TREKKING FROM KINTAMANI

From the western edge of the outer crater, trails go from Batur and Kintamani down into the main crater, then up Gunung Batur from theE-west side. This route passes close to the rather exciting volcanically active area and may be closed for safety reasons.

TREKKING FROM THE NORTHEAST

The easiest way is north - is whether you can transfer it to the starting point for 4 am. Toya Bungkah take the road north-Songan and take the left fork for about 3.5 kilometers. Follow this small road for another 1.7 kilometers on a poorly marked road on the left side - that rises a mile or two parking spaces. From here on foot length is easy to follow, and should take less than an hour.

TREKKING FROM PURA JATI

A huge car park near the main entrance to Pura Jati makes dies for groups and hikers. The shorter walk is mainly on the lava fields, then go straight (to about two hours) theTop. If you want to see the latest cone to the west of the tip (assuming that the area is safe Visit), go to the first summit - not walk-ing around the active area before sunrise.

Trekking From Toya Bungkah

The basic trek is to start climbing from Toya Bungkah at about 3am, reach the summit for sunrise, and possibly walk right around the main cone, then return to Toya Bungkah.

The route is pretty straightforward - walk out of the village towards Kedisan and turn right just after the car park. After about 30 minutes you'll be on a ridge with a well-defined track; keep going up. It gets pretty steep towards the top and it can be hard walking over the loose volcanic sand.

Allow about two hours to reach the top, which is at the northern edge
of the inner crater.

Climbers have reported that they've easily made the journey without a HPPGB guide, though it shouldn't be tried while dark. The major obstacle is actually avoiding any hassle from the guides themselves.

You can follow the rim to the western side, with a view of the area of the most recent volcanic activity, continue to the southern
edge, and then return to Toya Bungkah by the route you climbed up.

Longer trips go around the recent volcanic cones southwest of the summit. This has the most exciting volcanic activity, with smoking craters, bright-yellow sulphur deposits, and steep slopes of fine black sand. If the activity is too exciting, the area may be closed for trekking, although the summit can still be OK.

Climbing up Gunung Batur, spending a reasonable time on the top and then strolling back down takes four or five hours; for the longer treks around the newer cones, allow around eight hours.

WHEN TO TREK

The western part of the active volcanoes of the main peak, can be fatal, with steam explosion and hot lava, the ground was unstable and sulfur dioxide. Ask for the current conditions,of trekking agencies, see, or visit the website Volcanology and geographic risk.

The active areas are sometimes closed to visitors for safety reasons - if this happens, do not do alone, and not pay extra for a longer hike the main crater, not that you do in the situation.

Think twice about trekking in the rainy season (October to March), because the titles can be muddy and slippery, and the clouds often block the view. Note that the monsoon rains often cause

Treakking Equipment

If you are climbing before sunrise, take a flashlight be or absolutely certain that your Guidelines can you be offering. You need good
strong shoes, a hat, a jumper (sweater) and Drinking water.

Trekking Gunung Batur

Volcanologists describe how Gunung Batur"Caldera double" or a crater in another. The outer crater is an oval approximately 14km long, with its western boundary approximately 1500 meters Level. The crater of a volcano interior is classic shaped tip, which reaches 1717m. Activity In the last ten years have generated many Cones on its western flank, Unimage --
natively named Batur I, II, III and IV more BE 20 smaller eruptions have been recorded -- 1824 to 1994, and there was heavy The eruptions in 1917, 1926 and 1963.

Geological and earthquakes continue to occur,regularly. Beyond the statistics, you really see believe. A look at this other world spec --
tacle and you will understand why people want to Go through the hassle and expense of many to take a hike. But is it valid? You

breathtaking pictures and get closer Volcanic activity is not easily seen elsewhere. But the disadvantage is that it is expensive, you are
deal with different characters and May have to tell you the only estimated, "I all this in terms of parking spacePenelokan.

GUNUNG BATUR AREA

This region is like a big bowl with the ground half covered with water and a series of volcanic Growth cones in the middle. Sounds a bit spectacular? It is. The road around the south -- western edge of the crater of Gunung Batur is a Bali, the main north-south and is one of the most popular vistas of Bali.

Most people want to do something, trekking Stay in the beautiful villages around the shores of Danau Batur, and plan an early start The ascent of the volcano.

The villages around the Gunung Batur crater rim have grown together over the years in a continuous, untidy strip. The main village is Kintamani, although the whole area is often referred to by that name. Coming up from the south, the first village is Penelokan, where tour-group busloads stop to gasp at the view, eat a buffet lunch and are hassled by the ever- present souvenir sellers.

Penlokan is also where you can take a short road down into the crater. From here, a road loosely follows the shore of Danau Batur, linking the villages of Kedisan and Toya Bungkah.

Highlights at Central Mountains

Admire the magnificent views and lush
Waterfall and filled the surrounding countryside
around Munduk

Find your favorite rice terraces at
Jatiluwih

Feel the energy as one of the holiest of Bali
Temple, Pura Luhur Batukau

Walking around Danau Buyan and
Danau Tamblingan

Surviving the double-wide crater Caldera
Lake, lava flows, cones, smoke and Tug
Gunung Batur

Central Mountains

Volcanoes are the backbone of Bali, and for many they are the soul. By climbing one of
Many roads through the mountains of Bali will at some point you know that palm
were replaced by pine trees, and you will see that yes, you enter another world.
They share the vast plains of southern narrow band in the north. Based
a rocky outcrop in the east near Amlapura, volcanoes March westwards. The mother of the island
Mountain Gunung Agung (3142m) to the east and north-west is Gunung Batur (Mt Batur;
1717m) with its caldera lake lunarlike double and many smaller craters.

In Bratan Danau (Lake Bratan) zone comprises a complex of vegetation, long dormant
Caldera, interspersed with several lakes. After Gunung Batukau, the second highest
Mountain (2276m), a series of small peaks stretching into the sparsely populated
Western Region.

Opportunities abound for visitors. Amid the anger there too impressive geological
Performance around the Gunung Batur, especially at sunrise. Much more relaxed walks are available in abundance
in lakes and hills around Danau Bratan.

On Munduk in the west, a dense landscape of waterfalls, jungles and coffee plantations
attracts more visitors and more for hiking and stays in nice hotels and culturally aware.

In the south, Gunung Batukau temple houses a beautiful and important in some
Island, terraced rice fields to grow more beautiful old things around their Jatiluwih.

You can visit the mountains in the Tour one day or more trails. A glance
the trees will tell you, is like nowhere else in Bali.

Villa Jemma: a large modern architecturally-designed villa in a prime location

Villa Jemma, newly completed and located in the most fashionable part of Seminyak, offers discerning holiday visitors a rare opportunity to experience a large modern architecturally-designed villa in a prime location. With attention to detail the owner has created a villa of distinction which will soon become a sought after property for travelers searching for the best and cheap bali holiday destination. Villa Jemma’s open living and dining areas look out onto a large rectangular swimming pool and Bale, set amongst rich tropical gardens.

The villa and it’s garden occupy an area of 610m2. Being less than 300 metres from the beach and only a three minute walk from stylish restaurants such as Ku De Ta, La Luciola, and Hu’u, Villa Jemma is a perfect choice, both for adults, and for families with children of all ages. Villa Jemma combines the themes of space and light with the contrasting warmth of the landscaped gardens.

The interior of the villa contains a number of fine modern art pieces as well as some examples of traditional Indonesian and Balinese furniture. The professionally trained staff at “Jemma” look forward to welcoming you on your next Bali vacation.

Villa Jemma is part of the exclusive Laksmana Bali Villas. These luxuriously appointed private residences, now available for Bali holiday rentals are centrally located in Seminyak, which is emerging as Asia’s most fashionable resort district. Each of the individually owned villas has its own personality, and all reflect the highest standards of tropical design. Attentive English speaking staff will satisfy all your Bali holiday requirements.

The best of Seminyak is within walking distance of Laksmana Bali Villas; miles of wide sandy beach, tropical chic shopping for fashion and interior design, spas, pulsating nightlife and superb dining at relaxed elegant restaurants. Laksmana Bali Villas is located on the most en vogue stretch of Jalan Laksmana, situated in complete privacy down a shady lane that keeps the outside world at a discreet distance. All this only one hundred meters from the Indian ocean ! At night the only sounds heard are the tropical breeze in swaying coconut palms, and the distant crashing of surf.

There are four large bedrooms; three king-sized doubles and one twin, which can be used as a study/TV room or as a bedroom.

Each has an attached bathroom offering guests the choice of bathing indoors or showering under the stars in true Bali style. The bedrooms overlook the large pool and lush tropical gardens. All bedrooms have telephones and individually controlled air conditioning, as well as cable TV (40 international channels including HBO and Star Movies), a music system for CDs/cassttes/radio, and a DVD/VCD player. There is also a music system in the eight metre square living room/dining room.

Staff
With a complete staff including Villa Manager, Villa Chef and four butlers, Villa Jemma provides the quality of service one would expect from such a superb villa. The modern and fully equipped kitchen easily caters to all needs and our Chef’s repertoire ranges from snacks to sumptuous 5 course dinners. Invite friends for cocktails by the pool, or an intimate group for fine dining, around our table which can comfortably seat 10 guests.

Our highly trained staff will be on hand to ensure all your Bali holiday requirements are taken care of. For food and beverage items other than the complimentary American breakfast(and water, coffee and tea throughout the day), guests will be presented with a cash bill towards the end of their stay. We do not add any additional charge to the purchase price of these items. Our staff will be happy to run errands for you and to purchase items from the local delicatessens and supermarkets on your behalf. Please give the chef as much notice as possible if you wish to have special meals prepared, so that he has time for the necessary shopping. Whilst it is entirely at your discretion, if you wish to show your appreciation of the villa staff, please give any tips to the villa manager Handy, who will ensure that they are fairly distributed amongst all of the staff.

Services

* Complimentary airport transfers (22 minutes door to door)
* Complimentary full American breakfast
* Fully equipped modern kitchen and our very own chef

Facilities

* IDD Telephone/Fax/Printer/Scanner & Copier
* Cable TV, DVD players and music systems in all bedrooms
* DVD Movie Collection
* Safety Boxes in all Bedrooms
* Infant/Baby cot and Mega Saucer available
* 16m x 4m swimming pool
* High-speed computer / Wireless Broadband Available
* Excellent cell phone satellite coverage
* Air conditioning in all guest rooms
* Traditional Bale at poolside which can easily accommodate six guests
* Four sun beds with umbrellas, by the poolside
* Baby-sitting services available
* Laundry and dry cleaning service available
* Car rental and tour guide services available
* 24-hour uniformed security

Villa Jemma: a large modern architecturally-designed villa in a prime location

Villa Jemma, newly completed and located in the most fashionable part of Seminyak, offers discerning holiday visitors a rare opportunity to experience a large modern architecturally-designed villa in a prime location. With attention to detail the owner has created a villa of distinction which will soon become a sought after property for travelers searching for the best and cheap bali holiday destination. Villa Jemma’s open living and dining areas look out onto a large rectangular swimming pool and Bale, set amongst rich tropical gardens.

The villa and it’s garden occupy an area of 610m2. Being less than 300 metres from the beach and only a three minute walk from stylish restaurants such as Ku De Ta, La Luciola, and Hu’u, Villa Jemma is a perfect choice, both for adults, and for families with children of all ages. Villa Jemma combines the themes of space and light with the contrasting warmth of the landscaped gardens.

The interior of the villa contains a number of fine modern art pieces as well as some examples of traditional Indonesian and Balinese furniture. The professionally trained staff at “Jemma” look forward to welcoming you on your next Bali vacation.

Villa Jemma is part of the exclusive Laksmana Bali Villas. These luxuriously appointed private residences, now available for Bali holiday rentals are centrally located in Seminyak, which is emerging as Asia’s most fashionable resort district. Each of the individually owned villas has its own personality, and all reflect the highest standards of tropical design. Attentive English speaking staff will satisfy all your Bali holiday requirements.

The best of Seminyak is within walking distance of Laksmana Bali Villas; miles of wide sandy beach, tropical chic shopping for fashion and interior design, spas, pulsating nightlife and superb dining at relaxed elegant restaurants. Laksmana Bali Villas is located on the most en vogue stretch of Jalan Laksmana, situated in complete privacy down a shady lane that keeps the outside world at a discreet distance. All this only one hundred meters from the Indian ocean ! At night the only sounds heard are the tropical breeze in swaying coconut palms, and the distant crashing of surf.

There are four large bedrooms; three king-sized doubles and one twin, which can be used as a study/TV room or as a bedroom.

Each has an attached bathroom offering guests the choice of bathing indoors or showering under the stars in true Bali style. The bedrooms overlook the large pool and lush tropical gardens. All bedrooms have telephones and individually controlled air conditioning, as well as cable TV (40 international channels including HBO and Star Movies), a music system for CDs/cassttes/radio, and a DVD/VCD player. There is also a music system in the eight metre square living room/dining room.

Staff
With a complete staff including Villa Manager, Villa Chef and four butlers, Villa Jemma provides the quality of service one would expect from such a superb villa. The modern and fully equipped kitchen easily caters to all needs and our Chef’s repertoire ranges from snacks to sumptuous 5 course dinners. Invite friends for cocktails by the pool, or an intimate group for fine dining, around our table which can comfortably seat 10 guests.

Our highly trained staff will be on hand to ensure all your Bali holiday requirements are taken care of. For food and beverage items other than the complimentary American breakfast(and water, coffee and tea throughout the day), guests will be presented with a cash bill towards the end of their stay. We do not add any additional charge to the purchase price of these items. Our staff will be happy to run errands for you and to purchase items from the local delicatessens and supermarkets on your behalf. Please give the chef as much notice as possible if you wish to have special meals prepared, so that he has time for the necessary shopping. Whilst it is entirely at your discretion, if you wish to show your appreciation of the villa staff, please give any tips to the villa manager Handy, who will ensure that they are fairly distributed amongst all of the staff.

Services

* Complimentary airport transfers (22 minutes door to door)
* Complimentary full American breakfast
* Fully equipped modern kitchen and our very own chef

Facilities

* IDD Telephone/Fax/Printer/Scanner & Copier
* Cable TV, DVD players and music systems in all bedrooms
* DVD Movie Collection
* Safety Boxes in all Bedrooms
* Infant/Baby cot and Mega Saucer available
* 16m x 4m swimming pool
* High-speed computer / Wireless Broadband Available
* Excellent cell phone satellite coverage
* Air conditioning in all guest rooms
* Traditional Bale at poolside which can easily accommodate six guests
* Four sun beds with umbrellas, by the poolside
* Baby-sitting services available
* Laundry and dry cleaning service available
* Car rental and tour guide services available
* 24-hour uniformed security

Bali Real Estate

The recent global recession affects all sectors of business ranging from home industry to major international company. With the stock markets being chaotic, investors are trying to find another means as their tool to overcome this situation and still gain profits. One of those means is the real estate business, especially in certain under-priced region like Bali.

Bali is one of the most sought after area amongst tourists' destinations on the globe and Bali real estate business grows massively each year. Elected as the second most favorite islands this year after the Maldives with developments on villas, apartments, condominiums on the rise Bali will stay strong and steadily attracts a lot of global investors to come and to have a piece of the cake.

Compared to Thailand or Hawaii, real estate business in Bali is still under priced and underestimated. However, certain investors could see the opposite and make the smart move towards 2009 where the property value can go up to minimal 20%!!

Mr. A had just been offered a beachfront apartment for US$245,000 and purchased it at US$196,000. That's 20% off the market price. Next year the price will go up 20% and if he wants to sell it he'll get 40% (20% + 20%) capital appreciations in just a couple of month's time plus the rental incomes of the apartment. 

That is just one example of what Bali real estate can offer to the investors and why it is a perfect investment tools. A lot of medias such as magazines, newspapers, travel and leisure websites are promoting Bali real estate aggressively, covering all sides of it from the plusses and the minuses making sure that the investors are fully aware of what's new and special offers on the island.

Prestigious names such as St.Regis and The W hotel have entered the scene and with their worldwide reputations and services, these power players made Bali even classier than before. This triggered more investors to follow their footsteps in up and coming years. In due course Bali real estate will stay strong with definite growth and a very promising future in the Paradise Property Bali.

http://www.ppbali.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Filippi

Bali Holiday - Hotels in Seminyak

Island of Bali, one of the main holiday destinations of Indonesia and probably one of the most visited vacation spots in entire Asia, has an incontestable magic, felt by most tourists who spent there longer or shorter getaways. 

Indonesia is considered by many western people as an exotic travel destination, where everything is different as at their home. Indeed, there all things have a specific charm, from culture to architecture, from weather and climate to vegetation, from food to traditions, from spoken languages to philosophical concepts...

Bali is lying between island of Java to the west and Lombok to the east, the capital city is Denpasar and it has and area of only 5,632 squad km (2,175 sq mi), but a population of over 3 millions of people. The entire island is a holiday resort, with many great accommodation units settled on beautiful beaches or in the high of the mountains, almost all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and with unforgettable sea views! Everywhere on the island can be found well developed tourist centers dotted with luxurious hotels. 

A few destinations where are located the best hotels in Bali are Seminyak, Candi Dasa, Ubud, Jimbaran, Tuban, Nusa Dua, Kuta (with one of the most famous beaches in Bali named the Legian Beach), Sanur, Lovina Beach, Pemuteran, Lembogan Island and Tanjung Benoa.

Most resorts in Bali are built with a specific Balinese architectural style, feature very luxurious amenities and offer high level services, being categorized as 4 and 5 star hotels. Majority of them don't comprise big size buildings, but have several villas or bungalows spread out around a wider area and offering a better chance to holiday makers to relax and enjoy a quite vacation.

Of course, most hotels in Bali have one or more pools, spa centers, and a wide range of vacation facilities such as golf courses, scuba diving equipments, and others.
Seminyak is a famous tourist destination, located on the western side of Bali, just north of Kuta and Legian, being practically a suburb of town of Kuta. 

It is considered one of the most luxurious areas in Bali, so prices are pretty high, but even so there book accommodation a lot of tourists and also may expatriates bought houses and villas. Most hotels in Seminyak are 4 and 5 star resorts, featuring spa centers, more swimming pools, tennis courts, golf clubs, restaurants with local and international cuisine, shops with local products, all designed to offer vacationers a pleasant stay and splendid memories about Indonesia. 

Accommodation units as "Apartments Disini Luxury Spa Villas", "Hotel Villa Lumbung", "Hotel Kayana Seminyak", "Hotel Anantara Seminyak", "Hotel The Oberoi Bali", "Hotel The Villas Bali and Spa", "Hotel The Samaya Bali", "Apartments C151 Smart Villas", and "Hotel Bali Rich Luxury Villa" belong to the most luxurious resorts in Bali, but there are also a few 3 star hotels in Seinyak which offer excellent accommodation, one of them being "Hotel Pelangi Bali".

Bali attracts holiday makers looking to spend relaxing beach vacations, but also tourists interested in learning about new cultures and peoples. The last ones have chance to take visits to different temples (which are in fact main tourist attractions for all vacationers) and villages to see how live the locals, to meet them and to buy handicraft products. 

Island of Bali is a very mountainous one, especially in its central side, the tallest peaks being mount Agung (3142 meters) and mount Batukaru (2271 meters), so the more active tourists and hiking fans can enjoy there great moments too.

Spending a holiday in Bali is great on any region of it, but Seminyak is in the top of the most exquisite resorts of the island. Beside great accommodation offered by luxury hotels in Seminyak and splendid beaches from surroundings where tourists can enjoy at first hand the tropical nature, in the area can be found also a few entertaining zones with lively restaurants, bars, and shops.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Tuszing 

Bali Hotels Open the Door on Adventure

Some vacation destinations offer visitors an attraction or two and a nice little break from the daily grind. There are other locations, however, that turn fantasies into reality. When tourists stay in Bali hotels, they will find the latter is true. This island paradise opens the door on adventures that can be found nowhere else.

When the beautiful tropical island of Bali is the destination, vacationers will find themselves surrounded by warm turquoise waters, pristine beaches and other natural splendors that have made this destination a favorite for people the world over for years. 

Located in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is not only noted for its natural beauty, but also its postcard perfect weather. With temperatures that range between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius year-round, anytime is a good time to visit this paradise.

December to March is rainy season, but Mother Nature is kind to Bali. The rains tend only to come during the evenings, leaving the days sunny and warm.

Visitors to Bali will find there is no shortage of activities to take part in. Although the island is only 5,632 square kilometers, it packs adventure into nearly every bit of it. Some of the things those who stay in Bali hotels will be able to see, do or experience include:

* Beach hopping - From Kuta and Legian to Tuban and Sanur, the beaches of Bali are some of the most beautiful in the world. The island's beaches boast white sand and waters so beautiful the backdrop looks like it was painted by an artist.

* Water sports - Bali's beaches are not only perfect for lazy days sunbathing and swimming, but also for incredible water sports. Bali hotels are the ideal launching point for snorkeling, diving, water skiing, parasailing, white water rafting and even fishing and cruising adventures.

* Golf - Visitors who stay in Bali hotels will find some of the world's most picturesque golf courses at their disposal. The Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, located in the mountains of Bali, is considered one of the most breathtaking courses in the world.

* Natural tours - People do not come to Bali to spend days inside. When exploring the island's natural wonders is the plan, a variety of nature tours will make sure visitors see the wonders that make Bali so special. Some destinations worth taking in include the Bali Barat National Park, the Botanical Garden in Ubud and the Bali Safari and Marine Park.

* Wildlife - Beyond the fauna, visitors will also find some incredible wildlife. The Bali Zoo includes a collection from all over the world, but does provide a very localized flavor.

* Shopping - The island is a shopper's dream come true. Its many vendors offer everything from handmade clothing and jewelery to artifacts and antiques. Some of the best stops to make for shopping include street markets in Nusa Dua and Kuta.

Bali has long called to visitors with its heavenly sights and promise of adventure. For those who choose to say in Bali hotels, wonder awaits around every corner.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

by: Raymod Horsfall

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Horsfall

9 Tips when staying around Bali Villas

1.      Please change money at a reputable looking location close to Bali Villas; calculate beforehand!

 

2.      Get a lot of water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.

 

3.      Leave important documents in your Bali Villas' deposit box, and wear your bag across your shoulders!

 

4.      Swim between the red and yellow flags in any beach of Bali Villas, it is safe area to swim.

 

5.      Do not to step on any kind of offerings (even in the street) in any Bali Villas, walk around them instead.

6.      Be patient when facing the slow pace of processions in any Bali Villas when stuck behind one.

 

7.      Do not touch people's heads in Bali Villas - it is impolite and very offensive to most of people.

 

8.      Do not enter a temple in Bali Villas during woman’s monthly period.

 

9.      Be very careful while you cross the road, this is dangerous! During red light there might be some vehicle running.

Bali Villas

Bali Villas
are mostly located in the tourism spots in Bali, with most fashionable and stylish designs.  

Tourists can experience traditional Balinese life in Bali Villas and explore Bali’s exotic culture while relaxing and enjoying their holiday at Bali Villas.

Several new exclusive private Bali Villas are set now in a landscaped tropical garden overlooking the rice field. The serenity of the place ensures full comfort and privacy, takes only 10 minutes drive from the airport.

Some Bali Villas were carefully designed to take advantage of the serene Balinese nuance and modern minimalist style it spawns a simple elegance and unusual sense of privacy.

Two or three bedroom Bali Villas are also available in some location in Bali. Most of Bali Villas are reachable within 20 to 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, presented with luxurious designs and and smiling faces employees.

Bali Tourism and Accommodations

Bali - which has more than half the hotels in all of Indonesia - offers the best and widest range of accommodation of any region of Indonesia catering to the international tourist. Bali Hotels are ranging from international five-star hotels with extravagant suites costing US$600 per day to simple, homey, family-run inns with a thin mattress for a bed and a single hanging light bulb for less than five dollars per night.

All these Bali hotels have convention facilities, swimming pools, sports grounds and a selection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or discotheques and beachfronts. There are also smaller Bali cottage style hotels with modern amenities. Most unique is the long established. Above hotels and those with two stars have air conditioning, attached baths, telephones and TV.

Bali Airport
Bali main airport Ngurah Rai has accommodations service desks in both the domestic and international arrival lounges. These dispense excellent information and the staff will even call a hotel in any area of Bali of your choice and order transportation, which is usually free, though you could end up paying for it. To Nusa Dua area , it can cost Rp 100,000 ($10). Find out who pays before you commit.

As you emerge from either the domestic and international terminals at Bali’s airport, drivers or their assistants will be waiting there to escort guests to the hotel of their choice. They’ll be holding up hotel signs; if you have already decided to stay in Bali at a certain hotel, take advantage of the free ride.

Handling your carriage in Bali
basically any hotel in Bali , no matter what the class is, will offer to store your luggage in special storage rooms while you’re traveling around Bali or to other islands of Indonesia. In lower-priced home-stays, the owner will even store your gear in the family quarters with the tacit understanding that you’ll stay again in Bali upon your return

Bali Religion and Culture

Bali is an island Magic which has been the favorite destination of a range of discerning travelers. Bali is an only Hindu province in Indonesia, and the rich blend of tradition and culture has had an incredible impact.

In Bali, the gods and goddesses called the “Dewa-Dewi” -a god being a “Dewa” and a goddess a “Dewi”. The Balinese religion uses the Indian Hindu pantheon, though having adapted it to its own history, character and unique Balinese needs.

Bali Geography
The Island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok also the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 ’till 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4 hours. Bali has an area of 5620 sq. km, measures approximately 140 km by 80 km.

Bali The surroundings

A friendly and remarkably artistic Balinese people, living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created dynamic society with unique Bali arts and ceremonies, making Bali an island almost unreal in today’s hectic and changing world. Bali terrace rice fields dominate the landscape, with rivers and small irrigation streams dissecting a luscious green landscape, filling the air with enchanting sounds of running water.

Bali in Old times

We start with Bali in the old times. The history of Bali is the beginning of the life of Balinese in this island, we can find the evidence about the life style of the Bali society even not in writing (since most of Balinese were illiterate) but mostly all remaining around this island showed the real life of Balinese in the old times

Based on the findings the social life of Balinese in the old times separated into:

• 
  
  Balinese Period of hunting and collecting food I period
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  Balinese Period of hunting and collecting food II period
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  Balinese Period of planting and livestock
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  Balinese Period of blacksmith
  
  
  
  

Bali in Period of Dutch
Many of the Articles of Bali mentioning that the Balinese became the darlings of the Dutch authorities. Indeed, the Dutch administration took a patronizing attitude toward the Bali people and their culture, allowing the Balinese to continue using their own language and practice their own ‘Traditional custom’. Although the remaining pro-Dutch princes were deprived of political powers, they maintained much of their influence and importance as patrons of the Balinese arts.

A Destination Wedding in Bali Part 3 – Choosing a Venue

Deciding on the type of wedding you want is the first step in choosing the most appropriate venue. A small intimate ceremony with a handful of guests would be difficult to achieve in a sprawling 5 star resort but would be perfect for a small boutique hotel or a private villa.

So, the first thing to do is decide what sort of wedding you would like. Will it be small and intimate or grand and elegant? Will it be formal or casual? How many guests will be there? Once you have decided on the type of wedding it’s time to think about location. Do you want the wedding on the beach? Do you want a church wedding?

Would you like to be married in the picturesque rice fields? Just a word of caution regarding weddings on the beach. It is possible to get married on the beach but all beaches on Bali are public and it can be very difficult to maintain the privacy and security of the ceremony. It is quite possible that local sightseers will crowd round and the hawkers will even try to sell things to your guests. A better solution is to have the wedding ceremony in the grounds of a hotel or villa close to the beach and then have some photographs taken on the beach.

For large weddings there are many international hotels that can accommodate your wedding and your guests and there are often group discounts on rooms available. For smaller weddings there are many fabulous private villas that offer really good value for money. The added benefit of hiring a private villa is that you can celebrate late into the night without disturbing anyone else.

There are so many choices and options available that it can be a bit daunting trying to sort through them all. This is another reason why it is better to hire a wedding organiser who can guide and advise you on the best location for your dream wedding in paradise.

Colin Hall

Colin Hall is British and a resident of Bali. He recommends that couples intending to get married in Bali should visit http://www.romanticbaliweddings.com for first class information and service.

A Destination Wedding in Bali Part 2 - Legal Requirements

A lot of people think it is too difficult to have a legal wedding in Bali and so just have a religious blessing or a renewal of vows ceremony, but it is possible to be married legally in Bali.

All couples who marry in Indonesia must declare a religion. Atheism and Agnosticism are not recognised and the Civil Registry office can record marriages of couples of Islam, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian-Catholic and Christian-Protestant faiths. Marriage partners must have the same religion, otherwise one partner must make a written declaration of a change of religion.

A Christian, Buddhist or Hindu wedding is usually performed in a church or temple ceremony first. After the religious ceremony, every non-Islamic marriage must be recorded with the Civil Registry. Without the registration of the Civil Registry these marriages are not legal. Recording by Civil Registry officials can be performed directly at the religious ceremony for an additional fee.

Couples will also need to provide to the Civil Registry a “Notice of Intention to Marry” and also a “Letter of No Impediment” which is obtained from the consular representatives. To obtain these documents there are different requirements for each nationality and personal situation (divorced, widowed, etc) of the couple.

Two witnesses over the age of 18 are required. They cannot be family members of the bride and groom and they must show the originals and present photocopies of their passports. Civil Registry employees can also act as witnesses. Marriage certificates are issued immediately and a sworn translation of the certificate should be obtained for use in the couples home country.

The legal requirements and the process can be daunting to a foreigner trying to manage their wedding from a distance and therefore it is recommended that the couple find a competent wedding planner or consultant who will take care of all the paperwork for them. The wedding planner can also help with all aspects of the wedding arrangements making it easy and stress free to have a romantic wedding in Bali.

Colin Hall.

Colin Hall is British and a resident of Bali. He writes on various subjects pertaining to expat life in SE Asia. Colin recommends that couples intending to get married in Bali should contact Kelly at http://www.romanticbaliweddings.com for first class information and service.