I don’t particularly like the ‘tourist scene’ but where I stay in Kuta at the Prawita Cottages it is so peaceful and run and owned by a Balinese family. Good places are hard to find.

What I enjoy the most though is getting out of the tourist mania and heading up country for a few days or a week. There are some fabulous areas of Bali with good accommodation and location affording you a superb alternative to the tourism craziness that has entrenched itself in Balinese society.

Lovina: Located on the far north coast of Bali is one of those places you wither love or hate. Simple as that. And yet, it is a great place to base oneself to see all the attraction and sights in the northern part of the island.

The accommodation ranges from simple to upmarket. Lovina is actually a string of small villages spread along the coastline – Kalisasem and Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Tukad Mungga and Pemaron. The predominant of these villages is Kalibukbuk. Here you will find wall to wall restaurants and bars and is the high density area.

If you are a lover of the sea (and who isn’t!) then you will enjoy the black sand beaches of Lovina, the warm water and obvious lack of waves. One fabulous attraction is the sunrise dolphin watching. It is a bit of a tourist trap and you are better off hiring one of the locals with a private boat to take you to see the dolphins. Snorkelling is also sublime in these waters. Last time I was up there I went fishing with the locals and the small fee I paid was well worth the adventure.

Candi Dasa: Without a doubt, the most underrated part of Bali has to be Candi Dasa. It is a peaceful enclave that once was a tourist stronghold, but now, after the terrorist activity of recent years it has slipped as a tourist destination. It’s a shame because Candi Dasa has so much to offer the traveller.

Excellent accommodation in all the price ranges, some of the best restaurants on the island, and it is ideally located for visiting some of the greatest attractions Bali has to offer. It’s only a short ride to places like the Bali Aga village of Tenganan, the scenic beauty of Gunung Agung, the Tirtagangga Water Palace at Amlapura, and many more.

My favourite place in Candi Dasa has to be the lagoon. A peaceful and serene place, it affords some spectacular sunsets. Do try the traditional food at the warungs located nearby. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Amed: Located on the south-east corner of Bali, Amed is a walk back to the Bali of old and so peaceful. It is a low-key Balinese village scene. As you travel there, there are a few villages along the way including, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah and Selang. The landscape is a series of headlands overlooking bays, lined with fishing boats. Excellent and cheap accommodation is available everywhere.

The local economy is supported by farming cattle and corn, fishing, diving and the hotel trade. The whole area is connected by one narrow road. Amed is ideal for people looking for a quiet place to relax. Amed is a place renowned for its snorkelling and diving and has some of the best dive spots on the island.

The Amed area is in the ‘corn belt’ a fact which becomes obvious when you’re there. The lack of rivers and streams, plus the mass of large volcanic boulders strewn across the landscape, means rice farming is not possible. One excellent drive from Amed is around to Ujung and will take around 3 hours. A car with driver or self drive car would be the best way to explore the Amed area.

Legend tells how the springs were first tapped by the god Indra during his battle with the evil Mayadanawa who was an early ruler of Pejeng. Mayadanawa had poisoned the nearby river and made hundreds of Indra’s retainers ill, so Indra pierced the earth to release a spring of pure and sacred water, the elixir of mortality, thus reviving his ailing troops. This new spring was named Tirta Empul and ever since has been considered the holiest place in Bali since the 10th century.

Around the pools an elegantly ornate temple has been built and, whilst I was there, devotees were in prayer and others leaving after finishing their devotion and with even more entering to pray and bathe in the pools. Everywhere you looked in the complex Balinese in ceremonial attire carrying offerings and receiving blessings were prominent as were a multitude of Pedanda’s.

I walked through the Jaba, or outer courtyard, of the temple where the red-brick bathing pools are sunk. Here, men and women as well as priests were bathing in the holy water fed from the springs in the Jeroan, or inner sanctuary of the temple. Interestingly, for pregnant women, bathing in the holy waters of Tirta Empul is significant.

It is one of three places they must bathe for a special ritual called Melukat. This ritual involves the total immersion in the holy waters. The three places of the holiest springs are at Tirta Bungkah – the holy waters of the mountain, Tirta Empul – the holy springs of the plain, and, Tirta Selukat – the holy springs of the sea.

In the Jeroan, I was fascinated with the clarity and freshness of the spring water bubbling out into the enclosed and rectangular pool. It truly is mesmerising.

There is a plethora of activities in Bali for kids. A couple of them I have already checked out and believe me, they made me feel like a kid again even though the ‘ol bones were aching a tad afterwards! I think the main principal when travelling with children is that the whole family has fun together and enjoy not only the activities on hand but also the mesmerising beauty of the culture and scenery in Bali.

Waterbom Park:

Without a doubt the most popular venue on Bali for families. Waterbom Park is set on 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks. Best thing for families is to get the family pass and chill-out there all day as all the facilities you need for an enjoyable day are on hand. In all there are sixteen exciting water slides. It is a delightful full-on day of entertainment for all members of the family.

Most of the slides have names and the favourites of a friend of mine are ‘racetrack’ and ’splashdown’. Or if you like to just relax then take the slow and lazy ride ideal for the older folks in the family. The little ones are catered for with shallow pools.

www.waterbom.com

White Water Rafting:

There are a few companies that organise these trips down the river but it is Sobek Adventures that were the original. Although some parts of the Ayung River are scary, you are in good hands and the experts will get you to your destination safely. It is a great day whoever you choose to use. I have only used Sobek and have never faulted them. As to what footwear, just buy a pair of surf sandles off the streets Don’t wear thongs as they will come off, don’t wear good sneakers.

The rafting company has an excellent record of safety and one that provides almost everything to make your day of rafting an enjoyable one. Their trained guides are world class experts in rafting techniques and river safety to take you through two hours of whitewater fun.

www.balisobek.com

Cycling:

There is nothing more delightful and enjoyable as getting on mountain bike and just riding anywhere, whether it’s to get from point A to B or just for the sheer exuberance it gives me. Besides being an environmentally friendly form of transport it is also fabulous exercise. However, what is even more enchanting is when you can cycle through rice paddies, along nice back roads, through small villages and even up in the mountains of Bali taking in the mesmerising panoramas the island of Bali has to offer.

It is great family fun and ideal for those tourists or travellers wanting to experience that something different on their holidays. You don’t have to be super-fit or a frontrunner for the Tour de France to enjoy the wonders of cycling in Bali.

www.balisobek.com

Go Karts:

The Go-Karts are located on Jalan Kartika in Kuta and are a fabulous way to spend a few hours zipping around the track. They are both single and double Go-Karts so you can ride with the kids. Why not have a family race! It is important to note that children cannot drive if they are under 12. That’s easily overcome so the kids get a thrill and let them go in your go kart and permit them to steer. Nearby is one heck-of-a-ride called the Slingshot. Not recommended for kids under 12. It shoots the person straight up into the air and of course in complete safety.

Bali Bird Park:

Fabulous place to take the kids and in fact an enjoyable day for the whole family. The park has an amazing display of flora with more then 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracting numerous butterflies. The Bali Bird Park sits on two hectares of botanical landscape. The park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species and this makes for a great as well as educational day out for the kids.

What impressed me about the park was the innovative approach they have towards the displaying of rare and tropical birds. Instead of caged birds like you see in most zoos, at the Bali Bird Park they showcase mixed species in their natural habitats and in large walk in aviaries.

http://www.bali-bird-park.com

Paintball:

And the paintball, well, it’s a gelatine shelled capsule, will simply splatter on impact. Paintball Bali is a good day out for all the family. You must be 10 years or older to play. At Paintball Bali, the games are played in a park-like atmosphere on 3 separate independently themed courses.

All games are controlled by experienced referees to insure players safety and fair play. All the amenities, equipment and supplies are on site for a complete day and package of fun and excitement. Just be sure to wear some comfortable shoes (running or athletic type) and clothes (shorts & t-shirt best).

www.paintballbali.com

Learn to Surf:

While surfing at Kuta beach might seem to be just for pro surfers, that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for beginners. In fact, there is a reason so many experienced surfers flock to Kuta Beach every year. It’s just a great surf spot and one for kids of all ages. The fact that Kuta Beach is such a popular surfing destination means that there is no shortage of surfing instructors in the area.

Take a walk along Jalan Pantai Kuta and you will find numerous companies offering their skills to teach you how to surf. The great thing about the beach at Kuta is that is has a sandy bottom. This means when you fall off the board it is a soft landing!

The decorated ceiling has terrifying artwork depicting good versus evil. As you admire the murals you could almost imagine the criminals facing trial cringing before the judges realizing the seriousness of their actions. The Hall of Justice sports gruesome paintings highlighting what happened to sinners. Above these panels is the story of Bima Swarga, who goes to hell to search and redeem his parent’s souls.

The style of the paintings is Kamasan (wayang) and has a 2-dimensional puppet-like appearance, as it takes its form from the wayang kulit. The humid atmosphere and lack of close attention mean these precious pieces are deteriorating and unfortunately it won’t be long before they are lost forever.

Restoration work of these murals began in 1960 where they were transferred to fibrous cement sheets. More restoration was done 15 years ago but the painting area again is falling into disrepair as they are open to the elements. The other bale structures have some decoration and the museum, set back from the road, features early farming tools, paintings, models, kris (traditional knives) and other items including a Barong, the lion dance costume.

As reported by Bisnis Indonesia, a investor which named PT Suryainti Permata, has invested their IDR 1 trillion (US$ 100 Million) to build “The Rich Prada”, the greatest resort include a 5000 square meter spa. This prestige project, will built in 20-hectare site near Uluwatu in South of Bali. As reported, the land is being supplied by PT Pecatu Graha who known as owner of ‘Dreamland’ area, and PT Suryainti is only involved in build the hotel.

This project will propose to build 900 rooms which will managed by The Rich Prada, an international hotel management. The president director of Suryainti admitted that this project will represent the last major hotel development in Bali, where the local governments will be curtail new hotel development in Bali.

Agree or disagree, this project will invite  pro and anti attitude of Bali society, where former and current Governors supported to refusal for any business development in Uluwatu, especially near holy temple of Uluwatu.

Even if you had a tight holiday budget; relaxed & left all your worries behind because you can easily find the accommodation as you wish. If tranquility and seclusion are your primary expectation for a holiday break, staying in a private villa located outside Kuta, Legian are most recommended. Find some of Bali private villas located in Seminyak, Kerobokan, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Ubud, Candidasa, Amed and on the northern part of Bali. Selection of Bali villas rental with or without private pool can be found on those location. Now, the choices is yours.

However you can still enjoy an intimate holiday experience in small luxury Bali accommodation and resorts. Some of hotels in Bali has villa complex within the hotel area. It is another great idea to stay in such hotel if the budget is acceptable.

As a travel and holiday destination, Bali has prepared itself to welcome the growth of tourism industry by providing the tourism facilities such as international airport, sea ports, restaurants, arts shops, hotels, tourist attractions, international hospitals, and many other related services. It is easy to find something you may need while on holiday and to travel around the island. Bali international airport serves both international and domestic airlines and it links to other major cities around the world. Land transportation are available around your hotel and can be easily booked
through the hotel reception.

Bali travel destination can be divided into 4 areas as follow; southern part including Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Sanur and Nusa Lembongan; central area including Ubud and Gianyar, eastern part
including Candidasa, Amed, Nusa Penida and Tulamben; northern area covering Singaraja, Pemuteran and Menjangan; southwest covering Bedugul, Tanah Lot and Medewi. Each area has their own beauties & specialties, waiting for you to discover.

All of Bali villas and hotels are nestled on those areas and other spots nearby.

If you choice private villa as your holiday accommodation, especially private villa that located in secluded Bali village, you may need a standby car and driver at your holiday villa. But as what i said above, not many villas offers uses of car and driver for your holiday, but  don’t worry generally most of villas in Bali able to organize car rental within professional driver that you could rent for your holiday.

Villa Nawang Wulan, one of the best Canggu villas, now offers you free use of car and driver for 10 hours per day (exclude petrol) and it included on their rental rates. As for your information, Villa Nawang Wulan is luxury private villa located in Canggu, where the villa itself offers you balinese village experience  and the beautiful of ricefield ‘padi’ as villa view.

Now you will much enjoy Bali holiday experience while you stay at Villa Nawang Wulan!

WHEN IS YOUR FASHION FOOD BE FAVOURITE?

INDONESIA FASHION FOOD decided to settle down in Bali where he set up SUSHI BAR TEMPURA TSUKIJI TEI in Jl. Kartika Plaza (KUTA CENTER) & a couple of years back with a local partner. And just recently, they opened a second SUSHI BAR at Bali’s greatest commercial complex, the Discovery Mall (SOGO DEPARTMENT STORE KUTA) .with two new upcoming outlets scheduled in August by the name of: Sushi Bar Teppanyaki ‘’TSUKIJI TEI’’ at Bali Collection (SOGO DEPARTMENT STORE NUSA DUA) and Sushi bar Tempura ‘’TSUKIJI TEI’’ on jl:Danau Toba 7. Sanur.