BaliExsotic

Bali Island

2006-09-14T01:17:00.000+07:00

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Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!

How can one aptly describe the magic of Bali?

2006-09-13T23:36:00.001+07:00

The island of the Gods is steeped in riches that are beyond material value, Here lush tropical landscapes, culture and tradition, art and theatre, contrast sharply with the simplicity of a rice-farming culture and the dynamism of a modern developing nation. Nusa Dua, Bali's premier resort, is known for its world class facilities and atmosphere of comfort and privacy. Only 15 minutes from Bali's International Airport,this oasis of luxury offers a wide range of dining and leisure opportunities.
Inna Putri Bali is set on a wide of Nusa Dua. The extensive gardens landscaped around the original established trees, stretch right down to the best beach on the entire peninsula, perfect for swimmers and water sports lovers both high and low tides.The rhythms of Balinese life in the local community are echoed within the hotel, which as the name Putri (princess) suggests, assures you of a "royal" Bali experience.

Bali recovering

2006-09-13T23:22:00.000+07:00

Indonesia's Bali island has turned a corner in rebuilding its tourist industry after the bomb attacks exactly two years ago, but the recovery, now led by Asianvisitors rather than the Westerners who once flocked here, is far from complete, AFP reported.The four and five star hotels which line the island's popular Kuta and Legian surfing beaches are almost back to full occupancy as restaurants enjoy a steady flow of business.It was a different picture in the months after the bomb attacks on two Bali nightclubs which killed 202 people just as SARS began to emerge. The island was devastated as the foreigners deserted and their lifeblood money dried up."Things are now looking up for Bali," says Choiril Maksum of Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistic.Even a deadly bomb attack on Australia's embassy in Jakarta last month seems to have had little direct impact on the revival.Between January and August this year, the number of foreign tourist arrivals through Bali's Ngurah Rai airport rose by 53 percent year-on-year."In these years, there has been bomb after bomb in Indonesia," Bali's tourism chief Oka Darmawan told AFP. "The number of foreigners visiting slowed down, but we look to the future now and see Bali recovering.""The number of visitors is actually back to normal, but there is a changing market from Westerners to Asians," said Putu Agus Antara, chairman of the Bali Tourism Board."This is partly due to the national flag carrier Garuda, which is not very active in Western markets, unlike its rivals in Malaysia and Singapore."Despite the renewed influx of tourists, Antara said Bali's economic revival is still a long way off as big business discounts offered to lure visitors back eats into revenues and puts the squeeze on smaller operators.

INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLAND OF BALI

2006-09-13T23:04:00.000+07:00

Detailed Bali Map (39k).Probably the most up-to-date and detailed map of the island of Bali on the Web. "Stolen" by many other web sites, but we'll keep it up-to-date for you.
Geography, Climate, Population, Economy, and What Makes Bali so Special.General information, facts you might find useful, and some personal impressions.
Kuta Sweats Sex.Report by Denise Dowling (Urban Desires, September 1996).
Ubud, the Heart of Bali.Report by Jamie James (The Atlantic Monthly, August 1999).
The Paradise Paradox.Report by Keith Loveord (Asiaweek, October 1997).
Real-time Bali & Indonesia NewsRead the latest news about Bali and Indonesia, pulled in real-time from hundreds of reputable international news sources and information services.
PLANNING YOUR BALI HOLIDAY
How to Select the Right Company to Book Over the Internet.A step-by-step guide on what to look for before you make any commitment over the Internet. This applies to Internet bookings wherever you go, not only to Bali.
New Visa Regulations Introduced in February 2004.Which nationalities qualify under the new regulation for a "visa free" stay, and which nationals can take advantage of the VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA) facility.
How to Fly to Bali. Links and Books to Buy.Contains links to most airlines, private aircraft charter companies, and to some air ticket consolidators who offer discounted air fares to Bali.
Where to Stay in Bali.Brief guide to the main hotel and resort areas in Bali.
Getting Married in Bali.Formalities and Legal Procedures required to get married in Bali.
Bali for Families - the Kids (and Parents) Love It.Excerpts from the International Herald Tribune.
Cruising the Spice Islands from Bali.Cruises and private charters from Bali to visit fierce dragons who have survived from the Jurassic age on Komodo, and to experience ancient tribes and cultures in the Lesser Sunda Islands.
The Cost of Your Stay in Bali.Costs to expect for accommodation, daily food & drinks, transportation, etc. You'll be VERY surprised when you compare these prices with other destinations around the world.
Potential Hazards for Visitors to Bali.Daily updated information on the social situation in Bali as well as maps, charts and satellite images of the region showing the areas affected by any smoke or haze, the cloud situation, and the winds affecting Bali.
The "BALI travel FORUM"News & Views from the "Ultimate Island". Benefit from experiences of residents and recent visitors. Don't hesitate to ask questions. This is one of the busiest "Forums" on the Internet!
Worldwide Embassy & Consulate DirectoryJust in case you have some questions regarding an entry visa or a permit for an extended stay in Bali - or any other country.