a little square of heaven...

i'm a cake snob...yes, i am, i freely admit it because i bake my own and i know what should taste good. personally, i find that in Bali there are not a lot of great cake options. so where do i go when i get that rumbling in my tummy for something sweet? to Bali Deli of course on Jl. Kunti. and what do i order? the lamington square. it is a little piece of heaven captured in a cake...jam, cream, sponge and coconut. delightfully addictive!

mozzarella restaurant...the perfect spot

when you live in one of the top tourist destinations around, you are constantly overwhelmed by choices of places to eat. places open and close all the time but eventually you get to have your favourites. for me, mozzarella is such a place. located at the beginning of Jl. Padma in Legian, the staff always greet with a smile and show you to your table. the service continues to excel throughout the evening, staff are attentive, warm and friendly. the menu is varied, focusing on mediterranean cuisine. i must admit that i always have the minute steak with blue cheese sauce. it is delicious and always satisfies. did i mention that the cocktails menu is buy one get one free too? just another reason to get yourself down to this restaurant for dinner. again it is their attention to detail that impresses. when you make a reservation they write your name in gold ink on a leaf and leave it on the table. it's always these little touches that delight me...

this time a late night visitor...

I came home late one night to find this moth on the floor outside the door. truly, a beautiful sight. it was as big as my hand. the design on its' wings was magnificent.

spot the birdy...

look who flew into our garden and perched happily in out tree and sang numerous tunes for us...

white sandy beach, candidasa

another beautiful little discovery...this time in Candidasa. this is White sandy beach in a village called Prasi. you turn down an alley and drive about 2 km and then you reach this. a peaceful little spot sprinkled with colourful umbrellas, a few warungs and beautiful blue waters. well worth the two hour drive to escape the craziness of Kuta beaches. two thumbs up for this spot!

Spiritual Tours in Bali - Vacation Package Tips Not to Miss

Before embarking on a Bali tour it is wise to explore the wide variety of Bali vacation packages available today.

What are you looking for in your spiritual tour to Bali?
Bali has a strong cultural heritage with amazing temples found throughout the island. Temple ceremonies occur every day in Bali. You may have heard it referred to as the "island of 10,000 temples". This is a reflection of the numerous temples found in Bali - spirituality runs deep and strong in all aspects of life here. If you are looking for a spiritual experience then be sure not to miss visiting these temple ceremonies.

What To Look For
Many Bali vacation packages include accommodation, partial meals and a variety of activities. A spiritual tour should involve some type of spa treatment, meditation and yoga. As far as sight seeing, one shouldn't miss the most beautiful temple in the world - Tanah Lot Temple. Situated high on a cliff over the ocean, the view is absolutely outstanding. Another temple worth mentioning is the Besakih Temple. It has often been referred to as the "Mother of all Balinese Temples". It actually consists of five temples (a sacred Mandala). If you are exploring Bali vacation packages be sure to try and experience the Barong Dance. A Balinese dance portrays how chaos and destruction compete with each other. Make sure to check with your hotel as many hold performances weekly.

Eat Pray Love
If you have ever read "Eat, Pray, Love." by Elizabeth Gilbert then you know how she experienced the spirituality of Bali to the fullest. A spiritual tour in Bali that encapsulates her experiences and focuses on changing your life would be essential when looking at Bali vacation packages. In Elizabeth's book she walks us through her quest for spiritual healing, allowing us to share her journey along the way.

Where To Stay
As for where you want to visit, popular choices in Bali are Ubud and Nusa Dua. In Ubud you will find many shops and galleries, spiritual dances and the monkey forest (a must see!). Also there are the Botanical Gardens, terraced rice paddies and many crafts and art specialties throughout the Balinese villages.

Nusa Dua Bali is home to several five star resorts and choosing to stay in Nusa Dua is a popular choice among many. If you are budget conscious, then you might prefer to stay in Ubud. Nusa dua hotels and resorts are geared more towards those seeking luxury. Many of the resorts even have their own private beaches. Wherever you end up staying you are sure to experience how beautiful and peaceful Bali truly is.
Remember these tips before embarking on your Bali spiritual tour:

    * spa treatment, meditation, yoga
    * temples including Tanah Lot and Besakih
    * Barong dance
    * Botanical Gardens and the monkey forest

Be sure to explore the Bali Vacation Packages put together by Spirit Quest Tours, who bring along more than a decade of personal and sacred travel experiences to share with you.

Experience Bali - The Magical Island of Indonesian Archipelago

Have you ever heard of Bali, the island of God? I'm sure you are. Bali is very famous for many people for the beaches, but I can assure you that Bali has more than that. The culture, the temple and the mountains in this island are worth of visiting. They are truly breathtaking. Bali is divided in five parts, South, East, Central, West and North.

The South side of Bali is the most visited part of the island with many incredible and beautiful beaches. They are truly the pearl of the island and if you like party and surfing, you will be at the best at the south part. But if you are looking for more peaceful area to enjoy your vacation with no crowd around you, consider visiting the north part. There you will see many untouched beauty and the hidden beautiful sight of Bali.

If you like the culture part of Bali, Ubud is the most interesting place for you with many great artist and amazing view of the rice paddy fields. Ubud is a special village with great nice places to visit. This is the place of friendly people and great part of the island to know more about the culture of Bali.

We have come to the central part of the island with the great mountains area. Breathtaking view over the mountain of Kintamani and his biggest lake of the mountain with beautiful villages surround it. Also the temple is truly magnificent, they are the proud of the people of Bali. Don't be regret to choose this part as your destination because this is worthy.

De last part of Bali, last but not least. West Bali, where the mountain and the beaches comes together, the truly magnet for the visitors. This is the place of Pura Tanah Lot, much known in the whole world and you won't be disappointed if you see the location of this temple. It's like that the temple floating on the sea.

Anyway Bali is worth of visiting. There is so much to see and admire. This island truly deserves the name the island of God.

Do you like to travel to Bali or you want to know more about this island? Why don't you take a look of my website for more info.

A Brief History of Bali Island

With thousands of destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to find a luxury getaway. Luckily for vacationers, Bali Island is one of the most scenic and breathtaking escapes in the world. It not only is known for its amazing beaches and unique culture, but it provides any family with a tropical vacation. No matter what type of accommodations you can afford, Bali Island is an awe-inspiring escape.

With over three million inhabitants, it is no surprise that these people are extremely close. Families are tightly interwoven, and support is a constant reminder of how much they need one another. Most of these families practice Hinduism, which began around the island in the eleventh century. For this reason, art is very strong presence on the island. It is not uncommon for every family member to either be an artist or dancer. From painting to music - these passions are welcome in the beautiful territory. Therefore, it is no surprise that Bali residents make most of their income from handcrafts and other creations.

Although terrorist attacks took place in 2002 and recently, the island is still beautiful to visit. Natives have held strong positive outlooks and are constantly supporting one another through these tough times. While some vacationers are afraid to visit this island, it is completely safe and uplifting. Therefore, if you are looking for a great getaway, the Bali Island still can provide you with serenity and peace.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Bali is the Bali Villas. These villas provide vacationers with a stunning escape, whether it is on the beach or surrounded by a lush garden. Most of these villas in Bali include luxuries such as personal chefs and pools. While Bali villa rentals can be expensive, there are many features you can do without. By opting for a standard room, your price will significantly drop. Also, there are hundreds of hotels which provide villas on the beach or water. These Bali villas are a lot more affordable, as they are not in their own backyard. However, while these are lower in price, they are not as plush. Vacationers not only lack privacy, but the noise from the hotel may make the experience less serene. Nevertheless, no matter what your preference is, villas in Bali are lavish. If you do have the money to spend, your Bali villa rental will treat you like royalty. You certainly will never be able to forget such a memorable experience.

Bali Island provides more than just a peaceful escape from the fast paced everyday world. It teaches vacationers about a different culture; one that combines family, art, and religion. It is uplifting to see the determination in their eyes and such friendliness from these inhabitants. No matter where you are looking to stay - whether it be a Bali villa or a discount hotel, you can easily find peace and beauty. Bali will leave you wanting more, and perhaps you will stay an extra week or two.

http://www.miavilla.com

Natalie Aranda writes on travel and entertainment. One of the most beautiful aspects of Bali is the Bali private villas. These villas provide vacationers with a stunning escape, whether it is on the beach or surrounded by a lush garden. Most of these villas in Bali include luxuries such as personal chefs and pools. While Bali villa rentals can be expensive, there are many features you can do without. By opting for a standard room, your price will significantly drop. Also, there are hundreds of hotels which provide villas on the beach or water. These villas in Bali are a lot more affordable, as they are not in their own backyard. However, while these are lower in price, they are not as plush. Vacationers not only lack privacy, but the noise from the hotel may make the experience less serene. Nevertheless, no matter what your preference is, villas in Bali are lavish.

Best Places To Learn To Dive In Bali

If you want to explore the Indonesian waters especially when you wish to learn to dive in Bali's clear, blue oceans, then you must also consider picking the perfect spots for you do plunge in the deep and see the beauty beneath the ocean's surface. When you land in Bali and you wish to have a diving cruise with your family and friends, consider these different hot spots around the city.

If you choose to learn to dive in Bali, you could try plunging into the waters of Sanur and Nusa Dua. They have moderately-deep coral reefs and are just five minutes away if you plan to go there through boat. You'll also be amazed with its collection of fishes. Nusa Dua has better scenes of coral reefs for you to watch than Sanur's. If steeper slopes are your thing, then head yourselves to Nusa Penida or Lembongan Island. Just 15 meters and 45 meters away, it offers various colors and sizes of coral reefs, as well as fishes that are very unique and vibrant to the eyes. Although it has a strong current, one may find this place very pleasurable for diving. Flat types of coral reefs await you if you sail yourselves for 6-15 meters to the Padang Bay. The conditions may vary upon sailing, but the scenes around it are priceless for tourists.

Underwater canyons and steep water corals await you in the island of Gili Topekong. You must ride on a small outboard for half an hour to reach to one of Bali's fabulous diving destinations. You'll be amazed when you get to see its main attraction, the Topekong Spot. If you're looking for fishes and coral reefs, the diversity it presents gives fewer problems to its spectators. Looking for some touch of US History in Southeast Asia? Then, Bali gives way to the Tulamben USS Liberty Shipwreck, one of the good destinations for visitors from the western side of the world. The ship wreck itself is 30 meters off shore, when it sank during the Second World War in 1942. If you're looking to fish out the night, then a full moon background would be the ideal scene for sea divers. The Jemeluk Beach, which is located in the Island's East Coast, you'll be greatly stunned with its numerous colorful coral beaches and fishes. Its black sands and calm waters will surely make it an ideal paradise for divers and beach lovers.

No matter where you go, if you wish to learn to dive in Bali, you'll be surprised for every island you hop on in these diverse islands in Indonesia.

If you are looking at doing your divemaster course, consider doing it while diving Bali. Combine the best of both worlds.

Find a Real Bali Beach Resort in Kuta-Seminyak Area

Find a Real Bali Beach Resort in Kuta-Seminyak Area

Are you looking for a Bali beach resort with direct access to the beach, so no crossing streets or having a sea-view from your balcony only? Then make sure you book the right Bali beach resort as not all resorts have direct access to the beach. This is often the case for the resorts in Kuta and Seminyak area.

Many South Bali resorts have 'beach resort' incorporated in their name but for the case of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak you often need to walk a couple of minutes and even cross a road sometimes to get to the beach.

Here you can find 5 wonderful Beach resorts in the Kuta-Seminyak area located right at the beach. From your room or the resort pool you can easily stroll to the beach and jump straight into the sea.

The Legian in Seminyak. This Bali beach resort has a contemporary style with classy Balinese touches throughout the buildings and rooms. With direct access to the beach and just a short distance from the famous restaurants and boutiques, this resort is a luxurious place to spend a beach holiday in Seminyak. The infinity pool and all the rooms have view over the ocean.

The Oberoi Bali in Seminyak: This classical Balinese styled resort is a treat to the eye. Their beautiful gardens in which the luxurious bungalows and villas are located are ideally located along the beach. From your accommodation it's easy to step on the beach and go for a long stroll. Despite its central location in Seminyak it is very quiet in the resort.

The Royal Beach Seminyak: This Bali beach resort is formerly known as Sofitel Seminyak Bali. From their beach pool you have direct access to the beach while the sunbeds offer you a comfortable way to enjoy the amazing sunsets. The resort is a wonderful place to enjoy a beach holiday. Throughout your stay you will be surprised about little details and with the Balinese atmosphere in every corner of the resort you will be reminded of where you are.

Padma Hotel Legian This Bali beach resort is the only one in this list that doesn't have direct access to the beach. You need to cross a walkway to get to the beach. However it is one of the nicest beach resorts in Legian and therefore needs to be mentioned. Padma Hotel is known for its tropical gardens and charming rooms and bungalows. Besides being just meters from the beach it is also ideally located in the heart of Legian, just walking distance from the shops and restaurants.

Patra Bali Tuban: This beach resort is just one of the few in Kuta that has direct beach access. This family resort is a perfect place to stay during your holiday in Bali. The kids have enough entertainment at the pool area and at the kids club while the parents can enjoy the pool bar, restaurants and spa.

Matt Verbaan had created a personal travel website in which he gives you extensive background information on Bali culture, things to do and where to go in Bali. On top of that he has selected with much care a large number of Bali accommodation so visitors to his website will find their perfect place to stay in Bali. To learn more about the Bali beach resorts recommended by Matt go to http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-beach-resort.html

An Insight Into Bali's Delicious Cuisine

Over the past few years Bali has begun to make a name for itself with unbeatable service, cuisine, and accommodation. This island paradise offers everything from luxurious beach escapes to unparalleled adventures. One of this island's greatest draws has become its native and exotic cuisine which is world renowned for its fresh ingredients, delicious flavours, and unique variety.

When researching your holiday, you may want to look into all inclusive holidays to Bali. Five star hotels are eager to prove themselves and their service with amazing packages. It is quite nice to take the guesswork out of where to eat a world class meal or where to find the best in shopping during your Bali holiday.

All inclusive holidays to Bali aren't just about meals either. Relaxing spas, private beaches, and professional tours can be taken care of for a hassle free trip.

Balinese cuisine has become a cuisine of dramatic contrasts. Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian influences have integrated with traditional Balinese ingredients and meals to form a savoury and exciting blend. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fluffy grains, and delicious meats are the mainstay in Bali. Traditional Balinese food is sure to put a smile on every visitor's face with hints of coconut, coffee, peanut, and soy.

For the more courageous eater, satays, lumpia, and mouth watering roasted vegetables and meats will be available around every corner. Bali holidays are more accessible than ever and will be sure to create lifelong memories for every visitor looking for an amazing holiday experience.

Experienced and enthusiastic round the world travel photographer. Enjoys travelling to various tropical locations around the world and sharing my insights with others. A picture tells a thousand words, and I love sharing them with others.

Adventure and Leisure Activities From The Best Luxury Bali Villas

Bali is a heavenly island belonging to the Indonesian archipelago on the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world's main tourist destinations, a place full of magic, exoticism and beauty where you will enjoy an absolutely unforgettable holiday in an incomparable natural setting. Besides its incredible beaches, Bali offers all sorts of adventure tours in the most beautiful settings as well as countless relaxing or exciting activities. Here is a list of some of the most interesting activities and adventures you can enjoy in Bali.

Golfing

Among the many activities that you can enjoy in Bali, golf must definitely be at the top of the list, not only because it goes perfectly with the atmosphere and relax of the island, but also because golf courses in Bali offer stunning sightseeing and great golfing conditions. There are 7 main golf courses in Bali, namely the Bali Golf & Country Club, the Nirwana Bali Golf Club, the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, the Bali Beach Golf, the Finna Golf Course, the Jagorawi Gold and Country Club and the New Kuta Golf Club. All of them are quite challenging and offer varied and fun rounds. But most of all, the climate in Bali is ideal for golfing and for holidays and the natural environment is absolutely outstanding, with the dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes.

Trekking

You can't say you like adventure and not join one of the countless trekking tours in Bali! We do recommend you either to join one of these tours or to get yourself your own guide, since it is fairly easy to get lost in some of the tracks on the island. There are all sorts of routes you can take, and they are all amazing. You can trek through rice paddy fields -which are quite unique-, through rainforests and bamboo forests, through picturesque villages -like the village of Taro, one of Bali's oldest Hindu villages (3000 to 4000 years old!) and home of the renowned Sacred White Cows of Bali-, through all sorts of plantations of tropical trees that give fruits you've may never have heard of, like the salak or the durian or up mountains like Batur, Agung or Rinjani.

Sailing

Sailing may sound less adventurous than trekking but is certainly an exciting experience in Bali. The best way to do it is on sailing catamarans, which are quite fast and very stable. You can rent the catamaran for as long as you want and for any time of the day -remember that sunrise and sunset in Bali are quite spectacular!-. Moreover, when getting a catamaran you don't need to merely go sailing; you can also fish, dive, surf, go visit some special sites or animals -like the impressive Komodo dragons- or just enjoy a relaxing day in the middle of the sea.

If you want to enjoy all kinds of relaxing or exciting activities you should stay in one of the fantastic luxury Bali villas, where you will get all the information you need in order to enjoy this fascinating island, its marvelous natural setting and the countless opportunities for adventure it offers. The most attractive option for accommodation is definitely to go for one of the incredible offers of Bali villa rentals, including the best villas in Seminyak, Bali, which offer all sorts of top-quality services at competitive rates and in truly beautiful places in this unique island.

David Gonzalez-Company (BA Degree in Philosophy, Universitat de València (Spain); MA (Hons) Degree in Mental Philosophy, University of Edinburgh (UK); MA Degree in Comparative Literature, University of Washington (USA)) is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.

Cheap Bali Hotels

If you are looking for a destination that is relaxing, causal free and memorable, it will be Bali without a doubt. Bali is an island in Indonesia located between Java island and Lombok island. Diversity is the word I would use to describe Bali. This beautiful island is well-known for its fabulous scenery like the rice paddies, tropical forests, volcanoes, mountains and amazing beaches around the lovely city. If you are seeking for a brand new travelling experience, come to Bali now.

Being a popular tourist destination, Bali welcomes a constant stream of travellers every day from all parts of the world. While there are lots of cheap Bali accommodation and food, the rich travellers need not worry at all as there are abundance of high-class luxury hotels for this group of people too.

There are many different types of hotels in Bali, ranging from as low as $55 to $300 per night to suit your budget and expectations. There are easily more than 30 luxury hotels in the southern part of Bali namely Nusa Dua, Kuta and Jimbaran.

There are even more cheap hotels in Bali which are not hard to find. I would like to list 3 cheap Bali hotels which are worth mentioning here

Dewani Villa Resort (3.5 stars)

Located at J1. Dukuh Indah, Banjar Semer, Kerobokan, Indonesia

From $56 per night including Free Wireless Internet and full breakfast

The Radiant Hotel and Spa (3.5 stars)

Located at J1 Puri Grenceng 46, Tuban, Indonesia

From $55 per night including Continental Breakfast

Champlung Sari Hotel (3 stars)

Located at Monkey Forest Street. Ubud-bali Indonesia

From $59 per night including Free Breakfast Buffet

It is not necessary to pay for the sky in order to enjoy your stay in Bali. Looking at the rates stated above, it only costs about $55 per night with breakfast for a decent hotel in Bali. It is really value for money. Whatever your budget is, the overall standards of hotels in Bali are high. Even the smallest and least expensive hotels are enticing and comfortable and usually they are conveniently located with nice garden views.

The Balinese are friendly and have very simple lives. There are many types of celebrations in Bali, all-year-round. It can be birthday, marriage, temple festivals and even tooth filling celebrations. It is for these unique culture that attracted so many travellers to Bali.

For special promotional low internet rates for Cheap Bali Hotels, please visit http://www.echeaphotel.com for more information. You can also check out other destinations for cheap hotel rates as well. All bookings are confirmed instantly with no booking or reservation fees.

Bali Honeymoon Packages - 5 Romantic Villas That Offer Them

Honeymoon in Bali? Many villas offer romantic Bali honeymoon packages that will make this special time together unforgettable.

With so many romantic settings on Bali island you will soon discover it might be difficult to choose where to spend your honeymoon.

So to get you started, here are 5 private Bali villas that not only offer Bali honeymoon packages but are wonderful places to stay at. And remember, these packages are also ideal for people who just want a romantic holiday away together. ;-)

Villa Semana Ubud: Located just outside Ubud village along the Ayung River and between the rice fields, this Bali luxury villa offers a romantic setting plus 100% privacy. Their Bali honeymoon package includes daily breakfast, candle light dinner and a spa treatment with a gift.

Ubud Hanging Gardens: This villa complex has a stunning tropical location and an even more amazing view over a river gorge. All their villas have their own heated pool and the public infinity pool is hard to resist. Their honeymoon package includes a three course dinner, picnic, tailored activities, discount on spa treatment and flower decoration in the room.

Villa Air Seminyak: Villa Air is all about romance. Besides honeymoon packages they also have a large selection of wedding packages, so you can imagine they are professionals in the love-department. Their villas have a contemporary style of which some have their own spa. The Bali honeymoon package includes a one bedroom private villa, candle light dinner, visit to their Bali Spa Air plus a sightseeing tour around the island and a sunset cruise trip.

Jimbaran Bali Villas: Compared to the other 5 villas, Jimbaran Bali villas is one of the smaller villa complexes with an intimate and private atmosphere. Their Balinese styled villas all have their own pool. Their honeymoon package offers flower decorations upon arrival, spa treatment and romantic dinner.

Melia Bali Villas: This villa resort is built for romance. Their garden villas are beautifully decorated and the resort premises is a treat to walk around. Besides wedding packages they also have something nice for honeymooners: stay at their garden villa, breakfast, honeymoon welcome gift, 2h spa treatment and of course the romantic dinner for two.

Matt Verbaan has created a personal travel website based on his discoveries on Bali island. On his website you can find great information on things to do, what to see, where to stay and where to eat. He has reviewed a large amount of Bali resorts, villas and hotels and added his personal pictures to it. So if you want to see other villas for your honeymoon or any other type of Bali holiday check out http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-luxury-villas.html

Where to Go in Bali Island? - Top 5 Destinations Other Than Kuta Beach Bali

The majority of the Bali travelers go to the most popular Bali destinations such as Kuta beach, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Ubud. But despite Bali being a small island there is much more to see and experience than just these villages.

If you are curious what else Bali has to offer, make sure you continue reading for this article will list 5 destination that are definitely worth staying but where most travelers eventually don't reach.

Be aware though that these destinations can be very quiet. So if you really need a relaxing holiday then these are definitely the places you should consider...

Candidasa:
Candidasa is probably one of the most famous of all the 5 villages listed here. What was once a famous tourist village, today it can get pretty deserted in certain periods of the year. It's probably not that popular as it is right at the seashore but it doesn't have a real beach.

However depending on your hotel you can still go swimming during high tide. A good place to jump into the water is Alam Asmara Dive Resort.

But the nicest thing about Candidasa is that it has a relaxing atmosphere plus from here it's easy to explore the eastern part of the Bali island. This part of the island offers great places to experience the Balinese culture and nature.

Amed:
Amed actually consists of 5 little fishing villages set along the coast. Amed doesn't have soft sanded beach and is therefore mostly famous among die-hard divers who spend most of their Bali holiday under water.

However besides Bali scuba diving, the very lay back Amed is a great place to escape the crowd and to enjoy your holiday to unwind. And besides, the sea view in Amed Bali is terrific. It's impossible to get bored of the blue emerald water.

Munduk:
Set in the mountains this village is an ideal spot to go Bali hiking, visit waterfalls and to escape the heat;-). It's a wonderful place to wander around and take the trails that take you along local houses, plantations, and forest.

And when you get back at your hotel and you sip hot cup of tea you have a magnificent view over the rice fields and mountains. On a clear day you might even see the ocean...

Pemuteran:
This village is located in the north western part of Bali and is blessed with an amazing coral garden just 20 minutes away. So as you can imagine, like Amed it's mostly popular among Bali scuba diving and snorkeling lovers.

But the nice thing about Pemuteran are the beautiful beaches, the mountain landscape and that despite the presence of the resorts, the village is still pretty underdeveloped. It probably still looks like Kuta beach Bali in the 1980's.

Balian:
This tiny village is located in western Bali island and everyday surfers wade into the water to catch the excellent waves. So as you can imagine this is one of the most relaxing places on the island. Every body just takes it very easy here.

If you are not into surfing, then it's still an excellent place to enjoy the food and sea breeze while catching up on all the books you wanted to read but never had time to do it.

Discover more about Bali on Matt Verbaan's Bali-travel-life website. Here he shares all his experiences about the island and also checks out where you can find tasty food, classy hotels and what you can see and do. On http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-island.html you can read how to get to all the places he highly recommends.

Bali Travel Tips and Luxury Rentals

There are quite a few elements in a vacation to Bali that one cannot find elsewhere. Bali is one of the most exotic and beautiful tourist destinations. But what make it even more special are the luxury villa rentals in Bali, which add to the experience and enhance it. Be it the exhilarating architecture mixing traditional and local thinking with western influence or the end to end comfort with contemporary furnishing and a high level of sophistication soaked in modernity, there is a different world in every Bali villa - luxury accommodation in Bali. These gorgeous luxury and private villas in Bali are in themselves worth a visit.

Bali Tourist Attractions

Although there is no end to beauty at Bali, there are certain attractions one cannot miss at Bali. The beautiful island of Bali is famous for the cool beaches, Hindu temples and sublime gardens. Bali is located between two other islands called Nusa Tenggara and Java and is one of the 18000 islands that make the large archipelago called Indonesia.

Bali travel tips will always talk both about its architectural and artistic brilliance as well as the city life and contemporary settings. For the connoisseurs of Balinese painting, the Ubud museum called Purl Lukisan is a really treat. Ubud has various other art galleries including modern art works. Neka Art Museum is another well known attraction.

For those who would like to shop and party hard, the nightlife of Bali is at its fullest expression in the capital Denpasar, Seminyak and Kuta. Kuta is also famous for sandy stretches that are amazingly curved. The Pasar Badung market for a variety of stuff and the resorts and nightclubs provide a start contrast to the peaceful cliff front villas in Bali.

The Pura Besakih is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Bali with its sanctuary and shrines of the Hindu Trinity. Considered as the holiest of all the temples in Bali, this is set up on the Mt. Agung's slopes. Canggu is another must visit place in Bali. This peaceful place is now transforming itself into of the major tourist spots in this region. Canggu is about thirty to forty five minute drive from the international airport and offer magnificent views of the endless rice fields. Nestled away from the busy city life, this place is haven to the people who crave for tranquility and peace. Located close of Canggu is the Echo beach which is among the best for surfers to test their skills.

Luxury Villa Rentals in Bali

The luxury villa rentals in Bali are an attraction of their own, for the gorgeous ocean views, cliff top mansions perched precariously on the slopes, lovely landscaped gardens which are wonderfully colorful. An interesting example is the Villa Oazia, which provides spa living with the tranquility of river borders and an emerald green belt of Canggu rice fields. Power food is available in this villa that creates an island of fantasy for the visitors with its eco-friendly architecture, activities for personal development and therapy services. The tropical environment provided by this lovely villa also offers spa treatments, surfing and other adventure trips, river views, a glimpse of Balinese sculptures, traditional joglo houses and gardens with facilities for romantic candle light dinners. The villas are truly a paradise of their own.

The author of this article has inspected over three hundred villas in Bali and would love to share this knowledge to all visitors to this beautiful part of the world. She knows the area intimately, and has selected the very best privately-owned Bali Villa. She also has set up a company called Bali Heaven to enable tourists to get as much information as possible about the beautiful and picturesque Bali Villas.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Bali

Bali's status as a relaxed, sunny tourist destination with lovely beaches and great Bali accommodations is well known. See how many of these other intriguing facts you were aware of:

1. Balinese People Commonly Have One of Four Names - Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut

Theses names are used for the first, second, third and fourth born respectively, so don't be surprised if you keep meeting people with the same names! Putu, Kadek, and Komang can also be used for first, second and third borns.

2. Bali Is Known As The "Island of the Gods", With An Estimated 20,000 Temples and Shrines

With such a large amount of temples, it is not surprising to note that Balinese Hinduism pervades most facets of traditional life, with ornate rituals regularly seen around these temples and shrines.

3. Bali is a Predominantly Hindu Island, in a Predominantly Muslim Country.

Around 93% of Bali's inhabitants are Hindu, with around 5% being Muslim. This is the reverse of Indonesia overall, where 86% of the population are Muslim, and only around 3% Hindu. Bali became a Hindu refuge centuries ago, as Islam gained influence in Java.

4. Mount Agung, an Active Volcano, and Bali's Highest Peak At 3,142 m (9,426 feet), Last Erupted in March 1963.

It is possible to climb Mount Agung, though it does still cough up smoke and ash on occasion. The 1963 lava flows amazingly all missed the temple perched on Agung's side, Mother Temple of Besakih, despite killing 1500 people.

5. Bali Has Been Colonised by the Dutch and the Japanese.

The Netherlands' control over Bali from the 19th century continued until Imperial Japan occupied it during World War II. The Netherlands subsequently regained control until 1949 when they recognised Indonesian independence including the territory of Bali.

6. Bali's Fauna is Representative of the Indomalayan Ecozone, Whereas Nearby Lombok, Just to the East of Bali, Has Fauna More Similar to that of Australasia.

Bali is the southernmost island of note in Asia to display very few environmental influences from the South Pacific.

7. Bali Counts Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites Within Its Shores

These are the archaeologically and historically important Pakerisan Valley in Central Bali, the Pura Taman Ayun temple, built in 1634, and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in the Tambanan area.

8. The World's Most Expensive, And Most Unique Coffee, Can Be Found in Bali - Kopi Luwak.

It is made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet and other related civets, then passed through its digestive tract, yielding a unique coffee with no bitterness. A cup of this coffee has retailed for as much as US$100 overseas, but a "relative" bargain may be available locally.

9. Many Balinese are Trilingual, speaking Balinese, Indonesian and English.

Balinese is the local tongue, Indonesian the unifying national language, and English the language to serve you, the tourist.

10. Babi Guling, a Local Version of Suckling Pig, is a Balinese Specialty.

This delicious dish can often be found outside the main tourist areas, so keep a lookout along the road for signs with a pictured pig!

Some Bali hotels will be able to arrange tours or car services to experience some of these interesting aspects of Bali.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

Bali Travel Tips and Tricks For Tourists

Browse through any of the well known travel magazines and you're sure to find Bali, Indonesia, listed among the top 10 travel destinations in the world.

With its exotic blend of ancient culture, majestic scenery, the world's finest hotels and the warmth of the tropical oceans surrounding the island paradise, it's hardly surprising.

Bali is located in the Indonesian archipelago only eight degrees south of the Equator. The island measures 90 kilometres (55 miles) from north to south and 140 kilometres (90 miles) from east to west, making it easy to go out for an excursion anywhere in Bali and return to your hotel by nightfall.

Towering volcanic peaks that rise mystically through the clouds, terraced rice paddies carved into the mountainous landscape, iridescent crater lakes, lush tropical rain forests and sandy white beaches lapped by warm ocean currents are only a few of the wonders that draw millions of visitors to this tiny island each year.

Bali Tricks for First Time Travellers

Let's look at some valuable travel tips to help you experience the very best that Bali has to offer:

1. Bali's tropical weather means that travel at any time of the year is suitable, however its best to check when the major Indonesian holiday periods and religious ceremonies occur to avoid the influx of domestic tourists.

2. Bali accommodation offers superb value, particularly if you are travelling on a budget. To ensure you get the best value for money, book ahead.

3. Getting around in Bali can be quite an experience, to say the least! Road rules are nonexistent and traffic can be downright dangerous. Don't assume that traffic will stop for you at a pedestrian crossing if you are on foot. If you are driving, the best piece of advice is to paraphrase a famous saying, "When in Bali, drive like the Balinese."

4. Many of the luxury Bali hotels and villas will organize a driver for you, or you may choose to hire a bicycle if you don't have far to travel.

5. As a tourist, you are bound to be hassled by local drivers shouting "Transport?" wherever you go. If you wish to hire a local driver, make sure he is clear about where you want to go and arrange a fixed price before you get in the car. Drivers are keen to barter with you, so it is customary to bargain until you get a price you are comfortable with.

6. And while we're on the subject of bartering, it's perfectly acceptable to barter in the local markets and stalls, but don't try it in the larger department stores - the sales assistant may be quite offended.

7. Hawkers will descend on you from the moment you step outside your hotel, particularly if you are located in one of the major tourist areas. Although it may seem rude to you, the best advice is to ignore them altogether. Don't make eye contact or slow down to look at the merchandise they are selling unless you are interested in purchasing something, or being distracted for what may seem an eternity trying to get rid of them.

8. Beware of counterfeit goods unless that is what you're looking for. Bali is well known for its knock-offs and you can buy anything from fake Rolex's to fake Rayban's at the local markets.

9. It's likely you may be offered illicit drugs in the highly populated tourist spots. Ecstasy, pot, yabba (crystal meth) and shabu-shabu (methamphetamines) are the most popular drugs on offer in nightclubs and on the beaches, particularly in the Kuta area.

If you don't want to become another high-profile drug case, simply ignore the offers.

10. Bali locals are among the most friendly and relaxed people you will find anywhere in the world, but that doesn't mean you can drop your guard when it comes to scams and rip-offs.

Be wary of moneychangers who offer you amazingly good rates for exchanging foreign currency, touts who offer you the cheapest ride to your destination without confirming a fixed price and anyone who wants the money before handing over the goods.

11. And perhaps the best tip for new travelers to Bali is the one that is bound to be least successful -- don't look like a tourist!

This sage piece of advice is written almost tongue-in-cheek because the diminutive, friendly Balinese bear no resemblance whatsoever to their much larger framed Western neighbours. Not only that, our cultures are vastly different and so is our language. The most you could possibly hope for is to look like an ex-pat from your native country who has chosen to live an idyllic lifestyle on the island.

However, a couple of words of Bahasa will help with that "Oh, I've lived here for years" attitude. Selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and terima kasih (thank you) will take you a long way in East-West relations.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

Experience Bali Like a Local - Find a Bali Car Hire

While Visiting the island of Bali you might find yourself wanting to do more than the standard tourist package includes. You might want to go out for yourself and see why this amazing place is often called the Island of Magic and enchantment. The easiest way to go about seeing the true Bali is to get a Bali car hire.

A car hire is a person who is a Bali resident and makes themselves available for for a fee to use their vehicle and drive you around the island. They are a wonderful choice and can be a wealth of knowledge about the island and the culture they call home. A Bali car hire is more economical than most people might think The cost of renting a car in Bali is a little more than the cost in the states but you also have to hire a driver for the car unless you have an international drivers license and coverage for rental vehicles oversea. You need to also understand that the terrain in Bali is sometimes rugged and that most of the rental cars are all terrain sport utility vehicles, which can sometime be challenging to drive.

When you take all the considerations of renting a car in Bali to mind then getting a Bali car hire is a much better deal. You do not have to worry about driving in strange place. You don't have to worry about driving on rugged terrain and in an unfamiliar vehicle. Plus you will save money as the cost of a Bali car hire is generally about half of renting a car as you are dealing with a private individual and the driver is included.

When traveling to the island of Bali you might want to rent a car so that you can enjoy all that Bali has to offer. When it comes to performing a car rental you will need to know a few things first. Bali car rental is not quite the same as renting a car in the US. You will need to either have an international drivers license or you will need to hire a driver who will act as proxy for your car rental.

There are an abundance of English speaking drivers who make themselves and their vehicles available as a Bali car hire. They are often quite friendly, pleasant and colorful characters who are more than ready to share what they know with the visitors to their island. They know the best places for a quite picnic on the coast or the best cliffs to get a great view from, they know the top cafe's to get a good coffee and they know the top clubs to dance the night away to the hot island beats.

If you are interested in getting a Bali car hire just ask at the concierge desk of your hotel or the counter of the nearby cafe or newsstand, these are the places where drivers who make themselves available often leave cards or flyer's for their services. Many drivers will make themselves present at the airport, ans docks as well.

Whatever it is you decide to do while visiting Bali for business or pleasure it can be a better trip by getting a Bali car hire. Most of these drivers have been in business for many years and are able to do whatever you need to make sure your trip top Bali easy and comfortable. Enjoy you trip to Bali, the island is beautiful year round and will leave you with memories of a culture and scenery that will stay with you forever.

Bali Hotels

The tiny island of Bali is an oasis in paradise when it comes to hotels and recreational facilities available. The number and variety of different Bali hotels is staggering and there are a few things for everybody whatever your budget. No matter why you are coming to Bali, holiday, wedding or honeymoon, business or shopping trip, there's going to be a location with amazing views and somewhere to stay to suite your private taste and budget

Scattered all over the island are such a lot of villas and hotels to pick from in the fashionable tourist resorts. Some of the most well liked areas of Bali to stay in are Kuta, South Kuta, Sunar, Legian and Seminyak to name a few. All these resorts are easily accessed from the international airport, at most you'll have to travel forty minutes by taxi. These are the busiest beach resorts and thus have great hotels, facilities and leisure activities.

Though the bulk of folk will stay along the coast at the modern hotels that offer quick access to the nightclubs, bars and restaurants that make up Bali nightlife, there are lots of resorts, hotels and villas inland as well as further up the western and eastern coast. The main reason that folks stay in these favored resorts except for the nightlife and the Bali shopping malls is the close proximity to the airport. However what many people do not understand is that Bali is a tiny island and could easily fit into Australia over 1300 times, so it does not really matter which hotel or area you stay in you'll only be at most two hour's drive away from anything that you would wish to see or do.

The common misunderstanding is that Bali is an island with hotels to stay in and beaches to play on. There are such a lot of different areas in Bali that offer spectacular views from the hotels or villas, from the popular beaches to the steamy rain forests of Ubud with views of incredibly sculptured rice fields circling around the mountains. No matter which area you intent to stay at you are assured an impressive break. For those who like to wander about freely, you can hire a vehicle to explore the surrounding country and revel in the many restaurants that offer time-honored as well as intercontinental food.

Almost all of the deluxe to luxury range hotels will be offering in house leisure facilities for you to enjoy or will have personal transport to whisk you off to your chosen destination. For the hotels that don't offer these facilities, they're going to be able to prepare anything you wish to do, from booking the kit to phoning a taxi. You'll always find staff at all the Bali hotels are always trying their best to please. The very last thing you need to fret about when staying in Bali is the service that you are going to receive, the most pressing problem you will face is deciding what to do during your stay. This is not due to an absence of activities, but because there is so much to do that you'll never be ready to do everything in a everyday vacation.

Find out which Bali Hotels [http://www.bali-accommodation.com.au/bali-hotels/] are right for your stay in Bali from budget to deluxe Bali Accommodation [http://www.bali-accommodation.com.au] there are many places to choose from in Bali so pick the right one for your budget.

Bali's Best Wildlife

Bali Butterfly Park

On a Bali holiday take a visit to the largest butterfly park in Asia for a guaranteed glimpse of the rare bird-wing butterflies. The park is set in intricately landscaped gardens and offers a rare sighting of species which are endemic to Indonesia. The adjoining centre provides resources on the importance of butterfly conservation and what you can do to help conserve the insect upon returning home from your Bali tour holiday. Whether you're passionate about butterfly conservation, or just love butterflies, make sure you end your visit with a trip to the gift shop, which is stocked full of amazing souvenirs.

Elephant Safari

The Elephant Safari Park is located thirty minutes away from the town of Ubud, which features many visitor resorts and Bali hotels for easy access. Featuring 27 endangered Sumatran elephants, the park is known to be the biggest of its kind and is designed to not only give visitors a close encounter of these mammoth beasts, but also to educate them on the role of the elephant. Visitors will enjoy taking an elephant safari through the landscaped botanical gardens and natural forest and, when they aren't ferrying visitors around on their Bali tour holidays, the elephants can also be found engaged in many different pursuits, from painting to posing for visitor photographs. As well as the famous Elephant Safari, the park also houses a comprehensive Elephant Museum, which is home to the only mammoth skeleton in the Southern hemisphere.

Taman Burung Bali

Whilst on your Bali holidays, you may want to take a visit to the Taman Burung Bali. These tropical gardens are home to the largest bird park in Bali, which houses over 1000 birds. Of all these birds, the most enigmatic is the Bali Mynah, which is considered by many to be the rarest bird in the world. The source of its imminent extinction is the illegal pet trade, and Taman Burung Bali not only aims to campaign against this, but also to help preserve the species in captivity.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Located near to the Bali hotels of Ubud, the Monkey Forest is a popular destination with tourists on their Bali holidays. It is home to a plethora of wild monkeys, which can't be petted, but which you'll find are perfectly tame enough to steal your packed lunch or bananas. Whilst the Ubud Monkey Forest is significantly smaller than the one at Sangeh, the monkeys here are easily much more entertaining.

Bullock Racing

Bullock racing is a popular sport in Bali and if you're attending your Bali holidays during the racing seasons of July and October then be sure to attend a race. The bulls are decked out with silk banners, painted horn, and bells, and each given a wooden chariot to pull. As they career along the road at 50km/hr you may even catch the charioteers pulling the bulls tails in order to make them run faster. These ancient races are unlike anything which you'll ever see again, and if you get the opportunity, they simply must be experienced on your Bali holidays.

Claire Bryant is a Bali holidays specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Bali tours holidays, as well as holidays to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, and Dubai. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Hotels in Bali Can Fit Any Budget

Bali is one of the most exotic, breathtaking and legendary destinations in the entire world. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, volcanic mountains and lush tropical backdrop, many holidaymakers falsely believe a stay here is out of financial reach. This is just not the case. Hotels in Bali can fit a wide variety of budgeting ranges without sacrificing comfort or style in the process.

When a vacation to this tropical island paradise is on tap, holidaymakers will discover choices that will amaze. From upscale Bali resorts in Kuta to family style lodging in Ubud, travellers do have access to a wide variety of accommodations meant to fulfill any need. Considering Bali's reputation as an island of peace and tranquility, it should not surprise too terribly much that finding the right style of lodging here is a breeze.

Those considering a trip to this legendary stop in the Indonesian archipelago will find such options at their disposal as:

* Traditional hotels - Holidaymakers who would rather spend as little money as possible on Bali hotels, but demand comfort nonetheless, will find a number of traditional options available to meet their needs. From Seminyak hotels to accommodations in Nusa Dua, basic, clean, comfortable and affordable lodging can be found here. When standard hotels are selected, holidaymakers will find themselves with more spending money in their pockets to take Bali tours and see all the island has to offer, but they can rest assured they will have a comfortable place to retreat to at the end of the day.

* Resorts - Bali resorts are among the finest in the world. Vacationers here will revel in the red-carpet treatment they receive at resorts that were created solely to pamper guests and make their stays even more memorable. Bali resorts include those that boast beachfront, mountain and lakeside views. Whilst the pricing on resorts will be higher than some other choices, the experience can be well worth the expense.

* Private villas - When nothing less than the best, most luxurious accommodations will do, Bali villas are sure to please. The island is home to a number of private villas, complete with on-site staff, that can be rented to make holiday memories truly distinct. Ideal for large families and even large parties, these rentals add distinction to Bali holidays.

* Apartments - This option can blend luxury with practicality for holidaymakers that prefer to have access to their own kitchen quarters and homier accommodations. Whether the vacation is for a Bali honeymoon or a family stay, apartments provide the perfect blend of privacy, distinction and comfort. In some cases, this type of lodging can even help vacationers keep more money in their pockets for taking in the sights of Bali.

The beautiful island of Bali is one of the most exotic destinations in the world. Holidaymakers with a desire to explore this unusual location, take in its sights, experience its culture and marvel at its natural splendour do not have to fear that a trip here will be beyond reach. Hotels in Bali can fit any budget.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Accommodation.

Bali Vacations Guide - Things to Take to Bali

There are many different reasons on why you decide to plan your Bali vacation. It might be that you have been working hard and decide that it is a good time to get a refreshing moment, or you are eager to please your loved one to go on the second honeymoon.

No matter what your reason is for planning your Bali vacation, it is a good decision to know what items need to be carried on your vacation. Making the list of possessions to take to Bali is important so you will not miss a thing. It is amazing that only few people spend some of their time, planning and creating a list of items they want to take on their vacations.

You should sit and spend some time to make a plan, so you can decide your luggage content precisely. This is an example how to plan your belonging, based on your destination.

Activity #1: Spend the Whole Afternoon at the Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Bali such as Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach. You should visit these beaches during your Bali vacations. Do not forget that you should take a couple of things with you. However, first you need to ask yourself what you will do at the beach.

I presume that you will spend the whole afternoon at the beach, sunbathing and surfing. If so, then you should consider taking sun block, glasses, and a surfing board.

Activity #2: City and Village Tour
Ubud is one of the most famous Balinese villages. If you love art and paintings, this could be the best place to visit. There are also many other beautiful villages that you can visit in Bali.

If you plan to take the city and village tour, you should bring these things: Map, calculator, credit card, camera, cell phone, hat or cap, and sun glasses.

Those are the primary things you need to take to Bali, based on the activities done on your Bali vacations. You should develop the list as you plan to do more things in Bali. Without carrying appropriate gears, your vacation may not be as beautiful as you have planned. So, make sure to sit down and make your Bali vacation plan properly.

Are you still curious after reading this article? There are some other things you should take to Bali, make sure to visit my Bali vacations blog to get the complete info about top 5 things to take to Bali. Plus, discover the tips on 7 must do things on your Bali vacations and much more!

Scuba Diving in Bali - The Island of the Gods

On simply hearing the name, Bali evokes visions of tropical paradises. Writers keep inventing adjectives to describe Bali but few can surpass the words of Indian prime minister Pandit Nehru who named the island "the morning of the world". A world born out of the sea, delivered by the power of volcanic force. There is a deep world, a world within, the true morning of the world, a whole different world that belongs to Bali. A blue world of tranquility, of stillness, a world that lets you forget the world...

As Indonesia's most famous tourist destination Bali has remained a somewhat underestimated diving destination. To believe this would be a mistake.

If you dive Bali you will see that the diversity of Bali's reefs are awesome. When diving in Bali, allow yourself to be surprised. As far as diving in Bali is concerned, Bali's greatest charm is its wide range and variety of dive sites. Shipwrecks, drop offs, sand slopes, black volcanic seascapes, roaring currents and quiet bays... all tastes are accommodated.

There are plenty well maintained diving facilities on Bali.

There are four main diving areas in Bali that you can explore.

Nusa Penida:

Nusa Penida and the neighboring island of Nusa Lembongan offer some of the finest Bali diving. Nusa Penida is a large island located in the southeast of Bali, across the Badung Strait. The Balinese consider this dry, rough island to be haunted, but it is the diving around this Island of Bali, in it's clear, current swept reefs that's the main attraction.

With its adjacent deepwater trenches, the main attraction at Nusa Penida is the common encounters with the curious and otherwise very rare oceanic sunfish, or Mola Mola, that come close to the reef to visit cleaner stations.

There are a great many dive sites to choose from. In the season we can try to find the illustrious Mola Mola, but the heartland of Nusa Penida diving offers stunning visibility, healthy reefs, and pelagics. And you won't even have to swim a lot here, as almost every dive is a drift dive.

Currents are often strong because the islands lie right in the path of the Indonesian Throughflow. The Lombok Strait separates the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, it is the second most important strait through which water is exchanged between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The best times to dive Nusa Penida are when the tides peak at slack and high, when water movement is the least.

Amuk Bay (Candi Dasa & Padangbai):

Amuk Bay, with the villages of Padang Bai in the south and Candi Dasa in the north, is about 6 km across and located along the south side of Bali's eastern point. Close to Candi Dasa there are two larger islands, Tepekong and Biaha, as well as an area with small rocks called Mimpang or Batu Tiga.

The islands in this bay are actually little more than current swept rocks, and have an untamed beauty. The bay, which is fed by the rich south Bali upwelling, hosts' sharks, mola mola and schools of fish, making these Bali dive sites quite exciting.

If you are interested in special small critters you should be diving around Padang Bai. This tiny inlet is fringed with reef that starts as a shallow ledge at a depth of ten meters. Macro fans will have fun diving around Padang Bay and the Blue Lagoon, where all manner of critters can be found in the shallows. The sheltered bay is also an ideal location for night diving.

The diving in this area is astonishingly rich. There are also several excellent dive sites for sharks, rays, large schools of fish and this is one of the places where Mola Mola ocean sunfishes are regularly sighted from August until October. Water temperatures are quite chilly, there is always a bit of surge but visibility is normally quite good.

Amed and Tulamben:

Tulamben, home of the famous WWII wreck, is the most known and the best loved diving site in Bali. Tulamben Bay, is situated in the world's richest marine biogeography zone with more than 2500 different species of fish and 700 corals. Situated on the northeast coast, the bay receives very plankton rich water from the major ocean current that moves from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean and vice versa.

Amed is located on the northeast coast of Bali, about 2.5 hours drive from Kuta. From a landscape point of view, Amed is much prettier than Tulamben. You will see many rice fields along the way, traditional salt-panning and also sandy beaches as opposed to Tulamben's stony beaches. The diving in Amed is still untouched and you will encounter few fellow divers on these dive sites.

There are also excellent dive sites that extend from Tulamben to Amed and almost all the way to Bali's eastern tip, some recently discovered, many still waiting to be explored. The black sand bottom offers a dramatic backdrop for the amazingly rich fish life.

Menjangan Island:

The reefs of Northwest Bali around Menjangan Island are some of the most protected on the island.

Clear calm waters, a mysterious old wooden shipwreck, and rugged, gorgonian covered walls in excellent condition, make Menjangan Island on Bali's northwest coast, a premier dive site.

About 14 dive sites to choose from with clear water and calm conditions. Menjangan is part of the West Bali National Park. It are the rugged gorgonian covered walls that make this island Northwest Bali's premier dive site.

The coral walls around Menjangan drop vertically to between 30-60 meters, before gradually sloping outwards. The reef surface is very rugged with caves, grottoes and crevasses breaking up the coral walls, textured with little nooks and crannies. Gorgonians of many kinds reach large sizes here, and huge barrel sponges are abundant. Soft corals blanket the colorful walls all the way down.

Menjangan's western tip holds a deeper, but equally interesting dive on an old wooden shipwreck. Called the "Anker" it is just off the island shore, close to a small Park Service dock and guard post.

More to the north, Gilimanuk offers some fantastic muck diving in Secret Bay and South there is an equally interesting muck site at PJ's.

Now at last you can discover Bali's underwater world in a personal and complete way with Dive Around Bali. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Michel De Ruyck.

Michel is an experienced PADI instructors from Belgium and has been living and working in Bali for four years. He also worked in the Philippines, Komodo and Sulawesi. Michel fell in love with Bali and like to share that love with others who want to discover The Morning of the World... Michel is a passionate underwater photographer and has an extensive knowledge of the marine life and dive sites around Bali and it's people and culture that roams the land. He has published his pictures in several magazines. Now he runs together with his wife a diving tour operator for dive holidays on the Island of Bali.

The 10 Best Bali Hotels For the Ultimate Indulgence

The economy in Bali has the same amazing low prices as Thailand. In a country where it is possible to live on less than ten dollars a week, it is understandable that accommodation in Bali are incredibly low-priced. You can get an ultra-luxury hotel in Bali for the same price as a budget to mid-range hotel in Australia, and at the same price as a backpacker hostel in New York or London! If you are interested in seeing the best that Bali has to offer, check out one of these luxurious hotels.

1. Amandari

Amandari is located in the village of Kedetewan, around five minutes from Ubud. The complex consists of thatch-roofed individual villas with private gardens, and appointed with paras volcanic stone and Balinese marble. This hotel in Bali is a Conde Nast award winner as well as a Travel and Leisure award winner.

2. Amankila

Amankila overlooks the Lombok Straights, on Bali's East Coast, and much like Amandari, the Bali accommodation is thatch-roofed beach houses, located within a coconut grove. Amankila has its own beach!

3. Amanusa

This hotel in Bali overlooks quiet, rural Nusa Dua. Some suites have private swimming pools, there is nearby golf and childcare is available through the hotel.

4. Anantara Seminyak

All the gorgeous Bali hotel rooms here have sea views, floor to ceiling glass windows and gorgeous terrazzo tubs on the verandas. The hotel has 3500 square meters of private beachfront - no need to battle the budget tourists at the main beaches.

5. Ayana Resort and Spa

This five star Bali hotel is located on South Sea Island, and features inspired traditional-style architecture, a two-tiered saltwater pool, an aquatic seawater therapy pool, and a ballroom for major functions!

6. Como Shambhala Estate

The most stunning thing about this five star resort in Bali is the silence. The accommodation here is split into residences, each with four or five suites and a private swimming pool. Unless you need a lot of space to spread yourself out, it is most cost-effective to come here with another family or a few other couples.

7. Intercontinental Resort Bali

This facility is more of a traditional style hotel, towering above other buildings and with normal hotel suites. However, it is certainly not in the 'ordinary' category when it comes to furnishings, service or features! There are six pools, tennis courts and fine dining on site.

8. Jimbaran Puri Resort and Spa

Don't let the unpretentious furnishings fool you - this resort is the ultimate in luxury. Each cottage has its own private walled garden, a spacious indoor sitting area, sunken terrazzo marble bathtubs, rain showers and floor to ceiling windows overlooking beautiful gardens.

9. Legian Bali

Excellent service, attention to detail, constant cleaning and updating of the rooms and little extras like return limos to the airport, daily American breakfast and complimentary snacks make the difference here.

10. Uma Ubud

The Uma Ubud is a relatively new Bali hotel, opened in 2004. The hotel here is very much focused on the spirit of Bali, incorporating spiritual practices and ecological awareness into the entire experience.

There are hundreds of gorgeous resorts and hotels in Bali, all available at prices that are attainable for most of us. A definite must-see!

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

Bali - The Coolest Tourist Hot Spot For 2010

As the number one tourist destination in the world, Bali is a tourist and vacationers paradise like no other as it offers a celebration for all the human senses. There are miles and miles of dream worth beaches dominated by white sand in the south and black sand in the north and west shoring crystalline waters and coral reefs. On land you will find the exuberant green of the picturesque terraces of paddy fields, down the volcanic slopes in a equatorial island of just 5,632 km and the lakes and mountains.

It was not until 1930 that some of the foreign travel writers arrived in Bali and stayed on, thoroughly seduced and inspired by the island's breathtaking physical beauty and cultural complexity. What impressed them even more was the warmth and the hospitality of the Balinese, and the amazing breadth of artistic expression that pervaded daily life.

By the 70's Bali had transformed itself into a high quality tourist attraction, and attracted many bona fide tour operators and airlines companies to bring their clients to enjoy this enchanting island. The island boasts of an International Airport, 5 star Bali hotels, luxury Bali villas, luxury and typical secluded resorts and many hundreds of budget hotels.

Let nothing come in between your vacation plan to Bali because this the best island paradise on earth offering some of the best luxury villa stay options in the world. It is no wonder the Bali has been voted the as the best tourist place to visit in 2009. The easiest way to book your preferred luxury Bali villa is go online and visit a hotel reservation website or you can search a reliable Bali Tour Operator e-mail them for further information.

Travellers to Bali from all over the world are now discovering the privilege of staying in a luxury Bali villa when visiting the island of Bali. Visitors and vacationers no longer the need confine their accommodations to hotel rooms and the trappings of mass tourism as a luxury Bali villa offers abundant space, privacy, home comforts and personalized, gracious Balinese hospitality and service.

Luxury Bali villas have large swimming pools that remain open 24 hours a day, lavishly decorated sun decks, semi-open living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, exclusive bathroom facilities and fully air-conditioned bedrooms. A luxury Bali villa is a cost effective and endearing holiday option for families with children or would make the perfect romantic sanctuary for couples and honeymooners alike.

Luxury Bali villas nestled among terraced rice fields offers the ultimate experience in luxurious tropical living where the tourists are exposed to the elements of total relaxation in privacy and unrestricted freedom to use the spaces, if they choose to. The best luxury Bali villas are found in different near to the sculpted rice fields of Umalas which will overwhelm any visitor with its breath taking natural beauty.

There is a stunning luxury villa called the Mia Villa which rests on fifteen hundred square meters of tropical greenery with stunning views of the rice fields around making it the ideal retreat to treat your family and friends to hours of indoor and outdoor fun, entertainment, relaxation and rest. Whether you are a honeymooning couple or in a group of family and friends, this luxury Bali villa is the ideal stay to enjoy the luxury of seclusion, a romantic wedding ceremony, or even to entertain on a large scale.

The beauty of villa is highlighted by a beguiling mix of modern Balinese furnishings and western utilitarian urbanity which will wow even the most discerning and hip traveler. There is something for every visitor or tourist to Bali - from offering a vibrant nightlife to sandy beaches and untouched natural warmth and peace, Bali is the place to be this holiday season.

The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali honeymoon. He has helped many people out there to get the best Bali villa deal at affordable prices. He well knows the fact that there are several things to be considered while choosing the Bali villa. He has written many articles on choosing the Bali holiday villa.

Facts About Bali Vacations

Bali is one of the favorite holiday destinations. People from across the world love to visit this part of the world to soak in luxury and comfort. This Indonesian Island offers many tourist spots. It is situated near the Indian Ocean. It is considered as a paradise for the tourists. The rice paddies, the picture perfect scenery, the sandy beaches, friendly people, the warm water of the sea of the Bali will surely impress you. Its climate is also impressive. You can feel comfortable in this place.

There are many tourist spots in this part of the world. You can get amazed to visit the rice fields and the tourist spots. It offers something for everyone. If you are an adventure freak, Bali is a great option. It offers a number of adventure options for the tourists. It also attracts religious tourists. There are many beautiful temples in Bali. They are located in such areas, that they will surely impress the religious visitors. The hospitality and friendliness of the people in Bali will surely impress you. So opt for Bali villa rental now and spend your time in a luxurious Bali villa.

Finding an accommodation in Bali is not difficult. You can easily find one. Before starting the trip, you need to consider some important factors. It is better to plan well. You need to make a check list and follow it accordingly. You can book an accommodation online before starting the trip. There are many accommodation options in Bali. You can select one according to your taste and budget. There are many luxurious hotels and accommodations in Bali. You can enjoy true luxury and comfort in these stylish and well-decorated hotels, including Bali Hyatt, Ubud Hanging Gardens, Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Bali and Grand Hyatt Bali. If you want privacy, it is better to opt for Bali villas. From luxurious rooms, pampering spas, lovely gardens, stylish pubs, delicious cuisine, Bali villas offer all these conveniences for the tourists. These are great accommodation options. You can really have fun and enjoyment in these villas. They offer staffs who are dedicated to provide excellent service.

There are many tourist spots in Bali. Many people from across the world are attracted to visit this part of the world. It offers something for everyone. If you are an ardent lover of adventure, then Bali is the right place. It also attracts many religious tourists. There are many temples in Bali. The beautiful sea temple is one of the greatest attractions of this Indonesian island. Pura Besakih is another famous temple of Bali. It is a thousand years old temple.

Bali offers many opportunities to the people who love to shop. There are many shopping multiplexes. You can get items by bargaining. Nusa Dua, Kuta and Sanur are the best market places in Bali. Tourists get attracted to visit these places for shopping. You can get various types of items at affordable prices. Bali also offers some stylish and well-decorated restaurants and pubs. You can get overwhelmed to taste the delicious cuisines offered in these restaurants. You can not only taste the delicious cuisines of Indonesia, but also European, Asian and other dishes.

The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali Villas. He has helped many people out there to get the best Bali villa rental at affordable prices. He well knows the fact that there are several things to be considered while choosing the Bali villas. He has written many articles on choosing the Bali villas.

How to Select the Best Private Villa in Bali

There are many attractive places in the world. Bali is one of the best holiday destinations. You can really have fun by visiting this part of the world. It offers luxury, comfort and leisure to the visitors. Bali is considered as one of the best islands of the world. It offers many luxurious hotels and villas for the tourists. Some of the best hotels of the world are located in this part of the planet.

The Ayana Spa and Resort is one of the popular accommodations to reside in. You can enjoy luxury and comfort in the well-decorated and luxurious hotels and villas of Bali. These villas offer tropical bathrooms, air-conditioned bed-rooms spacious dining and living areas, a well-trained butler, private swimming pool, a lush tropical garden and many other amenities. Spending quality time in a Bali Villa could be an idyllic way to spend your winter vacation. So you can opt for Bali Villa rental now!

Apart from offering modern amenities, Bali villas also give the opportunity of rent. You can rent any villa, if you want to save some amount of money. These accommodations are really luxurious ad comfortable. You can experience real comfort and leisure in these villas of Bali. Walls and floors of Bali are made from natural stone and local wood, high roofs cover dining and living areas and big garden bathrooms are full of plants and flowers. You will really get overwhelmed to experience the comfort and luxury in these villas of Bali.

Villas are better choice than the hotels. You can have different experience in these luxurious villas. You will have more informality, much more space, more personal service and more privacy in this type of accommodations. You can feel at home. They offer delicious cuisines and dishes. You can also take your own cook to make your meal. You can eat the meal at anywhere and at any time.

By staying in Bali villa, you can taste the real flavor of Bali. You will get a Balinese atmosphere, surrounded by an informal, relaxed and elegant setting with very friendly and well-trained staffs helping you in your every need.

Nothing is better than to stay in these luxurious villas of Bali. There are many accommodation options in Bali. You can select one according to your taste and budget. You can find any accommodation that will be affordable. If you want to save money, you can opt for Bali hotels. If you want to splurge, it is better to opt for Bali rentals and Bali villas. Bali villas are known for excellent service. They have well-trained staffs, who are ready to help you in your need.

If you want amazing vacation and privacy, Bali villas are the right option. These villas include lavish bathrooms, air conditioned rooms and dining rooms, complete with continuous service and beautiful gardens. You can reside in these villas, if you want privacy. You can save some amount of money by not ordering the foods from the villas, instead, you can order your own food from local shops. You can have great fun and enjoyment by residing in this type of accommodations. It will definitely be a memorable trip for you.

The author of this article has great knowledge about the Bali Villas. He has helped many people out there to get the best Bali villa rental at affordable prices. He well knows the fact that there are several things to be considered while choosing the Bali villas. He has written many articles on choosing the Bali villas.

Bali Surfing Tours - Snag a Wave

Bali is an amazing island surfing location in the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands just 8 degrees south of the equator.

Legend has it that Bali was first discovered as a great surfing destination in the late 1960s by Australian surfers, but whether or not this is true, Bali has since become one of the hottest spots on the world surfing itinerary by leagues of surfing enthusiasts.

These days Bali has a huge surf culture, so whether you're a novice trying out your first beach breaks or an accomplished reef break rider, Bali offers some of the best surfing beaches anywhere in the world.

The peak season for Bali surfing tours is from April to November, which is considered to be the dry season, but you can catch a mean wave at any time during the year. During the dry season, Bali picks up the swells from the Indian Ocean so it's possible to find surf up to 12 feet or higher off the reefs on the southwest and southeast coasts.

Kuta is usually the drop-off point for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world as it's only a short distance to legendary surfing spots like Padang Padang, Uluwata, Nusa Dua and Impossibles. Kuta Beach also produces some great beach breaks but it is a popular tourist haunt so the chances of getting on a clean barrel all the way into shore are not good.

Unlike many of the well-known heavy reef breaks around some of the other islands in Indonesia, Bali's surf conditions are milder, which better suits the novice to intermediate surfer looking for consistent, 3 to 5 foot waves.

Bali has so many advantages to offer anyone planning a surfing adventure, it's hard to know where to start. What about the fact that you can get around the entire island in a day, so once you know where the great waves are breaking, it's easy to make your way there. Or how about the fact you don't need a wetsuit because the waters around Bali average a balmy temperature in the low to mid 20 degrees Celsius (just remember to take a good sunscreen!)

Catch a Bali Surfing Tour

In addition to the pleasures already mentioned, surfing in Bali has to be on top of the list of premier surfing locations because you don't need to rough it in a crude beach shack. Even the most budget-conscious surfers can stay in premium Bali accommodation with air conditioning and satellite TV thrown in for unbelievably reasonable prices.

What's more, if you travel with one of the expert Bali surfing tour operators, they will make sure that everything you need to make your Bali surfing holiday a treat will be laid on for you. They will even supply you with a board if you want to try a different ride or if you can't be bothered lugging your own board all over the place.

The Bali surf guides will meet you each morning during your stay and tell you where the best waves are breaking, then take you there in one of their air conditioned SUVs or beach craft. They can recommend the top breaks for your style and skill level and you can even take your pick from left or right breaking waves if the conditions are right!

Better yet, their network of local informants know where everyone is headed, so will happily steer you away from the crowds to an equally good location with less riders competing for the breaks.

Bali hotels are fabulous value for money and if you stay in one of the popular tourist spots like Kuta or Legian beach, the best surfing options are close by.

And then after you've spent a monumental day on the waves, you can retire to your luxury Bali accommodation for a refreshing ale before you hit the local night spots for some riotous activity.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Accommodation.

Bali Weather and Climate

When visiting Bali it is important to take the weather conditions under consideration. Although the Bali weather is understood to be sunny skies and cool breezes this is only half the tale. The weather in Bali isn't split into four seasons but rather into 2. There's the dry season and the wet season, with the temperature remaining pretty constant across the year. The averages temperature in Bali is 28C all year and even in winter you may expect it to fall to only 24C.

The hottest time to visit Bali is during the dry season which lasts from April to September, with June to September being the top season. There's very little rain at all during these months and you should expect to have 99% of the time you spend in Bali with sunny blue skies. There's slight rainfall in this time, but it is mostly in the afternoon, and although if can be a heavy downpour, only last a little while and then the sun comes out again.

The other, less popular season to visit Bali is during the wet season, typically from October to March, because of the very wet conditions. In this time of year you should expect awfully heavy rain for days if not for weeks at a time. It is this season that give Bali its dense tropical rain forests that it is known for. The high rain volume during the wet season gives the trees and plants lots of moisture to grow at an incredible rate.

In the entire year you should expect to have a high humidity which is at its peak during the stormy months and can reach as high as 90% which if you are not used to it can be very stifling. When coming to Bali and you are not used to living in a humid climate it is essential that you book a hotel that has air conditioning for you to acclimatize. The humidity is felt more inland where the coast gives way to a higher altitude and some areas are so dense with foliage that some folks can find it tricky to breathe.

The winds that blow in Bali are gentle to moderate and you don't get the major monsoons and gales that are associated with many Indonesian nations. There are some dazzling storms that are grand to experience, but apart from landslides there isn't any danger if you visit Bali in this time. Many people still come to Bali during this time as you will find that the Bali accommodation is less crowded and you will be able to find miles better rates.

With Bali being such a small island that is famous for its sea life and amazing scuba diving areas it doesn't really matter when you come to go to if you are interested by diving. Even during the heavy stormy season you are still guaranteed of some sunny days, it is just that when it rains it really rains and you may have to stay in the hotel during the heaviest of the downpours or spend some time doing some Bali shopping.

Before going on holiday to Bali, find out the latest Bali weather [http://www.bali-accommodation.com.au/bali-travel-information/bali-weather/] forecast by visiting Bali Accommodation [http://www.bali-accommodation.com.au/]. Not only will you find information about the climate, but other important facts about visa requirements and tons of hotels to choose from to make your holiday planning easier.