Bali, ma destination

Why did I choose Bali?

• Vlog : video that people publish on YouTube to show us their trip to paradisiac places such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, etc… including Bali.
• Someone in my family went to Bali and told me that it was an incredible trip.
• TV report that we watch and show us places in the world know for their beautiful landscapes, hotels and various activities.

Where is Bali?

• Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, surrounded by the Bali Sea.
• Its capital is Denpasar, located in the southern part of the island.
• More than 4 million people live in Bali, according to the 2014 census.

Why is Bali a place to go on holidays?

• The hotels

1.  View of the hotel's exterior façade with a huge swimming pool, and on the left a beautiful terrace covered by a typical roof made of wood, such as the main building in the background. This is the shelter of your wildest dreams.

1. Another impressive swimming pool surrounded by comfortable sun lounger, and for a more heavenly effect, you have a breathtaking view over the Bali Sea. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail of fresh fruits.

1. The restaurant of the Bulgari hotel lighted by original chandeliers which look like bird cages.

1. The private pool of a luxury room and we still have this amazing view over the Bali Sea.

1. The bathroom of your dream is situated in the Bulgari hotel. It is fully glazed but don't worry, you are not exposed to the gaze of others.

1. This bedroom is the perfect place to sleep during a romantic trip and when you wake up, you have this wonderful view. As you can see, the hotel is built on different floors so you do not have a view on your neighbors.

• The beaches

1. The Bali's beaches are mostly deserts, so you can enjoy your time in complete privacy. The water temperature is approximately 30 degrees all year long.

1. If you are lucky enough to stay in a luxurious hotel, you have the possibility to have an access to a private beach with double deck chairs.

1. Here you can see the access to one of the private beaches of the hotel.  

1. To finish the day, you have the possibility to appreciate a very good dinner at the seaside with candles to illuminate the meal.

• The activities

1. Surfing: the waves of the Bali Sea are perfect for this sport! Catch the hugest wave!

1. Day cruise: if you want to spend the day on the sea without being wet, choose a yacht or a catamaran and visit the other islands around Bali. If you are a couple, you can go for a romantic sunset cruise paired with dinner.

1. Kite surfing, or kiteboarding, is an extreme water sport that is gaining popularity, especially along the eastern coasts of Bali. The best time to get out and ride the foam and execute aerials is from May until October during the dry season.

1. Ayung’s west side is amazing, for besides the enjoyment of challenging rapids, the panorama of this beautiful, intact nature area is highlighted by the appearance of wild animals along the rafting route such as big bats, black monkeys, magpies and more. Telaga Waja is a more thrilling ride, which starts at the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung.

1. You can have more than a splash at Waterbom, Bali’s premier water park. The water park features over 17 exciting rides, slides and water games to suit all ages, spread over 3.8 hectares. The grounds are packed with leisure facilities set around its slides and pools, with lush tropical gardens providing ample shade.

1. Anyone, even non-divers can go underwater and enjoy the beautiful marine life scenes. These 'walks' utilize a specially-designed helmet that is connected to oxygen tanks aboard a boat, providing participants with a constant flow of air to breathe underwater.

1. Bali Quad Discovery Tours offer quad bike and buggy tours that enable you to discover Bali’s heartland and rural villages on off-road four-wheelers that whiz through all kinds of terrain with ease. 

1. Thanks to the paintball games, see the best of the island on an a half or full-day excursion throughout the island’s interior to see a host of attractions including majestic temples and natural vistas.

1. These tours take you to the hidden canyons of the Kerta village where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while drifting forty kilometers downstream in a single inflatable tube. Well-trained guides accompany you on the ride.

1. You can choose from easy nature treks to hidden cascades obscured by lush forests. Bali’s waterfalls are fit for the adventurous, mostly being hidden deep in the mountain forests of central Bali. They’ll reward you after your exciting journey through the island’s lesser explored regions, with immersive sights and sounds – and mostly with soothingly cool rock pools you can wade and splash in.

What are the other advantages of Bali?

• Historical sites: must-see temples in Bali.

1. Tanah Lot is perhaps the most frequently featured temple on Bali’s postcards due to its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. The temple is located on the west coast featuring an ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves. The onshore site consists of smaller onshore village temples alongside visitors’ leisure facilities that comprise restaurants, shops and a cultural park presenting regular dance performances. The best time to visit is during the holy day of Kuningan, when pilgrimages usually take place, and on the temple’s anniversary five days after.

1. Uluwatu is known among surfers as an exotic surf spot. Located on a southwest cliff top approximately 70 metres above the crashing waves, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, as it is referred to by locals, shares the splendid sunset backdrops of Tanah Lot, but at a higher altitude, providing broader ocean and horizon views. Cultural performances such as the Ramayana ballet or Kecak dance, take place in a specially designated amphitheatre at the temple’s south, which takes place during the golden sunset hours, perfect for memorable pictures.

1. Even though its name translates into ‘Elephant Cave’, you won’t find any pachyderms here. Goa Gajah is an archaeological complex with historical significance, great for a brief stopover on tours to the Ubud region. It was initially built as a site for meditation, dating back to the 11th century. There is a bathing pool features angelic statues holding waterspout vases, which was excavated in 1954.

1. This picturesque landmark and significant temple sits on the western side of Beratan Lake, up in Bali’s central highlands. The striking scenery and cool atmosphere of these uplands have made the temple site a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot for visitors. The large flowering lakeside gardens and shrines offer an enjoyable time with many photographic opportunities. Recreational activities include short boat trips around the lake, leisurely rides for two on duck paddleboats, and other water sports.

1. Often referred to as Bali’s ‘mother temple’, Besakih is a grand complex of different clan temples and shrines. Regarded as the largest and holiest of the island's temples, it is located at 1,000 metres above sea level on the south-western slopes of Mount Agung. Exploring the whole site requires a day, however most visits cover only the largest and central complex, the Pura Penataran Agung.

• Leisure in Bali: spa, food & drinks, landscapes.

1. At Karma Spa, let yourself go the time of a massage in front of the sea for a complete relaxation. Bali masseuses are reputed to be very gifted with their hands.

1. At Fivelements Spa, enjoy a floral bath in the middle of nowhere in the jungle, near to natural water source. You can also appreciate fresh fruits and a massage after the bath. Relax thanks to the sound of the river and birdsong.

1. The Soori Spa is a spa where tradition and modernity mix up. Here, you can lie down in hot thermal baths perfumed with fresh flowers. You will be immersed in a warm atmosphere with dim lights, it is an ideal place for a couple.

1. You can also have a massage in a decor similar to that of thermal baths. They use natural oils that have benefits on your body.

1. Sate varieties : sate are marinated, skewered and grilled meats, served with spicy sauce, and may consist of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, fish, tofu, eggs or minced blends.

1. Nasi Ayam and Nasi Campur : the dish is mainly white rice served with many different elements of Balinese delights, from a bit of babi buling or betutu as the main meats, together with mixed vegetables and a dab of the iconic spicy hot sambal matah – sometimes served with a bowl of soup. 

1. These soy bean curds may be fried, stuffed and battered. Many Indonesian dishes, especially those that have the main portions of rice, include tempe crackers, while the most favourite tahu snack are the stuffed and fried versions which usually include a mixture similar to spring rolls.

1. The line-up of beachside cafés on Muaya beach in Jimbaran Bay typically serves grilled fresh caught seafood, ranging from shrimp, clams, crabs, calamari, lobsters and a wide assortment of fish.

1. Traditional cakes are collectively referred to as jajanan pasar (traditional market cakes), originally used to accompany ceremonial offerings, but now have found their way to the markets as daily coffee time favourites. The varieties abound, but the ingredients usually include rice flour, glutinous rice, sugar, coconut and tropical fruits.

1.  Fresh coconut water

1. Arak – white rice wine.

1. Bintang beer – Bali's favorite beer

1. Rice fields with a breathtaking view over the forest and the mountains.

1. Underwater view – Buddha's statue.

1. Bulgari hotel's garden, Bali Sea in the background. Several flower varieties.

1.  Incredible view over Bali Sea with the sunset partly hidden by Tanah Lot temple.

And you, would you like to visit Bali? One minute left to recap and convince you.

• Video – "One minute of Bali"

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