There are many justifications to fly to Bali as there are heavenly lights on a star-spangled night. Being a tiny isle off the coast of Indonesia does not set this hub for natural and cultural attractions back one bit. As a matter of fact, you can actually drive up and back down the coast in one day and can still anticipate novel and exotic experiences in the following a few months. There's no argument about it. Bali is a mixed bag of tranquil countryside, clean aquamarine beach water abundant in with colourful marine life, esoteric Hindu rituals and an interesting culture local to the island.
If you are intending to fly to Bali soonish, do not forget to check out one of the following sights. A number of them are made for visitors, so expect a number of fellow sightseers trying noisily to get some footage of the place. Others are not as developed as the classic jet-setter would like, but they're excellent for finding calm and relaxation amid the busy island whose economy depends largely on the existence of visitors.
Kuta
Kuta is the backpack traveler's go-to destination. Though things have lain low a bit since the bombings in 2002, Kuta still is one of the top locales for back-packers and families on vacation. Expect a little bit of badgering from small-time peddlers and shopkeepers selling fake surf gear and contraband DVDs, but a tiny "No thanks" can shoo them away. Kuta fully compensates for itself as you walk towards the shore, which is still one of the best sights in the whole island, with pearly-white sea froth pummeling on shores of baby-fine golden sand.
Ubud
If you're itching to get away from the frenzied beach scene in Kuta, head to central Bali instead and indulge peacefully in the cultural treasures of Ubud. All round the locality, you can visit Hindi churches, museums and the palace of the Balinese Royals that feature Ubud's historical and architectural importance to Bali. You may purchase a seat at one of the numerous dance-and-music shows followed by a sumptuous and healthful meal of Balinese dishes made of ingredients purchased at the local market. Although Ubud is speedily growing to take in bordering places, there are still a lot of knackered tiny villages nestled silently in the middle of lush rice fields.
Nusa Lembongan
Become a beach bum for an entire week at Nusa Lembongan, a relatively less urbanized island off the main island. Not much has been done to transform Nusa Lembongan into the holiday maker entanglement that's generally Kuta and Ubud, which makes it the ideal place for hanging out by the shore without having to dodge hawkers and street sellers. The sand is powdery-white in Nusa Lembongan and the water is a clear azure blue, making swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving the best preoccupations in this bit of Bali.
Gunung Agung
Soaring into the clouds above Bali is Gunung Agung, an active volcano and the tallest point in the island. The volcano's western side is surrounded by healthy vegetation thanks to the rainwater created by the western winds, but the eastern side is a bit arid and empty. Near Gunung Agung's summit is Pura Besakih, known as the mother temple and the most important Hindu shrine in the whole Bali. To Pura Besakih there are several routes that can be taken, but only those that are physically fit are afforded the breathtaking scenarios that wait at the very top of the mountain.
Seminyak
Luxury is the name of the game in Seminyak. What had once been a little backwater village has developed into the most popular Bali destination for Hollywood aristocracy and the rest of the wealthy and celebrated. Prices are, inarguably, steeper in this part of the island, but are still cheaper than anything you can spend on luxury abroad. The place is teeming with top class restaurants offering delicate world cuisines, top of the range shop specialized shops selling big-name brands and high end spas and health centers that provide a variety of services, starting from the normal Balinese massages to newer, hipper treatments.
If you are intending to fly to Bali soonish, do not forget to check out one of the following sights. A number of them are made for visitors, so expect a number of fellow sightseers trying noisily to get some footage of the place. Others are not as developed as the classic jet-setter would like, but they're excellent for finding calm and relaxation amid the busy island whose economy depends largely on the existence of visitors.
Kuta
Kuta is the backpack traveler's go-to destination. Though things have lain low a bit since the bombings in 2002, Kuta still is one of the top locales for back-packers and families on vacation. Expect a little bit of badgering from small-time peddlers and shopkeepers selling fake surf gear and contraband DVDs, but a tiny "No thanks" can shoo them away. Kuta fully compensates for itself as you walk towards the shore, which is still one of the best sights in the whole island, with pearly-white sea froth pummeling on shores of baby-fine golden sand.
Ubud
If you're itching to get away from the frenzied beach scene in Kuta, head to central Bali instead and indulge peacefully in the cultural treasures of Ubud. All round the locality, you can visit Hindi churches, museums and the palace of the Balinese Royals that feature Ubud's historical and architectural importance to Bali. You may purchase a seat at one of the numerous dance-and-music shows followed by a sumptuous and healthful meal of Balinese dishes made of ingredients purchased at the local market. Although Ubud is speedily growing to take in bordering places, there are still a lot of knackered tiny villages nestled silently in the middle of lush rice fields.
Nusa Lembongan
Become a beach bum for an entire week at Nusa Lembongan, a relatively less urbanized island off the main island. Not much has been done to transform Nusa Lembongan into the holiday maker entanglement that's generally Kuta and Ubud, which makes it the ideal place for hanging out by the shore without having to dodge hawkers and street sellers. The sand is powdery-white in Nusa Lembongan and the water is a clear azure blue, making swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving the best preoccupations in this bit of Bali.
Gunung Agung
Soaring into the clouds above Bali is Gunung Agung, an active volcano and the tallest point in the island. The volcano's western side is surrounded by healthy vegetation thanks to the rainwater created by the western winds, but the eastern side is a bit arid and empty. Near Gunung Agung's summit is Pura Besakih, known as the mother temple and the most important Hindu shrine in the whole Bali. To Pura Besakih there are several routes that can be taken, but only those that are physically fit are afforded the breathtaking scenarios that wait at the very top of the mountain.
Seminyak
Luxury is the name of the game in Seminyak. What had once been a little backwater village has developed into the most popular Bali destination for Hollywood aristocracy and the rest of the wealthy and celebrated. Prices are, inarguably, steeper in this part of the island, but are still cheaper than anything you can spend on luxury abroad. The place is teeming with top class restaurants offering delicate world cuisines, top of the range shop specialized shops selling big-name brands and high end spas and health centers that provide a variety of services, starting from the normal Balinese massages to newer, hipper treatments.
About the Author:
Salim B Kho enjoys travelling and providing info on the locations he visits to benefit other travelers. For more information about avalon Bali villa, just visit his site at http://www.avalonbalivilla.com.
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