Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Guide to Selecting Villa Rental Agent in Bali

There has been an unprecedented increase in Bali Villas Rental Vacation over the last decade. And with a good reason also. Holiday Villas in Bali provide the most luxurious vacation options with the best views, world class services & amenities and complete privacy. No hotel or resort can offer these kind of features when compared to a Villa.

Bali Villas are great for hosting Family reunions, Weddings, Summer vacations and much more. There are number of options when it comes to Bali Villa Rental and Vacation Villas in Bali. Bali is not only a perfect tourist destination with beautiful beaches and views but also is the home to some of the world best and most luxurious Villas. Any visitor while choosing for Villa for vacation will be spoiled for choice. Though majority of the villas will have great locations and very luxurious with all modern amenities, few guidelines are must before deciding on your dream vacation rental villa home.

Most people will find internet as an easy source to find those villas in Bali. There are a wealth of informations online that will help you make plans for your holidays and in choosing Bali villas for your holiday. There are number of villa rental agents you can find on the internet displaying lots of selection of villa rental in Bali. Mostly the list is the same from one agent to another. But there are several things to check with this Bali villas online agents to ensure you have the best holiday experiences in Bali. First you must find if they have available informations such as office address or phone numbers or fax that can be reach if somehings happen.

Second thing, they must displaying the logo of Bali villa rental association, which is the only goverment approved association of villa rental agencies. The Bali Villa Rental Association (BVRA) was established by and for licensed villa rental agencies operating in Bali with the aim to initiate and maintain a healthy business climate. BVRA is a body that ensures service quality for clients in a segment composed of both villa owners and holiday makers.

The third matter yg must pay attention to is whether online agents had permission from the government to operate as villa agent. Many of the rental villas agent this do not have permission as villa agent and also do not pay taxes to the goverment. Agent like this did business individually and resulting their services given to cust


About the Author:

Dharma serves as online marketing consultant of Find Bali Villas and Bali Villas

Source : easyarticles.com

Should i Choose Cheap Villas in Bali?

ls and B&BS for tourists going on holiday. Advantages include greater privacy, the opportunity to cater for oneself, a more homely feel, more space and better value for money for groups and families. With so many opportunities to rent holiday accommodation in location like Seminyak, Jimbaran, Canggu and Ubud, dont forget Sanur also then how do you choose just one property and get the most bang for your buck?If budget is your concern why dont start by searching on google by terms of "Cheap bali villas".
You can see several Bali agents will list their properties under this category which now getting more and more properties build up or downgrade to this market segmet.

Cheap Bali villas means the villas listed on those website has price range starting from $100 to max $300 or even $400. Some people will see the price a bit high but just browse and explore what those private villas listed are offering. Most will offer more room and services which before only cater for higher and luxury villas market. You will see some of them offering a 5-6 bedrooms just for maximum of $400 a night. That surely will save you more money.


Remember not just browsing and exploring one website, in order to get most bang for your buck, YOU MUST look at other website under "cheap Bali villas" search terms. Not all agents has the same properties some of them has more villas listed on their website and some other only listed a few. Some of them will list the same villa but with different prices. Be careful in picking just the cheapest villa you can find, you must look at the agent who representing the villas. Villa rental agents has an association who make sure all agents follow the same rule and has the same rule for cancellation policies. Just find the BVRA logo on those website, its the safest way to book villas in Bali. Enjoy your holiday!


About the Author:

Dharma serves as online marketing consultant of Find Bali Villas and Bali Villas


Source : easyarticles.com

New Wedding Venue in Jimbaran Bali

The wedding you dreams about will be especially memorable should you choose to celebrate it in one of the many wedding places now available here in Bali. What more perfect environment for your most special day than one which offers incredible view, oustanding beauty along with highly personalized service and attention to your every need?

A place that will enchant and inspire you, offer you peace and the freedom to relax and/or party completely undisturbed! One such venue is Garuda Wisnu Kencana [ GWK ] Cultural Park in Jimbaran Bali.
With little rainfall and open to fresh tropical breeze, GWK Cultural Park facilities are ideal for all types of out door event. The newest venue in GWK is Indraloka Garden. With a beautiful view, it is one of the most appealing place for wedding and dinner party.

Carved through the limestone of South Bali overlooking the most scenic and breathtaking panoramic view. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is the showcase of art and cultural of the island, where one day the whole world will be united under on roof in this complex. Its accessible location is only fifteen minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport and less than an hour from major hotels and resort.

There are several companies in Bali well known as wedding planner who be able to specially arrange wedding couple's from many nation to get married on GWK Cultural Park. Most of them will offer you their professional service to ensure your wedding in Bali will be the most special and memorable in a lifetime.

About the Author:

Dharma serves as online marketing consultant of Find Bali Villas and Bali Villas

Source : easyarticles.com    

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Bali Nightlife

by Celestine

Apart from sunbathing, surfing or treking, there are not a lot of entertainment here. Waterbom, on Jalan Kartika Plaza in Kuta is a cool amusement park, although very expensive for Bali, with half a dozen of pools, good waterslides, and a nice tropical garden (entry ticket: $17/adult; $9/child). Also, just before Ubud on the road coming from Kuta, Bali Bird Park (entry ticket: $8/adult; $4/child), presents an amazing collection of exotic birds, coming from all over Asia and Australia, in a beautiful forest with hidden aviaries.
At night, things are different. A two-week holiday in Bali is too short to try all the places there… Anyway, things begin to happen around midnight. You can choose to head for Paddy's, on Jalan Raya - Kuta, a big club with two dance floors, usually packed by twenty-somethings.


But serious party-goers will prefer to walk through Jalan Dyana Pura in Seminyak, THE street for night bars in Bali. There is a new bar opened nearly every month there, but the most famous are still the Q-Bar (very gay, big, and good house/techno music), the Santa-Fé (rock and reggae, with live bands, open 24h), the Café Del Mar (cozy and Mediterranean, with live DJs playing progressive and trance) or the trendy Spy Bar (trendy, really). Most bars - and Paddy's - will close around 2 o'clock in the morning, which is roughly when the night begins to start.


Most people will rush to Club 66, on Jalan Double Six - Seminyak, for techno and trance music till dawn, unless there is a trance party elsewhere on the beach or at Euro Club, also on Jalan Double Six. After Club 66, which generally closes at 5, the choice is more limited. The Scandal, on Jalan Dyana Pura, will allow you to finish the endurance race. It opens at 4:30 and will close at 8 in the morning. Don't forget your sunglasses.

An Overview of Mount Agung and Mount Batur and Besakih Temple

by Celestine

Here, standing tall are some of the greatest mountains in Bali, such as Mount Agung (3142m) (3142m) and Mount Batur among other fascinating dive and surf spots on the coastal side. Back in the kingdom era, East Bali was the place of three powerful kingdoms, Klungkung, Karangasem and Bangli where till now some of the palaces still remain for visitors to explore. 'Contrast' is the exact word to describe the picturesque East Bali. From flourishing rice fields on the hill, standing side by side with the highest volcano mountain in Bali (Mount Agung) at the Karangasem regency, haunted temples in Nusa Penida, down to the coastal side where you will find Amed, Tulamben and Candi Dasa, where great waves await to be braved by enthusiastic surfers and divers.

o Besakih Temple
Freely translated as 'Noble Mountain', this stratovolcano is the highest point on Bali Island and one of the biggest volcanos in Indonesia. Its deep and grand crater despite rarely belching out smoke and ash, when it actually does erupt (last in 1963) it killed more than 1000 people and totally wiped out some of villages nearby. However that particular incident brought to pass a great phenomenon - its lava flows did not destroy the mother temple of Besakih, which was sitting at the slope of Mount Agung, causing firmer faith in the devotees and an increased number of visitors to the sacred place. Gunung Agung is considered a holy place as the Balinese believe that this is where the Gods reside and they think of this site as the Palace of the Gods. From the top of this mountain, you can even see the peak of Mount Rinjani over at the Lombok Island.


If you love hiking, conquering this mountain is a must. There are three ways to climb the mountain, from the south, south-east and west. The most common route is the one from the west side, starting from the Besakih temple where many local guides can help you with the path. It's a long hike (about 2000 vertical meters, total one way distance is almost 5 km), so you better start very early in the morning, and equip yourself with the proper footwear as you will find many loose soil and rock along the way. Prepare also your rain gear, flashlight (as you will mostly be in dark forests), and your own mineral water. The only source of water is a well and it is considered too sacred for casual usage like these.
o Mount Batur & Trunyan, Bali Aga Village
Mount Batur, another volcanic mountain sits mysteriously at the central east of Bali. Today, Mount Batur is still active and brings you unbelievable landscapes waiting to be explored. Located at the Bangli regency, this mountain is famous among tourists, both Indonesian and foreigners alike. With its fresh air and cold breeze this place will provide to you a brand new atmosphere on your Bali trip. Before the eruption in 1917, there was a temple called Pura Batur on the west side of mount Batur. But now it's gone. Besides that religious erection, mount Batur also has a blue-colored lake called Lake Batur.


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Friday, April 24, 2009

Benoa Harbour

by Celestine

This is the pit stop for Bali's cruises. Yes, spend your day by cruising alongside of coastal Bali with its many activities that you can participate in as well. Some of them even provide packages like a 4 days/3 nights trip from east Bali to Lombok, Sumbawa, and Komodo Island. If you feel that's just a little too long for your busy schedule, you can just enjoy a dinner with your love one on board the cruise while watching Bali's unbelievably beautiful sunset. The four-course dinner in itself is already splendid, what more with loved ones and great atmosphere… what could be more romantic than that?

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More Surfing Hot Spots in Bali

by Celestine

Menjangan Island
After diving at Amed and Nusa Lembongan Island, don't get satisfied… not just yet. You should go complete your diving trip with a journey to Menjangan Island, a small isle on the west side of Bali. It should take you about 20 minutes from the Labuan Lalang port to Menjangan Island. This island is especially famous for its diving and snorkeling being the home to hundreds of colorful little fishes and exquisite life corals, both soft and hard. On the north coast of Menjangan, you will witness Bali's oldest dive shipwreck, the Budak boat wreck. It is said that this wooden shipwreck is a Balinese slave ship from the 19th century.


Don't worry, though this is a small island, you will be able to find many hotels complete with great facilities at international prices.
o Medewi
Another great place for the surfer enthusiast, one of Bali's premiere surf spot and is the longest point break in Bali. Located just a few km west of the Jembrana coast, Medewi is a stretch of giant smooth grey rocks with some black sandy patches where most of the locals make their living by fishing. Do remember though, no sunbathing or swimming is allowed here due to the rocky beach.

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Uluwatu Beach - An Ideal place for Fanatic Surfers

by Celestine

For those fanatic surfers out there, I would surely have no need to describe Uluwatu for you. This is likely to be your beach haven and you know it inside out. Uluwatu beach is just that indescribable, perfect paradise for surfers.
Besides the wonderful scenery accompanying the waves in this lovely place, there are also many small local cafes providing light snacks for those who want to fill their tummy before surfing. However, if you do not surf, it does not mean Uluwatu isn't the place for you. Look out for all the sweet little moments served out to you on a plate in every nook and cranny of this amazing place.
The beach is right down the hill so you will have to go down several stairways to reach it. As I walking down, I saw a monkey swinging from one tree branch to another. I felt so at one with nature right at that point. Now, just before you finally reach the beach you will come to this cave with water drops on one side due to the high tide the night before. Beautiful!
Let me describe to you what I love about Uluwatu Beach… its white sandy beach with that handful of people sunbathing while the rest are far off in the distance trying the waves. I also like the idea of Uluwatu being a rocky beach, with all those corals right at the side of the coast. Do you know I had my own private pool right down at the beach! Yes, there are no tides or waves here and you can actually have a proper swim. Just stand on one end of the rock, examine some of the small sea fishes looking for food in the delightfully clear ocean. Wow… beyond my wildest imagination!
Just like many other places, here many resorts and first class spas offer to spoil you silly, completing your perfect holiday.


Uluwatu Beach
Pecatu Village, Kuta Selatan, Badung District, Bali


About the Author :
Celestine

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Bali - A Luxurious World Of Tranquility

by Karen Cooke

Bali is truly deserving of its honorary title, the Island of the Gods.

Bali luxury holidays offer the discerning traveller extraordinary natural beauty, a rich cultural history and all the indulgence of superb 5 star resorts. Most importantly, this island paradise and its serene people will provide you with a tranquil retreat from the stresses of modern life. If you looking for a place to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, let Bali be your oasis.

Many of the two million tourists who come to Bali each year spend their time in Kuta, enjoying the world-class surf beach, bargain shopping and legendary nightlife. However, those who look further afield will discover a stunning array of idyllic destinations and more than enough variety to satisfy even the most jaded tastes.

To experience the pristine white sand of the southern coasts in style, come to Nusa Dua and enjoy the very best in Bali luxury resorts. Surrender yourself to complete relaxation in this haven of endless blue skies and sparkling ocean. Melt under the expert hands of your personal masseuse; float in the warm, protected waters of the Indian Ocean; or indulge in a speciality spa treatment. You can have all this and more at the renowned Bali luxury hotel Club Med Nusa Dua. Find your oasis resting beneath the palms, or perhaps with more active pursuits such as snorkelling, yoga or golf.

Lovers of fine art and culture should head to the mountain village of Ubud, nestled in the cool, green heart of Bali. In the 1930s Ubud was one of the most fashionable destinations for international artists and their work is now displayed alongside Balinese and Javanese pieces, both traditional and modern, in the hundreds of galleries dotted throughout the area. The Agung Rai Museum of Art is not to be missed with a remarkable collection, and performances of Balinese classical music and dance.

While in Ubud you can seek the source of Bali's magic in ancient temples and palaces, have a close encounter at the nearby Elephant Safari Park or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or simply soak in the lush beauty of the surrounding tropical forests, emerald valleys and terraced paddy fields.

For an exclusive view of this breathtaking landscape, take a luxury tour by private helicopter. You can see much of this relatively small island by air, including the volcanic craters of Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung, and return to the dedicated landing pad just a few metres from one of the most opulent and elegant Bali luxury resorts, the Viceroy Bali.

The Viceroy Bali is located on the slopes of the Pentanu valley and offers guests exquisitely appointed private villas with individual swimming pools and expansive views of the dramatic river gorge below. You'll want for nothing in this spectacular retreat which incorporates the very finest holistic spa. Restore your spirit with a personalised program of relaxation, meditation and whole body wellness treatments.

Connoisseurs of find food will have difficulty choosing from the magnificent restaurants of Ubud ranging from French inspired cuisine at Viceroy Bali's own CasCades, to the modern fusion degustation served the renowned Mozaic, to local style 'warungs' featuring Indonesian and Balinese dishes.

However a brief dip into the intoxicating tastes of Bali is not enough for some. The answer is a specialty luxury tour to the Four Seasons Resort Cooking School in Jimbaran Bay. In this southern fishing cove you will have your pick of the freshest catch from the sea, the lushest produce from around the island and the most aromatic of Bali flavours including chilli, saffron, lemongrass and turmeric. Whether novice or experienced cook, you will master the secrets of Balinese and South East Asia cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a sumptuous feast.

Of course you will need appropriate pampering after your culinary efforts and the Four Seasons Resort spa will detoxify and energise with lavish array of health and beauty services including massage, body scrubs and wraps, and facials. At the end of a busy day you can retire to your elegant Balinese villa with separate sleeping, bathing and living pavilions and ocean views from your plunge pool.

Come to the Island of the Gods and discover your own private world of tranquillity and happiness with a Bali luxury holiday.

About the Author


Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au.



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Saturday, February 14, 2009

Bali Travel Article: Beach life in Bali is pure fun in the sun

As the temperature gets chillier in many Northern Hemisphere countries, tropical destinations such as Bali seem all the more attractive. With their bona fide friendly nature and ingenious for hospitality, the Balinese make the island an even more popular destination to beachcombers in search of sun, sand and surf.

Bali also has a variety of beach options to suit every kind of traveler. There are the popular surf spots of Kuta and Legian, the luxurious and private shores of Nusa Dua, the chic and romantic Seminyak beach and the beautifully serene locale of Sanur.

Says seasoned traveler Ganesh Manickavasagar, Director of D’Casting Company, “Bali is one of those locations where you really feel an affinity with the environment. The picturesque beaches, charming people and traditional culture combine together to create a unique experience that really is unmatched by other tropical destinations.”

With its clean break waves and lengthy golden shore, Kuta has been a favourite among surfers since the 1970s. These days, the area is something of a tourist Mecca, offering a prime nightlife and entertainment scene in addition to its vast array of beach activities and hotels. The area is also brimming with shopping options, with everything from branded luxury clothes and accessories to bohemian beach wear.

The Kuta town and surrounding suburbs are suitable for all types of tourists including seasoned solo surfers, young groups of friends, couples and families. It is an epicenter for surf, sun and fun – but not necessarily peace and quiet. There are number of great hotel options around Kuta beach and the suburbs of Legian such as Santika Beach Hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa and Legian Beach Hotel.

“Bali is my favorite holiday spot. I’m from Sydney and love surfing back home but Bali has a different, more laid back feel. I love the food, the people and Balinese culture. Also, you cannot get a beach massage Balinese style at such a cheap price back home; they’re sublime!” says frequent Bali traveler and customer service manager, Natalie Brooks.

Not far from Kuta town is the trendy Seminyak beach. Quickly earning a reputation for being a sleek, boutique hotspot, Seminyak has a first-rate swimming beach and a number of designer accommodation and fine dining options. The Resor Seminyak Resort & Spa or the opulent Oberoi Hotel can be good options among the top group.

The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It is a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life – there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area.

Closer to Denpasar, the quiet beach of Sanur is a pleasant alternative to the highly developed and more popular beach spots of Bali. Everything at Sanur moves at a leisurely pace, and guests can experience a more traditional Bali, with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and the soothing sounds of the nearby temple, offering a unique atmosphere.

About the Author: For more Travel Asia Articles, Please visit Worldstepper Blog and my recommend Asia Hotels Booking - Agoda.com

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Bali Annual Arts Festival

Balinese culture is famous for its bright festivals and thriving traditional art forms. The Balinese people have a fierce pride in their traditional culture, and every year hundreds of festivals are put on to celebrate and revitalise it. One of the biggest cultural events of the year is the annual Bali Art Festival. Balinese art revolves around dance, so the focus of the festival is on the many different forms of traditional dance. You can also enjoy music, theatre, parades, and of course the famous elaborate costumes that dancers wear, which are like an art in themselves.

The festival starts in the villages and each village has unique practices and activities. Groups are elected to represent each village in the festival, and they are responsible for organising a brilliant performance which will represent their local traditions and bring pride to their ancestors. All these groups come together for the Arts Festival which lasts for a full month in the capital city of Denpasar.

The festival starts off with a big parade in which all the villages introduce themselves, and culminates with the Colossal Dance Drama – an event that any visitor would be sorry to miss. In between, there are different performances every day, so there is a wide variety of shows to see.

Balinese dance is not simply about moving to music- it always tells a story. Movements are carefully coordinated to act out ancient folklore, Buddhist stories, legends, and fables. These dances can be considered a sort of moving theatre, where the dancers’ faces and bodies exhibit the stories. They involve intricate costumes that are brightly coloured and covered in beautiful gold adornments. These can be quite heavy and difficult to dance in, but they provide an amazing spectacle for the audience. Due to the strong influence of tradition in modern Balinese life, these shows are as popular with locals as they are with tourists – even though every local has seen the dances hundreds of times and know the stories by heart.

Bali has done a wonderful job of preserving its cultural practices in the face of tourism. The Ministry for Culture set up dance and music schools all over the island to keep the ancient practices from dying out with globalisation and urbanisation. Bali is one of the best places to see truly exotic and authentic cultural displays. In fact, its festivals are so internationally popular that tourism energises and supports local traditions rather than weakening them.

About the Author:

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Accommodation in bali and Vacation Rentals.

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