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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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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