as a form of community service known as Gotong Royong. Most villages have at least one Banjar and all males have to join one when they marry. Banjars, on average, have a membership of between 50 to 100 families and each Banjar has its own meeting place called the Bale Banjar. As well as being used for regular meetings, the Bale (pavilion) is where the local gamelan orchestras and drama groups practice.

Each stage of Balinese life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusa Yadnya. They contribute to the rich, varied and active life the average Balinese leads.

Birth
The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even before birth. Another ceremony takes place soon after the birth, during which the afterbirth is buried with appropriate offerings. The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby's first Balinese year of 210 days.

Names

Basically the Balinese only have four first names. The first child is Wayan or Putu, the second child is Made or Kadek, the third is Nyoman or Komang and the fourth is Ketut. The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth will be another Wayan, Made, Nyoman, Ketut and Wayan again.

Childhood

The Balinese certainly love children and they have plenty of them to prove it. Coping with a large family is made much easier by the policy of putting younger children in the care of older ones. After the ceremonies of babyhood come ceremonies marking the stages of childhood and puberty, including the important tooth-filing ceremony.

Marriage

Every Balinese expects to marry and raise a family, and marriage takes places at a comparatively young age. Marriages are not, in general, arranged as they are in many other Asian communities although strict rules apply to marriages between the castes. There are two basic forms of marriage in Bali - mapadik and ngorod. The respectable form, in which the family of the man visit the family of the woman and politely propose that the marriage take place, is mapadik. The Balinese, however, like their fun and often prefer marriage by elopement (ngorod) as the most exciting option. Of course, the Balinese are also a practical people so nobody is too surprised when the young man spirits away his bride-to-be, even if she loudly protests about being kidnapped. The couple go into hiding and somehow the girl's parents, no matter how assiduously they search, never manage to find her. Eventually the couple re-emerge, announce that it is too late to stop them now, the marriage is officially recognized and everybody has had a lot of fun and games. Marriage by elopement has another advantage apart from being exciting and mildly heroic it's cheaper.

The Household

There are many modern Balinese houses, but there are still a great number of traditional Balinese homes. The streets of Ubud; nearly every house will follow the same traditional walled design.

Men & Women

There are certain tasks clearly to be handled by women, and others reserved for men. Social life in Bali is relatively free and easy. In Balinese leisure activities the roles are also sex differentiated. Both men and women dance but only men play the gamelan. Today you do see some women painters, sculptors, and woodcarvers.

Community Life

Balinese have an amazingly active and organized village life. You simply cannot be a faceless nonentity in Bali. You can't help but get to know your neighbors as your life is so entwined and interrelated with theirs.

Death & Cremation

There are ceremonies for every stage of Balinese life but often the last ceremony-cremation-is the biggest. A Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried. Of course an auspicious day must be chosen for the cremation and since a big cremation can be very expensive business many less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation and sending their own dead on their way at the same time. Brahmans, however, must be cremated immediately. Apart from being yet another occasion for Balinese noise and confusion it's a fine opportunity to observe the incredible energy the Balinese put into creating real works of art which are totally ephemeral. A lot more than a body gets burnt at the cremation. The body is carried from the burial ground (or from the deceased's home if it's an 'immediate' cremation) to the cremation ground in a high, multi-tiered tower made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk, cloth, mirrors, flowers and anything else bright and colorful you can think of. The tower is carried on the shoulders of a group of men, the size of the group depending on the importance of the deceased and hence the size of the tower. The funeral of a former rajah high priest may require hundreds of men to tote the tower.A long the way to the cremation ground certain precautions must be taken to ensure that the deceased's spirit does not find its way back home. Loose spirits around the house can be a real nuisance. To ensure this doesn't happen requires getting the spirits confused as to their whereabouts, which you do by shaking the tower, running it around in circles, spinning it around, throwing water at it, generally making the trip to the cremation ground anything but a stately funeral crawl. Meanwhile, there's likely to be a priest halfway up to tower, hanging on grimly as it sways back and forth, and doing his best to soak bystanders with holy water. A gamelan sprints along behind, providing a suitably exciting musical accompaniment. Camera-toting tourists get all but run down and once again the Balinese prove that ceremonies and religion are there to be enjoyed. At the cremation ground the body is transferred to a funeral sarcophagus, this should be in the shape of a bull for a Brahmana, a winged lion for a Satria and a sort of elephant-fish for a Sudra. These days, however, almost anybody from the higher castes will use a bull. Finally up it all goes in flames funeral tower, sarcophagus, body, the lot. The eldest son does his duty by poking through the ashes to ensure that there are no bits of body left unburned. And where does your soul go after your cremation? Why, to a heaven which is just like Bali!