ALL ABOUT BALI TOUR AND TRAVEL DESTINATION

Goa Gajah, literally means 'Elephant Cave”. Although named by 'elephant' it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lawa Gajah', which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site. A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple. The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is cer...

Located 85 km north-east of the airport, Candidasa is a relaxing beach area close to cultural treasures like Pura Besakih ("Bali's Mother Temple") While the beach is not one of Bali's best, the tranquility of Candidasa has attracted a number of exclusive hotels like the Amankila and the Chedi. Candidasa is most often compared to Kuta as Kuta was some 20 years ago. The comparison has some merit -Candidasa is a small village with few inhabitants on the beach with a several- mostly inexpensive hotels that cater to the more adventurous tourists looking for a more laid back atmosphere to explore the cultural heritage of Bali. Being some 85 km from the airport ensures some tranquility, however as more people discover that there is quite a bit to see and do in Candidasa the area is developing rapidly with many first class hotels now sprouting up. It was a calm small fishing village, but since five years ago, it built with a dozen of losmen (house to stay), hotels and restaur...

Bratan Lake is located next to Mount Bratan and Mount Catur. It is the second largest lake in Bali. Filling the crater of the inactive volcano Mount Catur, Bratan Lake sits at over 1,200 meters above sea level. The important temple of Pura Ulun Danu solemnly guards the lake. The resort area of Bedugul offers excellent views of the lake, as well as a number of water activities. Providing a cool retreat from the hot and humid regions of Bali, its shores provide the traveler with hotels and restaurants and its cool waters offer parasailing, water-skiing, banana-boat rides and other water sports. Some Japanese caves across the lake were dug during World War II. While in the area hike to the beautiful shrines that dot the lakeshore and forested hills around the lake or visit the beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Not far from here are Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake, two of the four large lakes on Bali, which can also be worth a visit. Bratan has an altitude of about 1.000 meters, the climate ...

Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the "Mother Temple of Bali" Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1,000 meters (3,000 feet). Besakih is the biggest and holiest of all the Balinese temples. Bali's mother temple stands against a stupendous mountain backdrop on the southeastern slopes of Mount Agung. Named after the Dragon God believed to inhabit the mountain, it's said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship. Eighteen separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups surround the three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. To the Balinese, visiting the temple sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. The mountain top setting gives it an almost mystical quality. The largest on the island, this massive complex of 35 small temples attracts staggering numbers each year, being the main point of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus. Steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Tr...

Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats. Bedugul is located on the main north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja in cool damp mountain country, an excellent base for walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills. Bedugul is located in a high plateau at the center of the Island. Cool air and mists are natural for the place. Bedugul is a resort in Bratan Mountains, famous for its golf course; and also the Ulun Danu. Ulu Danu is an amazing temple, which seems to have risen out of Bratan Lake 1,200metres above sea level. There are many water sports available here are boating, water skiing, and parasailing. When the heat and humidity are get, why not escape to Bedugul. Bali's highland retreat has tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 meters above sea level. Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine fore...

Batur Lake is the old crater of Mount Batur, a still active volcano next to it. It is located on the northern part of Bali. The largest lake overshadowed by the active volcano is located in Bangli Regency, at the northeast of Bali. Batur Lake is the widest lake in this island. It lies down in the feet of Mount Batur and Mount Abang. The lake is classified as a "neutral-dilute" lake because there is no known underlying hydrothermal activity, and the abundant rainfall more than quenches any such activity. There is a hot spring right by the lake. We can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Batur Lake from Kintamani. Across the lake, only reachable by boat, lies Trunyan village, where the Bali Aga people live. The surrounding of the lake is a favorite place for picks self up. At Batur Lake we can see the scenic view and feel cool atmosphere. Bangli's mountainous region center is around the spectacular volcanic crater (or caldera) of Batur. Mount Batur adjacent to the volcano is t...

Amlapura is east Bali's major transport terminal and so, well connected to all parts of Bali. It was known as Karangasem until 1963, when the mighty Agung volcano unfortunately, erupted with spectacular force and even more spectacular damage. So, Karangasem underwent a name change and was "reborn" as Amlapura to rid itself of any "unlucky" association, which might provoke a much-feared recurrence. The old Puri Agung Karangasem Palace was once the seat of the past King of Karangasem. The visitors can walk around the old palace. The ruins of the Taman Ujung water Palace are conveniently located 3km south of Amlapura. When visiting Amlapura, it is best to stay at Tirta Gangga, not because of any spectacular eruptions, but for the sake of comfort and luxury. The main attraction of Amlapura is its traditional palaces or puri. There is a western, a northern, a southern and an eastern puri as well as several others, all still occupied by members of the royal family. Of...

Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in Badung Strait, is the perfect holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine un-spoilt beaches. A low, protected island about 11 km southeast of mainland Bali, measuring only four by three km and ringed with mangrove swamps, and palms and white sandy beaches. Inland the terrain is scrubby and very dry, with volcanic stonewalls and processional avenues crisscrossing the small cactus-covered hills. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung. Known for its great surf, the excellent crystal-clear waters also make it a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. It's still a basic place, but interesting, and there are some lovely places to stay. The island is small enough to explore on foot, offering pristine beaches and coves, majestic views of Mount Agung, unique Balinese architecture, and the friendliness ...

La Taverna Bali Hotel From 1/15/2007 to 6/30/2007 only US$ 47! not (US$ 60) La Taverna Bali Hotel is set in tropical gardens that stretch to the white sands and clear blue waters of Sanur Lagoon. This offer valid for ROH (Run of House) La Taverna Bali Hotel is set in tropical gardens that stretch to the white sands and clear blue waters of Sanur Lagoon, the hotel is ideally situated close to shops and markets. The hotel is designed to allow for maximum privacy and quiet, qualities which can be felt the instant one sets foot upon the premises through the main gate. The gate, echoing a combination of Javanese and Balinese influences, is a reflection of the antique style decor of the hotel. A total of 34 rooms decorated with antique Balinese furniture and have Balinese doors at entrance to room and bathrooms. (Source Bali Discovery Tours ) - Find Hotel in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak Area - Bali News – Where Indonesian TV Stars Go on Blind - Bali News Update : "Giving Credit to Bali as ...

La Taverna Bali Hotel From 1/15/2007 to 6/30/2007 only US$ 47! not (US$ 60) La Taverna Bali Hotel is set in tropical gardens that stretch to the white sands and clear blue waters of Sanur Lagoon. This offer valid for ROH (Run of House) La Taverna Bali Hotel is set in tropical gardens that stretch to the white sands and clear blue waters of Sanur Lagoon, the hotel is ideally situated close to shops and markets. The hotel is designed to allow for maximum privacy and quiet, qualities which can be felt the instant one sets foot upon the premises through the main gate. The gate, echoing a combination of Javanese and Balinese influences, is a reflection of the antique style decor of the hotel. A total of 34 rooms decorated with antique Balinese furniture and have Balinese doors at entrance to room and bathrooms. (Source Bali Discovery Tours - Find Hotel in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak Area - Bali News – Where Indonesian TV Stars Go on Blind - Bali News Update : "Giving Credit to Bali as a ...

Indonesian TV and Screen Idols Participate in Romantic Dream Date with Winners of Nation-Wide Contest. Bali's Hard Rock Hotel recently hosted five winners from five Indonesian cities in the Clear Kencan Impain a Dream Date contest sponsored by a leading shampoo producers. Winners of the contest were hosted to tours of Bali and a romantic candle-light dinners in a pool-side private cabana at Hard Rock Bali Hotel accompanied by one of Indonesia's leading TV stars. Portions of the dream holiday and dream dates were covered by two national networks for later broadcast.] Left to right, Jamal Hussain (wearing glasses), General Manager of the Hotel, together with four of the participating stars - songstress and actress Titi Kamal; Indonesian soap-opera idol Samuel Rizal ; film-star Nicholas Saputra ; and Film and TV actor Marcel Candrawinata. Not appearing in the photo, but participating in the special "blind date" contest was soap-opera actress Nia Ramadhani. (Source: Bali...

100 Delegates from 10 Countries Expected in Bali for ACSIC Conference November 5-8, 2007. Bali will act as host to a conference on extending financial credits to small and medium sized businesses scheduled to take place in Bali in November 5-8, 2007. The 20th Asian Credit Supplementation Institution Confederation Conference (ACSIC) will draw some 100 delegates from 10 countries including Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and India. The declared theme of the November 2007 meeting will be "how ACSIC members can contribute to fostering small & medium-sized enterprises." Acting as the host committee for the Bali conference are two Indonesian credits companies - PT Askrindo Perum Sarana Pengembangan Usaha and PT Penjaminan Kredit Pengusaha Indonesia.. Organizers of the Bali conference have expressed the wish that those attending will create a Bali Declaration that will support expanding the availabili...

1,500 Top Decision Makers from the World Travel Industry Expected in Bali for Leading Travel Event of the Asia-Pacific Region. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2007 to be held in Bali September 25-28, 2007 is expected to attract 1,500 top sellers and buyers of travel from around the world. Headquartered at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua, the leading event on the Asia-Pacific travel industry calendar moves to a new host destination each year. The 2006 PATA Travel Mart was held in Hong Kong, while the 2008 PATA Travel Mart will move on to India after the 2007 event in Bali. PATA Marts bring together the managers and sales staff of the leading hotels, attractions and tourism objects in the Asia-Pacific region with decision makers from top travel wholesalers, group organizers, and other travel product distributors for a series of intensive business appointments spread across the 3-day event. For more information on how to participate as a ...

Kuta, Legian, Seminyak Area Kuta Legian and Seminyak are located just north of the Bali International Airport and have traditionally been the traveler's first stop in Bali. Accommodation ranging from the simple to the superbly luxurious are available within walking distance of the beach, a wide stretch of palm-fringed sand known as one of the best places in the world to catch a wave. The shopping in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak is the best you will find. You can buy everything from silver earrings to massive pieces of teak furniture along Jl. Legian. A wide array of restaurants - from simple places serving authentic Indonesian food to French bistros and American fast-food - line the area's streets. Kuta, Legian and Seminyak is probably as famous for its night life as its beach; it takes some effort to be lonely in Kuta! For the traveler searching for the best blend of traditional culture and contemporary fun, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak is the place to be. Discovery Kartika Plaza Be...

A small group of Bali hotel and travel operators recently produced a tongue"in-cheek video advertisement to draw attention to their growing frustration with the Australian market's prolonged recalcitrance to return to Bali for their holidays. Seeking to launch a low-cost Bali awareness campaign, the Little Bali Hotel & Resort Company (LBHRC) tore a page out of the controversial Australian Tourist Commissions "Where the Bloody Hell are You" campaign and created an amateur-quality video narrated by a traditionally dressed Balinese on a walking tour of Bali asking where the Australian tourists had gone? The guerilla marketing campaign by Little Bali Hotel & Resort Company(LBHRC) is comprised of two parts: the initial spoof ad program distributed by Internet followed by a program of heavy discounts to the Australian market. The eight members hotels of LBHRC are the Baleka Beach Resort, Bali Ayu Hotel & Villas, Bali Garden Hotel, Puri Etnik Hotel, Samsara Hote...

The Gigir Manuk Cultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism, the Bali Tourism Authority and the Bali Tourism Board are conducting a road tour of Balinese Art & Culture to Europe from November 11-27, 2006. Land Under the Rainbow The cultural program, entitled "Land Under the Rainbow", will form the backdrop for a series of cocktail receptions hosted for the international travel industry, during which art & cultural performances by the renowned Bajra Sandhi Group will be presented during visits to the following European cities: 1.Brussels and Antwerp, 2.Belgium Den Haag, The Netherlands 3.Luxemburg 4.Paris, France 5.Aachen, Germany Bajra Sandhi Performance Troupe Founded in 1991, the Sanggar Seni Kreativitas Bajra Sandhi, more commonly known as Bajra Sandhi, is a group of Balinese artists who emphasize the spiritual connection between God and the arts. Striving for purity, truth and beauty through the arts - the ...

Bali is one of thousands of beautiful islands in Indonesia, lies to the east of Java and the west of Lombok. Bali is well known as "The Goddess Island" or "The Island of The Thousand Puras/Temples." Bali is also associated with "Paradise", and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, the physical beauty of the island, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving, and the year-round pleasant climate have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled number one tourist attraction. That's why Bali is also a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island". If it's not enough to convince you that Bali is so gorgeous, know this, the island of Bali is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines as the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world. Hence, what to do in Bali? The answer is endless. I...

Need something different for your family vacation? Try a trip to Bali. Imagine at one afternoon, the sky is painted orange, the sunlight cutting through the air that makes it so warm. Than imagine you laying down for tanning your body and smelling the scent of the ocean that relaxing your mind while the children playing on the sand building a gigantic sand of Eiffel tower.....or...castle.. or whatever. Isn't it well? Yes, Bali is a great place for a family holiday - there are many hotels with rooms and facilities for families, great attractions and good food at reasonable prices. The shopping is great, you can buy anything from home wares to copy surf gear. What about your kids? Don't worry; Bali is a very safe place for kids of all ages. Undeniably, Bali is a perfect place to take your kids. In Bali, you'll find lots of things to occupy your kids of all ages - and yourself, too. Bali is a great family holiday destination! Bali is a paradise for children. Just about every a...

Visitors to Bali often like to shop for cheap gifts to bring home for friends. Even if you have a large, extended family, there is plenty of choice in Bali. The main places you will find the best selection of cheap gifts are Pasar Seni’s (art markets). In my opinion you could equally refer to them as junk markets, as there is nothing in them I’d actually buy, but for cheap nick-nacks they are handy. An art market is basically a line of stalls, next to the street with goods spilling out all over. The most popular art markets are: •Southern end of Kuta Square, close to Matahari department store, in between Jl. Kartika Plaza and the beach. •The length of Poppies II heading back from the beach. •Jl. Melasti in Legian. Most popular stuff sold: Bintang t-shirts, knock-off surf wear, place mat and other bamboo accessories, jewelry, hats, hanging decorations, sunglasses, watches, bags, cup holders, DVD’s, kids toys, paintings and wind chimes. There are of course hundreds of items, all mass pro...

Bali has a selection of hospitals and clinics. Most district capital cities, for example, Bangli, will have a hospital. The best hospital in Bali is Sanglah hospital in Denpasar. For tourists, if you have any serious problem, you’ll end up there. Clinics favoured by tourists include SOS International & BIMC, both located in the Kuta area. Obviously if you have medical / travel insurance you would want to go to a western standard clinic (BIMC or SOS), if you don’t have insurance those places are very expensive. I’ve been to BIMC to get my conjunctivitis seen to. Everything is relative and when I say Sanglah is a good hospital, that’s compared to the other one’s here. If you need serious surgery and its not life-threatening, its best to visit a foreign hospital. If you have medical / travel insurance, you’ll be able to choose where. Singapore is a good close option. Army Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Singaraja Phone : 362-41543 Army Hospital (RSAD) Jl. Sudirman, Denpasar Phone : 361-22800...

Pasar Badung is the huge market area in central Denpasar, famous among locals. Today I drove Ika, Jevon and my mother-in-law there, to check things out. You never quite know how somebody will react to a place. A westerner could view Pasar Badung as a wonderful example of Asian culture, or a stinking example of lack of hygiene and organization. But how would somebody from Java view it? The market is located on Jl. Veteren and took maybe 20 minutes to get to, because of traffic and my driving. Parking across the road on the Jl. Kartini, a Parkirman (parking attendant) quickly got 2,000rp out of me. There is no entry fee to the market, and our first stop was cruising some of the food vendors outside. Ika and her mother didn’t seem super interested in snacks, as they had each powered a huge bowl of rice, vegetables and tempe before leaving the house. I got a 5 sticks of ikan laut (mashed sea fish, grilled). The vendor asked for ‘empat ribu rupiah‘ (4,000rp) smiling. I offered ‘dua ribu rup...

Cruise in comfort aboard Bali Bounty Cruises 400 passenger catamaran. With a cruising speed of up to 30 knots, you may sit back, relax and enjoy full staff service while reading the daily newspaper or viewing our onboard video entertainment. We sail from Bali every day. BALI BOUNTY CRUISES Bounty Cruises Bounty Cruises is equipped with state of the art computerized stabilizer and meets with International Safety Standards. Complete with an executive standard of service, the Bounty Catamaran is three decks of pure luxury. DAY CRUISE - LEMBONGAN ISLAND Day Cruise Join our cruise for a full day of water activities - above and below the sea - on our 48 meter pontoon located in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Shanghiang Bay on Nusa Lembongan Island. The most fun you can have in one day. DINNER CRUISE - SUNSET CRUISE Dinner Cruise Once the sun goes down, step aboard for a night of romantic floating fun. Enjoy our program of live entertainment with your appetizing International Buf...

Sanur is an alternative beach resort to Kuta and Nusa Dua. It tends to attract Europeans, families and expats. The main street, Jl. Danau Tamblingan is long and seems like an unending strip of bars, hotels, shops and restaurants. Today my friend Mike took me to a cute little hotel along Jl. Danau Tamblingan, called Flashbacks. We met the Australian owners, Peter and Jan, who showed us around and chatted avbout the tourist scene. Flashbacks was designed and built by Peter, in the style of a Manado house. it has lovely hardwood floors, walls and bamboo / alang-alang roofs. When we entered the first thing we saw was the coffee house. Its cosy and the kind of place you’d want to stop, for a shady coffee and a sandwich. Flashbacks offers a cool alternative to the usual mid range small hotels. The atmosphere, with the central lounge and the rear area around the pool, mean you get to meet other people. Jan told me that single travelers, who don’t want a resort, or a budget hotel, find Flashba...

Bali is an island that is about 60 miles wide and 40 miles long. It sits about 8 degrees south of the equator. It is north of Australia (3000 miles from Sydney); Southeast of Thailand (1,800 miles from Bangkok); and southwest of Tahiti. From Los Angeles, it is about a 18-hour plane flight (about 9,000 miles). This is a very old civilization. The earliest known writings are from the 9th century. By this time, the island had its irrigation system in place and the agriculture matches, pretty much, what you see today. Costs and the best time to visit? The high season, in terms of costs and crowds, is considered to be July, August, and December. Beter if you stay at Bali Villa The water temperature is just a little cooler than the air temperature. One of the things I think is most interesting about Bali, is the insect problem. In fact, there is no insect problem on Bali. How can this be on an island that is covered in water filled, rice paddies? On Bali, they have the closest thing I have e...

"Transport, transport! You need transport? Bemo, Bemo, Bemo!" is an all too familiar catch-cry. "No transport, saya jalan jalan!" The frustrated tourist's reply. Another bemo will pass by in a moment, and another chorus of the same song will be sung. Finding a ride is that easy! Getting around on the tiny island is never a real problem, and there are plenty of modes of transport available to the traveller. Walking is the most basic way of getting around, and your own feet will serve you around the village, beach or resort area where you are staying. But to travel further afield, some other form of transport must be found. Most travellers are satisfied to get about via bemo (chartered vehicles with driver), taxi (metered) or public buses (usually mini-buses, also known as bemos or colts). Whenever you are walking in Bali, you can be sure that the too familiar cry of "Bemo, bemo, bemo" or "Transport transport" will be heard emanating from almos...

Ombak Luwung Estate Location: Canggu - 5 Bedrooms - Low Season: US$1150| High Season: US$1450 | Peak Season: US$1800 Ombak Luwung is a high standard 5 bedroom luxury villa located on the front beach of Canggu , famous for its surfing waves. The wide secluded property giving on the beach is reparsed in a square designed building, surrounding a stoned fountain patio. Villa Soma Location: Jimbaran – 4 Bedrooms – Low Season: US$550 l High Season US$650 l Peak Season: US$750 One of Bali’s newest luxury villas, Villa Soma’s prime location in the Jimbaran bay 5 minutes from the Four Seasons Hotel offers amazing panoramic sea, hill and sunset views. The villa features modern architecture and interiors, two swimming pools and multiple indoor and outdoor living and dining areas over 4 levels. Villa Soma offers the unique combination of contemporary design, state of the art amenities and a distinctive personal touch Villa Emerald River Location: Canggu - 4 Bedrooms - Low Season: US$600| High S...