Bali travel guide

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Welcome to the tropical paradise of Bali, Bali needs no introduction, artists and tourists have been coming to this island since the 1920s, when air travel was in its infancy and sea travel was considered an extravagance. Bali is unique. Out of the thousands of islands that form the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is unique in religion, culture and in almost everything Bali sets itself apart from the rest of Indonesia. And yet it is this inexplicable charm that captivates the imagination, sending droves of tourists to its shores, to bask in the sand, to quench their thirst for exotic cultures, to relish the magic that can only be derived from visiting Bali.

While you are on your Bali Travel, you will love to visit the various Tourist Attractions of Bali. One of the popular tourist destinations in Bali is the Elephant Safari Park.

The biggest town in Bali is Denpasar. It has a population of around 300,000 or a tenth of Bali's total population. The second biggest town is old colonial capital ofn Singaraja. Among tourists, however, the most important towns are Kuta, on the southern part of the island, and Ubud, to the north of Denpasar.

Like most other regions in Indonesia, Bali has two seasons : a dry season, lasting from April to September, and a rainy season, lasting from October to March.

Bali is whatever you want it to be. A tourist heaven with splendid beaches, a friendly people, a warm climate, cool mountain air, and a slow pace. You can hike up a trail, watch the birds, visit temples, and buy your gifts. You can fill your own treasure troves with memories with recollections of your own enlightenment when you stood and faced the mountains and gazed at the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Fast Facts

√ Bali Barat National Park
The Bali Barat (West Bali) National Park, established in 1983, has an area of 76,000 hectares (188,000 acres), taking in almost the whole of western Bali. Previously there had been a considerably smaller nature park established by the Dutch authorities. This park shelters many engendered species and is rich in flora and fauna.

Bali Barat National Park, Bali also shelters various kinds of animals. Some of the animals found over here are : -

* Banteng
* Wild Boar
* Rusa Deer
* Long-tailed Macaque
* Ebony Leaf Monkey
* Barking Deer
* Hawksbill Turtle
* Leopard Cat
* Pangolin
* Large Flying Fox
* Black Giant Squirrel
* Water Monitor.

The Bali Barat National Park is loaded with animals and wildlife attractions, and is best visited at the end of the dry season, around August to December. When trekking in the Bali Barat National Park, you will need to pay for a tour guide who can lead you to the best spots in the morning.

√ Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is the place to come if you want to explore the island's best coral reefs and is the pefect spot for both snorkelling and scuba dining. Lovina is one of the several coves in the region that offer protected waters. The Lovina Beach features black volcanic sand because of the temperate water and the dearth of waves. The Lovina Beach, Bali is thronged by tourists in large numbers from different parts of the world throughout the year. Nightlife in Lovina Beach area is exciting too. Enjoying nightlife is one of the best things to do at Lovina Beach in Bali. At present, the Lovina Beach in Bali is a renowned tourist place in Bali. Visit to this scenic beach will definitely make your trip to Bali in Indonesia an unforgettable one.

√ Museum Semarajaya
Museum Semarajaya in Bali is one of the notable museums which preserve the archeological objects and traditional artifacts. Throughout the year, there is a perennial rush to visit Bali and one of the well known tourist sites is the Museum Semarajaya, Bali. With its splendid natural beauty and amazing landscapes, Bali is truly a paradise on earth. The museum was initially built by the Dutch people who came to Bali around 1900 A.D. The museum was built in 1910. After its establishment it was destroyed once by an explosion of Gunung Batur. The museum again came back into existence in 1925 but it was only in1932.

The Museum Semarajaya, Bali played a great role in preserving and displaying the collection of great artifacts and antique items. The well known artist Walter Spies had a great contribution in bringing together the compilation of archeological items and traditional artifacts to this museum. The Museum Semarajaya also exhibits the wide assortment of traditional weapons, dance and ceremonial costumes, clay and potteries, paintings and furniture.

√ Klungkung Royal Palace
One of the major Tourist Attractions in Bali, the Klungkung Royal Palace is one of the finest historical edifices on the land of the isle. The Klungkung Royal Palace in Bali was built by the dynasty of the Dewa Agung in 1710. Klungkung Royal Palace, Bali is easily reachable from any part of the island. Located in the heart of Klungkung, the place is on the main road that leads from the region of Denpasar to the ferry port of Padangbai. It reflects the beauty of the paintings and the cosmos that are exhibited on the ceiling. In the garden you can see the spectacular designs of checkerboard carved of alternating rectangles of stone and grass. Tourists can see abundant gardens, large courtyards and number of moats and pavilions. For entering the Klungkung Royal Palace, tourists will have to pay nominal admission fees.

√ Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot in Bali is an incredible temple that is suspended on a rocky protrusion at the sea's edge. This is the home of a famous pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot and a popular tourist site for tourists. This fascinating tourist spot is located about 12 kilometers from the Tabanan City and 20 kilometers from Denpasar. The intricate architecture of the building of Tanah Lot, with its lonely black towers and bunch of foliage spilling over the cliffs, reminds one of the elegance of a Chinese painting. It is said that inside one of the shrines at Tanah Lot in Bali, there dwells a huge snake that is prudently left untouched by the Balinese.

Tanah Lot, Bali is a small sanctuary and is close to a series of sea temples on the south coast of Bali such as Pura Sakenan, Pura Ulu Watu, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Peti tenget. Tanah Lot is placed at a distance of 13 km from Tabanan in Beraban village. The people can walk to the temple when the tide is low.

√ Pura Besakih
The Pura Besakih, Bali is the most important religious site as well as popular tourist spot. Pura Besakih in Bali perched on the slopes of a volcanic mountain is esteemed as the supreme of all the shrines and temples of the island. Spreading over a sprawling area divided in several courtyards and shrines, the temple is the largest of its kind in the country. Alternatively known as the "Mother Temple", Pura Besakih in Bali, with 35 shrines and halls has been a center of Hindu believes and customs from ancient times. Sightseeing in Bali remains incomplete without visiting this temple. The Pura Besakih is divided into three parts, one painted black for Vishnu, one white for Shiva, and one red for Brahma. Besakih is an active spiritual center, every day many Balinese coming here to get holy water for ceremonies in their home villages.

Getting to Bali is possible both by sea and airways. The Bali International Airport makes Getting to Bali easy for the foreign travelers.

Foreign travelers need to acquire a Bali Visa to enter the city ether by airways or sea. Visitors from 36 nations, which include the U.S., EU and GCC countries, can get a Visa on arrival. The cost will be US$10 for a 7 day stay and $25 for a 30 day Visa.

→ Getting to Bali by air:
This is possible by the Ngurah Rai international airport of Denpasar. he Ngurah Rai international airport is also well connected to the rest of Indonesia by the country’s half dozen domestic carriers.

→ Getting to Bali by sea:
You can also get into Bali from other parts of Indonesia by a ferry. The main sea route is by ferry from the eastern tip of Java. There are regular ferries that leave Ketapang on Java every 15 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Two out of the four sea ports in Bali, where International cruiser-ships and yachts can anchor. A regular service of ferry serves Padangbai-Lombok four times daily at 08.00 am, 12.00 noons and 02.00 pm.

Transportation in Bali includes airways, ferry service as well as roadways. Transportation in Bali is very good as various tourist visit Bali throughout the year. Bali offers bus service. There are various direct bus services from various parts of Indonesia. Almost of all the cities of Java offer bus service to Bali. The tourists will have to give very nominal fees for availing the bus service.

Transportation in Bali includes airways. Ngurah Rai Airport known as the Bali International Airport is main airport of Bali which is located at a distance of about 13 kilometers from Denpasar.

Transportation in Bali includes ferry service also. Tourists will get ferries from Gilimanuk located in western Bali to Ketapang.

Transportation in Bali also includes taxi service.