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Bali

It may be possible to drive around Bali’s entire beautiful coastline in one long day, but Bali’s reputation far exceeds its size. Known as one of the most friendly destinations in Indonesia, there’s an undisputed magic about the island and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. This is a place where you can come to unwind, relax and forget about the world beyond.

The island itself is a rich tapestry of different sights, sounds and experiences, from the fabulous beaches and surfers’ paradises to the mesmerising temple ceremonies and beguiling dances. Much of the music, dance and drama can be viewed in temple courtyards or during the island’s many colourful festivals. In addition to its performing arts, Bali is renowned for its painting, sculpture, woodcarving and handicrafts. Bali is also a kaleidoscope of natural wonders and these include fragrant frangipani trees, stepped rice fields, beautifully wild landscapes and forest clad hills. Taking a misty trek amid the jungle and ancient volcanoes is not to be missed.

Food plays a central role in Balinese culture and the aromas alone reveal the people’s art at turning the freshest local produce into culinary masterpieces bursting with flavours. Many of the restaurants are simply world class.

Within this gentle, relaxing way of life, the hotels and resorts offer havens of modern luxury and creature comforts skillfully blended with the timeless culture and beautiful architecture of an altogether more peaceful way of life. The spas in particular are legendary for their soothing and regenerating treatments. For the more active, the white-water rafting, surfing and diving are excellent, with fascinating wrecks to explore. And with such blissfully romantic surroundings, where better to celebrate the perfect wedding or honeymoon.

Out & About
To see the real Bali, explore some of the local villages. Here are a few suggestions.

- Celuk village is the place to visit for great buys on gold and silver jewellery and its main road is adorned with galleries showcasing the local work. Surrounding villages specialise in other art forms such as Barong dancing and stone carving in Batubulan village and traditional painting in Batuan village.

- Ubud is a beautiful town in the foothills of the mountains. It maintains its traditional Balinese feel with rice paddies, forests and rivers and a strong focus on culture with evening dance performances at Puri Saren Agung (Royal Palace). Monkey Forest, a sacred nature reserve, with a small temple and a population of long-tailed macaque monkeys has become a tourist attraction and nearby Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave built in the 9th century, is also worth a visit.

- Visit the beautiful lakes - Beratan Lake, Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake and relax, rent a traditional yacht (Perahu in Balinese) or explore the surrounding mountains and Bedugul Botanical Gardens.

- Kuta is the entertainment centre of Bali with a beautiful white sandy beach, rows of bars and restaurants, discotheques, and entertainment spots.

Food & Drink
Balinese cuisine is delicious and varied with influences from all over the world. Most dishes revolve around spices, often partnered by coconut milk, adding a rich flavour and creamy texture to intriguing dishes of tropical vegetables, poultry, meat and fish. Rice is the basis of any Indonesian meal and a main serving of rice is normally taken first, followed by a small portion of three to four dishes of vegetables or meat, known as lauk. These dishes of lauk are placed in the centre of the table for all to share.

Bali boasts a range of world class restaurants, including Ku De Ta a beachside retreat which is ‘the’ place to be seen and our favourite, Mozaic Bali, where tables are widely spaced in a tropical garden, with an ever changing menu. The Living Room’s fine dining Asian flavours are also a must.

Festivals and Special Events
February Chinese New Year Celebrations
June – July Bali Arts Festival
August Indonesian National Independence Day

Indonesia Tourism
www.indonesia-tourism.com

Getting There
Flights to Bali are with Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore Airlines via Singapore in both directions.

Total journey time: Malaysian Airlines 18 hours (including stopover in Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore Airlines 16 hours 55 minutes (including stopover in Singapore).

Malaysian Airlines Departures from Heathrow to Bali daily on B744 aircraft with Economy, Business Class and First Class cabins.

Singapore Airlines Departures from Heathrow to Bali daily on B777/A388 aircraft with Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class cabins.

Note: All our inclusive holidays are based on Malaysian Airlines Economy flights. Prices with Singapore Airlines are also available on request.

Hotels

Hotel Name
Amandari, Bali
Amankila, Bali
Amanusa, Bali
Anantara, Seminyak
Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay
Karma Kandara Resort
The Chedi Club, Ubud
The Legian
The St. Regis Resort
Uma Ubud

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