The Bali Travel Blog

Feb 2, Kuta Beach Bali - Our one day itinerary

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:41:32 GMT

Kuta used to be popular for its beach and waves. Today it's also famous for its shopping, restaurants and nightlife. To be truthfully honest Kuta is not our favorite village in Bali as it has become over crowded and the uniqueness of Bali has in our opinion disappeared. Kuta could be any other beach village in the world.

Nevertheless, despite our views on Kuta when we were staying there we could easily fill a day full of activities.

We also wanted to try out surfing so once in Kuta we headed straight to the beach around 9.00 am. Every day you can find Balinese instructors waiting around on the beach and they teach you the basic surfing techniques at a very reasonable price.

There are many surfing schools in Kuta as well which offer whole day surfing lessons, but if you just want to try it out for a couple of hours than one of the many local surfers are a perfect option.

After two hours of fun, struggling in the waves, finally standing on the board and getting sunburnt it's time for lunch. You can get pretty hungry from all that activity. Luckily Kuta has tons of restaurants to choose from. Local restaurants serving Indonesian food to restaurants that have wraps, pizza's and hamburgers on their menu.

After lunch and a shower it's time to head to Tanah Lot, one of the most famous temples in south Bali. Its location is unique as the temple is only accessible at low tide. The drive to the temple will take you along beautiful ricefields.

You can either stay at Tanah Lot to watch the sunset but we headed back to Kuta beach where everyday people settle down in the sand to watch the amazing sunset which seems to be getting more spectacular while staying in Bali.

Once it gets dark and the temperature is not that sizzling hot anymore it's time to do some shopping or even better get a foot massage. The latter is a popular activity in Kuta and I'm not surprised ;-)

Shops and massage places are found everywhere along Poppies Lane and Jalan Legian. Here you will find many restaurants too which will be perfect for dinner.

Kuta area is the best place in Bali to enjoy night life. There are many bars and clubs in town and since recently there are even Bali performances at the Kuta Theater at Jalan Kartika. The little shops are also open till very late so if you feel like late night shopping than you won't be disappointed.

Jan 30, 1st of February - Galungan

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:52:28 GMT

Tomorrow the Balinese will celebrate Galungan, one of their most important holidays. This 10 days holiday celebrates the victory of good over evil and it is believed that ancestral spirits will return to join the festivities, visit homes of descendants and receive offerings.

When you are traveling through Bali you will witness the Balinese dressed in their best outfits carrying offerings on their heads. The streets are also decorated with 'penyors' which are tall bamboo poles decorated with palm leaves.

As a traveller it is one of the best times to see how beautifully the Balinese celebrate their holidays and conduct ceremonies.

Jan 23, Ubud Bali - Our One Day itinerary

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:40:43 GMT

Ubud is one of our favorite villages in Bali because there is so much to do. You can easily fill a whole day (or more) with cultural and relaxing activities. To give you an idea on what you can do in one day this is what we did once when we were in Ubud.

Goa Gaja Temple Complex

After having an early breakfast head to Goa Gaja at around 8 o'clock in the morning. It is about a 20 minutes drive from Ubud center.

The origins of this temple complex are still a mystery but the name comes from the elephant sculpture that can found at one of the temple entrances. You can also stroll around the pools and if you are lucky you will witness the Balinese preparing for ceremonies.

From here you continue your journey to Tampaksering, a beautiful ancient complex set amid the ricefields. It is quite a walk down to get to the tombs dedicated to the members of the royal family but the ricefield landscape makes it very enjoyable. Try to bring a hat because by the time you are there it can be pretty hot.

Click here for details on sights around Ubud

Monkey Forest Ubud Bali

For lunch head back to Ubud where there are dozens of great restaurants that serve Balinese and Indonesian food but also western, organic and other delicious creations.

When the heat becomes bearable again head to the famous Monkey Forest located down the road of Monkey Forest street. The big trees provide refreshing shades and besides meeting the mischief monkeys you can walk down to the river and visit a temple.

From here it's time to relax at the spa. Make sure you book ahead so you don't have to wait. We highly recommend going to Pertenin Spa or Botanic Spa.

Bali Dance Performance in Ubud

Once you manage to get away from the relaxing massage table it's time for the evening program.

Every evening there are different dance performance taking place in Ubud which start between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. Depending on which one you choose you can either have a snack or a early dinner before the performance starts.

After the performance you can have a delicious dinner by candle light or head to the few bars in Ubud for a drink and live music. The Laughing Buddha Bar on Monkey Forest street usually has a band playing all kinds of music.

If your mind is more set on dancing than Ubud Jazz Cafe on Jalan Sukma is a great option. Besides Jazz the dance floor gets pretty crowded on Wednesday when the band plays Latin Grooves.

Jan 21, Kintamani on the edge of losing its edge

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:12:51 GMT

The Kintamani area is one of Bali's natural wonders and comprises of the volcanic Mount Batur with walls from 1267m high to 2153m high and scenic Lake Batur which sits in one of the worlds biggest calderas.

Now Kintamani is losing its edge because the local people keep on annoying travellers with stuff you consider twice of buying. Anyone interested in a bow and arrow or calendars with signs you don't understand? We've predicted it already a long time ago, same counts for the religious sight of the Besakih temple where local 'tourist guides' love to jump on you as well once you get out of the car.

Tourist numbers to this sight are down and keep on falling and to make matters worse the quality of the water in the lake is decreasing as well with algae popping up. Nowadays local people use too much fertilizer for their plots of land and fish farms harming the water supply for rest of Gianyar Regency as they receive water from this biggest fresh water lake in Bali.

Most travellers visiting this area come on day tours from Bali's most popular places such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud and stop at one of the buffet restaurants from where you have the best view.

Since the problem of annoying tourists in the villages of Kintamani and Penelokan is widely known the local and central government still prefer to collect entrance fees without blinking an eye.

Isn't it about time that somebody wakes up and does something about it?

Jan 20, Free tickets for the Kuta Theatre

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:40:07 GMT

For those Bali Travel Life readers who are interested in visiting the Kuta Theater we are able to hand out 12 entrance tickets for free. Just contact us via email and don't forget to share with us your Kuta Theater experience.

The Kuta Theater brings up a Balinese Theater Show in a clever way. The play "Lights of Faith" tell us more about the old traditional friendship crushed in modern culture.

It's fun, hilarious & educating. There are at least six story morals in one hour performance. Daily show at 5 & 8 PM except Wednesday. Reservations +62 361 762750, the 12 free tickets are valid until April and it's first come, first serve ;-)

Jan 6, Things to do in Kuta

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:15:21 GMT

There are several great things to do in Kuta and it's not only surfing but a whole lot of of other things too, check them out here...

Jan 6, Bali Beach Resort | Bali luxury resort

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:57:09 GMT

Looking for a Bali Beach Resort which is actually located right at the beach? This list covers all types of resorts set along famous Bali beaches.

Jan 4, Bodyboarding in Bali

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:55:16 GMT

Just got a question from one of our Australian website visitors about which Bali beaches are the best for bodyboarding and I thought this would be a perfect item to share on the Bali Travel Blog as well.

Among the best beaches for bodyboarding in Bali are Kuta beach and Legian Beach where the reef is far out and where you can easily stand in the water without the strong undercurrents which you can find at Seminyak Beach, Canggu Beach and Seseh beach.

The more north you go along these west Bali beaches the more dangerous it gets.

Another one of the great Bali beaches for bodysurfing is Dreamland Beach on the Bukit in the southern part of Bali. The other beaches in this part of Bali such as Balangan Beach, Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang Beach, Green Bowl and Bingin are not suitable for bodyboarding, only for surfing.

Furthermore Jimbaran beach is a good place to do some bodyboarding but then you also need to be a bit lucky with the winds since the waves do not reach the heights you get at Kuta Beach and Legian Beach.

Jan 2, Bali Holiday Villas - Quality time at Munduk Moding Plantation

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:44 GMT

One of our favorite places to stay in Bali is the villa complex Munduk Moding Plantation which is ideally located in the mountains and plantations. Compared to south Bali you can say that this place is pretty remote.

But the stunning views from their private villas, attentive service and the sense of being far from the crowd makes Moding Plantation an excellent place to relax and spend quality time together.

Besides taking a dip in their beautiful infinity pool you can stroll around their premises or go on longer hikes towards Lake Tamblingan and the Munduk waterfalls. You can even go horseback riding or jump on the mountain bike to explore the area. Munduk Moding Plantation offers all kinds of tours to other parts of the island too.

When we stayed at Munduk Moding Plantation there were only two other guests. But today they have become quite popular so to avoid disappointment book far ahead. To read more about Munduk area have a look here. More information on Munduk Moding Plantation can be found by clicking on the link below.

Dec 26, Travelling with a disability in Bali

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:14:49 GMT

For those travelling with a disability in Bali it might come as a surprise to you but the island is not well equipped to handle travellers who could you use some special assistance.

Even though Bali island is one of the tourist hotspots in South East Asia it is still part of Indonesia which is a developing country and where infrastructure isn't on top of the agenda.

Nonetheless Bali is transforming itself slowly and more facilities are being opened to facilitate those travellers with a disability. Especially when you stay in resort villages such as Sanur, Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa you'll find proper ramps, footpaths, elevators and specially designed rooms.

Other popular places such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Jimbaran are not well equipped to handle these kind of travellers and Ubud, Candidasa, Amed and Lovina are completely a no-go zone if you want to move freely. Their footpaths (if there are any) are often lined with potholes and many hotels have tough to access entrances, let alone having elevators and easy access to rooms or bungalows.

From all the places we've been to the best village equipped to travellers with a disability Sanur beach comes out as the best village to spend your holiday. Here their footpath along the beach goes on for miles on end with various shops, coffee houses and restaurants.

Moreover there's even a special tour company which focuses mainly on travellers with a disability. It's called Bali Access Travel and they can be found on Jalan Tamblingan not too far from the Uluwatu Shop, the Sports Cafe and Picaddilly restaurant.

Dec 21, 6 Favourite low-budget Bali accommodation options

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:22:22 GMT

There are so many place to choose from when planning your holiday on the island but to make it a bit easier for you we've listed 6 of our favourite low-budget Bali accommodation options worth staying at here:

Ida's homestay : this low-budget Bali accommodation is picture perfect with little huts built on a palm grove right at the seaside in Candidasa. Rooms and bathrooms are basic but it's one of those places you wished you could stay longer at. Everything here is made out of wood and you will not find any nails, but most importantly it's cheap...

Lecuk Inn: located on Jalan Kajeng in Ubud and close to all the action with the best rooms in the big white house with partial rice field view or ravine view. Super value for money while staying at the back of a Balinese courtyard with lovely people.

Kedin II: there are not that many good options in the hustle and bustle of Bali Kuta beach but this one definitely deserves to be mentioned. Rooms and bathrooms are basic but there's a swimming pool and this guest house is located close to the beach, shops and clubs.

Kembali: right on the beach in Amed you'll be having your private bungalow with sea view, semi-outdoor bathroom, American King-coil Mattress and a lovely verandah to sit on for hours. One of the best and cheapest Bali accommodation options in this part of the island.

Adi Assri: located in northwest Bali in the village of Pemuteran this place ticks all the boxes for a great place under the stars. It isn't exactly a backpackers but still is very reasonable priced, especially when you choose those rooms with mountain view.

Keke Homestay: located on a small side road of Jalan Tamblingan in Sanur this small and cheap Bali accommodation has value for money rooms, hot water, mosquito netting and air-conditioning if you like. Breakfast and chitchat with the Balinese family is included.

Dec 19, 5 unspoiled Bali beach resort villages

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:30:41 GMT

Being an island Bali is blessed with different types of beaches ranging from powder white ones to black volcanic beaches.

The Bali beach resort of Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach and Nusa Dua Beach must be the most popular ones but there are many 'unpopular' or as we like to say unspoiled ones catered mainly to travellers who love culture, privacy and peace of mind.

Here are 5 of our favorite Bali beach resort villages we love to go to and which always leave us with unique experiences.

Balian: This bali beach resort is located on the island's west coast and only known by surfers who seem to have a special nose for these places. The beach is volcanic black and goes on for miles on end. There's a handful of accommodation options ranging from more upscale places to cheap budget places.

Bingin: Another surfer's paradise but this time located in the southern tip of the island but with loads of budget options and some stretches of good beach. Nonetheless most people come here for the excellent waves and laid-back atmosphere.

Balangan: Picture perfect with some of the finest stretches of beach, some accommodation options, perfect waves and even some watering holes to chill at. Hard to find but definately also hard to leave.

Candidasa: This Bali beach resort village is located on the island's east coast and doesn't get the stream of visitors it actually deserves but hey that's good enough for us. Here you'll find palm fringed resorts, great restaurants and is the ideal place to visit one of the most interesting parts of the island.

Pemuteran: located on the edge of Bali's only national park this village has unspoiled beaches, fantastic accommodation options in all price ranges and amazing underwater wild life at nearby Menjangan Island. Romance, peace and quiet are the main ingredients here.

Dec 17, Experience Amed - Top 5 Things to do in & around

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:40:38 GMT

Far far away from all the crowds and busy streets you can find a string of little fishing villages off the coast of East Bali. Together these villages are known as Amed, of which one is actually called Amed.

Unlike the south of Bali, Amed area started its tourism development much later and today you can see that it is more quiet, deserted even in off-peak seasons making it ideal for those who wish to loose the crowd while enjoying fantastic views over an clear blue ocean and to enjoy the laid back attitude of the local Balinese.

Besides adapting to the easy going pace of life, there are some active things to do too. Here are 5 things you can do during your stay in Amed.

1. Seasalt: Besides fishing the local people collect sea salt. Along the street you can find salt neatly piled up for sale. At the restaurant Garam you can learn the different stages of salt processing.

2. Diving and Snorkeling: The number one reason why travelers head to Amed is for the colorful under waterworld. You can follow PADI courses here too. Amed has a couple of good diving and snorkeling sites so you can easily spend a couple of days in the water.

3. Hiking: This might not be the most popular hikes in Bali but if you want to be treated with an amazing sunrise you can hke to the summit of Mount Seraya. There is a trail east of Jemuluk Bay.

4. Jukung trip: The ocean around Amed is amazing and towards the end of the day it is fun to jump in one of the traditional fishing boats and cruise along the coast. It's a perfect way to cool down from the heat and witness Amed's spectacular mountain landscape from the water.

5. Day trip East Bali: East Bali has mountains, agricultural and rice field landscapes making it ideal to tour around while visiting great cultural sights such as Besakih Temple and Tirta Gangga water palace.

Dec 15, Transporting goods around Bali island - Incredible balancing skills

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:07:01 GMT

Cars are still too expensive for the majority of the Balinese. So what other option do they have other than public transportation? The motorbike. Like all Asian countries the motorbike is the most popular way to move around in Bali and you will see hundreds of them driving around or parked along the street.

Since the motorbike is often their only form of transport it's amazing how the Balinese have been able to make use of these two-wheeled vehicles to transport all kinds of goods. Not just shopping bags or a box, but a lot of goods. You won't believe what you see when you travel through Bali the first time. Not only do a family of four hop on one motorbike but the Balinese manage to transport much much more...

Just scroll down and learn...

Mattress delivery. Who needs a pick-up or van?

Toy on wheels. Not only one of my favorite things to see on a motorbike but I bet children know the sound of his engine from far away...

A lot of empty plastic bottles do make a heavy load. Still wondering how they tied it all up like that...

You might not see the driver, but believe me there is a motorbike somewhere under there...

Not a motorbike, but you have to admit it is still pretty impressive...

Dec 12, Where is what in Bali? - Getting familiar with the Bali Map

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:57:15 GMT

If you are going to a destination for the first time it often takes a bit of pre-research to figure out where everything is located and what the distances are.

For Bali it makes planning your trip much easier if you get an idea on where you can find the most popular villages and landmarks.

You are likely to enter Bali through Ngurah airport which is located in the south. From here you can reach any village in Bali of which the furthest is about a 4 hour drive.

Tuban is just a 10 minutes drive from the airport. Kuta is connected to Tuban followed by Legian, Seminyak and Canggu. Depending on the traffic it will take you about 20 to 40 minutes to get to your hotel or villa. Jimbaran is located south of the airport and is just 15 minutes away.

A highway connects the south-west coast with the south-east coast so from the airport you can easily reach Sanur, Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa within 45 minutes.

South Bali offers numerous types of accommodations for any traveler who wants to enjoy a beach or surf holiday with access to great restaurants, clubs and shops. From here you can do day trips to the north such as Ubud.

Ubud is located more or less in the heart of Bali and is about 1 hour drive from the south. You'll appreciate Ubud more if you stay there longer than one day plus this cultural village is ideally located to explore the rest of Bali.

Great sightseeing trips from Ubud are Jatiluwih rice fields, Lake Batur, the waterpalace Tirta Gangga, Pura Besakih temple or the wonderful landscape around Rendang and Sideman.

Towards the east of Bali and about 2-3 hour drive from the airport you have Padangbai, Candidasa and at the outmost eastern tip Amed. All three coastal villages haven't experienced mass-tourism such as the south nevertheless there are allot of places to stay and great things to do such as snorkeling, diving and exploring east Bali.

From here you can also visit all the sights as mentioned for Ubud. But from the east it's easier to reach great hiking and walking trails.

The north-east of Bali is very dry and doesn't attract much travelers unlike north-west Bali where you can find Lovina, famous for its dolphins. Lovina is about a 4 hour drive from the south.

Pemuteran and Menjangan island is further west and is popular for their magnificent diving and snorkeling sites. Nature lovers would enjoy Bali National Park which is located just around the corner or you can head to the villages Munduk or Batukaru in central Bali where you can walk all types of trails in the refreshing mountain climate.

Dec 9,
Bali trip - 5 Tips on what you should or shouldn't bring from home

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:53:35 GMT

In a way packing is part of the holiday excitement but if you aren't sure what to bring then it could be a tedious task. Especially if you have finally gathered all your things only to realize that your suitcase or bag is about to explode.

With the large numbers of foreign travelers and residents a lot of international goods are imported to Bali so you can practically get anything here.

But to make sure you pack all you really need here are 5 essential packing tips for your holiday to Bali.

1. Travel light is the most important tip. Just bring clothes for a couple of days plus something nice if you want to go out because there is a laundry service almost around every corner of the street.

2. Sun lotion and some cosmetics. In Bali you can find all the sun lotion brands you can think of but I find them very expensive compared to back home. And for the female travelers you may want to bring your own creams as my girlfriend tried to find facial cream but could only choose from a selection of whitening products. A large range of good shampoo, toothpaste etc is widely available and very cheap too.

3. Medicine and basic first aid supplies. When you get ill try to use medicine you are familiar with as much as possible. You don't want to experience surprising side-affects during your holiday. So bring the basic medicine such as aspirin/paracetamol, anti-diarrhea pills. The anti mosquito spray and other gadgets to avoid getting stung are pretty good in Bali so you don't need to bring a big supply with you.

4. One good book. If you love to read and you don't have an ereader/kindle then you would probably bring a couple of books along with you. But in Bali you can find many book stores. Second hand bookstores, homestays etc also do book exchange so you can hand in your book in exchange for another one for free or at a cheap price.

5. Good shoes. There are enough shoe stores in Bali but if you are a guy with a big shoe size it is going to be difficult to find shoes or flip flops in your size. So make sure you take a pair of flip flops and shoes from home so you don't have to waste time looking for a shop that has your size. For women there is enough choice, so they can easily bring one pair from home and buy new ones in Bali.

Dec 7, Bali Wedding - 3 Romantic settings to say 'I do'

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:00:28 GMT

Romance comes very easily on an island like Bali. The tropical atmosphere together with colorful flowers, amazing nature and stunning ocean views are definitely the ingredients for unforgettable romantic moments, such as a wedding.

So it may not come as a surprise that many couples choose to experience one of their most romantic moments of their lives in Bali. There are three types of romantic wedding locations which you can consider.

1. Resort Bali Wedding - The resorts that offer wedding packages usually have different locations where the wedding ceremony can take place. This makes it ideal to create the wedding you exactly want, whether it's a big or small wedding and at the beach or in a garden.

Melia Bali has created a beautiful garden 'bale' pavilion facing the ocean while the 'bale' pavilion at Alila Ubud has gorgeous views over the valley and mountains.

2. Villa Bali Wedding - If you want a smaller and intimate wedding then you can choose to have the ceremony at a Bali private villa. Many private villas are beautifully styled and decorated which not only makes the location for your wedding unique but your stay just as special.

For a tropical beach wedding Villa Hanani at Jimbaran beach offers private villas with large gardens. Villa Istana on the other hand is a very large and luxurious villa set on the cliffs of Uluwatu facing the Indian Ocean.

3. Chapel Bali Wedding - A couple of resorts have chapels on their premises which allows you to have a more traditional wedding. As expected, these chapels are built on the best locations.

Most chapels are set along the ocean so you have stunning views during the ceremony. The stylish white glass walled Infinity Chapel at Conrad Bali is located at the clean tropical Nusa Dua beach and from the Tresna Wedding Chapel at Ayana Resort you have unlimited views over the Indian Ocean.

Dec 4, Surf heaven at the South Bali Beaches

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:19:07 GMT

The south Bali beaches attract travelers from around the globe and most of them are thrill-seekers who come for one thing and that's riding the high waves at famous Uluwatu, Green Ball, Nyang Nyang, Bingin and Balangan beach.

Budget accommodation is available at Uluwatu, Bingin and Balangan beach but a new wave of investors has found heaven as well and luxurious villas are popping up like mushrooms.

But for those who love to just chill, enjoy watching people, swim and sunbath on the South Bali beaches there are various options as well such as Padang Padang beach and Dreamland beach. Close to Nusa Dua you'll find the immaculate Geger beach where resort guests go to and even more popular is Jimbaran beach with her many seafood restaurants.

Dec 2, Bali Culture - Ubud Young Artists Exhibition 2011

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:55:03 GMT

Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali and here you can find a large number of painters of all generations.

If you are in Bali towards the end of this month and you want to see some modern traditional Bali paintings then you should head to the Ubud Young Artists Exhibition. Twenty paintings of the 12 most emerging Balinese painters such as I Made Lanus and Ngakan Suarbawa will be displayed.

This exhibition will take place on the 18th of December till the 5th of January 2012 at Ulun Resort & Spa in Ubud. On the first day between 10am-12pm you have the chance to meet the artists personally.

A free shuttle leaving from Ubud Tourist Information Center at 10am and 2pm can take you to Ulun Resort & Spa.

Dec 1, Travel to Bali and take a Dip in the Royal pools

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:34:22 GMT

One of our best surprises during our travels in East Bali was at Tirta Gangga Water Palace. At this water palace you can find the best preserved royal pools in Bali.

Tirta Gangga can easily be visited if you are staying in Padangbai, Candidasa or Amed. But you can also add it to your day trip if you are staying in Ubud.

We really enjoyed our drive up to the Water Palace as it is surrounded by beautiful ricefield landscapes and every now and then there are great views of Mount Agung. But the best part of the whole visit was the possibility to swim in the royal pools.

Fresh water flows straight into the pools where you can take a plunge. One pool is big enough to do a couple of laps! We had great fun here and we kind of enjoyed the idea of taking a a dip in a pool where royalties used to swim.

So if you are planning to head this way make sure you bring your swimwear and towel with you. You'll going to love the refreshing swim. Click on the link below to read more about our visit to Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

Nov 30, Jazzy Grooves at MannekePis in Seminyak

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:13:48 GMT

Not only is MannekePis in Seminyak one of our favorite restaurants because of its European brown cafe ambiance and great Belgian mussels but also because it plays live jazz & blues grooves on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

On the other days of the week you might bump into soul and funk artists and even rock& roll is part of this establishment. To keep yourself up to date with their upcoming events have a look at their interesting music calendar and have a great night out ;-)

Nov 29, Traveling with children? - 5 Great things to do in Bali

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:17:32 GMT

The most important holiday requirement for any child is the presence of a swimming pool or beach. If one of these two are present then you're definitely going to be the best dad or mom in the world.

So why go all the way to Bali if you can go somewhere close by? Well, Bali has besides tropical beaches and great resorts with pools many more to offer, also for children of all ages. On top of that the Balinese love children. So as soon as you walk into a hotel or restaurant they can't resist to devote all their attention to them.

Here is our top 5 things to do in Bali together with your children.

1. Dolphin trip in Lovina: This is a very early morning activity but I bet whatever age your child is, he/she will be wide awake as soon as the little boat (request life vests) goes off shore and the first dolphins appear. It's exciting to spot the dolphins and unforgettable if they swim along your boat.

2. Bali Waterbom Park Kuta: Well I think this doesn't need a lot of explanation, just that your kids (and yourself of course) can release all their energy sliding down dozen of water slides with names such as The Boogie Ride, The Race Track, The Boomerang and the Super bowl.

3. Visit a park: All children love animals and Bali has wonderful parks where you can see them. See all kinds of birds in the Bali Bird park, go for an elephant ride in Taro Elephant park, or discover and interact with more than 50 species at the Bali Safari & Marine Park.

4. Bali cycling in the Ubud area: If your child can ride a bike then this is a wonderful option. Many bike tours, such as Bali Bike Baik Tours in Ubud offer easy downhill (not steep) cycling tours for all ages. They even have small mountain bikes and helmets for young children.

An extra car is also driving along, so if your child really gets fed up he/she can jump into the car. This tour is an unique and fun way to see Balinese villages, rice fields and to meet people along the way.

5. Kids Club - Hotels do not only create Kids Clubs so parents can enjoy some quality time together. Many Kids Clubs in Bali resorts actually have cool things to do as well. When you go home their suitcase will be packed with colorful creations they made during their holiday. Examples of resorts with great Kids Clubs are Patra Bali Tuban, Holiday Inn Baruna Bali Tuban, the Bali Dynasty Hotel Tuban, the West-in Resort Nusa Dua and the Bali Hyatt Sanur.

Nov 26, Enjoy the tropical Bali beaches at Nusa Lembongan

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:38:24 GMT

Nusa Lembongan is a small island just off the coast of Sanur. Despite its small size this tiny island offers amazing beaches and spectacular diving and snorkeling possibilities.

Most Bali travelers visit Nusa Lembongan during a day cruise which is offered by companies such as Bali Hai, Aristocat Sailing Catamaran, Bounty Cruises. For details about their trips check out this link

But you can also experience Nusa Lembongan longer than just one day. There are many different accommodations and restaurants for any type of traveler. And if you are a tropical beach lover you can easily enjoy Nusa Lembongan beaches for a couple of days.

It is getting easier to reach this island as more and more companies are offering fast boat transfers leaving from Sanur Beach to Nusa Lembongan. It only takes you 25 minutes to get there.

One of the companies is the Rocky Fast Cruise at Jl Hangtuah no 41 in Sanur which leaves 4 times daily. An adult return ticket is USD 50 and includes free transfer from Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua.

Another option is Scoot Fast Cruises at Jl. Hangtuah No. 27 in Sanur which also leaves 4 times daily. You can get a return ticket for Rp. 500.000 and this also includes transfers from Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua area. They also do pick-ups from Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud area (min 2 persons).

Lembongan Paradise Cruise at Jl. Hangtuah street No.78 in Sanur leaves 3 times daily and is slightly cheaper. You can get a return ticket for Rp.450.000 including transfers in Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. For transfers to and from Uluwatu, Ubud and Canggu there is an extra charge of Rp.150.000. But if you won't be needing and pick-up or drop-off the return boat ticket will be Rp. 350.000.

The Tanis Villas in Nusa Lembongan also has 3 times a day fast cruise services to and from Nusa Lembongan. A return ticket is Rp. 450.000 and includes hotel transfers in Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua area.

If you need pick-up from Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu or Kerobokan there is a surcharge of Rp. 150.000. If you won't be needing any transfers at all then the return ticket Rp. 300.000. Tickets can be arranged at the Mushroom Beach Office in Sanur.

Check out the transfer plus accommodations deals when you are arranging a ticket at one of the express cruise offices.

Nov 24, Discovery of nature in Ubud Bali

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:05:13 GMT

The village of Ubud is close to system overload with bus loads of tourists visiting Ubud market, the Monkey Forest and wandering along the shops and boutiques on Monkey Forest Road, Ubud Raja Road and Hanoman Road every day of the week.

And this is the scenic village we love to come back to every time we're in Bali?

Yep, the beauty of Ubud Bali is not something you'll find within the village but starts on Jalan (road) Kajeng, a side road of Ubud Raja Road where at the end you'll be greeted by farmers ploughing their fields, children running their kites and ducks fertilizing the rice paddies.

Another road to the beauty of Ubud is located next to the Ibah Hotel where you enter a small road leading to the Gunung Lebah temple in Campuan. From here it's up to the ridge from where you'll have some great views on swaying palm trees, colorful rice fields and river Woos below.

You can continue this scenic road along Klub Kokos and some luxurious villas until you reach an asphalt road. Here you can turn left onwards to the Neka Art Museum which happen to be one of the best museums in Bali.

To get some background information on Ubud's nature there are a couple of guided tours worth considering. From the Campuhan Ridge the eccentric Victor Mason organises the Bali Bird Walk which will lead you along river gorges, rice fields and forests. It's a great tour and we saw more than 30 species of Bali birds.

Another guided tour is the Bali Herb Walk where Wayan Lilir and her husband Made Westi love to share their knowledge on plant healing. Make sure you are guided by any of the two. To our surprise we got a 19-year old Biology student from nearby Mambal who kept on talking about religious hocus pocus and the latest yoga positions.

Nov 23, Discover the diversity of Indonesian Food at Ketupat

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:06:03 GMT

Indonesia has thousands of different islands. Each island has their own character, culture and of course its own local dish. In Bali alone you can choose from dozens of typical Balinese dishes so you can imagine that if you gather all the different recipes from each island in Indonesia you will have a long list of tasty dishes.

And that is what Ketupat Restaurant has done.

At Ketupat they serve all kinds of Indonesian food that will make your taste buds tingle. From Beef Rendang and Curry from Sumatra, Grilled Squid with water spinach from Kalimantan to Grilled Lobster in Mango-Chilly Chutney from Sulawesi. You can try it all at Ketupat.

Not only is the food very Indonesian but the Indonesian decorations at their 2 restaurants create the perfect atmosphere for an amazing lunch or dinner. Read about our dinner at Ketupat Kuta.

Nov 17, Bali Private Villa Rental - Feel at home at Villa Baja

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:39:29 GMT

In Bali you can find private luxury villas everywhere, even in the outmost corners of the island. More and more people are building their dream villa and renting them out to travelers.

These are not villas connected to any hotel or resort chain nor are they located in a complex. These Bali private villas are unique luxury accommodations where the owners have decorated everything in their personal style.

The staff, usually consisting of a cook, cleaner and someone to help you around are there to make your stay unforgettable. Since there are just a few staff members present you will soon get to know them resulting in an informal atmosphere while still maintaining the touch of luxury.

Villa Baja in Jimbaran is such a villa. This privately owned villa is beautifully decorated with Javanese furniture and has just undergone a renovation so everything is spick and span. Two rooms are found in the main villa while the third is located in a separate building close to the private pool. The view over the ocean is stunning.

The 5 staff members are there to assist you with whatever you wish for. They even can do the groceries for you and prepare your complimentary breakfast. So you don't have to stick to the menus and pre-selected dishes like in other villas and resorts. Just feel at home at villa Baja and have your breakfast or any other meal just the way you like it.

Click on the link below to find the rates till March 2012 or contact us if you want to know the March 2012-March 2013 rates.

Nov 14, Things to do in Lovina beach

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:58:54 GMT

There are various things to do in Lovina beach and the most famous attraction here is watching the dolphins early in the morning. You can arrange this tour at your hotel or with anybody that looks Balinese in the village. It costs around Rph 50.000 which is cheap considering the popularity of the tour.

Keep in mind though that there are loads of boats following the dolphins so for the sake of these fine creatures tell your boatman to stay put and go the other direction because these dolphins are everywhere.

Another great attraction is to go snorkelling or diving at Menjangan island, which is part of West Bali National Park and happen to be one of the best places to see marine life. It takes around 45 minutes by car to Labuang Lalang Jetty from where you can take a boat further for another 15 minutes to the island.

If you are more of a land animal then hiking in the mountains around Lovina beach is a great opportunity to meet Balinese farmers, smiling kids, ancient temples and one of the best views in northern Bali. To find good hiking trails follow the signs leading to the Damail Lovina Villas for the village of Kayuputih or just start your trip near the villages of Tegallinggah or Bangkiansidem.

Another great attraction is visiting the Buddhist Monastery in Banjar followed by a dip in the hot springs where you can soak in 38 degrees water. For women we advise to bring proper swim clothing and preferable a cheap bathing suit or bikini with an additional T-shirt since the Banjar Hot Springs are popular among local Indonesians. Besides these hot springs can shrink your outfit when it's made of lesser quality.

Nov 12, How to prepare yourself for Bali island

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:57:21 GMT

Preparation is half the holiday and since Bali island is very different from the 'usual island holiday' it makes sense to come fully prepared. There are many things you have to keep in mind and once you read through all the disappointments you will know why. Here we have outlined how you can prepare yourself for a great time out on this magical island...

Nov 6, New Flights to Bali - The Yogyakarta-Denpasar route

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:57:11 GMT

The successful low cost Airline AirAsia is expanding its route once again. Their current routes in Indonesia are Jakarata-Denpasar, Bandung-Denpasar, Jakarta-Yogyakarta, Surabaya-Medan and Bandung-Medan.

Since these routes are flying with an average occupancy of 80 percent, AirAsia is willing to add a new route from Bali to Yogyakarta.

Currently there are many Indonesian domestic flights between Denpasar and Yogyakarta such as with Garuda and Lion Air. But considering AirAsia is popular among many foreign tourists who have traveled to other Asian destinations before with this airline, I can imagine that the AirAsia flights between Bali and Yogyakarta will become popular too.

With regular flights from Bali to Yogyakarta I highly recommend to add in your Bali holiday itinerary a visit to this historical and cultural Javanese city for at least 2 days. Great sights are the Sultan Palace (Kraton), batik and silver factories and of course the UNESCO World Heritage site of the 9th Century Buddhist Monument the Borobudur.

Nov 4, Cheap flights to Bali - Benefiting from others' misfortune

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:14:13 GMT

With the grounding of the national carrier Qantas over an industrial dispute this last weekend low-cost airlines are taking this opportunity to launch new routes to destinations highly popular among Australians. While rival airline companies such as Virgin Australia and AirAsia launched discount fares to help the stranded Qantas passengers get to their destinations, Air Australia (currently known as Strategic Airlines) is planning to fly to popular domestic and international destinations by the end of this year. This change will trigger the domestic airlines competition even more resulting in low international fares to popular island destinations such as Bali. So for those planning to spend a holiday in Bali make sure you browse the web intensively to find the best fares.

Oct 27, Spare a horse and ride a Kuta Cowboy

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:51:07 GMT

You'll be surprised but there's a group of tourists who come to Bali not for her temples, volcanoes or world class accommodation but for one thing only and that's love & pleasure. Usually this group consist of men but in Bali it’s the other way, most of them consist of women from all parts of the world.

They flock to the hustle and bustle of Kuta where you'll find many night clubs, cheap bars, great restaurants but above all the dark-skinned Kuta gigolos.

These so called gigolos are usually coming from the poorer parts of Java and Bali where education is a luxury and where work is an exception.

Often the only and easy solution they come up with is learning Indonesian English as fast as they can and hit for the famous Tuban, Kuta and Legian beach strip in search for mostly insecure women who can use a gentlemen by their side.

To get in contact with these women they hang out on the beach, work a little bit as a surf instructor or go to the night clubs (where they have to pay an entrance fee while tourists go free) and hip-hop their way into the hearts of women mostly between the age of 20-40 years old.

These guys are not only smooth talkers, masseurs, entertainers, musicians and soft spiritual guys who do yoga and meditation but also treat these ladies with respect and honour.

But the golden rule here is: 'Never fall in Love but try to get as much out of it as possible'. Some of these guys get new clothing, jewellery, motor bikes and even a ticket to the American, European or Australian fields of gold.

Often these relationships turn into marriages and onwards into misery because these gigolos are made for a life under the palm trees, on the beach where there aren't any responsibilities.

But besides broken hearts some tourists and gigolos also end up with contracting HIV and according to Bali's Commission of Aids Prevention the number of Balinese infected this year is around 7,300, one of the highest rates in the Indonesian archipelago.

Singapore-based writer and director, Amit Virmani made a documentary about these gigolos and called it ''Cowboys in Paradise'' and here on YouTube you can watch the trailer. Have fun...;-)

Oct 21, 5 Crucial Tips on Choosing Your Bali Luxury Private Villa

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:40:59 GMT

These days you don't necessarily need to stay at a resort if you want to have a great holiday in Bali. Now you can even choose from a long list of luxury private villas all with their own unique design.

In the last 10 years the number of villas in Bali has increased considerably. From international hotel chains to private owners they all created types of villas that will suit any travelers needs.

However we have noticed that villa owners tend to call their type of accommodation 'a private villa' far to easily. So at the end there are different types of villas in Bali ranging from villas that are 100% private with their own butler and pool to villas that are more or less a bungalow room located in a resort.

Either way before you book your Bali luxury Private Villa read through the 5 crucial tips so you can be sure that you will be staying at the Bali private villa of your dreams.

Oct 18, Bali Temple - The visitors dress-code

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:09:40 GMT

If you plan to travel around Bali and do some sightseeing you will more than likely visit at least one or two temples during your trip. Bali has many beautiful and popular temples that are definitely worth putting on your itinerary.

The temples are sacred for the Balinese and when they go there they are always dressed at their best. And this is expected from visitors too.

You don't have do be dressed up as the Balinese but you do need to take some minor efforts. First of all make sure that you are are wearing a t-shirt of some kind, so no bare chest (just mentioning it to be on the safe side) or singlets.

Whether you are a man or a woman your knees should be covered, so if you are wearing long trousers you are fine. But if you are in shorts than you need to wrap a sarong around you waist covering the upper half of your legs. You can either take one with you or rent one at the entrance of the temple complex.

The last thing which will be provided as well at the temple is a sash that should be tied around the waist. The people there will help you put everything on tightly so it won't suddenly drop off once you start climbing the stairs. You might not look as dandy as the Balinese but it all adds to the experience of being a tourist!

Most temples require a 'strict' dress-code except for Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi, Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple since visitors can not enter the actual temple complex.

Oct 11, Bali Beaches - Their colorful performance

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:56:13 GMT

What better way to end the day then at the beach with the sound of the waves and a beautiful sunset. Well in Bali you are guaranteed to see them: sunsets that cover the skies with a dark pink, purple glow ending in dramatic blazing yellow and red colors.

Kuta beach is probably the number one spot where people flock together and sit in the sand to enjoy this spectacular performance by nature. And looking at this picture you can imagine why...

But there are many other Bali beaches on the island where you can enjoy this show. Heading to the north you will be amazed at the late afternoon skies at Lovina beach.

The nice thing about this area is that unlike Kuta area the water in Lovina is as quiet as a lake. So besides gazing over the horizon awaiting the sunset you can see many fishermen wading into the water to fish, either with just a fishing rod or by boat. The shape of the mountains located on Java island make it a perfect picture...

Surprisingly another great beach is located on the east coast of Bali. When we're in Candidasa we're stunned by the spectacular sunsets there.

You will soon notice when you wander around Candidasa that it is pretty much covered with palm trees giving the sunset that familiar tropical feeling.

Besides the gorgeous sunset Bali has beautiful sunrises as well. But these are often limited for those who wake up early in the morning as the first sun rays will appear around 5am. Perfect start of the day for those suffering a jet lag...

Oct 8, Copycats in Bali

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:28:26 GMT

When walking through the busy streets of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or Sanur you will have to blink with your eyes a couple of times to see that the jet lag hasn't gotten to you with brands such as Dolce & Kabanna, Vesacie, Rolix and Oakelie widely available for sale and it's all so tempting...

But that's not all, chances are that you run into the latest Photoshop and Windows 7 series for around US$5 and even the latest movies can be had for peanuts.

Even in the big shopping malls in Kuta such as Kartika Plaza and ....you can find the famous Polo outlets with prices half of what you will pay back home. Copyright isn't something the Indonesians are worried about.

The police will raid one of the shops once in a while to send out a 'clear' message but that's more for fun than to be taken seriously as their salary is around $US 100 per month. They have other things to do and can make some money on the side by stopping foreigners without a proper drivers licence or those who are not wearing helmets.

Besides the Balinese are extremely good in copying products and they don't consider it to be a form of stealing but more as a tribute to the designer, company or craftsman.

It speaks for itself that you will not be stopped in Indonesia with a bag full of counterfeits but it's a different story when you get back and you have to go through customs. Moreover the quality of these products is extremely low and software can have loads of bugs so in the end it's not even worth it.

Oct 6, Villa Gils Candidasa | Bali Luxury Private Villa

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:06:13 GMT

Villa Gils is one hell of a villa in Candidasa with two floors, 3- bedrooms, private kitchen, six staff members, massive private swimming pool and...

Oct 4, Travel in Bali and discover the
beauty of the east

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:08:47 GMT

Even though Bali is such a small island with 140 km by 80 km there are too many sights to see while spending your holiday here.

To make it a bit easier for you we have divided the island into 5 areas and this time I like to highlight the East of Bali where most of the highlights are located in the Karangasem Regency.

Hard to miss and on top of the list for those travellers who do decide to travel to this part of the island is the impressive sight of Gunung Agung with Pura Besakih on her slopes which is Bali's mother temple, the most important and biggest temple in Bali.

Best time to visit this complex is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when most tourist buses haven't arrived or have disappeared already. Try to bring a guide or your driver along when visiting the temple as this is also one of the most annoying sights to visit with all those wannabe guides hanging around.

Another temple of importance and beauty but without all the hassle is Pura Kehen located in Bangli. It was built in the 11th century and Kehen means fireplace or household, symbolizing the Fire god Brahmen who is also the protector of this temple. You will easily see why this is our favorite temple in East Bali as it is built on 8 terraces with various guardian statues of wayang figures.

If you're not into temples but just love to cruise around I can recommend you one of our favorite routes through this region which starts in Central Bali in the idyllic but also tourist village of Ubud from where you drive onwards to Gianyar, Bangli, Rendang, Besakih, Rendang, Selat, Putung, Manggis ending in the little coconut town of Candi dasa.

This route will take you from rice fields vistas up into the mountains with spectacular views on rivers, beautiful villages, temples and lovely people.

Another sight worth visiting is the Royal Water palace in Tirta Gangga where besides walking around the premises you are also allowed to take a dip into the pools and feel like a royal yourself among Balinese statues and sacred trees.

If you're into hiking there's an excellent route through the rice fields of Tirta Gangga all the way to the Bali Aga village of Tenganan, a stone throw away from the coastal village of Candi dasa.

Sep 29, Eat, Pray and Love with Durian

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:05:39 GMT

Durian is often called the King of Fruit in Asia and once you start eating the flesh of this spiky looking fruit you either will agree or totally disagree, there is no in-between feeling, you either love it or hate it.

I’m not a huge fan of the fruit but my girlfriend and her family are total addicts when the fruit is in season. They even stop along the road and fill up half the car with this pungent smelling fruit. Durian is made up of 63 different compounds giving it a smell similar to ammonia and it doesn’t come as a surprise that the fruit is forbidden on several airlines and inside certain hotels.

It got its name from the word Duri which means ‘thorn’ and it can weigh up to 3 kilos. It hangs in trees reaching up to 40 m so start wearing a helmet once you get the chance to walk around a durian plantation.

The best chance to see and buy the real Balinese Durian fruit and not the fake Thai import is in the mountain area around Munduk, Kintamani and Jatiluwih. The tiny village of Bestala not far from Munduk is home to the best Durian on Bali Island and here the local Balinese can tell you exactly which Durian tree is for beginners and which tree is for the more advanced.

You might bump into several shrines while walking around and this is because the Balinese believe that the trees have a soul as well and they place offerings in the hope that the tree will give them a good harvest. They even have a special ritual for the trees which is called ‘Tumpek Pengatag’ and here they celebrate the durian but also other fruits such as mangosteen or coconut.

Moreover the Balinese believe that they are not allowed to take the fruit from the trees, it has to fall by itself once it’s ripe otherwise they will not get a good harvest the next time.

Some also believe that the Durian has aphrodisiac properties and placing it under your bed will improve your relationship considerably. Fact is that the fruit is high in calories and that it contains proteins, minerals, fats, sugars and vitamins so as with most food try not to eat too much of it.

Funny thing is that nowadays you can even get durian flavoured condoms in the local AM/PM and since its introduction in 2003 has become an instant hit among local Indonesians.

Sep 20, Bali Shopping - The Fun of Bargaining...

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:03:15 GMT

Not only is Bali known for its beaches, culture, sights, restaurants and accommodations but it is famous for its shopping too.

You can buy all kinds of things in Bali ranging from cloths, statues, paintings, artifacts, house decorations, jewelry and not to forget cheap DVD's, software and games. But remember the latter can be illegal from where you come from. So try to restrain from buying loads of the latest movies..;-)

In every popular village there are tons of little shops and in Ubud and Sukawati you can even find great markets where they sell all kind of beautiful Balinese items to take home.

As soon as you start browsing the shops you will soon notice that not all items have a price tag. This is when you have to start bargaining. I know that some people hate bargaining and if you are one of them then make sure you shop in boutiques and malls only. Here everything has a set price so you know exactly what you are expected to pay.

But if you want to get a good price and the owner of the shop says he or she is willing then it is time to bargain.

What I always do is start with half the price they offer and from there on I go up. Sometimes the game of bargaining can take pretty long and there are moments of playful acting with sad faces and dramatic gestures.

When you are playing along don't forget that you are on a holiday and that at the end you are there to enjoy yourself. Make sure that the game doesn't turn into an argument and remember that the shop owner will never go under the actual price.

Once you and the shop owner agree on a price then go for it. The shop owner might have made a nice profit and you have probably paid a higher price then necessary.

But at the end you have a beautiful souvenir plus you have made another Balinese happy who will immediately start slapping the money you have given him/her on all the remaining items in the shop in hope for more fortune in the future.

Head for Jalan Legian in Kuta and Legian for loads of little shops with all kinds of Balinese items. Here you can also find great surf shops. For more fancy shopping head to the boutiques in Seminyak.

In Ubud you have beautiful shops along Jalan Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoman. While at Sukawati and Ubud Market you will have enough possibilities to show off your bargaining skills.

Sep 15, 5 mind blowing museums in Bali

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:27:23 GMT

Here are 5 museums in Bali that I can highly recommend for those visitors who love to learn more about the background of the island and their skilled artisans. Not surprising the scenic village of Ubud with its surrounding rice fields, river gorges and relaxed life style is where you can find most of these museum and Bali’s best painters, local as well as international. And it is because of these international artists that art has become an important export product for Bali nowadays.

1. The Antonio Blanco museum at the Campuan River gorge in Ubud is the most eccentric of the five museums that we have been to. It is the former house of the Catalonian painter ‘Don’ Antonio Blanco where you’ll find numerous paintings of mostly bare-breasted Balinese woman in a mansion of three stories. 2. The Denpasar Museum is a complete different cup of tea but nonetheless a great place to visit when you want to learn something about Bali’s rich cultural and historic life. The museum is divided into several pavilions where you find archaeological findings from Gilimanuk village, barong dance costumes and topeng masks, Kamasan and Ubud style paintings and other Bali handicrafts such as ikat cloths and woodcarvings.

3. The Arma Museum stands for the Agung Rai Museum of Art and is located in Pengosekan just south of Ubud. Not only can you find here fine Balinese paintings by the famous Walter Spies and other international artist such as Rudolf Bonnet and Willem Gerard Hofker in well laid out pavilions but also find cultural performances at almost every day of the week. 4. The Neka Museum is located on the Campuan ridge and is our favourite museum in Ubud as it divided in eight different pavilions with works of art ranging from Balinese paintings, wood carvings to daggers, international artists, temporary exhibitions and black-white pictures by Robert and Louise Koke.

Pavilion II is dedicated to Arie Smit who has influenced Balinese painters in the ‘60s while Pavilion IV is dedicated to the local I Gusti Nyoman Lempad who not only was an amazing painter but also a skilled temple and palace designer. 5. The Puri Lukisan museum is located in the centre of Ubud and was founded by the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet who together with Walter Spies and the royal family of Ubud created the Pita Maha group. This group existed of local Balinese artist and with the right tools and training became a huge success overseas. Now you can find three pavilions with the Ubud Style, Young Artist Style, The Modern Traditional Balinese Painting Style and temporary exhibitions.

Sep 2, Lakes of Bali - A Picture Preview

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:50:58 GMT

When you think of a holiday in Bali you immediately picture the many Bali beaches. But Bali has also some beautiful lakes which you can find in the mainland of the island. It is definitely worth stopping at one or more of them during a day trip.

Danau means lake in Indonesian and the 4 lakes of Bali are Danau Batur, Danau Beratan, Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan.

Danau Batur is probably the most visited of all lakes. From the village Kintamani you have great views over the lake and the impressive Gunung Batur. Most tours stop here for a buffet lunch which is not the best food you will probably taste in Bali but just sitting on the restaurant balcony with such a gorgeous view is worth staying a bit longer...

The three remaining lakes are located close to each other. When coming from the south you will first pass the village of Bedugul followed by Danau Bratan which lies in a old crater of the volcano Gunung Catur on your right.

There always seems to be a big cloud hanging over the lake because I always experience rain when I'm here. But at this lake you have the famous Ulun Danu Bratan temple so despite the weather you might want to stop to have a look.

Continuing the road towards the mountains you will soon see Danau Tamblingan on your left side. There are several places to stop along the main road to admire the view but we recommend you to drive a bit further.

The main road will make a sharp turn to the right, after this turn you will see a small road off the main road leading the left to Munduk. Take this to admire the twin lakes to the fullest.

The views over Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan from here are terrific.

As you can tell from the pictures it can get pretty cold in this area. So don't forget to bring a sweater with you. If you want to enjoy the lakes to the fullest then you should consider staying a couple of days in this area where you can do some great hiking. Have a look at http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-vacations.html to discover what the Mountain and Lake districts have to offer or go for more hiking tips on Gunung Batur to http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-hiking.html#gunung-batur

Aug 26, Tour Bali on a motorbike

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:36:53 GMT

Being your own guide in Bali is not only fun but it is a way to discover new things on the island. That is why we love to tour Bali on a motorbike. This way we are not limited to the itinerary of the Bali travel guides and we can decide where we want to go at any specific moment.

A motorbike can be less comfortable than touring in a car. First of all you don't have air conditioning plus at the end of the day your face can be black from all the car emissions. On top of that you can't bring loads of luggage with you and let's not start on the pains and aches of specific body parts after a day of driving...

But the advantages are there. You can easily maneuver yourself through the traffic, you can pass most of the traffic jams and you don't have problems with finding a parking space. The last one is very convenient in villages such as Kuta and Ubud.

We mostly like the motorbike because you can actually hear and smell the surrounding around us and we can easily take the small hidden roads. It is also a great way to take Bali photos. You can stop whenever you want and there is no windows blocking your view...

The most popular bikes that are for rent in Bali are the Yamaha Mio or the Honda Vario. These bikes do not look big but they can go very fast. So here are some things you should be aware off before jumping on a motorbike

Always have an international driving licence. This makes life easier when the police stops you. Secondly drive as do at home so always use a helmet. I know, it is hot and what better way to cool down than driving around without a helmet. But it is dangerous and if you do get into an accident you can severely injure yourself or even get killed.

The Balinese sometimes don't use a helmet. Especially if they are in traditional clothing or in the countryside. But they are used to driving in Bali where the conditions, roads and traffic is different than what you are used to.

Additionally, don't drink and drive. This may come as obvious but it still happens a lot. Many accidents with foreigners are of travelers partying and then driving back to their accommodation drunk. It is not only dangerous for yourself but you can hurt somebody who just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you stick to these simple tips we're sure you have lots of fun discovering a different Bali too...

Aug 24, Nusa Dua Hotel Reviews | Bali luxury resort

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:27:44 GMT

Staying at a Nusa Dua hotel isn't something ordinary, most of them look like villages, ideally located at the beach and great for families or romantics...

Aug 21, Highlights Damai Lovina Villas | Bali Luxury hotel

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:22:09 GMT

The secluded and luxurious Damai Lovina Villas is located on the slopes of a mountain with an astonishing view over the mountain range on one side and the blue ocean on the other...

Aug 20, The Best Bali Beaches to go Surfing

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:04:18 GMT

The great thing about Bali beaches is that they all have their own unique character. Some are perfect for swimming, others are famous for snorkeling and diving while many are known for their great waves.

Surfers around the world have been coming to Bali since the 1940's. At that time most of them headed straight to Kuta beach which today is still one of the most famous surf beaches.

But there are many more that have terrific waves too. If you head more towards the south you have a string of beaches that are great for surfing. Many surfers jump on their motorbikes and head to which ever beach has the best conditions at that specific moment. Uluwatu beach, Padang Padang beach, Bingin beach and Green Ball Beach are the most popular beaches in the south.

If you head up to the west coast of Bali you have the more quiet beaches such a Canggu Beach where yearly surf competitions are held. Other West Bali beaches that attract surfers are Balian beach and Medewi Beach.

The East Bali beaches are not known for their waves. But there is one that is excellent for surfing called Jasri beach. It's pretty deserted here but it's a great option if you want the waves to yourself.

If surfing will be your main activity in Bali then you won't need to head up to the North Bali beaches as the waters here are as calm as a lake.

We bumped into a great video of a surfer in Bali. Have a look at what you can expect if you plan to surf in Bali...

Aug 19, Bali food - A Must to try!

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:43:34 GMT

Eating Indonesian/Bali food is a one of the things you have to do when you are in Bali. The Indonesian food is known for its many spices and because Indonesia is composed of so many islands and each island has their own dishes, you have to possibility to try out tons of different types of flavors.

Luckily many restaurants in Bali have besides a Western menu also an Indonesian menu so you will easily have the opportunity to try out the local food. The basic dishes are usually fried noodles, fried rice with chicken sate, or gado gado (steamed vegetables with peanut sauce). But if you want to try out more this is what you should do...

You should go to one of the many warungs which you can also find in Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Ubud.

Once you enter a warung you shouldn't take a seat immediately but walk to the displays which are usually located in the back. Here you will see dozens of dishes varying from meat, chicken, fish, tofu and vegetables. All prepared differently and all tasting delicious.

Once you have checked them all out the person behind the display will serve some rice on the plate and then it is up to you to decide what you want add to it. You can choose anything you want from the display. At the end you pay for each dish separately.

As you might have expected if you are a meat eater and choose four types of different meat dishes you will pay more than somebody who wants vegetables only.

My favorite dishes are for instance Rendang (beef in coconut sauce), chicken curry, fish curry or with sambal (red pepper paste, don't worry not to0 spicy), fried tofu or tempe (soy beans), jackfruit (really really delicious), simmered eggplant, sate and many more...

Here is a short list of several recommended warungs:

Kuta - Masakan Indonesia located right in the alley between Poppies I and Poppies II
Seminyak - Ocha located at a corner of Jalan Legian
Legian - Warung Murah at Double Six towards the beach
Sanur - Warung Blanjong on Jalan Danau Poso
Ubud - Warung Lada on Jalan Hanoman

Other restaurants offer Nasi Campur which is a bit of everything served with rice. It is the same concept as I described above but here the chef decides what the side dishes will be.

Nasi Campur is also an excellent way to try out different Indonesian dishes. And if you are staying in Kuta area then you can go to one of the two Ketupat Restaurants that serves dishes from other islands too such as Kalimantan, Sumatra and Sulewesi. Selamat Makan!

Aug 17, Monkey Business in Bali

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:33:20 GMT

Bali island is not only the ‘island of the Gods’ but also the island of monkeys since the macaques roaming the temple complexes and forests are considered sacred to the Balinese.

Monkeys play an important role in the story of the Ramayana which is one of stories in the Hindu Dharma religion of the Balinese. Here the monkey General Hanoman saves princess Sita from the hands of the evil king Rawana.

There are 4 places on the island where you’ll encounter these macaques easily.

The first place is the famous and stunning Uluwatu temple in the south of the island. Here at the entrance to the temple complex you are greeted by not only by the temple guardian who checks if you are wearing a sarong and sash but also by eager peanut sellers and the even more eager macaques.

Be careful though as these smarty pants are intelligent creatures and are looking for anything that is eatable or blinks. Numerous travellers have lost their sunglasses, necklaces, ice creams, bottles of water and even their wallets so try to stay sharp even though it can be tropical hot.

The second place where you can stand eye to eye with these monkeys is of course at the Monkey Forest in Ubud where tourists outnumber the macaques. Here the same rules apply as at the Uluwatu temple.

They look extremely cute but if you bring your kids along watch out as we’ve seen numerous kids crying after been jumped on by one of these cheeky fellows. Even though you can buy bags of peanuts there’s not need as they have plenty to eat in the forest and from the many offerings.

The third place to watch monkeys is at the Monkey Forest at Sangeh. Here the Balinese also believe that the three clans roaming this area are descendants from the Monkey General Hanoman. The Bukit Sari temple in this monkey forest was built by the royal family from Mengwi in the 17th century to honour the god Vishnu and it was used as a place for meditation.

The fourth place to encounter macaque monkeys is on the way from Bedugul to Singaraja or Lovina via Munduk. Here on the edge of Lake Buyan you’ll find numerous stoned looking monkeys sitting on the crash barrier next to road but be aware they are more active than you might think.

Aug 16, Lovina Bali beach resorts | Cheap Bali holidays

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:41:18 GMT

Lovina Bali has a some good resorts set along the northern coast. Here you can doze away at the swimming pool or take a refreshing dip in the ocean...

Aug 15, Cheap Hotels in Lovina | Bali accommodations

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:12:31 GMT

It’s easy to find cheap hotels in Lovina, there seem to be more guesthouses, backpackers and hostels then residential houses along the beach...

Aug 14, Bali Photos - The do's and don'ts of taking pictures

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:47:49 GMT

With a abundance of colors, beautiful people and stunning views you will not be able resist making tons of pictures when you travel in Bali.

When it comes to making pictures of temples, offerings, rice fields and sunsets there are no etiquettes, but when it comes to people and ceremonies you should be aware of some things.

Groups of children are always fun to take pictures of

Travelers are welcome to ceremonies and they are allowed to make pictures. However you should never disturb or stand in the way of worshippers when taking a picture. And when you are trying to find the best spot to take the pictures make sure you are not sitting higher than the priest or table with offerings. You should never use flash as well.

Another nice place to make great pictures is in the countryside where you can find scenes of farmers busy in the rice fields or women balancing baskets on their heads. You also might come across men and women bathing in the river. In Bali people bathing in rivers are considered as invisible so you should walk pass by as if they are not there. This means not making pictures as well.

In most cases when people are working in the field or doing their own business you can make pictures of them. Some will even stop and wave.

But when I take pictures I try to do it as polite as possible in order to prevent anybody feeling uncomfortable. In most cases I ask permission first especially with close up pictures. If you do that, don't be surprised if one or two will ask a small fee for it. Like the lady in the picture above...:-)