World Famous Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Villas

Bali is an island constantly voted as one of the top 5 dram vacation escapes in the macrocosm. It is one of the most famous and favorite destinations of honeymooners and casual tourists, who come from all the corners of the globe to enjoy their vacations in Bali. In truth, Bali is even called the "The Paradise Island". The tropical climate, the clean symmetry, and the traditional hospitality of Bali are the main reasons for this captivation and fascination of the travelers. Bali hotels are reputed for offering comfortable, exclusive and compared to more top dream islands affordable stay to visitors. Both ration hotels as well as ruler - rated hotels are plenty in Bali. For sheer variety in accommodation, Bali Island is not modern to any additional tourist spot in the universe. You would find beach hotels, famous beach resorts, boutique hotels, bungalows, villa - only resorts, hotels with only cottages, luxury hotels, elevation resorts, and control hotels in Bali. You could moreover choose from beachfront villas, golf villas, comrade villa compounds, sea view villas and luxury resort villas. Bali circus is pure fun and occurrence.

Converse Bali hotels with rates underneath $50 are Nirwana Resort in the village of Candi Dasa in Bali, Lavender Hotel & Spa in Kuta, Medewi Beach Cottage situated on the Medewi Beach in Jembrana, Saranam Eco Resort approaching the Pacung valley in Bedugul, Alit's Beach Bungalows on the sandy bay of Sanur, Legian Village Hotel in Legian, Febri's Hotel on the South Kuta Beach called as Tuban, Palm Beach Hotel & Resort in Tuban, Puri Dajuma in Jembrana, or Puri Bening Hayato in Kintamani.

If you posses a larger converse and crave fresh comfort inclusive an service with urgency to fact, the radius of Bali hotels and resorts are available in the $50 - $200 price scale cater to that. Bali Mirage Resort in Tanjung Benoa, Mercure Resort Sanur in Sanur, Annora Villas in Seminyak or Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa in Nusa Dua are some in this category.

If you are a sweetheart of 5 - queen hotel comforts, then you could choose from the Bali hotels that charge anywhere between $200 and $400 for a day's and night's stay. Grand Avenue Boutique Villas in Kerobokan, The Ayana Resort in Jimbaran, Grand Akhyati Villas & Spa in Canggu, Puri Kamandalu Resort & Spa in Ubud, Conrad Bali Resort & Spa and Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua are in the above price radius.

You could even find fellow villas asking anything from $500 and over $1,000 per night, if you desire to own absolute privacy and some exclusive twists like normal wilds views or direct ocean views and so rampart. These villas vary from a single bedroom villa to six or seven bedroom villas. You could select one or other of them depending on the size of your group or family. Enjoy your Bali carnival by booking the Bali hotels well in advance, because Bali is a year - round destination. Acceptance on the spot accommodation to indictment your limit might not be always manageable. Usually the typical Asian, European and US vacation summer months and also the December and January weeks are booked out months in advance, unless you hire a special room - sourcing agent and are willing to pay retail or above retail prices to get the exact room you want.

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Hotels in Kuta Bali

Bali has the biggest concentration of different types of hotels catering to the international tourist.There are several luxury properties such as Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, Club Mediterranee, Bali Sol, Putri Bali in the Nusa Dua area and Bali Hyatt, Bali Beach Hotel and Sanur Beach in Sanur and Pertamina Cottage and Bali Oberoi in Kuta.

Kuta is the epicenter for backpacker and package tourists who either stay in huge hotels or cheap hotels. Private villas are less frequent as Kuta lacks the space requirement for them as it is the most developed area. Prices completely depend much on the season, so if you want to stay between June-August better book in advance.

Some hotels in Kuta Bali are :

Agung Beach Bungalow
Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
Aneka Beach Hotel
Aston Inn Tuban
Bale Bali
Bali Bungalo
Bali Mandira Hotel
Bali Matahari Hotel
Balisandy Cottages
Balisani Padma Hotel
Dayu Beach Inn
Dewa Bharata Legian
Drupadi Studio
Fat Yogi
Flamboyan Inn
Hard Rock Hotel
Harris Hotel & Residences Riverview Kuta
Harris Resort Kuta - Bali
Hotel Ratna
Hotel Sayang Maha Mertha
Inna Kuta Beach
Kuta Seaview Cottage
La Walon Hotel & Restaurant
Masa Inn
Mastapa Garden Hotel
Melasti Beach Resort & Spa
Oranjje Hotel Kuta
Poppies Bali
Rama Garden Hotel
Ramayana Hotel
Sari Bali Cottages
Simpang Inn Kuta
Sorga Cottages
Sri Ratu
Taman Sari Cottages
The Bidadari Luxury Villas & Spa
The Kuta Inn Hotel
The Lokha Legian
The Sanyas Suite
Vilarisi Hotel
Villa Diana Bali

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Tanah Lot Temple and Villa - Bali

Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot and a popular motif for tourists photography.

Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples on Bali. This is a temple complex on a cliff. Plenty of tourists come there, especially at the sunset, there are also a great amount of venders of different types offering everything possible.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. As well as one giant snake which also protects the temple, which was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.

In 1980 the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesia government of Rp. 800 billion to conserve the historic temple and other beach locations around the island of Bali. As a result, over one third of the rock which can be seen is artificial rock created under the Japanese upgrade works.

At the moment (July 2006) the temple is being renovated, entrance is prohibited, but the complex itself is worth visiting: very beautiful pictures can be done from two cliffs above the ocean. It is also possible to come to the temple walking in the water in order to receive the ministrations of priests, who stand there, sprinkle people with Holy water and put them (like real Hindus) some rice on the forehead, what means "good thinking".

The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialised and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a carefully planned set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland cliff tops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists.

With all those facilities available in Tanah Lot makes several Bali villas development company choose this area to build their property. One such property is The Lotus Residence. This Luxury villa set amidst in the lush Paddy Fields, Tropical Balinese Garden and Lotus Ponds in the ancient village of Pandak Bandung in Kediri-Tabanan near Tanah Lot on Bali’s West Coast, perched on the ridge of the Laing river valley facing to the east. This luxury villa is just 10 kilometers from Bali Nirwana Golf Course or Tanah Lot temple.

Lotus luxury villa was designed and built by a Balinese Architect on 12000 sqm land with a distinctively Balinese flavor design used an alang-alang thatched roof, Balinese entrance gate ‘Angkul’ constructed of brick, natural white paras stone work, timber and traditional structure which has been creating a natural atmosphere blends with modern interior design in harmony with the tranquil garden and idyllic lotus pond.

The whole resident composed of four thatched structure consist of 2 of Two-Bedroom Pavilion and 2 of One-Bedroom Pavilion, Spacious semi open air living and dining area overlooking Lotus Pond with water fountain where guest could enjoy the breezy wind from the valley & paddy fields and a 8 x 20 sqm main swimming pool with Balinese open air garden gazebo ideal for relaxation.

Fully equipped kitchen, a separate staff quarter and full household of staff are also available to look after during your stay. Lotus Residence could comfortably accommodate large families or small groups of golfers and is an ideal setting for hosting intimate gathering or wedding venues. Guest may choose to rent an entire residence or an individual free standing Guest Bedroom within villa.

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Seminyak Beach and Villa in Bali

Seminyak is a beach on the west coast of southern Bali, just north of Legian. In recent years, the tourist development here has also absorbed the nearby villages of Umalas and Kerobokan to the north.

Seminyak is the most upmarket of the west coast's beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve its residents. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, and the beach, in particular, is quieter during the day, although this area, too, is developing fast.

The northern end of Seminyak's Petitenget Beach is administratively a part of Kerobokan. However, the actual village by this name is approximately four kilometers further inland.

Seminyak is a mixed tourist / residential area on the west coast of Bali just north of Kuta and Legian. Originally a separate township, this is now just another suburb of Kuta. This area is very popular with resident expatriates and land and accommodation prices are amongst the highest in Bali. Plenty of luxury spas and hotels abound. Owing to its high density of high end shopping, combined with the clustering of many fine eating establishments, it has rapidly become one of the most well known tourist areas on the island.

Other well know areas popular with tourists include Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and the Bukit Peninsula.

In addition to a few commercial strips with popular and lively restaurants, bars, and good crafts/furniture shops, there are a few notable establishments: Ku de Ta, which is a bar/restaurant with a cult following based on its beach side/semi-resort atmosphere that has earned it the title of number one party spot in various magazines, and Oberoi, which is an expensive hotel with a worldwide reputation. La Lucciola is a restaurant located in the north of Seminyak on the beach and has been in existence for over a decade.

Just north of Kuta and Legian, Seminyak is a busy centre of Europeans, offering a glimpse of the island`s growing reputation as a stop on the international jet-set circuit. Seminyak features some of the most beautiful new resorts, villas and restaurants. Along this stretch of surf beach, Bali`s fashionable crowd lives, shops, eats and parties. Its extravagant private villas, spacious restaurants and up market hotels, make function organizers look to this area for inspiration. It is only a 15 minutes drive from Bali`s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

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Ubud Bali Travel Places

Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located, and even the closest beach is only 15 minutes away.

The Ubud area is around two- to three hundred meters above sea level and surrounded by rice fields, which makes it noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. Neighbouring villages are well known for unique bamboo crafts and furniture, wood- and stone carving and many other crafts.

Ubud is famous for it's regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. Hindu-Balinese ceremonies take place on a nearly daily basis, especially in the European summer, which is the driest and coolest season here.

Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.

Accommodations in Ubud are also somewhat more reasonably priced than in the beach towns of Bali. But atmosphere is perhaps the major attractions. One visitor summed it up this way: Kuta is madness, Sanur is sterile, and Nusa Dua is culturally isolated; Ubud is the place to go.

Sleeping places

• Agung Khalia Villa. Banjar Sala, Ubud-Pejeng. Luxury 3 bedroom villa with panoramic rice field and Mount Agung views. Private pool, wonderful staff, and excellent service. Only 10 minutes from central Ubud. Grand Opening Special for 2009. Rp.1,500,000-2,000,000 per night for the whole villa.

• Barong Resort and Spa. Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, 80571. Tel: +62-361-971759. Nestled in the paddy fields of Ubud, the resort provides both accommodation and spa facilities that reflect Bali's tranquility. Offering 5 star hotel rooms, prices start from Rp.2,300,000.

• Bukit Naga, tel: +62 361 730668, A 6 bedroom private villa with a full staff and private car.

• Bumi Ayu Villa. A two storey, two bedrooms, bungalow in the forest on a cliff overlooking the river behind the village of Sebatu. Sebatu is on the road from Ubud to Kintamani. Rp.1,800,000/person/day, including driver available for the full day.

• Como Shambhala Estate. Formerly the Begawan Giri Estate. Price range Rp.3,100,000-41,000,000 per night. About a 15 minute drive from Ubud. Private residences.

• Maya Ubud. Jl. Gunung Sari Peliatan, Tel: +62 361 977888. Ten hectare of land with nice villas, excellent spa and good restaurant. Free shuttle to centre of Ubud and two free form pools

• Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa. Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan, Ubud, Bali. Tel: +62 361 982777. The 18 guestrooms at the Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa Ubud are designed as separate chalets. All have panoramic views of the forest valley. Balconies grant guests the opportunity to absorb the surrounding jungle's canopy, while inside the rooms, amenities are functional and straight-forward. Prices start from Rp.1,900,000.

• Santi Mandala Villa and Spa Banjar Bucuan, Desa Batuan, Ubud, Bali, Tel.: +62 361 297800. Located at the outskirts of Ubud, the resort has a spa center, poolside sunken bar and large private villas, which start at Rp.1,400,000.

• Ubud Hanging Gardens. Desa Buahan, Desa Payangan, Gianyar,Bali, Indonesia Tel.: +62 361 982700. Ubud Hanging Gardens is strikingly set with dramatic views over the Ayung River gorge. Two funicular lifts connect the reception to the river gorge and to the pool villas. Built in contemporary Balinese style, each villa uses local furnishing and thatched roofs. Each villa has its own heated infinity-edged pool. Pool villas from Rp.3,800,000/night.

• The Viceroy Bali, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi., Tel: +62 361 971777. The Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort situated 5 min by car from the center of Ubud and offers private villas with pools, satellite TV, bath, shower, king beds, free broadband internet access and helicopter transfers. Rp.9,000,000-28,400,000 per night.

• Villa Alamanda. A 3 bedroom staffed villa of classic Bali design.

• Villa Amala Ubud. Amala is situated on the edge of a padi field, overlooking the river Wos. It sits between the villages of Sebali and Keliki , in the province of Tegallalang, Ubud. It is an hour’s ride from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, and only a 15 minute car ride from the famed centre of art and culture – Ubud.

• Villa di Abing. Villa di Abing is a 3-story, 3-bedroom, fully-staffed, luxury villa, in Central Ubud, offering bed & breakfast.This open Balinese-style villa is luxuriously appointed, and has a beautiful pool hugging the contours of a lush stream. Privately nestled with jungle views, the villa is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.

• Villa Vajra. A 3 bedroom villa located right in the heart of Ubud. Rates run from Rp. 5,100,000- 6,400,000 per night (depending on the season).

• Wakanamya Resort and Spa, Jl. Penestanan, tel: +62 361 975719, 975719. Email: info@wakanamya.com. Waka Namya Resort and Spa is a luxury Balinese Architecture 15 rooms villa in Ubud, Bali with a beautiful spa treatment. The resort is a haven of quite in the bstling heart of Penestanan Ubud, Bali's famous painter community village, and built in the traditional Balinese architecture or Lumbung design ( Balinese rice storage ). It is developed by Nyoman Rudana, the founder of Museum Rudana. DRIVING HOURS : Ngurah Rai International Airport : 45 minutes drives, Denpasar/Sanur: 35 minutes drives, Ubud Center/market: 10 minutes drives.

• Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, ☎ +62 361 975368. The hotel is located on a spiritually charged piece of landscape at the conjunction of two flowing rivers. It offers inspiring dining alternatives to complement the visual appeal of this historic landmark in local Balinese hospitality. They offer Tjampuhan Spa that is dedicated to the therapeutic properties of water. Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa is a refreshing retreat to unwind amidst the full splendor of nature's bounty. Jl. Raya Tjampuhan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.5,200,000.

• The Royal Pita Maha, ☎ +62 361 980022. The Royal Pita Maha is a captivating resort of refined Balinese villas embracing a precious parcel of valley landscape that descends down to the Ayung River.It is located on the outer boundary of the spiritually charged village of Ubud. The resort offers a fine collection of aesthetically designed villas for discerning travelers seeking the quality time out surrounded by that natural beauty of the Ubud valley. It was designed as a place for peaceful contemplation with plenty of water features for swimming and to enjoy communing with the environment. Desa Kedewatan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.18,400,000.

• Pita Maha Resort and Spa, ☎ +62 361 974330. Situated into the hillside that overlooks the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud, Pita Maha Resort & Spa encompasses 24 private villas in a style reminiscent of an intimate Balinese village. It ends itself to a diverse collection of enriching leisure activities. Apart from spending time at the pool or indulging in a spa treatment, guests have the opportunity to partake in a number of cultural pastimes. Jl. Raya Sanggingan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.11,700,000.

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Jimbaran Beach - Bali

Jimbaran is located just south of the international airport and Kuta at the north of the Buket (hill) peninsula. Here guests enjoy a whole range of fabulous villa resorts from modern contemporary style to traditional Balinese bungalows all of grand character and modern luxury. Villas are available on the beachfront sometimes with secluded private beaches, on the main strip of restaurants and bars or further up the hillside with fantastic panoramic views over Jimbaran beach and across the whole of south Bali including both the east and west coasts as well as the distant padi terraces, mountains and volcanoes.

Jimbaran’s main strip consists of a long road running parallel to the beach with adjacent tributary lanes running to the beach baring hotels and villas. The main strip is largely reminiscent of an Indonesian town with food stalls and facilities have not been commercialized for tourist use. This creates an authentic feeling in the area offering a more cultural experience. Accommodation in this area ranges from midrange to top end depending on the area although all establishments tend to be excellent value.

Hillside accommodation is more secluded without such close proximity to Jimbaran’s facilities and the beach. However here the views and tranquil serenity drifting through the trees and the amazing views around the clock make up for this 5 minute drive. All establishments including those of the hillside have all required facilities and most offer free shuttle services to nearby areas such as the main strip and Kuta.

Jimbaran beach is a long stretch of white sand sheltered by the Bukit creating amazing beach scenery and completely flat water all year round. With luscious palms offering shade on the beach and simple colorful fishing boats unchanged for generations decorating the scene. Jimbaran beach is one of the lushes in Bali and rarely crowded. Clear waters meet white sands and the outcrop of the Buket is reflected on the south side end for picture perfect views.

Eating in Jimbaran is notoriously excellent in every genre in and outside of the villas, as well as the notorious fresh seafood barbeques. In the evening, warungs (restaurants) in 3 areas set out candle lit beach restaurants where fresh live fish can be chosen personally then marinated and barbequed over coconut husk as the sunsets. There are many of these establishments and visiting one at least once on any trip to Bali is definite Bali must for delicious food in a gorgeous setting with a breathtaking tropical sunset or a candle lit horizon provided by the local fishermen. All of these are very good and it is often possible to barter prices here, as there is a lot of competition. Generally speaking the busiest are the best and less crowded warungs are likely to accept lower prices.

Activities in Jimbaran itself are not particularly extensive, however there are quaint and traditional paths and routes all around the Bukit that make for excellent cycling and walking with amazing viewpoints. There are many world-class surf spots in this area as well as proximity to Kuta for beginners. Other activities in diving snorkeling, sailing, whitewater rafting and trips into the mountains etc, these are not undertaken in the Jimbaran area but excursions can be arranged from almost all villas.

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Kuta Beach - Bali

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It owes its claim to fame owes to two factors: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to many hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia. It is a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. It is a popular beach for surfing although, currents make it less suitable for swimming. Life guards are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces the West, offering beautiful sunsets.

The popular Kuta Beach, overlooking the Straits of Bali, attracts foreign and local water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Throngs flock to this 1.5-kilometer stretch on weekends. The period April to September/October promises favorable reef and beach breaks, enabling surfers to take to the waves. Amateurs should stick to the milder beach breaks for safety reasons. You can also swim here--make sure you do so only within the designated area--or just join the carefree sunbathers. Wandering hawkers and guides offer their wares and services, while others provide a relaxing massage for a reasonable fee.

Getting There
Its very easy to reach Kuta beach and only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar-Bali.

Where to Stay
There are many accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays along Kuta-Legian road. You may choose one of them to stay.

Moving Around
Moving around Kuta its very fun and simple. You can go around on foot or you can rent a bike or motorcycle.

Other Things to See or Do
Beside watching sunsets and surf, the other things that you may see or do here are shopping, watching performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists and anywhere else in Bali and some of them are staged nightly. If you're looking by night, various foreign and locally restaurant, clubs, pubs and bars start to fire up.

Dining Guide
There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods. These restaurants are available along Kuta.

Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops along Kuta that offering you many kind of Balinese souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.

Travel Tips

* Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection,
* Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings,
* If you're including backpackers tourist, and looking for cheap accommodation in Kuta, just go to Poppies Lane Alley 1 & 2 where you can find cheap accommodation and restaurants.
* Warungs offering cheap food are within a 2 minute walk on Poppies Lane 1, so no need to get sucked into a beachside restaurant and high prices.
* Almost every evening there is a performance of Balinese -dance somewhere in Kuta. To know what is on just ask around.

source : http://www.my-indonesia.info

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Legian Beach Bali

Legian is a beachfront town in Bali, located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. Stretching north from Kuta, Legian offers the same easy access to the shops and bars but a slightly more relaxed and less chaotic feeling. The northern area of Legian going towards Seminyak also offers a bit of an escape from the crowds and is also a popular surf beach.

This area basically stretches from Legian Beach Hotel up to Hotel Kumala Pantai or Double Six Road. Most of the popular hotels, such as Bali Mandira and Bali Padma, are on the beach along here. There is no proper road in front of the hotels, however there is a paved pathway between the hotels and the beach which is only open for authorised vehicles when there is a ceremony being held. This pathway acts like a boulevard and gives guests in this area the advantage of being able to stroll along this stretch to a number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs at the end of Double Six Road.

What we can do here ?

• Head into the ocean with boogie boards (Rp20,000/hour) and surfboards (Rp50,000/hour) hired from the beach or take surfing lessons from the Surf School based at Blue Ocean on the beachfront.
• Go shopping and score some serious bargains.
• Have a manicure, pedicure or hair braiding all while you relax under your ocean view sun umbrella.
• Take a break from the beach for lunch at one of the reasonably priced restaurants on the beachfront.
• Watch the stunning sunset over an arak madu (local spirit with honey and lime) or a Bintang (local beer).
• Have dinner at Blue Ocean restaurant which has live music on Friday nights.
• On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the beachfront is packed with tourists, expats, locals and motorbikes, with fire pois and musicians jamming on the beach - you'll be more than welcome to join in.

Hotels and Villas

Squeezed between Kuta and Seminyak this area has a wide variety of accommodation options in the mid range to splurge hotels and offers as well several villas. Legian is a bit more upmarket compared to the backpacker oriented Kuta.

• Blue Ocean. This legendary surfie hangout from the 70's remains an oasis in the midst of the many mid range hotels on Legian beachfront and beyond. For RP120,000/night you can get a large room with a couple of single beds or a double, an outdoor bathroom and kitchen facilities. Of course there's no pool (but the beach is right on the doorstep), you'll only get one thin blanket, toilet rolls and towels (only if you ask) and a noisy fan. No extra charge for mosquitoes and dust. For RP30,000 more you can get air-conditioning. The place has an ambiance all of its own and the staff are a delight - once you get through the door. Depending who's on duty you are likely to be told the place is 'full' but be persistent, there's nearly always a room available.

• SU's Cottages I, Jl.Pura Bagus Taruna (Werkadura) No. 532, +62 0361 730 324, Fax: +62 0361 762 202. This popular hotel has several rooms, a pool and friendly staff. It's located only 3 minutes from Legian's beach. The cheapest rooms go for RP170,000 and come with hot water, breakfast and TV. For a bit more you can get air conditioning as well.

• Bali Matahari Hotel, Jl. Melasti, Gang Lebak Bene, +62 361 763 707, (E-mail: E-mail: reservations@hotelbalimatahari.com),. 44 rooms with basic amenities, facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, with WiFi connectivity. Rooms start at Rp 375,000 ($33 USD).
• Club Bali, +62 361 752 840. Service apartments with kitchen. Single bedroom Rp 850,000 ($75), two bedrooms Rp 1,200,000 ($110 USD).
• Kumala Pantai, newest hotel on the beachfront and very nice with all modern cons. Rooms start at Rp 680,000 ($60).
• Hotel Jayakarta, Jl. Werkudara, +62 361 751 433. Long time favourite with Aussie & Kiwi families.
• Puri Raja, Jl. Padma Utara, +62 361 755 902. Recently refurbished , pleasant grounds , good value and has loyal regulars.

• Bali Mandira, Jl. Padma No.2, +62 361 751 381. Nicely situated hotel with a beach view and dining options.
• Rama Garden Hotel, Jl. Yudistira, +62 361 751 971. Take pleasure in well-appointed rooms and excellent service.
• Villa Naga Maya. Jl. Werkudara Gg. Arjuna 7B (Tel./Fax: +62 361 763-387). These picturesque holiday villas have all the five-star resort amenities, and provide an oasis of tropical gardens, elegant pools and traditional Balinese atmosphere. Villa Naga Maya is a delightful haven to make one's stay in Bali a unique experience of tropical island living. The crystal clear swimming pool has a unique water curtain, and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. Nestled back in the quite lanes of beautiful Legian, 400 meters from alluring Legian Beach and only 20 minutes from the airport. Its safe, quite and secure location is strategically located in the midst of fine dining establishments, invigorating nightlife, and of course the best shopping Bali has to offer.

• Bali Villas. Complete luxury Bali Private Villas for your special Bali Villas holiday vacation rental database.

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Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Uluwatu is at the southernmost tip of southern Bali, Indonesia. Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.

How to Get In ?

A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu takes about 30 minutes up and down winding roads and will cost about Rp 50,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait for you for the trip back, as it can be difficult to find transport out of Uluwatu. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 10,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu.
If you are riding a rented motorcycle from Kuta, be aware that you need an IDP (International Driving Permit). Police perform frequent checks for driving licenses on the road between Kuta and Uluwatu, especially targeting foreigners. If you can not present the necessary paperwork you will be faced with a fine anywhere from Rp20,000 to Rp300,000.

See

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).
There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

What we can do ?

• Go surfing. Uluwatu is a well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers.
• Kecak dance (aka "monkey dance") performances are held at the temple daily between 6pm and 7pm. Tickets for the visually spectacular if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s) performed for tourists cost Rp 50,000.

Buy

There are the usual souvenir shops at the parking area at the entrance to Uluwatu temple.

Hotels

• Blue Point Bay Villas, ☎ +62-361-769888. Small resort with villa accommodation. Two pools, restaurant, spa. US$230-680.
• Bulgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, ☎ +62-361-8471000, . Clifftop superluxury resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants, and a price tag to match. US$1400.
• Tanah at Ulus, Uluwatu (South west in Badung Regency, near Uluwatu Temple), ☎ +61359856898 (villa@tanahatulus.com) . Tanah at Ulus Family house is brand new with inground pool, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning and with a single-booking policy for complete privacy. US$120 nightly: US$700 weekly.

Private Villas

All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

• The Istana. Five bedroom, clifftop luxury villa overlooking the famous Uluwatu search break. Featured in DestinAsian Magazine's top 10 villas in Asia on two occasions, the villa has been written up in such publications as W Magazine and the New York Times. Managed by BHM - which operates some of the top villas on the island. Sleeps up to 10 people, two private pools and extensive gardens - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$1500-2500 per night depending on season.
• Villa Indah Manis. Six bedroom private luxury villa . Managed by BHM. Fully staffed and serviced, this villa sleeps up to 12 people, features two private pools and has a pool table and dedicated private spa. Prices vary from US$600-950 per night depending on season.
• Villa Moonlight. Private luxury villa featuring four bedrooms and ocean view. Located just above Uluwatu surf beach and its world famous break. Built in 2008 to the highest standards of architecture and decor.

Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Uluwatu

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Nusa Dua Beach Bali

Bali's most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where you'll find international world - class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands.

Quiet and exclusive with superb facilities... you really don't have to venture far from your luxurious hotel room... but if you do, the rest of Bali's attractions are within easy access. Located on the Bukit peninsula, in the southern part of Bali, approximately 10 km from the international airport.

The Beach

The white sand and shallow water at Nusa Dua beach is an ideal safe place for children to play in the sea, lifeguards are usually on duty.

Nusa Dua means two islands, at low tide the seabed is exposed so that two islands are joined to the mainland - great for exploring.


Where to Stay in Nusa Dua

Spectacular luxury resorts are the norm in Nusa Dua, with many incorporating contemporary Balinese style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds and pool areas. Deluxe ocean view suites and stunning architecture like the Javanese Imperial Palace style at the Aston Bali are quite breathtaking.


What to Do in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 star, every comfort is at your disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach.

The kind of activities on offer gives a flavour of Nusa Dua.... The Bali Golf and Country Club, an immaculately landscaped 18 hole ocean view course. The Bali International Lawn Tennis & Lawn Bowls Club next to the Galleria Nusa Dua a spacious shopping mall with boutiques and upmarket restaurants.

Close by the Chandra Koka Amphitheatre provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jetskis, snorkelling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

Dining & Restaurants in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua has a huge selection of restaurants with excellent five star dining.

Popular restaurants include the Watercourt (voted locally the Best Balinese) at the Grand Hyatt, Maguro at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel (voted Best Quick and Casual Japanese Bite) Eight Degrees South - (Best Mediterranean Seafood of the Year).

source : http://www.bali-indonesia.com

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Lovina Beach Bali

Lovina Beach about six km west of Singaraja north coast Bali. Its the popular beach resort of Lovina is a long stretch of black sand bordering the coastal villages of Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Numerous hotels and restaurants have sprung up here, lining the coast for some 7 km. The pace of life at Lovina reflects the calmness and safety of the sea. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, particularly near the reef, and local boats are for hire. The sunsets at Lovina are particularly spectacular.

Lovina stretches along 8km of black-sand beach, the largest resort in Bali outside the Kuta-Legian-Seminyak conurbation. Beginning 6km west of Singaraja, the resort encompasses six villages: Pemaron, Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Kalibukbuk is generally accepted as the centre of Lovina and it's here you'll find most tourist facilities.

The name “Lovina” was coined by the last king of Buleleng. A convert to Christianity, he gave the name to a small tract of land that he purchased at Kaliasem, where he built the Tasik Madu (“Sea of Honey”) Hotel in the 1960s. The name Lnvina sigaifies the “love” that is contained “in” the heart of all people

Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. Lovina is really a string of coastal villages to the west of Singaraja. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta to Lovina Beach located in north Bali, about 100 kilometers from southern tourist hotspots. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Darkly beautiful, Lovina offers quiet and calm, and is popular Asian tourists and those avoiding the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches. A number of coves offer tranquil, protected waters and Lovina is one of them. Although the sand is grey, it is quiet and peaceful, and popular among those who shun the glitzier beach resorts of the south. It is a popular place for dolphin watching; dolphins play in the water off Lovina. Famous for its early morning dolphin-watching boat trips, Lovina also offers good snorkeling and diving, and trekking in the nearby mountains. Diving off Menjangan Island, part of the Bali Barat National Park, is generally regarded as the best in Bali. Boats are readily available to take divers over to the island, where there are no residents or hotels.

Nightlife activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If we like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd. With a wonderful variety of hotels, restaurants and bars located on or very near the calm beach, Lovina offers something for everyone. It is also a good base to take day trips to the nearby attractions of north and west Bali.

Lovina is for those who like still waters (no surf) and are not fussy about the color of the beach.Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali. Tranquility, incredible under water world and popular attraction is the dolphin watching.

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Sanur Beach Bali

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Sanur was Bali's first beach resort but still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as we jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resorts developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Palm-lined beach, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east, Sanur is an excellent place to see the sun rise in the morning. "Bali is the morning of the world", it is the right sentence for Bali if we has visited Sanur. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves, and make it popular for windsurfing, boating, and other water sports. It is one of the first areas where one can find good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities.

It's also the place for some of Bali chic fashion shops, hot hotels and well-known restaurants. It is a good location to explore the rest of Bali. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life. Gradual and early development has meant that Sanur has grown alongside the village, with hotels located right next door to local meeting halls and Brahmanic temples. Many hotels have expansive gardens that face the ocean in a picturesque unbroken seaside promenade.

Source : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

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Gunung Rinjani National Park

Gunung Rinjani National Park represents a range of Nusa Tenggara's ecosystem types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna.

The plant potential in this Park area includes jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica), and endemic species of orchid such as Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.

There is one endemic species of civet in the Park, namely the musang rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus). Also to be found in the park are barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolin (Manis javanica), southeast Asian porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), Timor helmeted friarbird (Philemon buceroides neglectus), crested hawk eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus floris), lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea occidentalis), Lombok honeyeater (Lichmera lombokia lombokia), dark-backed imperial pigeon (Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several species of reptile.

Mt. Rinjani, at 3,726 m asl., is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. In a valley high up on the western part of Mt. Rinjani lies Segara Anak Lake (2,208 m asl.) whose sulphurous-smelling water has different temperatures from one part of the Lake to another, ranging from cool, through warm, to very hot. A new volcano is emerging from the centre of this Lake, and it is still active and growing.

Particularly with the coming of the rice-planting season, the communities in the vicinity quite often hold ritual ceremonies on Mt. Rinjani and at Segara Anak Lake. One involves releasing small artificial fish made of very thin gold into the Lake.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Rinjani: mountain climbing and camping.

Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru: research, enjoying natural phenomena, thermal springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest, cultural attraction.

Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning: enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.

Cultural attractions outside the Park area include, in Mataram, Perang Topat in December, and Ciwaratri in January.

Best time of year to visit: August to December.

How to reach the Park: there a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.

Office: Jl. Erlangga 88, Mataram
West Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-370-627764
E-mail: tngr@indo.net.id.

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.280/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 41,330 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Lombok, Central Lombok and
East Lombok, Province of West Nusa Tenggara

Temperature 23° - 30° C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 550 - 3,726 m asl.
Geographical location 116°18' - 116°32' E; 8°18' - 8°33' S

Source : http://www.dephut.go.id

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