Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a land of temples and legends, celebrity chefs and designer boutiques. Whether you want to soak up the sun, shop, dine or tour, Bali is a great destination. The capital, Denpasar, is a thriving city. Places like Kuta are all about fun in the sun by day and vibrant social by night.
Temples with towering pagodas are dotted all over Bali. One of the most important, Tanah Lot, was built on top of a rock. Pura Besakih or the 'mother Temple' is the biggest. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan in the central highlands, and Pura Kehen, one of Bali's largest religious complexes.
See hundreds of rare birds such as South American macaws and Cassowaries. Indonesian Parrots and one of the world's largest collections of Birds of Paradise will enthral. Feed the lorikeets, marvel at the world's rarest bird, the Bali Starling.
You can't go to Bali without indulging in a massage. Try a Mandi Lulur, a rub, scrub and soak in a flower petal-filled bath. Many now include Swedish and other varieties to cater for international tourists, and prices for such pampering are low.
Bali is a treasure trove of paintings, wood and stone carvings, art and handicrafts, antique furniture, jewellery, masks and woven fabrics. The usual practise is to barter, which can be a lot of fun, but remember not all places accept credit cards so take some cash.
Ubud, in the highlands, is the cultural heart of Bali. Hundreds of shops sell antiques, woodcarvings, textiles, paintings and jewellery and the Museum 'Purl Lukisan' has a permanent collection of modern Balinese works.
Watch the sunrise from the summit of this active volcano which has the largest caldera complex and is always emitting plumes of smoke.
The Balinese devote their lives to purifications, dances, and other religious rites to honour the continuity of existence. The cycle begins at birth, and death frees the soul. Some festivals are dedicated to woodcarving, percussion instruments or the birth of a goddess. Others include village cleansings, fasting & retreat ceremonies, harvest festivals (Usaba) and house deity anniversaries.
Most eateries are Indonesian, Chinese, or Sumatran Halal Padang since Bali lacks Balinese restaurants. The people don't eat together as a family so it is only at ceremonies that everybody does so. For a special ceremony, Babi Guling (Suckling Pig), and Sate Lilith are a must!
Savour the myriad of exotic drinks and cocktails available by heading to Ku De Ta which has been voted the best bar in Asia.
Go canoeing on Lake Batur or try an authentic ecological adventure with Bali Cycling Tours deep into the countryside to see first hand the daily life of rice farmers and craftsmen.
Surf the world-class waves at Kuta Reef and Balian Beach, scuba dive in places with steep banks and coral ridges. The Liberty offers a fantastic wreck dive, or just snorkel and see some unusual marine species including the pygmy seahorse and hairy frogfish.
To find out more about the luxury Bali holidays available with Travel Associates call 1800 017 849 or enquire online.
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