Archive for the ‘July2010’

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.