Things to See and Do in Bali

1) Beach & Surf
Bali has a number of pristine white sand beaches and secluded coves, the most famous beaches being in Nusa Dua where long stretches of soft white sand will soothe and comfort the soles of your feet. Many hotels have their own private stretch of beach with a Beach club or restaurant. With beaches, come waves and with waves come surfers from all over the world. Kuta and Uluwatu are well known for their surf which makes Bali one of the most popular surf destinations in the world. All the coastal towns from Canggu, Seminyak and Legian to Kuta share the same long stretch of beach. In Kuta it would be more crowded with many street hawkers but if you go to other areas, you will have more peace and quiet if this is what you are looking for.

2) Padi fields
The beautiful terraced green padi fields are another must see for a visitor to the island of Bali. Most tourists will automatically head to Ubud in Gianyar Regency, about a 45 minute drive from Bali International Airport to stay in a hotel and villa overlooking the padi fields. But if you do find yourself in this area, the best padi field scenery is at Jatih Luwih and Tegallalang, not too far from Ubud. This is best seen on a half day or full day tour which will most likely take you to other scenic sites along the way.

3) Galleries and Museums
Bali has a large concentration of art galleries and museums. Beautiful paintings can be found in Ubud, home to many of Bali's aspiring artists. The peaceful scenery and tranquility of the area must be an inspiration for these artists who produce remarkably detailed paintings and whose works are displayed in the numerous art galleries and museums found in Ubud village. Some of the more well known galleries are The Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Museum, Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum, Komaneka Gallery and Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women just to name a few.

4) Dance and Music
Dance and music play a very important part of the life of a Balinese. Every ceremony and festival is almost always accompanied by traditional dance and the soothing sounds of the Gamelan. You will find many locations in and near Ubud where you can watch these dance performances. Dancers wear glittery and colourful costumes, executing to perfection elaborate hand movements and facial expressions to convey stories of the Ramayana. You can watch the elegant Legong Dance and listen to the Gamelan orchestra playing at the Ubud Palace in central Ubud, or see other entertaining performances such as the Warrior Dance and Kecak Dance at other locations within the town. Wayang Kulit, or Shadow Play performances are also a common evening entertainment for the local Balinese and tourists alike.

5) Yoga and Spa Treamtents
With the luxurious and romantic resorts come the ultra indulgent and sensuous spa treatments at the growing number of world class spa facilities and health resorts appearing all over Bali. Using natural herbs and indigenous products, the amazing variety of spa treatments available in Bali is enough to get you hooked and wanting more. Spa treatments are ideal for relaxation and what every person who needs a break from this fast paced world of work, family and stress will surely appreciate. A variety of massages using Aryuvedic, Shiatsu and hot stone techniques are on the menu for you to choose from. Traditional treatments such as Boreh and Lulur are common. Facials, foot massages, healthy meals and private spa facilities are also available at some hotels and salons. Holistic resorts offer yoga programs and have resident teachers who will guide you to peace of mind and nirvana.

6) Festivals and Ceremonies
Religion plays a central role in the life of every Balinese. The island has hundreds of temples, for which each and every one has a temple anniversary, called Odalan. On this day, the villagers visit the temple for prayers and socializing. It can be considered a community event to bring the villagers together. With the Balinese Hindu religion comes many daily practices such as placing offerings of trays of flowers called Canang Sari in temples, shrines and symbolic locations to ward off evil and to please the Gods. The Balinese new year, Nyepi Day is a time which many tourists like to visit Bali to witness the noisy and colourful Ogoh-Ogoh procession or simply see them being built during the days before Nyepi. Galungan is another major festival for the Balinese which at the end of 10 days is marked by Kuningan Day. This festival occurs every six months so you will have the opportunity to see it in another half year if you miss the first round. During this time you will see the Barong Dance procession which goes through the village performing in front of shops and houses as an act of purification. Cremations are another village affair where the entire family and friends of the deceased are involved. The body is carried from the home grounds through the village to the cremation site where it is place in a towering sarcophagus and burnt to the ground.

7) Sea Sports
Bali has some of the most colourful and interesting sea life you will ever see. Well known dive sites are located in Amed and Tulamben where there are ship wrecks, in Menjangan Island in the North West, and Pandang Bai and Lembongan Island in the East to name a few. Nusa Dua and Sanur are ideal for snorkeling but there are many other areas as well.

8) Fly like a bird or Travel to higher altitudes
Paragliding is a sport not many are familiar with but with the beautiful coastal scenery, this sport is becoming more and more popular. If flying free like a bird is not your cup of tea, another option is a helicopter tour or book a heli transfer to your hotel for a view from the sky along the way. The cost of heli tours are not for the average tourist but if you want to try something different, viewing Bali from this perspective is very exciting and you will get to see places that not even the locals have the opportunity to see such as the very top of Mt Agung, coastal scenery that is difficult to reach and much more.

Indonesia has hundreds of volcanoes and Bali has some of its own famous ones as well. Kintamani town is where you will see the 2800m high Mount Batur, a popular tourist destination in Bali. The volcano has a large caldera lake and it is possible to go on a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur if you can wake up early enough! Mount Agung, the location of Bali's largest and most sacred temple, Puri Besakih, is Bali's highest and most sacred mountain at 3142m high. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple is where Bali's most important ceremonies are held and worth visiting if you have the opportunity to go on an East Bali tour especially in April when the temple has its anniversary.

9) Land Adventure Activities
Apart from the southern tourist towns, Bali is an island still very much in its natural state compared to other tourist destinations. You will soon realise that there are many locations that provide the ideal terrain for exciting adventure activities. The rivers, mountains and jungles are all places where you can experience Bali away from the tourist crowds. White water rafting down the scenic Ayung River or down the heart stopping Telaga River rapids is one of the more popular activities for tourists who come to Bali. Mountain cycling through the padi fields and villages from Kintamani is another leisurely activity for families and individuals alike. How about an Elephant Safari? Bali is home to the world famous Taro Elephant Park, complete with accommodation, activities and fun for all ages. You can ride an elephant through the jungle, marvel at their intelligence and let them make you laugh when you visit the Taro Elephant safari park in Bali. Quad/buggy driving and even canyon tubing where you sit in a tube and coast down a river through the jungle is something new in Bali. Horse riding and camel riding are other fun activities you can enjoy. A new attraction, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is a unique blend of wildlife conservation and culture. Packages which include lunch at the park can be purchased.

10) Shop till you drop
And of course there is shopping and more shopping to do. You have Kuta Center, Galeria Nusa Dua, Matahari in Legian and Ubud Market where you will find bargains of all sorts. The Balinese are well known for their creative and artistic skills evident in the numerous arts and crafts found throughout the island. Many craft factories are found in Tegallalang and the surrounding area. In Celuk, you will find skilled silversmiths who sell their creations in eclectic shops in Ubud. Sukawati art market is where you will find many of the fabrics used in Balinese clothing as well as hand made crafts such as woven baskets at bargain prices. Crafts and statues are made from natural products found on Bali such as coconut wood, bamboo and volcanic sand stone. Masks and puppets make interesting gift items. You will also find many earthy coloured home decor items such as table runners, lamp shades and wall decorations to give your home a touch of Bali style. Furniture items are often available at attractive prices compared to if you were to purchase them from outside of Bali.

So there you are, a list of many things you can do in Bali. Relax, get fit, have fun, gain new experiences and most of all, have a memorable holiday. And if you count them up, you've got a lot more than 10 things to do there. This is by no means an exhaustive list but more than enough for a 3 to 7 day trip to this wonderful and magical island of the Gods. by Trias Bali Travel

Best Activities to do in Bali

The terrain and scenery in Bali makes it an ideal place to take part in one of the many adventure activities this island has to offer. The compact size of the island also makes it easy to get to the various starting points without having to travel long distances. The starting point of many activities is centered on the Ubud region so this is a good place to base yourself if you plan to do more than one activity.

White Water Rafting
Take white water rafting for example. Most tourists tend to sign up for what everyone else is doing and that would be Ayung River Rafting. This is definitely a fun activity and highly recommended to enjoy the scenic route along the Ayung River which you wouldn't otherwise get to see. On this rafting activity, you will wind through deep valleys, pass Balinese Hindu shrines, see monkeys playing, or even catch the odd farmer walking his cow to the river for some water. For the more adventurous, you might like to go on the Telaga Waja river adventure. This rafting trip takes you to the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung where you will, according to the brochure from the tour operator, navigate down the Telaga Waja river through torrents, twists and tight turns on a heart stopping adventure.

River Kayaking and Canyon Tubing
There is more than one way to travel down one on Bali's famous water ways though. River kayaking is another one although this would suit someone more experienced and not ideal for total beginners. Canyon tubing however is a little more laid back and good fun for the family. This is an activity where you drift down a canyon in an inflatable tube. The location for this is north of Ubud town in Payangan, a little known area where tourists to Bali rarely tread. Over there, the Siap Stream opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure allowing visitors to float down a narrow canyon passing through thick forested areas.

Kintamani Cycling
If getting wet is not your cup of tea, then you might like to go on a Kintamani cycle tour. Several tour companies in Bali offer this activity where you are picked up from your hotel and driven up to the scenic Kintamani town located on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. Breakfast will most likely be offered in your package at a restaurant where you'll have ample time to take as many photos as you wish before starting. The ride is downhill of course since you can't get much higher here, and takes you along broken tarmac roads through villages, past coffee plantations, traversing through paddy fields all the way to Ubud where a buffet lunch is usually provided. The smaller tour operators may offer you a more local experience by inviting you into their homes as part of the tour and cooking a traditional Balinese meal for lunch. They'll take time to explain their culture, point out interesting sites and might even go on detours if they feel it is worthwhile.

Wildlife and Elephant Safari Excursions
Bali is home to a world famous Elephant Safari Park. The Elephant Park in Taro is a huge complex and the home of 27 Sumatran elephants. Here you can watch and sit atop an elephant on a safari ride through the Taro forest. There is also a restaurant and the park has a purpose built safari style lodge. It is an outing for the entire family to have fun watching the elephants paint, play and bathe, and spray water on unsuspecting tourists which can be quite amusing depending on your sense of humour and what you are wearing at the time. The latest attraction in Bali is the Bali Safari and Marine Park. This safari park is unusual in that while you normally you would expect to only see wild animals at a wildlife safari, here you will also see part of Bali's ancient past and be able to watch cultural dances. The park is a unique blend of conservation and Balinese culture. There are tram rides through the park and fun activities such as animal rides and shows for the children. You can purchase a package which includes lunch or dinner.

Horse Riding and Camel Riding
Enjoying a breathtaking horseback ride along the coasts of Bali or camel riding along Nusa Dua beach are two other fun activities you can do to experience Bali on four legs instead on four wheels! Riding along the black volcanic sand beaches on Bali's east coast, though villages that still preserve old traditions and along paddy fields can be something quite romantic if you are a couple especially if you choose an evening ride from one of the west coast stables. The camel ride takes you on along the pristine white sand beaches of Nusa Dua. I don't know if you will be sitting very much after sitting on a camel's hump on a one hour ride on the beach but it is definitely some fun judging by the smiles and laughs you see on peoples' faces.

Paragliding & Bungee Jumping
Now these two activities aren't for the faint hearted or those wearing pace makers but they are worth mentioning. For those of you who have not heard of the sport, paragliding is not the same as parachuting. Paragliding is a sport where the pilot is strapped in a sitting position to a harness that is attached to a fabric wing and runs forward usually down a slope to launch the paraglider. The stunning beauty of Bali's coastlines offers the paraglider breathtaking views those at ground level won't have the pleasure of enjoying. The AJ Hackett Bungee Tower is located on Kuta Beach in Bali, over a swimming pool located in a nightclub. It is the only place where you can bungee jump in the night with hundreds of party goers down below. We don't know if this is something desirable for every one, but if having 2000 party goers below you unnerves you, try a jump during day time when the club is closed and you'll be able to see the beach as well!

There are other activities of course, but these listed provide a choice of excitement whether you are an individual, couple or a family with young children looking for something to do other than lounging by the pool. You will still get a sun tan, but you'll have to put in some energy to get it and I'm sure it will be worth it for the fun you'll have. by Trias Bali Travel

Top 10 Sunny Christmas Destinations

Do you dream of sun soaked Christmas far away from the every-day routine, lying on pristine white sand, floating away in sparkling warm waters or perhaps exploring an exotic culture? You can live your dream in one of these ten top destinations for your sunny Christmas luxury holiday. From beachfront retreats to rainforest sanctuaries, these heaven-on-earth locations include some of the most exclusive 5 star resorts in the world.

1. Samoa

The natural beauty of this South Pacific Island combines with the warmth of its people to create a world of carefree relaxation. Experience all Samoa has to offer in style at Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa with 50 acres of tropical gardens, stunning beach, turquoise lagoon, golf course and the finest in traditional Samoan hospitality.

2. Hawaii

For those seeking more active pursuits, Hawaii delivers with legendary surf and high-voltage adventuring. Get close to humpback whales and dolphins in the waters around Maui, or see fresh lava flows at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stay in sumptuous surrounds in the tropical 5 star resort Halekulani and indulge your senses with stunning views, exceptional hospitality and superb cuisine.

3. Bora Bora

A Polynesian jewel nestled within a lagoon and barrier reef, Bora Bora is the ultimate island luxury holiday experience. In the middle of the crystal lagoon lays Motu Toopua, a remnant of an ancient volcano, which is now the location of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. Find your bliss in this exquisite oasis of lush forests, long secluded beaches and never-ending ocean.

4. Peru

Fire your imagination and revive your spirit with all the fascinating wonders of Peru.

Travel in comfort on a luxury tour train to the mysterious Lost City of Machu Picchu; find peace in the Sacred Valley; explore the historic city of Cuzco; discover the eco-diversity of the Amazonian rainforests; and, at the close of a full day, return to a 5 star hotel such as Monasterio.

5. Morocco

Although it has an extensive coastline skirting the Mediterranean, Morocco offers much more than ocean views. The extraordinary landscape encompasses soaring mountains, verdant valleys and the starkly beautiful Sahara Desert. From the spectacular Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca to the bustling bazaars of Marrakesh, this remarkable country will enchant and amaze.

6. Maldives

The Maldives is a stunning string of atolls - islands of coral that each encircles a lagoon - scattered across the blue-green canvas of the Indian Ocean. It's a paradise of serene indulgence for those wanting to laze the day away by the warm water, and its magnificent underwater coral gardens also attracts scuba divers from around the world.

7. Thailand

Journey through the heart of Asia, from Bangkok to Singapore, aboard the exquisitely appointed Eastern & Oriental Express. A luxury tour by rail reveals the magic of the region, from lush rice-fields to historic landmarks, and ensures your complete comfort with opulent cabins, tantalising Eastern and European dining, and personalised service.

8. Bali

Surrender yourself to complete tranquillity in this idyllic haven where soft, white sand meets sparkling azure ocean. Rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit within one of the many Nusa Dua 5 star resorts. One of the most exclusive is the spacious St. Regis Bali Resort which will satisfy your every desire with private villas, seductive spa treatments and extensive health facilities.

9. Orpheus Island, Australia

This Great Barrier Reef resort is located within its own National Park and brings new meaning to the word 'exclusive', accepting no more than 42 guests at any one time.

Accessible only by seaplane, and free of such intrusions as telephones, televisions, day-trippers or children under 15, secluded bliss is assured in this natural paradise.

10. Eagles Nest, New Zealand

The five world-class villas situated in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand represent the very pinnacle of private opulence. Nestled in the rugged, sub-tropical wilds of the peninsula, the Eagles Nest luxury holiday experience is extraordinary: gourmet cuisine prepared by a resident chef; extensive cellar encompassing the best local wines to the finest French Champagne; state-of-the-art entertainment systems; every amenity including Porsche cars; direct access to enchanting bushland and hidden beaches; and breathtaking headland views of the bay and beyond. Absolutely unforgettable. by Karen Cooke