Bali Island Shores, Spas, Nightlife And Shahrukh Khan
Good for me, coming to Bali has been a travellers' delight. Nothing could beat travel fatigue quicker than the friendly, smiling Balinese faces for the Customs and Immigrations at the Denpasar airport as well as the ' Visa on arrival' stamped inside my passport for 10 USD in 15 minutes flat!
I had developed heard that Bali was an island of temples, dances, and age-old rituals; with over 95 per cent of your 3 million people practice a variety of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me for your spot-on recital of Gayatri Mantra' by my taxi driver, followed by a song from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai within the same breath. I have been dazzled by the Bollywood craze in this Far East city, so much in fact, that we was instantly labelled from Shah Rukh Khan's country' by every taxi driver and native I met!
Coming to the airport, most tourists head straight of the beach areas Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, I selected Kuta merely because it is arguably the centre of night life activities along with a wide selection of outlets, boutiques, and galleries- what more could I inquire about!
Bali offers a vast component to hotels for all those budgets, right from easy and cheap accommodation for backpackers to five star hotels with indulgent spas in chicago those seeking pure luxury. I stayed with the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone's get rid of from the Kuta beach.
At sunset, the Kuta beach comes alive, with people wanting to relish 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...any time you want to dance away into your wee hours of a typical morning, you wont be disappointed- pubbing is amazing in Kuta, which has a wide variety of choices with pubs and discos that offer a vibrant nightlife.
Your best choice to enjoy Kuta is by simply asking the locals, who will be very friendly an always ready to assist you. I d been lucky to possess a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia- Kishore Pridhnani, who in addition to his wife Radha took me to have a night tour of all the chic places in Kuta. The thing that left a lasting impression inside my mind was Ku De Ta, a elaborate restaurant overlooking the coast. I absolutely loved the ambience inside the night and shall recommend this restaurant to anyone.
However, in case your type of vacation is usually to relax and chill out, treck the southern peninsula, with world-class, self-contained luxury hotels turned towards quiet stretches of beach of Sanur and Nusa Dua, in addition to in Jimbaran Bay. (and that is also extremely popular for very reasonable Sea food) These white sand beaches dotted by a very large number mangrove and coconut trees and sheltered by coral reefs, create a comfortable haven for honeymooners or those preferring solitude.
To take a break coming from the problems of Kuta, I headed for Ubud, which I must say has retained the design of a comfortable village retreat, despite of the growing tourism industry. Ubud would be the arts and crafts capital of Bali, so together with streets lined with lined with shops and workshops specialising in traditional crafts, there are a number of different art galleries and museums to go to.
Future I headed for a day-trip cruise from Benoa Harbor that took me into the Lembongan Island, a well known location for surfers and scuba divers. (at approx. USD 60 onwards of the day-cruise inclusive of lunch, I do think it's a worth a vacation). Arriving on your white sandy beaches of Lembongan Bay, it is possible to consider the guided snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat cruise or simply walk amidst the native Balinese villages
If you would like remainder from the beach scenario, I suggest a holiday into the cool mountains of Kintamani possessing green rice fields, the placid Lake Batur that rests in a huge crater as well as the impressive Gunung Batur volcano that dominates the landscape. The evenings will usually get cooler, so carry a warm pullover or even a shawl and be sure you have camera along with you to capture the spectacular view of Mt Batur.
Bali is among the Spa Capitals worldwide for you to indulge yourself inside a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you want to spoil yourself then you can sample from an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice-paste exfoliations, flower petal aroma baths and indulgent cream baths. Providers suggest you check many of the local spas some items spa therapies within your holiday schedule daily. And don't forget the normal drinks made from herbs and roots- jamu', a nearby Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, aching bones or chills.
For the adventurous and sporty, Bali supplies 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 the whole thing.
Do try the river rafting around 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 found the chance to thoroughly stimulating.
For those that love underwater world and always wanted to dive, there is spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling from the unspoiled coral reefs around the island, with more amazing and vivid underwater life. There are even learner's courses by qualified professional instructors of the amateurs (you can use a day's course for just USD 100)
And while you are well on the beach enjoying the water sports, do loves the locals who cajole you into trying hair braiding, getting tattoo done or even have got a relaxing massage.
In case you are travelling with your kids, be sure to take them to the Waterboom Park. My kids but i enjoyed each day of waterslides and pools in sizes with restaurants and snack bars within arms reach...good family fun for youths of all walks of life!
Once you appear like venturing outside for only a meal, there are several breezy open sided bamboo cafes serving authentic Balinese food as well as a variety of sumptuous international cuisine. Except for persons miss Indian food, It is best to seek a delicious meal with the Queen's Tandoor in Seminyak, in which the owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra venture out of your way to pamper you on personal attention.
Another big pastime this is shopping!
For those who don't want to wander too far out of your 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 look for Factory Sales of branded clothes.
You'll find 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 enter under a 33% of the price or even bolt, until you get the value you want. .
And before you depart Bali don't forget to order their chilly sauce called Sambal (its one of it's kind and you may even pick it up at the duty free at Bali Airport.)
Coming from the locals raving over Shah Rukh Khan to the colourful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise lures Indians, not just by its natural exquisiteness but more importantly by its culture as well as the warmth of your Balinese people.
With Bali starting to be accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and great deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines which may have daily flights connecting the Island for as little as USD 160 to get a round trip ticket, I'd defiantly recommend this island getaway when your next travel itinerary!
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September 3rd, 2004 | 
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