St. Regis Resort Bali - Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

St. Regis Resort Bali - Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

Journey to an exclusive and privileged location which breathes an alluring beachfront eloquence. Overlooking the majestic oceanfront and Bali's premier golf course, The St. Regis Bali Resort captures an element of style in a timeless and refined environment. A destination of romance and mystique, the splendid resort reflects the very essence of Bali culture. Featuring aromatic tropical flower arrangement, exquisite furnishings, intricately detailed and architecturally stunning interiors, St. Regis Bali Resort undoubtedly transforms and indulges the very senses of each guest.

Impressively designed, this all suite and villa resort features 79 suites, 42 villas and 2 residences. The resort combines panoramic sea views as well as tranquil, colorful and lush gardens, reflecting a true element of style in the culturally rich and luxurious environment of Bali. Combining modern materials and antique designs, each suite and villa is infused with a rich residential feel and is intricately adorned with indigenous and cultural Indonesian artifacts. Soaking in the lap of luxury, each villa features a Butler Room with its own separate entrance for a 24 hour personalized St. Regis Butler service.

Source : http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/bali/st-regis-resort-bali

Ubud Hanging Gardens - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Ubud Hanging Gardens

A haven of peace and tranquility set in the heart of the tropical paradise of Bali. With thirty-eight luxury villas, each with a heated private infinity plunge pool overlooking the Ayung river, feel your stress ebb away as you relax into your private sanctuary, with sensational views of the surrounding verdant gardens of this tropical resort.

Ubud Hanging Gardens offers you a tropical paradise experience never to be forgotten. Set in the steep rice terraces of Ubud with sweeping views across the Ayung River, each luxury Balinese style private villa provides the perfect location to escape, relax and unwind.

The grand gardens conceived by the landscape architect William Warren together with John Pettigrew are unique. Nature is a spectacle here with exotic trees and essences of the tropics including cocoa, coffee, durian and a variety of bamboos, flame trees and orchids creating a symbiosis of tropical life.

Source : http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/bali/ubud-hanging-gardens

Viceroy Bali Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Viceroy Bali

Viceroy Bali hotel, a member of SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) is situated in a rural setting yet just five leisurely minutes drive to Ubud centre.

At Viceroy Bali all the villas are luxurious with private pools and spectacular views over Petanu River gorge and tropical forests. All villas have luxurious European fittings combined with Balinese architectural features. The decor of each villa is sumptuous, all have marble floors, luxurious furnishings, top quality beds with fine thread count linen, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower, bath, twin vanities, all have air conditioning, ceiling fans, 42" LCD satellite television, DVD player, espresso coffee machine and more.

Award winning French Cuisine restaurant Cascades also has an extensive Wine Cellar and Cocktail Bar the perf! ect accompaniment to breathtaking and unrivalled views.

Pamper yourself at the Lembah Spa or opt to doing a workout in the gym with all the latest cardiovascular equipment.

This incredible hideaway offers a private helipad just meters from the lobby. Ngurah Airport is 12 mins by helicopter or 1 hour by road.

Source : http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/bali/viceroy-bali

Bali Art Galleries

The island of Bali is loaded with quality art galleries, owing partly to its plentiful foreign artists, who often have a great interest in authentic Balinese art.

Ubud is the main centre for all things Balinese, with the likes of the Neka Art Museum, the Antonio Blanco Gallery, and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Le Mayeur Museum is another gallery of note and resides conveniently within the Sanur area of Bali, close to the beachfront, where its entrance is flanked by fine carvings.

Bali Art Galleries: Antonio Blanco Gallery

Address: Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0361 975 502

Located in the Ubud region of Bali, the Antonio Blanco Gallery is one of the island's foremost art museums and the former home of the eccentric painter, Antonio Blanco. The 'Dali of Bali', as he was affectionately known, actually had a hand in the design of the museum, which houses many of his Balinese-style works. The grounds of the museum are stunning and well worth a stroll.

Bali art gallery open: daily - 08:00 to 17:00

Bali art gallery admission: charge

Bali Art Galleries: Neka Art Museum pictureBali Art Galleries: Neka Art Museum

Address: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0361 976 206

The Neka Art Museum, founded in 1982 by schoolteacher Suteja Neka, is Bali's favourite museum and is spread across several pavilions. Dutch-born Indonesian artist Arie Smit features throughout most of the collection and local and international contemporary works are also displayed. Paintings are labelled in English. Whilst admiring the Smit Pavilion, be sure to take in the views of the Campuhan Gorge.

Bali art gallery open: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00

Bali art gallery admission: charge

Bali Art Galleries: Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Address: Jalan Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0361 975 742

The Agung Rai Museum of Art is dedicated to German painter Walter Spiess, who fell in love with Bali and continued to incorporate the traditional Balinese style into his works. Apart from the fabulous works of art, every evening the museum puts on a traditional dance show at 18:00 just before closing time.

Bali art gallery open: daily - 09:00 to 18:00

Bali art gallery admission: charge

Bali Art Galleries: Le Mayeur Museum

Address: Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0361 286 201

Le Mayeur Museum is another of Bali's galleries dedicated to a foreign artist. Adrien Yean Le Mayeur was a renowned Belgian artist who was greatly influenced by the Balinese culture and the museum shows off his Impressionist paintings and his collection of artefacts. The grounds are also of interest and feature a number of statues and shrines, as well as lots of seasonal flowers.

Bali art gallery open: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:00 to 14:00, Friday and Saturday - 08:00 to 12:00, Sunday - 08:00 to 11:00

Bali art gallery admission: charge

Bali Art Galleries: Museum Puri Lukisan

Address: Jalan Raya, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0361 975 136

The Museum Puri Lukisan follows the rise of Balinese art and was set up by a Balinese prince and a Dutch artist in the 1950s. Paintings and sculptures are on display and there is even an exhibit dedicated to emerging local artists. The lush gardens are worthy of a visit on their own merit and feature shrines, paddies and lotus pools.

Bali art gallery open: daily - 08:00 to 16:00

Bali art gallery admission: charge, children under 15 years free

http://www.bali.world-guides.com/bali_art_galleries.html

Bali Tourist Attractions

Bali has been on the tourist trail since the 1970s and combines a rich culture with azure seas, fine beaches and related tourist attractions. The island of Bali has a fantastic tourist infrastructure, with big resorts, international hotels and restaurants, and quality attractions, yet also offers the chance to get away from it all in its mountainous interior and traditional villages.

The main tourist attractions on Bali are the beaches and the weather, with Kuta Beach, in the south of the island, being a major highlight. This place has it all - sun, surf, bronzed bodies, and a pumping nightlife. Other notable areas include nearby and quieter Sanur, laid-back Nusa Dua, the bustling capital Denpasar, and cultured Ubud.

Bali Tourist Attractions: Kuta Beach

Address: Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Kuta Beach is the most popular beach and the main attraction on the island of Bali.

It is mainly famed for its fine sands and buzzing nightlife and also has good surf in-season. Kuta also has a vibrant shopping scene as well as a huge amount of hotels and restaurants.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

Bali Tourist Attractions: Lovina Beach

Address: Bali, Indonesia, ID

Lying on the northern coastline of Bali, Lovina Beach offers something quite different to the sands of Kuta. Lovina Beach is the place to come if you want to explore the island's best coral reefs and is the pefect spot for both snorkelling and scuba dining. This part of the island is also the most likely place where you will see wild dolpins jumping in the sea, and tends to be noticeably quieter than the more touristy resorts located some 100 km / 62 miles to the south.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

Bali Tourist Attractions: Sanur Beach

Address: Sanur Beach, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Sanur Beach is a lot more laid back than busy Kuta and there is plenty of space to spread out on the sand. Sanur also has a large traditional village where tourists can get in among the locals at the many markets, small shops and cafés. Although fairly low-key, Sanur's best nightlife is enjoyed in its big hotels.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

Bali Tourist Attractions: Ubud

Address: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Ubud is a strikingly beautiful region of Bali, situated in the mountains to the north of Kuta Beach and Denpasar. It is a traditional town surrounded by many ancient villages and attractions, such Penestanan and Peliatan, and is also home to the Balinese royal family. There is a thriving art scene in Ubud and an array of temples.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

 

Bali Tourist Attractions: Surfing

Address: Bali, Indonesia, ID

Bali has some excellent surfing attractions, with conditions being suitable for beginners up to intermediate level surfers. The most popular breaks are in the south of the island in Kuta and around Nusa Dua. Kuta is good for beginners and also has the allure of the day and nightlife, while experienced surfers should head for Bukit Peninsula in the southwest. Bingin, Impossibles and Uluwatu are all big Bukit breaks.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

Bali Tourist Attractions: Denpasar

Address: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, ID

The capital of Bali has most of the traffic and pollution and is thus best for a day trip as opposed to staying here. The more discerning traveller may prefer to stay in Denpasar however, owing to its many excellent museums - including the vaunted Bali Museum, and tree-lined avenues. There is also a traditional market here.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

Bali Tourist Attractions: Bali Barat National Park

Address: Bali Barat National Park, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0365 610 60

Encompassing parts of the north coast and the forested south, the Bali Barat National Park is loaded with animals and wildlife attractions, and is best visited at the end of the dry season, around August to December. It features the Bali starling, one of the world's rarest birds, as well as elusive leopards, Javan buffalo and barking deer. When trekking in the Bali Barat National Park, you will need to pay for a tour guide who can lead you to the best spots in the morning.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: charge for guide

Bali Tourist Attractions: Kintamani 

Address: Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia, ID

Kintamani is an out of the way historical city in Bali's mountainous region and was the main city here 1,000 years ago. It lies amid fantastic scenery and features the island's largest lake nearby, which sits inside a volcanic crater. In addition, there are quiet beaches as well as hot springs.

Bali tourist attraction open: daily

Bali tourist attraction admission: free

http://www.bali.world-guides.com/bali_attractions.html

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua (meaning Two Islands) is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, hosting a pristine complex of luxury hotels. A heavy concentration of big name international hotels lines the beautiful white sand shore that offers excellent swimming conditions in a protected lagoon. Located ten kilometres from the international airport, Nusa Dua is designed as an enclave of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world dedicated to big-spender tourists.

It is an idyllic place for honeymooner and those who are bringing the entire family, the white sand and shallow water are ideal for children to play in the sea while lifeguards keep a watchful eye.The roads in the area are well maintained and 24/7 security staff guard two entrance gates with full security procedures for every incoming and outgoing guest. It is no wonder then that year round Nusa Dua is an official venue for international conferences, congresses, meetings and other executive corporate events and annual festivals, attended by important worldwide participants.

Nusa Dua Beach Attractions

Apart from the high-class facilities presented by the resorts, Nusa Dua doesn’t have many things to offer as an attraction. However, there one place where you can escape from the resort’s fancy highlife without the hassle of going out of the complex. It’s Museum Pasifika – a wonderful place that houses some pieces of art collected from Asia and the Pacific island where you are welcome to visit every single day in a week from 10.00 to 18.00.

Sanur

Sanur is located on the east coast of Bali, just 20 minutes north east of the International Airport, and offers a beach-side reality without the crowds.

Sanur makes an ideal place for your Bali holiday. Tourists especially love the white sandy beaches protected by coral reefs making swimming a whole lot safer than in busy Kuta.

One of the attractions of Sanur is water sports, including canoeing, surfing (outside Sanur Reef), windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba-diving are all based in Sanur.

Bali has hundreds of varieties of orchids and one place to view orchids is the Bali Orchid Garden in Sanur.

Just outside Sanur is the Mangroves Centre, well worth a visit. Stroll along the boardwalks and view the many bird species. You can either pay for a guide or take a leisurely walk yourself.

Eating out in Sanur is a culinary extravaganza. There are numerous restaurants in and around Sanur providing traditional Balinese cuisine which is ideal for Vegetarians and also those following a Gluten Free diet. Many quality restaurants provide tastes from around the World, from the curries of India to the pastas and pizzas of Italy, Chinese cuisine and the delicacies of Japan,caviar from Russia, Australian steaks and of course the traditional Sunday Roast.

Sanur Beach

Sanur beach is like a giant saltwater pool, only with a reef bed instead of a tiled bottom. Its warm 25° - 32° C temperature and calmer water makes the beach suitable for children and families. Adjacent to the beach, stands the Inna Beach Hotel – a war-compensation hotel built by the Government of Japan in 1963, next to the sacred Ratu Ayu Singgi temple where an eerie spirit is believed to reside. The hotel itself has experienced several accidental fires – some say caused by the fact that its 11 levels exceed the height of coconut trees, which according to Balinese Hinduism is the maximum permissible height.

Sindhu Beach

Sindhu beach may lose out in popularity contests to Kuta or Sanur beach, but the hibiscus-fringed sands still have a lot to offer visitors. Its wider sand bed and moderate winds makes it a perfect site to be sluggish or get sporty. Snorkelling, canoeing, and kite surfing are very popular among first timers, although loafing on an armchair is a far easier way to enjoy the surroundings.

Sunrise from this east-facing beach obviously can’t get much better but every full moon the beach becomes a popular spot for night gazers to witness a painting-like panorama of moonlight reflected on the translucent water surface, with Serangan Island silhouetted in the background. Simply magical!

Sindhu Beach

Sindhu beach may lose out in popularity contests to Kuta or Sanur beach, but the hibiscus-fringed sands still have a lot to offer visitors. Its wider sand bed and moderate winds makes it a perfect site to be sluggish or get sporty. Snorkelling, canoeing, and kite surfing are very popular among first timers, although loafing on an armchair is a far easier way to enjoy the surroundings.

Sunrise from this east-facing beach obviously can’t get much better but every full moon the beach becomes a popular spot for night gazers to witness a painting-like panorama of moonlight reflected on the translucent water surface, with Serangan Island silhouetted in the background. Simply magical!

Soirce : http://www.bali-indonesia.com/sanur/

Lombok Island

LOMBOK : BRIEF HISTORY

Lombok is noticeably different than its close neighbour, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall tress and shrubs. The south, on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absent and replaced instead by marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east, where dry seasons are more prolonged and corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice.

At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16 th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace in what is now West Nusa Tenggara. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences, but has retained a unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighbouring Sumbawa.

Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is 'You can see Bali from Lombok, but not Lombok from Bali'. Famous for its ikat hand-woven textiles, the islands has exceptional charm and is relatively undiscovered, except for the town of Sengigi, which is becoming a major resort area.

Regular shuttle flights from Bali and Sumbawa as well as ferries, provide excellent transportation link between the island of the province as well as the rest of the country.

LOMBOK : PLACES OF INTEREST

Mataram dan Cakranegara

Mataram dan Cakranegara is the capital of the province, which has in the past decades joined with Ampenan, the port, and Cakranegara to become the province's biggest urban complex. At th beginning of the 18th century, Mataram was the residence of the crown prince of Karang Asem, a kingdom in southern Bali. The ruler had his seat in Cakranegara. The royal palace no longer exists, but many of the old temples and pleasure gardens are still there.

Narmada

Taman Narmada, 11 kilometers east of Mataram, was built in 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem as both a pleasure garden and place to worship Shiva. Its big pool is said to represent Segara Anakan, the crater lake on the vulacano Rinjani, where they used to make offerings by throwing valuables into the water. As the king became too old to make the pilgrimage up the 3,726 meter high mountain, he had Narmada constructed to represent the mountain and the lake. Near the pond is a place of worship and a spring whose water is believed to give dedicated pilgrims eternal youth.

Pura Lingsar

This may be the only Hindu shrine in the world where both Hindus and Moslems come o worship. About 7 kilometers west Narmada, it was built in 1714 and rebuild in 1878 to symbolize harmony in unity between Hindu Balinese and Moslem Sasak population of the area, especially those who adhere to Lombok's unique Wektu Telu school of Islam. The Balinese temple is built on higher ground, behind the Moslem section of the compound. In the lower yard is a spring near which pilgrims stage a mock battle between Hindus and Moslems, hurling rice cakes at each other.

Pura Agung Gunung Sari

This great temple on a hill at Gunung Sari, about four kilometers from Mataram, was the site of the infamous Puputan battle, fought on November 22, 1894, between Lombok's last Balinese ruler, Anak Agung Nengah and followers, and the Dutch troops under General Van der Vetter's command.

Sengkol, Pujut and Rambitan

Time seems to have frozen in these three villages in southern Lombok on the road from the capital to Kuta Beach. All the houses and barn are built in the age-old traditional style, and life continues daily here as it has for centuries.

Sukarare

This is a village of traditional weavers south of Cakranegara, Lombok known for its brightly patterned songket cloth. The techniques, patterns and motifs have been handed down through the generations.

Batu Bolong Beach

Located 9 kilometers from downtown Mataram, this beach has a huge rock with a hole in it. A hindu temple lies on top overlooking the Lombok Strait to majestic Mount Agung Bali. After sunbathing, relaxing and flocking on this beautiful beach front, stay till the end of the day to watch one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen when the sun slowly begins to disappear behind Mount Agung.

Taman Mayura

The Taman Mayura Park as all that remains of the Karang Asem kingdom of Bali, whose king Anak Agung Ngurah, built it in 1744. In the middle of a large pond is a structure called Balai Kambang, which once functioned as a legal court of justice and a hall for important meetings. Curiously, its architecture shows both Hindu and Islamic influences, adorned with stone statue in the form of a Moslem hajji.

Pura Meru

Another relic of the Karang Asem kingdom is the Meru temple at Cakranegara, close to Mataram. The temple was built in 1790 as a symbol of Hindu unity on Lombok island. Several engaging structures are found in this complex.

Kuta Beach

Also known as Putri Nyale Beach, Kuta, on the south coast of central Lombok, is one of the most scenic and unspoiled beaches in this part of Indonesia. From Kuta to Tanjung Aan, 5 kilometers away, stretches an unbroken expanse of clean white sand lapped by waves of the Indian Ocean. Kuta is safe for bathing and swimming. Further to the west are surfer's and windsurfer's beaches. Each year, on 19th day of the tenth month of Sasak lunar calendar, Kuta Beach is the site of great festivities. Fisherman sail out to sea while young men and women gather along the beach to join in the merrymaking, tease each other and perhaps meet to build a more lasting relationship.

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan

Gili, in Sasak means 'island'. These three are clustered together just off the northwest coast of Lombok. Coral gardens abound in clear waters around the islands. Gili Air, the nearest island, can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes by outrigger boat from Bangsal harbor, near Pamenang.

Sengigi Beach

Sengigi, north of Bangsal, is one of the most scenic and popular beaches on the island of Lombok. Excellent snorkeling and good accommodation facilities.

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani, a 3,726 meter active volcano is one of the tallest mountains of Indonesia. In the basin of the volcano's huge caldera lies the sikleshapped crater lake, Segara Anakan, surrounded by steep walls. The mountain is popular with hikers. Sembalun Bumbung and Sembalun Lawang are to traditional Sasak villages on the slopes of Rinjani.

Source : http://baliwww.com/lombok/

Ubud, A Place of Peace and Serenity

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then Ubud is the place to be. Steeped in culture and enhanced by magnificent vistas, Ubud offers a respite from the humdrum of your busy life. In the past, Ubud was just a small village, but now it has grown into a thriving yet laid back cosmopolitan community. Ubud pampers visitors in body and soul. Fine dining restaurants and spas here will delight and relax the senses. A walk through the lush paddy fields, watching colourful processions of women gracefully balancing piles of fruit offerings on their way to the temple, are lasting impressions and simply breathtaking.

The best way to observe Bali’s traditions and culture is through mingling with the locals and watching their daily routine. In this town, you can visit the temples and villages that have remained relatively unchanged through the years.

Art galleries are also abundant. Masterful paintings and sculptures are waiting to be admired and appreciated, for who knows you may find the perfect painting or statue to grace your own living room?

This region is steeped in history and culture. Many remains from the old kingdoms of Bali can be found here, and unique arts and crafts are just waiting to be discovered. Known for its tranquillity, Ubud offers several natural retreats. The lush, green views and cool atmosphere makes morning and afternoon strolls most pleasant.

It’s no surprise that many people come to Ubud for a day or two and end up staing longer, drawn in by the culture and activities on offer. Ubud is where famed Elizabeth Gilbert found peace and her love as written in her best selling memoir “ Eat, Pray, Love”, which is now made into a film featuring Julia Roberts. Indonesia’s ownn celebrity Christine Hakim plays Wayan, the local alternative healer.

Source : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/277/ubud

Flora and Fauna in Bali

Bali has an interesting collection of animal and plant life. The rice terraces are the most common sight everyday in Bali, particularly in the heavily populated and extravagantly fertile south. Balinese gardens are a delight. The soil and climate in Bali can support a huge range of plants, and the Balinese love of beauty, and the abundance of cheap labour, meaning that every space can be landscaped. The style is generally informal, with curved paths, a rich variety of plants and usually a water feature. You can find almost every type of flower in Bali, though some varieties, such as hydrangeas, are restricted to the cooler mountain areas. Orchids are a special attraction, and orchid fanciers should see the collection at the botanical gardens near Bedugul.

There are various animals you might come across around the island of Bali. Chickens are kept both for food purposes and as pets. Balinese cattle are nearly as delicate as Balinese pigs are gross. Bali certainly used to have tigers and although there are periodic rumors of sightings in the remote north-west of the island, nobody has proof of seeing one for a long time.

Source : http://www.all-bali.com/florafauna.html

Diving in Bali

Bali diving. With its warm water, extensive coral reefs and abundant marine life, diving in Bali offers some superb diving possibilities. There are a number of operations conducting diving trips for visitors, and there are also package tours specifically for scuba divers. If you are traveling independently, and you just want the occasional dive, make sure you bring your scuba certification. Most of the main qualifications are recognized, including those of PADI, NAUI, BSAC, FAUI and SSI. Keen divers might also bring their own mask and regulator, though all the equipment is available for rent.

Scuba Diving in Bali, Indonesia is amongst the best in the world and this is still relatively unknown news. Enthusiastic divers heading for Sulawesi, Monado, Flores, Sumba, why not dive for a day or two in a scuba divers heaven, Bali, Indonesia.

Dive sites in Bali

Menjangan Island / West Bali

West Bali dive sites typically offer pristine waters, colourful marine life and milder conditions suitable for divers of all levels. Divers who enjoy wall diving will appreciate the areas prime spots around Menjangan islands, but there is interest for every one here, with a deep wreck dive, some unique night diving and many snorkelling sites.

Most of the regents dive sites are found around Menjanan island. Diving is regulated here. Spear fishing is not allowed and all marine life is protected.

Menjangan' s white sandy beaches make a nice location to break for lunch. Underwater, the drop-off along the south shore and eastern tip, facing the Bali Sea, are home to lots of colourful small fish and vertebrates, lacy sea fans and a variety of sponges. The sandy, gradual slopes of Menjangan' s north coast is a final resting place for Bali' s oldest dive able shipwreck, the Anker Wreck. Even large pelagics are sometimes seen at Menjangan. Occasionally sightings of Whales, Whale sharks and Manta rays have been reported. Drift diving is usual, but currents are quite mild and all levels of divers can enjoy this area.

The northwest area has had his share of destructions. El Nino, storms have been hard on the corals. The marine life however is teaming and vibrant.

Tulamben

Day-trippers travelling from Sanur to the east Bali dive locations of  Tulamben and Amed will get a look at our traditional Bali. The drive is approx. 3 hours. Diving in Tulamben is normally done from shore, where entry can be challenging.

Many people prefer to stay overnight in Tulamben rather than day trip here. The local people are very friendly and Bali International Diving Professionals both support and know the local community. We have been diving in this area before it became developed as a popular dive destination. By diving in Tulamben you are also supporting the local community. Only in Tulamben will you see young and old women alike carrying diving equipment on their heads, to the dive entry points, to earn their living.

Amed

Amed and the villages south east of this area are becoming more popular with tourists. Life goes back in time here. For most of the year, the water is generally calm, most of the year, with minimal to manageable currents. Many sites make excellent drift dives.

Central Coast

The sound of crashing surf on the shores is a part of the Oceanside feel, and the dive sites are part of the seascape. The imposing Gili Tepekong and the four outcrops of Gili Mimpang are directly offshore. Consistent currents flow with the full and varied marine life along the shallow reefs and walls that surround these mysterious islands.

Padang Bai, is a small, busy fishing village. Its sandy bay a convenient haunt for divers. The reefs around Padang Bai have white-sand bottoms and can be magical if the visibility is good. This is not always the case. When the channel is calm you can do a daytrip from Padang Bai to the reefs of Nusa Penida.

Gili Biaha or Ikuan, is a rocky outcrop just of Tanjung Bias Putih. Bias Putih point is a few meters north-west of Gili Tepekong. The west side is mainly chosen for diving as it is more sheltered from current and offers better diving conditions.

Nusa Penida

There are 3 islands here, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan. These are located off Bali's southeast coast.

Sanur

It has been said that diving in Sanur is a waste of time, however, Bali International Diving Professionals have seen wonderful small creatures like the seahorse and mantis shrimp in this area. We feel that this is a good dive location for novice divers and refresher course participants and for those who do not have much time. The minute marine life and coral formations make this an interesting, as well as a convenient, dive site. Sanur certainly doesn’t offer Bali’s best diving, but if you want a quick and easy dive this is the place to visit.

Source : http://www.diving-in-bali.com/

Bali Island

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!

Source : http://www.all-bali.com/

General Information About Bali

Bali is a land that seems to have a magnet at its very heart. It is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless experienced but once visited you are surely compelled to come back and you may even want to stay forever, such is its pull. Maybe its Bali’s beauty, maybe the friendly people, or maybe even the influence from spirits that certainly abide in this place.

Bali goes under many names. Some call it the ‘island of the gods’, others Shangri-La. The ‘last paradise’, the ‘dawning of the world’ and the ‘centre of the universe’ are yet more names for this truly beautiful tropical island inhabited by a remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies.

Bali is small, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.

Daily life on Bali is culturally linked to satisfying and appeasing the gods, spirits and demons in the midst of breathtaking panoramas of cultivated rice terraces, impressive volcanoes and pristine beaches. Bali’s main volcano, Gunung Agung, is still active and sometimes explosive and is considered sacred among local people as it is believed to be the centre of the universe.

Lying just 8o south of the Equator, Bali can boast a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average temperature of around 28o Celsius. It has a whole range of different environments and activities for the tourist, many of which are covered in these homepages.

Economically and culturally, Bali is one of the most important islands of Indonesia. Rice is grown on irrigated, terraced hillsides; other crops include sugar cane, coffee, copra, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Cattle and hogs are also raised. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing.

Bali of today is one of the twenty six provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, divided administratively between eight districts that take their names and boundaries from the island’s old Hindu kingdoms.

Source : http://www.indo.com/geo/gen_info.html