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.

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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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