An introduction to Bali..

As the tourist face of Indonesia, Bali has come a long way in the last thirty years since its discovery by modern tourism. The island maintains a dual approach to dealing with the large numbers of foreign tourists that are attracted to its spiritual allure and the pull of good value tropical vacationing. As development continues and Western influences make an indelible mark, the Balinese continue to adapt to the changes whilst remaining protective of their unique cultural identity.

It is becoming more and more of a challenge to scratch beneath the real surface of Bali during a two-week vacation and many visitors don’t venture too far from the easygoing lifestyle and hospitality of the more popular tourist areas. For those who possess the spirit of adventure, that want to cross the line of generic tourism and strike a more uncharted path around the island then the rewards are still there to be enjoyed and treasured.
    
Bali is split into eight regencies: Jembrana, Buleleng, Bangli, Tabanan, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung and Karangasem. Predominantly Hindu, the island remains a province of the Republic of Indonesia but does not subscribe to Islam as adopted by the majority of the archipelago. Balinese society is based around the Pura, or temple, which is the core of religious, civil, family and social life with the Banjar (local meeting hall) being the cohesive centre of each community, much as it has been for thousands of years.

The seaweed growing island of Nusa Lembongan, neighbouring Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida fall officially under Bali and are often visited for a day trip on any number of boats that operate out of Benoa harbour and Sanur. The main attraction on Nusa Lembongan is the reef surfing and slow pace of life, whilst divers can expect challenging conditions and the opportunity to spot the seasonal Mola Mola sunfish and giant Manta rays.


ACTIVITIES

Activities in Bali include a range of watersports including diving and surfing, whilst onland activities take advantage of the island’s varied terrain. You can participate in bird watching walks in the rice paddies of Ubud, the cultural centre of the island. Balinese cooking classes and downhill cycling tours through the island’s heartland. Culturally minded visitors can learn the art of the Balinese Gamelan (xylophone) and Balinese traditional dances, study puppetry and how to make Batik for your very own wardrobe.

For golf enthusiasts the island is home to five world class courses designed to test all skill levels. White water rafting in the hills is a great day out as is an early morning horse ride through the countryside and to the beaches in the west. Bali has several wildlife and safari parks where visitors can see a wide variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and even stay overnight in a lodge at the elephant park.

Bali is now recognized as being the spa capital of South East Asia with many hotels boasting their own spas and many independent operators offering a huge selection of treatments and therapies. Shopping is a way of life in Bali, whether it’s for handicrafts, furniture, paintings, stone and wood carvings, fabric and soft furnishings or the latest trendy designer clothing and accessories – whatever you need it’s here in Bali. There are many cargo companies here to freight your bigger purchases home... 

There is an incredible choice of dining to be found in Bali with almost every international cuisine being served. Seminyak and Ubud are both home to several world class restaurants as are the leading five star hotels on the island. Balinese and Indonesian cuisine is to be found on every street corner and is cheap and tasty, go exploring and you’ll discover a culinary paradise! Kuta and Seminyak have the highest concentration of bars and clubs with many places staying open until sunrise. The party scene on the island starts late and finishes early so make sure you have the stamina to enjoy what’s on offer!

There are many day trips and family activities based in Bali from cultural tours and temple visits to guided trips of the national park and much more. Nusa Lembongan is a short boat ride from Bali and is extremely popular with day trippers and families looking for some offshore  adventure as well as competent surfers to the reef setups named Shipwrecks, Lacerations and Playgrounds.

SURF

The visiting surfers of the 1960’s are widely regarded as the tourist pioneers of Bali. There are over twenty top quality breaks to suit every level of surfer on the west and east coasts of the island that are just half an hour apart by car or motorbike. The dry winter season is offshore on the famous Kuta to Uluwatu west side of the island, with south east winds from early June to Late August fanning the swells. The wet summer season is offshore on the Nusa Dua to Sanur east side of the island with north west winds from around early November to late March. One tip to remember is that most Bali waves get better in the afternoon after the wind has straightened the swell out. To beat the crowds head for a super early surf when the sun rises around 6am.


DIVING

With so much to see and do ‘topside’ some divers are skeptical when told Bali’s diving is spectacular… In fact Bali and Lembongan draws internationally recognized underwater photographers and enthusiasts from around the globe. The island is situated in the Indo-Pacific, the world’s richest marine bio-geographic zone. Bali therefore receives very plankton rich waters and so contains a stunningly diverse underwater ecosystem. The dive sites offer a huge variety of topography, vertical walls and sand slopes, steel and wooden shipwrecks, limestone shorelines and black volcanic outcrops, peaceful tropical bays and ripping currents, shallow seagrass beds with both shore and boat diving in Lembongan and Penida.

Tulamben in the north east of Bali boasts the 120 metre USAT Liberty shipwreck. Nearby Padang Bai and Candidasa offers dramatic dives for the more experienced. In the north west of Bali, Menjangan Island has spectacular wall diving whilst whilst the offshore islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida boasts drift diving and is best known for Manta rays (April – May) and Mola-Molas (the weird but wonderful Oceanic sunfish in August – November).


Information

For all your Bali, Lembongan and Gili needs, Island Promotions can arrange - Transport options from fast boats, shuttle bus and slow boats, flights and transfers. Accommodation from budget hotels and beach huts, to luxury villas and five star resorts. Activities including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, golf days, private parties weddings, honeymoons and much more.

Bookings can be made through Island Promotions Travel at The 2 Original Gili Paradise offices :

Shop 1 -
The Gili Paradise Shop,
No. 12, Poppies Lane 1,
Kuta, Bali. Tel - 0361 753241

 

Shop 2 –
CV. Island Promotions,
Suka Beach, JL. Benesari,
Poppies Lane 2, Kuta, Bali.
Tel / Fax  - 0361 766220

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