Tag Archives: bali

Halloween in Bali – A Mix of Fun and Twists

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Bali might not be the first venue that comes to mind when you think of Halloween as the township is one associated mostly with fine beaches, exquisite multinational cuisine, romance and hospitable treatment no matter where you come from. However, Bali has its own version of Halloween which is known as ‘Nyepi’, which is celebrated by the Hindus in Bali before their New Year.

For Nyepi the Hindu communities get on to the streets and make different chanting like sounds, apparently with the intention of warding off evil spirits prior to ushering in the New Year. They then lock themselves indoors the following day for fear of beckoning the spirits back. Halloween is seen to be celebrated in true traditional form only by the expatriate population, though the trend is catching on, since Bali takes any excuse to party. The tropical climatic conditions allow beach Halloween celebrations and there is good fun on the shores throughout the night.

Youngsters of the North American expatriates get on to the streets in creatively thought-out, supposedly scary outfits that are actually quite amusing and the Balinese population have a good time watching the parade. Trick or treating is not as popular or as successful unless you are in an expatriate neighborhood that would understand the ritual and be involved. Some prefer to appear in accessorized attire for the party environment and dance all their cares away. The outfits can be easily stitched at a local tailor’s or seamstress’s who have now become quite acquainted with the strange ritual and the requirements. Pumpkins are a little more difficult to find, but there is a good local substitute known as ‘labu parang’ which can be used with ease.

Any Kuta beach resort would have a bit of decorations to suit the atmosphere, so expect to see labu parang shells smiling broadly when you sit down for your star class meals at a resort in Kuta. The staff members of the best accommodation providers join in the fun and add to the spooky atmosphere with a small alteration to their usual attire. The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort and its counterparts have no shortage of guests during this season.

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. Google+

Festivals in Bali – Unique and vibrant

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A traveller planning to enjoy their holiday in Indonesia to the fullest should make it a point to make reservations at a Bali luxury spa resort. An ideal choice of a Bali spa resort is COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. An island rich in natural beauty, Bali has long been a famed tourist destination. Whilst there are numerous attractions for travellers to explore, local events and festivals offer a glimpse into the distinctive local culture. Some of these festivals celebrate the art of woodcarving whilst others include harvest festivals, harvest festivals, colourful parades, fasting ceremonies and more. Experience the wide range of vibrant dances, processions, purification and much more. When it comes to non-religious festivals, there is the country’s Independence Day.

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. Google+

Miss World 2013: A Night of Glamour, Splendour and Excellence

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The annual Miss World Pageant takes centre stage this September with pomp and splendour as contestants from eighty one nations are expected to flock to Indonesia where one of them will be crowned “Miss World 2013”. While the history of the competition can be traced back to 1951 where the first pageant was conducted as part of the Festival of Berlin, now, over half a century later, the pageant still continues to attract contestants from all parts of the world. As a result, the 2013 edition will witness delegates from states such as Brunei, Guinea, Uzbekistan and even Kosovo.

It is also the first time Indonesia will host the pageant and it is also the first time a Southeast Asian nation has been selected to do so. Marking another unprecedented development in pageant history, the 2013 edition will exclude the bikini event and replace it with a separate non-bikini event in an attempt to soothe the cries of outrage from conservative religious groups in Indonesia. The cultural landscape of the country as well as the diverse representation of states that are expected to feature in this years’ pageant ties in well with Indonesia’s national motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ which means ‘Unity in Diversity’.

The pageant will take place at the Sentul International Convention Centre on the 28th of September and before the night is over, one of the eighty one contestants will be crowned this year’s Miss World! The Centre’s seating capacity being well above ten thousand, the Miss World pageant is gearing up to be a spectacular event already.

For those who wish to witness this grand competition in all its glory, making early reservations at a boutique hotel Bali is imperative as accommodation is in high demand during the time of the competition. Enjoy the diverse landscape of Indonesia while enjoying the pageant and opt to stay in a Bali luxury hotel that is capable of catering to your every need, such as the L Hotel Seminyak whose charming interior and superb service will only seek to add to your tropical vacation.

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. Google+

Miss World 2013 – Global Beauties Taking Centre Stage!

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Due to take centre stage on the 18th of September this year, the 2013 edition of the Miss World beauty pageant is set to take place in the sunny landscapes of Indonesia’s holiday capital Bali. As the world’s most watched and coveted beauty pageant, the Miss World contest is a global brand with its very own fan following as the pageant and the weeks leading up to it are made into a television series by producers of the glamorous event. While the Sentul International Convention Centre in the Nusa Dua Complex is the official venue of the final crowning ceremony the stunning contestants hailing from over 150 nations across the world will take part in a series of mini-pageants in the weeks leading up to the final day, that will factor in to the selection of the winner on the 28th of September.

This year’s Miss World pageant sees three countries make their debut in the history of the beauty contest with Kosovo, Brunei and Uzbekistan sending nationally selected representatives to compete for the title for the first time. Broadcasted live to television audiences around the world which number in the millions, the historic competition is also deemed one of the largest television events of the year. The reigning Miss World, Yu Wenxia of the People’s Republic of China will also be in attendance to handover the crown to the new Miss World of 2013.

The Sentul International Convention Centre will play host to a whopping 11,000 attendees on the final night of the Miss World competition where headlining acts from around the world will also entertain the crowd with performances. Fitted with state-of-the-art audio visual gear the venue is the largest stadium of its nature in all of Indonesia and was thus selected to host the grand event watched by millions on television.

Encompassing an evening gown contest as well as a gruelling round of questions by a panel of esteemed judges one unique feature of this year’s pageant is the elimination of the bathing suit contest in favour of a more modest bathing attire competition, with contestant donning sarongs as a sign of respect for the host nation’s Islamic values.

Travellers on the lookout for luxury hotels in Seminyak should look no further than the W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak. Providing visitors with a tranquil setting for a relaxing holiday it is little wonder this elegant resort is ranked amongst the best 5 star hotel Seminyak has on offer.

During the Kite Festival –True Balinese Fun

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As the bright blue sky fills up with a myriad of colors and shapes, a sense of joy dawns upon the entire village. Young, old, rich poor step out to their porches to witness this beauty.

Cheers of competitors echo through the streets and the sense of thrill and happiness in this event is infectious. There is only one event that brings out such a lot of spirit; it is none other than the Bali Kite Festival. Every year Sanur Beach booms with life as the Kite competition takes place and every year the vigor is the same; the fun is the same and every year tourists are drawn to this little beach to bask in the spirited ambience of this festival.

The kites you will find in this festival are certainly something to awe. Some of them are so enormous that they actually block out chunks of the sky. Many a times you may wonder how they actually stay up in the sky. As the kites of many shapes and colors soar up in the sky, traditional music is played in the background. As with most other occasions in Bali, kite flying also has a religious significance to it. The tradition actually began as a means to pass messages to the Gods and even today you find some traditional Kites. The ones that are shaped as birds and fish are actually those that depict Hindu deities. At every point of the festivals prayers are chanted for luck in this game and luck throughout the year.

The Bali Kite Festival is one occasion that is actually a whole load of fun. The atmosphere is full of good cheer, free flowing beer and cheap food. It is one place to get a glimpse of traditional Bali that is exhibited by the many traditional costumes, tales and rituals.
After all that fun you are sure to experience at the kite festival, come home to the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. The luxury you experience at Anantara is always un matched. From all the Uluwatu Hotels, it is always the first choice. The comfort and services you get here makes it also the best of all the Bali Resorts.

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. Google+

Bali Arts Festival – A sensational artistic showpiece

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The well-known Bali Arts Festival is a month-long celebration of the traditional as well as contemporary arts, crafts, dance, music and performances of the Indonesian province of Bali. As the event is focused on the provincial capital of Denpasar, an enthralling array of Balinese artistes converge on the city to present their finest artistic creations. At this unique extravaganza, visitors will be able to witness dances from remote mountainous areas, long-forgotten and revived dance forms, classic palace dance presentations, renowned stars of the Balinese stage and innovative productions of the Denpasar dance schools as well as choreographic creations from other parts of Indonesia and abroad.
The people of Bali take great pride in their cultural heritage. Even in remote villages, the outstanding artistes vie with each other for the opportunity to represent their village and the artistic heritage of their ancestors on this grand stage. The Bali Arts Festival naturally features the traditional dances of the province – like the gambuh, legong, barong and kecak to name a few – but also innovative contemporary choreographic presentations where old rural dances and musical features have been revived and refashioned. In this way, traditional Balinese epics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Panji and Sutasoma have been adapted into refashioned ballets.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to the one-of-a-kind festival, and no-one will be left unmoved by the enthralling dance and musical presentations as well as the other features of the event. The Balinese dance tradition is very ancient and forms a crucial part of religious ceremonies as well as entertainment-oriented presentations. The dancers employ the entire body, including the hands, fingers and torso as well as eye and head motions to express the story. Balinese dancers start learning their art when still very young, gradually mastering the intricate movements and expressions of the dance form. The dances are closely interlinked with the music of the gamelan, an ensemble of traditional musicians. No visit to Bali would be complete without experiencing the colourful spectacle that is Balinese dance.


Well-informed visitors considering Bali hotels will find an excellent choice in the Anantara Seminyak Bali. This quality Bali hotel offers comfortable accommodations as well as a selection of superb amenities.

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. Google+

Nusa Dua Festival

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No matter what time of year you visit Bali, there’s always something interesting, intriguing or downright celebratory going on in this lively Indonesian locale. Visitors to the upscale area of Bali known as Seminyak will want the high-end Bali hotel to suit their particular styles, and the Anantara Seminyak Bali is the perfect choice, offering up a select offering of spa luxury and island hospitality. Situated close to chic shopping, trendy nightlife and fine dining, this elite offering of the Bali hotels is an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers. The Nusa Dua festival provides visitors with the perfect introduction into Thai island and party culture. Started in 1997 by the Bali tourism board to celebrate Indonesia’s heritage, the weeklong event unfolds at the Nusa Dua resort in a bright explosion of cultural celebration. Featuring various performances of singers and dancers bedecked in the vibrant costumes that showcase different aspects of Indonesia’s exotic culture, this is one festival not to be missed by culture vultures prowling the area for entertainment. The festival opens with a grand parade of over 1000 Balinese dressed in traditional costumes, carrying huge offerings of fruit and flowers on their heads, while being heralded by gamelan music artfully played on flutes, gongs, various bamboo instruments and drums. The rest of the week will feature various traditional Indonesians arts and culture, such as handicraft exhibitions and entertaining performances through dramas, music and dance. It is a taste of Indonesia’s finest heritage not to be missed by all visitors to the islands.

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.
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Discover Magnificence at the Yachts Asia Bali 2013

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The Yachts Asia Bali is to be known as the Yachts Indonesia from its 2013 edition onwards. The decision to move the annual event from the sunny island of Bali to mainland Indonesia is to better cater to the increasing amounts of participants, exhibitors and visitors who have steadily increased.

In 2013 over 6000 foreign visitors are expected to witness the over 200 million US dollar worth of merchandise and products that are to be displayed. This year over 300 sqm of space is expected to be taken up to exhibit the many state of the art yachts, boats and other related exhibits.

With Bali and Indonesia being much loved and favoured destinations for not only locals but also for foreign nationals from Europe, China, Australia and many parts of Asia to visit and even settle down, there has been a steady increase in the amount of yachts visiting and permanently anchored to the piers around the islands.

The Yachts Asia Bali is an opportunity to bring together all those interested in this aspect of marine products, those interested in purchasing and selling their yachts and boats and those interested in upgrading to the latest models displayed by manufacturers.

All in all whether you are a millionaire looking to spend on a yacht or boat or whether you are simply fascinated by these magnificent sea creatures, or whether you are a part of the industry or whether you are simply a visitor to the country at the time, the Yachts Indonesia 2013 is certainly a must visit for both young and old.

The event is organized and conceptualized by the very same persons who have brought together similar events in other parts of the world. The event is a gala one with lots of music and good cheer to go around.

A stay at a Bali Luxury Hotel will certainly be a highlight in your journey to Indonesia. A Boutique Hotel Bali is well known for its luxury, comfort and ambiance that will keep you coming back for more. The L Hotel Seminyak is such an accommodation option that would be an ideal choice.

Bali New Year, a festive occasion

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There is no place quite like Bali to usher in the New Year. For many years Bali has consolidated a reputation as a premier New Year destination, not just for the locals but also for visitors from around the world.

There are many venues in Bali ideal in which to welcome the New Year, but the locale of choice is undoubtedly Kuta Beach which features a carnival atmosphere and carefree revelry. Many tourists and young revellers will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the attractive restaurants, pubs or cafes in the Legian, Kuta or Seminyak districts before joining the thousands of people at Kuta Beach eagerly awaiting the festivities.
After the eagerly anticipated final countdown colourful fireworks are released and the carefree drinking continues well into the night. Many of the revellers will visit the local nightclubs and pubs to dance the night away. Lively nightclubs in the Kuta Beach area include Kama Sutra, Musro, The Wave and the Hard Rock Cafe. In the Legian neighbourhood the venues of choice are Bounty and DeJaVu. Meanwhile if Seminyak is your locale of choice check out Paparazzi, Double Six Club, KuDeTa, Bahiana and F Lounge.

On the other hand if you would prefer a more intimate romantic setting or a pleasant venue to have dinner with friends or family, Jimbaran Bay is the place to be. Here you can enjoy an intimate and leisurely dinner accompanied by the night breeze and the gentle sound of the splashing waves.

Many of the fun seekers will head down to Puputan Badung Square where many hundreds gather to join in the carnival as well as watch the parade and the celebratory fireworks.

The following day, January 1st, many visitors as well as locals will head over to Sanur Beach to watch the first sunrise of the year. The pristine tropical dawn may be considered an auspicious way to welcome the New Year and hope for a fortunate twelve months ahead.

Visitors to the area seeking a convenient Bali hotel will be pleased by the Anantara Seminyak Bali. One of the quality Bali hotels this fine accommodation offers well-appointed rooms and a selection of amenities.

Nyepi 2013 – Bali New Year, a solemn yet auspicious occasion

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The day of Nyepi is a very important occasion for the Balinese. Falling at the dawn of the New Year according to the Balinese traditional calendar, Nyepi is a Hindu festivity which is native to Bali. A national holiday in Indonesia, Nyepi is a time for fasting, silence and meditation for the people of Bali. The subsequent day is celebrated as the commencement of the New Year, and is also a day of festivity.

Nyepi is observed strictly, from 6 am in the morning to the same hour the following day. The occasion is considered to be a time for self-reflection, when any diversions and activities which might hinder with this objective are proscribed. Accordingly on this day there are many restrictions on the Balinese Hindu faithful. Working, pleasure or entertainment and travelling are all forbidden. Some with additional zeal also observe a total cessation on eating and conversation on this day. Accordingly the streets of Bali, normally busy and teeming, are empty on this occasion and no sound from radios or TVs are to be heard. Little movement or activity is to be discerned even within homes, and the only ones outside are traditional vigilantes, the Pecalang, who roam the streets to ascertain that the traditions are being observed.

Despite Nyepi being fundamentally a Hindu observance, even non-Hindu Balinese participate in the time of solitude, as a gesture of harmony with their fellow residents. Even visitors from abroad are obliged to refrain from venturing into the streets and beaches, although they may do as they like within the hotels in which they are staying.

However on the following day social activities regain momentum, as friends and families meet one another to exchange salutations of forgiveness with each other, so as to start relationships afresh in the new year.

Many interesting rituals are associated with Nyepi. One of the most colourful is the construction of ‘ogoh-ogoh’, representations of demons and malevolent spirits made from paper and bamboo, which are carried around villages and then ceremonially burned.

Selective visitors desiring a Bali luxury hotel will find an ideal choice in the L Hotel Seminyak. This outstanding boutique hotel Bali offers provides excellent accommodations and courteous hospitality.

 

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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