South East Asian Trips

Bali has long been equated with an exotic paradise, a picturesque vision of green rice fields and plantations, soaring volcanoes, cool lakes and rushing rivers, lush forests and palm fringed beaches. It is Indonesia's number one tourist destination and as a result suffers from commercialisation and overcrowding, but this is confined to a few main areas. The original charm of the 'Island of the Gods' and its smiling people is still very much in evidence, especially in the many small rural villages and fascinating places of the fertile interior.

What makes it distinctive from the rest of Indonesia is the belief in a predominantly Hindu faith, incorporating the ancient Indonesian animist conviction that natural objects are inhabited by good or bad spirits into every aspect of local life on the island. It is evident in their ceremonies, daily rituals and attitudes, visible in the offerings of flowers and food that adorn the roadsides, the charms hung inside taxis, and the numerous vibrant festivals that occur throughout the year. It is perceptible in their reverence for the Holy Mountain, the soaring volcanic cone of Gunung Agung, which is the spiritual centre of the Balinese universe. Scattered around the island are thousands of Hindu temples and places of worship. Art is also an integral part of daily life and every village has its artists, from the internationally acclaimed painter to the aspirational young cow herder. Ubud, the cultural centre, with its streets lined with art and crafts shops, also has performances of traditional Balinese dance and music. Art, together with tourism, is an important source of revenue for the island.

With its fine beach, the popular resort of Kuta is the most visited destination, but there are numerous other beach resorts around the island, and many more peaceful settings on the east coast at Candidasa, Sanur and the fishing village of Padang Bai, and on the northern coast at Lovina. There are a number of good diving sites and reef snorkelling close by.

Despite the shock of terrorist bomb attacks in October 2002 and 2005, which were aimed at foreign holidaymakers and killed about 225 people in total, Bali is still the tropical paradise of rich culture and beautiful land and seascapes that has attracted those in search of an idyllic vacation for so long; however visitors are still advised to contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia, and Bali in particular.

History of Bali

The first written evidence about Bali dates back to 9th century AD when most of the cultural and technological developments that are still visible here were completed. Hinduism reached Bali in the first half of 11th century during the reign of King Airlangga. The great exodus of artists, dancers, musicians, and actors from Java to Bali in 14th and 15th century saw the Balinese culture flourish to great heights. In 1597 Dutch seamen set their foot here and ruled this place for more than 300 years. Bali became a part of the modern Indonesia in 1945, when Indonesia attained independence.

Climate

Bali has tropical climate. Temperatures are even throughout the year with average temperature around 30ºC. There are two seasons, dry from April to September and wet from October to March. But, even they do not follow any set pattern. It can rain continuously in the dry season while rain can pass quickly in the wet season.

Best Time to Visit Bali

May to August is the best time to visit Bali. Temperatures are a bit cooler at this time of the year and chances of rain are also less.

Shopping in Bali

There are lots of shopping options in Bali. Some of the favorite shopping items are casual and tailored clothing, jewelry, leather ware, handicrafts, antiques, and artifacts. Departmental stores of Denpasar and street markets of Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua sell items at very reasonable prices.

How to Reach Bali

International Airport in Bali is situated at Denpasar, the capital of Bali, not far away from any of your favorite destinations like Kuta, Sanur, or Nusa Dua. The airport is connected to a number of international destinations such as Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is comfortably connected to other attractions in Bali by rented cars, taxis, and buses.

Tourist Attractions of Bali

Denpasar

Denpasar is the capital of Bali and has a number of cultural and historical sites. It has many community temples called "Pura". Bali's picturesque countryside and most of the beautiful temples are just outside the limit of Denpasar. Some of the villages worth visiting are Celuk (for its silverware), Ubud (to have a glimpse at the finest of Bali's art-dance, music, and paintings) and Bedulu for its elephant cave.

Sanur Beach

Sanur is Bali's most famous tourist spot. It is at a shot distance from Denpasar and public transport to and from the city is easily available. There are number of important hotels on this small island. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves and make it popular for windsurfing, boating and other water sports.

Kuta Beach

On Denpasar’s route, towards the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is a flourishing tourist resort, mainly popular among the youngs. It is a famous beach for surfing though currents make sometimes swimming difficult. Sunsets are simply wonderful in Kuta and highly romantic!

The village has lots of restaurants, shops, discos and other tourist facilities. It is easier to enjoy regular performances of both Balinese music and dance in Kuta, than anywhere else in Bali! Some performances are staged at night. The area is ideal for meeting people, locals as well, and why not, it’s an occasion to make friends, too!

Discovered by the hippies in early 1960;s, Kuta is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. It is also famous for its magnificent sunset, nightlife, and shopping options.

Nusa Dua

The Nusa Dua tourist resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. It is also famous for its mouthwatering cuisine. During the rainy season, the beach provides excellent surfing conditions.

Batubulan

Stone figures on the roadside enrich and characterize the village of Batubulan: divinities and demons carved from sandstone decorate both houses and temples. Artists can be seen at work in workshops.

Batuan

Antique and notorious centre of the arts, it is known for its dancing, wood panel carving and paintings.

Celuk

The village is famous for its silver and gold works of jewelry.

Mas

It’s mainly a village of woodcarvers: many of Bali's old masters still live there. Art galleries preserve some of their best works. Tourists are welcomed into the Balinese style houses where carved wooden pillars can be admired and artists at work or instructing apprentices seen!

Ubud

The centre of Balinese painting, Purl Lukisan the name, has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art which traces its origins back to the turn of the century.

The Young artist style popular in Balinese painting was first introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past, other foreign painters inspired Balinese artists to adopt western techniques, though traditional Balinese paintings are still en vogue!
Ubud has many small hotels located on a higher altitude where to enjoy a pleasant climate and a magic atmosphere!

Menjangan Island

This little island off Bali's west coast is known for the beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it.

Klungkun

The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali from where Balinese royalty draws its bloodline, Klungkung was the oldest kingdom on the island. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of Justice built in the 1 8th century, is specially known for its ceiling murals painted in the traditional wayang style portraying punishment in the hell and rewards in the heaven and other aspects of moralities.

Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali

Museum founded by Yayasan Bali in December 1932. Phone (0361) 222680

Pura Jaganatha

Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". The Pura Jaganatha is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signifies the foundation of the world. The Pura Jaganatha Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, and its architectural design is based on that of a palace. The government-supervised "Sanggraha Kriyahasta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art the "Werdhi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, and an art contest.

Taman Wedhi Budaya

Located in the eastern part of Depasar this large arts centre was established as an academy and showplace for Balinese culture and is worth a visit. Phone (0361) 222776

Waterboom Park

A screaming sensation for family recreation with top-quality water-slides that qualifies the strict safety standard. Located in Kuta, another landscape tropical garden, it founds the entertainment capital of the region. Visit this park at Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban - Kuta, (0361) 755676 or e-mail : info@waterbom.co.id.

Excursions

Ubud

Set in the hills north of Denpasar, Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali and the major attractions of the town and its surrounding villages are the art museums and galleries, notably the Neka Museum, containing a huge collection of traditional and modern Balinese paintings. An enormous variety of Balinese art and crafts line the streets and crowd the market place of Ubud, and frequent performances of traditional dance and music, and restaurants offering some of the best food on the island, compel visitors to stay much longer than intended. Ubud is also close to several sites of interest, including the 'Mother Temple' of Besakih, majestically situated high on the slopes of the Agung Volcano, and hiking in the scenic Batur region with its volcano and lake are popular excursions.