Bali , The Land of Gods
Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is a province of Indonesia. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan to the southeast. The capital is Denpasar .The upland town of Ubud in Greater Denpasar is considered Bali’s cultural centre.
Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species, especially fish and turtles. In this area alone, over 500 reef-building coral species can be found.
Bali is renowned for its diverse art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese cuisine is also distinctive. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence.
Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity.
The best dive spots can be found at Menjangan island, with its reef flat, anchor wreck, eel garden and caves to explore. It is also famous as a surfers paradise !!
Bali’s white beaches are certainly a favorite destination for family holidays. There are a variety of watersports available, such as banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, go swimming or you may just linger and enjoy good sunbathing by the sea.
Kuta is one of the most well-known beaches in Bali. Along with this stretch are an array of hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes. In the evenings the area throbs to the beat of disco music.
Bali also offers a first-class adrenaline-pumping white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River by Ubud. If you enjoy cycling, Ubud and its surrounding is a wonderful town to bike around.
After exploring hours are done for the day, you can surrender in total relaxation and experience the best of Balinese spa , located all over Bali. Balinese spa products are made with fine quality local ingredients.
One thing is for sure , there is no other place like Bali in this world. A magical blend of culture, people, nature, activities, weather, culinary delights, nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. That is why , Bali is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world every year.
Ubud , the cradle of Balinese culture and arts
Ubud is located in the cool mountains, just one hour’s drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali. This traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali’s museums and galleries are centered in Ubud.
Inspired by vibrant green rice paddies, mountains and colorful Balinese festivals, the elite artistic colony that began in the 1930’s with eminent European painters, writers and musicians has now grown into a thriving arts centre.
Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud, the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specializing in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry.
Besides rich local culture, Ubud is all about natural beauty. The area is revered for its cascading rice terraces and lush jungle views. Tegalalang is the most famous rice paddy destination around Ubud.
Biking is a popular pastime in Ubud. While it’s possible to simply hire a bike and head out for an adventure on your own, to make the most of the experience, we recommend joining a guided biking tour. Most tours will take you through beautiful rice fields and local Balinese villages and often include a visit to a coffee plantation and a local family compound.
Outside the town centre, much of life remains unchanged. Rolling green rice fields are framed by untamed jungle and in many ways, local village life moves in the same pace it has done for centuries. The outskirts of Ubud offer the perfect backdrop for sheer relaxation in a serene “away from it all”.
Nearby Islands to visit or stay
Lombok , the island of the 1000 mosques
Lombok island is located east of Bali. Lombok geographically is almost the same size as Bali and a popular honeymoon destination.
The island has a majority of Muslim population. So when you explore Lombok, you will not find a lot of Hindu temples like in Bali , but a huge number of mosques.
Lombok is an island with a beautiful sea and amazing beaches as highlights. However, things to do in Lombok are not just about that. You can expect more than pristine white sand and exotic palm trees.
You can do trekking and hiking , snorkeling , diving , surfing , yoga classes etc.
If you are visiting Lombok with kids , the island also has lots of options for you. Surfing and snorkelling are activities that you can enjoy with your family. For instance, Selong Belanak is safe for surfing with kids. The water slopes very gently to have waves in relatively shallow water with a soft sand bottom. Experienced coaches and guides will welcome you for a beginner’s course.
When you choose to go snorkelling with kids, there are many islands you can visit. Book a trip to Gili Asahan, Gili Meno, or Gili Nanggu for quality family time. Here you’ll find calm beach currents for you and your children.
Attractions on Lombok include hiking up the volcano Mt Rinjani and climbing down to its crater lake, hitting the beaches at the resorts in Senggigi, surfing on south coast and visiting the backpacker and snorkeling havens on the three Gilis — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air — secluded tropical islands a short 20 minutes boat ride from Senggigi.
Learn about the local history and visit the Maruya Water Palace in Mataram, capital city of Lombok. The palace was built in 1744 and was the site of bloody battles between the Dutch and Balinese in the late 19th century. Appreciate the serenity at the largest temple in Lombok ,Pura Meru, located opposite the water palace. This centuries old temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Visit the unique Pura Lingsar, a temple compound that combines the Bali Hindu and Wektu Telu religions in one complex.
Stroll around and shop in the charming market town of Surandi. There are some scenic picnic spots to stop and take a break. Or you can cool down with a swim in the river. The water here is considered sacred as it comes straight from Gunung Rinjani. Absorb local Sasak culture with a visit to Batu Kumbung village, northeast of Mataram. At this traditional village you’ll find women weaving fabrics as their ancestors did centuries ago. This village is famous for its music. Try yourself at learning a local dance or musical instrument.
One of the most popular areas to shop for all sorts of antiques is on Jl Yos Sudarso where you’ll see everything from traditional bamboo containers to bone jewels and wooden statues. Bertais Market is the biggest daily market in Lombok with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs and spices and local artifacts on sale.
