Ku De Ta – The Famous Beachside Restaurant

kudetaThis is one of the most popular restaurants in Bali with a truly international and cosmopolitan flavor. Ku De Ta is one of the best beachside restaurants because of the ambience, the themes, the parties and the dinner.

Location of the restaurant
The restaurant is located adjacent to the Temple of the Dead or Pura Dalem, at the end of the Jl. Oberoi – Seminyak Bali. The restaurant is famous for its fresh water shower on the beach side and is thronged by a lot of tourists for a beach side lunch, dinner or breakfast. The restaurant is open from 8 am in the morning until midnight.

The Magnificent Ambience
The ambience is amazing with excellent venues that suit all kinds of mood, whether you want to have evening drinks viewing the blue waters or you want to witness partying and music. The garden deck entrance sets the tone of the place with a stone frieze, a mini cascade, paper lanterns and tree boughs. The stern deck has designer recliners, where you can relax sipping your drink enjoying the water spilling in beautifully lit tunnels giving the feeling of the woods.
You can head to the sunset box in the evening which is low slung eerie vantage point to view the sun setting as you listen to sunset tracks played by international DJs in the background. For the nature lovers, the tree bar with its shades similar to the colors of the jungle, low tables, inner rings of rich patina, lounge chairs and forest inspired textures, is the ideal setting.

Pergola, an idyllic arc is an open airy gallery, with a tranquil pool with blue waters on one side and a garden with a variety of vines on the other side. The magnificent ceiling fresco has shifting colors with a rainbow glow providing perfect contrast to the groomed walls and iridescent ferns.

You can head to the day beds where one can gather, meet friends, relax, drink and enjoy the beautiful charm of dusk and the onset of twilight gazing at the stars in the azure sky and the moon. There is pool side dining too where you can sit on tropical stone verandahs under the star lit sky, in a romantic setting accentuated by the incandescent lights and the glimmer of the Indian Ocean in the distance. If you love to socialize, Sexion 9 with its hardwood benches, timber pavilions and sophisticated semi open feasting halls, is the best place to check out the varieties on the menu.

Dining and wine
Ku De Ta boasts of one of the most complete menus that any restaurant can offer in the island. The team of 80 kitchen staff which includes, pastry chefs, butchers and bakers most of whom are internationally trained provide you with the most mouth watering delicacies from smoked salmon to Vietnamese coleslaw and confit duck cassoulet. The menu is truly international. Add to it specially enhanced smoothies, tealeaf blends and customized cocktails along top shelve liquors and premium spirits and you can feast yourself and drink till you overfill your appetite.

Ku De Ta
Jl. Laksmana 9, Seminyak Bali.
phone: +62 361 736969

Open daily from 8am – midnight.

 

The Highland Beauty of Kintamani

Kintamani, Bali

Kintamani, Bali

A highland area of north eastern Bali, Kintamani consists of several villages such as Batur, Penelokan, Bungkah, Toya and Kintamani itself. The huge mountain caldera of Batur has three villages on its rim, Kintamani, Batur and Penelokan, sitting at 1500 meters above sea level offering a marvelous view of Mount Batur and active volcano. This is situated close to Lake Batur where Toyo and Bungkah villages are located.

 

How to get there

One can reach Kintamani by bemos from Ubud and also from Denpasar’s Batubulan terminals. One can also take a car from South Bali and the wonderful trip shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours.

Attractions of this attractive place

View of the Crater and the Lake
Lake Batur, BaliWith a spell bounding view of the lake and the crater of an active volcano, there cannot be many doubts about the scenic value one would get at this place. The lush green highland area provides a soothing sight to the eyes all around. However, to really enjoy the view of Lake Batur and the crater of Mount Batur, one has to get there very early in the morning before the fog sets in and covers the whole area. One can enjoy the view of Gunung Batur (Mount Batur) and Danau Batur (Lake Batur) by bending over the railings present there.

The Temple
The Northwest rim has the famous Pura Ulun Danau Batur, one of the 9 directional temples of Bali. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu (Dewi Ulun Danu), who is worshipped as the controlling deity of the irrigation and water system of Bali. One can also enjoy the beautiful view of Mount Batur from the eastern shore of the lake at Trunyan and also soak in the idyllic setting of the villages, Kedisan, Buahan and Abang. Tourists usually take a boat ride to Trunyan village.

Museum Gunung Api Batur (Batur Volcano Museum)
The Batur museum has some wonderful geographical applications of the pacific ring of fire and Mount Batur’s eruptions. There is also a telescope to view the mountain and one gets to see films and animations explaining the whole process of volcanic eruption.

Trekking
It has a lot to offer for serious trekkers and one can choose treks lasting up to 10 hours. Ensure that the guides belong to the Association of Mount Batur Trekking Guides. The trek usually taken is through the pleasant shady forests of Toya Bungkah. One can also try to scale Mount Abang on the south eastern edge of the caldera. This is a popular trek before dawn where tourists can get a beautiful view of sunrise and also avoid the mid morning mist. The fact that the volcano is still active is demonstrated by guides who cook an egg on rocks heated by lava.

Cycling
One can take cycling tours around the lake to enjoy the scenery and also visit the Bukit Mentik temple. Near the lakeside in the Toya Bungkah village you can also enjoy the pleasantly warm waters of the Toya Devasya hot springs. You can also visit some of the market gardens full of cool climate vegetables.

 

The Beautiful Coastal Strip Called Amed

Amed, BaliWhat makes Amed?

It is a coastal strip in Bali which is comprised of 7 different fishing villages, one of them called by the same name. It offers a stunning view of the village life in Bali and is amongst the latest addition to the tourist map of Bali. The roads were laid as late as 2000 and the telephone lines were installed in 2003. It consists of 7 villages including Amed, Bunutan, Selang, Banyuning, Lipah, Aas and Jemeluk. The strip which offers a great view of Mount Agung is 14 km to the east of Cucik village, on the route between Singaraja and Karangasem. One can reach here from Lovina and Candidasa through shuttle buses. This strip lying on the north eastern tip of Bali is 2 hours drive from the international airport at Ngurah Rai. One can get around in this place through motorbikes or through mini buses called bemos, although it is hard to find public transport late in the day.

Get Drunk

Although Amed is not known for its nightlife, the Pavilion south of Selang is one of those places where locals put up a joged dance. It lets tourists enjoy themselves and have fun especially after one or two glasses of arak (the clear liquor of Bali).

Exploration and Activities

Diving at Amed, BaliAmed is very popular for its scuba diving. One of the best diving sites is Jemeluk which is very famous for its coral wall that is almost 40 meters long. There are many dive operators and locals who can train you with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses. One can also go for snorkeling or pleasure dives. One can enjoy the scenic views with long bike rides where you will enjoy large volcanic stones, rice farms, smiling kids and some steel sections. One can go to the Ujung water palace which has some quality guest houses for accommodation. The coastal roads although narrow are good enough to be driven along. Interestingly the first bridge in this strip was only laid in 2007.

This solitary strip has a beautiful bay which is northeast of Tirta Gangga. The locals in this place are primarily fishermen and sea salt processors. You can take a look at the rural life up close and front by riding all by yourself or with a driver along the volcanic stones and ragged roads but there wouldn’t be a moment where you wouldn’t be awestruck especially if you are a lover of nature.

Fabulous Places you shouldn’t miss

Amed offers a great glimpse into marine life and the beaches are serene and untouched. You will also find places where the famous Bali salt crystals are produced and sent to delis all over the world. You can also enjoy the rich marine life off the coast. The Mini Zoo at Selang famous for Palm civet, cockatoo, lory, hornbill, skink and the Shell Museum at Bunutan, well known for its varieties of shells is another place worth a visit. All in all, Amed is a coastal strip where you can enjoy nature at its fullest.

 

Tanah Lot – A Place with Lot to Offer

tanah lotAbout the Gorgeous Island

This tiny island is also called adorably as the Temple of the Land in the Middle of the Sea. It is said to be created due to constant erosion of ocean tide which continued over thousands of years. One of the last priests to visit Bali, Nirartha, founded the temple of Tanah Lot in the 16th century, marking it permanently on the annals of beautiful islands in the world. As is obvious from its creation through ocean tides, this beautiful island is full of imperious cliffs and wonderful landscapes that will take your breath away. The lovely island looks like a gorgeous magical boat at the time of high tide in the ocean, which is a spectacle that draws millions to this showpiece of Balinese islands.

Feast for Your Eyes

The island can be reached on the route to West Bali and is just 30 to 40 minutes driving distance from Ubud as well as from main tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak in the north- west direction. Although, the temple was out of bounds for constructions and renovation, there are thousands of tourists flocking to the place who after crossing the maze of souvenirs selling every piece of trinket you can find in Indonesia, reach the foot of the cliff. The temple is beautifully perched on the cliff and there is a footpath that takes people to the pinnacle of the cliff.

This point is the haven for photographers and those who love scenic views. No wonder that this place is heavily crowded at sunset, when dusk creates magic with the silhouette of the temple on the boat shaped rock with the reddish orange glow in the background. The Pura Tanah Lot is accessible during the high tide when one can enjoy the view and the ocean taking you to mystical heights.

Considered to be one of the most sacred temples of Balinese Gods, legend has it that sea snakes that inhabit the caves below protect the temple. This doesn’t scare away the thousands who flock the terraces to drink in the blood red sky at dusk every evening.

For Your Stroll

For a relaxing promenade you can stroll along the mesmerizing souvenir shops which occupy the entire path leading to the temple making up a maze where you can pick items to your heart’s content for friends and family back home. Although food isn’t part of the attractions, you can try out chilled coconut known as Es Kelapa Muda while enjoying your sunset. You can also visit the amazing Nirwana Golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is located close to Tanah Lot in the South. This cliff top setting is considered to be amongst the best in Asia. 7 Km from Tanah Lot is Pejaten, the center of ceramic business in Bali, which would surely be a favorite for the ladies who can pick some wonderful crockery for their kitchens.

All in all Tanah Lot is all about that one million dollar glance which is close to a view of heaven and is something you must not miss when in Bali.

 

Ubud – For a Balinese cultural feast

ubud rice fieldBali, Indonesia is a prime tourist destination. It has a little bit of everything you need on a holiday. There is nightlife that rivals those in other locations, rice and paddy fields, picturesque landscapes, picture perfect beaches and luxury hotels that will leave you wanting for more. Nestled in the heart of Bali, is Ubud, a teeming centre for music, arts, dance and culture. Ubud has all that a global society does, from backpackers to mystics and luxury travelers from all over the globe. It is an ideal location to get a taste of the many experiences Bali has to offer you.

Getting to Ubud

Ubud is made up of fourteen villages. It is a city that is a tourist centre and bustling with visitors all the time. To get to Ubud you can fly to the international airport, Ngurah Rai and then take a taxi to reach your hotel. The hotels, in most cases, will offer a pick up or drop to the airport and your transport can be arranged well in advance. Ubud is a relatively quieter location in Bali and you can explore this region on foot or take a cab to see the sights and take in the atmosphere of the place. You can take a bike ride which is half the price of hiring a taxi. When hiring taxis you must bargain to get a good price. There are bicycles for rent for the whole day as well if you want to explore this region on your own.

ubud villa

Hotels to stay at

Ubud offers you fine luxury hotels, private villas, boutique restaurants, and home stays. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you are on your honey moon, a family trip, or a budget traveler. You can check out the price range and also the off season rates to decide the right time to visit the place based on your budget. You can splurge at one of the luxury hotels and spa which will make your stay an all time memorable experience.

Things to do in Ubud

Since Ubud is located about 200-300 meters above sea level with green paddy fields all around makes it a cooler spot than other places in Bali. It also offers reasonably priced hotels to stay at. Ubud has many sites to see, a lot of historically important places like Gunung Kawi, Pura Tirta Empul which can be enjoyed better if you have a guide who knows these places well and can tell you about the locations. Pura Tirta Empul is one of the holiest locations and a very sacred temple in Bali. Gunung Kawi is believed to be a burial site of the Balinese king and his many wives that dates back to the eleventh century.

There are numerous museums of art and culture to see in Ubud which can complete your cultural experience of the island of Bali. If you are someone interested in Balinese culture and art, this will be a fiesta for your senses in many ways. There is also the bird park here at Bali, with over 250 different species for bird watchers. The botanic gardens and Monkey forest are two other tourist spots. There are also local dances to enjoy at this destination. Ubud offers you a lot of sights to take in.

 

Villa Puri Uma Dewi – August Special Offer

Villa Puri Uma Dewi is a spacious 7 bedrooms private bali villa located in Batu Belig, Kerobokan district, 7 minutes drive north of Seminyak and a 3 minute stroll to the beach. The villa is ideal for families or smaller groups with various relaxation areas to enjoy. This luxury bali villa promises a special stay in Bali.

Villa Puri Uma Dewi - August Special Rate

Available over the period of August 2nd – 6th and August 13th – 31st , 2010
at the special rental rate of USD 1070 per night.

Rate inclusion :

  • Complimentary pick-up and departure service
  • Daily American breakfast
  • a car with driver for 8 hours excluding fuel
  • in house laundry
  • wireless internet connection.
 

Nusa Dua – Rejuvenate and revive your senses!

nusa duaWhen holiday season comes around, people look for a break from the routine chores of life. It is natural to hunt for a place to relax and for one that offers a combination of nature and outdoors, along with a dash of luxury to pamper yourself with. Everybody loves to holiday in a place where there is plenty of sun, sand and surf and Nusa Dua in Bali, Indonesia promises to be just that. For a taste of heaven on earth, pack up and head to shores of Nusa Dua which are sun kissed with hospitality to drown your senses in completely.

Getting there

Nusa Dua is located on the southernmost tip of Bali and is one of the main tourist centre’s of the Indonesia. It is located about 40 Kms away from Bali’s capital Denpasar and you can fly to the international airport which is about 30 minutes away from it. The hotels, in most cases, will offer a pick up or drop to the airport and your transport can be arranged well in advance. You can also choose to opt for a prepaid taxi from the airport.

Things to do

bali water sportNusa Dua is well known for its convention centers and its beautiful beaches. Pristine white beaches with plenty of safe sites to swim makes this a swimmer’s paradise. There are also museums to visit which offer you a glimpse of Bali and also has many exhibits of Polynesian artifacts.  Another place every traveler loves to visit is the Pantai Geger which is one of most beautiful beaches in Bali. It is a very well kept and clean place and you must try the luxury spas for a thoroughly soothing and pampering experience.

Don’t forget to indulge in the innumerable water sports at Nusa Dua. This is one place that offers you a wide range of options to choose from. Benoa Harbor, also referred to as Tanjung Benoa in the native language is a haven for water sport lovers. It is just a short ten minute drive from the main city. You can go jet skiing, parasailing, diving, snorkeling and wake boarding. For a totally unique experience opt for the banana boats and fishing tours which will leave you asking for more.

pantai gegerWhen you are in Nusa Dua, a visit to the famous Pantai Geger is a must. This is a beach filled with white sands. You can enjoy a swim in the sparkling water or just laze along the shore. If you want to know more about Bali or Indonesia, you can visit the Pasifica Museum. You can find some of the best paintings in this museum which are worth taking home.

You can also travel to Uluwatu which is one of the well known spots in Bali for its many beautiful temples and surfing spots. It is located just 20 minutes away by cab.  Jimbaran is another must visit spot which promises some fabulous sea food dinners if you want to try some yummy Balinese cuisine.

Places to stay

There are many luxury hotels and luxury villas in Nusa Dua to stay and it is well known for the completely rejuvenating experience during your holiday. Most hotels are in the luxury category with some fabulous cocktails served on the beach. This is a place that guarantees you total relaxation and a time away from the madness and noise of the city.  Finding budget hotels may not be very easy but the hotels also offer lower rates during off season

 

Sanur – Perfect for that family vacation you always wanted!

Sanur BeachIf you are a nature lover and want to treat your family to a piece of paradise on earth, then, plan your next vacation to Sanur located in Bali. Sanur is one among the innumerable fishing villages in Bali, Indonesia, that have transformed into the best tourist locales of the world. One of the best aspects of Sanur is that this beach town did not develop as fast as the other beach resorts of Bali, thus enabling it to still retain the old world charm which makes this place all the more pleasing. This region offers a unique blend of age old culture coupled with modern amenities. There is no dearth of options to stay and explore in this region. Any visitor to this region can indulge in a number of activities that can provide them with a thorough refreshing and soulful experience.

Reaching Sanur, Bali

You can reach this place by bus, car or boat. If you are taking an international flight to Bali, then, you will have to alight at the Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can either take a local bus that plies to Sanur or you can opt for one of the metered taxis eager to give the visitors a ride into the city. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Sanur from this airport if you opt for the taxi service.

Options for accommodation

There are a number of stay options that you can choose from. One aspect of this town that makes it popular among most tourists is that people on any kind of budget can find decent stay options. You can choose from a range of hotels and bed and breakfast options. For the people who don’t mind splurging on a luxurious stay, there are sanur villas, studio apartments, bungalows and luxury hotels that don’t leave any stone unturned to ensure their guests are kept comfortable and well looked after at all times.

Activities you can indulge in at the Sanur Beach

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then, brace yourself for the options Sanur has on offer for you. From swimming to para gliding to snorkeling and even golf, there are a variety of choices laid out for you. The beach of Sanur is a haven for people who love to see nature at its best. You can get a glimpse of underwater life if you opt for activities like snorkeling, diving and the marine walk. Swimming, wind surfing and kite surfing is for the people who prefer to be above the water than below it. Flying kites on along the white sandy beach of Sanur is another preferred activity. For an experience of a lifetime, don’t forget to indulge in the underwater cruise!

Tourist attractions at Sanur

One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Sanur Beach. This beach, unlike most others, is best suited for people who are on a vacation with their families. There are a number of activities for children and adults who throng to this beach. The Ratu Ayu Singgi temple that is situated in close proximity to the beach is also a commonly visited spot.

The Sindhu beach may not be as popular as the main beach at Sanur or at Kuta, but it definitely a haven for youngsters who like to talk to the wind and the water. You can put your skills at various adventurous sports to test at this beach.

Other tourist attractions at Sanur include the La Mayeur Museum, Seiki Torige Gallery, Pura Blanjong and many more.

 

Holiday’s in Legian – for an invigorating experience

Holidays and travel are two things people love to go on, who does not love to have some time out by the beach. Among the favorite beach destinations around the world is Legian which is in Bali, Indonesia. Legian has stunning beaches and superb resorts that are meant to completely soak your senses. in all the beauty and sensuousness that this island has to offer for your holiday. There are some fantastic honeymoon packages on this island that offers a very secluded ‘away from the madness’ feeling!

Bali, in Indonesia, has been a very popular travel destination and Legian in Bali is one of its popular beach destinations for tourists. This is one hotspot where the sun, sand and surf will leave you mesmerized. There are super luxury hotels and spas that will completely drown your senses on your holiday to Legian. It is a location for people looking for adventure, for a family trip and for a relaxing vacation. This is one place that will completely pamper and invigorate your senses.

Legian, BaliLegian is a top notch island destination that has much to offer, just a walk away from the popular Kuta beach. It has a very serene feel about it which just lets you relax in the atmosphere. Legian has a superb nightlife that is for everyone who loves to revel along the beach, there are plenty of surfers hitting the waves and many others cozying up on resort balconies overseeing the beaches. Legian buzzes with activity at all times, there are numerous boutiques offering designer wear from around the globe, and fabulous discs and cozy pubs to visit afterhours. Being one of the spotless, pristine beaches that dot Bali which is Hong Kong and Singapore’s traveler hub this is one place that will make your vacation simply fabulous.

What makes this even more a favorite destination is the fact that the pace here is quite easy, it offers a respite from the noisy and flamboyant parties at Seminyak and the vibrant beach side resorts in Kuta both of which are a short drive away from this destination. There are plenty of things to look forward to in this quiet town which is a holiday goers’ favorite, stunning beaches dotted with all kinds of resorts make it a superb must visit location. Legian offers budget hotels for those weary of an expensive holiday and 5 star hotels like the Legian Opal for those who wish to bask in luxury. There are plenty of stores lining all along the shore selling cheap surf and beach wear, exclusive resorts which give you the feel of being on a holiday experience in an exclusive beach locale that is all yours.

Bali is also known for the traditional and sumptuous food served all along its streets and beaches all day long. These restaurants are simple and offer delicious food with a local flavor that is tweaked a bit to accommodate the tastes of the outsiders flocking to visit each year. Legian is no exception to this tradition with many ‘Warung’ or traditional restaurants, along the beach. You can find some cosmopolitan ones redone with just the right bit of local charm to make the holiday even more memorable.

 

Have a happening holiday at Seminyak!

A holiday is often a memorable event and everyone wants to find the best destination for a brilliant holiday experience. There are numerous occasions and places to celebrate your holidays at. A popular destination is Bali in Indonesia. One of the most popular beaches to visit here is the Seminyak. People flock to this place for its high end fashion boutiques which guarantee you some lovely shopping deals, the nightlife, sun, surf and sands. When you plan your holiday you will first to want to decide how long you plan to spend there. You could decide to stay on one of the many resorts which provide a lot of luxury facilities. If you wish to stay at a low budget place, then there are plenty of hotels for that too. It is definitely an experience to stay on this island which is just so full of life at all times.

If you are looking at a long vacation lasting a month or more, you might want to look at the rental facilities for long term stays. You can find some fabulous deals on the hotels or homes, if you plan to stay month long. A rental facility at Seminyak will allow you to rent a place like an apartment or a villa close to the beach at a reasonable price that you can negotiate. Seminyak has much to offer all the travelers that come here, there is just the right dose of all that you could ask for. There is Bungy Jumping if you want to have some adventure, there is surfing for those who love the sea, and you can splurge on the shopping strip to your heart’s content during your trip as well.

The kind of accommodation in Seminyak is varied so if you plan to go as large family with many members or if you are looking at a trip with a group of friends you can rent a seminyak villa which will be cheaper and there is one along every few kilometers so it is not a difficult option to find. Seminyak has a lot of good massage parlors as well, so if you are looking for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation then you must hit one of the many massage parlors here and you can go for a very relaxing Balinese massage. Balinese people are well known for their hospitality and their massages so you must try one on your holiday to make the experience complete. There are many massage parlors offering services in various ranges, you could also hit the spa for a complete pampering session.

The Seminyak shopping strip is well known for all the shopping experience it has to offer from charming local shops to designer boutiques this is one holiday location that has it all. You can even look around and pick up very interesting antiques for your home from the markets here. Seminyak is also the place with most of Bali’s happening night life. So if you are looking for places to party at and some good spots for a fun night out on town, you definitely have to hit the clubs at Seminyak. There is a fabulous mix of music and culture guaranteeing you a happening holiday!