Labuan Bajo, Amazing Place At West Flores Indonesia

Labuanbajo, also spelled Labuhanbajo, is a city at the tip of Flores Island in Indonesia. It is the launching point for trips to Komodo Island and Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons and the surrounding sea is idyllic for diving and snorkeling. Nearby Seraya Island is a great opportunity to do some diving and snorkeling and every evening at Kalong Island thousands of flying fox bats put on an amazing display.

 

Get There:
Labuanbajo can be accessed by ferry from Sumbawa or by public bus from Ende and Maumere. There are also daily flights between Labuanbajo and Denpasar.

A number of companies organise 4 day sailing trips between Lombok or Bali and Flores for around Rp1,000,000 passengers should be aware that these trips can cross open waters and are on boats with no navigation or safety equipment other than some lifejackets (ie. no radio, flairs or life rafts).

What to Do:
Komodo National Park encompasses a lot of water and islands west of Labuanbajo. If you want to go to Rinca or Komodo islands, or dive in the park you will have to buy a 3 day park pass for 15 $USD. Money from such user fees goes into conservation efforts (including armed patrols) that are apparently overseen by the WWF.

Rinca Island (Indonesian: Rinca Kecil or Rinca Pulau) is a more convenient place to see Komodo Dragons than Komodo island. Some dive operators might be convinced to combine a stop at the island with a days diving. There are big dragons that are often right in front of the pier when people arrive.

Scuba Diving within the park is excellent. There are three main dive operators that offer day dives as well as live aboard opportunities: Bajo Dive Club, Dive Komodo, and Reef Seekers. The Komodo Diving dive master is a true enthusiast of manta rays (clearly evident by the tattoo on his back), who often spots manta rays from the boat between dives. He has been known to join divers in jumping into the water with snorkel gear to have a look at them.

Seraya Island (Indonesian: Seraya Kecil or Seraya Pulau) is an idyllic island and a great opportunity to get away from civilization and do some snorkeling and diving. Seraya is little more than a small, arid island outside of the Komodo National Park with a few bamboo huts for tourist lodging, a restaurant, and some villagers who let their goats graze on vegetation.


The island’s cove is protected from the sea providing calm and clear water for snorkeling. At low tide the coral is exposed and local fishermen walk on the reef in search of prey. Rowboats can be rented and taken to nearby islands for snorkeling and diving. Make sure to run up to the top of the hill behind the resorts and check out the sunset. The lodges on the island do have showers, but running water is only available a few hours a day. The resort on Seraya is operated by Gardena hotel in Labuanbajo and a stay on the island can be booked at Gardena’s front desk.

One of the more spectacular displays of nature in the area is at Kalong Island (Indonesian: Pulau Kalong; also spelt Kalung), which literally means "Flying Fox Island." The name is quit appropriate as the island is home to thousands of Kalong, or giant flying fox bats. Boats to Kalong can be chartered from Labuanbajo for around $30 for a return ride, including a snorkeling stop at a nearby island before you reach Pulau Kalong.

Your boat will situate itself next to the mangrove island and at dusk literally tens of thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangrove island and move over your boat towards Rinca Island. For the entire colony to emerge will take roughly twenty minutes of continuous waves of bats passing over your boat. The boat ride to/from Labuanbajo will take roughly one hour.

Get out
Ferries to Sumbawa Island to the west (towards Bali) leave daily and very crowded public buses leave for Ende and Maumere. For those going on to points in the east of Flores another more expensive option is to hire a car.

The “Komodo dragons” which are indigenous to the regency are a tourism icon of West Manggarai. Komodo was named a World Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in1977 and added to the list of World Natural Heritage Sites by in 1991. The Government of Indonesia proclaimed a National Park in 1990. The Park’s land area is 603 km2 while the total size of the park, including sea areas, is 1,817 km2.

West Manggarai occupies an area of 9,450,000 km2 (land and sea).162 islands are contained within the boundaries of West Manggarai, 84 of which are part of the Komodo National Park. Only 17 of West Manggarai islands are inhabited. Because of the world renowned reputation of Komodo, the rich local marine environment and the natural beauty the region - both the regional and national governments of Indonesia have acknowledged the strong tourism potential development of West Manggarai.

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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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Losari Beach, South Sulawesi

Losari Beach (Pantai Losari) more recognized as an icon of Makassar (capital city of South Sulawesi / Sulawesi Selatan). In the last time, there we can find more tradesman on push-carts (Pedagang kaki lima). Nowadays, those food tents and stalls had been relocated in a place nearby the beach as the result of reclamation policy from local government. The government of Makassar city has built a 10 km square of ships‘ bridge in order to beautify the beach.

Many enchantment sceneries can be found there. You can watch the detail of sun‘s movements when it is going to rise or set there. While enjoying the beauty, with the waves pounding the beach and the gentle wind will always accompany you

You may enjoy any kind of fresh sea food in the floating restaurants above Phinisi Ship (Kind of traditional ship from Sulawesi) that will offer you with various menus such as Pari fish, lobster, and squid foods. Its costs are about Rp. 7.500,00 to Rp. 25.000,00 / portion.

You will also find some cuisines that can only be found in Makassar like Pisang Epek, Pisang Ijo, Coto Makassar, and Konro Soup. You can get free internet access by hot spot along the beach.

If you are eager to go around the city enjoying its beauty, there are many public transportation services that will help you. Many hotels, restaurants, cafés along the street entertainer directly facing to the shore will create a great vacation of yours. In Somba Opu street, nearby the beach, there is a shop center that is well known as the center of gold industry and souvenir of Makassar city.

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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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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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Parangtritis, the Most Popular Beach in Yogyakarta

Parangtritis beach is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis is worth visiting since it is closely related to such tourism objects as the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta city, Parangkusumo Beach to the west of it, and the Merapi area at the north part of Yogyakarta. Located around 27 kilometers from the city center, Parangtritis Beach is also part of the Queen of South's authority.

The naming of the beach has its own history. Hundreds years ago, someone named Dipokusumo, who was a fugitive of Majapahit Kingdom, came to this area to meditate. When he saw water dripping from the crack of the coral reef, he named this area 'parangtritis', originating from the word parang (stone) and tumaritis (water drops). The beach close to the area was then named the same.

Parangtritis is a beach full of myths, which is believed to be the manifestation of the unity among Merapi Mountain, Yogyakarta Kingdom, and Parangtritis Beach. The legend tells that Panembahan Senopati and Sunan Kalijaga once met in this place after completing their meditation. Panembahan Senopati was reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

The primary attraction of this beach is its natural view. The enchantment of the coastal scenery can be seen from different angles to give you different experiences. When you are standing at the seashore, you will see the wide ocean with the high waves and steeply mountainside on the east side.

To get the view from the site, just walk or hire the horse-cart westwards and you look southwards when you have reached the place. You may get to the place by riding a horse that you shall rent at negotiable price.

After enjoying the scenery of Parangtritis beach from the seashore, you can leave for Langse Cave for a different experience. On the earth road leading to the cave, you can look westwards to see Parangtritis from different angle. The high waves rushing to the shore will look silvery under the sun, and will look golden by the sunset time. We got the opportunity to see this exotic view during its visit a couple of days ago.

Before reaching Langse Cave, we suggest that you pay a visit to the graveyard of Syeh Bela Belu that will give you spiritual experience. Usually, many pilgrims come on certain days such as certain Tuesday that is called Kliwon on Javanese calendar as one of the five Javanese days of the week.

From the graveyard, you may challenge yourself to continue your journey to Langse Cave that you have to go on foot to get to the cave that is 3 kilometers away through as high as 400 meters mountainside at the slope of almost 900. To get into the cave that is also called the Queen of South cave, you have to get the permission from the tomb guard. According to the guard of Depok Beach several times entered the cave when he was young, we will get beautiful view of the south ocean at the mouth of the cave that directly faces the ocean.

On the fifth day of the fifth month of Chinese calendar, you will be able to see Peh Cun ceremony procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, originating from the word Peh that means oar and Cun that means boat, is Chinese expression of gratitude to God. This rite is also meant to commemorate Khut Gwan (Qi Yuan), a loyal patriot as well as a minister who was once betrayed by his colleague so that he committed a suicide.

Peh Cun ceremony is unique since there is no festival of dragon-decorated boats rowing like in other regions, instead there is an attraction of standing egg. The attraction begin at 11:00 a.m. and by afternoon, according to the myth, the egg will stand upright with no means of support are needed. By 01:00 p.m., however, the egg will suddenly fall down and no one can erect it anymore.

To get to Parangtritis Beach, you can take either one of the two routes. One is the route of Yogyakarta-Imogiri-Siluk-Parangtritis with the river and coral reel scenery on the way. The other is Yogyakarta-Parangtritis route that is easier to take with quite smooth road. It is suggested that you do not wear green clothes to respect local people who believe that green clothes will bring misfortune.


source : http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/beach/parangtritis/

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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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Senggigi Beach - Lombok's oldest and most famous resort area

Senggigi is Lombok's oldest and most famous resort area. A perfect place to relax, Senggigi boasts a series of white sandy beaches and safe swimming areas. The point at central Senggigi has good waves for surfers. This place has a colourful reef which provides shelter to a variety of marine life and exquisitely shapped coral and makes it a perfect place to snorkle.

In the dry season, there is an interesting variety of boats moored in the bay. The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, the port for the Gili Islands.

Getting There

Theres a few alternatives to get Senggigi Beach :

* Coming from Lembar harbour, you can go straight to Senggigi by Perama Shuttle bus, or any other Shuttle service available. Lombok taxi available on call for 24 hours of service.
* If you are coming by plane, there is a taxi service at the airport that will take you to your hotel destination for Rp. 35,000 (US$4.00).
* Public transportation or " Bemos " are available from 06.00 AM - 06.30 PM for about Rp. 1,500 (Ampenan-Senggigi, or Senggigi-Ampenan) one way.
* Ojek service (ridding the mopeds with advanced bargain deals) are available at night until the bars closed.


Where to Stay

There a lot of diverse range of hotel accommodations that you can choose to stay in Senggigi, from deluxe four-star resort properties to simple home-stays, Such as Holiday Inn, the Oberoi, Sheraton Senggigi, Melati Dua Cottage, Pool Villa Club, Panorama Cottage, and many more.


Moving Around

To go around Senggigi Beach, you can ride cidomos or if you wanted, you can go on foot.


Dining Guide

There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods, cafes and entertainment venues. These all are available along the main Senggigi road and on certain areas along the beach. For inexpensive eating, try the food stalls along the beach, especially at the end of the road past the Senggigi Beach Hotel.

Souvenir Tips

There are many souvenir shops along the main Senggigi road that offering you many kind of Lombok souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.

Other Things to See or Do

* Swimming off the beach is safe.
* You can also do canoeing here in Senggigi.
* Visit Pura Batu Bolong on a rocky point south of Senggigi.
* There's good snorkeling off the point and in the sheltered bay around the headland


Travel Tips

* Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection.
* Bring a bathing suit and extra clothing's.
* Several places rent mask-snorkel-fin sets. Try at the beach near tha Art Market or the Senggigi Beach Hotel.
* Senggigi nightlife is low key when there are few tourists in town. It's busier on Friday and Saturday, when young locals come up from the Mataram area.

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

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