Here’s a useful and informative article I found on lost-in-philippines.com. It gives you some excellent tips for your Bali vacation.

“Bali is a small, beautiful island famed for its unique arts and cultures, enchanting nature and the friendliness of its people. Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich cultural heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves, others for pure relaxation. Bali is situated in Indonesia, one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.

For those who plan to visit Bali, I herewith write Ten Essential Tips for Bali Vacation for your consideration.

1. To enter Bali, or Indonesia for that matter, make sure your passport is valid for six months upon entry into Indonesia, otherwise you’ll find yourself on the next plane out. You also must have proof of onward passage (i.e. a ticket out of Indonesia). Tourist, social and business visas can be obtained from any Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad. Citizens from Asian countries comprising Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippine and Laos do not require a visa, only a valid travel document. Visitors from some thirty countries are also provided with a 60-days tourist visa issued directly upon arrival. Consult your travel agent or airlines, mention your nationality.

2. Money matters: The rupiah is the basic unit of money. Foreign currency, in bank notes and travelers checks is best exchanged at major banks or authorized money changers. Do change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotel’s calculator before changing), as the ones used by some places can be ‘a little inaccurate’. Most important; always count your money before you leave the place. Travelers checks are accepted at all major hotels and large shops; some smaller shops will also accept them. Passport number is required. Do not forget to take passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all time.

3. When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake bills in circulation.

4. There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after one has cashed money at banks or money changers. Put your money away in your ‘bum-bag’ or hold onto your handbag tightly.

5. Credit cards and charge cards: Today many hotels, shops large and small accept plastic, with the proviso that an additional 3% is added onto your bill. However, when traveling to the village, take rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in public transports or buying drinks at warung.

6. Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover you in any accidents. If you rent a car (must be with insurance), beware of motorbikes, as there are too many on the road. When you park the car, always remember to remove all your properties. Crime is on the increase and can spoil your holiday. Be careful with your belongings at all times. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe (carry photocopies). Do not forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stops, motorbikes may not!

7. Going to Bali, dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is warm-to – hot throughout the year. Remember Bali is a land where prayer and religious festivals take center stage. When visiting a temple or attending ceremonies, make it a point to respect local customs and traditions. Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front of people praying. Do not use a flash camera or point your camera to the priest’s face. Do try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them). Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.

8. Do not take drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Government prison service.

9. Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, current/undertows can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Don’t swim too far out. Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

10. Health: International health certificates of vaccination against smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever are required only from travelers from infected areas. Typhoid and paratyphoid vaccinations are optional but still advisable. Drink only distilled or mineral water, or water that has been boiled and eat a lot of fresh fruit and do your body a favor. Don’t worry too much about ice, it’s government quality controlled in established bars and restaurants. Most people traveling through Bali get the infamous “Bali Belly” at some time or other. Taking Imodium will stop this. At the first time of discomfort (diarrhea and cramping), drink strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy foods. Taking charcoal tablets will help alleviate the cramping.”

Technorati Tags: Bali vacation, Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations

Find the Moment in a Private Villa
by Putu Eka Saringsih

When you have your family, friends or couple traveling away from home, sometimes the atmosphere of seclusion for couple, togetherness for family, excitement for youngsters will be hard to be wrapped in a set especially on Bali Island. Moreover budget is considered as an important item for selecting the right accommodation. Sometimes when you are away for holiday, pleasurable is the main interest. The holiday will not be as you dream if there is a point that can’t accomplish all wishes of every member of the family.

Staying in a budget hotel with limited space for bedroom, small bathroom and regular amenities will be less convenience for family and those who travel with friends. Even staying in a luxurious hotel can be another additional cost for couple. Moreover, there will be no personal service staff to serve in continual.

Enjoying holiday with all the luxuries of five stars hotel can be experienced with less cost than the famous hotel budget. Stay in a beautiful private villa with its comfortable bedroom, spacious living room and great bathroom you ever dream of. An outdoor bathroom with traditional design and standing shower will be another excitement for you to experience. In addition, a private swimming pool is available surrounded by lush tropical garden. Around the pool you may hold a family gathering or party as well since a villa is designed similar to your private residence with deluxe services inclusively a special chef for your choice of cuisines. Tranquility appears from the green garden itself where tropical plants and flowers become the surrounding view. For your convenience, a professional butler is organized to accomplish your needs during the stay.

Neither modern nor traditional villa would not be a disappointment for the architecture and amenities all reveal the culture of Balinese tradition and most of the furniture made of teak or wood, as it is one of the island characteristics. Even the room is designed with the air of nature as well as some villas have the Balinese style with the unique gazebo.

Discover the magnificence of the paradise while you are enjoying the indulgence of private villa. Make fantastic moment on your great holiday!!!

Putu Eka Saringsih is one of the expert writer at topbalivillas.com” target=”_blank Bali Villas and villasbali.org” target=”_blank Villas in Bali.It is an internet based company which creates and manages websites that are all directly related to hospitality services in Bali.

Technorati Tags: accommodation, Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations

by Adi Arifin

The launching of the new Bvlgari resort in Bali has one of the greatest news for travel industry this year. Carrying a brand recognized for ultimate luxury, the world’s second Bvlgari resort after Milan, Bvlgari Resort Bali has just taken over the top position of the island’s portfolio of luxury holiday accommodation. Priced at $1,250 for one bedroom villa and $1,950 for two bedrooms villa, luxury perfection and service excellence are of no questions.
However, whether that such type off accommodation fits your needs, is just a different question. If you are spending a family vacation in a rather larger group, you would prefer a big house with sufficient number of bedrooms and spacious communal area inside out, rather than scattered around in small separated self-contained private villas.
Villa Rental Bali introduces LaGen Cliff Villa, a 6-bedrooms luxury private villa on the cliff-top of Uluwatu. Established as a family holiday home of a highly respected Japanese family, LaGen Cliff reflects the ultimate luxury throughout, from the finest imported materials to fittings, furnishings, equipments, and décor. Sit commanding the Indian Ocean from its cliff-top location, the villa enjoys stunning ocean views from sunrise to sunset, from virtually every inch. All en-suited luxury bedrooms, spacious living areas, state of the art entertainment room, a unique Japanese tatami room, two swimming pools with Jacuzzi, three viewing gazebos, the villa is ready to comfortably accommodate up to 12 discerning guests.
Exclusively managed by Exotiq Villa Services, the island’s leading villa management company, its 13+ dedicated staffs, including in-house manager, professional chef, in-house engineer, maids, gardeners, driver, and certified security guards, are well trained to provide beyond 5 star quality service to pamper your stay.
Saving the best for last, whilst clientele of this level are more concerned with excellence than price, the comparative below is possibly just to worthy to miss out. This six bedrooms luxury is available at less than $1,000 per night in the peak season. Definitely less than $150 per night. Compare it yourself with $1,250 for a one bedroom villa at the Bvlgari, or a deluxe ocean-view suites at 5 star resort hotels nearby like The Intercontinental or Bali Cliff Resorts.
Check more detail at Villa Rental Bali

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/6-bedrooms-bvlgari-how-can-an-ultimate-luxury-is-so-affordably-priced-64768.htm

Technorati Tags: accommodation, Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations

What can be a more adventurous and fulfilling scuba diving vacation experience than liveaboard luxury yacht cruising and scuba diving in the tropical islands of Bali?

Contrary to what many scuba divers think, liveaboard scuba diving may not be as expensive as you think. In fact if planned properly, live on board diving vacations may even save you money and inconveniences. Firstly, you will on transportation time and costs traveling to your dive operator’s boat and then after your dive, returning to your hotel or resort lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear with you and repeating the same process for the next couple of days during your vacation in Bali.

Next, you save money on hotel or resort accommodation because since that you are living on the dive boats, there will be no need for hotel or resort bookings. Furthermore, you do not need to hunt for expensive meals in your hotel or resort since all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include delicious meals which will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and delectable sea food caught by the crew while you are enjoying your cruise or are scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Bali vacation is that you can dive in many exotic dive locations instead of only the dive spots near where you stay. This is because since that you need not return to your resort or hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive yachts will cruise away to far flung scuba diving locations while you are sleeping. This again saves you time and best of all, you get to save more money by diving in more places for the same price.

Here is a typical example of a liveaboard Bali scuba diving itinerary. It is a 7 days Bali scuba diving excursion.

Day One – Visit one of Bali’s most interesting street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Bali which will also include a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. You will scuba dive in Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two – Your liveaboard boat will cruise to Menjangan Island. You will be diving at the National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, buffet lunch on the white powdery sandy beach of the island. The boat will then land and send you to the north coast and visit a well kept secret Waterfall and a hot spring.

Day Three – Scuba diving activities will be at Amed Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive (American battle ship sunk during WW2) & some wall diving.

Day Four – Some land excursion to enjoy the view of Bali’s world famous terraced rice fields in the morning. Then your liveaboard yatcht will take you diving at the Blue Lagoon & White Beach. There will also be a night dive at the Blue Lagoon.

Day Five – Continue your Bali vacation by cruising to Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha for fantastic dive sites.

Day Six – More scuba diving activities at Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The sea at these diving locations could be rough at times, so the dives would very much be dependant on the weather. However, if the weather allow, you will be scuba diving in one of the most breath taking underwater scenery in the world.

Day Seven – More scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, White Beach and the Channel and then off to Bali airport to your next scuba diving adventure.

So if you want to save time and money during your Bali scuba diving vacation, why not try liveaboard luxury boats instead?

Technorati Tags: accommodation, Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations

by Putu Eka Sariningsih

Sited on the middle of Indonesian archipelago, first discovered by the European sailors, Bali becomes truly tranquil island. It is the earthy paradise for those, who are dedicated to the beauty of the tropical island. For summer holiday, honeymoon or even family perfect holiday. Not only its attractive view and exotic tourism spot but also the hospitality of the people you hardly find in a metropolitan city or highest civilization. Many travelers mesmerized by not just a part of it but almost completely all. The power of attracting people in the world has make Bali as one of the “must visit” world’s tourist destination.

Over 8 regencies spread out beautiful spots to be visited through the over 3 million inhabitants. Further, each of them presents unique character of the culture itself. The selling point of this island is The Hindus culture with the temples from ancient age. There is no day without celebration toward the God. The tradition blends within the Hindus people, their daily life filled in by ritual culture. Once you experienced Bali, the air of the island will capture your soul. The daily life and activities of the people reflect their spiritual culture. Everywhere you go all that can be found is ritual ceremony and the offerings on the street, temples, big trees and other places believed existing holy spirits. The belief and culture might be the main attention for tourist to get fascinated in conjunction with their aim to visit some tourist destinations spread along Bali.

Thus Bali is known as “Heaven on Earth” trough enchanting scenery, as it is acknowledged as “Island of Thousand Temples”. Along the paradise you will be able to find many temples from centuries ago remain with their unique and stunning presentation. Besakih Temple is the mother temple of all temples in Bali. It’s nestled on the slope of the highest mountain, Mount Agung. Other temples for they’re famed by where the two temples sited are Uluwatu Temples and Tanah Lot Temples. Uluwatu Temple is on the edge of the cliff in which it’s inhabited by group of monkeys. Right below the temple, most surfers find Uluwatu beach as paradise for high wave lovers. On the other part, Tanah Lot Temple is the 16th century temple that beautifully perched at the sea, rocky silhouette where many people come during the sunset to spoil their eyes and feel the moment. Whenever it’s not tide you are able to walk to reach the temple. Another mystical thing about this temple is the cave where there’s a holy snake living.

For accommodation, there are “bunch of hotels” can be hunted. From those small hotels or inns, which offer good rate with a standard service until those who have fantastic rate including their luxurious rooms, wonderful view and exclusive services. They are located not just around tourism object more likely in such “out of civilization” places, up high on the cliff or hill as well as down to the river and rice field area.

For surfers and passionate travelers, find your pleasure at south coast of Bali. kuta is about 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport where the white sand’s beach stretch over 10 Km. Travelers come not without any reason since this place has all that every traveler’s desire. Don’t just discern to the beach for it’s fantastic wave, topless sunbathers, masseurs relax your body with compatible price and those vendors selling the crafts, in spite of those motives try to give a glance at the night life as experiencing it, lots of fun can be gained. Even just for a chill out time at cafes or bar on the street to a tranquil dinner in a decent restaurant accompanied by easy listening music or “Gamelan” Balinese traditional music instrument.

Inland, away from the beach, some villages illustrate the serenity of the paradise. Hide away from the crowd, up to the mountain area where heart can be so peaceful by the lush tropical plants or green paddy fields. Central Bali and northern Bali is really famous by terraced rice fields, down to the Tabanan regency. The fresh air surround you whilst the song of the bird rhythm through the morning breeze. Feel the harmony within mind.

One to be attained for home present can be found down the art craft’s place. Just about the tourism object, plenty of art shops offer good stuffs for reasonable price and suggested for bargaining. Along the road of Gianyar regency, you will find handicraft’s shop, woodcarvings even jewelries workshop. As the eyes gaze to the display of wood or stone statue and painting, you can as well visit a village named Celuk for silver or gold jewelries or go along Mas village for another comparison instead.

Experience more to the bottomless part of Bali while you are away for holiday. Get the excitement differently through the places you visit, hence it’s never going to be ever come to Bali but for ever remain coming for another visit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/bali-the-earthy-paradise-60453.html

Technorati Tags: accommodation, Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations

Whether you’re Finnish or not, this article may be of interest to you if you’re fed up with the winter weather at home. A custom made luxury vacation might just be the ticket, and why not spend some time at a beach in the Bali? Great hot weather, beautiful white sand, wonderful diving and snorkeling, bliss…

Your travel agent will have vacation packages for Bali, or perhaps another exotic destination. Read here how the Fins banish their dark cold winter moods by escaping the daily grind.

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Technorati Tags: Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations, luxury vacations

I wouldn’t advise trying it out though when you’re on your vacation in Bali. If you are interested in firewalking, read this excellent blog post I found, below:

• Ancient Art of Firewalking Secrets Revealed – Firewalking barefoot over a bed of red-hot coals has been a human rite of passage in many cultures as a test or proof of faith for more than 3000 years, and still practiced today throughout the world, from tribal rituals for rites of …

Technorati Tags: Bali vacation packages, firewalking, Indonesia vacations

Things to See and Do in Bali

by Trias Bali Travel

About the Author

Trias Bali Travel is a travel services company located in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. We offer Bali tour packages, hotel room packages, tour and event management for a hassle free holiday to Bali Island.

Technorati Tags: Bali vacation packages, Indonesia vacations