Tag Archives: bali

Bali International Triathlon- Swim , Bike and Run in Paradise

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Bali is one of the most visited exotic islands in the far East Asia , world famous for its sandy beaches and lavish luxury , Bali has always been a prime vacation spot among tourist. Staying at a luxury hotel Bali has to offer would be the perfect start to your holiday. A bespoke hotel of such a caliber is InterContinental Bali Resort , which overlooks the Jimbaran Bay, and has well appointed rooms to offer lavish luxury to its guests.

Known better as the Herbal life Bali International Triathlon, the event is scheduled to take place on the 15th of October 2015. First ran in 2007, the event has won global recognition and one of the prestigious awards under its belt is the title of , “Best Destination Triathlon“. The growing popularity has seen the number of participants grow annually. The numbers are expected to grow this year as well with the number of participants expected to grow up to 1000 participants from over 30 countries including around 500 from Indonesia.

The event comprises of a full Olympic Triathlon, a half Triathlon and a 5 Km fun run. The event is heavily backed by the hotels and businesses of Jimbaran Bay. The event commences shortly after sun rise with a swim in the Jimbaran Bay followed by a bike sprint to Nusa Dua and the event ends with a Road race.

There is also the popular “Race central” which marks the start and finish of the race located within the gardens of the InterContinental hotel premises. There is live entertainment all morning long and vendors with food and drinks.

The title sponsor of this grand scale event is Herbal Life Indonesia. The registration for the event is possible via the online application.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Bali Gourmet Festival 2015: a food fanatic’s most delectable dream

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The tantalizing scents of this year’s festival seem to be growing more intense, as preparations are being made for Indonesia’s most celebrated food bonanza which will take place from the 14th to the 16th of August 2015. The Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre will sizzle, as the culinary skills of Indonesia’s 5 star hotels and street vendors will be displayed. The festival is an incredible opening for burgeoning food businesses and similarlywould not fail to entice the taste buds of food lovers. It would certainly be a pity if you miss the irresistible thrills of the festival. Book your stay at InterContinental Bali Resort and indulge in the luxuries offered by this premium Bali resort while giving into your wildest food fantasies.

Indonesia boasts a growing economy that spends 50% of its total per capita income on food. Thus, it would seem suitable that it widens its horizons by strengthening ties between the food industry in its own country and those from around the world. If you have a food-related business, you can get some useful tips from the experts and even invest in some marketing strategies that will solidify your presence in the food industry. In establishing ties with culinary expertise from around the world, the organizers of the Bali Gourmet Festival display foresightedness. The festival also cultivates a culture of sharing.

Bars and lounges galore! Specific locations are demarcated for those who enjoy beverages of different kinds. Whether you crave beer, champagne, whiskey or a cocktail, the festival has it all. More than 120 premium brands will also showcase their products and display their talents. If you desire some live action, head towards the cookery theatreand watch as the fiery and silent food preparations become works of art in their own right.

Be entertained throughout the day and late into the night. Live music will be the best accompaniment when savouring good food. When the stalls close for the night, you can join the after parties that are part of the festival. You would not be able to imagine a better combination than the one established between food and entertainment. Be a part of it!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Balinese Dances and Dramas – A Secret and Exotic Art

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Located in South Bali is the beautiful coastal town of Seminyak. Known for being one of the most developed and exclusive areas of Bali, Seminyak is home to some of Bali’s more popular beaches and temples such as Seminyak Beach and the Pura Petitenget Temple. Seminyak is also known for its luxury accommodation and Bali 5 star resorts such as the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak.

The Balinese people are known for their rich heritage and culture, and one aspect of this is their native dance and drama. Balinese dance and drama is an ancient art known for incorporating religious expressions and cultural symbolism. Being passed down from generation to generation, Balinese drama and dance is quite a secretive art, with only the practitioners of these arts knowing its full depth. Yet visitors to Bali will be able to witness these amazing and exotic performances which are both exciting and captivating.

Balinese dances and drama are greatly influenced by Hinduism. Hence many of these performances have traditional ritualistic values. Each dance or drama expresses Hindu rituals or depicts a tale in Hindu folklore. Thus these dances incorporate decretive costumes, elaborate head masks, interpretative and articulate expressions using the eyes, mouth, fingers, hips and feet. Balinese drama and dance also uses the unique technique of using various body parts to create layered percussive sounds, to set the rhythm and speed of a dance or drama. Some of the most popular Balinese dramas and dances include The Ramayana; a slightly different depiction of the Hindu legend of King Rama’s defeat of Rahwana, the Barong Dance; a dance depicting the battle between the Forest God Barong and Rangda, the Legong Keraton; a graceful interpretative dance depicting the tale of Rangkesari.

Balinese dances and drama is both illustrative and creative, and is known for gripping its audiences with its exotic depictions, smooth and silky movements and powerful storytelling, and is thus worth exploring while in Bali.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Karangasem Travel Guide – one destination, a thousand memories

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Welcome to Karangasem, located in the eastern part of Bali, Indonesia that was once home to a powerful seat of Balinese royalty. Those who travel to this former kingdom to escape from the dreaded routine of everyday life in search of a relaxing luxury weekend can indulge in a variety of leisure activities ranging from sightseeing to exciting excursions. Alternatively, one can revel in the solitude and serenity of the exotic Candidasa Bali Hotelssuch as the Alila Manggis – Bali, a sea side dream escape designed to entrance its guests with the peaceful breathtaking views of the nearby ocean and vibrant fauna.

The city itself bears the remnants of its opulent royal history with the abundance of holiday retreats, palaces and temples scattered throughout built for the purpose of entertaining the royalty. When wandering along the bronze beaches framing the turquoise waters, one can observe the locals actively engaged in the process of creating salt out of the ocean by collecting seawater and allowing the hot sun to evaporate it leaving a snow white residue behind. The process is both interesting and educational to watch and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. A short distance away from Candidasa is Prasi beach, a less known, beautiful and well hidden strip of beach ideal for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing by the beach. The holy mount Agung dominates the skyline, providing an excellent opportunity for the adventure seekers to enjoy a challenging hike en route to exploring the Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih), one of the most prominent temples in Bali.

For those who wish to simply experience the cultural differences and enjoy the traditions and cultures of a community separated entirely from the rules and traditions that govern their own, tourists can embark in leisurely strolls along the quiet villages in Bali such as Tenganan, a highly secluded community that strongly preserves its traditions resulting a community that has only slightly strayed from its ancestral roots.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Kecak Fire & Trance Dance – Loose yourself in Bali’s most captivating Dance Performance

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The many intriguing cultures of the very traditional city of Bali extend into the world of the performing arts. Dance makes a very important part of the Balinese lifestyle and is etched with a spiritual aura. There are several occasions where one can enjoy such Balinese performances. In fact, most of these dances make an important part of the religious functions in Bali but since Bali is extremely popular with the tourists, Balinese Dance can be enjoyed as a separate performance itself.

One of the most popular Balinese Dance performances is the Kecak Fire and Trance dance. There is something thoroughly captivating about this dance ritual that makes it a must see for those visiting Bali. The best part about this dance is that it has made its way into almost every 5 star Ubud accommodation there is. An excellent hotel to enjoy the authentic Kecak dance is at the Alila Villas Bali. Offered as a part of the fun and fiery ‘Flames’ dinner, the dance perfectly complements the ambience of the evening.

The Kecak dance is actually a depiction of the Sanghyang exorcism ritual from the stories of the epic Hindu deity, Ramayana. The dance consists of a chorus of around 100 or more men clad only in a loin cloth. Forming rows of circles, they move their bodies together, left and right all the while rhythmically chanting the words cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak. Gradually the rhythm picks up speed and one by one they raise their trembling hands to the air. The dancers actually imitate the Ramanayas troops of apes. The Temple at Taman Ka ja, The Batuba Village, the Ubud Village and the Ubud Temple are all other excellent locations to enjoy an authentic dose of the most popular Balinese dance there is. The Kecak Fire and Trans Dance is the one thing that completes your holiday in Bali.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Uluwatu Festivals 2014 – Explore Uluwatu

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Uluwatu is home to idyllic beaches, a sacred temple (Pura Luhur), and some prime surfing spots. Depending on what time of year you visit, you will also be treated to a fabulous array of local festivals that are wonderful to witness and participate in. Ensure you book one of the fine Bali luxury villas to host your stay in the area, and the Alila Villas Uluwatu features an excellent selection of choice Bali boutique villas. Celebrated all over Bali is the local version of Christmas, Galungan, which occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10. It commemorates and welcomes the gods and ancestors to earth to live at their descendants’ dwelling places. The festivities include dances, the purchase and wearing of new clothes, offerings at the temples in the area, feasting galore, and visits to friends and family.

The end of the celebrations is known as Kuningan, where gods and spirits leave once again. Each village celebrates this joyous event by posting a bamboo pole outside their houses and adorning it with rice stems, palm leaves, corn, and coconuts. At the top of each pole, a stunning plaited creation of palm leaves sits, almost like the star on a Christmas tree. Other festivals celebrated include Nyepi, which is the equivalent of New Year’s Eve, but this is a day of fasting, silences, and contemplation in order to allay the presence of evil spirits.; Saraswati, which is a day dedicated to honouring the Hindu goddess of knowledge; and Ogoh-Ogoh day, which is an exorcism festival that sees the construction of paper effigies, known as “ogoh-ogohs”, that are paraded through the town and are then burned on the beach.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Egg Hunt – Easter in Bali

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As Good Friday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in Indonesia, Bali simply heaves with visitors both local and foreign who come here to enjoy the extraordinary packages offered by hotels and restaurants around the island. Flights from Australia to Jakarta are full to capacity as many try to get to Bali to enjoy the festivities as much as the sun, sea and sand.

Since Bali has had Christian enclaves going back several hundred years there are many Catholic, Protestant and churches of other denominations in many parts of the island. Locals and visitors alike who are desirous of beginning the day with a religious ceremony can attend services both in English and Indonesian at St Francis Xavier Church in Kuta, St Josephs in Denpasar, Lady of All Nations Church in Nusa Dua, the Catholic cathedral in Renon and at the many protestant churches and those of other denominations around the island.

With a large number of visitors on the island, many of whom have come specifically on Easter packages, all the hotels and many restaurants have special Easter programmes. All flights are fully booked weeks in advance for the Easter weekend by people from the mainland and Australia. Easter activities at hotels generally target families with young children.

Traditional entertainment include egg painting, basket decorating, egg hunts, face painting, lucky draws, family egg toss, glitter tattoos, street performers, magic shows, Easter colouring competitions and tug of war. This is followed by Easter Sunday brunch for the whole family with complementary use of hotel facilities for those who are not guests.

Easter egg hunts are even offered by water sports companies who purportedly hide the eggs among the reefs! Some hotels organise a different sort of Easter celebration by taking guests on a trek through a rural area to enjoy egg painting and creating wood sculptures in a local artisan’s studio that can make a beautiful and memorable souvenir, followed by a whole day Easter programme. Christian community organisations also organise free activities such as the special Easter programme in Seminyak Square featuring games for the whole family, street performers and magic shows.

Enjoy sun, sea, sand and glorious sunsets from Anantara Seminyak Bali, the quintessential Bali resort that offers a range of modern, up-market facilities and services. Among which are commodious and luxurious all suite accommodation with gorgeous views, dining venues with well planned and executed menus, yoga classes and specialised spa treatments, a range of onsite leisure options and excursion that promote contacts with local rural cultures. Stay in this popular resort in Bali to enjoy its many unique attributes and have a memorable holiday experience.

Pagerwesi – a unique spiritual festival

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The ceremony known as Pagerwesi is an important part of being a Balinese, as it is celebrated across all economic backgrounds, observed with great reverence and due ceremony. If you’re on the island during the time of Pagerwesi, ensure you check in at one of the Bali luxury villas in the city such as the luxurious Alila Villas Uluwatu. Offering you stylish Bali boutique villas graced by attentive hospitality and sumptuous luxury, your time in Bali is sure to be unforgettable here. Otherwise known as Rerainan Gumi by the locals, it is celebrated every 210 days on what is known as the Wednesday of Shinta, which is the first week according to the local Pukawon calendar system. Pagerwesi translates to “iron fence”, and stands for an element of protection and self-preservation against negative influences. On the day, the Balinese people use the opportunity for intense meditation and prayer, to build up their personal defenses against evil. The chief deity believed to preside over the proceedings is Sanghyang Paramesti Guru, otherwise known as Lord Shiva, the eradicator of evil. The people of Bali spend this sacred day in prayer, making offerings, as well as visiting the temples.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Christmas in Bali: A Tropical Christmas

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As December draws near, the spirit of Christmas seeps into people’s hearts with shopping malls decorated in Christmas colours: red and green, the sidewalks slippery with frozen snow and a general feeling of excitement in the air. Traditional Christmas celebrations will involve decorating a Christmas tree, leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, hanging of stockings on the chimneys and of course, cradling cups of hot chocolate in an attempt to insulate oneself from the cold. While this form of Christmas has its own intrinsic charm, opt for a different experience this December and make your way down to Bali, Indonesia to celebrate your own tropical Christmas.

Although the main demography of Indonesia is composed of non-Christians, Indonesia celebrates Christmas as a holiday with pomp and splendour. Similar to decorations done in Europe, Balinese shopping malls too resort to decorating the interior with the traditional Christmas colours and the exterior with sparkling, bright lights creating an feeling of excitement and thrill.

The best way to kick-start your Christmas in Bali is to first do your Christmas shopping as gifts are sold only until stocks last. Once your Christmas shopping list is ticked, tourists can opt to partake in the general spirit of Christmas by taking a walk around the city, exploring the markets and the malls, and perhaps singing a few rounds of some carols as well. Celebrating Christmas in Bali is just as exciting as celebrating it in a cosmopolitan European nation, excepting the cold climate for resorts, hotels and clubs organise a series of parties, Christmas events and more to celebrate the holiday.

Depending on which beach resort in Bali you opt to reside in, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a true feast during the Christmas week. If you opt for a hotel in Nusa Dua, you may be able to enjoy special Christmas foods and traditional deserts as well as complimentary eggnog. Enjoy your tropical Christmas to the fullest by opting to stay at a hotel the calibre of Bali Resort which is a hotel that will cater to your every need during this special holiday season and deck your vacation with unforgettable memories.

Christmas in Bali – Experience the Asian joy of the season

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If one fancies the tropical isles for Christmas, away from the grip of chill and snow, Bali is a superb destination to land on at this part of the year to join in the perfect holiday mood that one inevitably comes to share once they get to the luxuriant and relaxed atmosphere of Bali. Endowed with plenty of sunshine and warm and somewhat humid weather with occasional rain falls that comes as a surprise, the isles are brimming with tourists and therefore the whole island is geared up to cater to them in their festive mood, from the countdown to Christmas to the day itself and right up to end of the year party.

However not all areas of Bali are jammed with tourists which can pose a nightmare, from traffic jams to lack of availability of hotels and residences. While areas like Kuta and Legian street threatens to be swamped with tourists and traffic jams although they exude the holiday excitement and nightlife, other areas like Denpsar, Samur or Ubud appear less crowded and more peaceful and conducive to a peaceful holiday ambience.

As for the spirit of Christmas itself, most tourists enjoy what the Balinese prepare for their celebrations from extensive décor lining the shopping malls to the appearance of Santa especially to please the kids to proper Christmas dinners offered at hotels and major restaurants that keep up the spirit of the festival in almost the same element as the rest of the world. Being blessed with genial weather especially throughout the day, there are some fabulous parties especially on the beach that one can look forward to. Christmas shopping itself is a pleasant prospect as the shops are mostly open till the midnight and even on the day so that no one needs to be in a crazy rush to get presents on time.

The other best thing about this amazing holiday destination is that there is always a satisfactory number of choices to select from when one is looking for a luxury resort Bali. The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali offers a relaxing atmosphere with well kept gardens as well as beach front views with tastefully decorated interiors and an array of attractive residential options. This reputed Nusa Dua Resort is an excellent choice to select to stay over during the Christmas holidays so one gets a true feel of Bali as well as the holiday atmosphere at the same time.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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