Bali Beaches, Day Spas, Nightlife And Shahrukh Khan
For me, arriving at Bali was a travellers' delight. Nothing could beat travel fatigue faster than the friendly, smiling Balinese faces for the Customs and Immigrations at the Denpasar airport and the ' Visa on arrival' stamped at my passport for 10 USD in fifteen minutes flat!
I had heard that Bali was an island of temples, dances, and age-old rituals; with over 95 per cents of a typical 3 million people practice a form of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me of the spot-on recital of Gayatri Mantra' by my taxi driver, leading to a song from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai by the same breath. I have been astounded by the Bollywood craze in this Far East city, because of this, that we was instantly labelled from Shah Rukh Khan's country' by every taxi driver and local I met!
Visiting the airport, most tourists head straight for beach regions Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, I chose Kuta simply because it is still arguably the centre of night life activities in addition to an array of retailers, boutiques, and galleries- what more could I seek!
Bali supplies a vast element of hotels for those budgets, directly from simple as well as cheap accommodation for backpackers to 5 star hotels with indulgent spas in chicago those seeking pure luxury. I stayed along at the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone's dispose of coming from the Kuta beach.
At sunset, the Kuta beach comes alive, with people waiting to benefit from the stunning panorama. Teeming tourist, locals selling the colorful sarongs and batiks as well as a Balinese dance performance somewhere on endless stretch of the beach...of course if you want to dance away into the wee hours of those morning, you wont be disappointed- pubbing is amazing in Kuta, which has a wide range of choices with pubs and discos that offer a vibrant nightlife.
The easiest way to enjoy Kuta is by simply asking the locals, who are very friendly an always ready to assist you. I was lucky to get a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia- Kishore Pridhnani, who along with his wife Radha took me to get a night tour of the total number of the chic places in Kuta. The thing that left a lasting impression inside my mind was Ku De Ta, a flowery restaurant overlooking the coast. I absolutely loved the ambience within the night and shall recommend this restaurant to anyone.
However, but if your kind of vacation is always to relax and calm down, head to the southern peninsula, with world-class, self-contained luxury hotels placed upon quiet stretches of beach of Sanur and Nusa Dua, as well as in Jimbaran Bay. (that's also well known for very reasonable Sea food) These white sand beaches dotted by thousands of mangrove and coconut trees and sheltered by coral reefs, create a comfortable haven for honeymooners or those preferring solitude.
To move a break out of your problems of Kuta, I headed for Ubud, which I must say has retained the design of a comfy village retreat, despite of the growing tourism industry. Ubud is the arts and crafts capital of Bali, so in addition to streets lined with lined with shops and workshops specialising in traditional crafts, there are a selection of various art galleries and museums to crash.
The following I headed for a day-trip cruise from Benoa Harbor that took me to your Lembongan Island, a popular spot for surfers and scuba divers. (at approx. USD 60 onwards for the day-cruise inclusive of lunch, I think it's a worth a visit). Arriving on your white sandy beaches of Lembongan Bay, you could consider the guided snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat cruise or simply walk amidst the native Balinese villages
If you need to remainder that come from the beach scenario, I suggest a vacation on the cool mountains of Kintamani with its green rice fields, the placid Lake Batur that rests inside a huge crater along with the impressive Gunung Batur volcano that dominates the landscape. The evenings will usually get cooler, so carry a warm pullover or a shawl and facilitate you could have camera on you to capture the spectacular view of Mt Batur.
Bali is among the Spa Capitals of the world where one can indulge yourself inside of a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you wish to spoil yourself then you have the option to sample because of an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice-paste exfoliations, flower petal aroma baths and indulgent cream baths. I'd suggest you check many of the local spas that work spa therapies into one's holiday schedule daily. And don't forget the standard drinks manufactured from herbs and roots- jamu', a local Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, aching bones or chills.
For the adventurous and sporty, Bali gives a host of adrenaline-pumping water-sports, both below and above water. Surfing, scuba diving, banana boats, snorkelling, parasailing, Jet Ski, Bungee Jumping, Bali offers all of it.
Do try the river rafting at the Ayung River amidst a wild tropical forest. Ride the fast-flowing Ayung river since it carves its way with numerous hairpin curves and swirling rapids. Full day programme would only cost you about USD 35 onwards but i found the experience thoroughly stimulating.
For those that love underwater world and always wanted to dive, there's spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling off unspoiled coral reefs around the island, with the most amazing and vivid underwater life. There are even learner's courses by qualified professional instructors for your amateurs (you can use a day's course for just USD 100)
And while you happen to be on the beach savoring the water sports, do loves the locals who cajole you into trying hair braiding, getting tattoo done or even have a relaxing massage.
If you are travelling with your kids, make sure to take his class to the Waterboom Park. My kids but enjoyed every day of waterslides and pools for all sizes with restaurants and snack bars within arms reach...good family fun for youths of any age!
When you feel like venturing outside for only a meal, there are numerous breezy open sided bamboo cafes serving authentic Balinese food as well as a selection of sumptuous international cuisine. Nevertheless for those that miss Indian food, It is best to seek a delicious meal with the Queen's Tandoor in Seminyak, exactly where the owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra go out of the technique to pamper only personal attention.
Another big pastime here is shopping!
For those who don't need to wander too far that come from the beach, Sanur, Kuta and Ubud having than enough to appease any shopper, from sarongs and sandals to wooden statues, stone carvings and iron and bronze works. But if you are willing to wish on shopping, you can buy branded stuff from malls like Mahatari or also seek for Factory Sales of branded clothes.
You'll discover the ultimate in open-air market browsing in southern Bali, where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. Do consider the local painting styles. I suggest, you always come in under a 3rd of the price and even walk away, until you obtain the value you need. .
And before you depart Bali don't forget to get their chilly sauce called Sambal (its one among it's kind and you can even show great progress along at the duty free at Bali Airport.)
Coming from the locals raving over Shah Rukh Khan into the colourful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise lures Indians, not only by its natural exquisiteness but more importantly by its culture as well as the warmth of a typical Balinese people.
With Bali increasingly accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and super deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines which have daily flights connecting the Island for as low as USD 160 for a round trip ticket, We d defiantly recommend this island getaway once your next travel itinerary!
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December 1st, 2003 | 
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