by nate on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 | Attraction, Diary, Dining, Knowledge, Places to Visit, Tips, Travel | No Comments

I just made a recent visit for my brother’s wedding in Bali, one of thousands unique and exotic islands in Indonesia. It has been 11 years since my last trip to the “Dewata (gods) Island”, when about 100+ friends of mine were celebrating the Junior High graduation. My first word when I arrived there was,” AWESOME”

Bali has been famous for its beaches and their waves (surfing), historic spots, friendly locals, tropical weather and their exotic foods (babi guling). When you visit Bali, you’ll see foreigners are everywhere from the main street to the small streets. I would say it’s one of the world’s destinated island. You’ll also encounter with happy and very friendly people there. One funny statement comes from my driver’s words was that Bali is the short of “BAnyak LIbur” (lots of holidays). This might be true because majority of visitors are there for a vacation all seasons, just like Hawaii. Unfortunately, according to few locals whom I had a chance to speak with, the bombings happened in October 12, 2002 (Kuta) and the latest one was in 2005 (also in the month of October) by terrorists attacks had caused Bali to suffer the down-streaming of tourism. Numbers of people in Bali had gone jobless, as they depend their daily income from the tourism sector. GOOD NEWS!! Indonesian government in Bali and Bali’s locale have strengthen their security and in result, they have regained back the trust of tourists around the world. The newspaper at the airport says that the current number of tourists that visit Bali has increased more than 50% from last year. No wonder, most of the streets are busy nowadays.

Here some of the highlights I had during my trip:

• Seminyak shore (views from the rear gate of the hotel I stayed at my first night).

I personally think this beach is cleaner and nicer than Kuta for a relaxation, since there are less people in there. Just like other beaches in Bali, there are locals who offers service of unique tattoos, local jewelry and accessories, and massage theraphy.

•  Bali’s scent. Composed of small herbs and flowers, used as a “good luck charm” wishes, they put it inside their vehicles, or you’ll see it a  lot outside their stores.

• Jimbaran. This is the place where we had dinner, right on the beach, beau, beauty, beautiful places. The food is considerably cheap and has a very tasty signature *everybody would recommend this seafood place if you’re looking for seafood restaurant to eat.

• FREE traditional music entertainment while you had your delicious food.

• Jimbaran at Sunset (courtesy of “Ella”)

• Taliwang Chicken, a signature food of Lombok Island, an island further east to Bali.

• traffic in Bali

• the famous “Tirtha Uluwatu” chapel *sorry I can’t upload their full-architectural images due to their copyrights.

• sea views from the chapel, cliffs

• Quicksilver trip.
After the wedding day, we had a chance to enjoy the vacation by riding a submarine. First, they took us on a small cruise ship. This isn’t a pleasant ride for everybody, I really recommend you to try to get inside the deck, 1st floor and take the pill they provide to avoid seasick/ motion-sickness. After a ± 50 minutes ride on the ship, we, then transferred into a small harbor, full with food ( all-you-can-eat) but personally, the food is not that great and I recommend you to eat just enough, not too much, since you’re gonna do a lot of activities.

From the temporary stop place, you can choose variety of activities from snorkle, going to the nearest island (Petantu Island), going to the submarine, etc or you can just stay there for the food-fiesta. We decided to visit the island first to get rid of the motion sickness feelings.

• a woman making a traditional garment

• We took off to the submarine from the island and viewed a very beautiful under water creatures and corals right inside the submarine.

• pasar ubud

This market sells accessories and gifts

• Antonio Blanco museum

Admission is Rp. 30.000,- per person, and you’ll get a coffee taste-welcome tea on top of world’s rank paintings and his story of life, very very good!!!

Tags: Antonio Blanco, Bali, Bali Bombings, Bali Hotels, Bali Travel, beach, beaches, coconut, Denpasar, destination, exotic fruit, exotic place, Mario Blanco, museum, places in Bali, sunset, ubud, vacation

by wildcherry on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 | Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

Bali island is a part of Indonesian archipelago. Located just east of the island of Java, it has long been the primary focus of Indonesia’s flourishing tourist industry. Bali is one of the province in Indonesia, divided into nine region from west to east, they are Jembrana, Tabanan, Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli, Karangasem and Buleleng region.

The Island of Bali attracts by far the most tourist attention in Indonesia and worlwide, drawing in more than a million visitors every year. As a result, the island has become very much a mainstream destination, offering all the comforts and facilities expected by tourists. Find your own desired, all you need is provided from the traditional ways to modern life.

Bali also known as “The Island of God” or “The Island of Thousand Temples” because of most people (Hindus) have a place to pray to the God in each theirs living place.

Located firmly in the tropical zone, Bali enjoy fairly constant year-round temperatures, averaging 26 degrees centigrade in the shade. Best time to visit is from april through september and november through january, i believe you wont miss those moment than freezing in your country, sun always shine during that months.

There are hundreds of tourist attractions around Bali. Kuta, Sanur, and Seminyak are among the best tourist spots in Bali. The southern areas of Bali are warmer than other areas. The sandy beaches of Bali are well-known for abundance of coral reefs and marine life. The Beaches on the island include Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Beaches in Bali are famous for their magnificent view of sunset and surfing.

Numerous hotels are available on the shores of Nusa dua beach and these hotels offers comfortable swimming experience in secluded lagoons. Delicious gourmet food is also served on site.

pic by Chris&Steve

Sanur beach has calm and secluded lagoons which are suitable for activities such as wind surfing and para-sailing. Soka beach and Mediwi beach are situated between Despansar and Gilimanuk. Jimbaran Beach is some what attractive and is a favorite place for tourists as well as natives alike.

Several seafood restaurants are available on the shores of Jimbaran. Lovina Beach is most visited by the people around the world irrespective of the season. Most of the people visit here especially to view Dolphin swimming. Kuta is the best place for those who like a warm beach atmosphere. Also known as tourist mecca, the beach has several shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta beach is best for swimming and recognized for its random underwater currents.

Situated to the east of the island of Java, Bali is the primary focus of Indonesia’s booming tourist industry. Bali, one of the provinces in Indonesia, is divided into nine regions from west to east including Jembrana, Tabanan, Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli, Karangasem and Buleleng region.

Bali has a lot to offer tourists, from historical places to scenic views. The main reason why many tourists keep visiting Bali is Bali’s image as a beach destination. Several accommodation facilities are available in Bali. Private Villas with different price ranges are available. Most of the villas have a large array of amenities such as swimming pools, restrooms, change rooms, golf courses and tennis courts. Luxurious private villas with standard facilities are also available within your budget.

Below is a tourist map of Bali Island:

Tags: Bali, Bali Hotels, bali island, Bali Map, Bali Travel, Bali Vacation, beaches, Destinations, Exotic Island, festivals, food, Indonesia, Kuta, Nightlife, Nusa Dua, paradise, religion, Resorts, Sanur, The Best Place To Live

by wildcherry on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | Attraction, Travel | No Comments

Long ago, in the ancient period around 1500 years ago, the dye resist designs on the cloth were found in Egypt and the Middle East along with the two major countries, samples are also found in Turkey, India, China, Japan and West Africa around hundreds of years ago. In the present date, Batik is highly developed form of art found on the island of Java, Indonesia. In the 17th century, the fabrics were highly decorated with Dutch transcripts, by it is often believed that complicated designs in Java were possible when the finely woven imported cloth that was from India to Indonesia in 1800s and then from Europe in 1815. The similar Batik designs that were done on textiles earlier are noticed on stone statues that are beautifully sculptured on the walls of Javanese temples like Prambanan AD 800, but then it is not yet confirmed that the cloth was Batik. These designs could be produced by weaving techniques too. However, by the 19th century became greatly developed form of art in the cultural life of the Javanese.

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There were some specific Batik designs worn by the Javanese royalty and thus it was felt that Batik was originally meant to be worn by the monarchs of the royal Sultan’s palace. The Princesses and royal women might have encouraged the finest designs of Batik that reflect the traditional patters. Well, the untidy dyeing work with consequent waxing was done by the court artisans who worked under their direction.

Known as the great fans of art, Javanese royalty supported the development of traditional art form like silver embellishment, leather puppets known as wayang kulit in java and gamelan orchestra. The Javanese dalang (puppeteer) was a major source for the Batik patterns too. Wayang puppets are made from goat skin which was treated and colored to build false impression on the puppet, were usually sold to women who could get the necessary idea of batik designs from these puppets. The used charcoal and blew it through the holes that describe the design of puppet clothing, so that they could copy complicated patterns onto the cloth.

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However, some scholars deny the fact that Batik was originally meant for royalty as they feel that it is meant for the rakyat, the people too. It was considered as a significant job for young women of the Central Java, revealing the fact that they are capable enough to handle a canting (an instrument shaped like pen to apply wax to the cloth) with enough tact and skill just like skills used in cookery or other household arts.

Tags: art of batik, Bali, bali batik, bali island, batik, batik handbag, beach handbag, history of batik, Indonesia, java, modern use of batik

by nate on Saturday, April 4th, 2009 | Attraction, Places to Visit, Travel | No Comments

I used to live in Indonesia for 19 years, not far away from Bali (about 7 hours driving or an hour flight). People also nickname Bali with “Pulau Dewata” (gods & goddesses island). Most of the Balinese are Hindu followers, maybe this is the reason they call it Pulau Dewata. I used to have family trips, and Petra’s (my school name) junior-high farewell party here, and this article below has reminded me how beautiful Bali was… besides, I’m going there this Fall for my brother’s wedding, ow yeah, anybody wants to join?

article is taken from travel.yahoo.com

WRitchie, flickr

WRitchie, flickr

Hagwall, flickr

Ifindkarma,flickr

Bali has earned itself a long string of appellations, including the “Morning of the World,” “Island of the Gods” and the “Last Paradise on Earth.” Although it has undergone much development, most of the island still deserves those accolades. Its natural beauty, the colorful Balinese Hindu festivals and the friendliness of the people lure vacationers here again and again.

South Bali Arriving at the airport, most tourists head straight for the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, the latter an isolated tourism enclave with scores of hotels, shopping malls and, of course, miles of white sand. Nusa Dua draws tourists wanting a more benign vacation, with all the amenities star-rated accommodations can bring, whereas Kuta is touted for its spectacular sunsets, superb surf breaks and a vibrant nightlife. Chockablock with shops, restaurants, pubs and discotheques, Kuta forms a center for the young to congregate and dance until dawn. Jimbaran Bay, another place to watch the sun go down, prides itself for its seafood-on-the-beach eateries. The waters here are much calmer than in Kuta and therefore safer for children. Those with tamer tastes normally prefer the mild surf and quiet evenings at Sanur Beach . The capital city of Denpasar bustles with traffic and trade. Sightseers enjoy visiting the Pasar Badung (a traditional market currently under renovation), Pura Jagatnatha temple, the Bird Market and catching a glimpse of Balinese culture at Bali Provincial State Museum . Other destination spots include: Taman Werdi Budaya art center and the College of Performing Arts . One can embark on a shopping binge at Jalan Hasanuddin and Jalan Sulawesi , both lined with gold shops. The latter street also sells glorious textiles of all sorts. For clothes at rock-bottom prices, check out Ramayana or Matahari department stores or Tiara Dewata.

Central Bali Moving north out of Denpasar, one passes through several craft villages, starting with Batubulan. Previously a trove for real antiques, Batubulan now features shops that only take custom orders for good-quality reproductions. One can also witness the carving of tufa statues and watch numerous barong dances. The Bali Bird Park makes for an educational and colorful trip, with its tropical birds and komodo dragons galore. Celuk, the next settlement, packs countless silver and gold retailers, such as Melati Art Shop and Puspa Mega. Sukawati sports the Pasar Seni Sukawati art market, the ideal spot for tracking down woodcarvings, textiles, paintings and other handicrafts at bargain prices. This town is also home to most of Bali’s puppet masters, such as Wayan Nartha and Wayan Mardika. Traditional Balinese paintings prove popular in Batuan village, where artistry runs high and the ancient gambuh dance-drama often entertains. Many visitors also come here to appreciate relief woodcarvings, another art form shops like Dewata specialize in. Mas , a woodcarving enclave farther up north, showcases woodcarver Ida Bagus Tilem at the Tilem Fine Art Gallery and mask carver Ida Bagus Anom, among many others. Ubud, once a sleepy artists colony, has evolved into an upscale tourist resort. With performances every evening and at least three major museums, much awaits culture buffs here. Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women and Pura Taman Saraswati temple on Main Street are equally engaging. An excursion to Pejeng outside Ubud reveals numerous antiquities, including the fascinating reliefs of Yeh Pulu and a scattering of quaint temples: Goa Gaja , Pura Penataran Sasih , Pura Kebo Edan, Pura Samuan Tiga , Pura Pusering Jagat and Pura Agung Batan Bingin. Many roads lead up to Kintamani. When passing through Bangli, stop by and admire the Pura Kehen and the ancient banyan tree in its courtyard. Pura Ulun Danu Batur , one of Bali’s most splendid temples, overlooks Mount Batur and affords a breathtaking view of Lake Batur.

East Bali: Mount Agung and the Environs East of Ubud lies Klungkung Regency and Karangasem Regency. The market in Klungkung Town boasts some of the best textiles on the island and a few antique stores along the main road. Within Kerta Gosa , the pre-colonial hall of justice, murals fill the ceilings, depicting punishments that await wrongdoers. Some of Bali’s most remarkable terraced rice fields abound in Sidemen valley, Karangasem. The great Pura Besakih , perched on the slope of Mount Agung , offers yet more enchanting panoramas. Many tourists also pay homage to ancient villages such as Tenganan Pegringsingan , which carves a niche in the production of geringsing—the sacred double ikat cloth—and tightly woven baskets. Northward in the tiny fishing settlement of Amed , brightly colored fish dart around offshore.

West Bali In the less-developed Tabanan Regency, one can drive for kilometers and see nothing but paddy fields. Dramatic landscapes characterize Jatiluwih village, like the thriving coffee and vanilla cultivation in the lush mountainous area around Pura Batu Karu. Similarly cool due to its high elevation, the area around Lake Bratan incorporates several highlights— Pura Ulun Danu Bratan , Pasar Candi Kuning (a fruit and spice market) and the Bali Botanical Gardens . The temple projecting out into the sea at Tanah Lot makes a perfect spot for a sundowner. Pura Taman Ayun , a garden temple in Mengwi, presents another lovely spot to drop by.

North Bali North Bali lies beyond the mountain ranges, across a much drier region better known for its influx of Arab, Chinese and Dutch traders centuries ago. Singaraja, to illustrate, holds remnants of Dutch architecture, bearing witness to its colonial past. Farther westward is Lovina beach resort, where dolphins can be seen at sunrise. Pura Pulaki , one of the island’s most sacred temples, is believed to be the first one built by the great itinerant priest Danghyang Nirartha. To see a contrasting architecture, be sure to visit Pura Medawe Karang . Menjangan Island, a 30-minute boat ride from Labuhan Lalang, supports some of Bali’s best underwater life. It forms part of the 76,000 hectare West Bali National Park , which provides refuge to the rare Bali Starling. Text by Rucina Ballinger Photo by Leonardo Wisnoe Marmanto and Neezam Abdul Rahim

Tags: Bali, beach, beautiful island, exotic, Indonesia, Pulau Dewata, tropical island