Travel and Destination  home

Located just east of the island of Java, Bali is still living up to its name as the last paradise on earth. For the most part, Bali has proved resilient to the tourist invasion, which means you enjoy all the fun of the developed resorts while not far away experiencing the rural charm of Bali as it has been for centuries. Emerald rice terraces cover the island; sparkling rivers, slumbering volcanoes, spectacular sunsets, golden beaches and gentle hospitality of the natives will overwhelm you. Bali indeed exudes magic and once you visit, you fall under the spell.

Bali enjoys a rich culture, its history recorded in legends and preserved in its religion and the people adherence to the traditions of their ancestors. Temples are everywhere, especially in the mountains, where the Hindu Gods sought refuge from the Islamic invaders of Java. Temples in Bali are settings for colourful morality plays between good and evil characters.

Kintamani, is one of the most visited mountain town. The cool weather makes it the best place for trekking. Trekking towards Tampaksiring will bring you to one of the most dramatic sights in Bali: Crater Lake Batur.

 Pura Tanah Lot, is another one of Bali’s top sights. Fringed by frothing white surf and glistening black sand, its elegant multi-tiered shrines have become the unofficial symbol of Bali while its links with several other coastal temples afford it an especially holy status.

Monkeys have a special status in Hindu religion, and a number of temples in Bali boast a resident monkey population. The Monkey Forest in the village of SANGEH is probably the most visited of these on Bali, its inhabitants the self-appointed guardians of the eerie Monkey Forest. A temple was built here some time during the seventeenth century, in a forest of acre nutmeg trees.

Odalan is the anniversary festival of the village temple. With so many temples in Bali, practically you can find an Odalan every day. On every Odalan, elaborately prepared offerings are presented to the Gods to renew their ties. The Balinese reinforce their bonds with each other during the elaborate preparations and ceremonies. After the main ceremony, they will have nightly performances of ritual dance or wayang kulit, accompanied by the brilliant sound of the gamelan orchestra. Cockfights are also permitted at Odalan. The cockfights are held as a blood sacrifice to purify and appease the spirits of the earth.

The Barong dance is an impressive spectacle. It describes the eternal conflict between Ratu Barong, the faithful guardian of the community and the pendulous-breasted Rangda, the demonic mistress of the graveyard. Usually the show closed with a Kris dance, in which young men get into trance and stab themselves with krises, yet remain unhurt.

Bali offers you thrill of a lifetime. Get ready to experience an exciting rafting journey down the Telaga Waja River through the steep gorges, past pristine jungle and beautiful terraced rice fields, vivid with colours and sounds of exotic plants and animals.

Bali also reveals its cosmopolitan nature at night, when discos that could be in New York or Europe rage until the early hours. And if you would like to see a little traditional Balinese nightlife, watch the Fire Dance.

Accommodation

Hotels recommended will suit different budgets. Rooms of Twin sharing as well as standard facilities, services and amenities are available.

Standard Hotels : Alam Sari or Taman Harum Cottages

First Class Hotels : Hard Rock Beach Club or Hotel Jakarta

Deluxe Hotels : Kupu-kupu Barong or Four Season Resort