A Destination Wedding in Bali Part 1 - Why Bali?

By Colin Hall

Imagine your romantic wedding ceremony set amidst Bali’s lush emerald-green rice terraces,
clear blue skies and warm tropical breezes: a wonderful and magical setting for a lifetime of memories.

There are many reasons why people choose to have a destination wedding instead of the usual ceremonies at home.
Some just want a quiet affair with a few close friends and family.
Others want to guarantee the sunshine for the big day.
Some want to throw a lavish party in paradise.
To many a wedding with the added attractions of blue seas, sandy beaches,
cloudless skies provides for more vivid memories than an afternoon in a local hall back home.

In this short series of articles I will explain some of the processes,
procedures and opportunities to have an unforgettable wedding experience on the Island of the Gods.

As with all destination weddings the honeymoon is automatically incorporated into the wedding trip, and what a fantastic place Bali is to have a honeymoon.

There is a lot to see and do in Bali, from the volcanic splendour of Mount Agung to the surf beaches beneath the spectacular cliffs of Uluwatu,
from the black sand beaches and dolphins of Lovina to the white sand beaches and nightlife of Kuta.

There are many and varied accommodation options available to couples and their guests.
There are the fabulous 5 star resorts of the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons,
many popular brand hotels like Hilton and Novotel, and some of the most luxurious and beautiful private villas anywhere in the world.

There are many good quality tour operators who can organise activities on the island including, white water rafting,
mountain biking, bungee jumping, elephant trekking to name but a few.

All in all, Bali is not just a romantic place to get married, it is also a fun place to visit and a fantastic honeymoon destination.

Colin Hall
Bali, May 2006

About the author:
Colin Hall is British and a resident of Bali. He writes on various subjects pertaining to expat life in SE Asia. Colin recommends that couples intending to get married in Bali should contact Kelly at http://www.romanticbaliweddings.com for first class information and service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Hall

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How To Enjoy Adventures In Bali

by: Yulia Inda Yani from articlecity

Bali is to everyone not only known for it’s indigenous culture, people, but also known for it’s nature, i.e.:
magnificent mountain, alluring sea, beaches, pristine forest, waterfall, hot spring, rice fields, flora, fauna, traditional villages, etc
are the great asset that Bali has to offer.
It attracts the tourists to come to Bali especially to those who are fond of travelling.
They like to go to the places where they can recharge their souls, unwind, release the tension from work, and simply enjoy what life has to offer.

While enjoying the great view, you may thoroughly enjoy the adventures in Bali through joining adventure activities that available in Bali,
such as: horse riding, elephant ride, quad & buggy ride, bungy jumping, buggy drive, village trekking, forest & mountain trekking, cycling, hiking, rafting,
sea cruise, land cruise, scuba/diving, snorkelling, water sports, land tours, golf, and so on.

Here’s a list of tips for adventure travellers,
whether they want adventures that are more inclined to wilderness or just the typical family adventure most people would love to experience:

1. It is best that people should know what the type of travel adventure they are getting into.

Adventure travel may provide the kind of adrenalin rush most adventurers long to experience every time they get out of their territory. It is the feeling of newness and uncertainty on what will happen that gives them the satisfaction and gratification that they need.

However, it is still important for them to know what they are doing. After all, travelling always involve risky activities especially to those who are set to gain adventure experience.

2. Have a fixed set on the adventure travel destination.

Because of the vastness of locations and adventure locations available today, people might get confused on what areas are best for their adventure travel.

One good tip is to choose a location that can baffle those adventurous minds and mystify the eyes with great mystery.

As much as new and exotic places can be adventurous, it is still best to stick to the classical and typical locations. It would be really risky to try areas, which no one has ever dared to go to.

3. Consider the budget.

Adventure travelling can be pretty expensive especially when it entails going to places that entails great adventure packages.

So, it would be better for adventure travellers to shop around first and compare prices before deciding on what kind of adventure travel to take.

Indeed, adventure travel can be one of the most exciting and gratifying travel one can experience. However, with the exotic places, wilderness, and virgin forests that one might consider, it is a must that every travel must know the proper way how to protect themselves and what to do first before trying the place out.

After all I can say that Bali for adventurer is worthy place to visit.

About The Author

Yulia Inda Yani is the Asst. Reservation Manager of Bali Suci Tours, one of the established travel agent in Bali. Come and explore the island with the expertises that know Bali better than anyone else. For further information about Bali travel, hotels & adventures, you could visit us at http://www.balisuci.com and http://www.balileisure.com.

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Bali Diving : An Unforgettable Story

In 1982 I worked as an English speaking tour guide, but during my free time I learned Italian language by my own method autodidact using English – Italian; Italian – English dictionary and grammar book.. I spent about 2 hours a day to learn it, sometime early in morning, in the afternoon and sometime late at night.

I succeeded to keep in my mind 2 words a day but I found much difficulty in learning the grammar because it is very different with my mother language Balinese and Indonesian, but I insisted to meet with success. Day by day, week by week and month by month, and ….. finally I got it.
In October 1982 one of my friend who run a travel agent in Bali asked me to handle his clients,
they were Italian and speak a little English. That was my first time to practice my Italian tongue.
When I met them at Bali International Airport, the first question I must answer was “where is the best place to dive”. With honesty actually I didn’t know the answer, but I promised them for the good news the day after.

I visited my friend’s house and meet Bli Monyoh, a fisherman live in Sanur the village on the southeast coast of Bali. I knew he was a good fisherman and very smart in shooting fish, diving with his own talent using very simple dive equipment. We talked about diving places and he told me that in order to discover most enjoyable dive, must visit 2 o 3 different places of the fascinating underwater world among the coral reefs. Mr. Bli Monyoh looked at his Balinese calendar to see a good day to go to the sea. My clients were crazy about dive.

The first day he brought us to Semawang at Sanur by his outrigger sail boat. Located in front of Sanur Tourist Beach. Dives at a few meters depth was rewarded by beautiful underwater panoramas, table and trophy shaped coral and sponges, a thousand of colorful fishes swim by in kaleidoscopic profusions. I am not a swimmer or a diver, I just sit on the boat and prepared the needs when they go up. Was a wonderful day.

The second day Bli Monyoh brought his companion a smart diver named Agung Toya,
together with them some gun (exactly an arrow) unwound by a strong rubber band made of tire.
Before living Sanur, Bli Monyoh laid an offering and perfumed incense in front of a temple and prayed to God. Along the road about one and a half our drive, he stopped several times for praying where there are temples for God’s blessing, safety and luck. Even before touching the water he did so.

When we arrived at Buitan was a very traditional fishing village, located at the district of Manggis Karangasem eastern Bali near Candidasa, I was amazed by the beauty of the nature, a spectacular panorama or the terraces ricefield, rural ambience and the Majestic Mount Agung at the far back, for Bali it is the place of the Supreme God “The Navel of the World”. The sea was magnificent, clear blue water, remained untouched by modern influences, seduce everyone especially beach and dive lovers. Now Buitan boast a luxury 5 stars hotel and some small accommodations in Balinese style bungalow.

When we were preparing everything for dive a cordial local man came close to us and gave his own wooden boat used for free in the hope of us catching a lot of fish. We sailed at 09.00 a.m in calm sea. About 50 m from the beach we arrived on the coral reef where the wave breaks itself.
Under very good weather we could see a wonderful underwater world among the coral reefs.

My Italian clients brought their own dive equipments because they were the holder of PADI license.
While the native divers used their own talent. Wow, wow, wow, what a great day, we fished a lot (only selected fish), one thing surprised me that Bli Monyoh got 4 king lobsters.
At 11.00 a.m. we finished our adventure and the local man was waiting us on the beach ready with his woods fire, chili, onions, garlic, salt and coconut oil. We grilled our fish in relax atmosphere on the beach with nice breeze of the ocean, than enjoyed a delicious gala lunch in cowboy style. Wow amazing, we really celebrated and enjoyed a great day.

Now in Bali there are some exciting and fascinating, world renowned dive sites: Nusa Dua, Sanur, Padang Bay, Gili Tapekong, Tulamben, Amed, Nusa Penida and Lembongan and Menjangan Island. So if you are a sea and dive lover why don’t you choose Bali for your next destination,
this enchanting island is waiting for you with its fascinating underwater world. Plan your travel and book your preferred hotel or contact your travel agent. The quickest and the easiest way is, go online and choose Bali Dive. One of the most reliable dive center on the island now is Ena Dive Center (www.enadive.co.id).


By Made Dertha from articlecity.com, he was an English and Italian tour guide for many years in Bali, writes for Bali Turista Tours where he is the Managing Director now.
Bali Turista is the rising tour operator on the Bali island focusing on Bali hotels and villas reservation.
For more information, please visit http://www.baliturismo.com and http://www.baliturista.com.

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Bali is Still Worth a Visit

Very often many thing become reality inspired by a dream.
For example if one wants to have a very memorable holiday he will choose a place which have everything to fulfill his needs or his requests sometimes begin with a sweet dream.
If a dream tells about beautiful island lies under the equator and have a nice weather all year round, an oasis of undying culture and quiet beauty,
if so, Bali has it all.

Bali is a beautiful island situated within Indonesian Archipelago and one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.
In 1930th some of the foreign writers and artists arrived in Bali and stayed on,
thoroughly seduced and inspired by the island’s breathtaking physical beauty and cultural complexity.
They were also deeply impressed by the warmth and the hospitality of the Balinese, and the amazing breadth of artistic expression that pervaded daily life.

Since 1970th Bali performed his high quality in tourism industry,
and attracted many bona fide tour operators and airlines companies to bring their clients to enjoy this enchanting island.
The island boast a Bali International Airport, luxuries 5 star Bali hotels, best built Bali villas,
luxury and typical secluded resorts ad even hundreds of budget hotels.

The development in tourism industry continues in progress for years,
and the visitors of Bali can learn and explore more its unique places of interest, various typical local cultures,
enjoy the hospitality of the people, as well as other tourist attractions such as diving, snorkeling, para-gliding, cruising, rafting and even sports.
Besides, Bali Island is also an ideal place for having MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) and honeymoon.
Tourism actually has been becoming a massive industry and the main source of Bali’s income.

In October 2002 and again in October 2005 Bali was frightened by a violence terrorist’s attack,
the boom blast that devastated the island of Bali and the international community.
More than 200 lives were lost and hundreds more were injured.
It need months for recoveries and the Balinese people is still working hard to rebuild the image of the island and we look forward to a brighter and promising future for the Balinese and our tourism industry.

The Balinese have their own way to respond the terrorist attack not by physical violence but by peaceful means;
performing major cleansing ceremonies, prayer and hopes, establishing a memorial for the lost lives,
because the Balinese believe that the true and utmost prayer have a magic power to face up to evil.
The Balinese doctrine Ruwa Bineda tells that all nature is eternally divided into pairs – high and low,
right and left, day and night, strong and weak, healthy and sick, clean and unclean; in general: good and evil, life and death.
Each illuminates the other within the scope of creation, and the Balinese ritual strives always to maintain a middle ground – a harmony between two poles.
So wherever one goes, be a wise man and beware of any possible dangers and put oneself on guard, because the good and the bad are everywhere in this world.

All the appropriate efforts has been performed by Indonesian Government and the Balinese people and also by the world in order to keep the island peaceful.
For the Balinese after performing major ceremonies, it is now time to move ahead and leave the incident behind us.
Bali Loves Peace is our motto, peace for everyone, and peace for the world.
Many of the visitors have been proved the peace of the island after the incident and leaved Bali with a memorable stay.

So if you plan a vacation do not doubt to put Bali at your top list for your next holiday destination.
Bali is still worth a visit after the boom tragedy, because the situation is well in hand now.
The easiest way to book your preferred Bali Hotels is go online and visit a hotel reservation website.
Do a search for the city or island you are traveling to (Indonesia-Bali) and you will be presented with a list of available Bali hotels/Bali Villas in that area.
Or you can search a local reliable Bali Tour Operator and contact him by e-mail for further information.

Good luck readers.
By Made Dertha from articlecity.com
Made Dertha was an English and Italian tour guide for many years in Bali,
writes for Bali Turista Tours where he is the Managing Director now.
Bali Turista is the rising tour operator on the Bali island suggests the prestigious, excellent,
leading and some inexpensive hotels and resort villas in Bali.
For more information, please visit http://www.baliturista.com and http://www.baliturismo.com.

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Bali Bombings Cover-Up: New Documentary

(by: Glen Clancy, from articlecity.com)


Released on Youtube and Googlevideo this week, FOOL ME TWICE,
exposes the cover-up of the Bali bombings and provides evidence that it was a Falseflag Operation.
The film begins by documenting the Australian government’s prior knowledge of the Indonesian military’s plan to use violence to maintain autonomy over East Timor.
Contrary to The Howard Governments claims they argued against peacekeeping forces allowing the Indonesian Special Forces to carry out their campaign of fear and suppression.

Within 24 hours of the 2002 Bali bombings a team of FBI, UK special agents and Australian federal police started arriving in Bali.
The investigation team continuously claimed different explosive devices were responsible for the main blast. Days after the attacks, Indonesian Police Chief, General Dai’ Bachtier,
announced that the FBI had discovered C4 pointing the blame towards Jemaah Islamiah, JI (“SE Asia wing of Al qaeda”).
Eventually, investigators concluded that the main explosive device was a potassium chlorate car bomb. C4 was never included in final reports.

The main explosive device was so powerful it seriously damaged buildings in a 2/400 metre radius and left a 1 metre deep, 10 metre wide crater.
202 people perished in the blasts,
the majority incinerated from the main explosive device.
Investigators quickly excavated the crater contents and dumped the remaining debris off the coast of southern Bali,
including completely stripped concrete reinforcing bars.
Potassium chlorate is a low velocity explosive and does not have the overpressure force to create a 1 metre deep crater or completely incinerate humans,
let alone strip concrete. Only a high-tech explosive device has the power to strip concrete.

FBI claims of C4 announced by General Dai’ Bachtier, ensured Jemaah Islamiah was immediately blamed for the Bali bombings.
All prior intelligence of the Bali bombings came from so called JI leader, Omar Al-Faruq.
Omar Al-Faruq was secretly handed over to the US by Indonesia months prior to the bombings under the CIA’s extraordinary rendition program.
Australian intelligence agencies reported that intelligence obtained from captured “JI suspect”, Omar Al-Faruq, warned of possible terrorist attacks in Bali.
After the attacks the Bush administration denied access to Al-Faruq for questioning in the Bali bombing trials.
When Omar Al-Faruq was suddenly called by US court to provide evidence in a trial of another terrorist suspect – he had “escaped high security prison”.
No JI leaders have ever been brought to trial.

Prior to the Bali bombings the Indonesian government denied the existence of terrorists within Indonesia and opposed US anti-terror operations in Afghanistan.
After the bombings President Megawati signed a joint statement – “Agreeing that terrorism poses a continued threat to international peace and security,
and that the two Presidents are committed to enhancing their bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism”.
The Bush administration provided funds to the Indonesian police and military and setup a national terrorism unit under the control of national police chief, General Dai’ Bachtier.

FOOL ME TWICE:

Youtube-
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n1tLO87vzNQ

Googlevideo-
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2246973658225588456

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Bali Vacation: Jatiluwih, The Goal of The Journey

Then, the last destination (the goal of the journey) is the mountain village Jatiluwih, a breathtaking panorama of genuine and the most fertile terraces rice fields on the island.
It is said as the granary of the whole Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”.

The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape. Stretch from the foothill of Batukaru volcano to the south coast. The cool western uplands, overlooking half the island, offer magnificent views.

On the route to Jatiluwih you can observe many kinds of tropical vegetation; coffee, coconuts, cacaos, cloves, jack fruits, bananas, papayas, sirsaks, an extremely juicy fruit, rambutans, mangoes, durians the smelly fruit, etc. The western upland is the most interesting area to hike. If you love hiking (don’t forget your picnic basket).

A true journey to the secret soul of Bali. But if you want to have your meals at a restaurant, continue your travel to the east till you arrive at Pacung, there is a good restaurant offers delicious buffet lunch – with its wonderful sight of terraces rice field and the sacred volcano Batukaru in the distance.

Waka Land Cruise a reputable company has been organizing a sacred adventure to the secret soul of Bali. Travel by legendary luxury Land Rover, on tiny country roads and tracks, through terraced rice fields and untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali.

So keep in mind the beautiful Bali for your holiday, because it would be worth to venture there.

Thank you readers and have a nice day.
(by Made Dertha from articlecity)

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Bali Vacation: Jatiluwih, The Journey Continues

You can initiate your trip in the morning leaving the hotel at 09.00. A.M. There are many ways to see Bali and each serves its own purpose well. Motorcycles are a pleasant (but extremely risky) way to see the countryside and cooler than ride in a car. Jeep and minivans are also available for hire – with or without a driver. It is advisable to settle the price with the driver before starting on a journey.

After passing the town of Tabanan the road takes you to the north through the villages of Wanasari, Jegu, Buruan and Wangaya Gede. On the route you will be amazed by the wonderful rural ambience; farmhouses, characteristically, a little shrine to place offerings dedicated to Dewi Sri the Goddess of rice, plowing, flocks of ducks that are brought to bathe and feed all day in the flooded paddies, and harvesting, that one pictures when remembering Bali. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape.

The journey continues up the road until it dead ends at Pura Luhur Batukaru (2,278 m / 7,474 ft). Being one of Bali’s most venerated temples, every West Balinese temple has a shrine dedicated to it; it is isolated within its solitary clearing far above the populated farmlands. The dense rainforest of this upland would invite every adventurer to explore it. Wild orchids, healing herbs, fragrant spices and exotic trees could be discovered in this mystical heart and soul of this amazing island.

Thank you readers and have a nice day.

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Bali Vacation: Discover A Breathtaking Panorama Of Jatiluwih

Hello visitors, now we talk about Jatiluwih, another Bali's hot spots. Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich culture heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves; some come for meeting and convention; others for pure relaxation. But if you are a nature lover don’t miss Jatiluwih, is a breathtaking panorama of genuine and fertile rice fields stretch from the foothills of Batukaru volcano to the south coast.

It is located at the western district of Tabanan. This western uplands of Batukaru are famed for magnificent landscapes. The view from the mountain village, Jatiluwih, takes in the whole of South Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”. A wonder of the world. It’s worth a venture.

If you see farmers are working the rice, planting or harvesting, and if you are interested in experience it, you can stop and joint them, you will be welcomed gladly. “Alo turis, alo turis!” followed by giggles is the standard greeting from children everywhere on Bali.

Older people will be more sedate but their curious eyes will follow you, as will their more modest greeting of “mau kemana” (where are you going).
Traveling in Bali can be exhilarating and getting off the beaten track can take you right to the heart of Balinese life, although you don’t have to stray far to feel it.

On the route at the village of Wanasari there is a butterflies park, you can stop and watch various kinds of colorful tropical butterflies.
And then nearby the temple Pura Luhur is the holy spring of Air Panas, where hot water surges from the river bank.
All strange, natural phenomena are believed to be frequented by spirits.
Thus, Air Panas is graced by a small temple where people make their prayers with offerings.

Thank you readers and have a nice day.
(by Made Dertha from articlecity)

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Welcome to Ubud

Ubud is one of Bali's highlights. It's only about an hour north of Denpasar, approx 35 kilometres from Ngurah Rai Airport. Discover the stunning mountainous region of Ubud which famous for its painters and sculptors. The township and nearby villages have attracted celebrities from all around the art world.

No beaches here, but Ubud has some of the finest Balinese culture on display with amazing workings in wood, stone and silver. Pick up some locally made jewellery, antiques and handicrafts here.

Located in central Bali, Ubud is also the cultural and artistic centre of Bali surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green forest. Its also renowned for its festivals and ceremonies.

Make time to watch the captivating Legong and Barong dance also the Wayang Kulit puppet theatre. Ubud is also the main centre for adventure excursions in Bali with great opportunities for trekking and white water rafting.

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"Hindu Dharma" and Religion in Bali

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, but about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Minority religions include Islam (4.79%), Christianity (1.38%), and Buddhism (0.64%). These official statistical figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.

Hinduism is one of the main religions in Bali. The Bali culture is based on a form of this religion, which is called “Hindu Dharma”. This religion reached the island during the eleventh century.

Most of the family customs and traditions as well as community lifestyles of the Balinese people are influenced by this. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia.

Bali's best-known attractions are its countless Hindu temples.
Even the smallest villages usually have at least three, but the nine directional temples (khayanganjagat) are the largest and most important.
Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali, is easily accessed and hence the most popular, with Tanah Lot a close second. However, for the Balinese themselves,
the "mother temple" of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is the most important of all.

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