BALI SO EXOTIC: Tropical island, wonderful place; day and night
BALI, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.
Just 8 degree south of the equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with two seasons a year (wet and dry), with an average temperature of 28 degree Celsius.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo. And there are flowers everywhere, you'll always see and smell the fragrance of them.
There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
With the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist destinations in the world, Bali Annually attracts almost 1 million visitors from around the world.
CULTURE & RELIGION
This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage.
The Balinese people have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Hindu Dharma, which, although originally from India, comprises of a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese, and ancient indigenous beliefs; it is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces.
TRADITIONAL DANCE
Drama, Traditional Music and dance are an integral part of Balinese culture. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese themselves take them very seriously. Culture ceremonies such as birthdays, weddings, and temples festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance. It is inextricably linked with the Balinese religion.
Balinese dances for commercial performances for tourists are today offered on a daily basis in several places at all the tourist centers in Bali.
BEACH
What make Bali so special? The answer is because of its beaches. Bali has a lot of exotic and romantic beaches. For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas
OTHER ACTIVITIES
For those of you who are adventurous and have extra energy than just spending your Bali vacation on sunbathing, shopping, or sightseeing, these are some activities that would definitely boast your energy to the limit and get your action gear running.
You can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter
NIGHT LIVE
When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs
As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.
SHOPPING
Bali Island is a shopper's paradise and known as a treasure house of interesting goods to buy. Products of various kinds from traditional antiques to the latest quality fashions in extraordinary displays await the shoppers. It is quite common to bargain in markets, shops and art shops for buyers, so having a good price is partly dependent upon one's smartness in bargaining. Splendid local hand woven materials, silver and gold works, woodcarvings, garments and many other interesting things can be found at any market, art shop or art market. International standard ready made apparels are quite inexpensive, while qualified tailors and dress makers offer reliable 24-hours services.Bargaining forms a large part of the fun of shopping in Bali. Remember to bring your cash, as not all places accept credit cards. Shopping hours are generally from 10am to 10pm. You'll find that shops selling similar items are generally grouped together. This makes comparing prices easy as you just have to go to the next shop to find the same thing
HOTEL / ACCOMODATIONS
As a truly international destination, Bali has the biggest concentration for inviting every traveler around the world to bask in the beauty of its tropical sunshine. Therefore, Bali provides different types of hotel for international tourist. There are several luxury hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak, or Kuta that provide the ultimate hospitality.
Accommodations offered include convention facilities, swimming pools, sport grounds, and a selection of restaurants, bars, night clubs or discotheques, beach fronts. There are also smaller cottage-style hotels with modern amenities. Hotels with two stars also have air-conditioning, attached baths, telephones, and a television. You will certainly find famed resort, and budget hotels here in Bali.
[ Fonteanu ]
Source :
- Tourdebali.com
- Baliguide.com
- Wikipedia.org
- Wedding In Bali, by American Express