Bali, The Perfect Holiday Destination!
Bali is a favorite holiday destination because it has something for everyone. The island offers a fun and relaxing gateway from the pressures of daily life, and a chance to discover one of the world's most fascinating cultures.
There are literally thousands of temples across Bali. Small devotional shrines are scattered through the rice fields, in every private compound, and even in the grounds of hotels. Every day shopkeepers place offerings outside their shops, and it is common to see people carrying offerings to their local temple. Some of the larger and more impressive temples, which are well worth visiting, include Besakih (the Mother Temple, situated in Eastern Bali); Uluwatu (perched high above the sea on the southern coastline) and Tanah Lot (the impressive Shore Temple)
Bali boasts an incredible choice for shoppers. Handicrafts, artworks, carvings, pottery, gold & silverware are produced at selected locations around Bali, whilst everything from casual beachwear to tailor-made leather goods can be found in the myriad shops of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. Bargaining is expected, so enjoy yourself.
Bali is a melting pot of culinary specialties. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Indonesian, Balinese, Spanish, Mexican and Western dishes are available at hotels and restaurants everywhere. Seminyak has become renowned for its gourmet restaurants with international chefs and hotels. You should try traditional Balinese dishes like Gado-gado, Cap Cay, Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur during your holiday.
Bali Offers everything from scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, para-sailing, white water and ocean rafting, lake kayaking and cruising to golf, lawn bowls, squash, tennis, mountain cycling, bungy jumping, 4WD expeditions, elephants safaris and jungle trekking. All of these activities are available at very reasonable prices in Bali, but they are inevitably cheaper if purchased in conjunction with your package holiday before you leave home.
There are literally hundreds of nightclubs and bars in Bali, especially in Kuta and Legian. Most hotels provide cultural dinner shows, which feature everything from the ancient Ramayana Ballet to the impressive Kecak dance. Ubud and several other villages have cultural dance performances available on a regular basis.
Bali's greatest asset is her people. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, the Balinese practice their own unique form of Hinduism, and distance themselves from political issues. Balinese Hinduism encourages special devotion to children, the family, and to visitors, who are considered honored guests. You are certain to witness almost daily ceremonies as you travel around Bali - from bridal processions to ritual sprinkling of cremated remains at the beach.
Bali's temperature rarely varies from a tropical 30 degrees by day, to a comfortable 22 degrees at night. Temperatures tend to be milder in Ubud and the central highlands, while the northern and eastern regions are generally warmer and drier. The summer months (November to February) are classified as the "wet season" but most days dawn fine, with showers holding off until later in the afternoon and evening.
One of the most important religious holidays is known as Nyepi Day, when all shops and offices are closed and no one is permitted outside their home (or hotel) complex - including holiday makers. On Nyepi Day no arrivals, departures or hotel movements are permitted in Bali, so it's a great time to enjoy the peace.